Delta County Independent, May 30, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

PROACTIVE PLAN

NATIONAL FINALIST

Special district proposed to ensure funding for ambulance, B3

SPORTS 2A STATE CHAMPS

Cedaredge writer is in the running for Golden Heart award, C1

Paonia Eagles win back-to-back state baseball titles, B4-6

DELTA COUNTY

MAY 30, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 22

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

DURA eyes new parcel for hotel BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

SB18-005 becomes law

Photo by Pat Sunderland

On Friday, May 25, Governor John Hickenlooper held bill signing ceremonies in Montrose, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Delta. At the Needle Rock Brewery in Delta, he signed a bill four years in the making titled “Rural Economic Advancement of Colorado Towns.” The bill was sponsored by Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. Ray Scott (also pictured). Also pictured are several local residents who attended a brief town hall hosted by Senator Donovan prior to the bill-signing ceremony. She called the legislation a “paradigm shift,” because rural communities suffering economic struggles and substantial job losses no longer have to reach out to multiple state agencies in Denver. Instead, the Department of Local Affairs will coordinate nonmonetary assistance to assist rural communities with job creation or retention. “We have some incredible resources at the state capitol, but we can’t expect a town in time of economic crisis to manage all these departments from six hours away,” she said. “It’s actually a pretty simple concept, but it could beneﬁt 214 municipalities in 49 of Colorado’s counties.”

Members of the Delta Urban Renewal Authority met May 22 to discuss an intriguing dilemma. A buyer has expressed interest in the parcel of land previously designated for a hotel. In response, an adjoining landowner was approached by DURA staff, and has identified one of his parcels as a more attractive location for the hotel. He also proposed exchanging some of his land for city land being held for future recreational development. At a previous meeting Scott Schaible, local resident and entrepreneur, shared his conviction that an indoor/outdoor water park would draw more visitors to Delta. Schaible was present May 22 to continue encouraging the DURA board to develop the water park, not just a hotel. The discussion continued with DURA commissioners bringing up numerous possibilities for what could be realized for the citizens of Delta

if one of many options they discussed were to become a reality. Ron Austin, chairman of the DURA board, advocated for the water park, saying it is a way to generate revenue for community activities without relying on taxpayer money. He recommended face-to-face negotiations with private investors. Austin said this is the first time the city has had such an opportunity. “Let’s have the fortitude to move forward promptly. This opportunity won’t ever happen again,” he said. The most pressing question for the board was whether it should revise the request for proposal that originally addressed bringing a hotel to Delta. Caitlin Quander, DURA attorney, attending the meeting by Skype, said that DURA could revise the RFP, and she advised keeping response on a tight timeline; too much delay and the hotel developer may DURA TO A3

DHS grads reflect on hardships, success BY EMILY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

On Wednesday evening, May 23, 113 Delta High School graduates marched down the field at Panther Stadium to begin the 120th commencement ceremony. After assistant principal Rosie Johnson welcomed friends and family to the evening’s program, Derek Carlson, principal, introduced the co-salutatorian speakers with GPAs of 4.2, Alexia Quinn and Lucy Streich. Quinn began with sharing Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Whatever you are, be a good one,” as encouragement to her class. Her speech then focused on the 10 most important things she’s learned in school: be bold, brave and courageous; give second chances but never a third; never lose hope; look people in the eyes; and pause, relax and take a deep breath. She ended her list with a lesson that made the entire stadium laugh, “Being on time means being 15 minutes early. But if you’re going to be late, you might as well grab some food.” She concluded her speech by reminding her classmates to keep a piece of DHS with them as they move forward in life. Streich’s speech addressed the class’ reputation. She compared the class to a “middle child,” being “sandwiched between a class ahead, glorious, and a class below, victorious.” Being the middle child, she said their class was misunderstood and many only see negative traits.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A5 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A6 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ......................C5 School Zone ...................C6 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B4-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-2 TV Listings ..................C3-4

“But those traits are what makes us, us,” she said. She took several traits and showed the positive to each. She related this to how in the future others might judge the graduates because of their roots in a rural community. She urged the graduates to see how being from Delta is beneficial and actually gives them more opportunities. “Look up, look around. This place is beautiful,” she said. “This place is home.” Before concluding, Streich recognized the loss of DHS students this past year. “We have learned to value life and that has made us stronger,” she said. Carlson introduced Valedictorian Jasper Carmichael, who had a 4.3 GPA. He began with Walt Disney’s quote: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” He took the class down memory lane of their less-thanimpressive reputation that began in middle school. “But we have turned out to be more than ‘that’ class,” he said. Carmichael focused on inspiring the class to see past the challenges they’ve faced and to know they are prepared for the future. “Now is the time to realize the value of being kicked in the teeth,” he concluded. “We have suffered, been victims and been underestimated, but we have courage, have persevered, and have proven to ourselves we are a class that

Fire restrictions Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Due to higher fuel moisture measurements and a low/moderate fire danger level the Grand Mesa National Forest will NOT implement fire restrictions at this time. Fire restrictions on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests mean that campfires are limited to manufactured fire grates and grills within developed campgrounds and picnic grounds. Smoking is allowed only within a vehicle or developed recreation site.

can succeed.” He ended his speech by thanking the staff for their dedication and support. Kaleigh Nethington, senior student council officer, introduced the commencement address speaker, Ty Gallenbeck. Her introduction reflected the positive impact he’s had on her life and Delta. Gallenbeck, 2001 alumnus, began sharing how he’s active in the community he originally ran away from, but now loves. He is a professional magician, though this was never part of his plan. “Life is crazy like that,” he said. “I’ve come to see that DHS GRADUATION TO A3

Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

Graduates expressed their individuality with quotes, pictures and sayings on their caps.

Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

DHS grads toss their caps into the air in jubilation.

Hyundai, trash truck collide

A collision between a 2001 Hyundai sedan and an International trash truck resulted in the death of Kristina Hutchins, 73, of Paonia, the driver of the Hyundai. The crash occurred Wednesday, May 23, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Highway 92 near mile marker 9. The driver of the trash truck, a 67-year-old male from Paonia, sustained serious injuries. A 52-year-old male passenger in the trash truck, also of Paonia, sustained moderate injuries. Both were taken to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Neither of the males was wearing a seat belt. Hutchins was using a seat belt, but died at the scene. According to the Colorado State Patrol, Hutchins was eastbound on Highway 92, went off the right side of the roadway slightly, returned to the roadway, crossed over both eastbound lanes, and into the path of the trash truck, which was westbound in the westbound lane. The trash truck rolled onto its roof. Drugs/alcohol are not considered as factors. The crash remains under investigation. In the same area, and at about the same time, a truck pulling a flatbed with a piece of heavy equipment reportedly started several small blazes along the side of the road when a tire caught on fire. The two incidents appeared related but were not.

A2 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Investment should be in wind, solar energy Dear Editor: The May 23 opinion page article about how “Natural gas and wind energy killed coal” made a good point. That argument can also be extended to the question of what will replace the natural gas that’s now replacing coal. Utility companies

are looking at how to replace the electricity generation from coal and gas plants that now produce about half of the nation’s power, but are scheduled to retire by 2030. Should they invest billions in new gas-powered plants? A new report from the Rocky Mountain Insti-

KUDOS 9,000# of e-waste collected

Dear Editor: Altrusa International of Delta, Inc., and Delta Rotary Club would like to thank Safeway, Alpine Bank and Double J Disposal for providing support for our annual e-waste recycling day. This year, we collected over 9,000 pounds of electronic waste!

Thanks for amazing support

Dear Editor: The second Saturday of May is the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, when the postal carrier collects nonperishable food for their local food banks. This is when the shelves at most food banks start to dwindle to minimal supply. Before the weekend started, two Cedaredge food bank volunteers set up post at the Foodtown to remind their local citizens about the food drive. We were very well received and supported by the wonderful people who donated some nonperishable food and some cash donation. After collecting all the food from the Surface Creek area post offices the following Monday, five tables at the Cedaredge food bank were loaded with bags and boxes of food. Wow! To reside in a community that supports their neighbors, is amazing. Thank you, to the postal carriers and service and the community at large for your continued support to feed our neighbors in their time of need. Maria Nakai Surface Creek Community Services

tute, “The Economics of Clean Energy Portfolios,” says that U.S. electricity generators may be committing their customers and investors to as much as $1 trillion in future investment and fuel costs through 2030 to build new gas-fired power plants. But when Xcel Energy solicited bids this winter for new power sources, renewable-energy developers offered to supply electricity at the lowest prices quoted in the U.S., including solar and wind options with energy storage priced below what coal-generated power in the state costs. As the cost of renewable energy resources continues to drop, the economic scenario for power plants fueled by natural gas will put them in the same bind that coal-powered plants now face. Advances in renewable energy and distributed energy resources (DERs) offer lower rates and emissions-free energy while delivering all the grid reliability services that new power plants can, according to RMI’s report. By investing in wind- and solar-powered electricity we could circumvent that trillion dollars in investment in gaspowered plants so that in 12 years we’re not reading an article in the DCI about how “Renewable resources killed natural gas.” David Inouye Hotchkiss

Delta County Independent

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police Department: May 20: Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 92 and Stafford Lane for a onevehicle traffic accident. Officers responded to the 700 block of Dodge Street for a report of theft. Officers responded to the intersection of 8th Street and Palmer Street for a traffic accident. Donald J. Bonser, 87, of Montrose was issued a summons for careless driving and drove vehicle while license cancelled/denied. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a possible ATV accident. Officers responded to City Market for a report of shoplifting. Kelly L. Hughes, 28, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of bail bond, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and theft. Nicholas J. Nowers, 28, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants out of Mesa County with a total bond of $5,000. May 21: Officers responded to a traffic accident involving a deer on Highway 50 and 1600 Road. Officers responded to 676 Highway 50 in reference to a missing person. Officers responded to Main Street and 3rd Street for a traffic accident. Mackenzie Q. Kenyon, 19, of Delta was issued a summons for careless driving. Officers responded to the intersection of East 14th Street and Grand Avenue for traffic accident. Stella S. Campbell, 69, of Hotchkiss was issued a summons for careless driving. Ricky D. Christenson, 49, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on a Delta County warrant with a bond of $500. Officers responded to Rodeway Inn for a possible domestic violence. William D. Cook, 52, of Hotchkiss was arrested and jailed on charges of protection order violation. Deborah J. Cook, 47, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of complicity. Officers responded to the

1200 block of Grand Avenue for a disturbance. May 22: Officers responded to Heaven’s View Assisted Living in reference to a theft of license plates. Deborah J. Cook, 47, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Officers responded to the area of East 7th Street and B Street for a report of speeders. May 23: Officers responded to the 100 block of Grand Boulevard for a report of suspicious activities. Officers responded to an address on 1600 Road for an animal problem. Thomas A. Banks, 22, of San Jacinto, CA. was issued a summons for shoplifting at City Market. Officers responded to Bill Heddles Recreation Center for a report of criminal mischief. May 24: Officers responded to Delta Middle School for a report of a 13-year-old juvenile female runaway. Officers responded to B&T Auto Services for a report of theft of license plates. Officers responded to Hellman Chevrolet for a report of criminal mischief. Surveillance cameras are being reviewed. Officers responded to Hellman Motors for a report of criminal mischief. Surveillance cameras are being reviewed. Officers took a report of a theft in the 1700 block of Hillcrest Drive. Officers responded to the alley behind the 700 block of Main Street. Jairric K.C. Bever, 20, of Delta was issued a summons for charges of possession of 2 ounces or less marijuana under 21 and possession of drug paraphernalia. Joshua D. Horvath, 27, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on a Delta municipal warrant with a $750. May 25: Officers responded to 101 Highway 92 and Main Street for a traffic accident. Officers responded to Columbine Court for a report of a possible trespass. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Hartig Drive for a possible theft. Officers responded to First State Bank where Tyler M. White-Oneal, 23, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on charges of harassment as an act of domestic violence. Officers responded to an address on 1550 Road for a report of burglary and trespass. Benjamin Perez, 20, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a Delta County warrant with a bond of $1,000. Officers responded to Bill Heddles Recreation Center for a private property accident. May 26: After a traffic stop, Jose G. Sanchez-Medrano, 49, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on charges of driving under the influence, DUI per se, failed to drive in a single lane and failed to provide evidence of insurance. Officers responded to the 600 block of A Street for a theft. Officers responded to Four Seasons River Inn for a citizen assist. William D. Cook, 52, of Hotchkiss was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of bail bond and violation of protection order. Officers responded to the intersection of East 2nd Street and Main Street for a traffic accident. Jordan D. Jones, 20, of Delta was issued a summons for charges of failed to yield right of way. Officers responded to City Market, for a private property accident. Officers provided an agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol and the Delta County Sheriff’s Office. Officers responded to the 400 block of West 4th Street for a report of a male party attempting to enter a residence. Mark A. Maier, 60, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of second degree trespass and harassment. Officers responded to Walmart for a report of a vehicle trespass. Hannah K. Thompson, 18, of Eckert was issued a summons for second degree criminal trespass. Officers responded to the 800 block of Meeker Street for a report of a possible domestic violence. Both parties were separated for the evening. 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.

happy with the barn he’s building on his property on Aspen Lane. A Delta area resident reported the theft of three shotguns from a shop on Hartig Drive. May 23: At about 7:40 p.m., a multicar accident was reported on Highway 50 north of Delta. Sheriff’s deputies found a white SUV on its side and determined that it was the only vehicle involved in the accident. The driver, Bernard Hong, and a passenger were reportedly involved in an argument which ultimately distracted the driver. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. May 24: A maroon Dodge Ram pickup was found hidden among some trees off Hulteen Road, Austin. The truck had no license plates, the tires were flat and the seats had been slashed. Deputies determined the truck had been stolen from LaSalle. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the LaSalle Police Department was notified. A three-car accident was reported at about 4 p.m. on Highway 65 above Eckert. The vehicle driven by Amie Henderson was reportedly rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Joseph Jordan when she stopped to allow the vehicle in front of her to make a lefthand turn. The collision pushed her into the car waiting to make the turn. No serious injuries were reported and the investigation was turned over to the Colorado State Patrol. A Paonia man reported his neighbor was outside his home, shining a flashlight into his window at about 9:30 p.m. Three days later, he called to report his neighbor was yelling and discharging a firearm. A sheriff’s deputy and a Paonia officer responded to the scene, where they were told by the neighbor he’d been trying to scare off a skunk that was bothering his dogs. May 25: A Delta area man who hit a pothole, causing a flat tire and damaged rim, called dispatch to demand the damages be covered by Delta County Road and Bridge. Shortly after 8 p.m., an Eckert resident reported two bear cubs trying to break into his house on George Creek Road. When deputies arrived on the scene, the bear cubs were gone. May 26: Two 13-year-old females reported missing from a Delta area home at 4:30 a.m. were later found on the property. At 10 a.m., the Colorado State Patrol attempted to stop a speeding vehicle south of Grand Junction. The vehicle, driven by Gerald McNeil, 36, of Delta, was southbound and headed toward Delta. At G50 Road, troopers deployed stop sticks that flattened one of the vehicle’s front tires. McNeil continued toward city limits. Near H38 Road, deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, flattening the other front tire on McNeil’s vehicle. He continued into the city, where the Delta Police Department joined the pursuit. McNeil allegedly evaded officers by crossing into the northbound lanes toward oncoming traffic. South of Delta, the Colorado State Patrol again took over pursuit. The trooper maneuvered his patrol car into McNeil’s vehicle. When it came to a stop, McNeil reportedly attempted to flee on foot. He was finally taken into custody along with his three passengers. McNeil is wanted on a warrant for parole violations. Additional charges will be filed by the Colorado State Patrol. May 26: At about 12:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a home on Iris Road in Austin. The 72-year-old occupant had climbed onto the roof and was unable to get down. Cedaredge firefighters arrived to assist with the rescue. The man was described as confused but refused medical attention. An assault was reported near the round corrals on Surface Creek Road. Earlier in the day, a dog came out of a camper and bit a woman who was passing by. A verbal disagreement escalated into a physical altercation. The victim reported she was hit in the head and put in a chokehold. Deputies are attempting to contact the suspect in the matter. Deputies contacted a Hotchkiss area resident about burning in a burn barrel. The man was not aware a burn ban was in effect. May 27: A man living on Pioneer Road, Delta, reported that two malamutes had killed his pheasants.

From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list):

DELTA COUNTY

May 21: A father-son dispute at an Austin residence resulted in minor injuries to the father, age 48. A Cedaredge woman reported that her ex-husband was demanding $4,000 for the return of the keys to her storage unit. A Delta area resident reported the theft of a pressure washer and generator from 1600 Road. May 22: A Hotchkiss area man reported he is being harassed by neighbors who are not

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

INDEPENDENT

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Irrigation canal shareholders DURA FROM PAGE A1 object to trail proposal walk away. BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

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The shareholders of the North Delta Irrigation Company (NDIC) sent a clear message to Delta City Council earlier this month — they have no desire to be part of the city’s trails network. A city parks, recreation, open space and trails master plan identified a seven-mile segment along the North Delta canal that would connect Cottonwood Park with the Escalante Wildlife Area. Easements would be obtained on individual properties as subdivisions or boundary adjustments come before the city planning department. But the proposed trail was never discussed with the NDIC. Board president Roy Nelson said NDIC owns those ease-

ments, not the property owners. Additionally, shareholders are concerned about liability, private property rights, property destruction, property values and general misuse of private property. They presented a resolution in opposition to the canal trail at the city council’s May 14 work session. Jolene Nelson, NDIC shareholder, said the canal is not on the edge of their property, as the planner apparently assumed, but runs through the middle of a field that currently contains a bull. On other properties, the canal is adjacent to the residence. The master plan was prepared by Logan Simpson and adopted by city council after a series of open houses, advisory council meetings and dis-

DHS graduation FROM PAGE A1 life is a lot like a deck of cards.” He then stepped away to give Carmichael, sitting behind him, a deck of cards to shuffle during the speech. He pointed out that every deck when first opened is in order. “But once it’s shuffled it becomes chaos,” he said. Gallenbeck’s job as a magician is to “make miracles” from the chaos. Life often doesn’t go as planned and gets shuffled

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Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

Valedictorian Jasper Carmichael encourages his classmates to see their strength through adversity.

up, he said. While giving examples of ways life shuffles, such as divorce or loss, he shuffled a deck of cards in his own hands. He also shared the story of his own experience where the big and small moments shuffled together led him to now having a successful show in Telluride. Carmichael was then asked to come up to the podium. He resealed and initialled the deck he shuffled. Gallenbeck then placed each deck in a wine glass on the podium. Instead of the cliche “play with the hand you’re dealt,” Gallenbeck emboldened the graduates to “take the chaos life creates and try to make miracles.” He said the class of 2018, each individual student, is a miracle. He encouraged the class to remember this no matter how chaotic life gets. To conclude Gallenbeck’s speech, Carmichael took his sealed deck from the wine glass and they went through both decks with Carmichael reading out his card and then reading out Gallenbeck’s card. After reading off 13 cards that were the exact same, the audience erupted in applause. Gallenbeck concluded,

cussions with council and staff. Mark Lee, a NDIC shareholder and a member of the Delta Planning Commission, said he is guilty of not attending any of the hearings, but questioned why the city’s consultant didn’t designate BLM land for future trail development. Access is readily available to BLM lands in the area, he said. Mayor Ron Austin said it would be difficult to justify a trail along the North Delta canal with such strong objections from shareholders, and he recommended the master plan be amended. Although no official action could be taken during the work session, council members agreed the North Delta trail should be removed from consideration.

was amended to protect current businesses and passed unanimously. A presentation about the water park, which will serve as preliminary to a feasibility study, was made during a Delta City Council work session May 29.

Adam Hughes, Better City consultant, participated by telephone and told the board that activating the river corridor would activate the population base and attract outfitting services, rentals, boutiques, and create a resort area along the Gunnison River. In 10 to 20 years there would be more use and demand �� would increase. Tom Huerkamp said �� he saw no reason not to �� throw the revised RFP wide open. Don Suppes �� agreed, and said that the �� RFP should be open to whoever is interested to �� provide their conceptual �� plan and propose whatever they want to develop. Suppes cautioned that anyone submitting a proposal should consider its connection with existing DVERTISING businesses in the area, as an example, the Tru Vu MAKES SENSE. Drive-in. Huerkamp moved that CALL the board consider reis874-4421 suing the RFP. Chris“When life gets shuffled topher Ryan seconded up...you’re being made the motion. The motion into the miracle you’re created to be. The only thing guaranteed is that life will get shuffled up �� but you can make miracles from any hand you’re �� dealt.” Carlson took to the �� stage next and presented the class. One row of students lined up as reg�� istrar Cheri Reece read �� their names. While walk�� ing forward to receive their diploma from mem�� bers of the school board, counselor Shawna Mag�� tutu read their special �� awards and plans follow�� ing graduation. �� After all graduates received their diplomas, �� senior student council �� officers closed and all students stood to move �� their tassels from the �� right side of their cap to �� the left to complete their �� high school careers.

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Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

During the choir’s national anthem, three seniors signed the Star-Spangled Banner.

Barracudas make appeal for $5,000 BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Shop Locally.

The Delta City Council is weighing a request from the Delta Barracuda swim team for a donation of $5,000 to help with the purchase of new timing equipment and a scoreboard. Darnell Place-Wise made the request on

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behalf of the swim team. She said the team has raised about $5,600 toward the estimated cost of $11,000. The equipment would be installed at Bill Heddles Recreation Center and would be used for Barracuda and high school swim meets. Proper equipment would also enable the recreation center to host regional and state events. PlaceWise said the Barracudas would like to host the 2019 state swim meet, which would bring over 300 families to the city for a three-day period. The matter was discussed during a work session May 15, so no formal action could be taken. The request will be placed on the June 5 council agenda.

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A4 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

ACCENT

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Delta County Independent

Senior CommUnity meals for June Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Community Center (Tuesday-WednesdayThursday), Delta Senior Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (MondayWednesday-Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available

Hubwheelers dance twice in June The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will host two dances in June — a regular dance on Saturday, June 2, and a Father’s Day dance on Saturday, June 16. Dances are Mainstream with Plus tips and run from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. For more information, call 835-3771.

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Save the Date! ��

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by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 8745302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through June 30 follows: Friday, June 1 — Lasagna, tossed salad, wax beans with red pepper, garlic breadstick and fresh strawberries with whipped topping. Monday, June 4 — Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, kidney bean salad, California blend vegetables, wheat roll and apple crisp. Tuesday, June 5 — Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, black bean salad, peas and honey bee ambrosia. Wednesday, June 6 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, pickled beets and onions, chuckwagon vegetable blend, roll, frosted cake and half an orange. Thursday, June 7 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, green beans, garlic breadstick and sliced peaches. Friday, June 8 — Tahitian chicken fried rice, whole wheat roll and one-cup fruit dessert. Monday, June 11 — Homemade pepperoni and beef pizza, tomato, onion and cucumber

salad, summer squash and berry blend crisp. Tuesday, June 12 — Hamloaf, spinach mandarin salad, baked potato, mixed vegetables, onion roll and sliced pears. Wednesday, June 13 — Oven-roasted chicken, parsley buttered potatoes, Harvard beets, green beans, homemade biscuit and fruit cocktail. Thursday, June 14 — Roast turkey with cranberry sauce, ovenbrowned potatoes, tossed salad, California blend vegetables, wheat roll and banana cake. Friday, June 15 — Potato-crusted cod, fish house coleslaw, ovenbrowned potatoes, Italian stewed tomatoes, whole wheat roll and watermelon. Monday, June 18 — Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, tossed salad, broccoli, homemade roll and sliced pears. Tuesday, June 19 — Barbecue chicken on a whole wheat bun, crunchy garden coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, confetti peas and fruited Jell-O. Wednesday, June 20 — Beef stew, cornbread, cucumber and red grape salad, orange wedge and PBOK cookie. Thursday, June 21 — Salisbury steak, broccoli, tossed salad, homemade roll, bananas and mandarin oranges. Friday, June 22 — Liver and onions or homemade beef patty, Steven and Nikita baked potato, mandarin Medrano of Delta are the spinach salad, beets and parents of a son, Giovani Haze Medrano, born May 16, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20 inches in length.

BIRTHS

fresh grapes. Monday, June 25 — Italian chicken breast, fettucine alfredo, tossed salad, vegetable blend, French bread and Italian ice. Tuesday, June 26 — Homemade pepperoni and beef pizza, tomato cucumber salad, fresh apple and berry blend crisp. Wednesday, June 27 — Beef and rice burrito smothered with green sauce with lettuce, tomato and cheese, refried beans and churro. Thursday, June 28 — Deluxe tuna salad plate, breadstick and fresh cantaloupe. Friday, June 29 — Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and onion on a whole wheat bun, potato salad, baked beans, orange wedge and ice cream.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Paula Strickland of Delta was one of three students inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematical sciences honor society, recently inducted three new members during a ceremony at Elmira College. Pi Mu Epsilon was founded at Syracuse University in 1914 and currently has chapters at 337 institutions across the country. The Elmira College New York Alpha Rho chapter was founded in March 2011.

Forrest Phillips and Brandi West of Paonia are the parents of a daughter, Dahlila Lavona WestPhillips, born May 23, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 5 pounds, 10.4 ounces and was 17.5 inches in length. Tim and Ashley Montano of Delta are the parents of a son, Axul James Montano, born May 23, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

A memorable ending

At the end of each school year, BELA (Backpack Early Learning Academy) families look forward to a day ﬁlled with activities at Historic Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail. After making their stick horses, Payten and Lylah (above) had an opportunity to create Indian headbands, string beads to make necklaces and bracelets, pan for gold, stop by the cocina for snacks, try their hand at roping, sit in on story time, and visit the live turkeys. Lunch was provided free of charge in the Lions Pavilion, a memorable ending to a memorable year of growth and learning for the preschoolers.

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Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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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., hone your target skills at the archery, BB gun or .22 shooting trailers, or challenge your balance on a kayak or a paddleboard. The youngest kids can visit the petting zoo and take their bikes through a strider course. That’s not all — kids can search for hidden treasures using GPS devices, compete on an obstacle course, or try their luck at panning gold. New this year are touch-a-truck, carnival games, bounce house, photo booths, electrical demonstrations, solar system, climbing wall and more! Grace Community Church is offering a movie

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.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique land features of our planet. The 21 islands have been under formation by continuous volcanic activity dating back possibly as many as 90 million years. Lying some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, their remoteness has allowed the evolution of hundreds of animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world. While the islands are perhaps best known as the home of the giant tortoise, their enduring impact has come from the numerous species of finches inhabiting the islands. After careful study of the various shapes and sizes of their bills, Charles Darwin began to develop his ideas of evolution which led to the publi-

Delta County Libraries are hosting musical ice cream socials at all five locations in Delta County. Bring the entire family to register for the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock!” Enjoy music and free ice cream. Learn about how to earn a “Libraries Rock” T-shirt and other prizes, just for reading over the sum-

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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, 531 N. Palmer Street. Featured items will include lighted mineral and specimen displays, gold panning, a fluorescent mineral display, demonstration on

filigree, and educational displays for children. There will also be door prizes, grab bags, a silent auction, and a wheel of rocks. Over 25 vendors will have gemstones, jewelry, mineral specimens, cabochons, slabs, fossils, and many other types of rocks for sale and on display. This event is free to the public.

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, Confluence 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 togeth-

cation of “The Origin of Species,” arguably one of the most influential books ever written. In 1959, 100 years after the book’s publication, the Ecuadoran government set aside 97.5 percent of the islands’ land mass and marine areas as a national park. In 2015 Montrose resident Dennis Murphy visited the islands. “I have always been interested in the natural sciences and what better laboratory could there be other than Galapagos,” Murphy said. When asked about the highlight of his trip Murphy responded, “Wow, every day was a new adventure. Hard to select one highlight.” Murphy will present a program of his trip Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the Montrose

mer! kick-off celThe ebrations are planned at Hotchkiss Library Tuesday, June 5, at 2 p.m.; Crawford Library Wednesday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m.; Cedaredge Town Park Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m.; Delta Library Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m.; and Paonia Library Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

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been donated by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Grab your bikes and fishing poles and come out for some great fun!

Annual rock and gem show set for June 2

er. Recently several new hams have gotten their first licenses and need to acquire some radio equipment 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.

Amateur astronomer to share his travels Bernie Forman will present “From New York to Stonehenge – the Travels of an Amateur Astronomer” at the June 5 meeting of the Black Canyon Astronomical

Field House (the former aquatic center), located at 25 Colorado Avenue, at the corner with Rio Grande Avenue. There is no charge and it is open to the public. The program is sponsored by the Black Canyon Chapter of the Audubon Society. For more information call 970-497-0376.

Ice cream socials kick off summer reading

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Ealey, event coordinator. Lunch is being provided for everyone by the Elks Lodge and other great sponsors. T-shirts have

Galapagos Islands are home to plant, animal species found nowhere else

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in Confluence Park starting at 8:45 p.m., extending the fun into the evening hours. During the day, there will be a chance to win some great door prizes, including a compound bow, bikes, paddleboard rentals, camping gear and a whole lot more! “Delta County residents are fortunate to be surrounded by some great public lands and waterways. We have over 40 participating agencies partnering up to help the community experience the benefits of the outdoors, along with providing some gear to help them get out and enjoy themselves this summer,” says Renee

Society (BCAS). The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Montrose Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada. Forman has traveled on six continents and visited every U.S. state. Intentionally and by accident, he has encountered both astronomythemed sites and those of historical astronomical significance. The event is free and open to the public. The BCAS stimulates local interest in astronomy through lectures, radio features, and public observing events. You can find more information at BlackCanyon Astronomy.com or by calling 970-856-7716.

David Starr

David Starr opens chapel concert series

David Starr will perform the first concert of the 2018 summer concert series at the Chapel of the Cross in Cedaredge at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 3. David Starr is an Americana singer/songwriter and recording art-

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ist living in Cedaredge. His latest CD, “South and West,” features songs cowritten with Nashville artists as well as Starr originals and a classic Elton John cover. The album is scheduled for official release on June 8.

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A6 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Libraries partner with The Nature Connection BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Photo submitted

Flag guard of Delta County Cadet Squadron RMR-CO-095 standing tall.

Memorial Day ceremonies honor deceased veterans Members of Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3571, Harry A. White American Legion Post #65, and their Auxiliaries, assisted by the Civil Air Patrol Delta County Cadet Squadron, presented Memorial Day ceremonies at Mesa View and Delta City Cemeteries. The

ceremonies paid tribute to all deceased American veterans, concluding with the salute fired by a joint American Legion/ VFW firing squad composed of Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force gunners and echo taps played by the father and son team of Richard and Christopher Weldon.

The audiences at the ceremonies were a mix of veterans, veterans’ families, and non-veterans, all silently honoring those veterans who have been laid to rest, not only in the Delta cemeteries, but in the “hallowed ground” where veterans rest anywhere in the world.

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In December 2017, Anita Evans of The Nature Connection (TNC) announced that TNC would be the recipient of a $1.7 million Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Inspire Grant. The project includes cash and inkind matching contributions, totaling over $1.2 million, from dozens of community organizations, including Delta County Libraries. “It is a natural partnership for us,” says LaDonna Gunn, assistant district director of Delta County Libraries and board member of TNC. “Like TNC, the library district strongly emphasizes serving and empowering youth. Our geographic location here in Delta County provides many opportunities for engaging kids in the outdoors. TNC’s GOCO grant is investing in multiple StoryWalks® in Delta County and a gear hub at Cedaredge Library. That paves the way for a longlasting collaboration that will benefit the community for years to come.” The new StoryWalks® will be located at Crawford State Park, Sweitzer Lake State Park and Delta County Fairgrounds. StoryWalks® are the positioning of permanent panels along trails and in parks that feature children’s storybooks. The outdoor space sets the scene for a story to unfold as the reader walks from one panel to the next along the trail. “Delta County Libraries and the Town of Cedaredge have been maintaining a StoryWalk® along the Surface Creek Trail since December 2016,” says Gunn. “We are excited that TNC and the GOCO grant are providing the opportunity to expand such a widely popular program to more communities.” Delta County Libraries, along with collaborating organizations like Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will maintain the StoryWalks® as part of their in-kind matching contribution to the GOCO grant. “For us that means purchasing, preparing and replacing stories on a bi-monthly basis at all

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locations. We will also play a role in getting the word out to the community, so that families, school groups, and individuals can all enjoy the StoryWalks®,” explains Gunn. The GOCO grant also provides for the installation of several gear hubs, one of which is located at Cedaredge Library. “The Cedaredge gear hub shed was installed on Saturday, May 12, at Cedaredge Library,” says Lea Hart, district director of Delta County Libraries. “Our Cedaredge foundation members are very excited about this addition to the library, and our staff are anticipating the opportunities that it will provide for programming.” The Cedaredge location serves as a satellite hub to TNC’s central gear hub located in Hotchkiss. It will house camping, fishing, bicycling and other outdoor gear for use by youth participating in outdoor programs. Delta and Olathe will have similar satellite hubs. “The Cedaredge hub is unique in the way that it is located at the library, and library staff will play a role in managing the workload and program development,” says Gunn. “Staff are already

planning activities and field trips for later on this summer, including Fishing 101 on the Grand Mesa!” To learn more about TNC and the GOCO grant, visit thenature connection.net. For more information on library programs, visit the online calendar at deltalibrar ies.org. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 4,700 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.

Photo submitted

On Saturday, May 12, a shed was installed at Cedaredge Library that will serve as a satellite gear hub for the Hotchkiss-based organization, The Nature Connection (TNC). The shed will store outdoor equipment for a variety of youth programming. The placement of the Cedaredge gear hub is part of the in-kind matching contribution that Delta County Libraries made to TNC’s recent GOCO grant. Dozens of community organizations have made similar matching contributions.

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NORTH FORK May 30, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia to hire staff to avoid shortening town hall hours BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Town of Paonia will advertise for a full-time position after trustees unanimously approved the hiring of a full-time office staff member at the May 22 board meeting. With that hiring, administration will not close Town Hall on Fridays as had been discussed at previous meetings. The board considered several options, including hiring a part-time staff member and closing Town Hall on Fridays, and hiring a full-time staff member and closing the office all day or half days on Friday. The previous board approved funding for a part-time staff member in the 2018 budget. That position has gone unfilled. Town administrator Ken Knight has administrative authority to close the office

on Fridays, but turned to the board for guidance. With the town clerk requesting the day off to deal with family matters, Knight was considering closing the office last Friday to give the clerk a day off and allow the finance officer to focus solely on the audit. Hiring a full-time staff member would allow the office to remain open in these situations, said Knight. The town staff ’s preference, said Knight, is to hire a part-time person to answer phones and greet the public, and take Fridays off while the office is closed. “If the office is to remain open on Fridays, then we do need to look at a full-time staff person,” said Knight. Public comment reflected the opinion that with the passage of a one-percent sales tax PAONIA STAFF TO B2

Paonia wins 2A state title

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Paonia Eagles celebrate Jaden Miller’s game-opening solo home run Saturday, May 26, in the Class 2A state championship game at Pueblo. The Eagles held off a seventhinning challenge by the Peyton Panthers to win 8-6 and claim the 2A state championship for the second year in a row. Turn to B5 for more tournament coverage.

Joy, gratitude mark HHS graduation BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The family and community support that’s enfolded Hotchkiss High School graduates throughout their young lives has not gone unnoticed. Gratitude for the love and dedication of family, friends, school faculty and community members was expressed repeatedly during graduation ceremonies at HHS May 23. Wearing red and white caps and gowns, the graduates entered the school gymnasium as the high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance.” The audience remained standing as Jeneve Mitchell did an outstanding job of singing the national anthem a capella. Welcoming remarks were given by Ashley Ziemer, class president, then principal

Paul Rodriguez introduced the salutatorian, Jordan Tamayo. “As I look around, I can not help but smile and remember all the good times I’ve had with every one of you through the years,” Tamayo told her classmates. After sharing some of her fondest memories, she added, “But no matter how great or not so great this experience has been for you, we can not be stuck in the past. I’m so excited to see all the beautiful things each and every one of us can do with this new chapter we’re all beginning.” Commencement speaker Eric Hollembeak, a teacher and coach at Hotchkiss High School, is himself a graduate of HHS. “Hotchkiss High School has made a huge impact on my life,” he said. “In addition to

working here every day, I am very fortunate to be a native of Hotchkiss. I’ve been a Bulldog for as long as I can remember and I treasure every moment of this time.” When he graduated 27 years ago, Hollembeak said he had his life all planned out. Using time as his central theme, he said he came to realize a happy life is a successful life, but the converse is not true. But in order to achieve a happy life, you have to realize there is no such thing as a perfect life, he said. “Life is full of imperfections you can not control, but you can control your attitude and your work ethic ... so go on, let life happen. Just remember where you came from and be thankful for all the opportunities that were

Photo by Pat Sunderland

At the prompting of class president Ashley Ziemer, 2018 graduates move the tassels on their mortarboards from the right to the left.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Salutatorian Jordan Tamayo quoted Hotchkiss Coach Kelly Cowan, “Let’s go get them before they get you.”

Valedictorian Nolan Egging said friendship was the biggest lesson he and his classmates learned at HHS.

available to you during your school years.” Before closing he encouraged the graduates to keep learning and re-learning, to be prepared for whatever the future might bring. Nolan Egging, valedictorian, was introduced as an outstanding athlete and scholar who has served as student body president for two years. While his GPA earned him the school’s highest academic honor, Egging said the most important lessons he’s learned at HHS didn’t come from a textbook or a class lecture. “For one, we’ve all learned how to deal with great disappointment. One of the greatest disappointments I’ll remember is losing the 2016 Paonia football game by a point. However, that’s part of another of our class’s most important lessons — pride. Despite our loss, we knew we had given it our all. Disappointments will come our way, but our reaction to them will define who we are. “Another lesson we learned is tenacity ... I think we realize in order to make our dream come true, the effort must be put forth. “I think the most important lesson we learned, however, is to be a friend.” Egging said it’s impossible to sit alone at lunch at HHS. “Someone will always be there for you.” Egging speaks from experience, as he made the decision

four years ago to attend HHS. Previously, he commuted to Delta to attend the Delta Academy of Applied Learning, where his mother teaches. “You guys, teachers and friends, made me feel, made me feel loved.” A vocal ensemble combined lyrics and body percussion to perform “Changes,” built around the message that changing the world starts with just one person. Athletic director Doug Horton made the annual presentation of the “H” blanket. This award is presented to students who have participated in three sports all four years they were in high school. Recipients were Morgan Miller, Kevin Chavez, Sam Rodriguez and Devin Curtis. Following a slide show, diplomas were presented by principal Paul Rodriguez as assistant principal Doug Egging announced each graduate’s plans for work, travel and college. As they moved off the stage, graduates were congratulated by superintendent Caryn Gibson, assistant superintendent Kurt Clay, school board members Richard Hypio and Jan Tuin, and the staff of HHS. With prompting from Ashley Ziemer, class president, the graduates moved their tassels from right to left, then joined in the school song before leaving the gym for tearful hugs from family and friends.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Remembering the fallen

American Legion Wilson-Head Post 97 veterans give a 21-gun salute Monday morning during a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony honoring U.S. Armed Forces who died in service, at Somerset Cemetery. Veteran Joseph Hudak (left) performed “Taps” during the ceremony. Post chaplain Joseph Kaputa opened the ceremony with a prayer: “Almighty God, Giver of all victories, we thank Thee for the opportunities which abide in our land, for Thy Guidance in the hour of peril and Thy tender love in times of need. Help us to remember with reverence the valor and devotion of our devoted comrades; not only those whose bodies consecrate our Country’s soil, but also those who sleep beyond the seas and those whose resting places will not be known until the last day, when the deep will have given up its dead. God, teach us to honor them by ever cherishing the ideas for which they fought. Keep us steadfast in the cause of human rights and liberties, of law and order, of true Americanism. Give us the power to see, and the will to do right. Grant that the American Legion may preserve the high ideal for which our comrades died. May Thy merciful blessing rest upon those left behind. Keep us forever in ﬁrm righteousness, humble of heart, and unselﬁsh in purpose. Amen.”

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Athletic director Doug Horton presents H blankets to four student athletes who participated in three sports all four years they were in high school. Recipients were Morgan Miller, Kevin Chavez, Sam Rodriguez and Devin Curtis.

B2 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss High lists academic awards Hotchkiss High School recognized the following academic award recipients at a school assembly May 15: Scholarships Delta County Federal Credit Union Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $1,000. Hotchkiss Alumni Scholarship — Jordan Denison, $1,000; Eli Kirk, $500 and Colton Peebles, $500. Town of Hotchkiss and Community Scholarship — Morgan Miller and Sam Rodriguez, $500 each. Hotchkiss Meats Scholarship — Corbin Beck, $1,000. American Legion Scholarship — Nolan

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Egging, Morgan Miller and Jordan Tamayo, $500 each. Sons of American Legion — Sam Rodriguez and Jordan Tamayo, $1,000 each. Hellman Motors FFA Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $1,000. Diedrickson/Niles Scholarship — Sam Rodriguez, $1,550. Leitzinger/Hallenbeck Memorial Scholarship — Nolan Egging, $500 renewable. Stewart Watson Wheeler Scholarship — Yasmine Gaub and Jenny McDonald, $1,000 each. David Moore Scholarship — Isaac Van Horn, $1,000. Kay Armstrong Memorial Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $1,000 renewable. FFA Alumni Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $1,000. MOPAR — Ashley Ziemer, $300. Bulldog Booster Club Scholarship — Nolan Egging, Yasmine Gaub, Josie Hiatt, Morgan Miller, Sam Rodriguez and Jordan Tamayo, $500 each. Kathleen Wheeler Memorial Scholarship — Nolan Egging, $1,000. Betty Wolverton Memorial Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $1,000. Rotary Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $2,000. Masonic Award for Outstanding Juniors — George Arroyo and Lexie Wrich. Masons’ Willard Lau-

rel Memorial Scholarship — Margaret Parsons, $1,000. Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Scholarship — Nolan Egging, $7,000 renewable. Lions Club Scholarship — Morgan Miller, Sam Rodriguez and Jordan Tamayo, $1,000 each. DMEA Scholarship — Nolan Egging, $2,000. Basin Electric — Morgan Miller, $1,000. First Colorado National Bank — Yasmine Gaub and Sam Rodriguez, $750 each. Democratic Party Scholarship — Nolan Egging and Isaac Van Horn, $500 each. Peace Circle Scholarship — Nolan Egging, Yasmine Gaub, Morgan Miller, Sam Rodriguez, Jordan Tamayo and Isaac Van Horn, $1,000 each. Lena Sammons Reed Memorial Scholarship — Eli Kirk, Jeneve Mitchell and Braxton Trujillo, $8,000 each. Colorado Mesa University College Principal’s Scholarship — Yasmine Gaub, $5,000. IOOF Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $1,000. Stanway Memorial Scholarship — Kambry Hall, $1,000. Eric Wrich Memorial Scholarship — Josie Hiatt and Colton Peebles, $250 each. Western Colorado State University Alumni Scholarship — Corbin Beck, Jordan Denison and Colton Peebles, $500 each. Clem and Evelyn Audin Memorial Scholarship — Morgan Miller and Jordan Tamayo, $750 each. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $1,000 renewable. Fred and Ruby MacKendrick Memorial Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $5,000. Delta County Sheriff ’s Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $500. Western Colorado Angus Association Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $750. Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteer Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $1,000. PEO Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $2,500. Delta County Livestock Association Scholarship — Morgan Miller,

$1,400. Black Mesa Cattlewomen Scholarship — Morgan Miller, $500. Women Advancing in Math and Science Scholarship — Jordan Tamayo, $1,000. Hotchkiss Schools Alumni Group Awards — Tristen Allen, George Arroyo, Robert Cochran, Dylan DeMoss, Kaiya Firor, Ethan Guy, Kimber Hendrix, Nadia Hill, Hunter Lyons, Caitlin Nordstrom, Alyssa Palecki, Jace Peebles, Bryce Shelden, Adam Smith, Boston Sommer, Ava Taylor, Dylan Toothaker and Elsie Vasquez. Mr. Carlquist’s History Awards — AP World History - Kaiya Firor; AP U.S. History - Katie Powers; World History Ethan Guy. Mr. Hollembeak’s Math Awards — Algebra II - Teagan Sommer; College Algebra - Yasmine Gaub and Hunter Lyons; Pre-Calc/Statistics - George Arroyo and Jordan Tamayo; AP Calculus - Nolan Egging; College Intro to Stats Caitlin Nordstrom and Karsen Sommer. Mr. Munoz’s Science Awards — Geophysical Science - Tessa Griffith and Nathaniel Mattler; Biology - Nadia Hill and J.D. Miller; AP Physics - George Arroyo and Hunter Lyons; AP Physics II - Nolan Egging; AP Environmental Science - Bella Brezonick, Amelia Hickam and Ian Van Horn. Mr. Schelle’s English Awards — English II - Nadia Hill and Evan Mattison; English III - Kaiya Firor and Kate Powers; College English - Nolan Egging and Jordan Tamayo. Mrs. Miller’s English Awards — English I - Amelia Hickam and Adam Smith; English III - Alyssa Palecki and Cory West. Mrs. Lambrakos Math and Science Awards — Algebra I - Bella Brezonick and Robert Cochran; Geometry - Adam Smith and Sydnie West; Forensic Science and Chemistry - Jesus Macias and Katie Powers. Ms. Jamison’s Classroom Awards — Shelby Hiatt and Hunter Lyons. Student Government — George Arroyo, Bella Brezonick, Carson Collins, Kenny Drbohlav,

Photo submitted

Janamarie Dugle (left), on behalf of the Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteers, awards a $1,000 scholarship to Hotchkiss High School grad Jordan Tamayo. Tamayo will attend Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction as a pre-med major, with plans to become a physical therapist. Nolan Egging, Jonathan Gonzalez, Nadia Hill, Eli Kirk, Jesus Macias, Evan Mattison, Morgan Miller, Jace Peebles, Katie Powers, Sam Rodriguez, Adam Smith, Isabella Spano, Jordan Tamayo, Ava Taylor, Elsie Vazquez, Lexi Wrich and Ashley Ziemer. Mr. Hall’s Spanish Awards — Spanish I Sydnie West; Spanish II - Nadia Hill; Spanish III - Katie Powers. Mrs. Roeber’s Art Awards — Sierra Baker, Jaden Borgman, Mikayla Burnett, Adair Ela, Amelia Hickam and Isabella Spano. Ms. Carey’s Music Awards — Western Slope Select Band Participants Tristen Allen, Jordan Denison, Katie Powers; Honor Jazz Band Participants - Tristen Allen, Jordan Denison, Nadia Hill; Western Slope Choral Festival - Autumn Luginbyhl, Ruby Shiflet; Colorado Choral Director’s Honor Choir - Jordan Denison, Christian Matus, Sam Rodriguez, Ruby Shiflet; John Philip Sousa Award - Jordan Denison. Mr. Hintz’s Engineering Awards — Will Ela and Adam Smith. Mr. Hintz’s Weightlifting Awards — George

Arroyo, Kaiya Firor and Jordan Tamayo. Mr. Horton’s Anatomy Awards — Yasmine Gaub, Kimber Hendrix, Lily Kuban, Morgan Miller, Sam Rodriguez and Jordan Tamayo. Mr. Horton’s Weight lifting Award — Bruce Turnbull. Academic Letters GPA 3.5 or Better Freshmen — Jaden Borgman, Bella Brezonick, Kenny Drbohlav, Adair Ela, Traycer Hall, Amelia Hickam, Ivy Kirk, Nathaniel Mattler, Charley Perkins, Adam Smith, Isabella Spano, Ava Taylor, Ian Van Horn and Abigail Vespia. Sophomores — Nadia Hill, Evan Mattison, J.D. Miller, Jace Peebles, Tycee Taylor and Sydnie West. Juniors — George Arroyo, Carson Collins, Will Ela, Kaiya Firor, Kimber Hendrix, Caitlyn Littlefield, Hunter Lyons, Jesus Macias, Caitlin Nordstrom, Katie Powers, Bruce Turnbull and Lexie Wrich. Seniors —Nolan Egging, Yasmine Gaub, Kambry Hall, Eli Kirk, Jenny McDonald, Morgan Miller, Margaret Parsons, Sam Rodriguez, Jordan Tamayo, Braxton Trujillo and Isaac Van Horn.

Paonia calls meeting May 30 consider comments to BLM The Paonia Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. today to consider submitting written comments to the Bureau of Land Management regarding preliminary environmental assessment on the North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan. The plan calls for Gunnison Energy LLC to drill, complete and operate up to 35 horizontal wells from four new well pads and one existing well pad to be located approximately 12 miles north of Paonia on the west side of Highway 133. The project will encompass both federal and pri-

vate lands and includes up to 29 miles of existing roads, up to 2.2 miles of upgraded roads, and up to 4.6 miles of new access roads. Comments are due June 9. Due to the deadline, which falls ahead of the next town board meeting on June 12, trustees voted to call a special meeting. “That notice was received late last week and could not be timely placed on tonight’s agenda,” said Mayor Charles Stewart at the May 28 board meeting. The public is welcome, and written comments may be submitted to Town Hall.

Paonia staff FROM PAGE B1 in April’s election, slated to take affect July 1, the community has approved a staffing increase, but the town shouldn’t be cutting its services. “Closing the office on Friday thwarts the public from accessing information,” said former trustee Suzanne Watson. Visitors to town also often arrive on Fridays and look to Town Hall for information. “I really think the idea of getting another clerk in there is fabulous and warranted,” said Paonia resident Jakki Taylor. As for closing the office on Fridays, Taylor said she’s aware through experience of the need for quiet time, and asked the board to consider half-day closures on Friday instead. “I think that would be a lot easier to swallow.” Trustee Chelsea Book-

out first raised the idea of closing the office on Fridays. “I think that we have an issue where we have staff that has a very particular skill set, and we’re paying them to do a particular job,” said Bookout. In having them answer phones, take payments and greet the public, “I believe we’re asking them to do something that is below their skill set.” In addition, she said, the town misses out on grants and other financial opportunities because they are so busy. “I think in the long run that’s not serving the town of Paonia.” With the town’s population increasing by almost 300 in the last year and a half and the updating of the comprehensive plan in the discussion phase, “It inevitably means more work for them.”

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Hearings to be held to explain proposed ambulance district Over the next week or so, local property owners will receive a notice of public hearings to be held in regard to the service plan for a proposed North Fork Ambulance Health Service District. This is part of a proactive plan to ensure funding for ambulance service in the North Fork valley, according to a press release from the North Fork Ambulance (NFA). The NFA board has determined that establishing a special district is the most effective way to ensure funding for the necessary ambulance service to the community while maintaining the response times and preserving the professionalism and high standard of care that is currently provided. The public hearing notices are required by law and is one of the many steps to move forward with a plan to ask North Fork Valley vot-

Photo submitted

Music at the library

Friends of the Paonia Library are sponsoring the seventh year of free summer concerts at the Paonia Library amphitheater. Every Tuesday evening (and one Thursday evening) in June and July will feature a musical performance that is open to the public. Week one of the concert series features Forest Beutel, 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. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 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. Call Paonia Library at 399-7879 for more information.

Maher School ice cream social is June 10 The Maher-Onion Valley Community Club will host an open house and ice cream social from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June

New trash fees take effect in June in Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Town of Paonia garbage customers will see an increase in their monthly bill beginning in June. The increase comes after trustees formally adopted a resolution establishing garbage rates and charges at the May 21 meeting. The increase applies only to the town’s garbage collection rates and was formally approved in March in response to an increase from $28 to $40.78 in Delta County Landfill tipping fees in 2017. The increase is estimated to increase the town’s annual cost of providing trash service by about $10,000 annually. Per the resolution, the following rates for weekly collection of 33-gallon containers were approved: single container — $17 per month two or three containers — $20 per month

ers to establish a special district and approve funding for ambulance service in the form of a mill levy. Since 1969 the North Fork Ambulance has been challenged with providing reliable ambulance service and quality care with the fastest response time possible. Over these 49 years this service has been funded through membership fees, grants, donations and ambulance transport fees. According to NFA, this vital service has never received public funding. Today, the income sources are not keeping pace with rising expenses, creating a budget shortfall. Fortunately due to careful and conservative stewardship, reserve funds have been built to ensure the North Fork Ambulance is able to continue to function by covering the budget shortfalls and can continue to do so for a finite period of

Four or five containers — $27 per month In addition, a $5 per month fee will be charged for each additional 33gallon container that exceeds the user’s categorized limit. Weekly Dumpster pick-up Two-cubic-yard — $35 per month Three-cubic-yard — $37 per month

Per the resolution, the town may, at its discretion, apply the following extra charge for oversized items: Items easily handled by one garbage collector — $6 Items easily handled by two garbage collectors — $8 Items that can be handled by three garbage collectors — $11.

10, at the Maher School House. Located approximately five miles south of Crawford on Highway 92, the one-room school house was built in 1917 after the original school was destroyed by fire. Since then it has been a hub of community activity, even after consolidation of the local school district when students began attending Crawford School (now Crawford Town Hall). In January, the Maher School was formally designated by the Montrose County Commissioners as a Montrose County historic landmark. At 3 p.m., a plaque will be presented to club members by the Montrose County Historical Landmark Advisory Board. The public is welcome.

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C-PACE options are focus of Rotary event The Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley will host a special event highlighting renewable energy opportunities in Delta County from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Wisehart Springs Inn. Speakers from Solar Energy International and Colorado C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program) will explain how C-PACE enables Delta County owners of eligible commercial, agricultural and industrial buildings to finance up to 100 percent of their eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements. The Colorado C-PACE program is an initiative of the New Energy Improvement District (NEID) authorized by The Colorado General Assembly’s passage of the New Energy Jobs Creation Act of 2010. Ela Family Farms of Hotchkiss will be showcased for being Colorado’s first agricultural clean energy project funded through C-PACE. Reservations are recommended. Email teamthompson1@ hotmail.com or call Mike Heck at 970-527-5464.

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time. Through financial analysis, it is clear that for this service to continue and have the flexibility to meet the needs of the future, the current

financial structure must evolve. Please visit www. NorthForkAmbulance. com for more information and watch for continued coverage in the DCI.

B4 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Don’t miss River Fest in Paonia Saturday The Western Slope is getting ready for Western Slope Conservation Center’s 18th annual River Fest on Saturday, June 2. This year, the Conservation Center is celebrating Paonia River Park and the greater North Fork watershed with a day-long, family-friendly

festival. Music, games, food, and festivities will be enjoyed from 3 to 9:30 p.m. at the Paonia River Park. The festival is free and open to all. The festival will feature live music from local artists, food, beer garden, community mural painting, games and

kids’ activities. Come bid on silent auction items from Yeti, Chaco, RIGS, SK Bikes, Shadescapes, Earth Friendly Supply, Blue Heron Yoga, Western Slope SUP, Montrose Kayak and Surf, REI, Whitewater West, Peaceful Waters, Black Bridge Winery and more. A new

Bee Heroic celebrates pollinators, farming, hemp Join Bee Heroic at the Hive Paonia for a weekend celebration of pollinators, farming, and hemp as part of Bee Heroic’s Pollen Nation Tour 2018. The Pollen Nation Tour (PNT) is a handson multi-state, multi-city project where Bee Heroic hosts booths, presents on pollinator, climate and sustainability issues, and provides resource information to initiate change. Pollen Nation 2018: Buzz Event (Saturday,

June 9, 3 to 5 p.m.) will include a primary presentation on pollinators, agriculture and climate connections, and introductory presentations on hempcrete building, farming regulation for hemp industries, and an introduction to the Hive in Paonia for community members. The event will also include a handful of booths, bee-friendly giveaways, and a bee-connected mixer (and mingle) afterward. Buds and Bees at the

Hive (Sunday, June 10, 2 to 5 p.m.) will include three 20-minute presentations on how hemp can help save pollinators, benefits of building with hempcrete, and how to keep agrochemical from taking over the hemp industry. Buds and bees will also include several pollinator and hemp industries booths, and a bee-connected mixer following. Visit https://beeheroic. com/buzz-events for more details.

addition to the activities this year is the “All Forked Up!” raft race. Contestants will build a raft out of approved, recycled materials and race it down a section of the North Fork River! A build night is planned Wednesday, May 30, where you can find a team and get engineering help. Kids 14 and under can visit the raft-building station at River Fest to make their vessels before the races start at 4:30 p.m. There will be prizes for all divisions. For a chance at winning even more prizes, get your costumes on and enter the Birds and Beasts costume contest. Tickets will also be on sale for a dynamite river-ready raffle item: a brand new Hyside MiniMax boat, complete with custom Welfelt frame and Cataract oars, a $4,300 value. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Get them while you can. Only 500 will be sold. The Conservation

Photo by Ben Lehman

The band Mojo is returning to the 2018 River Fest. Center would like to recognize the generous sponsors whose donations have helped to put on this year’s River Fest. Many thanks to Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Four Seasons Investments, Delta County Tourism Board, Western Colorado Realty, Yoka Design, Lehman Images, United Companies, Solar Energy International, Delta County Memorial

Hospital, Kevin Parks State Farm Insurance, The Pack Shack, Trout Unlimited, Gunnison Gorge Anglers, Fly Fishers International, and High Country News. To learn more about the “All Forked Up” raft race and see the River Fest schedule, RSVP to the events on Facebook or head over to western slopeconservation.org. More questions? Call 970527-5307 or stop by 204 Poplar Avenue in Paonia.

P s a n o o i n t i a a l u E t a a g r l g e n s! 2A BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONS o FOR TWO YEARS IN A ROW.

We are proud to support the Paonia Eagles Baseball Team and so excited to see you achieve another State Championship!

Ollie’s Ice Crea m ��

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS May 30, 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia repeats as 2A state baseball champs BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Paonia Eagles held off a seventh-inning rally by the Peyton Panthers to win their second straight Class 2A baseball title Saturday at Pueblo. The win capped off a 10-game winning streak and a 23-2 season. “Team effort all the way around,” said head coach Nate Miller. “No doubt about it.” Paonia was seeded third in the state bracket. In the championship game, senior Jaden Miller set the tone in the first inning against Peyton with a two-out, two-run homer. Soul Connolly opened on the mound, holding Peyton to two hits and two runs. In the third, with no outs, runners on second and third, and two runs scored, Logan Schopp relieved Connolly, holding Panthers’ power hitter Jaeden Meyers to an inning-ending grounder resulting in a double play. In the fourth, Connolly led off at the plate with a double, and designated hitter Isaac Stanfield followed with a base hit. Stanfield earned the DH spot late in the season. “He just came through big for us,” said Coach Miller. Connolly scrambled home on a single by Clay Campbell. With Stanfield out, Slater Podgorny singled, a wild pitch slammed into David Lozano, sending him to first, and Seriani loaded the bases on a walk. Podgorny scored on a Panther error, and with two outs, Schopp scored Lozano on a single, giving Paonia a 6-2 lead. With two outs in the top of the fifth, Campbell dropped a double into the right field gap and scored on a Podgorny double. “Clay came through huge,” said Miller. He’d planned to bunt him, but remembering last year’s championship win and Garrett Beck’s big day at the plate, Miller told Campbell to swing. “I swung hard and I saw both outfielders running and I said, ‘I’m getting two on this one,’” said Campbell. “I turned and looked back at the dugout

Photo by Tamie Meck

For the second consecutive year the Paonia Eagles accepted the Class 2A championship trophy from the Colorado High School Activities Association after defeating top-seeded Peyton, 8-6, Saturday at Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo. and everyone’s hollering at me... Just fate.” The Panthers got 10 hits off of Paonia. At centerfield, Connolly caught two big fly outs in the final innings. “They were hitting the ball really well,” said Connolly. “We knew that coming into this game... It was kind of just catch or go home, and at this point in the season you can’t mess up.” In the sixth Miller scored on a sacrifice hit by Grey Neal, giving Paonia an 8-2 lead. In the seventh, the Panthers scored four runs on two-run doubles by junior Rodney Gregg and senior Austin Hermes. With one out and the tying run at second, Miller stepped in to relieve Schopp, striking out batter Josh Rodriguez to end the game. “Schopp’s off-speed pitch wasn’t working,” said Miller, and Rodriguez wasn’t having a good day at the plate. “When I came in, I knew that’s what was going to take to get him. I knew that I was going to have to throw him my off speed and keep him off balance a bit.” Schopp was awarded the win. “That shows the depth we have,” said Coach Miller. Without their ace, “We’ve got guys like Anders Schopp sitting in the dugout that hardly ever pitch, and that says how deep we are pitching. He couldn’t get that last out, but he was big for us today.” In semifinals, and in scorching 90-plus-degree heat, Paonia defeated No. 7 Dayspring Christian,

7-2. A young team that upset second-seeded Sedgwick County in quarterfinals, Dayspring put up a good fight. With ace pitcher Seriani unable to throw, Miller stepped onto the mound, allowing four hits in seven innings. Seriani hit a two-run double in the third to tie the game at 2-2, and in the fourth, with a 4-2 lead, hit a two-run homer. Dayspring has a “great pitcher,” he said. “That was kind of the turning point in the day.” Coach Miller credited both wins to the defense. The Eagles turned three double plays against Peyton and four against Dayspring “We haven’t turned that many double plays all season,” said Miller. “But they executed today.” Paonia wasn’t expected to get this far after losing a talented group of seniors last season. “It’s pretty awesome,” said Coach

Miller. “A lot of people counted us out, but you know what? They stayed tough.” Jaden Miller said he believed all season that they would go all the way. Early on, he said, “We were pretty rough. We worked our butts off. We overcame a lot.” After accepting the trophy, the realization set in that eight more seniors will move on. “There’s more heart on this team than I’ve ever seen,” said Seriani, who threw 15 Ks for the win in last year’s state title game. He came to Paonia four years ago with a reputation for throwing 90-plus-mph pitches and with big expectations on him. “I don’t know if I’ve done quite what I was talked up to be,” said Seriani. “But I gave my best every season and I gave the team everything that I had. I guess I can walk

BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

For the Delta Panthers baseball team, the 3A state tournament was a hurry up and wait affair and ultimately a disappointing end to a very successful season, including the Western Slope League title. Over the span of a few days, Delta prepared and then changed travel

BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

Presley Pene crosses ﬁrst base in the Class 2A state baseball semiﬁnals against Peyton Saturday. A seventh-inning run by Peyton ended the Bulldogs’ chance of a title game against Paonia. on first after hitting him with a pitch. Shaw finished the inning, striking out Jesus Macias and Devin Curtis, leaving three runners on base. “We had opportunities to score a few more runs and (Peyton) stepped up and threw some big outs,” said Carlquist. “Every time we would step up and do something great, the very next inning they would just counter back. It was just one of those back and forths the whole game. The team that got to hit last ended up win-

me out, he pitched me baseballs, he pitched me golf balls just for fun. We spent a lot of time practicing and going through all the motions.” Before he hit the homer against Dayspring, “I had a hitch in my spring. I looked at him, he told me what to do, and the next pitch I had a home run.” It’s incredible,” said Campbell, who became the third generation of state baseball champions. Grandfather Jess played on Paonia’s 1962 state champion team, and uncle Chad Campbell on the 1989 title team. “You see everyone who supports us and has supported us all year in everything we do,” said Campbell. “It’s amazing to have that kind of backing from the community. We play for them.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Eagles shortstop Slater Podgorny aims for ﬁrst base on a 4-6-2 double play against Peyton in the Class 2A state championship game at Pueblo Saturday. The double play was one of three for the game and seven for the tournament for Paonia.

Delta’s great season ends with two playoff losses plans three times as rains pushed the entire playoff schedule back a week. The Panthers did what they could to stay sharp despite a two-week layoff from play. Coach Steve Reiher scheduled a scrimmage or two and tried to keep the batters crisp with lots of batting practice. Finally, the Panthers took the field at Butch Butler Field in Greeley

Seventh inning run ends Bulldogs shot at state title The chance for an allNorth Fork state baseball championship game came to a close Saturday when the top-seeded Peyton Panthers scored a seventh-inning run to defeat fourth-seeded Hotchkiss semifinals, 4-3. “It was a good baseball game,” said head coach Blake Carlquist. “For the most part I thought we played well today. We were excited, we were confident. We knew we had the capability of playing well.” Seniors Chase Hiatt was 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI, Jonathan Gonzalez was 2 for 3, and Marvin Guereque was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI. In the sixth the Bulldogs took a 3-2 lead, with Jamison Yanish scoring on a hit by Josie Hiatt. With two outs, Devin Curtis scored on a double by Guereque. Jonathan Gonzalez opened the top of the seventh inning with a single and reached second on an error. Peyton brought in relief pitcher Rupert Shaw, who walked Yanish, and put Chase Hiatt

away with a little bit of pride in that.” The team learned early in the week that he may not play due to an injury. While his absence on the mound was apparent, the team didn’t lose faith. “They rallied around him and they got it done,” said Coach Miller. Coach Miller, Jaden’s dad, played on state championship teams at Paonia High School in 1996, 1997 and 1998. “That makes five state championships for our family. Pretty special,” said Miller. Seriani will play Division I ball for Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. He gave credit for his success to dad Jon. “The wisdom that he’s passed on to me has definitely helped me out more times than not,” said Seriani. “My whole life he took

ning.” Gonzalez had two errors and allowed 10 hits and two earned runs in six innings. With temperatures soaring into the mid 90s, Gonzalez stepped off the mound. The heat was getting to him, said Carlquist. “He decided to make the change.” Eli Kirk closed with two Ks and one walk. Peyton tied the game at 3-3 on a base hit. With two outs and the bases loaded, the Panthers scored the winning run on a base hit.

Hotchkiss ends the season with a 19-4 record and the 2A/3A district title. They didn’t have any big expectations resting on them at the start of the season, so getting the semifinals was a big accomplishment, said Carlquist. “They fought hard,” said Carlquist. “Players did a good job buying into what we were preaching and working for.” Hotchkiss will lose five seniors. Kirk, Chase Hiatt and Josie Hiatt have signed to play ball at Colorado Northwestern Community College, and Gonzalez will pitch for Vernon College in Vernon, Texas, where he’ll study welding. A three-year varsity pitcher, Gonzalez was ranked in the top 10 in the state this season in ERAs (1.59) and in Ks, striking out 89 of 226 batters. At the plate Gonzalez averaged .434 this season and had a three-year combined average of .409. “You don’t easily replace a group like that,” said Carlquist. “For a 2A school to have four kids get the opportunity to play at the next level, that’s incredible. It’s a testament to them.”

to face University early Friday morning, May 25. Senior Jaspar Carmichael took the mound for Delta and set down the first six battlers he faced. In the bottom of the second inning, Delta got on the scoreboard. It started with Trevor Myers hitting a double, followed up with a single from Dylan Hollenbeck. Kolby Keller drove them home with a triple to give Delta a 2-0 lead. University challenged in the third, but a diving catch and throw out by shortstop Skler Kraai ended the threat. This was the first of two “jaw-dropping” defensive plays made by Kraai, noted Coach Reiher. He added that the sophomore was fun to watch all season, making difficult plays at crucial times to help his team. The combination of strong pitching from Carmichael and solid defense kept University scoreless

through five innings, but in the top of the sixth University tied the game at 22. Drake Horn came in to pitch in the top of the seventh. University mounted a challenge, putting two runners on base. A great catch in left by Kolby Keller, and Horn bearing down for a key strike out ended the threat. The game went into extra innings when Delta failed to score in the bottom of the seventh. Momentum shifted dramatically as University exploded for five runs in the eighth, and then slammed the door on the Panthers in the bottom of the inning. The loss was a bitter pill. Coach Reiher said, “I thought we were right there. We needed some timely hits, but for whatever reason we did not come up with those hits. And University was just waiting for a break, and they pounced on it!” DELTA BASEBALL TO B6

Photo by Tamie Meck

Four Bulldogs commit

Jonathan Gonzalez is one of four Bulldogs signed to play baseball in college and will pitch for Vernon College in Texas. Chase Hiatt and Eli Kirk signed to play at Colorado Northwestern Community College, and Josie Hiatt will play softball at Northwestern.

B6 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

SPORTS

Delta baseball He added, “Naturally, it is easy to blame it on the layoff ... the kids were swinging so well going into the regionals.” Reiher noted that in the two playoff games their top four hitters were two for 31, significantly lower than the better than .400 avg. the four had during the season and regional games. “It wasn’t as if they weren’t putting the ball in play,” said Reiher, “ ... very uncharacteristic for this group.” The 3A tournament was a double elimination format, so the Panthers had an opportunity to come back through the lower bracket. After a short rest Friday, they took on Peak to Peak High School (Lafeyette) in what turned out to be an exciting back and forth battle as both teams played their hearts out to stay in the tournament. Dylan Hollenbeck

started on the mound the Panthers, and gave up a run in the top of the first. Delta’s bats came alive for five runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by doubles from Nolan Bynum and Matt Easter. A couple of defensive miscues allowed Peak to Peak to score three runs in the third and couple more in the fourth to take a 6-5 lead. The Panthers countered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth but their lead was shortlived. In the top of the sixth Peak to Peak plated four more runs to move ahead 10-8 and held on to beat the Panthers. After the game Coach Reiher explained this season was especially trying for the kids with the medical crisis which sidelined teammate Clayton Abila, and the death of six-yearold Cole Lahoe, the youngster with whom the team formed a relationship

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while hosting benefits during Cole’s battle with leukemia. “I think these guys matured as a team, and while rallying around each other, they drew closer,” he said. “This is a great group of kids. They worked well together, kept things light, kept things fun. As a coach, it is crucial to have a team that is resilient and able to focus on the field despite what life throws at them. They helped me stay focused as well.” He also thanked the community for its strong support. “From the fans, our sponsors and private donors, we couldn’t do it without them!” He also praised his coaching crew, which consisted of assistant coach Paul Shean, freshman coach Brandon Reiher, general assistants Blake and Keaton Reiher and Ty Gallenbeck, and pitching coach RJ Englehart.

Delta County Independent

Ty Grant wraps up stellar track career at Cedaredge BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Ty Grant knew early on that he had natural speed. A 27-time individual placer during his four years of track competition at Cedaredge High School, he discovered it after winning a lot of sprint races in junior high school and at the Hershey’s Track and Field Games, considered the Olympics of junior high track. In the overall history of track at Cedaredge, which has won numerous individual and team titles throughout the years, Grant believes he’s among the best of the legends from CHS. “I don’t want to seem cocky or anything, but I believe I’ve made my way to making history,” said Grant in the final hours of the Colorado State Track and Field Championships at Lakewood. “I’m very glad with my high school career.” The record books agree. Since becoming head coach in 1999, Kirby Henderson has kept meticulous record of each athlete’s accomplishments and has records dating to 1957. Grant leaves CHS with three school records — the 800m relay with Isaac Swoffer, Drew Markley and Brendon Klaseen of 1:30.74 set in 2017, and the 800m medley record of 1:38.21 with Danny Mendoza, Jordan McMillan and Markley. Each year, Grant got faster. At this year’s state meet he broke his final school record with a preliminary 200m time of 22.41. In finals he won the event with a time of 22.62. He also ran a career best 11 seconds in 100m dash preliminaries, nudging the 1989 school record of 10.86 held by Ty Williams; and finished third in finals. “I was kind of surprised by that,” said Grant of preliminary time. In finals he tightened up a bit. “It was all on me,” he said. Still, he was happy with his performance. “Third

Photo by Tamie Meck

Ty Grant sprints toward a state championship in the 200-meter dash at the state track and ﬁeld meet in Lakewood. Grant has been named all-conference in 10 events and this year made the CHSAA/MaxPreps all-state team in four events. He recently signed to run track for Colorado Mesa University. place isn’t terrible. I would have liked the win, but you don’t get everything you wish for sometimes.” Grant also ran on the state champion 800m relay team with Wyatt Camp, Alex Barron and Markley; and 1600meter team with Markley, Mendoza and Jordan McMillan. For scoring 37 points in relays, Cedaredge was awarded the “Golden Baton” by Mile Split. Before running the final race of the state meet, the 1600m relay, Grant was still focused on winning. “I’m just looking to do the best I can for my team right now,” he said. “I just want to run hard and that’s it.” Grant pointed to Henderson as his biggest inspiration. “I really thank him for making

me who I am today,” he said. “He’s pushed me at every single track meet, every single practice that I’ve ever had.” He’s also inspired by his teammates. “All of them are great,” he said. His long list includes seniors Markley, McMillan and Mendoza, Andrew Richardson, and Isaac Vader. Because they look up to him, the freshman class helps keep him in line, he said. Grant recently signed to run track for Colorado Mesa University. He said he’s proud of what he did in high school, and humble at the same time. He’s also optimistic about the future. “I hope to make history at Colorado Mesa University,” said Grant. “I’d like to do that just like I did at my high school.”

Correction In last week’s DCI, the members of the 4x100 relay team for Cedaredge High School were misidentified in a photo. The team actually consists of Joshua Jenkins, Zack McMillan, Danny Mendoza and Wyatt Camp. The relay team captured first at the state meet, a first for the school. Their time of 45.12 seconds was also a personal best for the team.

Photo by Tamie Meck

4x100 state champs

The 4x100 meter relay team from Cedaredge High School captured the school’s ﬁrst state title in this event at the state track meet on May 19. The team, from the left, is Joshua Jenkins, Zach McMillan, Danny Mendoza and Wyatt Camp. The win helped the Cedaredge High School boys to a second place team ﬁnish.

SURFACE CREEK May 30, 2018

NEWS

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Tears, joy mark Cedaredge graduation BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

Audience members stood and cheered Thursday, May 24, as Cedaredge High School 2018 graduates marched into the school gymnasium to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” Graduate Jacob Lewis walked to the stage to greet everyone. He introduced the the guests seated on the stage, as well as several faculty and administrators of Cedaredge High School. He then recognized students — graduates with 20 hours or more of tutoring, taking and passing college and/or advanced

placement classes, graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, members of National Honor Society, graduates who were in FFA for all four years, lettering in band or choir, and finally graduates entering the military and those in the audience who are veterans. Next, Cedaredge High School principal Randy Brown asked that the teachers please stand and be recognized for their efforts in getting the graduates where they are today. Brown also thanked the parents for their continuous support. He said that while this group of student may not have been the

most vocal they still showed the way for underclassmen in a classy way. “Forty of our 64 graduates have a GPA of 4.0 or higher. They have earned thousands of post-secondary money. They have put the work in and it will pay off in their future,” Principal Brown said. Amanda Cerise, school counselor, was next to speak. She introduced valedictorians Jessica Craig, Hannah Hatheway and Holly Jenkins, and salutatorians Peter Carlson, Kayla Kensler and Grace Andrews. Hannah Hatheway, the GRADUATION TO C2

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

During the parent dedication Ricardo Lopez Jr. hugs his family after giving them a ﬂower in appreciation.

‘Grand Mesa’ is theme for First Friday Art Walk

Graduates toss their caps into the air in celebration.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Local writer named Golden Heart finalist BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

When it comes to romance writing, the Golden Heart competition for unpublished writers is about as good as it gets. Sponsored by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the competition is a giant stepping-stone toward earning a publishing contract. And last month, Cedaredge resident Barbra Campbell got word that she has been selected as one of the national finalists. Not bad for her first romance novel. Campbell didn’t start out to be a writer, far from it. She was creative but her passion was music. She played the violin in high school and later the cello. But when it came to writing, her least favorite high school subject was English and the worst part of that class was creative writing. “I even wrote non-fiction sentences for my vocabulary word assignments,” she laughs. In college, she studied science and her writing grew increasingly technical. She earned a bachelor’s degree and started graduate work in genetics. It began to look like she was on a predictable path to a scientific career until life — like well-written fiction —

Photo submitted

Cedaredge resident Barbra Campbell survived a traumatic brain injury and a dramatic personality change but bounced back to play the cello and write a romance novel. She has been selected as a national ﬁnalist in the coveted Golden Heart competition.

became unpredictable. In 1998, her doctoral work ground to a halt. Her infant daughter lived only four and a half months before the child died of undiagnosed cystic fibrosis and Campbell lost her focus. “You kind of have to think when you’re pursuing your Ph.D.,” she recalls, “And to put it mildly I just wasn’t thinking straight.” She changed her focus then and concentrated on matters closer to home. Ten years passed during which she devoted her time to the everyday challenges of raising a family. She was content with her new life and it began to look like she was well on her way to a predictable role as wife and mother. Until, once again life — like fiction — became unpredictable. She was sitting in her car at a red light and when a speeding car rear-ended her. She regained consciousness to learn that she had a traumatic brain injury. It was serious but the doctors were optimistic. At first they predicted she’d be back to normal in a couple of weeks. Then that prediction stretched to two months. Then the two-month estimate became six months and six months became a year. After a year and half of missing recovery landmarks, the doctors delivered the bad news in three succinct words: “permanent brain damage.” Of all our human organs, the brain is the most complex. It is the source of everything that makes humans unique: communication, personality, learning, and creativity — to name only a few. When the brain works, life is a marvel; when the brain is injured, life is a challenge. “At first, I couldn’t read music or regular print. I had a personality re-set and lost a sense of self-awareness,” she says, remembering those early days. “I just didn’t think like in the past.” And then there were collateral issues as her family tried to adjust to someone who had essentially become a different person. “There were marital challenges — I didn’t know my husband, he didn’t know me, and sadly I had to be ‘evaluated’ to make sure it was safe for me to be with my

kids.” Before the accident, when she was working on her Ph.D. her family used to tell her “Oh, you’re so smart. You’re scary smart.” After her brain injury they started telling her “Now you’re just scary.” She laughs about that now, but the need to start over was not only challenging, it could be downright frightening. At one point, her brain began arbitrarily shutting down one of her five senses, including an alarming episode of temporary blindness. The family was living in Grand Junction when Campbell was injured. Her recovery therapy called for peace and quiet so the family decided to move to Cedaredge to escape the hectic city life. After relocating in 2010, Campbell began to accept the new normal of her changed existence. “I still remembered that other woman,” she says “But I needed to grieve the loss of the old LOCAL WRITER TO C2

The June 1 First Friday Art Walk, hosted by the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center, is coming up and something for every taste is in store. Enjoy an evening in downtown Cedaredge with live music, food, wine tasting and local artists showcasing their latest work themed around the Grand Mesa, the backdrop of the beautiful Surface Creek Valley. Bring the kids for the kids’ corner with cotton candy, sponsored by HopeWest. The evening’s activities include a demo by local artist Barbara Torke and Cindy Pomasl with Cingato Jewelry

at the AppleShed. Next, stop at Impressionz Gallery from 5-7 p.m. to meet featured artist Scott Sullivan. Appetizers will be served. Find and enjoy a visit at Enchanted Mesa Gallery, Cedaredge’s newest, mystical art space, located just north of the intersection on North Grand Mesa Drive (Highway 65). And don’t miss the music at The Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall on East Main, featuring an art display and music by Compass and Cavern of Denver. See www.grandmesaarts center.com for information and come join in the fun!

Celebrate Cedaredge returns July 14

The Celebrate Cedaredge event slated for June 2 has been cancelled, said event organizers from the Town of Cedaredge and the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. “There were several other events that would compete with this event, and in an effort to make the event beneficial for not only our local businesses and for our vendors but for the community as a whole, we decided to focus our efforts instead on our two upcoming Celebrate Cedaredge events,” said Kami Collins, the economic development coordinator for the Town of Cedaredge. The two entities welcome the community to enjoy the July 14 Celebrate Cedaredge community fair at Town Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Civic groups and nonprofits are welcome to set up a booth at no charge; for-profit business vendors, artists, crafters

In remembrance

and others are welcome to set up booths as well. The vendor application is available online at cedaredgecolorado.com or by calling Collins at 856-3123, extension 112. In addition to the community fair at Town Park, the town and the chamber are also organizing a community yard sale/flea market at the town’s public works parking lot on High Country Avenue, across from Cedaredge FoodTown. Spaces for that event are just $10; applications are also available online or by calling Collins. “We apologize for any inconvenience the cancellation has caused, but we do hope vendors and the community can join us for our July 14 event,” Collins said. The two entities are also planning to host a Celebrate Cedaredge event on Aug. 4 at Town Park to coincide with the annual Serenity Run.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Edwin Neil and his great-nephew Mark Downey prepare a flag to be hung at Eckert Cemetery. James Holiman has cared for the Eckert Cemetery for around 18 years and the Cory Cemetery has been in the care of Larry Schroeder and family members for about eight years. Each year both families meet early in the morning at the Eckert Cemetery to raise the flags before heading to the Cory Cemetery. This year there were 25 volunteers between the two families. With all this help it took an hour and a half to finish the job.

C2 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Local writer FROM PAGE C1 me so I could learn to accept the new me.” Her brain injury primarily affected her left hemisphere, the side of the brain where logic, science reasoning, math ability, or other such functions reside — so much for a career in science. The frontal lobe was also injured — so much for planning and organizing. The right hemisphere, the creative side, seemed undamaged. Science faded but there was always art to fall back on. So one day, she picked up the cello again. It did not go well. “I tried working with a

beginner music book but I had lost too much coordination,” she recalls. She quit for a time but missed the music so she decided to try an entirely new instrument. She switched to the flute. “Miserable,” she laughs. After two years of struggling, she put music aside for a time until one day she sensed that her brain had recovered enough to re-learn the cello. She tried again and it all came flooding back. She plays the cello now, performing in the Grand Junction and Valley symphonies as well as the Grand Junction Rockestra — an alternative classical rock orchestra, the only one of its kind in the nation. She has worked her way back to becoming a gifted performer although her style is completely different. It’s more natural now, less automatic. “There’s that new me again,” she notes. Then, at last, came the writing. Campbell started writing fiction five years ago as a personal challenge — part of exploring her new personality. After experimenting with historical fiction and drama, she fell in love with screenwriting. Then she read her first romance novel and began writing in that field. Like most beginning writers, she wanted to publish, not only for the honor but also to entertain readers and to create something new. She began entering competitions. At first she received no recognition,

then honorable mention, then second place, and so on. “I was trained to extract RNA from a cell, not create something out of nothing. I found out there was a lot to learn in creative writing where literally every word you choose has an impact — especially if you choose poorly.” Some aspects of the creative writing craft eluded her at first but one thing that came naturally was character development. “Like a good fictional character, I’ve had my share of internal conflicts over how to prioritize my life.” Her priorities nowadays are pretty clear and she’s keeping busy. She’s homeschooled three children: her daughter now serves with the U.S. Air Force in Kuwait; her oldest boy plans to be a professional golfer; her youngest son is a budding writer who just won a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) essay competition. “He likes to remind me that he’s already won a writing contest,” she laughs. There’s her work with the symphonies and, as if she wasn’t busy enough, she also serves as a regional exchange student coordinator for the Council for Educational Travel (CET-USA). She helps place visiting international students with families throughout Delta County and neighboring communities. She has placed around two dozen students and her own family has hosted eight students. How does she like her chances for Golden Heart honors? The winner will be announced in July at the RWA’s annual conference in Denver. Nationally there were about 1,400 entrants before the field of finalists was reduced to 45. “If you look at a map of the competitors, both coasts are highly represented and in the middle, there’s me.” Considering those statistical odds, the former scientist in her would probably be pessimistic. But she’d be the first to admit that she’s not that person anymore. So win or lose she has no plans to stop writing.

SHOP LOCALLY

Kickoff to summer

Photo by Mckenzie Moore

Pioneer Town celebrated the start of its summer season at Heritage Day on May 26. Community members gathered to get a taste of what life was like in Cedaredge’s early days, complete with costumes, food and reenactments. Pioneer Town is open seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend through the ﬁrst weekend of October. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The complex is operated by volunteers from the Surface Creek Historical Society who are dedicated to the preservation of the area’s heritage.

Graduation FROM PAGE A1 first valedictorian speaker, earned a GPA of 4.25 while also actively participating in journalism, cross-country and track and field, while taking college and AP classes. In her speech Hatheway said, “Everyone has the power to influence someone or to change something... If you think you are too small to do something, you have never been bitten by a mosquito... Everyone here has made a positive influence in someone’s life. We don’t have to like people to love people... Love is one of the most powerful forces on earth and it often controls what we do and how we feel. A little bit of love can go a long way.” Valedictorians Jessica Craig and Holly Jenkins delivered a combined speech about the success of an individual coming from the support and togetherness of a community. Next, graduate Isaac Vader preformed “Romance” by Sibelius on the piano. After taking his final bow each of the three salutatorians spoke. Grace Andrews said,

“I hope all of us have dreamed big, continue to dream big and follow those dreams. I hope that as we all continue to grow and mature we surround ourselves with people that help us to achieve our goals.” Salutatorian Peter Carlson said the Class of 2018 was like a tree and Cedaredge High School was the soil that the tree was planted in. During high school people came together to form branches and some went their separate ways creating smaller limbs, even though they all share the same roots. Each seed that falls from the tree represents a different student who gets blown around the world so that in time it too will be able to plan its own roots. Finally, salutatorian Kayla Kensler said, “Whatever you may to choose to do next, do something you love. Don’t spend the rest of your life trying to please everyone; go out and do what

makes you happy.” The next portion of the ceremony was the parent dedication, where students found their parents in the crowd to thank them for all that they have done by giving them a flower. After the parent dedication 64 graduates received their diplomas from school board member Pete Blair. Following the awarding of the diplomas, everyone turned their attention to the Class of 2018 slideshow presentation. The lights came back on and the mixed choir, featuring five graduates and two underclassmen, sang “Child of Tomorrow” by Mark Patterson. Graduates Brooke Klaseen, Jade Gummo, Nathan Stumpf asked their classmates to stand and join them in the turning of the tassels, from the right of their caps to the left to bring the graduation ceremony to a close.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

The mixed choir sings “Child of Tomorrow” by Mark Patterson.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

After receiving his diploma Daniel Mendoza shakes the hands of his teachers.

Grief support group meets on Tuesdays Mending Hearts, a grief support group coordinated through HopeWest, will meet on Tuesdays through July 31 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road in Austin. Each support group begins with grief education and is followed by a small group discussion. Topics include understanding grief and loss; coping skills for grief;

dealing with emotions of grief; and adjusting to new roles. Mending Hearts is free of charge, and open to anyone coping with the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. Members may join at any time. Call 970-874-0628 or email adultsupport@ HopeWestCO.org for additional information.

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

Robert Hedges

dence, Mo. She spent her childhood and attended school in Oklahoma and then moved to Cedaredge in her early teens. She attended school in Cedaredge. On July 21, 1947, she married Verne R. Hendrickson in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They shared 30 years of marriage before his death on Feb. 9, 1978. On July 25, 1986, she married Joseph Pfeifer in Delta. They shared 18 years of marriage until his death on Jan. 11, 2005. Mrs. Hendrickson worked at Ogden Air Technical Service Command at Hill Field, Utah. She then worked at the ASCS office in Delta. She was an avid member of the Rebekah and Odd Fellows lodges and a Theta Rho advisor. She was also a 4-H leader and active PTA member. She enjoyed many kinds of crafts, crocheting, sewing and fishing. She is survived by her daughters, Roxie (Bob) Morris of Cedaredge; grandchildren, Chad (Kirstan) Morris of Fort Collins and Loree (Manuel) Gutierrez of Cedaredge; and greatgrandchildren, Deven and Bree Gutierrez and Ashley and Justin Morris. She was preceded in death by both husbands; sisters, Lorene Davison and Norma Reaveley; and great-granddaughter, Megan Gutierrez. Taylor Funeral Service Janet Pontow and Crematory is hanJanet Pontow died dling the arrangements. May 24, 2018, at her home north of Cedaredge. She was 70. A memorial service was held at Delta Church of Christ on May 26. Janet Ruth Hamilton was born on Aug. 23, 1947, to Thomas and Ruth (Harrington) Hamilton in Lincoln, Neb. They moved to Denver, where she graduated from East High School in 1965. She attended Colorado State University before joining the Army. She Sylvia Mills was stationed in Texas Crawford resident Sylwhere she met and mar- via Ann Mills died May ried James Vincent. They 27, 2018, at Paonia Care had two children. Center. She was 74. In 1989, she married She was born April 25, Art Pontow and graduat- 1944, to JR and Mary ed from Community Col- Birdwell in Farmington, lege of Denver as a regis- N.M. tered nurse. She worked On Oct. 21, 1989, she at University Hospital married Mason Mills in in Denver, Delta County Glenwood Springs. They Memorial Hospital and shared 27 years of marHorizons Healthcare riage before his death in until her retirement. 2016. She enjoyed spendMrs. Mills was a ing time with her fam- homemaker. She worked ily, gardening, traveling, in the Hotchkiss High cooking, sharing meals School lunchroom and and playing cards with later earned her cosmeher friends. She was an tology license from the active member of the tech college. Delta Church of Christ. She enjoyed sewing, She is survived by her painting ceramics, quilthusband, Art Pontow; ing, cooking and spendchildren, Jason (Adri- ing time with family, ana) of Fort Myers, Fla., especially during the holand Joni (Darren) Slogar idays. of Cedaredge; sisters, She is survived by two Nadine (Arnold) Pap- brothers, Archie (Jo) Birdurt of Eckert and Bev- well of Mesa, Ariz., and erly Kyle of Cedaredge; Fred (Vicki) Birdwell of granddaughter, Rachel Evans; five children, CleSlogar of Cedaredge; tis (Diane) Kirkpatrick of stepchildren, Susan (Ste- Sandy, Utah, Christina ven) Pontow Pozder of (Kim) Hegarty of PlatteHighlands Ranch and ville, Kevin Kirkpatrick Robert (Christy) Pon- of Aurora, Kameal (Brian) tow of Aurora; and seven Clark of Crawford and stepgrandchildren. Nikki Mills of Paonia; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mason; and two brothers, Bobby and Leon Birdwell. A graveside services will be held at the Crawford Cemetery later this week. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Funeral Service Ruth Hendrickson andTaylor Crematory is hanEckert resident Ruth dling the arrangements. Hendrickson died March 21, 2018, at her daughRobert Paul Jr. ter’s home in Cedaredge. Crawford resident RobShe was 93. A celebration of life ert D. Paul Jr., died May will be held Monday, June 25, 2018, at his home. He 4, at 1 p.m. at the Stolte was 75. He was born April 19, Shed in Pioneer Town in 1943, in Pennsylvania to Cedaredge. Ruth Ionne Davison Robert and Jean (Thompwas born July 3, 1924, to son) Paul. He spent his Thomas and Fay (Davis) childhood in PennsylvaDavison in Indepen- nia. Montrose resident Robert John Hedges died May 16, 2018, at Montrose Memorial Hospital. He was 61. He was born June 22, 1956, to Dr. Vernon and Barbara Hedges in Boulder. On Sept. 1, 2017, he married Jean Kilgore. Mr. Hedges was an optician who did volunteer work in Mexico. He was active in the Abundant Life Church in Montrose and enjoyed spreading the word of God through evangelism. He is survived by his wife, Jean; mother, Barbara Hedges of Delta; two sisters, Janice Hedges of Delta and Kathleen (David) Fowler of Montrose; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon; and one sister, Deborah Rogers. A memorial service was held May 26 at Abundant Life Church in Montrose. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.

OBITUARIES On May 16, 1960, he married Sharon Robinson in Pennsylvania. In 2000, the family moved to Crawford. Mr. Paul was a member of the United Methodist Church and he enjoyed golfing, traveling and watching the animals in the outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon Paul of Crawford; son, Robert Paul III of Crawford; and grandson, Robert (Samantha) Paul of Crawford. He was preceded in death by his parents. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Damian Miramontes

Damian Trey Miramontes of Olathe died May 21, 2018. He was 22. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at Bible Baptist Church in Olathe. He chose to be cremated. He was born Aug. 4, 1995, to Joe and Cynthia Miramontes of Olathe. He is survived by his father, Joe Miramontes; brother, Devon Miramontes; sister, Destiny Miramontes; and son, Josiah Miramontes, all of Olathe; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia Miramontes of Olathe. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Kristina Hutchins

Kristina Jann Hutchins died May 23, 2018, in a car accident. She was 73. Services will be held Saturday, June 9, at the Blue Sage in Paonia from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 10, at Bethlehem Cemetery. Mrs. Hutchins attended schools in Paonia and graduated in 1963. She lived in North Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri and California before retiring to Paonia. She is survived by her siblings, Bill (Annette) Hutchins of Bayfield and Karen Hutchins of Cedar Creek, Texas; children, Eric (Donna Lee) Stovner of Santa Ana, Calif., and Keri (Brett) Scoville of Washington; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and extended family.

Rudyard Loose

Rudyard “Bud” Loose died at his daughter’s home in Littleton on April 6, 2018. He was born Sept. 1, 1926, in Humboldt, Kan., to Dr. Frank and Dorthea Loose. Mr. Loose led a distinguished Navy career and settled in Cory in 1971. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Thursday, June 28, at 11 a.m. at Cory Cemetery.

Donna Waibel

Cedaredge resident Donna Waibel died Friday, May 25, 2018, at her home. She was 91. Graveside services are pending. Donna Weaver was born in Chicago, Ill., March 27, 1927, to Bert and Emma (Faden) Weaver. She married Leonard Waibel Sept. 30, 1945, in Walla Walla, Wash.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

She was active in the Rebekah Lodge, Three Corner Club and the Baca Busy Bees. She enjoyed cooking for her family, watching the wildlife on her farm and playing dominoes. She is survived by her three children, Rene (Allen) Rider of Ephrata, Pa., Keith (Pam) Waibel and Burt (Hope) Waibel, all of Glenwood Springs; a sister, Betty Hoyt; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Waibel. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Candy Parrish

Candace A. “Candy” Parrish died May 20, 2018, at her home in Delta. She was born Sept. 10, 1952, to Arther and Hazel (Dyer) Bauer in Brawley, Calif. She worked as a dispatcher for truck drivers, a truck driver, office worker and caregiver. In 2006 she received her nursing degree. She enjoyed sandy beaches, water skiing, sewing, going to thrift stores and socializing with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Brian Bauer. She is survived by her husband, Ray Parrish; sister, Dessie Bauer; two sons, Dean (Lisa) Parrish and David Smart; two daughters, Deanna (David) Margo and Vicki (John) Hovey; six grandchildren, Gavin Parrish, Emma Parrish, Bobby Hovey (Shelly Gregory), Crystal (Wayne) Sharkey, Cameron and Tori Hovey; and six great-grandchildren.

The family will hold services Friday, June 1, at 3 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Delta. A dinner and balloon release will follow at Heaven’s View Apartments, 1445 Porter Court, Delta.

ety at www.hillcountry humanesociety.org.

Maria Moran

Cedaredge resident Maria R. Moran died May 19, 2018, at her home in Cedaredge. She was 78. Mass and service will be held at a later date in Cedaredge; however, a Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, June 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Worth, Texas. She is survived by her children, David (Jean) Moran and Debra Canfield, all of Cedaredge; and four grandchildren, Amanda Star, Lee Freeman, Christopher Canfield and Zakery Canfield. Irene Bennett Taylor Funeral Service Irene Bennett died April 25, 2018. A memo- and Crematory is hanrial service will be held dling the arrangements. Sunday, June 3, at 3 p.m. at the Cedaredge Seventh-day Adventist Church. Private burial has already taken place. Mrs. Bennett was a resident of the Cedaredge and Eckert areas for most of her 90 years. She drove a school bus for the Cedaredge School for 25 years. She is survived by a Leo Archuleta son, Earl (Becky) BenJose “Leo” Aurelio nett of Crawford; and a Archuleta died May 26, daughter, Debbie (Ber- 2018, at his home in Ausnard “Woody) Wood of tin. He was 82. Eckert. Viewing will be from There will be a time 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursfor visiting following the day, May 31, at Taylor services. All are invited Funeral Service Chapel and asked to bring chips, in Delta. Rosary will be salad, fruit or dessert if recited at 9:30 a.m. Frithey like. Sandwiches and day, June 1, at St. Michael drinks will be provided. Catholic Church. Funeral Memorial contribu- Mass will follow at 10 tions may be made to any a.m. Interment will be at Delta City Cemetery. charity for children. Taylor Funeral Service Mr. Archuleta enjoyed and Crematory is han- spending time with famdling the arrangements. ily and friends, dancing and playing the slot Jerri Murchison machines. He is survived by his Jerri Sue Murchison of Georgetown died May 23, wife, Lala Archuleta; children, Jose Archuleta Jr., 2018. She was 49. Elizabeth Duran, David She was born March 17, 1969, in Burnet, Archuleta, Karen SpeichTexas, to Gordon and Guy er, Anna Archuleta and Leona Broome; 15 grandMurchison. She is survived by her children; and 16 greatparents; three children; grandchildren. He was preceded in two grandchildren; five siblings; and extended death by three brothers and a son, Fred. family. Taylor Funeral Service Memorial contributions may be sent to Hill and Crematory is hanCountry Humane Soci- dling the arrangements.

Lucie (Ankenman) Shrader April 22, 1929 ~ May 26, 2018 Lucie (Ankenman) Shrader was born to Edith and Nelson Ankenman April 22, 1929, in Crawford, Colo., on the Ankenman Homestead. Later, the family moved to Delta where she attended Delta High School, graduating in 1947. The following year she attended Mesa College in Grand Junction. On April 4, 1948, she married Stewart Shrader and began a long and happy life with him. After a short time in Delta and Hawthorne, Nev., they made Orofino, Idaho, home. There they raised four children alongside family and friends. Lucie and Stewart returned to Delta in 1972. She worked at the Ideal Laundry and

Delta County Memorial Hospital. She continued to work at the hospital even after they purchased the laundry. She retired from the hospital after about 25 years of service. Lucie enjoyed family, friends, quilting, gardening, writing letters, and flowers. Her special favorite were her orchids. She is survived

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by one sister, Mildred Thompson (Gerry) of Montrose, Colo.; one brother-in-law, Frank Pace (Gloria) of Delta, Colo.; four children: Loy Viers (John) of Orofino, Idaho, Barbara O’neill (Charles) of Montrose, Colo., Nelson Shrader (Sally) of Cedaredge, Colo., and Roberta Bruhn (Keith) of Silt, Colo. She enjoyed visiting and spending time with cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren and extended family. There will be a picnic at Cleland Park for any who would like to attend and bring memories, June 23, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Paid obituary

C6 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

SCHOOL

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: Taylor Bess, Delta High School Sponsor: Lisa Rover, Garnet Mesa Elementary Taylor Bess had the opportunity to participate in an outstanding internship at Garnet Mesa Elementary School under the direction of fourth grade teacher Mrs. Rover. Taylor was an active part of the classroom daily, working with students and the teaching staff. Taylor enjoyed her time with all of the helpful staff, but most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with the students. Being in the classroom every day taught Taylor the importance of working to understand every student and the needs they have to succeed in the classroom. Taylor would like to thank Lisa and all of the fourth grade teachers for showing her the ropes. Taylor plans to study elementary education at Western State Colorado University in hopes of returning to Delta County School District to teach in the future.

Intern: Cassidy Zieman, Delta High School Sponsor: Joey Boese and Sarah Laird, A Kidz Clinic Cassidy had the honor to intern at A Kidz Clinic. This internship allowed Cassidy to get a hands-on experience at a medical clinic that provides needs for children in Delta County. Cassidy was responsible for working the front desk, taking care of paperwork, and assisting the patients and their needs. Cassidy is thankful for the wonderful opportunity to learn medical skills, office skills and social skills in a work environment. She would like to thank Sarah Laird, Joey Boese, Sarah Young, Maddie White and Tasha Gibson for making her feel welcomed and a part of the team along with giving her a wonderful opportunity to experience work in a medical environment. Cassidy plans to take a CNA class next year as a senior so she can follow her dream of becoming a nurse.

Intern: Bradley Davis, Delta High School Sponsor: Jeremy McCormick, DHS Athletic Department This internship has given Bradley a narrower glimpse of an industry that he has been considering going into, sports management, and has allowed him to gain knowledge and experience he did not have before. He worked under his school’s athletic director, Jeremy McCormick. A few of the tasks entrusted to him have been improving and managing music for sporting events, giving input for athletic scheduling for next year, creating spreadsheets, and creating posters for the upcoming school year. Bradley also gained life and business skills through this experience. This process has improved his ability to finish projects with deadlines, prioritize projects, ask questions and work in tandem with other people. In the fall Bradley will be attending CU Denver, majoring in sports management.

Intern: Kayla Kensler, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Dr. Susie Hirsch, Surface Creek Vet Center Kayla assisted Dr. Susie and Dr. Jeff Hirsch, the veterinary technician, and the receptionist at Surface Creek Veterinary Center. She performed simple tasks such as safe holds for blood draws, surgery/animal prep, and assisting in the exam rooms. Kayla also performed hands-on tasks such as administering vaccines, running blood machines, and attempting to insert an IV catheter. Kayla had the opportunity to observe many surgeries including dentals, spays and C-sections and is now employed by the clinic. She would like to thank everyone at Surface Creek for giving her the chance to be exposed to the medical field and for giving her such an amazing experience. Kayla will attend Colorado Christian University to complete a pre-med degree, then the Colorado University School of Medicine to prepare to become an ER physician.

Intern: Berenice Rascon, Delta High School Sponsor: Ryan Bond and Brett Hamilton, DMS Berenice had the incredible opportunity to be an intern at the Delta Middle School. She truly enjoyed being able to spend her afternoons with the sixth grade language arts classes. On normal days, she would spend her time reading, discussing, and providing any sort of assistance needed for the students and the teachers. On some special days, she was allowed to lead lessons and class discussions with the students. Berenice is very grateful for all the kindness the students and teachers have shown her throughout the past few months and especially wants to thank Mr. Bond and Mr. Hamilton for their patience and knowledge. She was able to experience what life in a classroom is like through a teacher’s perspective and she has fallen in love with the thought of being a future language arts teacher.

Student: Elena Gilliam, Delta High School Sponsor: Kirby Holmes, Delta Middle School Elena Gilliam had the opportunity to intern at Delta Middle School, with sixth grade math teacher Kirby Holmes. This was a great opportunity for her because she had the pleasure to get to know the students and the staff at DMS. Her sponsor was a great supporter, and allowed her to teach lessons and to see what it would be like to be a middle school teacher. Elena has learned valuable life lessons from this experience such as how to communicate with students, how to deal with pressure that comes with an internship, and how to deal with the students when they are acting up. Elena would like to thank Mr. Holmes for letting her come into his classroom, and for teaching her how to be a great teacher. Elena is planning to go to Lamar Community College the fall of 2018 to begin her degree in education.

Intern: Jennifer McDonald, Hotchkiss High School Sponsor: Rae Sanchez, West Elk Clinic At the new West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss, Jenny was able to follow all the different people within the clinic and take on different positions. She went from helping out the front desk to shadowing the clinic manager, following the NPs and MAs around, and eventually was able to follow a physician and acupuncturist in the clinic. Jenny was even able to assist in freezing off possible carcinoma cells on a patient’s head, looking in a patient’s ear, and feeling knots in a patient’s neck before needles were applied. Jenny is thankful for her experience at the clinic and couldn’t have asked for more welcoming people to work with. This opportunity has made it clear to Jenny that a career in the field of medicine is right for her. Jenny will be attending Weber State University in the fall to study radiology.

Intern: Lauren Davey, Delta High School Sponsor: Jeremy McCormick, DHS Athletic Department Lauren had the privilege to intern in the high school athletic department. She had the opportunity to see the inner workings of athletics at the high school level. Lauren was responsible for various jobs as an intern, such as updating the sports information on the website, creating rosters for games and events, paying referees, learning and utilizing new software, organizing master schedules for future sports seasons, and doing anything else her sponsor needed. She would like to thank Jeremy McCormick for allowing her the opportunity to discover the benefits of a career in athletic business administration. Lauren is also very appreciative of the fellow office staff for supporting her endeavors. She is looking forward to continuing this internship experience next year, as she finishes up her senior year.

Vision Charter Academy graduates 19 BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

Willyn Webb, executive director of Vision Charter Academy, began the school’s commencement ceremony by recognizing Darci Hellman, guidance specialist, for planning and coordinating the event. Graduation was held at the Delta Performing Arts Center on May 23 and began at 5 p.m. Graduates from all three VCA campuses were invited into the auditorium as acquaintances, friends and family got to their feet and applauded jubilantly until each graduate found their appointed seat. Members of the board of stewards and school board members were called to the stage and recognized for their role in the growth and existence of the Vision Charter Academy within Delta County. Webb then discussed the theme that was chosen for the 2017-2018

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

During the ﬂower ceremony Jordan Evans sang “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Kadyn Dunnagan stands to be recognized as one of two VCA graduates headed to the military. school year, “Together we can.” “I thought you graduates needed to know that. Behind the scenes we have been working on coming together as a school and as a community along with your families to get you here tonight.” Next year’s theme will be “Onward and upward,” Webb said, but it doesn’t have it stay a theme for the school. She challenged the graduating class of 2018 to continue their onward and upward journey of learning, growing and achieving, as a true Vision Charter Academy Vanguard. After these encouraging words, she invited the graduates, and the individuals chosen by the graduates to speak on their behalf, to come and sit on the stage. Each student invites this person to not only speak on their behalf but to also give them their diploma during the graduation ceremony. This tradition of the Vision Charter Academy is “very special and very unique and very individual just

like the school model,” explained Webb. The 2018 graduating class from Vision Charter Academy was made up of 19 students. As a class, they received $120,000 in scholarships. Two students, Michael Quinn and Kadyn Dunnagan, have enlisted in the military. James Davis was recognized for being a member of National Honor Society. The graduates had a chance to recognize the

people who supported them on their journey by going down into the auditorium during the flower ceremony and saying thank you with a simple white rose. During the flower ceremony Jordan Evans sang “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins. After the graduates returned to their seats, the ceremony was brought to a close with the traditional turning of the tassels.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Shane Kier speaks on behalf of Shay Hamilton.

Classifieds

May 30, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Wanted To Rent

Wanted

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

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Yard Sales

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Yard Sales

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)

ADVERTISE 874-4421

Yard Sales

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ESTATE SALE (CELIA Roberts) Friday/Sat, June 1 & 2 and Friday/Sat, June 8 & 9. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. No earlybirds! 71 Box Elder, Paonia (Apple Valley - off Pan American/Rio Grande) antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, art, outdoors, household, photo equip & more. Everything must go! (2x22) WANT TO MAKE A QUICK sale, advertise in the Delta County Independent's Classifieds. Call 874-4421

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Help Wanted

Shoppers who know a bargain when they see one use the Classifieds. You can track down deals on everything from out-of-town excursions to ottomans. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want.

8.00

buys 25 words or less.

Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today. ��

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Pets

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Wise Shoppers Look in the Classifieds.

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GET QUICK RESULTS, advertise in the DCI Classifieds. Call today 874-4421.

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HELGELAND STORAGE Unit H-4. 3450 1600 Rd. May 31st, June 1st, June 2nd. 8-3. Storage cabinets, stands, complete waterbed, twin frame, desk and chair, rolling magnifier, rolling clothes rack, new boots, household, camping, mirrored closet doors, compound bow, crafts, misc. (1x22)

VENDORS WANTED Farm to Fiddle Summer Festival is looking for Vendors. Application available online at FarmtoFiddle. com or request one farmtofiddle@gmail.com. (3x22)

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BEAR RANCH LLC IS seeking applicants for two full time positions in General Maintenance and Ranch Laborer. Applicants must have experience in the position they are applying for. Please send resume to Bear Ranch LLC, 26767 County Road #12, Somerset, CO 81434. Phone inquiries; 970-929-5336. Bear Ranch LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (4x22) ROGERS MESA FRUIT Co. is now taking applications for seasonal packers and sorters for the 2018 packing season. Come in to fill out an application M-F 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 9981 3100 Road, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. We are located on the corner of Hwy 92 & 3100 Rd. (2x22)

Advertise

today in the DCI! Call 874-4421

for your personal ad rep.

Help Wanted

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EXPERIENCED WINDOW and Siding Installers wanted. Year-round work in Delta & Montrose Counties. Call: (970) 874-3665 (2x22) PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS in the classifieds. 874-4421

HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Municipal Service Worker in the Public Works Department. Position is fulltime with benefits, starting salary is $17.24/hr. Under direct supervision performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled manual labor in the construction and maintenance of roadways, water and sewer systems, drainage facilities, buildings, other public facilities, and in refuse collection; drives truck and operates light equipment incidental 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, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416 by deadline date of 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 applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE. (2x21) ADVERTISE!

Help Wanted

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HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for the position of Maintenance Mechanic. Position is full time with benefits. Starting salary is $19.93/hr. Under the direction of Fleet/ Facilities Manager will perform skilled work in the repair and maintenance 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 training in auto and equipment mechanics; and completion of an approved apprenticeship program, or three year years of actual mechanical experience as a mechanic’s helper or trainee. Course work or experience in operating and maintaining computerized vehicle inventory. Must be willing to work after hours, on weekends or holidays if needed. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license; commercial driver’s license beneficial. Will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check. Submit a completed City of Delta employment application to City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main St., Delta, CO 81416, by deadline date of June 1, 2018, by 5:00 p.m. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Employment applications available at the above address or online at www. cityofdelta.net. EOE. (2x21)

Help Wanted

874-4421

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D2 Wednesday, May 30, 2018 Help Wanted CLERK OF COURT III The 7th Judicial District of the Colorado Judicial System is seeking to fill the position of Clerk of Court III for the Delta Combined Court. The Clerk of Court is responsible for the general operations and personnel management of the District and County Courts (State courts) located in Delta, Colorado, and is responsible for assuring that business of the court is carried out using established District and Judicial Branch policies. Employees in this class also perform a full range of technical and clerical tasks that involve initiative and independent judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Judicial District Administrator. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from High School or GED equivalent and four years of office, legal or court clerical experience. Desired Qualifications: Five years of court experience; two years of supervisory experience both in the operation of an office and in personnel supervision and evaluation; computer literate with an understanding of the role of automation in the courts and experience with automated management systems; knowledge and experience with office productivity programs; a college degree in court, public or business administration or management. Salary Range – $5059-$6783 per month. An electronically filed Colorado Judicial Branch standard application and electronically filed cover letter addressing items noted in the job posting on the website are required. Apply at http://courts.state. co.us under the Careers/ Career Opportunities tab and follow the instructions to apply. Application must be filed electronically on or before June 10, 2018. (2x22)

HOLD THE

WORLD

in Your Hands Every time you read the newspaper, you open up a world of interesting and informative facts, figures and features. ALL THE NEWS YOU CAN USE Government Opinions Sports Weddings Obituaries Upcoming Events

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�� 401 Meeker St. Delta • 874-4421

CLASSIFIEDS

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) CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org

Miscellaneous

Public Service

THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250-1180.

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub”

Delta County Independent

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, ALCOHOLICS ANONY- Gift Shop and some addimous meets Thursdays at 7 tional areas. If you are p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. interested, please contact 897 Palmer Street, Delta. Volunteer Coordinator, AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for Hope and help for families an application. and friends of alcoholics WOMEN ONLY AA MEETmeets in Delta: Al-Anon and ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back Church, 145 W. 5th St., con- door). tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant CARING FOR CARE- women in Delta County can givers, C4C - support- now get help to quit smoking hearts that care. Open ing and get something they to ANY caregiver. Meets can really use after their monthly in Delta, 2nd baby arrives — free diapers. Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. Healthy moms have healthy 10th St, Delta. babies. Enroll in the Baby & THE DELTA COUNTY Me Tobacco Free program Democratic Party invites today. Contact the Delta you to visit their Facebook County Health Department page for announcements, at 874-2165 or your local information and intelligent physician. discussion of issues. You SUPPORT THE DELTA are not alone! Contact Library. Give a gently used www.facebook.com/pages/ book in the Downstairs CO-Delta-County-Democrat Book Store. s/109082339170167.

Public Service

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778.

HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149.

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

THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster.

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780.

HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support groups. Please call our office at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour crisis line at 1-844990-5500.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the Delta Library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices.

AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, friends of alcoholics meets you will love the Downstairs in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, Bookstore in the basement Mondays at 6:30 pm, of the Delta Library. Methodist Church 285 N. NARCOTICS ANONY- 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210mous meets at 9th and 8090 or Marjorie 970-433Palmer, Delta, Mondays 1856. and Fridays at 8 p.m. CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV DELTA FOOD PANTRY regular meetings on the needs meals for Delta fami- second Monday of each lies who are temporarily month at 7 p.m. at the in need. Donations of non- Veterans Building, 15th & perishable food may be Howard, Delta. For further information, call Paul Carter brought to 628 Meeker. 874-5150. DELTA HAS A BOOKstore in the basement of SUPPORT THE DELTA the library featuring gently Public Library. Give a gently used books and magazines. used book in the Downstairs Book Store. Come check it out!

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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D4 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

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

Rodeo camp dates announced

cle 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

Rodeo Bible Camp will be held June 7-12. Pony Camp is June 2224 and Horse Training Camp with world champion reining horse trainer Doug Milholland is July 12-15. These schools are held at the Kier Ranch in Austin. To sign up call 8353897 or register at cowboy atthecross.com.

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Delta United Methodist Preregister on FaceChurch on 5th and Meek- book by searching for er June 4-8 from 8:30 a.m. Delta Ecumenical Vacato noon each day. The cost to attend is $8 for one child, $13 for two children, and $16 for three or The First Baptist more children. ScholarChurch of Cedaredge ships are available. invites the children of the Cedaredge area to vacation Bible School to be held June 4-8 from 8:45 a.m. to noon. This program is free of charge. This year’s theme is SonQuest Rainforest, based on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” At SonQuest Rainforest children will follow Jesus on a life-changing

Cedaredge Baptist offers free VBS

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journey! Children will have a great time singing songs, watching skits, creating crafts, playing games and enjoying delicious snacks. But most importantly, they’ll learn about how much God loves them and that He gave us His Word to show us the best way to live. Everything the children will encounter is based on five parables told by Jesus that will make a difference in their lives every day. These five days of discovery not only give children the knowledge of

God’s Word, but also the opportunity to respond to His truth by living out their Christian faith. SonQuest Rainforest VBS will be an inspirational adventure for your children. This program is for children ages 4 through entering sixth grade. Children may be registered at the church on the opening day or may be registered early by contacting the church office, 856-3830, for a registration form. The church is located at 370 W. Main Street.

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tion Bible School or @delta email by calling Delta vbs. You can also get a United Methodist Church registration form via at 874-9501.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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LICENSED • INSURED ALEX MEHDER HOTCHKISS, CO

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D6 Wednesday, May 30, 2018

B A C K P A G E

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

Let’s go for a paddle!

Above photo courtesy WSSUP, all others by Tamie Meck

With the iconic Needle Rock as a backdrop, WSSUP owner Daniel Roman, right, and a friend and his dog enjoy ﬂoating last fall at Crawford State Park. Photo courtesy Western Slope SUP.

BY TAMIE MECK

Staff Writer

ooking to cool off and enjoy Western Colorado’s scenery this summer? Consider stand-up paddle boarding. An offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii in the 1940s, the sport of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is gaining popularity in the in-land states. Hotchkiss-based Western Slope Stand Up Paddle Boards, or WSSUP, is one of a handful of Colorado’s commercially licensed stand-up paddle boarding companies. Before opening day, guides were wrapping up spring training on the Gunnison River below where it joins the North Fork of the Gunnison River. “It’s such a new experience for people in this area,” said owner Daniel Roman, who founded WSSUP last year. The first year was great, said Roman. “People were very supportive.” While tourist business was slow, locals embraced it. “We pretty much survived on that local support.” Roman believes his timing was good, as Delta County is increasingly gaining attention for its recreational opportunities. An avid outdoorsman, Roman grew up in Santa Barbara. He was a Boy Scout and took his first backpacking trip with his mom at age 14. After high school he moved to Colorado Springs to work in carpentry. “I didn’t care for that,” he said. After a year he went to college. Upon graduation he gave himself a gift: raft guide training in the Brown’s Canyon of the Arkansas River, arguably the most popular stretches of whitewater in the country. He then spent eight years guiding on the Arkansas, Gauley, and most recently Taylor rivers and boated in New Zealand. He dreamed of starting his own rafting company in Colorado, but all the permits are taken. “You could buy a rafting company for a million bucks,” he said.

Jessanne Oliva hits the ﬁrst wave at “Angel Falls.”

Guide Logan Woods-Darby performs a headstand during a WSSUP spring training trip on the Gunnison River. He decided to change direction. While transitioning out of guiding, he took a job on the Salt River in Globe, Ariz. The Salt is “very seasonal,” he said. He was living in Crested Butte, but before he got out the door the Salt had dried up. With his rental agreement canceled, he accepted a job at Zephros Farm in Paonia. After kayaking the North Fork during spring runoff he considered opening a rafting company, since no one in the area was running commercial raft trips. He quickly discovered why. “The North Fork, it’s very seasonal,” and rafting season ends by July. It’s simply not financially feasible. If he was to start a rafting company, he’d have to find another income source for the rest of the summer. Roman is also a certified SUP instructor with the American Canoe Association. Unlike rafts, paddle boards don’t require a lot of water. He saw Crawford Reservoir, with Needle Rock as its backdrop, as the ideal place to get acquainted with the sport, and the Gunnison

As part of a mandatory pre-trip safety talk, second-year WWSUP guide Ben Lehman demonstrate the proper position when being pulled from the water with assistance from lead guide Landon Eckhart.

River below the North Fork as a perfect introductory run. The 300 cubic feet per second of water guaranteed to flow year-round from Blue Mesa Reservoir provides sufficient flow to run paddle boards. The Gunnison River flows through the Gunnison Gorge National Recreation Area (NRA). Because it’s located within public lands, commercial outfitters need a permit. A few fly-fishing companies are already permitted within the NRA, “But those permits are essentially maxed out,” said Roman. When he contacted the Bureau of Land Management for a permit, “They said, absolutely,” said Roman. “But no fishing, rafting or kayaking.” “They see this as an underutilized stretch of river,” said Roman. “Relatively few guided trips go down this section of river.” He then approached Colorado Parks and Wildlife about a concession permit at Crawford Reservoir. They said he was the first one ever to ask. It took about a year to get the permits, and last spring, WSSUP began offering guided SUP trips. “I was saving money to buy a house, and I started a business instead,” said Roman. Paddle boarding quickly became the main focus of the company. He’d hoped to offer raft trips this spring, but with the record-low snow pack, the rafting season abruptly ended in mid-May. All of last year’s guides returned this season, and a few more came on board, said Roman, who has eight local guides on call. “It’s a super part-time thing right now.” All of the guides are enthusiastic about the summer. Under BLM permits, guides are required to have 50 hours of on-river training and hold current first aid/ CPR cards. During their twoweek training, which begins on Crawford Reservoir, guides

learn how to read the river, practice various rescue techniques, and are trained in how to react to all the “whatif” scenarios they may face out on the river, said Roman. Per their permit, they carry a cell phone and track each trip’s progress through a GPS ping system. WSSUP is also licensed to run Ruby Canyon on the Colorado River below Grand Junction. At the end of training, Roman took guides to a multi-day trip through Ruby and Horsethief canyons. When taking first-timers out on the river, “Instruction, instruction, instruction is necessary on this trip,” said Roman during a recent training trip. Before heading down-river, they get acquainted with their boards in a big eddy, spending “adequate time learning how to paddle board before we move down the river.” WSSUP supplies boards, paddles, life jackets, and transportation. Because they don’t want anyone getting cold, wetsuits (mandatory on cold days during cold spring run-off) and splash guards are available. Most of his customers are “complete beginners” and are encouraged to start at Crawford Reservoir before venturing out on the river. Until they get comfortable with their craft they tend to spend a lot of time on their knees. Some board models are “tippy,” so WSSUP uses the

most stable boats available, including the Telluride-made “Sole” brand. “Generally,” said Roman, “by the end of this trip, everybody’s standing through the rapids.” Then there’s the scenery. The trip offers views of the area’s geological history and a variety of wildlife. With an abundance of year-round and migratory bird species — raptors, Great Blue Heron, song birds, ducks and geese, it’s also ideal for bird-watching. This year WSSUP added a full-day trip with a lunch stop at Eagle Rock Shelter. Located on BLM land, Eagle Rock dates back 12,00013,000 years and is one of the oldest and longest continuously inhabited Native American sites ever discovered in America. It is still undergoing excavation. Guides have received training on the site’s history from BLM archaeologist Glade Hadden. Then there’s the river itself. After spring runoff, the water becomes crystal clear, “like an aquarium,” said Roman. “During hatching season the fish are everywhere.” In addition to flat water and full- and half-day trips, WSSUP offers full- and halfday trips as well as overnight trips on the Gunnison, and three-day, 25-mile trips down the Colorado through Ruby Canyon. Paddle board rentals are also available. In this area, says Roman, “There’s not a whole lot of opportunities like this.”

Guides and guides-in-training follow trip leader Landon Eckhart through a section of choppy water.