Delta County Independent, May 23, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

EAGLES SOAR

Paonia High School leads off week of commencement exercises, B1

SPORTS

HERITAGE DAY

THINCLADS MEDAL

Pioneer Town opens with a flurry of activity Saturday, C1

Baseball play continues for Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia, B5-8

DELTA COUNTY

MAY 23, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 21

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Armory building is under contract BY PAT SUNDERLAND AND KAYLEE DUNHAM Staff Writers

Photo submitted

Through an artist’s eye

Historic Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail is a popular destination for end-ofyear ﬁeld trips for students across western Colorado. Last week it was also one of three sites used for western artists and photographers. Many of the professionals were from Colorado, but the event also drew participants from Europe. Models dressed in authentic period costume were photographed in a variety of settings, including the fort, at a tipi village at Riverbend Park in North Delta, and with mules on the rim of the Escalante Canyon. Organizer Bill Bailey hopes to make the Robidoux Artist Camp an annual event. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase the fort in a different way,” said Chris Miller, fort director.

Sam Kimbriel, owner of Needle Rock Brewing Company, confirmed last week that his real estate firm has a contact to purchase the armory building at the corner of 4th and Grand in Delta. It’s one of several sites he’s looked at for a brewing facility. Currently, the four beers that are Needle Rock’s are being brewed in Edwards. Kimbriel said the armory is in a good location and sits in eight city lots, but the building itself is a “disaster.” “Could it work for a brewery? I’m not sure. We’re going to hold onto it until we can figure out a plan.” The purchase is evidence of Kimbriel’s commitment to the future of Delta County. “Any investments we make, we’re going to make here,” he said. After completing extensive renovations of the restaurant building at 820 Highway 92, Kimbriel said, “I’m an entrepreneur and my goal is always to bring value to the community. We want to do what we can to make Delta County a great place to live, attract people to this area.” The armory opened at 355 Grand Avenue on July 30, 1922, one of four National

Guard armories built in western Colorado after World War I. For many years the armory was the hub of the community. The building was used for dances, skating, an indoor rifle range, a basketball court, a stage for theater, annual banquets, the state Lions convention, a Spring Fling, and more. In addition, Company C Colorado National Guard, 157th Infantry participated in drills in the drill room. Because of the convenience of a place to practice during bad weather and in the evenings, recruitment was at a peak. In 1961, a new armory building was built in Montrose and the Colorado National Guard was asked to close the Delta armory and join Montrose. After that, the building was put up for bid and was bought by Andy Mallet for $16,000. He turned it into a rug and furniture business. Mallet built a metal building on the north side. He lost the building to a local bank, which turned around and sold it to a California investor for $19,000. The building was sold next to a builder who had high hopes of restoring the armory. He also spoke of converting it into apartments and condos within the next five years. Instead the armory was boarded up.

Brewery tees up food service at Devil’s Thumb BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Effective June 1, Needle Rock Brewing Company is assuming food and beverage operations at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course. Black Canyon Golf Course in Montrose has successfully partnered with a local brewery, said Wilma Erven, director of parks, recreation and golf for the City of Delta. She hopes a similar partnership will help increase the use of the facilities at Devil’s Thumb. Sam Kimbriel, owner of the

Needle Rock, said his goal is to change the “feel” of the dining experience from a snack bar to a restaurant. “We’re calling it Club Needle Rock,” he said, “and it will have a lot of the same menu items we have at the restaurant, plus some on-thego foods like sandwiches and salads, for golfers who want to get right on the course.” Delta City Council awarded a five-year contract to Needle Rock at a special meeting May 8, giving Kimbriel and his staff just a few weeks to get the right equipment and the

City purchases West Home Center property BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The City of Delta has purchased the West Home Center property at 327 Main Street for $19,033.62 — the current and past property taxes on the land. The building has no value, according to county property records. The city is using a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to acquire, then demolish the building and create a pocket park. Total anticipated cost is $272,560, with CDBG funding limited to $234,402

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ......................A11 Agriculture ................... C6 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A12 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ............................ D3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ....................A10 School Zone ............... A6-8 Sports ..........................B5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

and the city contributing $38,158. The CDBG grant is intended to assist the city with blight remediation within the Delta Urban Renewal Authority boundaries. City manager David Torgler said the next step is to hire an engineer and prepare for removal of the building. Grant funds can be used; the grant can be used only for site acquisition as well as site assessment, environmental assessment, remediation and demolition.

right personnel in place. The restaurant area needs a little TLC, Kimbriel noted. “We felt like if we made the investment we’re looking at, we needed a five-year contract.” According to the minutes of the special meeting, Needle Rock will front the cost of the improvements and the

city will credit them through rental fees and/or tax credits. Kimbriel said he’ll hold off on any renovations until October or November, when things slow down at the golf course. “We’re planning on a lot more events,” Kimbriel said. “We really look forward to using the clubhouse as a wedding venue, and for corporate

events, fundraisers and family parties.” Needle Rock Brewing has been open less than a year, but he and chef Kenneth Kinser have put together a great team, and Kimbriel said that makes it much easier to put these ventures together. Kimbriel noted that a NEEDLE ROCK TO A3

Yager sentenced to 42 years PRESS RELEASE

On May 15, Judge Steven L. Schultz imposed a 42-year prison sentence on Nathan Yager in the Delta District Court. On March 20, a verdict of guilty was returned against Yager on the charge of second degree murder of his wife, Melinda Yager. The trial was the second in this case. Evidence was presented by an expert witness, family and friends, and by members of law enforcement. At the sentencing hearing, Dale Tackett, Melinda’s father, and Matt Tackett, her twin brother, each addressed the judge. Melinda’s two sisters submitted written statements which were read in open court by Dale and Matt Tackett. Yager, his mother and a friend addressed the court. DA Dan Hotsenpiller addressed the

Fire ban implemented Due to the extended hot, dry and windy weather in Delta County, open fires have been banned until further notice. All outdoor fires, including agricultural burning are prohibited. Campfires are restricted to permanent fire pits or fire rings at private residences or within developed recreational sites such as a campground or picnic area. Fires may also be contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices. The ban also prohibits the personal use of all fireworks and target shooting with explosive targets. Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material. The restrictions apply to all unincorporated areas of Delta County.

court on behalf of the people and deputy state public defender Kori Keil spoke on behalf of the defendant. The sentence imposed includes a period of five years on parole, credit of 2,685 days for time Yager has been in custody since Jan. 7, 2011, and restitution of $16,396.24. Judge Schultz also denied Yager’s request to modify the mandatory protection order to allow him contact with his child. The judge indicated such a modification would not be in the best interests of the minor child. Judge Schultz told Yager it would be up to the minor child whether or not she has contact with him. If there is any future contact between the minor child and Yager, it will need to be monitored and managed by professionals in order to assist the child with trauma due to

the death of her mother and imprisonment of her father. Hotsenpiller said, “The people wish to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the family of Melinda Yager and her friends who testified and provided support. This has been a difficult experience for them and for the entire Paonia community.” He expressed appreciation to the law enforcement officers from all of the different agencies that were involved and testified, including Paonia Police Department, Delta County Sheriff ’s Office and CBI, and to the trial team of the district attorney’s office, specifically, first assistant AG Janet Drake, deputy district attorney Aubrey Vila, victim/ witness coordinator Aimee English and chief investigator Duane Morton.

Sale of heroin, meth alleged As the result of a search warrant executed at a Delta home on April 9, the Delta Police Department arrested Michael Lee Blair, 31, on charges of the unlawful possession, distribution, manufacturing, dispensing or sale of heroin, methamphetamine, Oxycodone, psilocybin mushrooms, Diazepam, Tramadol and Phentermine. DPD officers obtained the search warrant after

receiving information that Blair was possibly involved with the distribution of heroin and other illegal substances. The search warrant was executed on April 9 at a residence at 664 Silver Street, Delta, with the assistance of the Montrose County Sheriff’s K9 Unit. The DPD would like to thank K9 handler Sanders and K9 Oxx for their assistance.

A2 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Master Plan process is ultimately undemocratic Dear Editor: It’s not every day you hear a public official say he speaks for the silent majority. At least not since Richard Nixon. Yet that was the case at the planning commission’s final public hearing for the proposed Master Plan on May 9. Planning commission member Steve Schrock said he would give more weight to the “silent majority in this county who support more oil and gas,” while young mothers and elderly women were repeatedly cut off while giving impassioned, thoughtful testimony to the contrary. Indeed, hundreds of people have shown up again and again declaring that Delta’s watershed is not the place for oil and gas development. The majority of 571 respondents to a preliminary survey in the Master Plan process favored agriculture, renewable ener-

gy, education, outdoor recreation, tourism, and internet infrastructure as the most important areas of focus for future economic development in the county. Natural gas, followed by coal mining, received the lowest average rating. Additional comments in that survey favored protecting clean air and water by limiting oil and gas. There were very few comments in support of extraction. The planning commission promised to write a Master Plan that reflected the vision and goals of the residents of Delta County. One 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 over commercial and industrial development. Despite hundreds of comments agreeing with that statement, and almost none

to the contrary, the planning commission did not discuss this prior to the formal adoption of the Master Plan May 9. The Master Plan process, despite collecting public input, has ultimately proven undemocratic. The non-participatory “silent majority” have been favored over engaged citizens who participated again and again. Upper North Fork representation was underhandedly eliminated by the county commissioners during the revision process. It stinks of lobbyism and corporate interests at a local level. Anyone who cares about democracy and civil liberties should be deeply concerned. At least Nixon had the decency to ask for the silent majority’s support. Steve Schrock and his ilk are happy just putting words in their mouths. Lesandre Holiday Paonia

Natural gas and wind energy killed coal, not ‘war on coal’ Cheap natural gas prices and the increasing availability of wind energy are pummeling the coal industry more than regulation, according to a new economic analysis from the University of Colorado Boulder and North Carolina State University. Co-lead author Daniel Kaffine, CU Boulder associate professor in economics, looked at natural gas, wind and coal-fired power generation across 20 U.S. states from 2008 to 2013 in the study, which was published in the American Economic Journal this month. The study found a “significant” link between plummeting natural gas prices, increased wind generation capability and the dropoff in U.S. coal burning. “While either factor in isolation would have cut into coal’s share of the market, the combination of the two factors proved to be a potent one-two punch,” Kaffine said. When the researchers applied 2013 natural gas prices and wind generation levels to the 2008 energy market, they found utilities likely would have cut coal-fired generation overnight. That suggests federal regulations like the 2014 Clean Power Plan have not been main drivers in the decline of coal-generated electricity in the U.S. “The biggest single factor here is the decline in natural gas prices due

to advances in drilling and production technologies used in natural gas extraction,” Kaffine said. “To the extent there is a ‘war on coal,” it’s a war being fought primarily in the marketplace between gas and coal.” Coal-fired generation, according to the paper, dropped roughly 25 percent from 2007 to 2013, while natural gas prices decreased dramatically, largely due to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Wind generation increased over that period thanks to state-level renewable energy portfolio standards and declining costs. The study, “The Fall of Coal: Joint Impacts of Fuel Prices and Renewables on Generation and Emissions,” found natural gas prices had a larger impact on nationwide coal-fired generation than wind, but geography plays a factor Kaffine said. “In the eastern U.S., where wind generation is less prominent and natural gas was particularly cheap, the fall in coal generation is almost completely driven by declining natural gas prices,” Kaffine explained. “However, in the central part of the U.S., wind played a more important role, though was still relatively less important than falling gas prices.” Along with the blame for killing coal, natural gas and renewables also deserve some credit.

Don’t spoil your primary ballot Ballots for the June 26 primary election will be mailed in two weeks as Coloradans choose their nominees in several key open races, including governor, attorney general and state treasurer. Voters also will select their nominees for Congress, the Colorado General Assembly and other races; the list is on the secretary of state website. Counties also are holding elections for sheriff, commissioner, clerk and recorder and other offices. It’s the first time in state history that unaffiliated voters will be able to participate in the primary without first choosing to be a member of a particular party. Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams has been delivering a blunt message to those unaffiliated voters: Don’t spoil it — only vote one ballot. That’s because they will receive both the

Democratic and Republican ballots unless they earlier selected which ballot they wanted mailed to their residence. If a person votes both the Republican and Democratic ballot, neither one will count. Coloradans in 2016 approved Proposition 108, which allows automatic participation for unaffiliated voters. Williams kicked off the UChooseCO campaign earlier this year in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs and Denver amid concerns that unaffiliated voters might not be aware they can now automatically participate, and that they would return both the Republican and Democratic ballots. He is working with county clerks, who also have been involved in the campaign. “The voters have spoken,” Williams said, “and it’s the job of election officials to implement their will as best we can.”

According to the study, the decrease in coal burning from 2007 to 2013 curbed carbon dioxide emissions by 500 million tons annually, the equivalent of taking more than 100 million cars off the road each year. Kaffine and his coauthor Harrison Fell plan to follow up their research by diving into the local environmental impacts of wind generation in densely populated areas.

Delta County Independent

An act of discrimination? Dear Editor: Last week I encountered a consequence of the Fair Housing Act when I attempted to place an ad for a female roommate in a local newspaper to find a woman to live in the spare bedroom of my house (I’m a widow). In wording my ad the ad taker insisted that I could not ask for a female roomer; I had to use the word person, otherwise the Fair Housing Act would call my request “discrimination.” The fact

Oncology treatment was outstanding Dear Editor: I’m writing this letter to let others know about the outstanding oncology center at Delta County Memorial Hospital. The treatment at the center is patient centered. Everyone there from the physicians, to nurses, to receptionists, to the volunteers, try to ensure the patient is welcomed, comfortable and their privacy is respected. Before, during and after treatment, our center provides support. Classes are available in yoga, journaling and other subjects. There is even a class on makeup and how that can make one feel better! The center also offers support groups for those who have experienced cancer. I chose to stay close to home for treatment and I’m so glad I did. My experience was so positive. I just want to say “thanks” to all who work at the oncology center. So ... thanks and keep up the good work. Linda Salyer Delta

is we all discriminate when we want a puppy for a pet instead of a kitten. Are there not rightful and wrongful ways to discriminate? I would imagine the authors of the Fair Housing Act would have King James rewrite Genesis 1:26 and 27 like this: “Then God said, ‘Let us make persons in our own image’ ... So God created persons (Genesis 2:22) and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the first person made another person ... and in that second person’s body made He a very special place in which to hold a new person; and in the first person’s body He made a very special part to plant sperm cells into the second person’s body that interact with an egg cell to create fertilization and grow into a new person inside the second person’s body! And that new person will be born

as an infant! “And made He a very special part on the body of the second person to provide wonderful sustenance for the new infant person. And God gave to the first person the ability and desire to protect and provide for the other persons while the new person is vulnerable and growing to childhood, adolescence and adulthood!” Perhaps in the advanced future (of what we call “science”) single words can be devised for these two types of persons that God created, so that when we want to differentiate between them we don’t have to use so many words describing the functions of body parts when we want to place a newspaper ad. Has anyone got an idea what words could be devised? Kathy Svenson Delta

KUDOS Generosity is much appreciated! Dear Editor: On Saturday, May 12, citizens of Delta contributed 4,276 pounds of canned goods and other staples to the Delta Food Pantry! Postal workers collected the food left by people’s mailboxes and at the post office to share with others who need assistance. Thank you to the letter carriers for your extra effort collecting all that food. Thank you to the score of pantry volunteers who carried, sorted and put away those groceries. Above all – thank you to the community who shared so generously! The Delta Food Pantry distributes food Monday through Friday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the back door of St. Michael’s Church, 213 E. 6th Street in Delta. If you missed the postal drive or want to continue your support of the Delta Food Pantry, you may donate food during their business hours or mail a financial contribution to 1140 Howard Street. Thank you! Mary Pfalzgraff Delta Food Pantry Co-Director

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Department: May 13: Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 50 and Bluff Street for a traffic accident involving a deer. Officers responded to the 1100 block of Park Ridge Court for an animal control issue. Officers took a lobby report of theft of vehicle license plates. The plates were removed while the vehicle was parked at St. Michael’s Church. Officers responded to Safeway for a report of counterfeit bills at the fuel center. Officers provided a welfare check at the request of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. May 14: Officers took a report of a possible missing person. Luke A. Frazier, 19, of Delta, was arrested and jailed on charges of first degree criminal trespass and violation of bail bond conditions. Officers took a report of a possible cold sex assault on a juvenile. Leighanne M. Pate, 29, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a Delta County warrant with a bond of $5,000. May 15: Officers received a lobby report of criminal mischief to a fuel pump at City Market. Officers received a report of possible child abuse. Officers took a report of a possible cold sex assault. Robert W. Sevier, 71, of Delta was issued a citation for careless driving. Officers responded to the 1300 block of Highway 50 for a fire that ignited in the bed of a truck. Eric W. Lopes, 19, of Austin was arrested and jailed on a felony warrant for parole violations. Kaysha B. Devlin, 27, of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting and trespass at Wal-Mart. May 16: Anthony S. Gallegos, 38, of Delta was issued a citation for fictitious plates and no proof of insurance. His license had been suspended for failure to comply with child support. Officers responded to a possible trespass in the 1600 block of H38 Road. Officers responded to the 500 block of Hastings Street for a disturbance. A 15-year-old juvenile male of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants out of Delta County. Officers responded to the 900 block of Vine Street for a mental health issue. May 17: Officers took a report from a mandatory reporter of a possible assault. Officers responded to the 900 block of Bluff Street for

mail theft. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for suspicious activity. Officers responded to the 500 block of East 10th Street for report of a stolen item. Officers responded to Safeway for possible shoplifting. Officers received a report from a mandatory reporter of a possible sexual assault. Officers took a report of suspicious activity at 1491 Highway 50. Officers took a report of a possible child abuse. May 18: Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a dog bite. Officers responded to Dairy Queen for a theft. A theft was reported in the Walmart parking lot. Officers responded to the 300 block of Main Street to provide medical transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Officers responded to Delta High School for a medical transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Officers responded to a house fire on H25 Road. Officers responded to the 100 block of East 6th Street, for a medical assist. Officers took a report of a possible sex assault. May 19: Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Genessee Street for a medical assist. Officers responded to the 300 block of West 2nd Street for a hit and run traffic accident. Officers responded to the 600 block of Palmer Street for a report of a vehicle window being vandalized. Officers responded to 101 North Main Street, Stinkers, in response to a horse trailer on fire. Citations: Six 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 14: A Crawford resident called to express concern about dogs that were not being fed or taken care of. Joseph Olea of Eckert was charged with criminal mischief and domestic violence after he allegedly kicked the door to a bedroom off its hinges during a domestic dispute. A Wisconsin resident reported the theft of a specialized mountain bike from a Gunnison Gorge trailhead. He had locked the bike, valued at $2,500 to $3,000, to a fence in the parking lot. A Cedaredge area resident

reported the theft of a chainsaw and shovel. May 16: Deputies responded to the area of 2000 and F Road to assist with a dog that had been hit by a car. A California Mesa woman called to report a neighbor who was shooting a firearm in the direction of her home. An Austin resident reported that when he arrived home, he found personal items tossed around. He did not believe anything had been stolen. Entry was possibly gained through the front door, which appeared to have some damage. May 17: Nathan Bryant, 50, of Orchard City was issued a summons for violating a county ordinance that prohibits agricultural burns without prior notification to dispatch. Bryant told deputies he was also not aware it was a red flag day, and extinguished his small brush fire. Deputies were asked to conduct a welfare check on a veteran who was expressing suicidal thoughts. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Timothy Road, Cedaredge, at about 10:45 p.m. May 18: Deputies were called back to Timothy Road, Cedaredge, for a domestic dispute involving the same two individuals. An Orchard City resident reported the theft of wagon wheels from his property on Fairview Road. He was not certain when the theft had taken place. At about 10 p.m., deputies were dispatched to 21464 F Road on a report of shots fired, possibly striking an individual in the foot or leg. When they arrived on scene, they determined a handgun had been fired but no one was injured. Most parties had left the scene, but deputies learned a disgreement started over some marijuana. They

learned only the first names or nicknames of the individuals involved, but it’s believed some of the individuals were from Montrose. The incident is still under investigation. Shortly before midnight, deputies were called to assist the Cedaredge Police Department with a case of felony menacing. May 19: A Hotchkiss woman reported that another female had made threats and pulled a gun on her, but she declined to pursue charges. Deputies responded to a family disturbance involving two sisters at a Cedaredge area residence. At about 9:30 p.m., a onecar rollover accident was reported near Peach Valley and 6200 roads, just inside the Delta County line. Deputies from Delta and Montrose counties and a trooper from the Colorado State Patrol were dispatched to the scene. The accident involved four females, all juveniles. A 16year-old reportedly suffered a leg injury and was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Drowning is the suspected cause of death of Ezekiel Gordon, 43, of Grand Junction who was found in Ward Creek at about 3:30 p.m. Gordon, who was partially paralyzed, apparently slipped or fell into the creek accidentally. He was found by his stepfather, Richard Beldon, who owns property in the Orchard City area. There was no indication of criminal activity. May 20: Ernest and Helen Chandler of Cedaredge were transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries after a one-car rollover accident on Ward Creek Road. Chandler, 80, told deputies he lost control of his vehicle when he swerved to avoid a rapidly approaching vehicle. The accident occurred at about 10:30 p.m.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 401 Meeker St. • (970) 874-4421 editor@deltacountyindependent.com ads@deltacountyindependent.com MANAGEMENT General Manager ........... Randy Sunderland Managing Editor ................. Pat Sunderland Advertising Manager . Roxanne McCormick Production Manager ......... Ron Sunderland

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Appointments made to Master Plan working groups BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

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Needle Rock

Department. The working groups will research and develop recommendations for enforceable standards to be incorporated into the county’s land use regulations, and may make recommendations for additional policy guidance to incorporate into the Master Plan. A third working group to examine water development and sustainability across the county has not been organized yet. More information about this working group 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.

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FROM PAGE A1 third of his restaurant business is coming from either Grand Junction or Montrose, and his hope is to create the same draw for the golf course. He added, “We’d love to see if we can help the city generate more revenue at the golf course by attracting more golfers and better events. We love Delta, and we want to invest in the people of this area. We’ve been working awfully hard to provide exceptional food at the Needle Rock Brewing Company, and people have been very kind, very appreciative.” Food and beverage service at the golf course was previously provided by Anthony Chavez of T’s Concessions. He was very vocal at the special

meeting May 8, threatening to file legal proceedings against the city. He demanded reimbursement of the cost of his liquor license and expenses related to converting cooking equipment to propane. He was asked to submit his concerns in writing. Chavez reportedly later apologized for comments he directed at Wilma Erven, and council member Kevin Carlson apologized privately and in public at the next city council meeting for not backing her up.

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Committee to evaluate county agenda process BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

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The county commissioners designated an ad hoc committee to evaluate the process and capacity for a hyperlinked county commission agenda at their May 21 meeting. Appointed to the committee are: John Baier, county attorney; Robbie LeValley, county administrator; Teri Stephenson, clerk and recorder; and Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director. Establishing the committee and assigning its mission is the result of complaints by Delta County Citizen Report for more communica-

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tion methods to enable citizens to view the commissioners’ agendas and other documents. Commission chair Doug Atchley noted that the county goal is to be transparent and open to people and to help them know when, where and what to expect from the county. At the May 7 meeting of the commissioners an item was added to the agenda on that Monday. Delta County Citizen Report complained. Atchley said that the commissioners’ goal is to have a list of matters which will go on the agenda available by the Wednesday prior to the Monday meeting and for the agenda to be finalized, published and posted on Friday. There was a complication with the added item on Monday, May 7. The constituent had been notified he would be before the commissioners at the scheduled time. The county treasurer and county assessor had likewise scheduled their day to be in front of the commissioners. The matter could not wait for a future meeting, because the constituent needed a decision so he could move forward with the appropriate fundraising from his group. Email instruction to add the item to the agenda was provided; however, the fact that the item was missing from the agenda was not discovered until first thing Monday morning, May 7. JoAnn Kalenak, president of Delta County Citizen Report, thanked Commissioner Atchley for the explanation.

County libraries close for Memorial Day Delta County Libraries will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day.

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Appointments were made May 21 to the concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) working group and the oil and gas working group by county commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes. The appointments were made upon the recommendations of the planning commission and county staff. The need for these working groups became evident during the year long process of updating the Master Plan. Commissioners discussed at length with Robbie LeValley, county administrator, and Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director, whether the people recommended for appointment will provide balanced and equal representation of the various opinions held across the county on the two issues to be studied. Commissioner Roeber said the oil and gas working group is lacking mineral owners. LeValley answered that county staff had consulted with treasurer Lisa Tafoya concerning mineral owners in Delta County. Commissioner Atchley sought assurance that adequate outreach had been made to inform residents of the county of the need for membership on the two working groups. Casselberry said notice was announced by email, the county’s website, social media, discussed at all planning commission meetings, open house meetings, and noted in articles about the Master Plan update appearing in DCI articles. Everyone

on the “Notify Me” list for BoCC meeting agendas received a notice. Responses were received from 350 people. Commissioner Suppes recommended the commissioners review the setup in a year. Casselberry said staff anticipates bringing final recommendations to the planning commission and county commissioners by August. Appointed to the CAFO working group are Tom Kay, an operator; Patrick Dooling, an environmental partner; Les Mergelman, an operator; Steve Harper, concerned resident, with land use experience; Jacob Gray, concerned resident; and Dave Whittlesey, operator. Facilitators for the CAFO working group will be Seth Urbanowitz, CSU, and Robbie LeValley. Serving as staff will be Elyse Casselberry and staff from the Delta County Health Department. Appointed to the oil and gas working group are Alex Johnson, environmental partner; Shane Sobtka, NGO/education partner; Wendell Koontz, industry; Mike Cleary, industry; Natasha Leger, environmental partner; Mark Waltermire, mineral owner and concerned resident; and Eric Sanford, SG Interests, industry and concerned resident. Elyse Casselberry will be facilitator for the oil and gas working group, and staff will be Tony Vervolet, local county government designee for Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Robbie LeValley and staff from the Delta County Health

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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

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A4 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Community concert membership drive underway Having completed its 2017-18 concert season on April 24 with a near capacity crowd, the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association is now in the midst of its membership drive for its 70th anniversary season which begins next fall. From October 2018 to May 2019, the association will present five outstanding performances by a variety of nationally recognized musical artists: a mixed vocal male/ female quartet known as 7th Ave.; a Christmas program by baritone, Leon Williams; The Jersey Tenors (a male quartet); world–renowned

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classical pianist, Frederic Chiu; and Sons of Serendip, a talented quartet of musicians (tenor, harp, cello and keyboard). Each offers an evening of exceptional live entertainment. The association’s board seeks to offer diversity in the types of

music presented in an effort to appeal to the variety of tastes among the residents of Delta and Montrose counties. The association’s membership drive for next season began at the April 24 concert which featured the Guthrie brothers’

Dance, campout planned for youth Teens Against Suicide is hosting a campout, graduation dance and other activities for junior high and high school students at its clubhouse in North Delta. The dance will be hosted by MIX 104.3. The fun night under the stars will also include vollyeball, music and marshmallows. The fun takes place Saturday, May 26, beginning at noon with the sale of barbecue tri-tip sandwiches as a fundraiser for the clubhouse. Registration is $15, which includes a T-shirt, bracelet, food and activities. TAS is an endeavor of Brandon and Sky Evans,

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 5 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.

who are organizing activities that will enable the community to come together to support kids and prevent the loss of life to suicide. They are building a clubhouse at 1570 I Road, Delta, where they’ve installed grass, a sand volleyball court and an aboveground swimming pool. When completed, the clubhouse will be a place for kids to relax and feel safe. For more information, visit www.tas.net or check out their gofundme page at teens-against-suicidedelta-club.

“Scarborough Fair” tribute to Simon and Garfunkel. An enthusiastic audience experienced a truly enjoyable evening. Those attending also received brochures which described the concerts for next season and included a form to sign up for the 70th anniversary season next fall. Many have completed and returned their forms either as new members or as renewals. Those who have not yet sent in their membership form are encouraged to do so soon. If you want to know more about the 70th anniversary season, you can go online at the DMCCA website: www.deltamontrosecon certs.com which provides information about each concert. There, under the heading “Membership,” you can also print out a membership form to use in signing up for next season. Or, if you wish, you may obtain a brochure at the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce or from any association director, including the secretary, Bob Brown, at 835-4480. The brochure

describes each concert and includes a membership form for you to fill out and send in to order your season tickets. The cost of a season ticket is: adult, $45; student, $15; and family, $95. A family is defined as three or more members of a household all living in the same home. Single gate admission is $20 for an adult and $5 for a student. So a season ticket is by far the best value in terms of cost (only $9 per concert for an adult) plus it entitles

the holder to attend community concerts in other venues: Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Craig and Cortez without additional charge, so long as seating is available at those locations. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a member of the DeltaMontrose Community Concert Association and encourage your friends to sign up as well — maybe you can attend together for enjoyable evenings of delightful entertainment.

Delta Senior Center, Elks to serve free meal A free Memorial Daytheme lunch for seniors, age 60 and over, will be served at the Delta Senior Center, 247 Meeker Street, at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 29. This meal is being sponsored by the Delta Elks Lodge No. 1235, through a grant from the Grand Lodge. The menu will be burger or brat, potato

salad, baked beans, pickled beets, and a golden bar. Coffee and/or iced tea are included. Those under age 60 will be charged a $3 meal fee. Those planning to come should arrive early that day, as there will be a limited number of meals served. Please call the Delta Senior Center at 970-874-7837 for more information.

Class of 1973 plans reunion Delta High School’s Class of 1973 is planning a reunion during Deltarado Days. Classmates, whether they graduated in 1973 or not, are invited to the 45th class reunion Saturday, July 28, from noon to dusk in Confluence Park, sites #4, #5 and #6. Meat will be provided; please bring salads, sides or desserts and your own beverages. Please RSVP by midJune. To RSVP or for more information, call Diann (Koppes) Suttle in Montrose at 596-5053, Jose Lujan in Grand Junction at 596-1406 or Kathi (Schlangen) Marquez in Delta at 9017754. Pass the word.

Mother’s Day baby

Parents Nikita and Steven Medrano of Delta welcomed Giovani Haze Medrano, born at 1:14 p.m. May 16, 2018. In honor of Mother’s Day the Black Mesa CattleWomen donated a crock pot and a gift basket with new baby items to the Medrano family.

Memorial Day services planned Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3571 and its Auxiliary of Delta will be performing two memorial services in honor of deceased veterans this Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. Post and Auxiliary members, assisted by the Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 members and the local squadron of Civil Air Patrol cadets will do a short memori-

al service at Mesa View Cemetery at 9:30 at the entrance by the flagpole. A second service will follow at Delta City Cemetery at 10 a.m. in front of the veterans’ memorial. All community members are invited to attend one or both services. For more information, contact Post Commander Louis “Corky” Ware or Auxiliary President Della Ware at 872-3327.

VFW, Auxiliary serve breakfast May 28

Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 and its Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Memorial Day community pancake breakfast on Monday, May 28. For only $7 attendees will be treated to an “all-you-can-eat” feast of pancakes, eggs to order, link sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice. Members of the post and auxiliary will be preparing and serving this great breakfast from 7 until 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Delta,

1250 Pioneer Road. Veterans and non-veterans alike are invited to stop by for great food and fellowship. All proceeds will be used for veterans support projects provided by the VFW. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, be sure to check with a member to see if you are eligible for the VFW or its Ladies Auxiliary — remember that no one does more for veterans than the Veterans of Foreign Wars!

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 tabernacle during the community ecumenical Vacation Bible School June 4-8. Kids will have fun discovering the life of Moses with exciting Bible stories, crafts, games, music, snacks and fellowship. VBS will be held at Delta United Methodist Church on 5th and Meek-

Photo submitted

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�� er June 4-8 from 8:30 a.m. �� to noon each day. The cost �� to attend is $8 for one �� child, $13 for two chil�� dren, and $16 for three or �� more children. Scholar�� ships are available. Preregister on Facebook by searching for Delta Ecumenical Vaca- Sponsored by: tion Bible School or @delta vbs. You can also get a registration form via email by calling Delta United Methodist Church �� at 874-9501.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Freegal 101. Patrons will have the opportunity to learn how to use Freegal, an online music streaming platform that allows library users free downloads every week. The class will cover both how to set up an account and how to navigate the catalog. Friday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. Painted Pony Parade. Join Cedaredge Library staff at Pioneer Town Heritage Day for the Pony Parade on Saturday, May 26. Arrive at 10 a.m. sharp to paint and then decorate a pony. Line up for the parade at 11:15 a.m. and ride through Pioneer Town! The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Ponies are limited! Accepting participants on a first come, first served basis — or bring a painted pony from previous years. Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Join us for a musical ice cream social at Cedaredge Town Park! Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. earn how to earn a free T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the summer! Thursday, June 7 at 2 p.m. at Cedaredge Town Park. Greeting Card Maker Space. The May Maker Space at Cedaredge Library will be a card making station with all supplies provided. Makers will have the chance to create a card for their mom, dad, or other special family member or friend. All month long during library hours. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Soup Saturday. Bring your devices and your questions. Our expert “techies” will do their best to answer your questions. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Genealogy. Who’s Who in Whoville? Find out who you really are! The first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thurs-

days starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Join us for a musical ice cream social at Crawford Library! Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. Learn how to earn a free T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the summer! Wednesday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. Crochet Club. For beginners and old pros! Come and learn or come and teach. Bring your own yarn and hooks. Every Friday at 10 a.m. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Join us for a musical ice cream social at Delta Library! Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. Learn how to earn a free T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the summer! Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m. Learn How to SelfPublish. Mary Simmons, a self-published author, will present on the basics of self-publishing, including book covers, publishing in multiple formats, the various sales platforms and the costs of self-publishing. Saturday, June 2, at 11 a.m. Mom and Friends Maker Space. Create a card for your mom or friend to let them know how much you appreciate them. All month long in the children’s area during library hours. Break the Code Scavenger Hunt. Break the code and discover what the summer reading theme is for 2018! All month long in the children’s area during library hours. Teen Game Night. Board games and card games will be available in the teen area every Wednesday night at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onOne. Get the help you

need researching your genealogy in this ongoing class taught by Mickey Watts. Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Book Talk and Signing. Local author Joseph Colwell will share excerpts from his new books, “Sands of Time” and “Tales of Ravens Nest.” Refreshments will be provided. Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m. Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Join us for a musical ice cream social at Hotchkiss Library! Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. Learn how to earn a free T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the summer! Tuesday, June 5, at 2 p.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Tuesday–Thursday by appointment, 399-7781. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact

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library at 399-7881 for details. Music in the Amphitheater. Forest Beutel is a nationally touring one-man banjo band from Tacoma, Wash. He is pioneering the Americana blues music genre, blending elements of roots music from across the United States. On June 5, Beutel will be at the Paonia Library telling the history of the banjo through song and story. You won’t want to miss this special evening of musical tales depicting the banjo’s rich heritage spanning continents and cultures. Picnic and take out dinners are welcome. Tuesday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. Reading Summer Kickoff Party. Join us for a musical ice cream social at Paonia Library! Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 sum-

mer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. Learn how to earn a free T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the summer! Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m. Love in Action: A Book Talk with John Records. Local author John Records will read from his book, “Love in Action,” a practical and simple guide for living through the heart and being of service. Thursday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at Paonia Library. Tech Café. Tech assistance for all ages and skill levels. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. Literacy Program High School Equivalency. For information on high school equivalency classes or HiSET® testing, call 399-7670 or email gsrebnik@deltalibraries. org.

ESL Classes. An intermediate to advanced ESL class meets at Delta Family Center Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15 to 3 p.m. Contact Danielle at dcarre@deltalibraries.org for more information. A class for all levels meets at Hotchkiss Library Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Contact Ann at astewart@deltalibraries. org for more information. Para obtener más información en español, por favor llame a Adriana al 970.874.9630 o por correo electrónico a achavira@deltalibraries. org Distance Learning Program. Do you need your high school equivalency but are unable to attend classes? Contact Gail at gsrebnik@deltalibraries. org for more information to learn how you can learn from home.

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A6 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Vision learners showcase projects, talents Vision Charter Academy celebrated learning and individualism at its annual showcases and talent shows. The Delta/ Surface Creek event was held at Delta High on April 26 and the North Fork event was held on the VCA Paonia campus on May 3. All seniors presented a showcase of their learning, while many other learners also made displays of their exception-

al projects, sparks and learning. The Works of Wonder (WOW) projects completed each Friday for teacher supported learners made great displays, including a working hovercraft made by a STEM group. The talent show featured accomplished pianists, dancers, gymnasts, sings and even Photo submitted a kindergartner with 10 The Greatest Showman dance group: (front row, left to right) Lella Young, Aubree Lindsay, Olivia Linddifferent animal calls and say, Zola Cordell and Maddie Lindsay; (back row) Dominic Cordell, Ava Cordell and Marcus Lindsay. the huge Greatest Showman dance group. Vision Charter Academy supports learners exploring their curiosities and following their passions through partnerships with community businesses throughout Delta County, Montrose County, and even Grand Junction. Local artists teach art and pottery, and professional recording artists share their knowledge about music. Photo submitted Horseback riding, karate, Isaac Weber plays the flight lessons and everyguitar at the North Fork thing in between are all available. showcase. Photo submitted

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Have A Great Summer!

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Community Ecumenical Vacation Bible School�

Senior showcase of Jordan Evans who has been awarded a $80,000 scholarship to study nursing. Photo submitted Also pictured is Liz Evans, Jordan’s mother and pri- Eighth graders Dylan Miles and Nevaeh Angotti mary mentor/educator. Jordan is also an All-State demonstrate a hovercraft they made as a STEM Choir participant. project.

DCMH volunteers award scholarships The Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) volunteers recently awarded $5,000 in scholarships to Delta County senior high school students who are planning to major in a health related program at area colleges. This year scholarship recipients each receiving a $1,000 scholarship are: • Peyton Schuster, Delta High School, who plans to major in nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. • Anha Richards, Delta High School, who plans to major in nursing at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. • Jordan Tamayo, Hotchkiss High School, who plans to major in premed at Colorado Mesa University. Jordan’s goal is to become a physical therapist. • Jessica Craig, Cedaredge High School, who plans to major in neurobiology at Colora-

do State University. Her career goal is to become a doctor. • Alyssa Kissner, Cedaredge High School, who plans to major in nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. This is the 11th year DCMH volunteers have awarded scholarships to Delta County high school seniors majoring in health-related programs in college. A scholarship committee composed of three volunteers evaluated the 12 scholarship Photo submitted applications submitted by Hospital volunteer Janamarie Dugle is pictured Delta County high school with scholarship recipient Anha Richards. Anha seniors. hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

Delta kids write thank you notes to war heroes

BY REBECCA CUMINS

Garnet Mesa Elementary

Third graders in Mrs. Cumins’ class at Garnet Mesa Elementary wrote heartfelt letters of thanks �� to our fallen heroes laid to �� rest at the Omaha Beach Contact the DCI: American Cemetery and �� Memorial in Colleville�� Website: sur-Mer, France. Their �� www.deltacountyindependent.com notes of gratitude and �� genuine appreciation E-mail ads to: �� were hand delivered by ads@deltacountyindependent.com their teacher over spring �� break in April. The notes �� E-mail articles and were placed in the chapel Photos submitted letters to the editor at: �� editor@deltacountyindependent.com Thank you notes written by third graders at Garnet located at the center of �� Mesa Elementary were hand delivered by their the cemetery where 9,387 American military heroes teacher, Mrs. Cumins, over the April break. are buried. Inside the inscription read: “Think not only about their passing; remember the glory of their spirit.” Notes of thanks were also delivered to the grave of Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette who was instrumental in serving �� our country under Gen�� eral George Washington. Lafayette’s contributions were many, not the least �� of which was his influence in convincing the French to help our cause �� for liberty. The marquis is buried in Paris, France, in soil he brought home from Bunker Hill, Mass.

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Notes of appreciation are laid in the Omaha Beach American Cemetery and Memorial in Collevillesur-Mer, France.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Diplomas awarded to 66 Olathe grads I’m sure in a few years you 2018 graduates will feel the same way.” An overflowing staPrincipal Brown then dium, an excited buzz introduced the salutatoin the air, and blue and rian and valedictorians. gold robes fluttering in Michelle Jaracuaro Bauthe breeze are signs of a tista, Selena Reyes and traditional Olathe High Angel Enrique were the School graduation. The 2018 co-valedictorians. Class of 2018 walked out Salutatorian was Shayonto Wilson Field on Sunlee Hancock. day, May 20, greeted by The three valedictorifamily and friends as the ans presented a speech school band played “Pomp they had prepared. and Circumstance” until Selena Reyes started all the graduates were by saying, “This moment seated. has been in the making Olathe’s NJROTC since our first day of kin(Navy Junior Reserve dergarten ... This long Officers’ Training Corps) journey we all embarked presented the flags and on was full of learning Shannon Bachman sang experiences, not just acathe national anthem. demically but a chance Angel Enrique, Olathe for us to learn about ourHigh School’s head boy, selves.” made a brief welcom“We often complained ing speech to the crowd about having a small and then to his peers school without knowing before principal Scot that this was a privilege Brown made the opening that we were blessed remarks of the ceremony. with. Being a part of this school allowed us to create everlasting and sincere friendships and provided the perfect environment to attain knowledge,” said Michelle Bautista. Angel closed with, “Graduates look to your left and look to your right. Think of all the memories we have forged together. As we receive our diploma it is a baton in this race we call life. The future holds great successes, but the path will certainly come with obstacles. It is okay to fail because those who never fail never truly tried. We all have great Photo by Kaylee Dunham aspirations some to be Madison Lynch receives her diploma from principal farmers, nurses, soldiers, Scot Brown. engineers, or doctors.

BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Special to the DCI

After, Angel presented the Distinguished Alumni award to Jesse Grett, a 1957 Olathe High School graduate. During his time at Olathe High School Jesse participated in multiple sports along with being very involved with agriculture and Future Farmers of America. “Jesse is known as a sensible, trustworthy, compassionate, and a hard working man ... over the years Jesse and his family have been actively involved in the Olathe community,” Angel said. In response, Jesse told the Class of 2018, “Sixty-one years ago I stood right there where you are at. It’s been quite an experience... Thinking back, I can not remember a teacher that did not teach me something. Some of them had to pound it in but they taught me something and

Whatever you choose to be, be a good one.” Guest speaker William Hamm, a social studies teacher at Olathe High School, stood in front of the 2018 graduating class with a speech he had been saving for his final year as a high school teacher. While Hamm is not retiring one of his daughters pointed out this might not be his last year, but it is theirs. The speech Hamm gave was not for the crowd; instead, it was the last heart-to-heart with the graduating students. “Those of you who are here today are experiencing success, and a lot more success is on its way. How you handle that success is going to speak a lot about you, but handling success is the easy part. Unfortunately, in life other things are going to come your way — failure and hard times. How you handle those is the pillar of who you are.” Hamm used one of Syl-

vester Stallone’s famous quotes from the movie Rocky about moving forward after being hit. William’s final advice to the students was to learn from their mistakes and keep moving forward. Following the guest

speaker, Teresa Clark read out the names of 66 graduating students. Janalyn Barba, head girl, gave a farewell address and principal Brown presented to the crowd the Olathe Class of 2018 graduates.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Michelle Jaracuaro Bautista, Selena Reyes and Angel Enrique were the 2018 co-valedictorians.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Angel Enrique introduces Jesse Grett, a 1957 Olathe graduate. Grett was named the Distinguished Alumni.

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Excited graduates march onto Wilson Field Sunday, May 20.

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Students of the Month

Photo submitted

Garnet Mesa Elementary School recently recognized fourth and ﬁfth grade Students of the Month. Pictured are (back row) Kali Ripper, Tami Byler, Merissa Floyd, Heidi Ponce; (front row) Tucker Carson, Mckenzie Murray, Nevaeh Roberts and Perla Valdez.

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A8 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

32 practical nursing students graduate from TCR On May 12, Technical College of the Rockies (TCR) graduated 32 practical nursing students at the Delta Center for Performing Arts and Education. Graduation marks the completion of rigorous study and clinical responsibility. All in attendance were welcomed by Michael Klouser, TCR director. The graduation ceremony opened with Birdie Young, TCR nursing coordinator, congratulating members of the Class of 2018 on all their hard work and accomplishments. She then gave a brief history of the nursing program to the audience. The TCR nursing program became nationally accredited in 2010. The class invited Douglas Fields, Ph.D., to be guest speaker. Fields is chief of the nervous system development and plasticity section at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Md. His daughter, Morgan, was one of the graduates. Class speakers Gail Pagone and Christian McPeek delivered motivating speeches. Birdie Young then presented three special awards. The academic award was presented to LeeAnn Downey, and the faculty award went to Mary Riddle. The

annual kindness awards were presented to Laura Kruthaupt and Vickie Hagan. Birdie Young then explained how the ceremony of pinning the graduates began in the 1860s with Florence Nightingale. This year’s graduates chose to be pinned by their family and friends. The 2018 graduating class included Michael Adcock, Koree Beyer, Janie Bravo, Sarah Christianson, Shelby Christianson, Veronica Coleman, Tarra Daniels, Eric Downey, LeeAnn Downey, Stephanie Doyal, Kali Estrada, Amanda Evans, Morgan Fields, Vickie Hagan, Fawnalea Hall, Aurora Hannigan, Ruth Hernandez, Alyssa Isaman, Austin Justice, Kyla Kille, Laura Kruthaupt, Sonia Lopez, Christian McPeek, Brandon Meredith, Chijindu (Byron) Nwigwe, Gail Pagone, Leticia Paz, Mary Riddle, Sierra Shaw, Cody Wentz, Aiyana White and Jessica Williams. A very moving slideshow of each student was shown as they were called to the stage by Jeanne Nortrup, nursing secretary, and pinned by their family and friends. They moved on to receive their diplomas by the nursing program instruc-

tional team, represented by Birdie Young, RN, MSN, instructor; Judy Davis, RN, MSN, instructor; Jean Anne Robb, RN, MSN, instructor; Therese Williams, RN,

BSN, instructor; Hilary Showalter, RN, BSN; and Amber Perkins, clinical instructor. The students then participated in the Nightingale candlelighting

ceremony, lighting their individual candles and descending to a position in front of the stage as a group. Birdie Young presented the Class of 2018 to

Photo submitted

Thirty-two practical nursing students were honored during a May 12 graduation ceremony.

Teens, learn defensive driving

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the audience. The motto chosen by the class is from Dr. Seuss: “To the world you may be one person but ... to one person you may be the world.”

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on May 8. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are (top row, left to right) Joe Sanville (responsibility), Lillian Sharkey (kindness); (middle row) Russell Vigil (leadership), Claudia Gonzalez (caring), Izaya Manzanares (diligence); (bottom row) Kaden Crawford (honesty), Elizabeth Megal (perseverance), Preston Farnsworth (perseverance), Jocelyn Ramirez (respect) and John Aericko (character).

“Alive at 25,” a defensive driving course for young drivers, is offered to drivers ages 15-24. A Colorado State Patrol trooper will provide approximately four hours of classroom instruction designed to prevent traffic violations, collisions and/or fatalities. The focus of the program is making attendees aware of many typical driving hazards. Participants will receive a certificate for this course which enables them to test for a driving permit at age 15 1/2 or older. The next class takes place at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Monday, June 4, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The class will be repeated Monday, July 2. Register and pay for this class online at www. aliveat25.us.

Wilderness, remote first aid certification offered Bill Heddles Recreation Center is offering an American Red Cross wilderness and remote first aid course June 1315 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must be 14 years of age or older. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will earn certification in CPR/AED for

the professional rescuer, as well as wilderness and remote first aid certification. The cost of the class is $150. You must register and pay by close of business Wednesday, June 6. For more information, call John Volk at 8740923 or email john@city ofdelta.net.

Photos submitted

Touchy feely ﬁeld trip

Garnet Mesa second graders recently toured the Children’s Nature Center in Grand Junction to learn about habitats.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

DMEA is on high alert for fire prevention As much of the region continues to experience a bout of dry and windy weather, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) has put in effect its fire prevention procedures. The precautionary measures rely more heavily on fieldwork by operations personnel and less on the use of DMEA’s automated and remotely controlled equipment. This special mode of operations greatly reduces the risk of a fire being started by electrical equipment but does come with rami-

fications: DMEA members who may have grown accustomed to limited and relatively short outages, may find that power outages last longer than under normal conditions. “Our fire precaution procedures can extend the length of power outages in some cases. For instance, under normal circumstances, we can reconnect equipment remotely from our office. In fire prevention mode, we require our crew members to have eyes on the equipment before any attempt at res-

toration. This reduces our fire risk, but does take more time,” explained Troy Hall, DMEA operations manager. DMEA asks for member patience and, when necessary, cooperation. It’s especially important for members to report any issues or damage to DMEA immediately. In many cases, a single phone call can save hours of searching by helping the co-op narrow its focus and pinpoint the cause of an outage. DMEA asks members who observe

anything that seems out of the ordinary concerning power lines or power equipment to first and foremost, stay clear of the area in question. Then, call DMEA’s main line at 877-687-3632 to report the situation. “Providing safe and

reliable power to our members is our number one priority. But, outages will happen and members should always be prepared — weather, wildlife, cars hitting poles, and the like can all result in outages,” said Hall. “We ask for our

members’ patience and assistance as we try to reduce the risk of fire and hopefully get through this time safely.” DMEA will return to normal operating procedures when the fire danger rating decreases to a safe level.

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It’s a wrap

Robidoux Artist Camp 2018 hosted by William Bailey and Fort Uncompahgre was a rare opportunity for artists to access the most authentic fur trade era and southwestern models available. The multi-day event was held at Fort Uncompahgre May 18-20. Three additional venues were available, the canyon country west of Delta, tipi camp near the Gunnison River and a high country aspen venue for horses and mules. The event drew artists from the Netherlands, Texas, Ohio and throughout the state of Colorado. Models came from Texas, Utah, Wyoming and throughout Colorado. Robidoux Artist Camp will return in 2019.

Seniors, disabled vets may qualify for property tax exemptions The Colorado Constitution established a property tax exemption for senior citizens and disabled veterans. For those who qualify, 50 percent of the

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. 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.

first $200,000 in actual value of the primary residence is exempted from property tax. The State of Colorado pays the property taxes on the exempted value. Qualifying seniors are urged to submit applications if they have not yet done so. Taxpayers 65 years and older as of Jan. 1, who have owned and occupied the property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years may qualify for the senior exemption. To apply, you must complete the appropriate application form and return it to the assessor by July 16. For an application form or a brochure that explains the senior citizen exemption in greater detail, call the Delta County assessor’s office at 874-2120. In 2006, the senior property tax exemption was expanded to include “qualifying disabled veterans.” A disabled veteran exemption is available to those applicants who:

sustained a serviceconnected disability while serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, were honorably discharged, and were rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as one hundred percent “permanent and total” disabled. The applicant must have owned and occupied the home as his or her primary residence since Jan. 1 of the year of application; however, limited exceptions to the ownership and occupant requirements are detailed in the eligibility requirements section of the application. Owners of multiple residences may only designate one property as their primary residence. The application deadline is July 1.

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Photos submitted

Stocking the pantry

The “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive netted 4,276 pounds of canned goods and other staples for the Delta Food Pantry. Postal workers collected the food left by people’s mailboxes and at the post ofﬁce to share with others who need assistance.

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A10 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Paula Moore

Paula Antoinette (Schieber) Moore died Feb. 24, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Ill. She was 87. Mass of Christian burial took place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Effingham, on March 1,

OBITUARIES

2018, with burial following in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Effingham. Mrs. Moore was born in Grand Junction June 4, 1930, to Anthony and Paula (Hanatsek) Schieber of Paonia. She graduated as valedictorian from Paonia High School in 1948 and then from St. John’s School of Nursing in St. Louis in 1951. In 1955 she married Frederick Moore of Teterville, Kan., in St. Louis. After moving to Effingham, Ill., in 1957, she worked at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital as a

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registered nurse and then as an office nurse. Mrs. Moore was an active member of Sacred Heart Church and was involved in many organizations, including Catholic Daughters of America and Council of Catholic Women. She sewed matching outfits for her seven children, which were worn on annual family vacations, combining two of her biggest loves — family and travel. She travelled all over the country with her family and all over the world with her husband. She is survived by her husband, Frederick Moore; children, Marcia (Randall) Niemerg of Teutopolis, Ill.; Stephen (fiancée Lisa) Moore of Effingham, Ill., Jane (Mike) Winters of Dieterich, Ill., Melissa (Randal) Schmitt of Troy, Ill., and Thomas (Kathleen) Moore of Oblong, Ill.; 18 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; one step great-greatgrandchild; her sister, Dea Bruno, of Littleton; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bernadette Coffelt; daughter, Maureen Moore; son-inlaw, Mark Percival; and great-grandson, David Schaefer. Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham, Ill., handled the arrangements.

Joanne Burns

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Delta resident Joanne Burns died May 17, 2018, at the Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 82. Funeral services were held May 21 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Interment followed at Delta City Cemetery. Joanne Darlene Van Gaalen was born Jan. 2, 1936, in Glenwood Springs to Corneilius and Gyneth (Pedigo) Van Gaalen. She spent her early childhood in Glenwood Springs then moved to Delta. She graduated from Delta High School in 1954. On Feb. 28, 1958, she married Artchie Burns in Delta. He preceded her in death in 2005. Mrs. Burns was a member of Grand Mesa Bible Church in Delta. She enjoyed playing the piano, crocheting, art work, painting, working puzzles and reading. She is survived by her son, Bary Burns; four daughters, Cindy Burns,

Delta County Independent

Lester Womack Dec. 27, 1933 ~ May 2, 2018 Lester (Les) Womack — loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and talented horticulturalist — passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018, in Delta, Colo. He was 84. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, Colo., with inurnment to follow at the Cedaredge Cemetery. Les was born on Dec. 27, 1933, in Laverne, Okla., to Oscar Womack and Lucille (Dutton) Womack. When he was 12, his family moved from Oklahoma to Colorado. Les graduated from Palisade High School in June of 1953. He and his late wife, Della, were married on Nov. 14, 1954. They built their life together on Vela Lane in Eckert, Colo. Together they had four children — Kenton, Larry, Donna, and Sherry. Since Della’s passing in February 2017, Les

has anticipated their reunion at the end of the rainbow. Les was a wise and charming guy whose storytelling ability was unrivaled. His stories about growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl were fascinating. He loved to be outside — he took great pride in his bountiful vegetable garden and enjoyed fly fishing on Grand Mesa. As a profession, Les was a fruit farmer, mastering the horticultural technique of tree grafting. Les’ Golden Delicious apples were as delightful as his contagious laughter and meaningful words of wisdom. Les is survived by his children — a son, Larry (Rhonda) Womack of Bakersfield, Calif.; two daughters, Sherry Miller of Montrose, Colo., and Donna Hendricks Aragon (Rick) of Cedaredge, Colo. He is further survived by five grandchildren and

married Merna Connaway. Mr. Pope was a farmer and later a plumber. He worked for Delta Plumbing and Heating. He was a member of the Delta Jaycees, Delta Elks Lodge and Community of Christ. He was a football referee. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Merna; children, Glenn (Lisa) Pope, Roy (Jo) Pope, Naoma Heaps and Cheryl (GW) King; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Ed Montoya; and a son, Wayne Pope. Memorial contributions may be sent to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obitJohn Pope uary and sign the online Lifelong Delta resident guest registry at www. John R. “Johnny Bob” taylorfuneralservice.com. Pope died May 21, 2018, at Willow Tree Care CenFern Sedberry ter in Eckert. He was 86. Fern Sedberry died Graveside services May 18, 2018, at Wilwill be held at 11 a.m. low Tree Care Center in Tuesday, May 29, at Mesa Delta. View Cemetery in Delta. Family viewing was Mr. Pope was born in held May 20 at Taylor Delta Dec. 6, 1931, to Funeral Home in Delta. A Robert and June (Boyer) memorial service will be Pope. He grew up living held at Gunnison River on Ash Mesa. He attendPleasure Park at a later ed Columbine School, date. Olathe High School for a Mrs. Sedberry was short time and graduated born April 1, 1939, in from Delta High School Norwood to Jack and Milin 1950. dred (Williams) Bauer. On June 3, 1951, he She is survived by grandsons, Ben Bowman of Chicago, Ill., and Jedidah Bowman of Grand Junction; granddaughter, Sarah (Patrick) Bowman; great-grandson, Terran of Grand Junction; a brother, Dale (Sharon) Bauer of Chewelah, Wash.; sisters, Betty Mosher of Thompson Falls, Mont., Hazel

Brenda Burns, Theresa (Tracy) Burns-Fair and Rebecca Burns-White; sister, Betty Black; 18 grandchildren; 23 greatgrandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Artchie Burns; a daughter, Loretta Burns; seven siblings; and a granddaughter, Desiree Burns. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

their spouses: Stephanie (Chuy) Sandoval of Delta, Colo., Melissa (Dave) Lagomarsino of San Francisco, Calif., Bree (Jeremy) Gage of Bakersfield, Calif., Brett Womack of Bakersfield, Calif., and Travis Miller of Montrose, Colo. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Della, his parents, his sister, and his son, Kenton. May those who loved Les find comfort in these words from Rumi: “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.” 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

(Roy) Hyde of Helper, Utah; Caroline Jagodinski of Hotchkiss and Wilma Fay of Delta; and 19 nieces and nephews, including Cheryal Wilson of Delta. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Bauer and George Bauer; and one daughter, Mary Anne (Sedberry) Bowman in 2011. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Bernard Bouwens

Bernard E. “Bob” Bouwens died Feb. 7, 2018, at his son’s home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 88. Mr. Bouwens enjoyed spending time with his family and woodworking, making rocking chairs and horses, clocks and baby cradles. Interment will be in Paonia May 27 at 3 p.m. A celebration of life service will follow at the American Legion in Paonia. The family encourages attendees to share memories or a small wood project made by Mr. Bouwens.

Mary Ann Kastning

Mary Ann (Myers) Kastning died March 19, 2018. She was born on a farm in Delta County on April 8, 1921. She was preceded in death in 2013 by her husband of 67 years, William Kastning. A graveside memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at the Eckert Cemetery. Pastor James Conley will officiate. Family and friends are invited to this special memorial. It was Mrs. Kastning’s request that all come together to praise the Lord and share memories with one another.

May 20-26 is National EMS Week May 20-26, 2018, is the 44th annual National EMS Week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” Whether celebrated with a company cookout or a catered lunch, an open house, an awards ceremony or even quiet reflection about what it means to be an EMS practitioner, EMS Week is the perfect time

to recognize EMS and all that its practitioners do for our nation. “This week we honor all of the professionals working for the Delta County Ambulance District,” said DCAD manager Kirby Clock. “We want to recognize the lifesaving contributions and achievements, as well as the dedication and commitment of those who serve the community. EMS professionals at Delta County Ambulance District appreciate the continued support and cooperation of our community. Our goal is to work with all emergency services in and out of the district and to be there when you need us.”

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

A11

�� Chapel’s summer concert Call for ��

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series begins June 3

artists

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The Chapel of the Cross announces its 2018 concert series. Performances are scheduled Sundays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m., during the months of June, July and August. Additional programs are held in the fall and winter, as well as at Christmas. Watch the DCI and the Chapel of the Cross Facebook page for more information about these events. The summer schedule follows: Sunday, June 3 — David Starr, singer/songwriter, guitar and vocals. Thursday, June 7 — David Snider, smooth jazz, guitar, piano and vocals. Sunday, June 10 — Dr. Mary Kleinsorge and family, guitars and vocals. Thursday, June 14 — Paul Chamberlain, classic American country, guitar and vocals. Sunday, June 17 — Carissa Scroggins, soprano, opera to Broadway. Thursday, June 21

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The great outdoors is calling

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Summer is finally here and it is time to get connected to the great outdoors! Outdoor Heritage Day, Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Delta’s Confluence Park is the gateway for summer fun and adventures. Start the day off competing at the youth fishing derby from 8 to 10 a.m. At 10 a.m., hone your target skills at the

— Solar Brothers, guitar and vocals. Sunday, June 24 — The Scones, rockin’ Americana, guitars, bass and vocals. Thursday, June 28 — Shelley Rae, guitar and vocals. Sunday, July 1 — Two Cents and Change, classic Americana, guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals. Thursday, July 5 — Beth Williams and Sharon Clark, Americana and standards, guitar, piano and vocals. Sunday, July 8 — Dawson Springs Band, old and new Americana band, vocals. Thursday, July 12 — Lee Kersten, organ and piano standards. Sunday, July 15 — Thomas Neil and Beki Atchley, gospel, originals and country, instrumental and vocals. Thursday, July 19 — Me and Bob, ageless love songs and more, vocal duo. Sunday, July 22 — Banjira, mountain music, banjo, percussion and

archery, BB gun or .22 shooting trailers; challenge your balance on a kayak or a paddle board. The youngest kids can visit the petting zoo and take their bikes through a strider bike course. That’s not all — kids can try their luck at panning gold, reach new heights on the climbing wall and touch animal pelts and skulls.

vocals. Thursday, July 26 — Alan Cunningham, guitar and vocals. Sunday, July 29 — Jody Brown Family Band, instrumental and vocals. Thursday, Aug. 2 — The Rhythm Method, instrumental and vocals. Sunday, Aug. 5 — Robin Freed Harp Ensemble, instrumental. Thursday, Aug. 9 — Rhonda Parker and Bethany Ward, classical to Broadway, vocals. Sunday, Aug. 12 — House Blend Jazz Ensemble, instrumental. Thursday, Aug. 16 — Dr. John Howard, classical organ. Sunday, Aug. 19 — Grady Bunch, Cedaredge Community Band. Thursday, Aug. 23 — Hearts of Harmony, gospel to pop, vocal ensemble. Sunday, Aug. 26 — Paul Rosin, baritone, vocal sacreds to pop. Thursday, Aug. 30 — The Big End, instrumental and vocals.

New this year is a touch-a-truck area with vehicles from the Delta Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Delta Fire Department, Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, Delta County Ambulance District, Quintana Construction and the City of Delta Public Works Department. Saturday night at 8:45 p.m., Grace Community

Ham radio club sponsors annual tailgate party June 2 The Montrose Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual tailgate party on Saturday, June 2, at the Lions Pavilion, Conflu-

Rock, gem show set for June 2 The Delta County Rock, Gem and Mineral Show will be held Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Admission is free to the public, and children and adults of all ages are welcome.

ence Park, Delta from 8 to 11 a.m. Talk-in frequency is 147.195+ 107.2. The tailgate party is an opportunity to buy, sell and trade amateur radio equipment and socialize with area hams. Those interested in participating in ham radio can learn more about the hobby and pick up some good equipment at bargain prices. According to Steve Schroder, the event coordinator, “This is a great opportunity for old and new hams to get together. Recently several new hams have gotten their first licenses and need to acquire some radio equip-

‘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.

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ment at good prices. Older hams always have excess equipment that they no longer need. We will also have a door prize consisting of a new ICOM mobile dual band radio. There is no cost for admittance. Everyone is automatically entered for the door prize. Tables for sellers are available for $5 a table. You must be present to win the door prize. For more information contact Steve Schroder at 970201-5997.

Delta Fine Arts annual show and sale is June 21-23 at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Entries are being accepted through June 6. Visit www. deltafineartsguild.org for a prospectus and entry form. For more information, call Kathryn Hiney at 970-712-8907 or Ann Honchell at 970-874-7243.

Dog walk planned June 2 A Happy Trails and Waggy Tails Dog Walk is planned Saturday, June 2, at the TAILS shelter at 720 W. 4th Street, Delta. A dog walk, barbecue, silent auction and yard sale are planned between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is $15 for the dog walk; lunch only is $5.

Church will host a movie in the park. This event is absolutely free. T-shirts will be handed out to the first 250 to sign in and lunch is free. You’ll also have a chance to win some amazing raffle prizes. “Delta County residents are fortunate to be surrounded by some great public lands and waterways. We want to introduce our community to various outdoor sports and provide some gear to help them get out and enjoy themselves this summer, says Renee Ealey, event coordinator. “Beside our public land agencies, we have over 18 partners sponsoring events. All of our partners want our community to experience the benefits of being outdoors,” she said. Outdoor Heritage Day is a great opportunity to try a new sport, find out some of the best places to explore near Delta, and win some great prizes. Don’t forget to bring your bikes and fishing poles!

Concert benefits PACE programs Hazel Miller Band is coming to Montrose Thursday, May 24, for a fundraiser concert to benefit Senior CommUnity Care PACE’s wish granting and outdoor adventure programs. Donny Morales and the D&G Railroad Band opens. Hazel Miller Band performs an eclectic blend of jazz, R&B, blues, gospel and original music. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Hazel Miller is not just a great singer; “She is a

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force of nature!” quotes the Rocky Mountain News. Her voice has been called “stunning, moving and powerful.” Miller has been a sought after performer in Colorado for the past three decades. She has performed for all the Denver major league sports teams. Miller and her band was voted “Best R&B” band for 2017 by Westword magazine. Purchase tickets online at ageoutloud.voa.org or visit the PACE centers in Montrose and Eckert. Call 970-417-5670 for questions or assistance.

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A12 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Students share their internship experiences Fourteen students from Delta County Joint School District 50J high schools completed internships with area business-

es this spring. The new high school internship program places students with professionals for the purpose of work-based

learning and career exploration for 100 hours over the course of a semester. Along with their working hours, interns complete

academic assignments focused on workplace expectations and practices. Sponsors (business partners) provide the

intern with authentic work and learning opportunities that give students a better idea of the career field or job they

hope to pursue. Due to space limitations, these summaries will be published over two to three weeks.

Intern: Wade Barnard, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Steve Barnard, All American Concrete Wade had the privilege to intern at All American Concrete with Steve Barnard. Here he learned the essential skills required to be successful in this line of business. He learned to form, pour, screed, and finish concrete in all different forms such as smooth, stamped, colored, and broom finishes. Wade was also able to help in the process of building a garage and he learned the important process of bidding jobs how to bid jobs. Wade is very thankful for the opportunity he had to be a part of such a great company and wants to thank his sponsor for teaching him so much. He plans to intern with All American Concrete again his senior year.

Intern: Alyssa Kissner, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Marilyn Myers, Cedar Point Health Alyssa had the opportunity to intern at Cedar Point Health, Cedaredge. There she was able to utilize her skills in multiple departments, including nursing and clerical work. Alyssa enjoyed sitting in on minor procedures, and learning to draw up injections. She was able to get a good inside look of an average day at the doctor’s office, and it allowed her to get a feel for her future career and the goals she needed to set. Alyssa would like to thank Dr. Wade, Marilyn Myers and all the staff at Cedar Point Health for allowing her this valuable opportunity. Alyssa plans on attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona in the fall to study nursing with hopes to one day become an OB nurse.

Intern: Nick Jung, Hotchkiss High School Sponsor: Ray Katzdorn, Hotchkiss Automotive Nick Jung had the chance to spend a semester as an intern at Hotchkiss Automotive. There he learned a significant amount about maintaining and fixing cars. As an intern Nick enjoyed being helpful around the shop and found coming to internship to be worth his time. He worked alongside each of the techs in the shop at some point or another and would like to thank Ray Katzdorn for giving him this opportunity. Nick’s main responsibilities were being an all-around helper, and at times he rotated tires, assisted with oil changes and completed general shop duty. He plans to go to a trade school to study motorcycle mechanics after he graduates next year.

Intern: Salem Shenold, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Jami Taylor, Tayshen Automotive This semester Salem had the opportunity to continue his four-year apprenticeship at Tayshen Automotive. He would like to thank his sponsor Jami Taylor for giving him the opportunity to work and learn in such a high tech, highly rated repair business. Salem feels that he has learned great mechanical skills that will be carried with him wherever he goes. As an apprentice he has learned the value of contributing to the workplace by assisting others, learning and improving his skills, completing minor repairs and carrying out any task assigned to him. In July, Salem will depart for basic training to become an Allied Trade Specialist for the U.S. Army.

Intern: Billie Flonnes, Delta High School, Sponsor: Dr. Morgan Yost, Yost Family Dentistry Billie had the privilege of interning at Yost Family Dentistry. There, she was able to gain knowledge about dentistry and work alongside a fabulous team of professionals. Every day Billie looked forward to being there, knowing she’d be learning something new. On top of it all she gained a family who invested in her and taught her so much. Billie got hands-on experience in dental assisting, cleaning equipment, making models of teeth and so much more. Billie would like to thank Dr. Yost and the entire staff for making this a life-changing experience. In the fall she will take what she has learned and attend Colorado Northwestern Community College to earn her degree in dental hygiene.

Intern: Jade Gummo, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Kara Cowan, Surface Creek Family Practice Jade’s internship at Surface Creek Family Practice gave her the opportunity to see what it is like to work in the medical field and help patients first hand. Jade was given the chance to aid the nurses, doctors and front desk staff. She met and worked with awesome people who helped her learn more about her prospective career. Jade enjoyed the hands-on experience and working with so many different people. She would like to thank Kara Cowan and the rest of the staff for sharing this experience with her, quizzing her on medical terms and helping her learn the ways of the office. Jade plans to attend Colorado Mesa University in the fall with a major in nursing.

This summer, Libraries Rock!

Delta County Libraries is offering an eight-week summer program beginning the week of June 4 to all Delta County residents. Musical-themed activities, programs and prizes will be offered for all ages, at all libraries. Register the entire family at opening week, where

ice cream socials are scheduled at each library. No registration fees apply. Prizes will be provided for all participants, including a free T-shirt for all kids who complete the program. Register at your local library or online at www.deltalibraries.org, “Summer Reading.”

Service notice

Military services for William “Rocky” P. Branigan III will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at Veterans Memorial

Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. His ashes will be placed in a columbarium niche.

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

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Plant an Herb Garden!

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NORTH FORK May 23, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Memorial Day events in the North Fork BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

There will be Memorial Day observances in Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford this weekend. Hotchkiss In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the Hotchkiss VFW Ladies Auxiliary will accept donations for its annual poppy distribution from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the Hotchkiss City Market. The VFW will hold its annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday, at Riverside Cemetery. The public is invited. Paonia The American Legion Wilson Head Post 97 in Paonia will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremonies this Monday, May 28. At 9 a.m., the first of four services will be held at the Somerset Cemetery. A service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia begins at 10 a.m., followed at 10:30 by a ceremony on the Grand Avenue Bridge. The final service will begin at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Cemetery.

On Saturday, May 26, the Women’s Auxiliary will hold its annual Poppy Day at Don’s Market. All donations are gratefully accepted. Crawford The Crawford American Legion Post 190 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 27, at the Crawford Cemetery. This year, three deceased veterans, USMC mortarman Dave Hocker, who served in Vietnam; Bob Little Hawk Heid, who served in the Army Air Force in Europe and the South Pacific beginning in 1944; and Lieutenant Junior Grade Henrietta Keenan, who served in the Navy ROTC post-Korea, will be honored. The ceremony will include the traditional firing squad and playing of Taps. Following services, the Fruitland Mesa, Needlerock and Maher-Onion Valley clubs will sponsor the annual Memorial Day dinner at Crawford Methodist Church. Homestead Beef and all the fixins’ will be served. Cost is $5 for children under 12, $10 for adults.

Getting ready for paddle season

Guides and guides-in-training with Western Slope SUP (Stand Up Paddleboards) enjoy a recent training trip on the Gunnison River below its conﬂuence with the North Fork of the Gunnison. This is the second year the Hotchkiss-based company has operated commercially on the Gunnison River.

Hotchkiss trustees support Creamery, Farm to Fiddle BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Highway 133 will be a ‘cone zone’ this summer The Colorado Department of Transportation began a project on Colorado Highway 133 on the south side of McClure Pass on Monday, May 20, with anticipated completion in mid-October, weather permitting. The work, contracted to Anderson Drilling for $1.3 million, will reinforce a rock slip (fault) area between mile points (MP) 40.54 and 40.61, about five miles south of the Marble turnoff. Specifically, the project will stabilize and reinforce a landslide below the roadway alignment to reduce the risk of further slipping or future rockslide events. Work items will involve: • Excavation of approximately 3,750 tons (or 3,000 cubic yards) of rock material; • Drilling approximately 18 caissons, 60 feet deep, into which vertical and horizontal reinforcing supports (or rebar cages) will be positioned; • Installing 24-inch diameter rebar cages, which are circular sets of 18 60-foot-long sections of rebar; • Constructing a tieback system, which incorporates high-strength steel strand anchors, that are grouted inplace to anchor the vertical caissons; • Repairing and reconstructing the damaged roadway; • Conducting earthwork and erosion control;

• Final striping and signing. mid-October Through 2018, motorists can anticipate single-lane, alternating travel through the work zone. There will also be periodic full traffic holds of up to 15 minutes (please note, delays will exceed 15 minutes, as traffic queues must be cleared in each direction). Work hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a 10-foot width restriction in place during work hours. Motorists are urged to avoid distractions when driving through the work zone and to go Slow for the Cone Zone! This summer/fall, there will be three projects underway on Highway 133. The Bowie resurfacing and bridge repair project is taking place between MP 11.43 and 23.8. This project is expected to be completed by late September. For more information, visit www.codot.gov/projects/ co-133-resurfacing-in-deltaand-gunnison-counties. The project information line is 970-433-1853, and the project email is highwayinfocolorado @gmail.com. A resurfacing project is scheduled between MP 43 and 50, north of the slip project. Details of the McClure Pass to Redstone resurfacing project will be announced when work begins.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Managing Editor

As a nonprofit organization, the Creamery Arts Center relies on volunteer and community support to keep its doors open. Linda Tullis is also seeking a Colorado Creative Industries grant to help with operating costs. She attended the May 10 meeting of the Hotchkiss Town Council to request a letter of support for a $4,000 grant. Trustees readily agreed to lend their support, but were disappointed to hear that Hotchkiss is no longer part of the North Fork Creative District, because it’s not “walkable.” The North Fork Creative Coalition remains open to all artists, arts organizations, creative industries businesses and nonprofits throughout the North Fork Valley and in Delta County. The creative district, however, was recently recertified and includes only Paonia. It’s hoped that momentum generated in Paonia will “trickle down” to Hotchkiss, Tullis explained. “We are stepping out on our own and doing our best to make Hotchkiss an artists’ destination,” she said. She added that if the $4,000 grant is awarded to the Creamery, “it should see us through the winter.” In 2006, Tullis remodeled a formerly vacant and run down into a world-class art gallery and education center that’s become a centerpiece of the town. At their monthly meeting, trustees also heard an update

on the Farm to Fiddle Festival, an August event that, like the Creamery, is intended to draw visitors to Hotchkiss. Marsy Moore thanked the trustees for providing insurance for the event. Applications are being accepted from vendors, and the music has been lined up, but more volunteers are needed, Moore said. The festival takes place in downtown Hotchkiss in conjunction with the Delta County Fair. The fair parade also runs through downtown Hotchkiss, which requires some coordination the morning of the parade. Trustee Sheila Maki, co-chair of the fair parade, said the lineup procedure used for the parade last year worked well. A special events liquor license was approved for a fundraising banquet for the North Fork Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Chapter representative Wendell Koontz recommended purchasing tickets early, as sales will be limited to 150. The eighth annual event is set for Aug. 13 at Heritage Hall. As a follow-up to a May 3 work session on town water supplies, trustees extended leases for the use of water from the Overland and Fire Mountain canals for agricultural purposes. Before the next irrigation season, the town plans to solicit bids for those leases, to see if any other parties are interested. A copy of town regulations for vendors/solicitors was given to trustees for their review. The regulations

include updated licensing fees which have been in effect since last summer. There was some discussion about identification for solicitors who have properly registered with the town, which would help the marshal’s office with enforcement. Trustees were appointed to assorted boards, commissions, committees and task forces. Mayor Larry Wilkening is devoting his efforts to economic development. “I’m going to jump in and see what we can do to enhance the local economy,” he said. Trustee John Marta, who was asked to serve as a liaison with the town’s senior citizens, brought up the need for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels, and for paid drivers for All Points Transit. Under department reports, public works director Mike Owens said the town may want to implement odd and even watering days for those who use domestic water for lawns and gardens. He said that measure doesn’t limit usage, but it does get citizens thinking about conservation. He also reminded residents to keep backflow prevention in mind. “If you have a backflow device have it tested yearly and make sure the town receives the results,” he said in his written report. “If you need a backflow device get it installed and let the town know. Last year we were in violation on our cross connection rules. We will survey the system again this year and hope to stay in compliance.”

Fledgling Eagles urged to take flight during Paonia High School graduation BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At Monday night’s commencement exercises, 41 eaglets officially left the nest that is Paonia High School. During their four years, the class of 2018 collectively had

higher than average SAT scores, participated in allstate choir and band, broke sports records, won numerous titles, built and installed a solar energy system, and won the hearts of their community. During their four

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Kassidy Rapke, McKenna Palmer and Helene Sharer-Meneley were named Class of 2018 co-salutatorians.

years, Newsweek Magazine ranked their school among the nation’s top 500 for low income students two years in a row. Co-salutatorians McKenna Palmer, Helene Sharer-Menely and Kassidy Rapki spoke of family and community and leaving the comfort of PHS and their homes. Echoing the words of principal Randal Palmer, Rapke, who plans to study nursing science and become a flight nurse, urged fellow students to “Look around you. Take a moment to look around at this gym at the faces of those who supported them ... A huge part of our lives is ending. “And to everyone who came here today for this class,” she told the audience, “you are the reason for our success along the way.” The class was awarded a combined $1,068,250 in scholPhoto by Tamie Meck arships, among them, numerous local and regional schol- Examples of the success of the Class of 2018, co-valedictoriarships, two Daniels Fund ans Caden Meilner and Cyrus Malek-Madani Cyrus were both PHS GRADUATION TO B3 accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

B2 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

‘Live Like Casey’ scholarship honors Casey Gillenwater BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Scholarships awarded

The Ute Trails Car Club held its annual car show at Zack’s BBQ Saturday, May 12 — one of many activities taking place in Hotchkiss on Mother’s Day weekend. A portion of the proceeds funds scholarships for graduating seniors. Club president Lynn Krebs presents the awards to Kendra Swann (above), a graduate of Vista Charter Academy in Montrose. She will attend Technical College of the Rockies and hopes to open an all girls’ garage. Clayton Campbell, Paonia (below), was the other recipient. He will attend West Texas A&M with the goal of returning to Delta County to work in his family’s farming/ranching operation.

Ask his friends what they remember about Casey Gillenwater and they’ll say that he was humble, mature beyond his years, fun-loving, bubbly, friendly and caring, and fiercely competitive. They will say he made positive impact on many, many lives. Gillenwater, a 2011 graduate of the Paonia High School, outstanding athlete, homecoming king, outdoorsman, son, brother and friend, lost his life in a vehicle accident last September at the age of 25. On May 14, the first “Live Like Casey” memorial award was presented to Slater Podgorny, an outstanding athlete, son, brother and friend. Close friend and former teammate Blaine Escher presented the award to Podgorny, a three-sport athlete and Daniels Fund Scholar. Gillenwater’s family asked the school staff to select the recipient based on his shining characteristics as described by his friends after his death. Among

them, the male or female recipient should reflect selflessness and leadership, be a good role model, share their passion and ability so inspire, connect with others they come in contact with, and demonstrate high achievement. “They should lead by example, and be mischievous, but in a good way,” said Escher. Escher referred to Gillenwater as “a prime role model here at Paonia High School,” with “an intrinsic motivation to succeed, passion to inspire, and ability to connect with everyone... Casey’s selflessness and competitive mindset separated him from any other player in the division, on and off the field. His refusal to lose and overall leadership is what made Casey Gillenwater into a phenomenal player, friend and person.” “This award should inspire students to ‘Live Like Casey,’” said Escher. A memorial plaque will be displayed “within these PHS walls where Casey made such a positive impact.” The recipients name and year of

Spruce up Paonia is June 11-15

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Planning a big spring cleaning project? The Town of Paonia will hold its annual Spruce Up Paonia June 11-15. Public Works will pick up additional items like yard waste, lumber, branches (18-inch bundles no more than five feet in length), scrap metal, furniture and more at no extra charge. Exceptions include flammable liquids; a $50 charge will be assessed for electronics and appliances, refrigerators/freezers containing freon are an additional $25, and $10 will be charged for

tires. For details, call Town Hall at 527-4101.

Correction There was a spelling error in the article, “Fallen Hotchkiss officer honored at state memorial,” in the May 9 issue of the Delta County Independent. The widow of Constable Robert G. Lewis was identified as Sarah Minerva Friday Lewis; her name is actually Sarah Minerva Frady Lewis. We regret the error.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The ﬁrst ever “Live Like Casey Memorial Scholarship” was awarded by Paonia High School coach and teacher Blaine Escher to student-athlete Slater Podgorny. The honoree must share characteristics of Casey Gillenwater, a 2011 PHS graduate, star athlete, brother, son and friend. graduation will be added annually to the plaque. The award was made possible by memorial donations from friends,

family and the Paonia community. Donations will continue to be accepted through the high school.

Jordan Tamayo receives Betty Wolverton memorial scholarship Hotchkiss High School senior, Jordan Danielle Tamayo, daughter of Melissa and Alonso Tamayo, has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Betty Wolverton Scholarship. She is planning to attend the Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction and pursue a degree in athletic training/pre-physical therapy. This scholarship is in memory of Betty Wolverton, a much-loved fourth grade teacher at Hotchkiss Elementary. Betty was renowned for her knowledge of and passion for Colorado history. Her enthusiasm was reflected in the many children who were fortunate enough to pass through her class. Her dedication to students continued throughout their high school and col-

Jordan Tamayo lege careers. The Laureate Beta Mu chapter selects the recipient of the two year, $1,000 award. This scholarship awards $1,000 over two years at $500 per year. In so doing, this scholarship continues to honor the memory and wishes of Betty Wolverton to help students further their education.

Nolan Egging receives Kathleen Wheeler Memorial Scholarship

Photos submitted

HHS scholars honored

Peace Circle awarded $1,000 scholarships to six outstanding HHS seniors, hosting the scholars and their family members at a luncheon in the Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church. Scholarship recipients are (in the photo above) Morgan Miller (Texas Tech), Jordan Tamayo (CMU), Isaac Van Horn (CSU), Nolan Egging (Colorado School of Mines); (below right) Yasmine Gaub (CMU), Samuel Rodriguez (Colorado College). Peace Circle funds its scholarships (and many other local missions) through its Wear House Thrift Store, open Mondays in the basement of Hotchkiss Memorial Hall. Peace Circle was named 2014 Citizen of the Year by Hotchkiss Chamber of Commerce.

Hotchkiss High School senior, Nolan James Egging, son of Kimberly and Douglas Egging, has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Kathleen Wheeler Memorial Scholarship. He is planning to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden and pursue a degree in Engineering and Physics. This scholarship is in memory of Kathleen Wheeler, a beloved and highly respected teacher at Hotchkiss High School for 21 years. She spent her lifetime serving the needs of people by developing their potential. One of her greatest desires was to see high school students continue their education. The Laureate Beta Mu

Nolan Egging chapter selects the recipient of the two year, $1,000 award. This scholarship awards $1,000 over two years at $500 per year. In so doing, this scholarship continues to honor the memory and wishes of Kathleen Wheeler to help students further their education.

Photo by Tamie Meck

‘The Rev’ closing party

After some nine years of business, Revolution Brewing in Paonia has sold. Patrons celebrated their last evening at “The Rev” tasting room on Friday, May 11, with beer and blues music by David Snyder, Bobby Walker and Harry Harpoon. According to new owners Kit and Mike DeJager, the Rev is closed for renovation. The tasting room will re-open mid- to late-June under the name Paonia United Brewing Company.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Paonia graduation FROM PAGE B1 scholarships and two Naval Academy appointments. Before taking off for college, trade school, or to work on their family fruit farm, graduates will spend the summer working, exploring their home state and the world, and enjoying time with friends and family. They will compete in rodeo, work for a local ditch company, be lifeguards, and play sports. Their goals include becoming EMTs and earning degrees in computer sciences and engineering, music, psychology, equine sciences, nursing, architecture, health technologies, and physics. They will study taxidermy, blacksmithing, auto diesel mechanics and welding. Daniels Scholar Slater Podgorny will attend Denver University but hasn’t decided what he wants to be. Clay Campbell, whose North Fork Valley family roots run generations deep, will join the Texas National Guard and earn a science degree; Justin Johnson will join the Army National Guard at Fort Benning, Ga.; Dominic Limone plans to become a U.S. Marine Corps combat engineer, and study psychiatry, and one day help veterans to overcome PTSD. Co-valedictorians Cyrus Malek-Madani and Caden Meilner were among 1,200 applicants nationwide who were accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Both spoke of family and community. MalekMadani said he moved to Paonia in seventh grade and uncertain about whether he could make new friends. To his surprise he discovered “an exceptional community.” “This community has accepted me with open arms and introduced me to world that I didn’t even know I was searching for,” said Malek-Madani. “Though we come from a town and community of only 1,400 people, we have prepared each other to be larger than life.” Meilner, whose goal is to become a Naval aviator,

shared a story of a smalltown first-grade teacher whose students completed well-known proverbs with the following: Never underestimate the power of ... termites. A penny saved is... not much. When the blind lead the blind... get out of the way. “Like the answers, their memories of PHS will not soon be forgotten,” said Meilner. Through superlatives, accolades and sports analogies, commencement speaker Johnna Martin praised the class on its high grade point averages and “stellar performances both on and off the stage, the floor, the track, the mat and the court. This graduating class is a credit to their families, this school and this community... This class has exceptional character, leadership and commitment.” In introducing her, teacher and coach and PHS alumna Kriss Allen said Martin was the graduates’ obvious choice for speaker. “The love and admiration for her is deep in this class,” said Allen. Martin “embodies every quality that has made PHS and the community so incredible.” A 1979 Paonia graduate and star athlete at PHS, she studied criminal justice and served in law enforcement, including as sergeant of the Paonia Police Department, before returning to PHS in 2000. Last winter she was injured in an ATV injury and is a paraplegic. She gave her speech from a wheelchair, urging students to never give up, dig deep through discouragement and failure, and envision what they want their lives to be. “You don’t have to be a superhero or have super-human gifts for your visions to turn into reality,” she said. She spoke of basketball legend Michael Jordan, who didn’t make the varsity team his freshman year; of distance runner Glenn Cunningham, who overcame badly-burned legs as a child to become one of the greatest distance runners of all time; and of world-renowned horse trainer Monty Roberts,

Photo by Tamie Meck

McKenna Palmer and Jaden Miller were named outstanding female and male athletes of the Class of 2018.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Andi Todd and Anders Schopp skip during Monday night’s commencement exercises at Paonia High School.

Photo courtesy Tracy Sturgis

Forty-one seniors pose for their graduation photo Monday night. Class colors were gold and white, the sunflower was the class flower, and ‘Bye Bye Bye” and ‘Good Times’ were the official class songs. whose teacher gave him an “F” on a paper about his dream of building a big horse ranch, reminding him that he comes from a poor family. Years later that same teacher took his students to Roberts’ ranch and encouraged them to dream big. She talked about the PHS mascot, “...one of the most powerful birds in the world. They use keen eyesight and vision to spot prey several hundred yards away. Before striking, they scan for competition. “So, how do you see yourself in one year? Four years, 10 years, 20 years?” she asked. “Whatever your vision is, you have to keep that vision in front of you at all times.” Remember the eagle, she said. “Once he spots his prey, he fearlessly strikes...You have to press on and trust past any frustration, any failures, any barrier.” While awards were presented prior to graduation, three special awards are presented annually at graduation. Slater Podgorny and Brooke Hillman received the Robert F. Rockwell Cup. Now in its 108th year, the Rockwell Cup honors the outstanding senior girl and boy as selected by the student body based on character, leadership, scholastic ability and volunteer service. “Many consider it the highest achievement that a Paonia High School student can receive,” said assistant principal Karla Head in presenting the awards. Derek Holt received of the Denise Kossler Fine Arts Award. Holt has participated in music and in theatrical productions throughout his four years at PHS. The P-Blanket award for outstanding male and female athlete went to McKenna Palmer and Jaden Miller. Both are multi-sport, four-year letterers and garnered numerous awards. Principal Palmer used exponentials to illustrate just how deeply this class has touched the community. He asked graduates Enoch Kropp and Kaitlyn Wist to bring to the stage a person who has impacted their lives, and for those persons to bring someone to the stage who has impacted their lives, until 32 people — family members, coaches, church leaders and others — stood before the audience. “Let’s recognize the class of 2018 and their impact on society,” said Palmer. Palmer also recognized two special “graduates,” kitchen manager Lori Miller, who has overseen the service of an estimated 974,000 meals in her 29 years of service. “We’ll call you chef, because you have taken Spam and turned it into prime rib many times”; and Steve Swartzendruber, a longtime sports coach who will end his career this weekend at the state baseball championships. Kassidy Rapke urged graduates to hold onto this moment. “To my class, when you walk out of these doors as an Eagle for the last time today, really listen to the click of the door you’ve taken in,” said Rapke. “When you pack up your belongings and begin the journey this fall, take one last drive through the main street, taking in the mountains, the school, the mountains and the football field, and the people who’ve made this their home, and embrace it.”

Photo by Tamie Meck Photo by Tamie Meck Derek Holt was awarded

Slater Podgorny and Brooke Hillman received the Robert F. Rockwell Cup. Presented the past 108 years, the Rockwell Cup is considered the highest honor bestowed on a Paonia High School graduate. Honorees are selected by the student body.

the Denise Kossler Fine Arts Award for his four years of dedication to music and theater at PHS.

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B4 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Lena Sammons Reed scholarship committee awards $119,000 The Lena Sammons Reed Scholarship committee awarded $119,000 to students who attended Crawford Elementary for a minimum of two years and graduated or are graduating from Hotchkiss High School. The awards went to one nontraditional student, 12 renewal students, and

Where the buffalo roam

three graduating seniors. The graduating seniors are Braxton Trujillo, Jeneve Mitchell, and Elijah Kirk (not pictured). The committee would like to thank the Western Colorado Community Foundation for taking care of the Lena Sammons Reed account, making sure all of the recipients

receive their awards and working with the committee for award selection. Their commitment to the Western Slope is making a difference for many students both with scholarships and grants. Please go to http://wc-cf.org/ and look at all of the things the foundation is doing for western Colorado.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The baby buffalo began arriving in April at High Wire Ranch on Redlands Mesa near Hotchkiss. Baby buffalo are difﬁcult to photograph because the herd is very protective of them. The ranch has been raising buffalo since 1981, and elk since 1987. Owners Dave and Sue Whittlesey welcome tours (by appointment only) of their facility, please call 970-835-7000 to make arrangements. You can view videos of the latest arrivals on Facebook — search for High Wire Ranch.

Memorial Day dinner in Crawford The annual Memorial Day Dinner at the Methodist Church in Crawford is set for Sunday, May 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu features homestead roast beef with all the fixings, including salads, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and dessert. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Homemade crafts will also be available for sale. Bring your family and friends to share in the celebration. Sponsored by the Fruitland Mesa Club, Needlerock Rock and Maher-Onion Valley Club.

Photo submitted

Scholarship recipients Braxton Trujillo and Jeneve Mitchell are pictured with representatives of the Lena Sammons Reed scholarship committee — Nancy Carlson, Pauline Carr and Bill Carlson.

Week of wayfinding design begins May 30 in Paonia The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition was 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. The creative district will kick off the planning process with a “Design Week” charrette from May 30-June 5, in the community room at Paonia Town Hall. They invite all interested parties and stakeholders to participate in the process. The schedule of events is as follows: Wednesday, May 30, 12-5 p.m. — “Neighbors are Designers community conversation; 5-7 p.m. — Community workshop. Thursday and FriThe Fruitland Mesa day, May 31-June 1, 9 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 Ceceilia Pieper of off Saturday, May 26, Paonia recently particibetween 9 a.m. and 1 pated in the University p.m., or Sunday, May 27, of Findlay’s 2018 Sympoby 11:30 a.m. For infor- sium for Scholarship and mation call Shirley Cot- Creativity. ten at 970-921-7411. Pieper presented The dinner will be “Exploring the Culture from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. of Prescribing: A Survey Cost is $10 for adults and Study of the Correlation $5 for children 12 and Between Patient Experiyounger. ence and Expectation for

Bring your pies for Memorial Day dinner

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.

PEOPLE

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IN THE NEWS

Antibiotics and Patient Knowledge in Rural Northwest Ohio.” Undergraduate and graduate students were given the opportunity to share their research, creativity and professional learning experiences with the university and community. Many students received honors during the symposium’s awards ceremony. Located in Findlay, Ohio, the University of Findlay is known not only for science, health professions, animal science and equestrian studies programs, but also for cultivating the next generation of business leaders, educators and innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning, both in and outside of the classroom. Established in 1882 through a joint partnership between the Churches of God, General Counsel and the City of Findlay, the University of Findlay has nearly 60 majors leading to baccalaureate degrees and offers 11 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees. More than 3,800 students are enrolled at Findlay.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

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Daryl Batt of Hotchkiss participated in Simpson College’s Research and Creativity Symposium on April 19. The annual Simpson College Research and Creativity Symposium is a multidisciplinary event that showcases outstanding student work through the presentation of papers, performances, posters and panel discussions. Daryl’s parents are Greg and Julie Batt. Simpson College is located in Indianola, Iowa, a short drive from Iowa’s capital city of Des Moines.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Good Luck to Hotchkiss & Paonia Baseball Teams at State Semi-Finals Saturday, May 26 • Runyon Complex in Pueblo Hotchkiss Bulldogs vs. Peyton 9:00 a.m. Paonia Eagles vs. Dayspring Christian Academy 9:00 a.m. Winners of these games advance to the State Championship game at Noon

s! g o d l l Go Eag Go Bu les!

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We support our local teams!

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Ollie’s Ice Crea m

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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B6 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS May 23, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Grant first in 200m

Bruin boys second at state

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

This year’s Colorado State Track and Field Championships concluded last Saturday with Cedaredge High School’s boys track team just short of a third straight team title in the 2A

division. Resurrection Christian was the 2018 boys champions with 63 points while the Bruins and Lyons tied for second with 58 points. Ty Grant, as he had been the entire season, helped generate the majority of Cedaredge’s

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cedaredge senior Katie Hyke lets ﬂy with her third preliminary throw in the shot put. The effort was her best of the competition and measured 37-7.5 feet, which gave her second place in this year’s 2A state track meet.

58 points with one individual gold medal and two others in relays. Grant also finished a disappointing third in the 100m dash, an event he was ranked first in (2A) entering the state meet. Cedaredge’s girls were off the pace this year and finished 21st with 16 points with senior Katie Hyke’s second-place finish in shot put the top finish for the Bruins. In Class 3A, Delta’s Panthers were not shut out in either the boys or girls divisions with Jacob Wear finishing ninth in the 800m run and Keely Porter placing fifth in shot put. Kaley St. Peter placed ninth in long jump after qualifying ninth with her personal best of 16-9. Delta’s boys had one point in this year’s state track meet in a field of 37 teams. Bayfield won the team title with 79.5 points. The girls were 30th in a 40-team field with six points. Classical Academy won the girls’ team title with 97 points. Cedaredge Boys Grant’s state tournament performances included a new record for

Cedaredge High School in the 200m dash. Grant’s 22.41 in the preliminaries broke Ben Brewer’s old mark of 22.44 which was set in 2010. Grant’s winning time for the 200m was 22.62. Grant also helped establish new season personal bests for the Bruins’ 4x200 and 4x400m relay teams. Junior Wyatt Camp, freshman Alex Barron and senior Drew Markley joined Grant to run a 1:32.02 and establish the season’s best time for the event. The old mark was 1:32.33. “We just tried to stay calm,” said Grant. “We knew what was on the line. We just tried to run our race.” Markley praised the team’s efforts. “I think our handoffs were the best they’ve been all year.” The team, which had run together all season, knew they had a shot at the state title early in the season. Limon, which placed second with a time of 1:32.35, made a few mistakes in preliminaries noted Grant. ”So we knew we were in the running.” Seniors Grant, Jordan McMillan, Markley

and Danny Mendoza won the 4x400m relay in a new season-best time of 3:30.01 which erased the previous best time of 3:32.21. Cedaredge also won the 4x100m relay race to mark a milestone for the Bruins. According to DCI staff writer Tamie Meck, the win is the first time for Cedaredge to win a state championship in the 400m relay. The Bruins had placed second the past three years before winning the event this year. The Bruins were ranked fifth coming into state, and moved to third following preliminaries. Limon, the top qualifier in preliminaries, failed to show for the finals race Saturday afternoon leaving the Bruins with a legitimate shot at a win. Sophomores Josh Jenkins and Zach McMillan joined Mendoza and Camp in a PR performance time of 45.12, surpassing the old mark of 45.18. Cedaredge shaved more than 11 seconds off its old PR for the 3200m relay (8:33.51) to place fifth with a time of 8:22.12. Helping set the new mark were Markley, Jordan and Zach McMillan and sophomore Tevin Keller. In other individual efforts, Mendoza finished fifth in the 300m hurdles (41.41) but set a new PR with his 41.14 in the preliminaries. Mendoza was ninth in the 110m high hurdles with his 16.64. Cedaredge Girls The Cedaredge girls sent three to state in discuss; seniors Katie Hyke (2nd ranked) and Grace Andrews (5th ranked)

and freshman Holly Jenkins. The only one to place was Jenkins, whose fourth-place throw of 113-4 was more than five feet better than her 10thranked throw of 108-1. Hyke finished second in shot put for the second straight year with a throw of 37-7.75. The Bruins’ 3200m relay team (senior Hannah Hatheway and juniors Camie Baldozier, Kylee Hanson and Courtney Freeman) cut seven seconds off its seasonbest time (10:40) to finish eighth with a new PR time of 1:33.14. Delta Boys Senior Jacob Wear entered this year’s 3A State Track and Field Championships as the state’s 17th-seeded 800m runner with a time of 2:01.07. Wear, and eight other finalists, turned in sub two-minute performances to treat fans to a very fast finals race. Wear finished ninth with his time of 1:59.62 and set a new PR for himself. Delta’s 4x400m relay team, composed of seniors DELTA BOYS TO B7

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta sophomore Remi Baldwin did not place but she had the highest ﬁnish in the hurdles for the Panthers (13th, 100/300H).

Photo courtesy Amie Henderson

Cedaredge High School’s boys track team posed for this team photo after accepting this year’s second place runner-up trophy. The Bruins were ﬁrst in 2016 and 2017 and now have a pair of second-place trophies (2015 and 2018) to go with the top prize. Cedaredge scored 58 points to ﬁnish in a tie with Lyons, who graciously allowed the Bruins to take the original trophy back home to the Western Slope while another trophy was made for the Lions.

Palmer, 3200 relay team strike gold at state meet

Roberts, a freshman, was running second when she handed the baton to The Paonia girls Rapke. On her second medaled in 10 events lap, Rapke overtook St. and scored 41 points to Mary’s in the final 200 place sixth at the Colorameters, and Hillman was do High School Activities able to hold on to the Association State Track lead, pulling away from and Field Meet. St. Mary’s on the final After placing 16th as corner to win. a freshman, third as a All except Roberts ran sophomore, and second on the team that placed as a junior, Mckenna third last season. RobPalmer won the triple erts also plays soccer for jump. Palmer was ranked Delta. “She was doing a first in state in the event couple of workouts with throughout the season. us during the week and On her third preliminary the rest of the time was attempt she hit a careerworking on soccer,” said best mark of 36 feet, 3.75 Mitchem. inches, a full foot over The team ran its best her previous best mark, time of the year, and it ran the smartest race, said Mitchem. “They didn’t panic when other kids were ahead of them.” The team of Roberts, Lightfoot, Rapke and Hillman also placed fifth in the 1600m relay with a season-best time of 4:14.57. Hillman is a four-year state qualifier and multistate placer in relays. She medaled in the 800meter run all four years and placed in the 1600 her freshman year. Hillman is also a four-year state qualifier in cross Photo by Tamie Meck From left, Tawny Roberts, Randi Rapke, Poppy Lghtfoot and Brook Hillman country. Paonia qualified two pose after winning the 3200-meter relay Thursday at the 2A state track meet PAONIA GIRLS TO B7 in Lakewood.

BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

for the win. Palmer was also ranked eighth in the long jump. She advanced to finals on a mark of 15-9, where she scratched on her first attempt. “That made me really nervous,” she said. She’d hit 15 feet or better all day and needed more to maintain second place. After jumping 15-11.75, she said she sought advice from coach Scott Rienks. “Rienks told me to just go for it,” she said. She did, and she landed the best jump of her four-year career, setting a mark of 16 feet, 7 inches to place second.

In her third state qualification in the 100-meter hurdles, Palmer ran a personal-best time of 16.48 seconds in preliminaries and was ranked fifth going into finals. Palmer finished eighth with a time of 17.19 seconds. The 3200-meter relay team of Poppy Lightfoot, Tawny Roberts, Randi Rapke and Brooke Hillman won gold with a time of 9 minutes, 57.24 seconds, a full seven seconds ahead of second place. Paonia exchanged leads with St. Mary’s numerous times throughout the race. On the second leg,

Photo by Tamie Meck

Senior Jacob Wear (17) entered this year’s state track meet as the 17th seeded 800m runner in Class 3A. Wear set a new personal best time of 1:59.62 and placed ninth. Wear was also a member of Delta’s 4x400m relay team which ﬁnished seventh.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Mckenna Palmer lands a triple jump at the state 2 track and ﬁeld meet Saturday at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood. Palmer won the event after placing second her junior year; she also placed in the 100 hurdles event.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Hotchkiss boys fifth at state, four relays place BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss boys had their best showing in recent years at the state track meet, placing in the top five in three events and scoring 43 points to place fifth overall in Class 2A. The last time the boys did this good was in 2013 when both teams placed third, said head coach Kelly Cowan. It’s also the first time that all four relay teams placed at state. As the meet went on, they did better and better. “We talked about it and the kids realized that they deserve to be here and can run with this kind of competition.” In the first relay finals race of the meet, the 3200m relay team of Robert Cochran, Jesus Macias, Myles Zoutte and Sam Rodriguez finished eighth with a time of 8:31.66. The 800m relay team of Cochran, Oliver Mendoza, Jace Peebles and Colton Peebles was ranked 12th in the 800-meter relay, placed eighth in preliminaries with a time of 1:35.00 — just three-1000ths of a second ahead of Crested Butte, and placed sixth in finals. “When we heard we were ranked eighth, we were excited as all get

out,” said senior Colton Peebles. “This is amazing.” One of the biggest successes of the meet was the 400m relay team of George Arroyo, Mendoza, and Colton and Jace Peebles. The four first ran together at the 2A Western Slope League meet and secured the 18th and final state qualifying place after running a 46.35-second time at the Cedaredge Bruin Invitational — the final qualifying meet of the season. In the preliminary heat Hotchkiss tied for eighth with a time of 46.21 seconds. After a review, they were seeded ninth by a mere three-1000ths of a second. In finals they placed sixth with a time of 46.30. Hotchkiss rode the wave in the final event of the meet, the 1600meter relay. The team of Cochran, Jace Peebles, Macias and Rodriguez won bronze with a season-best time of 3:31.11 after finishing ninth in preliminaries with a time of 3:35.57. In the meet’s throwing events, Darrin Young took second in shot put with a throw of 46 feet, 9.5 inches, and first-year senior shot-putter Kevin Chavez, who was ranked 13th, placed ninth with a throw of 42-6.

In the discus event Young placed fourth and senior Nolan Egging, who was ranked 13th, placed seventh with a mark of 131-1. Elijah Patrick finished fourth in the high jump. Patrick, a second-year junior high jumper who placed 10th in state high jump last season, cleared the bar at the starting height of 5 feet, 10 inches on his first attempt. Patrick was among 10 jumpers remaining after the bar was raised from 5-10 to 6 feet. On his second attempt, Patrick cleared 6 feet and was one of four jumpers remaining when Photo by Tamie Meck the bar was raised. All Hotchkiss junior Elijah Patrick clears the bar at six feet at the 2A state track four passed on jumping meet. Patrick placed fourth overall. 6-1, and Patrick went out at 6-2. In individual running events, two-time state qualifying senior Colton Peebles finished 10th in the 300 hurdles with a time of 42.1 seconds. In the 110m hurdles, sophomore Jace Peebles placed 11th with a time of 16.63 seconds. Rodriguez was ranked 10th in the 800m run and placed fifth with a time of 2:00.51. In a race that saw the state record shattered by two seconds, Rodriguez said he didn’t start as fast as he should have and was “stuck a little bit” for about half of the first lap. BULLDOGS TO B8

Firor wins gold at state in 400m, 300H BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

In a repeat of her 2017 performance, Hotchkiss junior Kaiya Firor brought home two gold medals, winning the 400-meter dash and 300meter hurdles events at the Class 2A state track meet in Lakewood. Firor finished the 400m a full second ahead of second place finisher Gracie Bradfield of Meeker. In the 300 hurdles,

Firor finished in 46.17 seconds, defeating Denver Christian junior Monika Williams by more than a second. Running in Saturday morning’s rain and cold temperatures, Firor also won bronze in the 100meter dash with a time of 12.47 seconds. With an athlete like Firor, “you have to figure out how to give them the best opportunity without overdoing it,” and in a

manner that scores the most points, said head coach Kelly Cowan. “We feel like we put her in the best events.” For her fourth event, Firor anchored the 800meter medley relay team with seniors Yasmine Gaub, Jordan Tamayo and sophomore Elsie Vasquez to a silver medal. Hotchkiss was in a close seventh place when Firor took the final FIROR TO B8

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kaiya Firor runs to her second straight state title in the 400-meter dash Saturday. Firor also won the 300m hurdles, placed third in the 100m dash and anchored the medley relay team to a second-place ﬁnish.

Malek-Madani, 3200 relay team win medals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Cyrus Malek-Madani was ranked fifth in discus heading into last weekend’s Class 2A state track and field meet. But in his third and final qualifying throw the senior surprised everyone with a career-best throw of 148 feet. The throw also earned him his first trip to the podium and a silver medal. Malek-Madani also competed in shot put, where he placed 13th. Malek-Madani “really improved over the last month,” said head coach

Brian Mitchem. The boys didn’t have a big team this year, but the athletes who showed up were very committed, said Mitchem. They will lose seven seniors, among them, Malek-Madani and four-time state qualifier Caden Meilner. In Meilner’s four years on the team he competed at state in distance, mid-distance and relay events. In his last state performances he placed 11th in the 800m with a time of 4:41.42, and 17th in the 3200 with a time of 10:58.56. This year’s team

strength was in the middistances, said Mitchem. Meilner and juniors Logan Green, Ethan Bartlett and Harley Ewert won bronze in the 3200-meter relay with a season-best time of 8 minutes, 20.49 seconds. Their time fell 13-100ths of a second shy of the 2005 Paonia High School record set by the state champion team of Justin Vallelonga, Eric Hughes, Billy Mitchell and Alex Mitchem. In the 3200m run, Bartlett was ranked 15th and finished 10th with a season-best time of 10:26.55.

Delta boys CONTINUED FROM B6 Wear and Logan Freed, junior Jarrett Hernandez and freshman Hezekiah Huff finished seventh in the race with a new PR time of 3:28.60. Delta Girls Several performances from Delta’s girls just missed chances to be on the podium in the 2018 state track meet.

Freshman Keely Porter and junior Kaley St. Peter did find their way to the podium last weekend for medal presentations. Porter, the 3A seventh-seed in shot put (35-4.75) finished in fifth-place with a 35-4.5 throw to earn five of the Panthers’ six points. St. Peter, who entered the state tournament

ninth in 3A long jumpers (16-9) finished this year’s state tournament with a jump of 15-6.75 to place ninth. Delta’s 4x200m relay team was 10th and the sprint medley relay team and the 4x400m relay team were 11th to finish out of reach of qualifying marks in the 2018 state tournament.

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Hotchkiss seniors Darrin Young and Nolan Egging and Paonia senior Cyrus Malek-Madani medaled in the state 2A discus event. Malek-Madani was ranked 11th and placed second, Young was placed seventh and placed fourth and Egging was ranked 13th and placed seventh.

Paonia girls CONTINUED FROM B6 girls for the 300m hurdles. In her first state appearance, junior Alexandra Eaton was ranked 13th and placed eighth with a time of 50.04 seconds. In her first year of running hurdles, Randi Rapke ran a season-best time of 48.48 seconds in preliminaries and finished ninth in finals with a time of 50.92. In both preliminaries and finals, Rapke and Eaton ran side by side. Eaton also placed 11th

in the 100m dash (13.14). In high jump, Lyla Hayutin-Baril cleared 4-10 to place 10th, Lightfoot cleared 31-2.5 to place 16th in the triple jump, and junior Sabrina Leighton finished 11th in shot put with a throw of 32-9. The Paonia girls also competed in the 400m and 800m relays, but dropped the baton in the preliminary heat. “It was bound to happen sometime,” said Mitchem, who marked the end of his 11th season as head coach. It happens all the

time, even at the state level, said Mitchem. For the Paonia girls, “It just happened two days in a row.” All in all, said Mitchem, “It was a solid year.” Paonia will lose five seniors — Hillman, Randi Rapke, Kassidy Rapke, Palmer and McKenna Johnson. “The seniors have just been fantastic,” said Mitchem, whose girls won the last Photo by Tamie Meck five state titles. “They’ve been a huge part of this Paonia senior Randi Rapke, left, and junior Alexandra Eaton clear the final program for the last four hurdle in the state 300-meter hurdle preliminaries. Both qualified for finals, with Eaton placing eighth and Rapke ninth. years.”

B8 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss, Paonia title matchup possible BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Could the North Fork baseball teams face off in the state championship baseball game? It’s possible. It’s been four years since they’ve gone this deep into the playoffs, but the Hotchkiss Bulldogs made the final four in

Class 2A state baseball. The Bulldogs are ranked fourth and advanced to the final four with an eighth-inning win over Rocky Ford (18-5). The Melloneers, the team that lost to Paonia in the 2017 state championship game, were ranked fifth in state. “Rocky Ford is a very

good team,” said head coach Blake Carlquist. Despite being under pressure, Hotchkiss came through with several big plays. After a scoreless first inning they trailed, 3-1, at the end of the second inning, then scored two runs to tie the game up in the third.

Tunget Gymnastics busy qualifying BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Tunget Gymnastics has completed four qualifying meets and one state meet so far this season. So far there have been 37 gymnasts qualify for state meet competition. At the Black Canyon Gymnastics Meet, Tunget’s top placers at the Bronze Level included Nevaeh Leon with a three on vault, a two on bars and Lily Gallegos with a three on bars. Silver Level placers were Emma Beeson a 3 on vault and a first on

beam; Olivia Hines a first on bars; Jazmin Vodopich second on bars and a second all around; Jessica Gilmore a first on beam; Emarie Simpson a third on vault and Danika Queen third on beam. Gold Level scores included Ashlyn Webster first on beam; Olivia Lindsay third on vault and first on floor exercise. Leon was the top Bronze Level winner for Tunget at the Grand Junction meet with a first on bars. Silver Level winners included Hines first on

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beam; Vodopich second on vault and third on floor. In Gold Level competition Natalie Mills was first on bars and third on floor; Kacy Walck finished third on vault, second on beam and third all around; Brianna Hall was second on beam and third all around and Isabelle Hall finished third on beam. Tungets top finishers at the Colorado West Gymnastics Meet at the Bronze Level included Savannah Wilks third in vault. Silver Level winners were Harlee Signs, second on beam and Simpson third on bars. Gold Level placers were Walck, first on vault, third on beam and third all around and Hall first on vault and third all around. Top finishers for the Synergy Meet (Silvers only) were Signs, third on bars, second on beam and third all around; Hines second on beam and floor; Vodopick second on vault and bars, third on beam and first on floor and all around; Sarah Green first on bars and second on floor. Tunget Gymnastics Gold state competitors included Walck, second on bars and 10th on floor and eighth all around; Ashley Duke, 12th on beam; Hall, fourth on vault and 11th on bars; Adair Ela, 10th on vault, sixth on beam and 10th on floor and Webster sixth on bars. The Silver State Meet will be held the first weekend in June and the Bronze Meet the second weekend in June.

After three scoreless innings, in the top of the seventh Hotchkiss took a three-run lead. Rocky Ford battled back, said Carlquist, scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings. In the final inning the Bulldogs scored five runs with two outs. The team didn’t panic, said Carlquist. Instead, they came through with several big plays, including doubles by Jonathan Gonzalez and Jesus Macias. On the mound, Gonzalez allowed eight hits and four earned runs and struck out 14 in 6.2 innings. Eli Kirk stepped in for the win, allowing two hits and striking out two in the final inning, said Carlquist. The Bulldogs opened the two-day tournament on Friday with a 14-6 quarterfinal win over 13th ranked Dawson School (13-8). In the first inning the Bulldogs scored nine runs. Dawson School scored five in the second. Hotchkiss scored five more unanswered runs. Kirk was brought in to finish and earned

the win, allowing Dawson four hits and one run and striking out 11 in five and one-third innings of work. Kirk had to give his arm a rest and hadn’t pitched in a game for two weeks, said Carlquist. To come back and pitch two wins “was impressive.” In the sixth inning senior Josie Hiatt made a diving catch in right field that could have turned into a triple or home run, said Carlquist. “It was a very big play at a key time.” It was also one of many impressive performances for the team, said Carlquist. “Our kids played well under pressure.” This Saturday morning Hotchkiss will face No. 1 Peyton (21-1) in championship semifinals. On the opposite side of the bracket, the defending state champion Paonia Eagles defeated 14th seed Front Range Christian, 11-2, then eliminated No. 6 Limon (15-6), 10-0, in quarterfinals. Paonia will face No. 7 Dayspring Christian Academy, which upset second seeded Sedgwick County, 14-10, in quar-

terfinals. Paonia was undefeated in 2017, and wasn’t scored on in state semifinals or the championship game. They lost a talented group of six seniors, and weren’t expected to get deep into the playoffs this season. But head coach Nate Miller said he has faith in this team and knew they had a shot at making the championships. “People thought I was crazy,” said Miller after defeating Hotchkiss to win the district tournament on May 12. “But I said, you know, I think we’re going to be better than we were. I don’t have quite the talent we had last year, but we’ve got a team, and they stick together and they play hard together and they practice. They just don’t have any issues.” It may be a different team with different kids, but all of the starting players including allstate first team pitcher Kaden Seriani and catcher/pitcher Jaden Miller, also played on that team. “I think we’re pretty solid all the way around,” said Miller.

Mother Nature KOs 3A playoff schedule Rains continue to delay the 3A baseball tournament, in which the Delta Panthers were scheduled to begin play last Friday, May 18, in Niwot. Expected rains prompted officials to move the opening round to Monday, May 21. Those plans were washed away and new dates and sites have been set. Rains left ballfields in Niwot and Greeley saturated and the tournament will now begin on Friday and Saturday,

May 25 and 26. It will conclude on Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2. Also, because Niwot High School is conducting graduation services on the field on Saturday, all games have been shifted to Greeley schools. Delta will play University on Friday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Butch Butler Field, located at 2227 23rd Avenue at Centennial Park in Greeley. The winner will face the winner between Eaton (17-4) and Peak to Peak (14-6)

later that day, at 3 p.m. at Butch Butler Field. The 3A tournament is a double-elimination format, and the loser of the Delta-University game will play again Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at University High School. The school is located at 6525 W. 18th Street in Greeley. All 3A playoff action on June 1-2 will be played at Butch Butler Field. The 3A bracket can be found online at chsaanow. com.

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2A STATE TRACK

PHOTOS COURTESY ��

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2A 4x100m Relay champion team of Josh Jenkins, Zach McMillan, Wyatt Camp and Drew Markley.

TAMIE MECK

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Camie Baldozier

Bulldogs CONTINUED FROM B7 “I just wanted to keep up (with the pack) in my first lap,” said Rodriguez. “I knew that if I could keep up I’d have a kick at the end.” In his first year of run-

Firor CONTINUED FROM B7 handoff from Tamayo. On the final curve she was running in fifth place and overtook all but Williams to finish second in a season-best time of 1:52.46. “It would have helped to have a little longer” to catch Williams, said Firor. The team, which cut more than a second off

Sam Rodriguez

ning the 400-meter dash Rodriguez was ranked 14th in Class 2A competitors and placed 13th overall with a personalbest time of 52.77 seconds. All six members of

the boys team — Colton Peebles, Young, Egging, Zoutte, Chavez and Rodriguez — placed in at least one event. “They stuck with it,” said Cowan. “They got better every year and it paid off.”

offtheir qualifying heat time, was ranked first heading into Saturday’s finals, but wasn’t disappointed with bringing home silver. “I think we’re all happy to get on the podium,” said Vasquez. The girls team qualified for state in all five relays. The 3200-meter relay team of Gaub, Nadia Hill, Morgan Miller and

Tamayo placed 11th with a time of 10:48.52; the team of Gaub, Vasquez, Tamayo and Hill finished 12th in the 1600meter relay with a time of 4:23.28 and the Bulldogs were 16th in the 800m relay (1:56.93). The 400-meter team of Gaub, Adair Ela, Vasquez and Tamayo finished 14th with a time of 53.6.

SURFACE CREEK May 23, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Observe Memorial Day in the Surface Creek

Today we are a nation at war against terrorism. The armed forces of the United States are fighting the terrorist armed forces in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq and are working hard to protect our country against those who would do us harm. It is more important than ever that we honor all veterans who have lost their lives in war. Memorial Day Weekend events are planned throughout the Surface Creek Valley. These Memorial Day services are open to the public. On Saturday, May 26, 7 to 10 a.m. a Memorial Day pancake breakfast will be offered at the Stolte Shed in Cedaredge. This is the buttermilk, “made from scratch,” pancake breakfast, served with sliced ham and scrambled eggs. All you can eat — you’re guaranteed not to leave hungry. On Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m., the Ladies Auxiliary of Grand Mesa VFW Post 9221 will place individual flags at the gravesites of each veteran at Cedaredge Cemetery. Memorial Day services in the Surface Creek area are as follows on Monday, May 28: • 7 a.m. Cedaredge Cemetery: Come and help set up casket flags with the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, American Legion Post 104 and VFW Post 9221. This is an opportunity for all citizens, service groups and families to participate in erecting the approximately 190 casket flags that will be flown during this Memorial Day. Every flag was used in the burial of a veteran and has his name on it. Flags are taken down at 4 p.m.

• 10 a.m. Cedaredge Cemetery: American Legion Post 104 and VFW Post 9221 program will include a roll call of all those veterans interred. Color guard by the combined American Legion and VFW. The ceremony will last approximately 40 minutes and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating; • 11:15 a.m. Eckert Cemetery: American Legion Post

104 and VFW Post 9221 will conduct a program to include a roll call of all those veterans interred. Color guard by the combined American Legion and VFW; and • 11:45 a.m. Cory Cemetery: American Legion Post 104 and VFW Post 9221. This program will include a roll call of all those veterans interred. Color guard by the combined American Legion and VFW.

Pioneer Town opens Saturday The much-anticipated opening of Pioneer Town is Saturday, May 26. As in the past, opening day is known as Heritage Day, with special events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cowboys — some carrying guns and others guitars — will be roaming the historical village. Watch the blacksmith and wood carvers at work. There will be antique carriages, quilting demonstrations and a petting zoo. Take a peek into your own past with a genealogist. The VFW Post 9221 and Auxiliary will have its famous all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., and the Rotary Club will offer a barbecue lunch. Kids are invited to join Cedaredge Library staff for a pony parade. Arrive at 10 a.m. sharp to paint and then decorate a pony. Line up for the parade at 11:15 a.m. and ride through Pioneer Town. The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Ponies are limited, and will be

available on a first come, first served basis. Or, you can bring a painted pony from previous years. Call Cedaredge Library at 399-7674 for more information. Pioneer Town is a completely local, volunteer enterprise of the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society. The complex covers nearly five acres and is readily identified by three distinctive wooden silos standing next to the Welcome Center. The silos are the last remaining structures of the Bar-I Ranch, established in the early 1880s as a cattle ranch. Pioneer Town is open seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend through the first weekend of October. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondaySaturday. An admission fee is charged, but will be waived on Heritage Day for members of the Surface Creek Historical Society. Its many members are dedicated to the preservation of the area heritage.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Leading by example

Cedaredge town workers, Andrew Wilson (left) and Kathleen Ray are watering a diminished number of plants in downtown these days. To emphasize the need to conserve water during stage one of the town’s drought plan, one-ﬁfth of downtown decorative plants have been removed. Leading by example, the town is also asking citizens to conserve by watering lawns and outdoor plants early or late in the day. With a dry winter and lack of spring moisture, reservoirs and other water measures are at 60 percent of capacity.

A carpenter and a forester: A journey of faith BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

This is the story of how a carpenter who lived 2,000 years ago transformed a present day forester into a devoted follower. Years ago, when Nicholas “Nick” Greear was a rebellious teen, he walked away from his nominal Christian upbringing. He had no idea that within a decade he would embrace a fulfilling existence as a biblical Christian with a strong personal commitment to Jesus. “I went from the notion of humans reaching up to God through prayers and good works to a firm belief that God is reaching down to humanity in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These are historical facts which I have intellectually accepted and they have transformed my life,” he explains. Through the influence of his fatherin-law and his own love of scripture and history, Greear became a committed Christian at the age of 25 and he has been growing in his faith ever since. Which is why, after a busy working life that encompassed two challenging careers, he retired to pursue his diverse

hobbies of big game hunting, restoring vintage motorcycles, and woodworking. And he also found time, in his late 60s when most men are content to focus on leisure, to earn a master of arts degree, summa cum laude, in biblical studies. Earlier this month, Nick and his wife Judy, who have been married 47 years, journeyed east to receive his diploma from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, a part of Michigan’s non-denominational Cornerstone University. The trip allowed the couple to take their trailer and spend a month exploring middle America. Nick is a third generation Coloradan (his paternal greatgrandparents homesteaded in Norwood). He was born and raised in Denver but found he didn’t care for city life. After high school graduation in 1967 he attended Mesa Junior College where Judy and he met. He then attended Colorado State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation and forestry. He began his initial career with the U.S. Forest Service working in Steamboat Springs, Fort Collins, Alamosa, Rapid City, Carbon-

Photo by Don Benjamin

A true jack of all trades, Nick Greear of Cedaredge retired from the U.S. Forest Service and a second career in emergency management training to pursue his diverse passions which include woodworking, restoring and riding old motorcycles (like this 1966 Honda Benly “Baby Dream”) and an intense personal study of the scriptures that earned him a graduate degree in biblical studies at age 69.

dale and then Fairplay where he served as district ranger. Eventually he and Judy relocated to Delta County where they lived in Cory while he worked at the Forest Service office in Delta. In 1990 the couple moved to Baker City, Ore., where he used his woodworking skills to renovate the interior of an historic mansion which he and

Judy operated as a bed and breakfast. The Baer House (constructed in 1882) reflects the Victorian architectural style of the Pacific Northwest from the late 19th century. While there Nick served as the fire chief on the WallowaWhitman National Forest and one term as a city councilor. In 2002 the couple made their last official move, this

time to Milwaukee, Wis., where he was in charge of fire operations for the national forests from Minnesota to Maine. In the fall of 2003 he retired from the Forest Service and they moved back to Delta County, where they had previously purchased a lot and subsequently built their home in Cedaredge. NICK GREEAR TO C2

Ripping the hard pan Saddle club prepares for summer gymkhana series BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The dirt surface of a rodeo ground should never be hardpacked. A so-called “hard pan” surface is dangerous for horses and riders alike. An ideal horse ground has been sufficiently “ripped,” or deeply plowed and leveled, to provide an ideal surface for horses to round and turn and maneuver safely. The stated mission of the Surface Creek Saddle Club is to provide a safe environment for equine activities: a place for youth and people of all ages to be able to explore, understand, and participate in equestrian activities which reflect the foundation on which the American West was built. The Saddle Club continues to fulfill its mission and you might say they’re “ripping the hard pan” in their efforts to bring safe, exciting and educational horse and rider events to western Colorado. The club is constantly working the ground: promoting and supporting long-standing activities while continuously seeking feedback for new ideas and events. The club’s spacious arena at 24224 Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge began life in 1955 as a venue for “Cowboy Polo.” In 1959, they began hosting the Little Britches Rodeo as well as other roping and rodeo events. This summer, following a 60year run, the Little Britches competition will be discontinued due to lack of participants.

The Surface Creek Festival Association — the organization which previously put on the Little Britches rodeo — will meet soon to determine if a non-sanctioned rodeo might be beneficial to the youth in the surrounding area. In the meantime, the saddle club will continue its tradition of gymkhana events which began in 1990. A gymkhana features horse and rider activities which demonstrate equestrian skills. Typical events are barrel racing, pole bending, flag races, and a variety of fun events. Every summer, riders come to Cedaredge from throughout Delta County and from neighboring Montrose and Mesa counties and elsewhere in Colorado to compete for fun, points, and prizes. And opening day is just around the corner. This year’s “Saddle Series” gymkhana events will be held every Wednesday beginning May 30, with the exception of the Fourth of July. There are four events each night. Gates open at 5 p.m. with contestant sign-up from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The grand entry begins at 6:45 p.m. and competition generally ends around 9 p.m. Competitors must be members of the Surface Creek Saddle Club. Annual membership fees are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family. A one-day pass to accommodate competitors is available for $10. There is an additional cost of $7 per event, per day. Membership dues and event costs can be paid on the day of the gymkhana or in advance by contacting Melinda Katchur via email at melindakatchur@gmail.com. Gymkhana riders compete in five age categories. There

is a group for seven-year-oldand-under youngsters who ride while someone leads their horse; a seven-year-oldand-under group which rides solo; and groups for 8 to 13 year-olds, 14-18 year-olds, and adults. Competitors accumulate points toward local prizes awarded at the end of the gymkhana season and they also earn points to qualify for other rodeo competitions. The local gymkhana prizes include saddles and other western articles. In addition, winners among the youngest competitors receive ribbons each week. The saddle club is a nonprofit organization which relies on volunteers and community contributions. Their major sources of operating funds are their membership dues and their event fees. They have also had generous support from area businesses including Bank of Colorado, Big John’s Ace Hardware, West Elk Electric, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, CropwoRx, Home Depot and Starr’s Guitars. 4-H students help out with events and the club’s volunteer board members are very active. The club’s current officers, all of whom reside in the Surface Creek area, are Keith Stilling, president; Gwen Williams, vice president; Melinda Katchur, secretary/treasurer; and members at large: Kurt Jones, Mitch Larson, Stacey Kenyon and Whitney Woolley. Volunteers are always needed to help with events. To volunteer, to join the saddle club, or for more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or www.surfacecreeksaddleclub. org.

C2 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Nick Greear FROM PAGE C1 He then embarked on career number two and became a partner in a private firm,

Photo submitted

A proud graduate at age 69, Nick Greear of Cedaredge earned his master of arts degree, summa cum laude, in biblical studies. This month he and his wife Judy traveled east to receive his degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, a part of Michigan’s non-denominational Cornerstone University.

Organizational Quality Associates (OQA). Working with OQA, he traveled through the nation teaching local firefighters and other emergency responders to certify them in the particulars of the new federally-mandated Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS was mandated by the first Bush administration in the wakes of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina — two tragic national incidents that exposed the need for more systematic coordination of disaster responses. During his years with OQA, Nick helped train responders and continued responding himself to large-scale disasters requiring high levels of coordination. Dubbed “Area Command,” these highly coordinated responses helped manage huge incidents including fires, hurricanes and oil spills. Finally, after 12 years with OQA, he thought to himself, “I’ve been

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working since age 14 so I think I might really retire. That idea lasted about 10 minutes,” he laughs. So that’s when he decided to further his education and enroll in seminary. He has enjoyed his work in the outdoors and the intellectual challenges of his instructional roles training emergency responders. He also enjoys reading history — especially American history — but most of all he loves the scriptures. At age 69 he feels that his two years of diligent online study for his graduate degree have been some of the most satisfying months of his life. Asked what he learned, he said two things: “How much I don’t know and (quoting the traditional Christian hymn) ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’ ” What will he do with his degree? Friends wonder if he’ll become a pastor. “I don’t have the gift of preaching,” he admits, “but I love to teach.” So he plans to continue to teach Sunday school at his church, Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church in Cedaredge. And he feels that continuing to study the scriptures and share the message of the Bible carry their own rewards. To demonstrate this belief, he opens his well-worn Bible and reads the words he has inscribed on the inside cover. It is a quote from Charles Caldwell Ryrie, the eminent biblical scholar and Christian theologian who died in 2016: “The Bible is the greatest of all books; to study it is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it is the highest of all goals.”

Photo submitted

A double rainbow beams brightly over the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge. The center, located at 195 N. Main, will host its grand opening reception on June 15, with other festivities planned for June 16.

GMAEC grand opening celebration is June 15 Anticipation and curiosity about the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center is about to end! Join us to celebrate our Grand Opening, “Art on the Edge,” beginning Friday, June 15, at 5:15 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend our ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m., followed by an open house and reception. The center is located at 195 N. Main Street in Cedaredge. You will be able to explore the newly remodeled art center and hear about

our programming, education and community outreach plans. In celebration, we will be presenting more than 60 original 5x7 canvas pieces created by community artists, including art by local students, each of which will go home with the highest bidder. Festivities continue on Saturday, June 16, with activities for children, a featured artist reception in the gallery and David Starr’s CD release party. The concert is sold out but an encore concert is

being planned for Sunday. Watch our Facebook page and website for further details, at www. grandmesaartscenter. com. “The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center is a dream come true for our valley and has been made possible through the generosity and dedication of this community,” noted Deborah Shaffer, executive director. “We want to share and celebrate this accomplishment with everyone.”

Photo by Don Benjamin

Military service recognized

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Michael Wason (left) and his father William Wason proudly display a patriotic quilt which commemorates 28 family members who have served in the military beginning in World War II. Including their own service, the family’s aggregated devotion to country exceeds 220 years and that total continues to increase with those who remain on active duty. Michael served in the U.S. Army and William served in the U.S. Air Force. Both are Cedaredge residents. Father and son were attending a monthly coffee hosted last week by the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. The coffee is held on the third Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon at The Pondy in downtown Cedaredge. The next coffee is scheduled for June 19.

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Police officers, teachers recognized in proclamations BY MCKENZIE MOORE Contributing Writer

The Town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees met May 17 at the Cedaredge Civic Center. Mayor Eugene Welch proclaimed May 13-19 as National Police Week to pay tribute to local and national law enforcement. Following the proclamation, the Cedaredge Police Department demonstrated the skills of its new K-9, Tigger, in finding drugs and capturing suspects. Police chief Dan Sanders explained the training process for K9 units — the dog uses a “cone” method to isolate the scent of various illegal drugs and point to the location, expecting vocal praise or a toy as a reward. When pursuing suspects in a criminal situ-

ation, the dog is trained to bite and hold the suspect and wait for the handler or officer to arrive. Sanders explained that Tigger’s methods are not rooted in viciousness but rather in seeing the pursuit as a game; the dog is trained to restrict the suspect rather than harm him. In addition, Welch proclaimed May 2018 as Teacher Appreciation Month and May 26 as Heritage Day to kick off the summer season of historical events in Cedaredge, starting with the opening of Pioneer Town. Assistant director LaDonna Gunn presented an oral report for the Delta County Public Library District. The summer reading program offers students prizes for

reading set numbers of hours to avoid the “summer slip,” in which they lose academic progress through summer break. The theme for this year is “Libraries Rock.” Students will receive a free T-shirt for completing the program. Gunn discussed concerns about the funding for the library district and the impending risk of closing libraries throughout the county. There are currently five libraries in Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Paonia, Delta and Crawford. Gunn emphasized that the libraries provide valuable resources for their communities, and she hopes taxpayers will take action to protect the district from closing individual libraries. The board also approved a change order

Photo submitted

A helping hand

in the amount of $80,464 for the Highway 65, to change the scope of the project to include SE Centennial Avenue. The change order called for six-inch pipe and council asked if it would be possible to use four-inch pipe because that is the size of the existing pipe on Centennial. Public works co-director Scott Lock provided an oral report of the project’s progress and the completion of new drinking fountains in the Cedaredge Town Park. Police chief Dan Sand-

ers presented an oral report for the Cedaredge Police Department.The county received a grant for a mental health responder, and the K-9 unit has begun working. The department also identified the individuals who vandalized the bleachers at Cedaredge High School. The students who spread toilet paper in the trees will help set up and tear down graduation. The cost of repairing the paint on the new bleachers exceeds $5,000 and the students involved

VBS set for June 4-8 The First Baptist Church of Cedaredge (370 West Main Street) is offering a free vacation Bible school to be held June 4-8. This program is for children ages 4 years old through entering sixth grade and runs from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This year’s theme is SonQuest Rainforest, offering an experience your children will never forget! They’ll learn how their lives can be transformed by God’s great love for them. For more information, contact the church office at 856-3830.

The Outreach Committee of All Saints Lutheran Church, Austin, recently presented to Families Plus of Delta, a check for $1,150 that was raised at its annual spaghetti dinner held in April. Each year the committee chooses a Delta County charity non-proﬁt organization to raise funds for. Pictured from the left are Claudia Kellogg, Marilyn Liebetrau, Carolyn Goller, Brenda Holland, director of Families Plus, Pastor Paul Rosin, Wilma Reever, Linda Ranta and Del Miessler.

What’s bugging you? BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

You’ve probably heard of IPM or Integrated Pest Management. But what about an even more holistic approach? Try PHC or Plant Health Care. So PHC encompasses so much more than IPM. Instead of focusing only on pests such as insects, diseases and weeds, PHC will look at factors than can stress plants such as improper planting techniques, water, soil, soil compaction, plant location, among other elements. What are the benefits of the PHC approach you might ask? It detects problems early before they become major problems. It can extend the life of trees, shrubs and perennials. It saves money by addressing a minor problem before it becomes an expensive problem. You are being proactive instead of reactive. The approach reduces our reliance on chemicals and also encourages spot treatments and timely applications. It reduces the loss of beneficial insects and spiders by being more selective and precise in targeting controls. So what are the steps for implementing PHC? Think prevention by using proper planting techniques, insuring that soil conditions are adequate, selecting a site with the right amount of sunlight, watering with the right amount of water with the correct frequency, and adding mulch to retain moisture longer. You must learn to tol-

erate some insects. you If attempt to sterilize your landscape of insects, you will often create a worst situation. If your idea of a satisfying garden is one that must be perfect, perhaps you need to direct your attention to some other hobby or endeavor. Forcing your landscape to conform to something it is not or wasn’t meant to be will only bring woe and disappointment. Loosen up! You also must walk through your garden spaces on a regular basis. Otherwise you won’t catch something before it becomes a big problem. And if you are not frequently in your garden, why do you have one in the first place? Maybe think “zeroscape.” When you find something that doesn’t seem right, google is both your friend and foe. There is a lot of good stuff on the internet but there is also a bunch of bad advice and unfounded “science.” Your local CSU Extension office will have a master gardener program with qualified volunteer experts to help you solve your plant problems. We are pretty good plant detectives! Last but not least, once you plant your landscape, be consistent in such duties as watering, fertilizing as needed, mulching, yanking and replacing plants that are doing poorly, selective pruning, deadheading, removing

Photo submitted

Jim Leser inspects his barberry bushes for aphids.

weeds before they go to seed, and don’t forget yearly aeration of your lawns. I have more to share with you about the PHC approach so stay tuned for further discussion. Until then, the Cedaredge Tree Board will be having a signup for our June 23 free Sick Tree Day. First come first served. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

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have been expelled. All are from Delta High School, the school district confirmed. board also The approved the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center’s request for a special events liquor permit from 4 to 11 p.m. at its grand opening event June 15 and 16. The board did not choose to take any mandatory measures regarding the drought situation but hopes citizens will conserve water throughout the summer.

C6 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Surface Creek Saddle Club wish list Melinda Katchur, the Surface Creek Saddle Club’s secretary/treasurer, recently gave a tour

of the arena grounds. Much work has already been completed to prepare for the club’s sum-

Photo by Don Benjamin

Big job, small tractor. The saddle club’s vintage tractor is adequate to keep the competition grounds properly groomed. But the old implement isn’t powerful enough for the all-important task of “ripping the hard pan” to create a safe and functional dirt surface for horses and riders.

mer gymkhana series. Everything is painted, the area and adjoining track have been “ripped” and leveled, water leaks and roofs have been repaired, and the area has been mowed and cleaned up. So, Katchur says, the arena is ready, although the work of maintaining a safe and efficient equestrian environment is really never done. Like any non-profit which depends upon the support of individual volunteers and community business sponsors, the club has its own particular wish list. And here it is: 1. Safer and sturdier arena fencing. The fence separating the track from the arena (see photo) is in need of replacement. The pipe framework is broken in places and neither the chain-link fencing, which is suspended from the frame, nor the steel belting at the base of the fence form a safe barricade. The current fencing needs to be removed and replaced by new steel framework embedded in a concrete stem wall. The club already has safer and sturdier galvanized steel panels on hand but these cannot be installed until the new framework is in place. Adding a sprinkler system to the new fence would be ideal. A generous contractor who was willing to donate some or all of the services/supplies needed for this replacement project would be a welcome partner in solving this, the club’s number one priority. 2. Storage. A shed to store the club’s tractor and other equipment and supplies. 3. A new, more powerful tractor. The cur-

rent tractor is not powerful enough to perform necessary arena maintenance and a leveler attachment is also needed. 4. Fire hose reels. The arena and track must be periodically wetted to maintain a good surface. The club has fire hoses but the reels would help make best use of the hoses. 5. Grandstand coverings. Currently spectators need to bring their own umbrellas to use as sun shades and protection from rain. 6. Ideal world wishes: Bathroom repairs and a new round pen where riders can prepare their horses for competition. Any individual or business desiring to help make these wishes come true is urged to contact Keith Stillings, president of the Surface Creek Saddle Club at keith.stillings@yahoo. com.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Saddle club secretary/treasurer Melinda Katchur stands next to a section of old arena fencing. The white metal framing pipe is cracked in places and the old chainlink fencing does not provide a good barrier. The crow’s nest in the background is where the announcer and timers sit to preside over events. Last year Starr’s Guitars donated a new crow’s nest sound system. This year the club hopes a generous contractor partner will come forward to help it replace its 60-year-old fence.

Photo by Don Benjamin

The Surface Creek Saddle Club is about to launch its summer equestrian gymkhana series. Melinda Katchur, club secretary/treasurer stands in the middle of the main arena. This year the club hopes to ﬁnd a generous contractor willing to partner with them to replace the old fence separating the main arena from the smaller race venue on the right.

Drought brings disaster designation for Delta County The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Delta and Montrose counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. The designation follows a similar announcement for Mesa County. Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Gunnison, Mesa, Ouray and San Miguel in Colorado also qualify for natural disaster assistance. Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties of Grand and San Juan in Utah also qualify for natural disaster assistance. Qualified farm opera-

tors in the designated areas eligible for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA’s) emergency (EM) loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration of April 26, 2018, to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. Other FSA programs

that can provide assistance, but do not require a disaster declaration, include: Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; the Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; and the Tree Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA service centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster. fsa.usda.gov.

Tractor Supply raises $8,986 for 4-H youth through Paper Clover Colorado 4-H youth will have opportunities to learn valuable leadership skills thanks to $8,986 donated by Colorado Tractor Supply customers through Paper Clover, a biannual fundraising campaign held in partnership with National 4-H Council. “Our loyal customers and dedicated team members continue to support 4-H through Paper Clover because they see the

value in supporting the future of agriculture within their own communities and across the country,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company. “4-H programs, camps and conferences help develop today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders, and the goal of Paper Clover is to expose more youth to those growth opportunities.” Earlier this month,

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Colorado Tractor Supply customers participated in Paper Clover by purchasing paper clovers — the emblem of 4-H — for a monetary donation of their choice at checkout in stores and online. The spring initiative raised more than $956,000 through customer donations. Awarded as scholarships to 4-H camps and other leadership events, every Colorado donation benefits Colorado youth. “Since the beginning of Paper Clover, we have seen the fundraiser grow each year,” said Jessica Holmes, store marketing manager at Tractor Supply Company. “To have the opportunity to directly play a role in the development of 4-H youth is the reason why we work so hard to support this mission.” “To see just how much Tractor Supply communities support 4-H and their local youth is incredible,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Thanks to the Paper Clover partnership, more youth are given the opportunity to experience and benefit from 4-H and our programs.” The Paper Clover campaign will return this fall, from Oct. 3 to Oct. 14.

Classifieds

May 23, 2018

Real Estate

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

Real Estate

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WANT TO RENT: HONEST, 60 yr. old disabled women looking for a room to rent or studio. Fully self-contained, non drinker/smoker, Friend of Bill W's, clean and quiet, excellent references. Call: Susanna (307) 4311367. (3x20)

Help Wanted

Wanted

HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Municipal Service Worker in the Public Works Department. Position is full�� time with benefits, starting �� salary is $17.24/hr. Under direct supervision performs �� a variety of unskilled and GET QUICK RESULTS, semi-skilled manual labor �� advertise in the DCI Clasin the construction and �� sifieds. Call today 874maintenance of roadways, 4421. water and sewer systems, drainage facilities, buildings, other public facilities, and in refuse collection; �� drives truck and operates �� light equipment incidental Yard Sales Yard Sales Yard Sales to the work; will provide �� proper security of offenders while supervising and �� instructing offender labor performing community �� service tasks; experience �� with the State of Colorado �� Department of Corrections beneficial; Must possess or �� be able to acquire a Class B �� commercial driver license �� within first six months of employment; possess both �� valid Colorado Class 1 �� Collection and Distribution �� Certifications or able to obtain within first 18 �� months of employment; �� any combination of training �� and experience equivalent �� to graduation of high school �� with some experience as �� a laborer. Will be required �� to successfully pass a preemployment drug screen �� and background check. �� Submit completed City of �� Delta employment application to the City of Delta, �� ESTATE SALE, 7864 Attn: Human Resources, �� Hwy. 65, Delta, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 360 Main Street, Delta, CO May 26-27-28. Please do not 81416 by deadline date of �� come before 9 a.m. (1x21) June 1, 2018 by 5:00 p.m. �� Full job description and applications available at �� the above address or online �� at www.cityofdelta.net. �� Incomplete applications or Help Wanted applications submitted after the deadline will not be con�� sidered. EOE. (2x21) �� HELP WANTED: THE �� NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE City of Delta is now accept�� ing applications for the notify the Delta County position of Maintenance Independent 10 days prior Mechanic. Position is full to moving. PO Box 809, time with benefits. Starting Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874salary is $19.93/hr. Under the 4421. Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted direction of Fleet/Facilities Manager will perform skilled �� work in the repair and main�� tenance of a wide variety of �� gasoline and diesel powered automotive equipment and �� power tools. Requirements �� are any combination of �� experience and training �� equivalent to graduation �� from high school with course �� work or vocational train�� ing in auto and equipment �� mechanics; and completion �� of an approved apprentice�� ship program, or three year �� years of actual mechanical �� experience as a mechanic’s �� helper or trainee. Course �� work or experience in oper�� ating and maintaining computerized vehicle inventory. UNCOMPAHGRE VAL- I AM LOOKING FOR �� Must be willing to work ley Water Users Association energetic people to deliv�� after hours, on weekends is looking for an experi- er phone books in Delta, or holidays if needed. Must enced heavy equipment Montrose and the sur�� possess a valid Colorado operator. Must have a valid rounding area, during the driver’s license; commercial unrestricted driver’s license month of June 2018. You �� driver’s license beneficial. with Class A CDL. Must have need to have your own car �� Will be required to success- verifiable heavy equipment with proof of insurance and fully pass a pre-employ- experience. Must be able to a driver’s license. Rate of �� ment drug test and criminal lift 75+ lbs., bend, stretch, pay is between .23 and .53 Subscribe and be informed! background check. Submit stand for extended periods cents per book depending a completed City of Delta of time, climb stairs, reach on how condensed the area Do you know what happened at city hall? employment application to twist and work in small is. Please text 250-1736 or DELTA SURGICAL City of Delta, Attn: Human spaces. Applicant must call 250-0947 or 250-9219 for Associates. Looking to Do you know what happened in local sports? Resources, 360 Main St., be a team player and self- more information. (3x19) add a full time Medical Do you know what happened in your neighborhood? Delta, CO 81416, by deadline motivated. Please no phone Assistant to our team. Must You’ll know, if you get your day off the ground date of June 1, 2018, by 5:00 calls. Applications and/or be hard working, reliable with our newspaper! p.m. Applications submitted resumes can be delivered and able to multitask. Email after this deadline will not or mailed to 601 N Park resume with references to �� be considered. Employment Ave., Montrose, CO 81401. melissadelsurg@yahoo. applications available at the Application deadline May com or drop off at 95 above address or online at 25, 2018. (2x20) Stafford Lane, Delta. No www.cityofdelta.net. EOE. phone call please. (1x21) 401 Meeker St., Delta • 874-4421 ADVERTISE!! 874-4421 (2x21)

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COLORADO PUPS OF Grand Junction is now taking deposits of $250 on our latest litter of AKC German Shorthair Pointers born on 4/18/2018. Puppies will be ready for their new homes on 6/8/2018. Free delivery to Delta and surrounding areas. Please call 970-3141759 or visit www.colora dopups.com for more information. (3x21)

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D2 Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Miscellaneous

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Public Service

Delta County Independent

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)

WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- NARCOTICS ANONYings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 mous meets at 9th and a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Church, 5th & Palmer (back Fridays at 8 p.m. door). DELTA FOOD PANTRY FREE DIAPERS FOR UP needs meals for Delta famito one year! Pregnant lies who are temporarily women in Delta County can in need. Donations of nonnow get help to quit smok- perishable food may be ing and get something they brought to 628 Meeker. can really use after their KEEP THE baby arrives — free diapers. HELP!!! � Healthy moms have healthy animal population under THE DELTA COUNTY babies. Enroll in the Baby & control, and SAVE an aniIndependent runs these Me Tobacco Free program mal's life. Adopt your new items as a public service today. Contact the Delta cat or dog from the Delta free of charge for non-profit County Health Department County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. �organizations, if no fees are at 874-2165 or your local Call 874-2149. charged. However, each physician. group is asked to please THERE IS A VFW MEETING keep them current by call- SUPPORT THE DELTA on the first Monday of each Library. Give a gently used ing 874-4421. book in the Downstairs month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Book Store. at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give WELCOME RETURNING Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., please call 250-6637 and we Veterans, Post 9221 VFW Delta. For further informeets at 5:00 p.m. on the mation, call 874-8172 Jim will pick up. 4th Thursday of each month Baker, Quartermaster. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in Cedaredge. To find out Support Group for Adults how to participate in pro- HILLTOP COMMUNITY and Children: Every moting patriotism and Resources offers free serWednesday in Delta from assisting veterans, contact vices and support to vic5-7 p.m. there will be a free Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- tims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There support group for adults 1180. are also ongoing support whose lives have been impacted by domestic vio- AARP DRIVER SAFETY groups. Please call our office lence and a separate group Course. Save on insurance, at 970-773-2251 for more for children at the same keep up on newer traffic information or if you are in time. Please call 970-874- laws, learn defensive driv- crisis please call our 24 hour ing techniques. For details crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. 4941 to sign up. and schedule contact John WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Loring (970) 856-6924 or AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and Golf with a fun group of (970) 424-1778. friends of alcoholics meets ladies. Two membership Al-Anon, options available. Sign up AL-ANON: HOPE AND in Hotchkiss: at www.cedaredgeladies help for families and Mondays at 6:30 pm, golf.com. Get to know us friends of alcoholics meets Methodist Church 285 N. on Facebook at “cedar in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall 8090 or Marjorie 970-433edgeladiesgolfclub” behind First Baptist Church, 1856. ALCOHOLICS ANONY- 370 W. Main St., contact mous meets Thursdays at 7 Mary M. 970-856-6123 or CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV regular meetings on the p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. Jim 970-874-7855. second Monday of each 897 Palmer Street, Delta. HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD month at 7 p.m. at the CO FATHER’S NETWORK- Historical Museum. Winter Veterans Building, 15th & dedicated to providing hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Howard, Delta. For further community and education $3 admission or free to information, call Paul Carter to fathers of special needs members. Come see our 874-5150. kids. Meets twice monthly museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss on the 1st Saturday at 11 Streets in Hotchkiss. 872- YOU HAVE THE POWER TO change a child's life! a.m. and the 3rd Monday 3780. Children are waiting for at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for CHECK OUT THE BOOK senior partners in Delta more details: www.codads. store at the Delta Library. County right now! Can you You'll find a great selection spare 3 hours a week? We org of paperbacks at reasonable need your help! Call today for more information. Please CARING FOR CARE- prices. givers, C4C - supportvolunteer to spend time with ing hearts that care. Open IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, a child in our community. to ANY caregiver. Meets you will love the Downstairs Partners of Delta, Montrose monthly in Delta, 2nd Bookstore in the basement and Ouray, 874-4661, www. Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. of the Delta Library. partners-west.org. or www. 10th St, Delta. SUBSCRIBE!! 874-4421 deltayouth@montrose.net.

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SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store. SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, Delta, CO 81416. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, Wednesdays at 7 pm, United Methodist Church, 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa 970-395-3608, Chris 970-527-3366 or Marjorie 970-433-1856

Public Service PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. FOSTER GRANDPARENT Program enriches the lives of senior volunteers while improving the education of children with special needs. Volunteers, 55 and older, needed to assist in class rooms tutoring and mentoring children. Low-income volunteers may qualify for a stipend. Teachers in Delta area class rooms request "Grandparents" to come in and work with students who need the extra help to achieve their best. For information on how you can use your talents to help kids call Tanya at 298-9091.

THE AMERICAN RED PARENTS — FREE Cross needs you. Become information and referrals one of the Red Cross vol- for licensed child care prounteers who says, “We’ll Be viders. Call Bright Futures There, Because Help Can’t Child Care Resource & Wait!” Call your local Red Referral at 877-728-5613. Cross Chapter at 970-2424851 or 1-800-HELP NOW COLORADO QUITLINE IS for information on the dif- a free, confidential teleference you can make in phone coaching service someone’s life as a disaster for anyone calling from a volunteer. Colorado area code. With QuitLine, tobacco users can DELTA HAS A BOOK- receive free supplies of the store in the basement of nicotine patch as they work the library featuring gently with trained coaches who used books and magazines. create a personalized quit Come check it out! plan just for them. To conHEALTHY BABIES START tact the QuitLine, call 1-800with early prenatal care. QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) Delta County Health or visit www.coquitline.org. Department. Offers access THE DELTA COUNTY to immediate, temporary Democratic Party invites Medicaid for pregnant you to visit their Facebook women who qualify. 874- page for announcements, 2165. information and intelligent BOOKS MAKE GREAT discussion of issues. You stocking stuffers. Find are not alone! Contact books at great prices in www.facebook.com/pages/ the basement of the Delta CO-Delta-County-Democrat s/109082339170167. Public Library. THINK YOU'RE PREGnant? Abused? Need help? The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free service, support and advice to all teenagers and women in crisis pregnancy situations. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCiation Caregivers' Support Group, Delta. Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, Grand Mesa Oncology Center, 1501 E. 3rd Street, Tuesdays at 2 p.m. AMERICAN PAONIA Legion runs a year round non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

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D4 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

AARP seeks community service nominees AARP Colorado AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2018 Colorado Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50-plus Coloradans who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. “AARP Colorado is excited to shine a light on 50-plus Coloradans who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them,” said Bob Murphy, AARP Colorado state director. Nominations will be evaluated by AARP Colorado staff and volunteers, based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community,

supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in early fall. AARP Colorado Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following

eligibility requirements: • Nominee must be 50 years or older. • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, with-

out pay. • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and mission. • Couples or partners who perform service

together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible. • This is not a posthumous award. Please contact Jeremiah Mora at jmora@aarp. org, 303-764-5986 for further information and a

nomination form, or visit http://bit.ly/2rwsmXf for online submissions. Application deadline is June 1. Last year, AARP recognized 51 outstanding individuals and couples from around the country.

Senior theatre presents murder mystery The Grand Junction Senior Theatre presents “The Affairs at Meddlers Top,” a murder mystery comedy written by Richard Coleman and directed by James Werner. The performances take place at the Robinson Theater at Colorado Mesa University Friday, June 15, at 7 p.m., and

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Saturday, June 16, at 2 and 7 p.m. Sir Hector Croquet is holding a tennis weekend at his country home, “Meddler’s Top.” There is a jewel thief at large and Hector is concerned that Lady Davinia’s emerald necklace may be the next target. A quick phone call ensures that Inspec-

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that you can continue to live an active, creative and healthy lifestyle in your golden years. Come to the performance, be entertained, and see these actors showcase their considerable skills. For more information contact Helen McKinley at 970-234-1828 or go to Facebook: Grand Junc-

tion Senior Theatre. Tickets in advance are just $10 each and available at Roper Music, 912 North Avenue, the Main Street Gallery at 412 Main Street, or online at www.gjseniortheatre. org for $11. Tickets purchased at the door are $12 each. Children 12 and under are free.

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tor Topiary and Sergeant Manners are on their way. A murder takes place — but who dun it? Come to the show and find out! The Grand Junction Senior Theatre, a group of adults, 50 years and older has been entertaining the Grand Valley since 1996 and showing

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

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No matter what your printing needs, we can get the job done.

LICENSED • INSURED ALEX MEHDER HOTCHKISS, CO

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D6 Wednesday, May 23, 2018

BACK PAGE

B A C K P A G E W

Music to his ears

Photo by Pat Sunderland

At a young age, Norman Smith sat beside his grandmother as she played her 1876 pump organ, mesmerized by the deft movement of her ﬁngers over the keyboard. That organ occupies a place of honor in his home, and is ﬂanked by his dad’s mandolin and his brother’s cigar box guitar. All are visual reminders of his family’s musical legacy.

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County Independent

hen Norman Smith decided to try his hand at composing, he didn’t mess around. While in high school, he attempted to write an entire Mass and he admits it was just terrible! But the act of putting notes down on a piece of blank sheet music was music to his ears. Norman was a saxophone player at Delta High School when he first attempted to write the Mass. He was also an outstanding vocalist who was asked to perform solos in church at a young age. In sixth grade, he was recognized as the most outstanding music student. His reward was tickets to a community concert. He came by his talent naturally. In the era of silent movies, his grandmother played the piano at the Egyptian Theatre, making up the melody as she watched the story unfold in black and white. His father earned his living delivering Meadow Gold milk house to house, but his true passion was singing and playing the violin. In the eighth grade, band instructor Jerry Long inspired Norm to set his sights on becoming a music teacher. Shortly after that dream was realized, Norm succeeded Jerry Long at Delta High School — becoming just the fourth music teacher at DHS since the school was established in 1920. He is best remembered as a vocal music instructor, but he also taught middle school band. During his 23-year tenure at Delta High School, a show choir known as the “Starmakers” was established. The name was inspired by the song that became the choir’s signature piece through the years. Norm recalls that as many as 200 kids tried out for the 24 slots in the choir, 12 boys and 12 girls. “So for about two weeks I was the best friend of everyone in the school, the next week I only had 24 friends.” All of his choirs were very large, with the numbers fairly balanced between males and females. Recruiting was made easier by the fact Norm was the middle school football coach. “I picked up a lot of kids who would have shunned me completely if I hadn’t been their coach,” he said. In college, he was known as the “music jock” because of his double majors in music and P.E. He says there’s little difference between being an athlete and being a musician because each must be in tune with their bodies. He can name six former students who are professional musicians. Victoria Gilder Kasper teaches in Hotchkiss; Tracy Farrell is a professional gospel singer in North Carolina. Josh Muller is also a music teacher, and Ryan Parker is a professional bass player and singer. His wife, Mackenzie Hamm Parker, is recording music. Kaylie Jas-

person has her own band in Nashville, Tenn. Other vocalists, while not working professionally, have made a lasting impression. “But honestly my main goal — and one I wrote down for myself — was to make kids comfortable enough to go to church and take out a hymnal and be able to sing.” While he majored in music and P.E. at Adams State College, he did graduate work in composition at the University of Denver and Colorado State University. He first composed pieces for vocal groups, then branched out into band. He says he was at a workshop with Joyce Eilers, a wellknown composer for middle school bands, when he shared his appreciation for her work. “There wasn’t very good stuff for middle school bands at that time,” he said, “so I told her she had basically saved my program with her music. She said, ‘Well, write your own.’ So I went home and started writing a piece called ‘Jesus is Now Born.’ ” Eilers was also an editor for a music publishing firm, so he sent the completed piece to her. They mailed it back and forth 11 times, which Norm says is unheard of from publishers because they either reject a piece or say they can use it. “All of her suggestions made perfect sense and ‘Jesus is Now Born’ was published in 1981. I still have those letters and I take them out every time I sit down to compose something. Check ... check ... check ... because the discipline of composing is what she really taught me.” “Jesus Now is Born” turned out to be the number one selling middle school piece in the nation the year it was published, but royalties dropped sharply after the first year. The way most composers make money, Norm says, is by doing workshops or judging. “To make a living as a composer, they say you need to have 12 to 13 pieces a year and that’s just not the way I want to do it. Some composers start writing a lot of junk just to get to 12 pieces.” The first band piece he wrote was for his son, who had just been hired as band director for a school in Albuquerque, N.M. In 2016 he wrote an overture titled “There is a Way” for Delta High School and he recently submitted “Fanfare for Band” for publication. He also did an orchestra piece on commission for Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, and orchestrated melodies for a ballet performance in Alabama. But most of his published and commissioned pieces are for choirs. Technology has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, and it’s even changed the way music is written. Norm uses a computerized music notation program called “Finale,” which didn’t exist when he painstakingly used a pencil and eraser to jot down his early compositions on onionskin paper. He gets

the music on the page, sounding out the melody on a keyboard next to his computer, then moves to the computer to translate the composition into a digital format. “For me, and this is really unusual, the music always comes first and as I’m writing I start hearing the lyrics. Most people say that’s really hard to do; most people like to work with lyrics then fit in the rhythm.” Sometimes, for a commissioned piece he’s asked to incorporate a specific set of lyrics into the piece. That was the case for a piece commissioned for a new church in Ridgway, where he was asked to include a reference to Psalm 121, “Lift my eyes to the hills.” “That’s a little bit harder to do for me,” he said, “because that limits my creativity somewhat, if they set really strict guidelines. “Probably the one commission I’m most proud of is a piece I wrote for the one-year anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School. “The Columbine Still Grow” was performed by a combined Columbine choir on the first anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School in 1992. While one music publisher

said the composition would lose relevancy over time, school shootings continue and Norm says more and more people are requesting use of the piece, including former Columbine student and DHS music director Ryan Bigley, who now teaches at Thornton High School. Another music director is working with Norm on a combined choir/band version of the song. The majority of Norm’s original compositions are commissioned. He wrote “The Last Words of Christ,” performed by the Western State College choir for the opening concert of the Colorado Music Educators Association state convention. Colorado Mesa University performed “Sanctus” in 2015. “Let’s Pretend” was written for a middle school music camp at CMU. In 2017, Norm wrote and directed an original composition titled “Autumn of Spring” for the Delta County High School Choral Festival. He has also written Christmas and Easter cantatas for Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, but his biggest commission to date is a four-year set of sight reading exercises for the Colorado High School Activities Association. Norm wrote a total of 38 exercises for

each of the four years, one for each level of competition at CHSAA’s large group choral festival. The four sets will be rotated through a four-year period, providing a fresh set of exercises for each group of vocalists as they move through high school. Norm’s reputation as a director, clinician and composer extends to Utah, New Mexico and other parts of Colorado. He also continues to teach, offering private voice lessons to nine hardworking, dedicated students. Smith reserves his time for vocalists who have a chance at All State Choir, or who are taking music to the college level. As a vocal teacher, Norm says he’s placed 26 kids in the AllState Choir. About 2,300 kids try out for 180 slots every year, so it’s a very competitive process. “I’m very, very particular who I teach because I have other things to do. I’m not trying to make a living as a voice teacher.” He is also the music director at First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, where he leads the church choir. He judges large group choral events for CHSAA and has directed seven honor choirs since he retired. Music has, and continues to be, a big part of his life.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Although Norm retired from Delta High School in 2006, he continues to surround himself with music, as a composer, clinician, judge and teacher.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Family photos line the walls of Norm Smith’s music studio. He is the father of nine children — four from his previous marriage, three from his wife AJ’s and two who were adopted into the family. The Smiths also have 11 grandchildren.

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