Delta County Independent, June 6, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

SPORTS

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NO PLACE LIKE HOME

40th annual Crawford Pioneer Days set for June 7-10, B1

ADVENTURE AWAITS

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MAKING THEIR MARK

2018 Visitors Guide will help you make the most of summer, Inside

DELTA COUNTY

Local athletes find success at the collegiate level, C5-6

JUNE 6, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 23

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Republicans face off for county commissioner BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Ballots for the primary election are being mailed this week and for the first time, will be sent to unaffiliated voters as well as voters registered as Republican and Democrat. Voters may vote and return only one of the ballots. If a voter marks and returns more than one party’s ballot, none of their votes will be counted. For those registered with a political party, there are no changes to the primary election process. The voter will get a ballot in the mail for their political party, if their party is holding a primary election. At the state level, both the four Republicans and four Democrats are seeking the party’s nod for governor. There are also contested races for state treasurer, attorney general, Colorado Board of Education and CU regent. At the county level, Republicans Mike Lane and Teresa Nelson are vying for the District #1 commissioner seat currently held by Doug Atchley. Atchley is term limited. The winner of the primary election will face Democrat Dick Gilmore in November. Mike Lane grew up on a family farm in Delta County. At a young age, he helped out at Delta Sales Yard, then owned by his grandfather, dad and uncle. He eventually

owned the sales yard until he sold it in 1996. He’s also worked as a bank lending officer and in oil and gas for Halliburton, retiring in October 2016. He believes his knowledge of agriculture, banking and oil/gas make him qualified to represent District 1. “Progress is coming and I want to work with it, to listen to the people talk about their issues and address those issues as they come up,” Lane said. Teresa Nelson grew up in Rangely where she met her husband Mike. They moved to a 16-acre parcel in Peach Valley 17 years ago. Her work exerience is varied. She’s been a waitress, worked in the finance department at the school district in Rangely, and successfully managed both a restaurant and an airport. Currently she’s a stayat-home mom with a small cottage business, which has allowed her to be active in the Republican party at different levels. “I believe as a conservative Republican woman, I have a valuable perspective to add to the Board of County Commissioners,” she said. The candidates were asked a short series of questions. Those questions, and their responses, follow: How would you describe community input during the Master Plan process? How about during trails planning?

Neirinckx held in man’s death PRESS RELEASE nelli was not moving. Deputy On Friday, June 1, at Lester quickly realized Spiapproximately 5 p.m., the nelli was not breathing and Delta County dispatch was not responsive. Depureceived a 911 call from the ty Lester began lifesaving address of 4764 1900 Road. measures and requested an This address is located east ambulance. of Delta in Peach Valley. A short time later Delta The initial 911 call was Ambulance arrived and made by Christy Spinell, took over lifesaving mea26, stating her husband sures from Deputy Lester. John Spinelli, 54, was out Delta Ambulance was unable of control and in an alterca- to revive Spinelli and protion with Robert “Bob” Nei- nounced him deceased. rinckx, 76. Christy asked Delta County investigalaw enforcement to respond. tor Kris Stewart arrived on A second 911 call came in scene and began the death to the communication cen- investigation. Neirinckx was ter from Howard Fasick,75, taken into custody and transgiving the same information ported to the Delta County and stating that Neirinckx Memorial Hospital for minor had Spinelli on the ground injuries he obtained during and was holding the altercation. him there until law Neirinckx was enforcement could released from the arrive. hospital and transShortly after 5 ported to the Delta p.m., Deputy Jim County jail where Lester arrived on he was booked for scene and observed manslaughter a Neirinckx restrainclass 4 felony. His ing Spinelli on the bond was set at ground. Neirinckx $25,000. released his hold, This case is still Deputy Lester under investigaBob Neirinckx observed that Spition.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A8 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries .................. A5-6 School Zone ................B5-6 Service Directory ......... D5 Sports ..........................C5-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-2 TV Listings ..................C3-4

Lane: Community input during the Master Plan process was represented by a number of people from some districts of the county while people in other districts did not attend the meetings. The meetings that I was able to attend, it seemed the same people showed up each time. Maybe some people felt comfortable and confident with the job members of the Master Plan board were doing and other people felt the need to attend the meetings. I was not able to attend any of the trails planning meetings. Nelson: I would always like to see more participation! Community input is essential for the Master Plan and trails plan. I would also like to thank everyone who did participate, and especially the citizens of the North Fork who voiced their concerns in majority. I sincerely hope the planning commission takes all suggestions to heart. Is it time to consider zoning for the unincorporated areas of Delta County? Lane: The people of Delta County have expressed their desire not to have zoning or codes. I would want a vote by the people on this issue for it to be changed. Nelson: I believe all options should be considered to encourage growth in Delta County. But, one of the unique REP. CANDIDATES TO A3

Teamwork

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Cousins Emma Weams and Haddie Hellman show off the trout they landed during the kids’ fishing derby held in conjunction with Outdoor Heritage Day Saturday at Confluence Park. The fishing derby was sponsored by Gunnison Gorge Anglers, one of many organizations providing outdoor activities from paddleboarding to gold panning to archery.

Hotel RFP reissued to include water park or other attractions BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A Delta City Council work session last week was dedicated to just one topic — a proposed water park — although proponents insist they don’t need funding, or even approval, from the city. Although Mayor Ron Austin made that point clear on a number of occasions, audience members, including representatives from Delta County Economic Development and Delta Urban Renewal Authority, wondered aloud why the informational session was held during a council work session. Austin explained he felt the council meeting was an appropriate setting, since the idea for the water park was spurred by a council discussion about anticipated budget shortfalls just a couple of years down the road. The venture is seen as one way to generate sales tax for the city and lodging, sales and property tax for the county (the city does not collect lodging or property tax). So the water park would be built on private land, with private investment dollars?

Austin’s response was short and to the point: “Absolutely.” “It is exciting to think of a project of this scale that doesn’t rely on our taxpayers footing the bill,” he said in his opening comments. Still, there were questions about who would pay for a feasibility study, and whether it would be unbiased, since Austin and Delta resident Scott Schaible, the two most vocal proponents, have been closely aligned in their desire to see the project become a reality. “Our community needs an influx of revenue,” said Schaible. “It’s as simple as that, but we can’t do it unless we look at it all together ... we need to get behind something like a water park that can attract people as a destination, then connect those people to all of our businesses and all of our amenities. There’s no hidden agenda. We just need to know you’re supportive of it so we can begin the process.” Delta County Economic Development was well represented by staff and board members, who drew the conversation back to the in-depth

Better City feasibility study that identified a name brand hotel/conference center as a catalyst for economic development in Delta County. Community members who were involved in the lengthy analysis never expressed the desire for a water park, pointed out Stacey Voigt, DCED executive director. “Now you’re coming in late in the game,” she said. “When you have a potentially good developer, you want to move forward.” As the conversation grew heated, Austin said the water park does not run counter to the Better City concept. He envisions a resort water park project capable of future expansion based upon popularity and demand. He said it’s common to include a major branded hotel as a component of that project. He added that individuals in the community have already committed money to pay for a feasibiity study. “Nobody’s asking you for money,” he reiterated. “It’s about letting you see an opportunity we’re talking about for this community.” “But you want to disrupt HOTEL RFP TO A3

Missing motorcyclist found

Donate to fireworks

Cancelled

An extensive search for Robert “Bob” Geisler, 51, of Delta ended tragically May 31 with the discovery of his motorcycle and his body off the side of Highway 133 in rural Gunnison County, near mile marker 31. His daughter, Tiffany Toothaker, posted on Facebook that he was found by West Elk Search and Rescue. Geisler had last been seen May 12 after leaving Glenwood Springs. It was believed he was heading back to Delta via McClure Pass. When he did not arrive in Delta, family members filed missing persons reports in Pitkin, Gunnison and Delta counties. They walked the highway searching for any sign, search efforts that were assisted by a number of governmental agencies. According to an obituary provided by Taylor Funeral Service, the accident was the result of a fatal heart attack.

The Delta Fire Department is planning a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show in Confluence Park. The annual show is entirely funded by donations from individuals and businesses. To donate, visit deltafire.org/donate or stop by the station at 285 E. 5th Street, Delta. Firemen will also be collecting donations at several local businesses — Ace Hardware Saturday, June 9; Walmart Saturday, June 16; Maverik Saturday, June 23; and Ace Hardware Saturday, June 30. Your support is greatly appreciated!

A community meeting scheduled to address the release of a sexually violent predator into the community of Delta has been cancelled. The meeting was to be hosted by the Delta Police Department, which reports the subject has been re-arrested. Flyers announcing the cancellation are being distributed to affected residents.

A2 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS

Coloradans vs. Californians

Nelson is the right pick for Delta County Dear Editor: We are all too familiar with the “good ol’ boys club” in Delta County, and it takes a special kind of person to stand up to it. More so, it takes a rare breed of person to do so with gusto and grace. And that person, without a doubt in my mind, is Teresa Nelson, candidate for Delta County commissioner. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with and talking to Nelson. During our meeting, I bombarded her with nonstop questions, seeking out her opinions on a variety of countywide issues. Admittedly, I was tough on her, and she responded to my incessant line of questioning with pose

and intelligence. But the most telling thing about her was her response to issues that she had not fully researched yet (albeit, not many). She used three words that are tragically underused in modern politics: “I don’t know.” It was refreshing to chat with a potential elected official who was humble enough to not pretend like she had all the answers. This humility is only complemented by her guiding principles. She is a staunch advocate for property rights and rule of law. She is eager to make Delta County a friendlier place to establish a business. Most importantly, she is thoughtful, approachable, and hon-

A lesson in language Dear Editor: As a proud conservative, I am confused by the demand that Samantha Bee should be fired for the same reasons that Rosanne Barr was fired. Rosanne made a horribly racist statement meant to demean and insult someone for something over which they have no control, the color of their skin since birth. We are

all God’s creatures, created equally, and special in part because of the pigments He gives us in our dermal layers. Samantha Bee used a horrible word, the “C” word, in a way to describe the public persona that some women choose to inhabit. I just cannot find any similarity in the two situations. Jay Ziegler Crawford

KUDOS Thanks for a memorable event Dear Editor: A huge thank you to the members and families of the Fruitland Mesa Club, Maher Onion Valley Club and The Needle Rock Club. The continued support and generosity of our community providing pies and pitching in where needed and all who attended made the Crawford Memorial Day dinner a successful and memorable event. The Fruitland Mesa Club

Delta County Independent

est with her constituents — a rare trifecta for those seeking public office. I encourage Delta County (not just District 1) voters to cast a ballot for Nelson in the upcoming primary election. I especially encourage independents and unaffiliated voters, who will get their first opportunity to vote in a major party primary this election, to send in their *one* ballot for Nelson. (You can only vote in one primary; if you send in both ballots, your vote won’t be counted.) I look forward to watching Teresa take on the “good ol’ boys.” Jay Stooksberry Delta

Community offers excellent medical care Dear Editor: We wish to acknowledge the excellent care my husband received on May 24 by the Delta County Ambulance District and the emergency room employees at Delta County Memorial Hospital. There is no doubt in our minds that without their fast and expert care, he would not be alive today. I was kept aware of everything being done as it was done. A true group of professional and kind people. We hope that all citizens of Delta County are aware of the excellent medical care we have right here in our community. Malcom and Robbie Spillman Cedaredge

Dear Editor: Has there ever been a time in America where hate has been more rampant? Maybe during the Civil War when there was hatred between the North and the South over slavery. But, when have we had so much discord across America that kids are getting killed in school and opposite sides of politics result in beatings and destruction of property? When liberal colleges refuse a conservative to speak on campus because they don’t agree with their views. Hate has become so common in our society that now, even in small towns, it is expressed in angry looks or sarcasm towards someone from out of state. Yes, out of state. Not out of country. America, the free, is no longer showing compassion to those of their own citizens. It has become fragmented over who is allowed in their town! Small towns want to stay small and they don’t want “outsiders” from other states to encroach on their land. How dare they come to move in on their fifth generation owned area and think they will be welcomed. This is what happened to me when the state I came from had grown from 1,500 people to 75,000 and, to this day, is at 150,000! My husband wanted to move to a more tranquil setting. I did not want to leave my dream home that took us 11 years to build, but we moved to beautiful Colorado from southern California. I had already been warned by my son-in-law and daughter who moved to Colorado years ago to immediately get our California license plates removed and replaced with Colorado plates

because Coloradans don’t like Californians. This was foreign to me as I grew up in California and had never faced this kind of discrimination. However, it didn’t take me long to see that what I was told was amazingly true. I always regarded people who would volunteer for organizations as being nice. I mean when people take time out of their day to help, even in a small way, had to be nice, right? Wrong! I volunteered for a service near my area and decided to spend the day folding mailers. Everything went well and everyone was nice and friendly. Then another volunteer showed up and mentioned a conversation she had with a new neighbor who was from California. She was trying to give this person tips on farming and he was not very receptive. The other volunteer who had been very nice to me up to this point commented that you cannot tell Californians anything because they know it all and think the people living in a “hick town” know nothing! Well, I could not let this go! I commented that I was from California and that there are people from there who can be obnoxious. Immediately, I became the enemy! It was unbelievable! So, here is my message to the natives of these “hick towns!” You referred to yourself as a “hick,” the “outsider” did not! And you are right! Anyone who can blatantly hate someone because of where they came is uneducated, biased, discriminating, narrow-minded and just plain hateful! The change towards me was so blatantly obvious from being nice to being aloof and disrespectful, it was amazing. How childish

and immature is that? I finished folding my stack of papers and left. When I exited the room, you could hear a pin drop. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear the conversations after I left. I didn’t want to leave California! I had it made there. Our house was under Proposition 13 which meant the taxes couldn’t go up more than one and a half percent a year. It was my husband’s idea to move here. Then he died two years later leaving me with an unfinished house and bills up to my eyeballs. People say, well, why don’t you move back? You don’t MOVE BACK to California unless you are filthy rich! I went from a sixfigure income to poverty level overnight! Then, if that isn’t enough, I get robbed and what was taken could have paid off my house. Welcome to small towns with no police protection or concern for a widow from out of state — particularly a state that Coloradans hate! I’ve read many stories of NDE’s (near death experiences)! When people meet the Lord, the one question He asks, “How did you show love to people?” Well, “hick towns” might take a different look on how they judge newcomers when they meet their maker and are asked that question. When someone thinks you’re acceptable until they find out where you’re from and then turn against you is the most blatant kind of hate and discrimination one can display. I never thought I could move to a different state, still be in America and have this kind of reaction. Linda Petersen Delta County

Law enforcement blotter

Police refusal. Officers responded to North River Road and Highway 50 to transfer custody of Christos F. May 27: Christa M. Moulder, 40, of Kester, 44, of Montrose for a Delta was issued a proof of warrant with a $600 bond. Officers responded to the service for suspended insurance termination and her driv- 700 block of Dutton Street in reference to a possible fraud. er’s license was confiscated. Officers responded to 1430 Officers responded to the 500 block of West 2nd for a Highway 50, Alta Convenience Store, for a suspicious incireport of a possible theft. Richard Gomez, 71, of Delta dent. Sydney L. Abeyta, 26, of was arrested and jailed on a Delta County warrant with a Grand Junction was issued a summons for shoplifting at bond of $300. Juan A. Cantu, 56, of Safeway. Montrose was arrested and May 29: Officers responded to jailed on charges of violation of protection order, violation Maverik for a possible theft. Officers responded to the of bail bond and theft. Julie M. Brooks, 35, of 600 block of Palmer Street for Montrose was issued a sum- possible criminal mischief. Officers responded to mons for charges of theft. Officers responded to the Urgent Care for a dog bite. Brandon L. Sadler, 36, of 900 block of Meeker Street for Delta was arrested and jailed a possible suicidal subject. Ryan W. Moore, 32, of on six warrants with a bond Delta was arrested and jailed of $15,000. Officers responded to Fort on charges of harassment as Uncompahgre for a report of a an act of domestic violence. possible criminal mischief. May 28: A 16-year-old juvenile Officers provided a mental health transport to Delta male of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting at County Memorial Hospital. Officers responded to the Walmart. 1700 block of Hillcrest Drive May 30: Chauncey J. Crowell, 43, of in response to a burglary and first degree criminal trespass. Delta was issued a summons Carrie G. Rose, 37, of Eck- for fictitious license plates and ert was issued a proof of ser- failed to provide evidence of vice for returned revoked per insurance. Officers responded to the 200 block of Columbia Street for a report of a theft. Officers responded to Walmart for a possible theft. Officers responded to West 5th Street and Palmer Street for a traffic accident. Ashley C. Salazar, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of harassment as an act of domestic violence. May 31: Officers responded to 115 Grand Avenue, Aspen Professional Building, for a report of criminal mischief. Jeffrey D. Nutter, 63, of Delta was issued a summons for unlawful acts. June 1: Officers responded to the 100 block of East 12th Street and Meeker Street for a traffic accident. Suzanne Harper, 57, of Delta was issued a sum�� mons for careless driving. Officers responded to 424 �� Main Street for a report of a traffic accident. Mark Lisak, 61, �� of Olathe was issued a summons for careless driving. Officers responded to the intersection of East 5th Street and Main Street for a possible theft. Lanny A. Trumble, 27, of �� Delta was arrested and jailed on violation of a protection �� order. Officers responded to Taco Bell for a report of theft from auto and unlawful use of a financial transaction device. �� Officers responded to the 600 block of Oak Way in From the Department:

Delta

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response to a 13-year-old juvenile female runaway. June 2: Officers responded to the 1400 block of Maple Way to assist with a mental health transport to DCMH. Mark A. Maier, 60, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of a protection order, bond violation and disorderly conduct. Donald E. Watson, 41, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on charges of harassment, criminal mischief and child abuse as an act of domestic violence. Citations: Ten tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): May 28: A 62-year-old Orchard City woman reported she’d been notified about a computer virus that could only be repaired by phone. She purchased gift cards totalling $4,000 to pay for repairs, then realized she’d been the victim of a scam. Ralph and Jolie Clark of Crawford witnessed Adam Carela, 34, stealing a gas can from their property. He gave himself up willingly and waited for deputies to arrive. He was issued a summons for petty theft and criminal trespass. An anonymous caller notified dispatch of an illegal burn at a tent on 1700 Road. Shawn Lewis, 33, was issued a summons for violating the county resolution prohibiting open fires of any type. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on R Road, Cedaredge, at about 10 p.m. A warrant has been requested for Randy Autry, 44, after deputies determined there was probable cause to charge him with domestic violence, third degree assault and violation of a protection order. May 30: A one-vehicle accident was reported near 14268 Happy Hollow Road at about 4:20 p.m. A red Chevy truck driven by a 17-year-old Cedaredge male went down an embankment. The driver told deputies he swerved to miss a tractor in the middle of the road. He was taken into custody by a Colorado State Patrol trooper on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. A deputy patrolling Highway 65 at about 10:30 p.m. spotted an illegal fire. Abraham Sabartinelli, 55, told deputies he was trying to get rid of a tree stump. He was issued a summons for violating the

county resolution prohibiting open fires of any type. May 31: A small child was found in the middle of Green Valley Road near Cedaredge at about 9:30 a.m. He was taken into a neighbor’s home while his mother was located. June 1: Three vehicles stolen from L&M Pick and Pull on Highway 65, Eckert, were recovered by deputies at an address in Peach Valley. Michael Lancaster, 38, and Andrew Poe, 26, both of Delta, were charged with aggravated motor vehicle theft, first degree trespass and criminal mischief (for damage to the vehicles and to property during the theft). Additionally Poe was charged with bail bond violations. They were transported to Delta County Jail. At about 9 p.m., a rollover accident was reported on Forest Service land up Leroux Creek. The vehicle contained one female and two males, who were reportedly not injured. They all left the scene in another vehicle. Alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor. June 2: A Paonia resident reported the theft of prescription medication from his vehicle while he was parked at a trailhead. The theft of an air compressor, floor jack, exhaust pipes, antlers and other items from a yard on G50 Road, Delta, was reported. The problem is ongoing. June 3: A warrant was issued for the arrest of Justin Brown, 25, of Delta after a domestic incident on Peach Valley Road. The victim suffered injuries to her face and right knee. June 4: Shawn Lewis, 33, of Delta was charged with criminal mischief as an act of domestic violence after shattering a bedroom window at a home on 1700 Lane, Delta. Lewis was transported to Delta County Jail.

DELTA COUNTY

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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Advertise in the DCI. 874-4421.

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FROM PAGE A1 features here in unincorporated Delta County is that we do not have zoning or building codes. Once we open the door on zoning it can be a very slippery slope to a one size fits all mentality and we may forever lose a unique freedom that distinguishes us from other counties throughout Colorado. Regulations have a tendency to kill innovation and good intentions can create bureaucracies and have unintended consequences. How we balance growth while protecting private property rights and supporting our agricultural industry is a challenge I look forward to being a part of. There has been some discussion about better use of the fairground facilities. What are your thoughts on this topic? Lane: Anytime the fairground facility can be utilized for a worthwhile cause it is a good thing. Various events and activities are held there throughout the year that bring people from other parts of the country to our county and they can see what a great area Delta County is. The exposure could possibly

Hotel RFP FROM PAGE A1 what we’re working on,” said Tom Huerkamp, DCED vice president and a Delta Urban Renewal Authority commissioner. Others encouraged an open mind. “You can’t just get a little bit of input and walk away and think you’re done,” said Bob Johnson, referring to the Better City study. During the first portion of the meeting, Dan Martin of Market Feasibility Advisors, discussed the water park and the magnets that are needed to make Delta a destination. His presentation was made via Skype from his home in the Chicago area. “You have one magnet — amazing beauty and recreation, but it’s physically all over the place,” he said. “You need to focus it, and you need to focus it in Delta.” He suggested amenities that could turn Delta into a base camp for outdoor exploration — lodging, cool places to eat, shop and hang out, an aquatic attraction and/or a riverside park. Having been briefed about the proposed hotel development, he said one Holiday Inn Express looks much like another. To avoid a “cookie cutter” approach, he suggested other lodging alternatives, from air bnbs on the second floor of historic downtown buildings to tiny houses and a vintage trailer camp. All would create a far more memorable overnight experience, he said. He added a recommendation that the economy be locally owned and managed. At a DURA meeting held two days later, commissioners amended their RFP to include a 70-room upper midscale hotel, as well as a “water park and/or other attractions that may be determined to be appropriate in assisting DURA with achieving its redevelopment goals and objectives.” Every reference to “hotel” was expanded to “development” to open the door to additional attractions. The deadline for submissions is July 2. A previous RFP drew just one interested developer.

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bring new businesses to sez-faire or dirigiste (free our county and a chance market or state control). for more revenue to be In my opinion, governgenerated. ment should support ecoNelson: The fair- nomic growth, not control grounds are a great facil- it. Government should do ity and I would like to its job (mostly infrastrucencourage groups, fami- ture, roads, landfill etc. lies and other entities to ...) and support businessconsider using the fair- es equally. grounds for their events. Special districts are The fairgrounds are struggling financially a great venue for con- because of the Gallagher certs, festivals, family Amendment and decreasreunions, rodeos, horse ing property values. shows, really the possi- Several have mentioned seeking support from the bilities are endless. Economic develop- county. Is that a viable ment comes up at virtu- option? Lane: The Gallagher ally every municipal and county meeting. What Amendment is putting a direction holds the most strain on all counties of promise for Delta County Colorado. There might be as a whole? a point where the county Lane: Economic devel- would have to help a speopment is vital to any cial district for a short county; various groups time but I would be interare exploring what ested knowing why the options seem to be the special district needs help best course to take. As and look at the issues a county commissioner, that occurred that put it I would want to hear in that situation. their input before I could Nelson: The services say which direcprovided by our tion the county special districts are important should take. and I wish Nelson: The there were a term economic simple answer. development can TABOR and have different state statute meanings. Ecolimits how spenomic growth, cial districts jobs and business opportuni- Teresa Nelson can be funded. County funds ties are the goal! are the taxpayIt is especially ers’ dollars and important to me that our children if I’m elected, I and grandchilnot only have dren have these a legal responsibility to use opportunities. What role govthose funds according to ernment plays in the law, but a economic growth moral responis always the Mike Lane sibility to alloquestion, lais-

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cate those funds wisely. By working together, thinking outside the box and searching for options, a solution can always be found. What one question do you wish you’d been asked? Here’s your chance to respond! Lane: No response. Nelson: The people in Delta County are doing a great job of asking me tough questions, but more importantly, they have been very open to my questions about what is important to them.

My priority is to represent the citizens of Delta County and I am grateful for their support.

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Thank you for your support!

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A4 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Dementia expert to speak at Crossroads At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, Crossroads is excited to host Lori La Bey who will give a presentation titled “Shifting Perception and Outcomes

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in Dementia Care.” This program will take a new look at how we care for those living with dementia. La Bey will share some of her personal stories, how we can change our attitude and perception of the disease, and how that will bring more peace and comfort to our lives. She will also talk about how to reduce combative behaviors. All are affected by this disease, so all are welcome. A light dinner will be provided. RSVP Photo submitted to Kylynn Wilson at Recognized as hometown heroes were (left to right) Brian Kinser, Delta County Ambulance District; kwilson@crossroadsalc. Shannon Crespin, Delta Fire Department; Sgt. Jeremy Gay, Delta Police Department; Officer Cody Harorg or 970-874-1421. mon, Delta Police Department; Karina Ibarra, Delta Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Gates Shaklee, Delta Sheriff’s Office; Undersheriff Mark Taylor, Delta Sheriff’s Office; and Trooper Dave Meisner, Colorado State Patrol. Not pictured: Jim Sexton and Randy Morrison, Colorado Department of Corrections.

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Hometown heroes honored Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3571 and its Auxiliary recently honored the hometown heroes of the Delta area with an awards dinner to celebrate Loyalty Day.

Motorcycle ride aids House of Promise

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

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JUNE 18-22 - 9 A.M.-NOON

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REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH ��

Honored were city, county, and state law enforcement personnel, EMTs, search and rescue personnel, and members of the Delta Volunteer Fire Department — those men and women who work diligently to protect life and property in the area,

sometimes at great risk to themselves. Individual heroes were named and honored, and the entire Delta Fire Department was honored as a team. During the same awards dinner, the winners of the auxiliary-sponsored patriotic art compe-

tition were also honored. Two of the top four attend the Vision Charter Academy and the other two are Delta High School students. The first place winner, Makenzie Hill, advanced to state VFW competition, where she placed sixth.

A motorcycle ride to benefit A House of Promise for Women and Children is planned Saturday, June 9. Sign up at Motorcycle Accessories, 2060 E. Main Street in Grand Junction, between 9 and 10:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per person. The ride will finish at the House of Promise, 7750 6025 Road, in Olathe, where a barbecue lunch will be served. A scavenger hunt and 50-50 pot raffle are also Photo submitted planned. Pictured are the patriotic art competition winners: (left to right) Hali Phillips, For more information, fourth place (11th grade, Vision); Elena Melgoza, third place, (11th grade, call 856-6082. DHS); Meeka Galyean, second place (10th grade, DHS); Makenzie Hill, ﬁrst place (senior, Vision). Not pictured are honorable mention winners Ariana Custer and Kaitlin Winston.

Redeemer Lutheran invites kids to ‘Splash Canyon’ VBS Come join the folks at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1000 Pioneer Road in Delta, for a free vacation Bible school to be held June 18-22. This program is for children going into kindergarten through children entering fifth grade.

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, with VBS from 9 a.m. to noon daily. This year’s theme is “Splash Canyon,” where youth will learn about God’s never ending love with exciting Bible lessons, crafts,

games, music, snacks and much more. On Friday evening VBS wraps up with an ice cream social for the whole family. For more information please contact the church office at 874-3052.

Make-a-will seminar BIRTHS scheduled June 19 Ashley and Kyle Rohman of Paonia are the parents of a son, Kingston Sail Rohman, born May 29, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 2.4 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

Delta County attorneys present a free make-a-will seminar Tuesday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at Westminster Hall, 135 E. 4th Street, Delta. A short discussion on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills

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will be presented by local attorneys. There will be time for discussion. For $15 per document, participants will be able to make their own will, power of attorney, or living will. Forms will be provided. Proof of identity (driver’s license, etc.) will be required, as all documents will require notarization. Registration is suggested but not required by calling Leah Lewis at 250-7568.

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

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Libraries’ summer reading program is not just for kids BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

The primary goal of Delta County Libraries’ summer reading program is to keep kids reading over the summer. That is why they offer an eightweek program full of activities, programs, and prizes centered on engaging children and encouraging them to read. Still, many people are not aware that the libraries also offer an adult summer program with incentives for reading, volunteering, using library resources and attending programs. “We hope by offering an adult program, that we will engage our entire community,” says Terry Johns, Hotchkiss Library manager. “Parents and caregivers who bring children to the library this summer can also

have fun participating in their own way, so that it’s rewarding for everyone.” “The adult program has at least one grand prize winner in each community,” Johns explains. “The prize may include a t-shirt, a book bag, a gift certificate to a local business, and, of course, books!” One way to participate is to attend library programs. In 2018, the theme, “Libraries Rock,” has encouraged musicrelated programming throughout the library district. Paonia Library hosts a summer concert series with live music every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. in June and July. “We are also adding a very special bonus concert this year on Thursday, June 21,” says Laura Lee Yates, Paonia staff

member and organizer of the concert series. “The 101st Army Dixieland Band will be bringing their eight-member ensemble to entertain us with Dixieland and traditional jazz music.” Delta Library is also hosting a series of performances by local musicians beginning on Monday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. Cedaredge Library, in collaboration with the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, is offering an instrument-making workshop in Cedaredge Town Park on the evening of Thursday, June 21. The workshop, taught by Rick Smith, is the prelude to a night of free live music in the park. The following week, on Wednesday, June 27, Hotchkiss Library is offering “Color to Music,”

a program where you can listen to music, relax, and express yourself through coloring. “There are so many ways for adults to participate this summer other than attending programs,” says Johns. “You can check out and read books, volunteer at the library, download material, especially music, from our website, listen to audiobooks, or take a course through one of our online resources. Stop by one of our libraries, and we’d be happy to get you started.” To see a full listing of library events or register online for summer reading visit deltalibraries. org, “Summer Reading.”

ton Ulrich, Trevor Sok, Morgan Stringer, Lucas Urban, Noah Urban and Bradlee Weber; and 10 great-grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Thomas James; a granddaughter, Lindsey Weber; two sisters; and a brother. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

If you’ve got boxes and bags of stuff to get rid of, King’s Table Soup Kitchen would love to pick it up and give you a tax receipt for it. Randy and Cindy Hays are planning a yard sale to raise money for a food truck; anything you could donate would sure help them reach that goal. Call Randy for pickup at 250-6637. The Hays report they still need egg cartons as well. Monetary donations may be mailed to King’s Table Soup Kitchen, PO Box 84, Delta, CO 81416.

OBITUARIES

Brenda Lincoln

Brenda L. Lincoln of Delta died June 1, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 65. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Mountain View Bible Church in Lazear; Pastor Jim Jesser will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the church service. Brenda L. Griffith was born July 31, 1952, to Robert and Beulah (Culp) Griffith in Augsburg, Germany, where her father was stationed while serving in the military. She lived many places before moving to Fort Carson Army Base. She graduated from Fountain Fort Carson High School. On May 30, 1973, she married Gene Lincoln in Colorado Springs. They lived on the Front Range for 25 years before moving to Oregon for five years. They moved to Delta from Oregon in 2001. Mrs. Lincoln was a member of the Mountain View Bible Church in Lazear. She was a devoted Christian and enjoyed her career as an elementary school librarian. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and her dogs. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gene; three children, Robert (Liena) Lincoln of Denver, Michael Lincoln of Berthoud and Carrie (Steve) Pitt of Delta;

brother, John Griffith of Colorado Springs; five grandchildren, Steven, Olivia, Thomas, Adam and Cora; and extended family, She was preceded in death by her sister, Gloria Kregar. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Rosie Urban

Rosie A. Urban died Monday, June 4, 2018, at her home in Cañon City. She was 73. A private family memorial service will be held. Rosie Adela Romero was born March 6, 1945, to Don and Frances (Gonzales) Romero in Fowler. She spent her childhood in Ordway and Fowler. On May 11, 1964, she married Roy Urban in Cañon City. They raised their daughters in Colorado Springs, then moved to North Carolina in 1995. They lived there until 2001 when they moved to Cañon City. Mrs. Urban enjoyed traveling, cooking, animals, her dogs and especially time with her family. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roy Urban; daughters, Denise Weber, Audrey UrbanRoath and Roxane Urban; son, Thomas Urban; grandchildren, Chris Eiferd, Zachary Ulrich, Ash-

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A6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

OBITUARIES Grover Huston

Teresa Ferganchick

Teresa Kay Ferganchick died May 26, 2018, at her home in Eckert. She was 63. She was born Nov. 18, 1954, in Wichita, Kan., to Walter and Frances (Flood) Lugard. She spent most of her childhood in Wichita before moving to Cedaredge during high school. She loved fast cars and driving her Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. After graduating from Cedaredge High School in 1972, she attended Western State College and majored in music. On Dec. 23, 1974, she married Fred Ferganchick in Cedaredge. She was one of the founders of the Field of Dreams in Orchard City. She enjoyed her children, her animals, coaching T-ball, riding horses with her daughter and expressing her artistic talent through sculpture, stained glass, fashion and decorating her home. She was a member of the Surface Creek Saddle Club. She is survived by her husband, Fred of Eckert; son, Luke (Miranda) Ferganchick of Pueblo; daughter, Megan (Grant) Kier of Eckert; and two sisters, Karen Conger of Wichita, Kan., and Pamela Chadwick of Atlanta, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Frances Lugard. A celebration of life will be held at the Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town July 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Grover “Jerry” C. Huston died June 2, 2018, at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction. He was an educator for the Delta County School District for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Mary of Grand Junction; son, Mike of Loma; daughters, Gail of Manley Springs, Ark., Sharon of Grand Junction and Pam of Fruita; 11 grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren.

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

Karleen Sollenbarger

Karleen R. Sollenbarger of Eckert died May 31, 2018, at her home. She was 68. Memorial services will be held this fall. Among her survivors are her husband, James Sollenbarger; and son, Zack, both of Eckert. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Robert Geisler

Robert “Bob” Howard Geisler of Delta died May 12, 2018, of a heart attack, causing a motorcycle accident in rural Gunnison County. He was 51. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Hotchkiss, with James Gall officiating. He was born on April 25, 1967, to Ronald and Jeanne (Coleman) Geisler in Cañon City. He graduated from Cañon City High School in 1985. He served in the U.S. Army and was a coal miner. He lived in Cañon City, Cortez and Delta. He enjoyed his kids, grandchild and his Harley. He is survived by three sons, Robert Todd of Dallas, Texas, Zackery Geisler and Tyler Geisler of Glenwood Springs; two daughters, Tiffany (Aaron) Toothaker of Hotchkiss and Caitlyn Geisler of Glenwood Springs; three brothers, Steve (Deb) James of Ansgar, Iowa, Russell (Tammy) James of Colorado Springs and Ronald (Tammi) Geisler of Paonia; one brother, Pamela Antunez of Ogden, Utah; and one

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Vera Faries

Former Delta resident Vera Jaunell Faries died May 23, 2018. She was 95. She was born June 11, 1922, in Hardesty, Okla., to John and Edith (Pierce) Randles. She graduated from Hardesty High School in 1940. On June 1, 1946, she married Roy Faries in Liberal, Kan. They spent most of their married life in Delta. Mr. Faries died in 2004, and Mrs. Faries moved to Denver in October 2017. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family, church and garden. Mrs. Faries was a member of the Delta First Assembly of God. She is survived by her sons, Dean of Delta and Dan of Denver; granddaughter, Kitra (Jason) Willmes of Rapid City, S.D.; great-granddaughter, Emma Willmes of Rapid City, S.D.; sister, Goldie Stump of Guymon, Okla; brother, Dean (Doris) Randles of Liberal, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Bess Randles of Hardesty, Okla., and Janice Faries of Austin, Texas; and extended family. No funeral services are planned. Burial will be in the Olathe Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

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Delta County Independent

John Groome

John Groome died June 2, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 76. He was born March 13, 1942, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Wilson and Fay Groome. He grew up in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Whittier, Calif. He married Helen Welch in 1972. He was a transportation major at the University of California. A third generation railroader, he was a locomotive engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad until he moved to Colorado in 1986. He was an active member of the North Fork community, serving as a volunteer at KVNF, a fireman and board member for the Crawford Fire Department, the president of both the Crawford School and Delta County School District accountability committees, school board member, and coach of Tball and soccer teams. After ranching in Crawford, he put on his engineer’s cap again to run the train for loadout services at Bowie Coal Mine. He was a skilled mountaineer who trained others in ice climbing, ice axe use, ice and snow climbing, and survival skills in the Sierra Club’s basic mountaineering training course in Southern California. He climbed peaks such as Mt. Rainier and Mt. Whitney. He enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting his daughters’ activities, a variety of music, reading, cowboy action shooting and was an active member of the Delta Trap Club. He is survived by

his wife of 45 years, Helen; daughters, Theresa (Jason) Wrich, Mary Groome (Daniel Costello) and Julia (Buck) Rohrbaugh; siblings, Margaret Day of Menlo Park, Calif., and Willy (Patty) Groome of Hotchkiss; three grandchildren, Lexi and Will Wrich of Crawford and Eamon Costello of Carbondale; and extended family. A memorial service will be held in the pavilion at Zack’s Bar-B-Que in Hotchkiss Saturday, June 9, at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delta County Memorial Hospital Foundation JPG Scholarship Fund, PO Box 10100, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arangements.

Clifford Crader

Clifford L. Crader of Cedaredge died May 29, 2018. He was 86. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from the University of New Mexico and earned postgraduate degrees from MIT. Mr. Crader was in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, where he participated in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. When he retired from the Navy, he joined an international naval engineering firm until he ultimately retired to Cedaredge. He is surived by his wife, Patricia; and daughters, Virginia and Claudia. At his request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest.

Jose Archuleta

Jose Maximillion Archuleta Jr. died May 31, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. He was 60. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Mr. Archuleta was born in Park City, Utah, on April 1, 1958, to Jose (Leo) and Lala Archuleta. He and his family moved to Delta in 1965. He attended Delta High School and enjoyed playing sports. After high school he joined his father working in the sawmill and then held various other jobs. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing and playing darts and pool. He is survived by his mother, Lala Archuleta; siblings, Mary Duran, David Archuleta, Karen Speicher, Anna Archuleta and Leona Broome; son, Clifford Archuleta; and grandson, Harley Archuleta. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose (Leo) Archuleta; and brother, Fred Archuleta. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Edwin “Steve” Croker April 5, 1943 ~ May 29, 2018 Hotchkiss resident, Edwin “Steve” Croker, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at his home in Hotchkiss, Colo. Steve was 75 years old. A celebration of life will be held June 23 at 3 p.m. at his home. Bring your favorite dish and story. Edwin Stephen Croker was born April 5, 1943, to Edwin T. and Mildred H. (Freiling) Croker in Multnomah County, Ore. He spent his childhood and attended schools in Delta, Colo., graduating from Delta High School in 1961. After high school Steve worked for a few years before joining the United States Air Force where he served as a flight engineer during the Vietnam War. On April 1, 1989,

Steve married his high school sweetheart, Mary Patricia Wood in Denver, Colo. Steve was a jack of all trades who enjoyed building birdhouses, fishing, hunting, camping, classic country, westerns, and was known to be a dog whisperer.

Steve is survived by his daughters, Conya Hoedel (Gary) of Johnstown, Colo., Kristina Savoy (Fred) of Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Roger Croker of Grand Junction, Colo., and Lynn Croker of Montrose, Colo.; sister, Lynnda “Jody” Sorenson of Portland, Ore.; two grandchildren, Cody and Amanda Echols of Johnstown, Colo. Steve was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his brother Larry. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

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Jerri Sue Murchison March 17, 1969 ~ May 23, 2018 Jerri Sue Murchison, beloved daughter of Gordon and Gary Murchison, and the most special babysitter of Rhonda, Rick, Becky, Robin, and Deana, left this life on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. She was residing in Georgetown, Colo. Jerri Sue was born on March 17, 1969, in Burnet, Texas. She was raised in the Llano, Kingsland, Texas area. Jerri Sue attended Llano High School where she was a cheerleader and was very active in 4H showing steers. She graduated in 1987. Jerri Sue loved animals. As a small child, she would spend hours walking around and under the steers with no fear, as her brothers and sisters were working. She also had a passion for dogs. She loved all dogs big and small and was rarely seen without one by her side. The most important things in her life were family, especially her

children and grandchildren as well as her parents and siblings. This enormous family has many wonderful memories of a woman full of spirit who would spend hours working on crafts, which she gave freely to her family and friends. All who knew her loved her, and were drawn to her through her love and thoughtfulness. Jerri Sue was always there for those who needed her. She is remembered by her family as one who could

not be resisted. She was the flame that drew us all to her love. Those who knew Jerri Sue knew her to be a person of great love and affection. Jerri Sue would also be described as a person who danced to the sound of her own drum. She always had a smile and a quick wit, and the sound of her laughter is still heard in our hearts today. She is survived by her children, Travis Michael, Jerrod and Makenna Cozby; grandchildren, Kinsley and Jaycee; parents, Gordon and Gay Murchison; her brother, Rick Murchison; her sisters, Rhonda Clifton, Robin Petrich, Becky Peisten and Deana Pipher; and many nieces, nephews and special family friends. We would like to ask in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to Hill Country Humane Society at www.hillcountry humanesociety.org. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP celebrates Dark Night Skies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, in partnership with the Black Canyon Astronomical Society and Crawford State Park, will be celebrating the starlit skies of Western Colorado with their ninth annual Astronomy Festival June 13-16. Black Canyon was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, one of a growing

number of National Park Service sites that are recognized for exceptional dark skies. There will be daytime as well as evening programs, with solar and night sky viewing. The festival kicks off on Wednesday, June 13, with Orion Book Award winning author Craig Childs at the Montrose Pavilion at 8 p.m. The evening will

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be capped by night sky viewing at the Montrose Botanic Gardens (next to the pavilion). Also new this year will be solar viewing at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16, followed that evening with night sky viewing at Crawford State Park at 7:30 p.m. The state park is waiving fees for the evening. For a full schedule, see Black Canyon’s website at http://www.nps.gov/ blca/planyourvisit/calen dar.htm. All programs are free, including the keynote speaker at the pavilion. The park entrance fee, good for seven days, is $20. Parking is available at the South Rim Visitor Center for day programs and the South Rim Campground for evening programs and night sky viewing. Parking is limited — please carpool.

�� David Snider �� David Snider Bio ��ASCAP info: cell # 914-715-5588 �home:303-500-7891 �� songwriter and publisher David Snider Music ASCAP Contact e-mail: redinsevad@yahoo.com davidsnidermusic.com. blackassdave@facebook.com �� David Snider is a Music Producing, Multi-instrumentalist phenomenon in the mold of Prince, Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix He has written and produced songs and records of contemporary styles in all genres (Pop, R+B, Funk, Hip-Hop, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Reggae, Ska, Smooth �� Jazz, Country and Soundtracks) for the last 45 years. He has toured the world with many great artists, bands and musicians. He records and �� produces records in New York, LA and Boulder, Colorado, or your hometown! � �David is a Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Arranger and California/New York based musician that has performed on guitars, bass, and �� keyboards with a wide variety of prolific Artists at many of the major concert halls and venues throughout the world, including all of America �� and Europe. In addition toDavid the Artists listed below, David will has jammed Springsteen, Stevie Kid Rock, Dave Mason, Pharaoh Saunders, Snider bewith Bruce Prince, Wonder Johnny Johnson, Solomon Burke, Alex Blake, Sally Van Meter and many, many more! �David has led a string of bands that performed some of �� the second Jimi He his vast collection ofperforming original material ranging from Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazzand Fusion, and Gospel. Hendrix. �� David knows how to work well with individual artists and bands and thrives on creating a relaxed atmosphere in the studio, to get the best concert of the 2018 sum- has written and produced David and Tamara �� and most out of musicians and singers. Most important for record companies is that he knows how to pace himself to finish records on time and within or under budget. long list of credits, included many Bands,and Vocalistsrecords and musicians of is available request as will be featured in merA concert series at satisfied the clients, songs con-uponHauze �� well as a music sampler CD. Call when you are ready, but not before!� �� Chapel of the Cross in temporary styles in all a concert Thursday, June � � � � � � �� Artists �� Sonny Sharrock �1989-1994/ Keyboards /Delmar & Bush Rock �1989-1990/Guitar �1983/rhythm Guitar Cedaredge on Brown Thursday, genres /Maria —Muldaur pop, 14, to benefit Delta CounVicki Sue Robinson �1981/ Guitar Gato Barbieri /1978-1981/ Guitar /Pat Benetar �1976/ Guitar /Janis Ian �1976-1977/ Guitar and Bass �� June 7, at �1975-1977/ 7 p.m.Guitar Admis- and blues, funk, hip-hop, ty Search and Rescue. Phil Cody �1975/ Guitar /Helen Schneider �� Discographyjazz fusion, smooth jazz The concert will be held sion is by donation. �� Sonny Sharrock Band "Live in New York","High Life"& 3 Albums from The Knitting Factory. /Tarquin “Lucricia” keyboards country. David Snider is a and in“ the Cedaredge Town Janis Ian - "Between the Lines" 1976 Grammy Album, + "At Seventeen"/Dusty Springfield-"A Love Like Yours Don't Come Knocking’ �� Corey Day - "Corey and Me" Album (with Disco hits Green Light, Pow Wow, Keep the Ball Rollin', etc.) �� His focus June 7 will music producing, multiPark at 7 p.m. Bring your Freedom Hill -Wrote and Produced single "Love is like a Merry-Go-Round" /Joel Diamond - The Joel Diamond Experience Album smooth jazz, with gui- own chairs; refreshments instrumentalist phe�� Television & Movie be Credits

Rock the David Snider performs Park to benefit at the chapel June 7 DCSAR

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"A Return to Salem's Lot"... Warner Bros./songs & score (with Michael Minard) nomenon in the mold of tar, piano and vocals. A feature length sequel to Steven King's "Salem's Lot"/Larry Cohen-Director

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"Playboy Party Jokes" Playboy Cable/theme, background and songs (w/Michael Minard) 8 shows and 1 video compilation release /"The 1989 Sports Emmys" Nationally televised 90 minute all-star show My Little Pony Tales" Disney Cable for Tommy Goodman Music Group “Math Mysteries” shows 1-5-HRM Award winning short educational ﬁlms “Secrets of Pro Wrestling” An expose on Pro wrestling /“Growing Up Wild” National Geographic' shows for Joe Delia Pr “Kissy Cousins”.Cues for full length feature ﬁlm (Joe Delia Productions) "Eye On Rockland", "The Kid Report", "Caribbean Beat", and a variety of other specials for the TKR Cable Company

Dr. Mary

Chapel to host Dr. Mary Dr. Mary Kleinsorge will be performing at the Chapel of the Cross on Sunday, June 10, at 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. Dr. Mary has publicly performed music since the age of 12 and began writing lyrics and music by age 14. She has been a chiropractor for more than 20 years, combining her profession with her love for music.

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

Program features condor recovery The snatching of the California condor from the brink of extinction is one of the most successful recovery programs in the history of American wildlife conservation. From a low of only 27 surviving individuals in 1987, the condor population has now reached nearly 500 with populations in California, Arizona, Utah and Mexico. Chris Parish, director of Global Conservation for The Peregrine Falcon Fund, will present a slide program on the efforts to save the California condor, the rarest bird in North America, at the Black Canyon Audubon annual dinner June 20. Anyone interested in the Audubon Society or seeing Parish’s presentation is welcome to attend. The California condor is the largest bird in North America with a wing span of up to 10 feet and weighing as

much as 30 pounds. Historically they were found throughout the continent but due to poaching, habitat destruction, and lead poisoning from ingesting lead shot and bullets from hunter-killed game carcasses on which they feed, the population steadily declined. Although controversial, the decision to trap the remaining birds in 1987 to begin a captive breeding program has saved the condor from extinction. In 1991 captive-bred condors first were released back into the wild in California followed by more releases in Arizona near the Grand Canyon in 1996. Surprisingly, there have been two reports of condors released in Arizona visiting Colorado. In August 1998 one was observed at the Land’s End Visitor Center on Grand Mesa. Then in April 2016, one was photographed near Cortez.

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Photo submitted

This is an immature condor photographed at the Vermillion Cliffs near the Grand Canyon. It is ﬁtted with a transmitter allowing biologists to track its movements.

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Several centuries ago Colorado was part of the condor’s range leading many to hope that perhaps it is starting to return. Parish first started working with condor recovery efforts in 1997 as a biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department before going to work for the Peregrine Fund in 2000. According to Parish, condors are still facing the problem of lead poisoning. Over half the condor fatalities since their reintroduction have been attributed to lead ingested from birds feeding on the carcasses of game animals

shot by hunters. While many hunters are voluntarily changing to steel, the problem persists and Parish’s main message is that condor recovery is as much a social issue as a biological one. The dinner, which is open to anyone interested in the local Black Canyon Chapter or just wanting to hear Parish’s talk, will be at Remington’s restaurant at the Bridges Golf Course at 6 p.m. More information and the reservation form can be found at blackcanyonaudubon. org or by calling 303-7094386. Reservations must be received by June 10.

VFW hosts horseshoe, corn hole tournament Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3571 and its Auxiliary are hosting a horseshoe and cornhole tournament and barbecue Saturday, June 9, at Cleland Park from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be lots of fun, lots of prizes (including cash), and lots of food throughout the day. If you are a professional, amateur or novice horseshoe thrower (or even trying to learn to spell horseshoe), there will be something for you at the tournament! Horseshoe pitching was introduced into North America by English settlers in Colonial times. It is thought to be derived from the game of quoits

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played by Roman officers when they occupied Britain. Cornhole is a lawn version of the bean bag toss. The bags are thrown at a raised platform with a hole in it. Holes are scored as three points, and landing on the board is one point. Like horseshoes, cornhole can be played by individuals or by teams of two players. Bring your horseshoes, your friends, and your appetite and stop by for some old-fashioned fun, and help the VFW get its building to assist local veterans and the community as a whole. Contact Corky or Della Ware at 872-3327 for more information.

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A8 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

BoCC hears airport report BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their May 21 meeting the county commissioners heard a report on progress at Blake Field. Mark and Cheryl Husmann, Smiling Aviation, reported aircraft based at Blake Field are 63: one helicopter, one motor-

glider, several single and twin engines, and several experimental aircraft. Takeoffs and landings are up 45.3 percent, consisting of 486 based aircraft and 421 non-based. Mark Husmann reported that the taxi lane and crosswind runway are completed. He

said that on May 18, a dozen aircraft flew in to fuel up on their way the Grand Junction air show. He added that Blake Field regularly services pilots from California to Oshkosh, Wis., who stop in for gas. “Our low prices attract a lot of people,” Husmann said.

Photo submitted

Seven secondary students recently completed the automotive program at Technical College of the Rockies. Pictured are (left to right) Chase Meyers, Cedaredge High School; Dorian Nicholas, Montrose High School; Zak Morgan, Cedaredge High School; Matt Easter, Delta High School; Giovani Padilla, Olathe High School; Jose Padilla, Olathe High School; Oswaldo Mariscal, Olathe High School; Rob Shenold, Tayshen Automotive, Delta, who sponsored three students; Henry Bellew, Mohr’s Automotive, Montrose, who sponsored one student; (front) instructors James Carrico and James Pittsenbarger.

Businesses support automotive students The automotive program at Technical College of the Rockies completed a successful year, thanks to parent, community and industry support. Students were able to take the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) G1, General Light Maintenance and Repair Exam.

Rob Shenold of Tayshen Automotive in Delta and Henry Bellew of Mohr’s Automotive in Montrose sponsored over half of the students and supplied the $83 that covered test registration and a practice test. This exam is a “feather in the cap” for students

and boosts entry-level employment opportunities. All students prepared for the certification test at CMU testing center. Four of the seven passed the test. Along with passing the written test, one student is also “certified” due to his documented work experience.

Funding is available for irrigation efficiency projects

The Colorado River District is pleased to announce a $1.7M funding opportunity to support qualified applicants for construction of irrigation efficiency improvement projects in the Lower Gunnison project area. Qualified project funding requests that address identified natural resource concerns within the Bostwick Park, Paonia, Smith Fork and Uncompahgre proj-

ect areas will be accepted through June 15, for funding consideration to complete final designs and for construction implementation. This funding opportunity is an expansion of ongoing, cooperatively managed activities, made possible by the Colorado River District in conjunction with local partners and with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for on-farm improvements, such as conversion to pressurized sprinklers and high efficiency irrigation systems. Successful applicants should have an approved Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) to be eligible to receive financial assistance to complete final design and installation of advanced irrigation systems that address identified natural resource concerns of increasing water availability, improving water quality, and/or improving habitat and soil health. For example, such projects that improve: water use efficiency, reduce salinity and selenium concentrations in the river, utilize cover cropping to improve soil conditions, and/or projects that improve aquatic habitat conditions for threatened and/ or endangered fish species will be accepted for competitive ranking and possible partial funding. Interested landowners with an approved NRCS

CAP can obtain and submit applications, and/or receive more information by contacting Suzie Bilberry or Shana Harness, Delta Conservation District, at 399-8194 or delta conservationd@gmail. com. All monetary awards are contingent upon funding availability from USDA-NRCS processes and procedures and eligibility determination. This funding opportunity complies with the rules and regulations of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and is open to all eligible agricultural producers without discrimination or bias.

Vendors, volunteers wanted for Deltarado Days Calling all vendors for DeltaFest (June 28 and Aug. 30) and Deltarado Days (July 28). Applications can be picked up at the chamber, or can be requested by calling 874-8616. Volunteers are also needed and, unless a sponsor can be located, there is a high probability there will not be a Deltarado Days horseshoe tournament. If you’re interested in running this tournament, call the chamber at 874-8616.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Retiring truck driver

For the past 18 years, Dean Hatch has worked for the City of Delta in the parks department, public works and most recently as a trash truck driver. “It’s a smelly job but somebody’s got to do it,” he said, adding that he tries to look at the good in everything — even trash. Although his truck is fully automated, he climbs out from behind the driver’s seat several times a day to help pull out trash cans for the city’s elderly residents. For that reason alone, he’ll be missed.

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Crawford celebrates its pioneer heritage BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

Crawford, nestled at the base of the West Elk Mountains, is a small town with a big pioneer spirit. For 40 years the community has celebrated that heritage with Pioneer Days, now in its 40th year. ‘This year’s theme, ‘There’s No Place Like Home,’ just about sums up the lifestyle of our community,” said event coordinator Tristan Pfeffer. Pfeffer and her husband experienced their first Pioneer Days in 2012, when they moved to town the day before the festivities began. She said, “This is a great community event, and everyone turns out for it ... 80 percent of the people we know, we met that week! We loved it!” They loved it so much that Tristan jumped in the next year as a volunteer, and for the past four years has been the coordinator. It is a big job to pull all the different elements together, and Tristan gives credit and praise for all the volunteers who step up to make the event so much fun. “It would not be possible without them,” she said. “They are great, taking on a task and running with it.” Their efforts result in four days of fun and community spirit. Starting things off is an old-fashioned dessert theater, featuring local characters hamming it up in the melodrama, “The Disappearance of Felicity Fretwell, or Whatever Shall Happen to the Children?” Come prepared to participate as you cheer on the hero, boo and hiss at the villain, and form hearts and sigh for the heroine! The fun begins at 7 p.m. at the Community Room at Crawford Town Hall. There will be repeat performances on Saturday. Friday’s focus is on food, so come hungry. It starts early with the best cooks in the spotlight for the baking contest. Bring your best dish to Town Hall on Friday, June 8, between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Judging is from 3 to 5

p.m. There are categories for breads; cakes; cookies; pies; and bars, with divisions for adults and kids. Enjoy a free barbecue lunch as Crawford First State Bank of Colorado hosts its annual customer sppreciation lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 4:30 to 6:30 the Crawford Fire Auxiliary will be serving up a taco/salad bar dinner in the park to raise money for the fireworks fund. New this year is the silent auction, so bring your appetite and your checkbook to support the fireworks display while outbidding your friends on some great items in the silent auction. “Stick around,” said Tristan. “Starting at 6 p.m. we crown our dignitaries and then start the live auction, where you can even buy the baking contest entries!” Saturday, June 9, is a full day of fun, food and frivolity. Get an early start at the pancake breakfast, served from 6 to 10:30 a.m. by the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department. Then pick your spot along the parade route (see map and related story) and get ready for one of the best parades in the West. “There will be a really good flyover to begin the parade,” said Tristan. Look for a formation of planes, piloted by Don Gettis, Charlie Huff, Ron Duncan, Tracy Cheatham, Lynn French and maybe more. The CareFlight helicopter, piloted by Justin Fletcher, will also be part of the formation. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. At the conclusion of the parade, cheer on your favorite man-powered outhouse team in the always popular outhouse race down the street in front of Town Park. The fun shifts to Town Park as “he-men” and women show off their strength during the hay bale races, set to begin at noon. From 1-4 p.m. kids will have plenty of old-fashion pioneer things to do. “We will have kids hay bale races, relay races, watermelon eating PIONEER DAYS TO B2

Photo by Tamie Meck

River Fest fun

Ellza Coyle competes in the adult division of the ‘All Forked Up’ homemade watercraft race Saturday at the 18th annual Paonia River Festival at Paonia River Park. An estimated 400 attended this year’s festival. “That’s double over past years,” said Western Slope Conservation Center executive director Alex Johnson. “It’s very exciting. We hope to replicate that every year.”

Maher School open house, ice cream social planned Sunday BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

It may not be apparent to travelers of Highway 92, but the unpretentious Maher School House is packed with history. The Maher-Onion Valley Community Club will open the school from 2-4 p.m. Sunday for the annual open house and ice cream social. Built in 1917 after a fire destroyed the original school, the Maher School House is located in Montrose County and approximately five miles south of the town of Crawford on Highway 92. The building is considered one of the few examples of a one-room schoolhouse remaining in the state.

In 2016 a renovation of the classroom was completed. Work included re-insulating the walls and installing new sheetrock. The drop ceiling was removed, revealing an original stamped tin tile ceiling. Light fixtures salvaged years earlier from the old Crawford School were installed. In January, the Maher School House was formally designated by the Montrose County Commissioners as

a Montrose County historic landmark. At 3 p.m. Sunday, a plaque will be presented to club members by the Montrose County Historical Landmark Advisory Board. “Also, in keeping with similar rural educational facilities, it has a gabled roof, bell tower and narrow windows,” according to documentation provided by the Maher-Onion Valley Community Club. The MAHER SCHOOL TO B2

New traffic plan outlined for Crawford Pioneer Days BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

For months the Crawford Pioneer Days committee has been meeting with the Town of Crawford and the Colorado Department of Transportation to come up with a plan to reduce traffic congestion and keep everyone flowing in and around Saturday’s activities. The challenge is to hold a parade and outhouse races on Crawford main street, which is also Highway 92, while keeping highway traffic flowing around on the Cedar Avenue detour. Event coordinator Tristan Pfeffer explains that while the staging and registration for the parade is the same

as in past years, significant changes have been made in the streets around Town Hall and the park. As shown on the map below, several streets will become one-way for Saturday. This will facilitate parking on both sides of the street. “Crawford’s streets are narrow, and when folks are parked on both sides there really is only one lane,” said Pfeffer. In the past, traffic often came to a standstill when folks tried to drive either direction on narrow streets crowded with parked cars. Another change is the no parking zones, especially along Cedar Avenue This is

the detour route for Highway 92 traffic, and must be kept clear of parking and parade participants. In addition to street parking, event organizers have received permission from private property owners for some additional parking. Pfeffer noted there will be a full crew of volunteers to help direct people and answer questions. “We will have 16 volunteers posted at key locations along the roads to keep things flowing,” she said. A word of caution, there will also be a tow truck on standby to remove any vehicles not adhereing to the new traffic and parking plan, or creating a blockage.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Since it was built in 1917, the Maher School House has been a hub of social activity for Crawford and the surrounding area. That tradition continues this Sunday with the annual MaherOnion Valley Community Club ice cream social. A special presentation by the Montrose County Historical Landmark Advisory Board will be held at 3 p.m.

Paonia weighs in on Mancos MDP BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

To Crawford State Park Graphic courtesy Crawford Chamber of Commerce

This year the Crawford Pioneer Days committee has been working with the Town of Crawford to come up with a plan to avoid trafﬁc snarls and enhance parking and crowd ﬂow during Saturday’s events for the 40th annual Pioneer Days.

The Paonia Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. today, June 6, to consider a draft letter to the Bureau of Land Management regarding the preliminary environmental assessment (EA) on the North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan. Comments deadline is Saturday, June 9. The board called a special meeting last week to consider public comment on the EA. The five-page draft letter reflects verbal and written comments from 14 citizens and representatives of the Western Slope Conservation Center and Citizens for a Healthy Community. The draft cites concerns over potential impacts identified in the EA, including surface water impacts and sediment; air quality; impacts on wildlife, farmlands and traffic; groundwater and drinking water sources within the watershed; impacts on the town’s economy; concerns over possible costs to emergency management services; and

possible health impacts due to the development’s proximity to town. The letter states that the EA “only takes into account the cumulative effect of the very limited number of wells in this portion of the development plan,” and “does not reflect the cumulative effect of the current wellhead development or the other identified wellhead development beyond this narrow plan. Cumulative impacts may be more difficult to assess if you include this and other oil and gas development... The board of trustees feel that it is imperative that these impacts be identified.” The draft requests that the current EA “be rejected and a full Environment Impact Study be conducted to address these as well as any other issues that may arise” during the study. Trustees voted 5-1 to direct town administrator Ken Knight to draft the letter, with trustee Bill Bear casting the dissenting vote. A copy of the draft letter is available at townofpaonia.com.

B2 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

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Delta County Independent

Senior center loses clinic revenue BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Few people know more about living precariously on a fixed income than senior citizens. An organization that has supported seniors in the North Fork area for decades is losing its main funding source and is considering all of its options for replacing it. The Paonia Senior Center will see an annual decline in revenue of almost $5,000 after losing its contract with the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for use of a medical clinic located within the center. Senior Center volunteer Lynne Bear said that revenue pays

utility bills and a portion of its biggest annual expense: insurance. Money from bake sales, private donations and annual donations from the Town of Paonia cover the remainder of their expenses, said Bear. Other than those sources, “We don’t have any income,” said Bear. The center is very frugal with its money and has set money aside as reserve. “We figured some day this would happen,” she said. “But we don’t want to spend it all.” Construction of the roughly 1,000-squarefoot clinic was funded by a grant and built by PACE money as an addition to the center. “The North Fork area is a very important part of the PACE community,” said executive director CJ Simmers. The clinic includes an examination room, bedroom, bathroom with handicap-accessible shower, storage, and a conference room, as well as a private entryway. PACE, which provides services to seniors ages 55 and older in order to help them remain in their homes for as long as possible, contracts to use the clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays. About eight months ago PACE made the decision to terminate the contract, said Simmers. It didn’t make sense to continue it, since fewer than a dozen people were accessing the Paonia clinic, said Simmers. Those clients are now using the Eck-

Photo by Tamie Meck

A medical clinic located within the Paonia Senior Center sits empty after the annual lease contract was canceled. The clinic provided the center with its largest source of revenue. The board of directors is considering all options for replacing the revenue, including renting it out as a medical clinic.

ert clinic, which serves between 60-70 seniors per week. PACE is honoring its financial obligation to the center through the contract cycle ending July 1, said Simmers, and is ensuring that the facility will also remain with the Paonia Senior Center. The move “doesn’t change anyone’s ability to access PACE services,” said Simmers. The Paonia senior center dates back to the 1940s when meals were served at the old opera house on Second Street, said Bear, a nonagenarian and Paonia native. It moved to the current site on Third Street, a former liquor store, sometime around the 1970s. The center currently serves between 60-90 meals per week and delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors. Except for dietary aid FROM PAGE B1 club maintains the prop- Judy Ricker, the center erty, which it purchased runs entirely on volunfollowing consolidation of the local school districts into the Delta County Joint School District #50. “Its construction is of wood frame, as was prev- FROM PAGE B1 alent at the time. Also, contest, tug of war and in keeping with similar many other kids activirural educational facilities,” said Tristan. ties, it has a gabled roof, “Be sure to get the bell tower and narrow little ones a ride on the windows. Original match- North Fork Ambulance ing privies for boys and kiddie train too!” she girls still stand near the added. The NFA train is back fence of the proper- returning after taking a ty. The floor plan consists couple of years off. of a kitchen, classroom While the kids are and small entry, part of playing, the adults will which may have served be able to check out the as sleeping quarters for many arts, crafts and the teacher.” food vendors set up in the park. More than 40 different booths are expected. “We also have terrific music lineup,” noted Tristan. During the afternoon musicians such as Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Beth Williams, Dave and Tamara Hauze and more will perform on the park stage. Capping off Saturday’s festivities will be the big fireworks show over Crawford Reservoir. Tristan said the folks at Crawford State Park

Maher School

teers. Meals are served every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to seniors 60 and over for a nominal charge of $3 (slightly more for others). “You can’t beat that,” said Bear. In addition to helping with meals, running the office and keeping the place clean, volunteers also deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors three days a week. That also allows them to check in regularly on homebound residents, said Bear. Bear is optimistic that the center will continue to operate, but future revenue depends on attracting a renter for the clinic. “Until we rent the space, I’m not sure where the money will come from,” said Bear. The center would like find someone willing to help them with grant-writing, and can always use more volunteers. “I’m open to suggestions,” said Bear. “We need to pay our utilities.”

Pioneer Days

are offering free admission all day Saturday, so don’t hesitate to go over to the state park for a picnic and settle in to enjoy the fireworks. The Crawford Volunteer Fire Department will begin its spectacular show at dark (around 9:45 p.m.) Wind up the festivities at the non-denominational Cowboy Church Service on Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by a free lunch in the town park. In the afternoon the Maher-Onion Valley School is getting its “Historic Site” designation, and celebrating with an ice cream social from 24 p.m. at the school (see related story on page B1.) “There is something for everyone in the family at Crawford Pioneer Days,” said Tristan. “Come and enjoy this old-fashioned, small town festival as we show you how ‘there’s no place like OUR home!’”

Photo submitted

Music at the library

Week two of Paonia Library’s summer concert series features Hard Pressed, a local duo that brings original and traditional old-time string band and Americana-folk off the front porch and to the library. Picnic and takeout dinners are welcome. The presentation takes place Tuesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. Call the library at 399-7881 for more information.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Planning for future health care decisions

Accelerated Math plaques

Photo submitted

On the ﬁnal day of school, Paonia Elementary students who mastered 100 or more Accelerated Math objectives received plaques commemorating their superior effort. The students recognized, standing with principal Sam Cox, in the back row from left to right were (number of objectives in parenthesis): Brooke Harding (134), Mariah Callen (100), Ryder Hart (100), Marcos Camacho (117), Jose Mojarro (135), and Lane Allen (101). Second row: Tia Homedew (with a new school record 302), Gracelynn Lubin (104), Jasmine Vasquez (123), Izzy Pack (104), Ryaunna Rhoades (100), Avery Kinser (105), Lily Lowe (119), and Ashley Gibson (121). In the front row: Joel Frazier (102), Riley Abney (111), Walker Arterburn (101), Emily Reedy (100), Angel Montes (104), David Audelo Garcia (228), Ashley Pantoja-Torres (180), and Tyreen Farnsworth (158). Not pictured are Giovanna Luna (100) and Oleviya Gamma (101).

Rotary Club hosts annual scholarship breakfast June 16 Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley will host its annual Rotary Scholarship Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Paonia Town Park. Now in its 15th year, breakfast options include delectable buttermilk pancakes with or without blueberries, spicy sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea. Glu-

ten-free pancakes are available, and options have been expanded to include scrambled eggs and fruit salad. To liven things up, this year’s breakfast will include a “Puppy Parade.” Register puppies ages 6 months and younger at Ollie’s Ice Cream, 140 Grand Avenue, prior to the break-

fast. The parade begins at 10 a.m., and ribbons will be awarded. Now in its 15th year, proceeds from the breakfast go to the Rotary Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the fund has provided scholarships annually to graduating students from Hotchkiss and Paonia high schools. Tickets are $10.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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It is not easy to think about the end of life. It is even harder to talk about it. But it is one of the most important conversations you can have with your loved ones. A 60-minute session will involve meeting with a group of individuals from your community and health care experts from CU. As a participant, you will be able to learn, ask questions, and share your experiences. You will also have the chance to fill out a health care directive. The discussion, sponsored by A Little Help’s Tough Talk Series, will take place at 2 p.m. June 15 at the Paonia Library. Preregistration is optional; call 970-4345474 ext 4.

See next week’s issue of the Delta County Independent for photos, winners and more from Crawford Pioneer Days

See us at the starting line for the outhouse races. We keep local Real Estate moving... ...most with indoor plumbing

Hotchkiss K-8 honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Hotchkiss K-8 School for the fourth quarter and second semester of the 2017-18 school year: Third Grade 3.7-4.0 Isabella Harrison Alyssa Lovelace Payson Miller Kiera Stroh* Colby Todd* 3.0-3.699 Kyler Clark Charlie Jo Miller Ellie Emmons Oliver Handy Fourth Grade 3.7-4.0 Gage Adam* Juliana Alvarado Brooke Angelovich Angel Bemis Toni Bennett* Anjolee Beveridge* Ethan DeLoury* Bryan Elizalde* Guadalupe Elizalde Chayton Falkner* Braeden Flores* Pearson Fouts* Ryker Gallob* Alyssa Gillenwater* Mya Guyer John Hart Braydon Hendrix*

Chase Knight* Edgar Lozano Kyrah McCleland Nevaeh Mock Nick Miller* Jaylen MonroyMendoza* Ethan Naylor Logan Naylor Sydney Palmer-Yovan Shilah Pinon Aneka Price Terrence Rung Emma Shumway Derick Sievertsen Jasmine Soria Macias Roan Spencer* Athziry VazquezMendoza Vanesa Verdeja Palomo Noel White Laynee Zeldenthuis* 3.0-3.699 Ty O’Connell Fifth Grade 3.7-4.0 Jesalynn Borgman Reyna Broadbent Kyle Elder* Kenaniah McDaniel

Charlie Miller Lola Mitchell Payson Pene Emma Reed Kaylee Simpson Treyven Stevens Loryn Thompson London West 3.0-3.699 Trentan Andregg Malachi Barnes Canaan Church Mitchell Finlayson Gabe Garcia Bryan Hale-Nutter Veda Handy Lance McCollum Lane Stroh Jenaya Tracy Sixth Grade 3.7-4.0 Brailey Angelovich Maddie Brezonick* Henry Hollembeak* CeCe Houseweart* Trenton Lovelace Liam McCollum Raney Moore* Nick Poutre Piper Smith* Aizlyn Sommer*

Sasha Taylor 3.0-3.699 Tyler Carlquist Damon Gilmore Annalise Hendrix Isamar Lindberg Tucker Houseweart Christopher Mann Jr. Wyatt McArtor Hunter Thompson Seventh Grade 3.7-4.0 Alexis Church Victoria Clark Annika Knehs Tia Moore* Sam Ware* 3.0-3.699 Samantha Beck David Denison Danielle Elder Lillian Jardon Kacie McCollum Tegan Oetker Claudia Verdeja Eighth Grade 3.7-4.0 Kayla Allred* Audren Borgman* Lilahna Guy Sawyer Handy

Isabelle Houseweart Esmeralda Lozano Justin Mattison* Vianney Mendoza Indigo Miller-Barnes Addison Neal* Parker Pene* Julia Pinon Benjamin Rodriguez* 3.0-3.699 Kailynn Carpenter Mikenna Carpenter Damon Fausett Dana Hart Lottie Hollembeak Matilda McDaniel Bailey Miller Sara Morris Carter Neff Paityn Oetker Matthew Pachl Blaine Peebles William Poutre Drayden Taylor Ariana VenJohn Mordecai White

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In Memory Of BOB “LITTLE HAWK” HEID

*Denotes straight A’s

Magic/The Vault Radio, AXA Advisers, Crawford Pioneer Days, Inc., DMEA, Elevate, Vegeta�on West Management, Outdoors Alive, Inc. Charlie Bishop Construc�on, Tracy & Cathy Cheatham, Crawford State Park, DBar Ranch, Delta County Memorial Hospital, Dufon Land & Ca�le, First Colorado Na�onal Bank, First State Bank of Colorado, Fruitland Mesa Club, Hellman Motor Co., High Country Shopper, Mountain Coal, Needle Rock Brewing Company, Needlerock Mtn. Realty, Over the Hill Media, Saddle Mountain Fellowship, Smith Fork Ranch, TDS Telecom, Crawford Storage, Delta County Federal Credit Union, Double J Disposal, Greg & Judy Tabuteau, JC Propane, John Cunningham, Pack Shack, Reed Hay, Roberts Enterprises

Bob rode in local Parades for over 30 years. We will miss him. Love, Joanie and family

B4 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

PEOPLE Marissa Shea Cantrell of Hotchkiss graduated with a bachelor of arts in exercise wellness from Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D., during MMC’s commencement ceremony on May 12.

Delta County Independent

IN THE NEWS

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, MMC is a Catholic, Benedictine school that emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students.

Accelerated Math certiﬁcates

Photo submitted

For the second year in a row, Paonia Elementary had to present math awards over two days in order to recognize everyone. On the day before school got out, the following students were recognized for mastering between 50 and 99 Accelerated Math objectives over and above the districtwide Go Math curriculum. In the back row from left to right (number of objectives in parenthesis): Ember Ferguson (51), Jakob Carver (52), Landon Cook (79), Mario Gamma (62), Ella Eves (62), Avery Cowger (69), Josiah Peters (53), Chance Degraffenried (52), Elle Deja Connolly (51), Baylee Cowger (51), Skylar Anderson (63), Contessa Sprinkle (50), Zoe Hensley (50), Peyton Armstrong (80), and Edwin Pantoja-Torres (59). The next row standing: Zoe Stolmeier (60), Zariah Dennison (79), Valor Long (50), Braxton Wist (51), Dillon Scherba (60), Brylan Cotten (73), Micky Maja (56), Iain Straub (61), Elias Keil (51), Lane Arterburn (53), Bo Eves (54), and Killian Mazon (67). The kneeling row: Caleb Ferguson (68), Madelynn Forsberg (69), Avi Maya (70), Kaidence Godwin (51), Tayen Ware (75), Raelee Meyers (61), Avriel Curiel (65), Emma Stanﬁeld (76), and Ashlie Ferguson (58). Front row: Lauren Miller (60), Kendal Sievertsen (76), Ashley Harding (53), Oleviya Gamma (101), Ashley Pantoja-Torres (180), Sara Washburn (57), Heidi Johnson (77), and Abi Ferguson (57). Not pictured are Austin Funk (67), Levi Kuntz (79), and Taylor Wist (57). Oleviya received her 100+ plaque early and Ashley was also recognized for her plaque the following day.

Celebrate West Elks talent Blue Sage hosts reading and opening reception on Friday, June 8 BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When great writing meets great photography, the result is “Convergence.” Formerly known as

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Photo by Liza Eller

An untitled photograph by student Liza Eller is among 24 images featured in the 2018 Blue Sage “Convergence” anthology. The Blue Sage will host a reading and opening reception this Friday evening. the “Write On” anthology, Convergence is an annual contest sponsored by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts to showcase the talents of local writers and photographers. Images and words reflect the culture, traditions, landscapes and special places of the West Elks. This year’s winners, selected by members of the Blue Sage Literary Committee, are contained in “Convergence: Words & Images from the West Elks 2018” (Blue Sage Press, Paonia). The anthology contains poetry, prose and photographs by 24 local and regional writers and photographers. Authors will read their work this Friday, June 8, at the Blue Sage, 226 Grand Avenue, Paonia. The reading begins at 7 p.m., and follows a 5 p.m. gallery opening reception of photography selected for the anthology. Among this year’s selections, High Country News copy editor Diane Sylvain’s “Totaled” takes a trip to a historic cattle ranch in Wyoming turned animal rescues place to witness the Great American Total Eclipse of 2017. Barbe Chambliss, who writes about women peacemakers throughout the world, considers the “vastly different meanings” of the words “forget” and “being forgotten” — as vastly different from “disappearing” and “being disappeared.” In “Elfie,” Paul Roasberry, who lives “not far from where his great-great grandfather homesteaded in 1880” in Cedaredge, shares a personal story of life, cancer and love. Seventh-generation farmer/rancher Lane Allen is one of five students whose works were

selected for the anthology. His memoir, “Driving with Grandpa,” is a rich piece of prose about a road trip to New Mexico with his “early-rising sheepherder” grandfather. “One amazing landmark after another, I marveled to myself, my eyes taking in all the sights,” writes Allen. “Grandpa was always telling me stories, making connections, and we had laughed all day.” Allen, who recently graduated from the sixth grade, said he sees his stories as “a great way of thanking my grandparents for everything they do for me, especially the ranches that I get to grow up on.” Being selected for the reading makes it even more special, said Allen. This will be Allen’s second Convergence reading. His first, “Haying in the West Elks,” also honors his granddad. He decided to enter the contest in fifth grade after performing writing exercises with Paonia Library staff member Laura Lee Yates during Melissa Pizey’s English class at Paonia Elementary School. Both encouraged him to enter another memoir this year. “I love the freedom to tell and explain my life, others’ lives, and even the life of a make-believe character,” said Allen. “I love having almost no boundaries and being able to use my imagination to make a character’s everyday life more interesting.” Plus, said Allen, “I have a great childhood growing up in the North Fork Valley raising cows and sheep on two ranches that have been in my family (both sides) for generations.” Other student entries include photos and poetry by Sofia Gonzalez, Liza

Eller and Saffire Black. In a Roald Dahl-esque short story inspired in part by the area’s abundance of fruit, student Eli Stratton weaves a tale of revenge against the worst boss ever who lords over the employees of a jam and jelly factory in “The Day the Plum Burst.” Photographer and long-time Blue Sage supporter Celia Roberts is also honored in the anthology. The community lost Roberts to cancer last January. The opening piece, “My Senses,” was read by Roberts at the 2016 Blue Sage Harvest of Voices held during Mountain Harvest Festival. The anthology also includes 24 black and white images by students, amateur and professional photographers, from Jeff Skeels’ wildlife images — a striking shot of a red-tailed hawk and a gathering of bucks in velvet — to Jaquita Watters’ piece, “Kyle’s Dobro,” Theo Wecker’s Gary Hall’s joyous “Punchline” and Carol Schott’s “Infinite.” The gallery exhibit will remain open through June 28. While the gallery opening is free, admission is required for the reading. Tickets are $10, or $15 for the reading and a copy of the book. Books are also sold separately for $12. Tickets can be purchased at the Blue Sage, 226 Grand Avenue, Paonia, or at www.bluesage.org.

Library trustee talk time Do you like your library? Do you have suggestions for improvement? Do you know about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the Gallagher Amendment? Do you understand the effect this legislation has on your support of public institutions? Do you know how the library is funded? Are you frustrated with your library? Talk to Jess Deegan, the Crawford representative on the Delta County Libraries Board of Trustees. Deegan will be available on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at Crawford Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. If this time does not work for you, contact Deegan at jdeegan@deltalibraries. org or 970-510-0724 to ask your questions or make an appointment.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

VCA learner wins calendar contest

ABC award winners

GMES presents ABC awards The following students were recognized during the Garnet Mesa Elementary PAWS assembly May 25. ABC awards for “Achieving, Belonging, Caring” were presented to: Silas Kasper, Zoey Sandoval, Alejandro Romero, Kennedy Harris, Gage Dawson, Lola Gray,

Kole Osburn, Brylee Trolin, Taylor Davis, Tatum Cool, Carson Blake, Madison Greene, Sloan Queen, Camdyn Stoddard, Jace Knight, Cash Kirkland, Hunter Hines, Madison Garrett, Diego Padilla, Gabriella Montoya, Olive Adams, Sebastian Ornelas, Jocelyn Harvey, Jose

Romero, Yaretzi Valencia, Martin Medina, Korlan Bynum, Jack Magner, Kaci Teyler-Crowder, Marcus Lujan, Karleigh West, Trenton Summers, Alauna Torres, Corbin Cooper, Jordan Reed, Lucas Merritt, Josiah Padilla, Karena Barajas, Uriel Vicencio, Vic-

toria Medina, Gwyneth Hasto, Christian Escarcega, Danika Windemaker, Trey Taylor, Xiayden Lucio, Nevaeh Lujan, Satoshi Bautista, Jordyn Huff, Daniel Romero, Alexcia Bloom, Rebecca Gonzalez, Josue Morales, Jonathan Santonastaso and Trinity McCurdy

Maryposa Bermudez, dar. a kindergartner at Vision Both Maryposa and Charter Academy and a her teacher qualified for student of Cristen Cher- a $50 prize. mak, was named one of 14 winners in a calendar contest sponsored by Economic Literacy Colorado and the Denver Branch of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. There were over 500 entries from schools far and wide in the state, from which 14 winners were selected (one for each month of the year and front and back covers). Maryposa’s art will be replicated on the 2019 Maryposa Bermudez economic/financial calen-

Maryposa’s artwork

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Special award winners

Special class awards handed out On May 25, Garnet Mesa Elementary students were awarded for their efforts in special classes. Art — Welker Atchley, Kennedy Harris, Cole Nuemiller, Alice Melton, Aiden Almanza, Brooklyn Hughes, Trenton Sukle, Josie Farmer, Troy Siennicki, Chloe Sharpe, Xavier Gonzalez

and Sydnie Atchley. Computers — Jacob Wachowicz, Jadyn Griswold, Griffin Shean, Bristol Wells, Oscar Medina, Gisel Vargas, Derick Curtis, Karena Barajas, Bergen McCormick, Naveah Huff, Waylon Cross and Velma Bailey. Library — Cole Ballard, Katie Bascue, Anjara Randria, Madi-

son Garrett, Juan Ramirez, Natalie Velasquez, Damitry Tatman, Danika Queen, William Wallace, Vicky Medina, Willon Rice and Trinity McCurdy. Music — Armani Almanza, Mairany Corral, Diego Padilla, Lily Abeyta, Angel Nieto, Yaretzi Valencia, Saw Solomon Peter, Sarah

King, Hunter Simineo, Emmalee Johnson, Tyson Hughes and Rachel Young. PE — Gauge Starr, Jasmine Early, Jace Knight, Esmeralda Ramirez, Grayson Hunter, Miray Horn, Eli Wiltsie, Jessica Montoya, Alex Burruss, Makayla Wear, Jonathan Santonastaso and Yuraly Arias.

ROAR winners

Lincoln presents ROAR awards Maylene Parra, Rus- Macias, Sapphira Earl, sell Vigil, Kara Morris, Landon Hamm, Kaylee Devin Dietrich, Hayden Thomas, Gabino MiraLabrum, Blu Wills, Sadie montes, Serena Porter, Contreras, Cooper Shull, Manuel Gonzales, Olivia Bailey Martinez, Ashton Long, Damon Lear, KynMcFadden, Willow Bond, zlee Lopez, Noah KehmeiSophie Gonzalez, Gus- Arnell Sheets, Sierra er, Tayen Persons, Devin tavo Bernal, Brooklyn Davis, Julian Rapoza, Dietrich, Sheylen Downs, Carlquist, Case Marti- Jaiden Brown, Adan Ramon Lopez, Elanna nez, Kinzie Todd, Jackson Maigatter, Desiree Gersh, Aden Cooley, Abbigayle Thomas, Brodie Kirkman, Magdalena Serrano, Rhys Shomler, Leah Esser, Micah Beneteau, Kayden Crawford, Jason Weaver, Willa Clay, Lincoln Varner, Kynzlee Lopez, Brayen Gibson, Kiela Carrion, Marcos Mendoza, Alexis Luna, Alexander Dix, Antonio Deleon, Jonnie Rule, �� Mataya Bean, Owen �� Beilfuss, Second Moo Wright, Landen Ficklin, �� Airianna Meleski, Axis �� Hatter, Jaleena Davis, Adrian Dunn, Brylee �� Bush, Hayden Jones, �� Sammantha Martinez, Logan Dickerson, Rosa Diaz, Santiago Arambu�� lo, Kaitlyn Graff, Lay Ler Wah, Kealy Crawford, �� Rodrigo Lopez, J.D. Kincaide, Blake Garcia, Xin Xin He, Jaydem Garcia, Sarai Reyes, Abraham Ramirez, Vanesa Nunez, Kydon Winner, Sherlene Medina, Jordan Macias, Danny Dunsing, Gemma Leib, Joseph Sanville, Mataya Bean, Karol de Anda-Cont, Jas�� min Sainz, Wyatt Phil�� lips, Anastacia Garcia, �� Jackson Brooks, Morgan Cryer, Rhys Shomier, ��

Congratulations to the following Lincoln Elementary students who received ROAR awards at the fourth quarter ROAR assembly held Thursday, May 24:

Valdez, Rhett Miramontes, Alma Flores, Omar Yepiz, Shea Ryan, Hans Zukaukas, Asha Hocking, Kyler Kendall, Luz Diaz, Angel Calderon, Willow Waltz, Abraham Ramirez, Allison Garcia, Jacob Leib and Alicea Manzanares.

Help Dad This Father’s Day With His Outdoor Oasis�

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B6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

High altitude challenge nears 120,000-foot goal BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

For the third consecutive year — and to the delight of physics teacher Ben Magtutu — AP Phys-

ics 2 students from Delta High School were able to launch a high altitude balloon, then retrieve the payload when it touched down about 71 miles from

Delta High School

Students of the Month Aubrey Jones

Age: 17 Parents: Larin and Laurie Jones

Favorite subject: Math Favorite teacher: Mr. Ames and Mr. Mitchell Most influential person in your life: Both of my parents. I can’t choose between them — they have both done so much for me and supported me in every aspect. I can’t thank them enough. After graduation I plan to go to attend CMU to study biostatistics. Favorite saying: Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. ~Dr. Seuss Favorite musician/song: Halsey Favorite TV show: The Office Activities: I am part of the National Honor Society and HOSA. I also played basketball and was the captain of the team. In my spare time I like to spend time with my friends and family, draw and play sports.

Rami Rowley

Age: 18 Parents: Dennis and Justine Rowley Favorite subject: English Favorite teacher: Mr. Ames Most influential person in your life: My mom. She is always working hard to support our family while also being kind and caring for others. Favorite saying: Just because somebody stumbles and loses their way does not mean they are lost forever. ~Charles Xavier, X-Men

the launch site, as the crow flies. The high altitude challenge is issued by Magtutu at the beginning of each school year. Students break into teams to develop project proposals, only one of which is ultimately selected. Students are challenged to design a unique scientific payload that can reach a minimum altitude of 120,000 feet and be returned safely to their possession. Magtutu expects the project to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and comply with FCC and FAA regulations; be tracked throughout the entire flight; return video/ photographic evidence of the entire flight; measure temperature (inner and outer) and pressure during the flight; measure acceleration (3-axis); have a maximum mass of 500 g (including parachute and guylines); and minimize instabilities (especially spinning). After presentations to school administrators and community members last fall, Project Zero was selected as the most feasible. The goal was to launch a weather balloon high into the air to collect pressure and temperature data to find the theoretical temperature at which molecules stop moving — absolute zero.

Favorite musician/song: I listen to all kinds of music so it’s hard to choose. Favorite TV show: Mom

Activities: I’m a teacher’s assistant at my church on Sunday mornings. In my spare time I like to watch movies at home or at the theater, play video games and hang out with friends and family.

Congratulations also to: Anha Richards • Allison Atchley Jordan Gerlach • Isaac Timbreza The Delta County Independent, Delta Elks Lodge and Maverik celebrate the success of these students. DHS would like to thank them for their generosity and support.

Photo submitted

Students were relieved to ﬁnd the payload intact when they recovered the bright red parachute east of Crawford.

While launch was expected to take place in April, students encountered a couple of delays. One was the windy weather; the other was a FCC requirement for a ham radio license for the radio transmitter in the payload. Bill Bear and Steve Schroder helped students overcome that hurdle by sharing their call sign and participating in the launch of the weather balloon from Uravan. That site was selected after close analysis of an online weather tracking program. Students anticipated the weather balloon would enter the jet stream and be carried over Montrose to the Maher area. But because of the size of the parachute, the payload kept sailing east, descending at a rate of seven meters per second. Students had estimated descent at 10 meters per second. A tracking team stationed at Delta High School determined the payload landed east of Saddle Mountain. The retrieval team went into action, driving with Mr. Magtutu and GPS locators to a remote site along Cow Creek. Junior Caleb Frazier said they fought their way through brush and trees, until Mr. Magtutu finally gave everyone a break and went up to a ridge to get a better look. When he spotted the bright red parachute among the foliage, he signaled excitedly to the students. As they approached the payload, the audible signal grew louder and louder. Students felt a great sense of relief, Frazier said, but they were also excited to see the payload was intact. The instruments had been packed into a balsa wood box, then sprayed with foam to keep them from shifting during the flight. The GoPro camera was also intact, but for the third year in a row did not record the entire flight. Junior Jaspe Arias said the balloon reached an altitude of 117,000 feet, and the air temperature may have been too cold for the GoPro to operate. Previous flights

reached 102,000 and 103,000 feet above the earth using smaller weather balloons, so the decision to go with a larger balloon seemed to pay off. Keeping the payload “super light” was also key, Arias and Frazier said. Finals took up much of the last few days of school, so the students haven’t yet had a chance to look at the data. “I’m hoping we can get back together before fall,” said Arias. She added that it was a great experience to travel to Uravan as a class to participate in

the launch. Each student had individual responsibilities throughout the school year, but all worked together to get the project off the ground. Frazier said it was exciting to see scientific theories incorporated into an actual project. Both Frazier and Arias said Magtutu is a “hypnotic” teacher who makes an “ethereal subject” readily understood by every student. When the bell signals the end of class, they wonder where the time has gone. “His lessons are so captivating,” Arias said.

Photo submitted

The weather balloon was equipped with a GoPro camera, although it failed to record the entire ﬂight.

Photo submitted

From Uravan, DHS physics students launched a weather balloon designed to gather atmospheric data. The balloon’s ﬂight was tracked through retrieval in a remote forested area east of Saddle Mountain.

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SURFACE CREEK June 6, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Gymkhana events are off and running BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Surface Creek Saddle Club hosted this summer’s first gymkhana event last Wednesday as horse enthusiasts of all ages crowded into the grandstands and arena east of downtown Cedaredge. A gymkhana features horse and rider activities which demonstrate equestrian skills including barrel racing, pole bending, flag races, and a variety of fun events. Riders come from throughout Delta County and elsewhere in Colorado to compete for fun, points, and prizes.

Gymkhana riders compete in five age categories ranging from seven-year-old-and-under to adult. Competitors accumulate points toward local prizes awarded at the end of the gymkhana season and they also earn points to qualify for other rodeo competitions. This year’s “Saddle Series” gymkhana events will be held all summer on every Wednesday evening, with the exception of the Fourth of July. Gates open at 5 p.m. with contestant sign-up from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Competition begins at 6:45 p.m. and generally ends around 9 p.m. The arena

is located at 24224 Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge. Competitors must be members of the Surface Creek Saddle Club. Annual membership fees are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family. A one-day pass to accommodate competitors is available for $10. There is an additional cost of $7 per event, per day. Membership dues and event costs can be paid on the day of the gymkhana or in advance by contacting: Melinda Katchur via email at melindakatchur@gmail.com. The next gymkhana is Wednesday, June 6.

As drought worsens, Cedaredge officials urge water conservation PRESS RELEASE

Photo by Don Benjamin

Six-year-old Easton Zeldenthuis from Crawford rode his horse Eeyore in last week’s gymkhana. The western events are held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer at Cedaredge’s Surface Creek Saddle Club.

Abnormal drynesss, or drought, is currently affecting approximately 2.2 million people in Colorado, which is about 44 percent of the state’s population. Utility customers within the Town of Cedaredge are part of that 44 percent. Conditions are at the point locally that the National Integrated Drought Information System lists Delta County as being in an “extreme drought” situation. “These conditions mean the community has to acknowledge its water usage, and be

Cedaredge chamber welcomes new executive director BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Alisha Komives has been selected to serve as executive director for the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. She is replacing Kami Collins, who left the chamber post to take a position with the Town of Cedaredge. With several summer events on the chamber calendar, Alisha is already busy getting to know the community and interacting with chamber members. Her new job will be a challenge but the energetic mother of six grown children is looking forward to it. Alisha and husband John moved from California to Delta eight years ago. John is a Colorado native and the couple wanted to return to his home state to raise their kids here. This year, with all their children except one daughter completing high school,

Alisha was looking for new opportunities to return to the workplace. Even as a busy wife and mother, she found time for

Photo submitted

Alisha Komives is the new executive director of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce.

community commitments including her work as a volunteer leader with Delta’s Girl Scout Troop 15055, a role which she will continue. The family will live in Delta for the time being but eventually they hope to relocate to the Surface Creek area. In the meantime, she’ll commute as she focuses on chamber priorities. One of Alisha’s main goals is to keep the chamber visible and relevant to members and the community in general. Plus she’s working hard to get everything ready for AppleFest, the town’s gigantic multi-day celebration of food and arts which is coming up in October. “I love my new role,” she said, “I’m happy to be contributing to the community and the chance to give back is a huge part of why I took this job.”

very cognizant of how one person’s high usage can, and will, impact the entire community,” said Greg Brinck, administrator for the Town of Cedaredge. “We are asking for everyone to help mitigate this issue by conserving water when and where they can.” The Cedaredge Board of Trustees has already implemented Stage 1 Drought restrictions, which calls for voluntary conservation practices from water users. For its part, the Town of Cedaredge has reduced daily golf cart washings to washing as needed. Both at the golf course and at town parks, the sprinkler run times have been reduced by 15 percent, and overall water usage at the golf course has been reduced by 25 percent. Additionally, the number of flowerpots along Main Street and the garden at the public works building have been reduced by 20 percent, and the perennial garden at the new teardrop at the intersection of Hwy. 65 and Main Street will not be planted this year. One of the bigger projects the town is doing to help with conservation is the waterline replacement project along Hwy. 65, said Jerry Young, public works co-director. The project is replacing several thousand feet of old pipe, much of which was the most leak-prone lines within the water system in town. Leaks are only detected when water reaches the surface, and that doesn’t always happen. “The new lines will drastically reduce the amount of treated water that is lost due to leaks,” Young said. There are many simple steps residents and busi-

nesses can implement right now to help conserve water. If you are watering a lawn, garden or flower patch, try to water in the early morning or evening hours when the temperature isn’t so hot and more water actually makes it to the plants. Sprinkler heads can be adjusted to narrow the spray, so that only lawns are being watered, not sidewalks, driveways and roads. Make sure to run full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, reduce shower times, and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving. For lawns especially, it is possible to have a beautiful, well-maintained lawn while also conserving water, said Adam Conway, who manages golf course and parks maintenance for the town. Maintenance crews are leaving turf a little longer and raising the mowing height of the grass at the Cedaredge Town Park, as longer grass retains water more effectively. And, at the end of the day, it’s important to put things in perspective. “Learn to live with some brown spots,” Conway said. “Having perfect turf comes at a price. A few brown spots during a drought year isn’t the end of the world.” If all of this seems a little drastic, it’s because the town is already discussing implementing Stage II Drought Restrictions. “Stage II is aggressive, and we don’t want to have to implement it,” Brinck said. In Stage II, by Town resolution, water rates can be adjusted to financially incentivize utility customers to use less water — meaning if water usage continues CONSERVATION TO C2

Help is coming for Surface Creek seniors BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

A Little Help of Delta County will sponsor “Service Saturday” to help senior citizens with home and yard tasks. On Saturday morning, June 16, local volunteers will spread out in the Cedaredge/Surface Creek area to help their elderly neighbors with weeding, raking, window washing, indoor dusting and other similar tasks. A Little Help is a nonprofit assistance program that connects neighbors to help

seniors thrive. The program began in the North Fork Valley and is now expanding into other Delta County communities. For months since March of this year, Kathy Edwards, Delta County coordinator for the organization, has been actively recruiting volunteers and seniors in need of assistance. She spoke to the Rotary Club of Cedaredge in April and has been meeting with Surface Creek area churches. Last Thursday she spoke to seniors at the Senior Comm-

Unity Meals luncheon at the Cedaredge Civic Center. And she is spreading the word with flyers as she seeks volunteer helpers and seniors needing service. She is available to speak at churches, service clubs, and other settings. A successful “Service Saturday” requires two things: volunteers (including adults, children, and groups) and older community members in need of help with home and yard tasks. So Edwards is seeking both helpers and those in need of help. For the Saturday event she welcomes all volunteers and seniors with no cost to those receiving service.

Looking toward the future, Edwards is also seeking longterm volunteers and seniors who want to sign up for continuing membership services. To work and receive services beyond Saturday, long-term volunteers will have to complete an application and go through a screening process and senior members will also have to apply for continuing services and pay a modest fee based on their ability to pay. Thanks to the Eckert-based Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organization, Kathy already has a small group of willing helpers for Saturday but more

volunteers are needed as are seniors in need of service. Volunteers will meet around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the PACE/Volunteers of America (VOA) facility at 11411 Highway 65 in Eckert and then disperse to provide services to seniors from 9 a.m. to noon that morning. Both volunteers and seniors in need of services should call 970-527-3482 or email kathy@alittlehelp.org as soon as possible to sign up and make Delta County’s first “Service Saturday” a success. For more information visit the organization’s website: alittle help.org.

Edge of the Cedars Art Festival marks 46th year BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Photo by Don Benjamin

Kathy Edwards (right), Delta County coordinator for A Little Help, answered questions about services at last week’s senior luncheon in the Cedaredge Civic Center. A Little Help began in Paonia and is expanding to serve the rest of Delta County. To promote its services, A Little Help picked up the tab for everyone’s lunch.

The annual Edge of the Cedars art festival gets underway tonight (June 6) from 7-9 p.m. with a judges’ reception and awards program. The public is welcome to attend and view this year’s works of art on display at Cedaredge Middle School, 845 SE Deer Creek Drive. This is the 46th year for the popular art show. Judging will take place on Wednesday before the show is open to the public and winning ribbons will be displayed during the evening judges’ reception.

As with years past, the local Zeta Omicron Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International and Philanthropic Sorority is the sponsor. Money raised from the art show goes first to provide a scholarship for a Cedaredge High School graduating senior who wants to continue an interest in art in college. Additional funds are used to support local causes such as the animal shelter or the library. The scholarship winner and art show winners will be announced Wednesday evening. Gallery doors open at 7 p.m. and the Wednesday awards program

begins at 7:30 p.m. Following the Wednesday ceremonies, the middle school gallery will remain open from Thursday, June 7, through Sunday, June 10. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The annual people’s choice award will not be decided until the viewing public has had ample opportunity to vote for their favorite work. Voting ends at closing time on Saturday, June 9. The people’s choice award and other winners will be listed in next week’s DCI.

C2 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Rebekahs award scholarships, complete cemetery memorial

Plant sale this Saturday

Photo submitted

The annual plant sale by the Cedaredge Community Gardens is this Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Living Waters nursery donates ALL their remaining vegetable plants to the garden in June of each year and Mile High nursery donates about 20 ﬂats of plants. We certainly appreciate their kindness and generosity,” said Mary John, organizer of the sale for the garden. The sale spot is the little park across from Subway along Highway 65. The plants left over will be planted in the food bank plots and the rest can be used by garden members, another perk of garden membership! Please call Mary at 856-7603 with any questions. Pictured above are the newest members of the Cedaredge Community Gardens, a group from Cedaredge High School led by their teacher, Nicholas Parsons.

May was a busy month for Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106. On May 15, Carolynn Andersen and Becky Lane attended the awards banquet for Cedaredge High School graduating seniors. On behalf of the lodge, Anderson awarded $500 to Ty Grant. Lane awarded a $2,500 Rocky Mountain #2 Oddfellow Lodge scholarship to Hannah Hatheway. On May 27, a memorial was held for depart-

ed sisters and brothers of Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106 and Peachbelt Oddfellow Lodge #145. A memorial bench was installed earlier this year, and over Memorial Day weekend supports were installed for U.S., Rebekah and Oddfellow flags. A big thank you to the anonymous American Legion member who donated the flag poles to Elberta #106. Also, a big thank you to Bruce Ber-

tram for providing the “muscle” to place the flag supports in the ground. Six sisters were present on Sunday, May 27, for the memorial. The clear blue Colorado sky and beautiful Grand Mesa in the background made the event even more special. On a sad note, Elberta #106 lost a sister, Donna Waibel, on May 25. She was a member of Elberta #106 for 48 years. She will be missed by all.

Cedaredge High honor roll

The following students were named to honor roll at Cedaredge High School for the second semester of the 2017-18 school year:

Seniors 4.0 & Above Grace Andrews Axyle Belveal Peter Carlson Jessica Craig Blake Gash Sabrina Gilmore Jade Gummo Hannah Hatheway Emilee Isaman Holly Jenkins Kayla Kensler Brooke Klaseen Jacob Lewis Ricardo Lopez Jr. Olivia McCrackin Jayden Miller Baylee Piper Samantha Ribbens Mikayla Underwood 3.33-3.99 Dylon Gartman

Ty Grant Megan Huggett Jared Hulteen Alyssa Janus Alyssa Kissner Drew Markley Alexander McCracken Daniel Mendoza Chase Meyers Julie Mills Nathan Stumpf Isaac Vader Emily Volgamore Juniors 4.0 & Above Marian Blanks Megan Branson Emalee Brooks Darrian Bulbulian Victoria Creech Courtney Freeman Hannah Gardner Kylee Hanson

Azalee Hoffbauer Julia Jackson Garth Knutson Nevaeh Martinez Maxwell Moore Keaton Sheppard Emily Tullis Briar Wagner Abigail Williams 3.33-3.99 Dalia Alejandre Cameron Baldozier Wade Barnard Bradley Callenius Wyatt Camp Payton Donahue Luiza Goes Nicole Miller Larissa Prisbrey Suanna Rugloski Peter Sandels Tyler Saunders Niala Stair Guan Xiang

Sophomores 4.0 & Above Elisabeth Cole Owen Craig Joshua Deal Alayna Edwards Grace Hatheway Hannah Hohenstein Joshua Jenkins Zachary McMillan Kaitlyn Toothaker 3.33-3.99 Adison Arnett Brianna Bowler Hannah Carlson Paden Conner Sean Dale Makayla Kehmeier Elizabeth Lewis Brieanna McGovern Reganne McIntire Jacqueline Rivera Chaycelynn Urquhart

Freshmen 4.0 & Above Ellison Black Isaac Blair Conner Brooks Jacen Brown Camryn Guerrero Kammie Henderson Kylin Mitchell Colby Rupp Brody Wagner 3.33-3.99 Kimberly Alanko Sophie Andrews Hayden Blanks Sierra Findley Sophia McCrackin Kimberley Milholland Emma Purvis Kiele Rains Wyatt Smith Emma Stumpf Jasper Thomas Zoe Williams

Photo submitted

Becky Lane and Carolynn Andersen, members of Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106, presented scholarships to Hannah Hatheway and Ty Grant.

Photo submitted

Health scholarships

Janamarie Dugle, chair of the scholarship committee for the DCMH Volunteers, awards two $1,000 scholarships to Cedaredge High School seniors Jessica Craig, who will attend Colorado State University, Fort Collins, to study neurobiology, and Alyssa Kissner who will attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., for nursing.

U.S., Rebekah and Oddfellows ﬂags were installed at the Cedaredge Cemetery on May 27. Pictured at a memorial service are Myrna Bertram, Dalene Danyluk, Ann Brisol, Carolynn Andersen, Bealy Lane and Bonnie Pope.

Having the conversation Ninety percent of people say that talking about end-of-life discussions with their family is very important; 10 per-

cent actually have done it. Eighty-two percent of people say that putting their wishes in writing is important to them; 23 percent have actually done it. Thinking about and sharing your healthcare wishes for the future will give you more control over the care you receive. It will also help you prepare your loved ones to make a decision for you if you can’t make them for yourself at some point in time. Knowing what you want will ease the burden on your family of

making hard decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself. Having your decision documented will assure anyone involved in your care know what your wishes are. If you’re interested in learning more on this topic, plan to attend an end-of-life discussion presented by Dorothy Pew, HopeWest program director on Saturday, June 9, at 10 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin. The church is one mile north of the Cory Store on Highway 65.

Cedaredge Sick Tree Day scheduled June 23 The annual Sick Tree Day is set for Saturday, June 23. The Cedaredge Tree Board, along with Colorado State forester Vince Urbina, will visit up to 15 yards experiencing tree problems. Tree board members include three Colorado Master Gardeners and an expert on insects. They will

diagnose the problem and prescribe management solutions. free service This is open to residents of Cedaredge and surrounding Surface Creek Valley. To schedule a visit a person can either sign up in person at the Cedaredge Town Hall or by calling town hall at 856-3123.

Conservation FROM PAGE C1 to increase, so will your water bill. Restrictions can also be placed on private landscaping, swimming pools/hot tubs, and even things like washing your vehicle using domestic water at home. “These are not things we want to impose on our residents, and we definitely do not want to temporarily raise rates in an effort to conserve water,” said Mayor Gene Welch. However, he added, town trustees and staff are responsible for ensuring the entire community has access to

safe, clean water not only now, but in the future as well. “We have to protect our water resource,” Mayor Welch said. “We are not out of water. But we do need the community’s help so we don’t have to implement harsher restrictions.” The entire Drought Response Plan is on the town’s website at www. CedaredgeColorado.com under the Document Center tab. A copy can also be read at Town Hall. You may also call Town Hall with questions or concerns at 856-3123.

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS June 6, 2018

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Webb to run in USATF championships track at DHS, competing in 100m and 200m sprints but also running Skylyn Webb, a graduthe 400m as a member of ate student at the Unia relay team. versity of Colorado ColIn her junior year, orado Springs, won the Webb ran the 200m at women’s 800m run at the Fort Lewis, moved to 2018 NCAA Division II the 400m and had just outdoor track and field started doing the 800m event in Charlotte, N.C. when she graduated in She is the first women’s April 2016 with a degree outdoor track and field in psychology. student-athlete at UCCS She entered the gradto win a national chamuate program at UCCS pionship. with two years of eligibilWebb set a new meet ity, gained by switching and championship record sports and graduating a with a time of 2:02.47 at year early. the May 26 event. At UCCS, Coach Brandon Masters saw what Webb could do and began pushing her to do even better. “I had some pretty tough workouts, building up speed and endurance,” Webb said. With “amazing” coaching from Masters, Webb was able to shave eight seconds off her previous PR from Fort Lewis College. Despite the heat and humidity in Charlotte, Webb won the 800m by two seconds. “I just went out and took the lead right away,” she said. She Photo by Randy Sunderland explains her strategy: “I About 250 wrestlers will descend upon Paonia this try to run a fast first lap weekend for the annual Paonia Summer Duals. The and hopefully hold on so no one can catch me.” event is open to the public. The win in Charlotte makes Webb eligible for

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

She also earned AllAmerican honors at a championship meet hosted by Johnson C. Smith University, and was named the 2018 RMAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and the 2017-18 RMAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. The daughter of Willyn and Jim Webb, Skylyn is a 2013 graduate of Delta High School. She earned a reputation as a standout basketball player, and attended Fort Lewis College on a basketball scholarship. She also ran

Paonia Summer Duals open this Saturday The 12th annual Paonia Summer Duals wrestling camp opens Saturday, June 9, at Paonia High School. Roughly 250 wrestlers representing 16 teams from Colorado, Arizona and Wyoming are expected to attend this year’s camp, said Paonia wrestling coach Nate Wiggins. The numbers are down due to competition from football camps, which in the past have tradition-

ally been held in August. Most of the wrestlers, coaches and their families camp out on school grounds and will begin arriving later this week. Weigh-ins will be held Friday night, and duals run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. Because not all schools bring a full team, some of the teams will be combined. Admission is free and concessions are available.

the USA Track and Field (USATF) outdoor championhips in Des Moines, Iowa, June 21-24. While the NCAA Division II championship was a collegiate event, the USATF event is open to qualified college runners as well as pro runners and Olympic hopefuls. “There will be some big pro names in my race, people I’ve been following for a while, so it will be pretty cool.” A career as a pro runner is also a possibility for Webb. She hopes a sponsor will pick her up once she graduates from college next spring. She’s also got her eye on the 2020 Olympic trials. “I’m going to try my best to be an Olympian,” she said. After completing her master’s degree in clinical psychology, Webb had planned to begin working on her doctorate, but she said she’d put that on hold if she’s able to pick up sponsors and turn pro. Eventually she would like to become a college professor. But first, the young woman who grew up on a dairy farm in western Colorado will get to Photo by Darren Klotz see how she stacks up against some of the coun- Skylyn Webb was a sprinter in high school, but try’s fastest runners at now runs the 800m for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. the USATF nationals.

Hotchkiss duo reunites at Big 12 track championship BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In an “It’s a small world” story, two former high school running mates found themselves on the same track once again. Hotchkiss High School alumnae and former running teammates Katy Parsons and Jenny Celis competed

Sam Rodriguez signs to run track at CC BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

joined the track and cross country teams. “He was a good addition to the team,” said long-time running coach Kelly Cowan. “He’s a hard worker and he fit right in.” He and brother Gabe, who graduated in 2017, both qualified for state cross country in 2016. His senior year Sam placed fifth in the region and 17th in the state. After qualifying for state in the 1600m his junior year, this track season he found more

success as a mid-distance runner and quickly became a key factor in the 1600- and 3200-meter relays. Both relay teams finished the season better than expected, placing second in the 2A Western Slope League, and third and sixth, respectively, at the state level. “I came to Hotchkiss and coach Cowan really made me push myself,” said Rodriguez. “I found out I could be competitive running, and that is what drove me.”

All through high school, Sam Rodriguez dreamed of playing college basketball. As a senior point guard he averaged 11.3 points per game for the Hotchkiss Bulldogs and was named All-State honorable mention. But last fall, in the midst of a successful cross country season, Rodriguez changed course. Last month he signed to compete in Division III track for the Colorado College Tigers. Rodriguez said he was considering running in college. A few running camps convinced him he was on the right track. “I just realized, you know, I’m not physically the best suited to play basketball,” said the 6foot senior after placing fifth in the 800-meter run last month at the state track meet. “I’m not the tallest, I’m not the strongest... Honestly, I just love to compete.” As a freshman distance runner at Delta High School, he had the fastest team time in the 1600m. “My freshman year I was not super into running,” he said. “It was something to do before I could return to basketball. It was something I could do to keep myself busy.” His sophomore year he transferred to Hotchkiss Photo by Tamie Meck High School after dad With dad and HHS principal Paul Rodriguez looking Paul accepted the job on, Sam Rodriguez signs his letter of intent to run of school principal, and track for Colorado College.

Photo by Twila Parson

Oklahoma State runner Jenny Celis (5) and Baylor runner Katy Parsons (4) prepare for their 800-meter race at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships in Lawrence, Kansas, last month The two Hotchkiss High School alumnae ran track and cross country at Hotchkiss. against one another at the Division I Big 12 Outdoor Championships held May 12-14 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Parsons, a sophomore at Baylor University, and Celis, a senior at Oklahoma State University, were in lanes 4 and 5, respectively, in the fourth and final preliminary heat of the 800meter run. Celis graduated from HHS in 2014, and Parsons in 2016. Both ran track and cross country for Hotchkiss, and were both members of the 2013 state championship cross country team. “What are the odds?” said Hotchkiss running coach Kelly Cowan. He was pretty happy when he saw that two runners from a tiny school like Hotchkiss were running side by side at a competitive meet like the Big 12. Cowan said he follows his former athletes after

high school, but nothing like this has ever happened. Thirty-five runners from nine schools competed in the 800m run. Celis placed 11th overall and Parsons 23rd. Also running in the 800 was Junior Olympic gold medalist, Aaliyah Miller, an Olympic contender and Parsons’ teammate. “That shows the caliber of competition they’re up against,” said Cowan. Parsons’ brother, Josh Parsons, traveled to Lawrence for the meet and spoke with both athletes after their race. The meet marked the second Big 12 outdoor championship appearance for Celis. She has competed for OSU at four Big 12 Indoor championships. The state records she set in the 400m and 800m at the Colorado Class 2A high school meets still stand. For Parsons, this was her first Big 12 meet.

The heat was getting to her, and an old hip injury sustained as a member of the Hotchkiss dance team had been bothering her, although on race day it wasn’t flaring up. It was also her third 800-meter race of the season. “Being with her at the start line was relaxing,” said Parsons. They had a chance to talk before the race, wish each other luck, and talk after the race about how much they hurt. Heading into the race, “Jenny said to me, ‘Good luck. Be brave. We’ve done this a hundred times.’” Seeing Parsons was amazing, said Celis, who has one more season of outdoor track at OSU ahead of her. “Katy’s so sweet and she’s so much fun to be around.” Looking around, said Celis, with all the mean, competitive faces on the track, “It’s just nice to know that I know Katy.”

C6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

CNCC softball scores big with Josie Hiatt BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Hotchkiss High School won’t soon forget Josie Hiatt. A member of Hotchkiss High School graduating class of 2018, Hiatt recently signed to play softball at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She is among four Hotchkiss Bulldog baseball players moving on to the next level in their careers. Yes, baseball. Hiatt, 18, was the starting right fielder for Hotchkiss this season, helping the Dogs rack up a 19-4 record, a district title, and get to the state semifinals. In first-round state playoffs she made a game-saving catch in extra innings. At the plate Hiatt averaged .304 with one double and seven RBIs and scored

15 runs. Hiatt has what it takes to make an impact at CNCC, said head baseball coach Blake Carlquist. “I think Josie will be as good as she wants to be. She’s a talented person and she’s willing to work hard.” “It’s different from most girls’ high school careers,” said Hiatt. But Josie just did what Josie has always done: play ball. Hiatt started competing at age 9. After playing girl’s summer softball she joined triplet brother Chase in the Cal Ripkin summer baseball league. Their schedules conflicted, she said, “so it made sense. I just decided I might as well play on the same team as Chase.” Chase Hiatt was a fouryear varsity player for Hotchkiss and signed to

Cherry Days 5k registration opens The annual Cherry Days 5k run/walk happens Saturday, June 30. The course begins and ends at Apple Valley Park and is stroller friendly. Registration is $35 for adults, $10 for ages 17 and under, with proceeds benefiting the Paonia High School cross country program. Register in advance at paoniacherry

days.com under the “Activities” tab, or at 6:30 a.m. on race day. Awards will be presented in eight categories and all participants receive a pair of PHS cross country running socks commemorating the race. For more information call Brandy at 250-9793 or email brandysparks85@ yahoo.com.

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play baseball at CNCC. Sister Shelby helped manage the team. After paying her dues her freshman year, Hiatt made the junior varsity team as a sophomore. She took her junior year off and played a season of basketball, which she said just wasn’t for her. Realizing it was her senior year and college was just around the corner, she returned to the diamond. “I just really decided to work hard and just realize that I’m as good as anybody else out here,” said Hiatt. She didn’t expect to play on varsity, let alone start, but Carlquist saw something special in her. It’s her competitive nature that allows her to succeed, he said. “She’s not an easy out; she doesn’t give in to anybody. That’s huge. I think any competitive person doesn’t like losing or failing, but I think she’s also able to get rid of it and flush it fairly quickly and move on to the next bat. It doesn’t just drag on.” Hiatt also played four years of prep softball for Cedaredge. Traveling every day was tough, and she was beat at the end of the day, she said. But it paid off, and she loved her team and coaches. Last fall she was named Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention and played in the Colorado High School Coaches Association AllState game. “It was a good experience,” she said. All the work paid off. In the first round of state baseball playoffs, she made what Carlquist called a game-ending, “game-saving play,” a diving catch deep into right field in the bottom of the eighth inning with the bases loaded. “I didn’t even have time to think about it. I just reacted and ran up and caught it. I squeezed my glove as tight as I could. I did not want to lose that ball.” She’s also the only high

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school girl to get a hit off of Paonia senior Kaden Seriani, an all-state first team senior whose pitches top 90 mph. The single came in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 conference win last April, an at bat she spent all week preparing for. “That felt amazing,” said Hiatt. “I was so happy. That was such an intense game, too. And the way he throws is scary.” Opposing players took notice of Hiatt, and treated her differently than her teammates, she said. “Like, oh, there’s a girl up to bat. I’m going to strike her out. They think I’m not as good.” That, she said, “encourages me to play better, to play harder.” She was also thrown a lot of inside pitches, which she believes were meant to prevent her from getting a hit. “I’ve also noticed that if I do get a hit off of a pitcher, they will fall apart, or the coach will come out and talk to them,” said Hiatt. But her teammates, some of whom she’s competed with for almost a decade, didn’t treat her differently. “I feel like they

Grand Mesa campgrounds beginning to open

Photo by Tamie Meck

Josie Hiatt celebrates with first base coach Matt Cano as Hotchkiss scores a run against Peyton in the Class 2A state semifinal game. The starting right fielder for Hotchkiss, Hiatt signed to play softball for Colorado Northwestern Community College. have my back,” she said. “They’re my friends. They treat me the same.” “Josie has accomplished things not many girls will ever accomplish,” said Carlquist. He has no doubt that baseball and going up against guys like Seriani will make her a better college softball player. “Just knowing that you can go out and be very competitive with the boys, I think that’s going to speak volumes for her.” CNCC competes in the Division II National Junior

College Athletic Association, “They’re in a tough conference,” said Hiatt. That’s what she wants. She likes her future coach and teammates, and the school is close to home. Hiatt said she believes she accomplished everything at Hotchkiss High School that she set out to do and hopes she will be remembered there. “I don’t have any regrets,” said Hiatt. “I feel like I laid everything out on the table and played my best.”

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The lakes and streams on Grand Mesa are thawed and ready for fishing. As for campgrounds, according to a spokesperson for Recreation Resource Management of America which operates the campgrounds on Grand Mesa, the following locations are to be open as of June 1: Jumbo and Mesa Lakes; Island Lake and nearby day-use; Ward Lake; Big Creek; Weir-Johnson; and Cobbett Lake may be open by June 1 but there is no potable water available As for other campgrounds, Cottonwood Lakes are open for fishing but access is challenging and the campground is not yet open. Cottonwood, Crag Crest, Little Bear, and Spruce Grove campgrounds remain closed due to deep snow which continues to linger in these heavily treed facilities. At the earliest, these snowbound campgrounds might open by June 10 or as much as a week later.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Headed to Western

Colton Peebles, shown with mom Amy, recently signed his letter of intent to play football at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison. As a senior Peebles was named to the all-state second team by the CHSAA at running back/middle linebacker/punter. He rushed for 1,269 yards in nine games his senior year and a career 1,461 yards for the Bulldogs. On defense he had 49 assisted and 43 solo tackles and averaged 10.2 tackles per game last fall, ending his career with 221 tackles.

Women only outdoor skills weekend coming in July Women who want to gain valuable outdoor skills, learn about wildlife and receive an introduction to hunting and fishing are invited to attend a “Cast and Blast” weekend workshop, July 1315, sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The event is limited to 15-20 women and those interested must submit an application. At the event, women will learn the basics of fly fishing, shotgun shooting, archery, wildlife watching

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

and camping. Participants will also learn about the basics of wildlife management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will supply all sporting equipment — shotguns, ammunition, bows and arrows, and fly rods and tackle. Those who have a 20-gauge shotgun, fishing or archery gear can bring their own. Participants must have a current Colorado fishing license. The event will be held at the Jim Olterman/Lone

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cone State Wildlife Area, located about 25 miles south of Norwood. Participants will need to bring their own camping gear; they can camp in their own tents or sleep in a cabin. All food will be provided. Those with dietary restrictions, however, should bring their own supplies. A $40 deposit will be required. To obtain an application, please contact Dawn Bresett at 970-252-6000, or via email at dawn. bresett@state.co.us.

Army National Guard

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Classifieds

June 6, 2018

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Announcements THE NATURE CONnection (TNC) in Hotchkiss is offering summer programming for upcomming 3rd through 8th graders! Water Connections is June 18-21, and July 23-26; Camp Connections is June 25-28, and July 30 through August 2nd; Guided Backpacking for teens is July 9-16 in two sessions. We are also sponsoring programming at The Fort and at Cedaredge Library. Please check TNC website for details: thenature connection.net, or call 8725910. (2x23)

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)

MOVING? CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Please give the Delta County Independent 10 days notice — PO Box 809, Delta CO 81416 970-874-4421

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

Yard Sales

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Yard Sales

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YARD SALE, NORTH OF Cedaredge, every Thursday and friday in June, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. New items each week. I will be putting out some tools and possible fishing stuff. 19850 2325 Rd.. (1x23) HAVING A YARD SALE? Advertise it in the DCI Classifieds.

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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)

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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) EXPERIENCED WINDOW and Siding Installers wanted. Year-round work in Delta & Montrose Counties. Call: (970) 874-3665 (2x22) 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)

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Hop On a Super Deal in the Classifieds. The bargains seem to multiply within the Classified pages. Track down deals on everything from real estate to roofing services. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want.

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Buys 25 words or less. 1/2 off each consecutive issue.

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

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Subscribe and be informed! Do you know what happened at city hall? Do you know what happened in local sports? Do you know what happened in your neighborhood? You’ll know, if you get your day off the ground with our newspaper!

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

D2 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Help Wanted

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

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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)

ADVERTISE 874-4421

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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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Delta County Independent

Public Service HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X20) 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. 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” ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker.

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Public Service

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

FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant women in Delta County can now get help to quit smoking and get something they can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta County Health Department AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: at 874-2165 or your local Hope and help for families physician. and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and SUPPORT THE DELTA Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 Library. Give a gently used pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal book in the Downstairs Church, 145 W. 5th St., con- Book Store. tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 WELCOME RETURNING or Shirley 970-323-5067. Veterans, Post 9221 VFW CARING FOR CARE- meets at 5:00 p.m. on the givers, C4C - support- 4th Thursday of each month ing hearts that care. Open in Cedaredge. To find out to ANY caregiver. Meets how to participate in promonthly in Delta, 2nd moting patriotism and Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. assisting veterans, contact 10th St, Delta. Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, AARP DRIVER SAFETY located at 480 Silver St., Course. Save on insurance, Delta, offers emergency keep up on newer traffic overnight shelter and food laws, learn defensive drivto men, women and fami- ing techniques. For details lies in the Delta area mid- and schedule contact John October- April. Call us at Loring (970) 856-6924 or 970-773-8290 to make a (970) 424-1778. referral, or for information on how to volunteer AL-ANON: HOPE AND or donate. www.Delta help for families and A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . friends of alcoholics meets in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, org. Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS behind First Baptist Church, Wanted! Delta County 370 W. Main St., contact Memorial Hospital needs Mary M. 970-856-6123 or hospital volunteers. Days Jim 970-874-7855. and hours are flexible. There are currently openings HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD in the ER, Oncology, Gift Historical Museum. Winter Shop and some additional hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. areas. If you are interested, $3 admission or free to please contact Volunteer members. Come see our Coordinator, Barbara Hall at museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss 250-2105 for an application. Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal you will love the Downstairs Church, 5th & Palmer (back Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Library. door).

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D4 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

VBS will transform kids into super sleuths This summer children will be seen moving in and out of the nooks and crannies of Main Street, Cedaredge. Why? They are “Children: God’s Secret Agents,” from the vacation Bible school of Cedaredge United Methodist Church. Join these magnifying-glass-carrying sleuths from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, June 18 to 22. All children entering kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome. Registration for this free week of holy fun and learning is at the Methodist Thrift Shop, 205 W. Main Street, or Cedaredge United Methodist Church, 210 NW 3rd Street, Cedaredge. You may also con-

tact Pamela Gubkin at the church, pgubkin@ cedaredgecumc.com or 970-856-3696. Call or visit Pamela for more information; she is in the office from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. “We believe the church exists beyond the four walls of a building and our vacation Bible school will do the same,” says Cedaredge United Methodist Church’s pastor, Joe Agne. “We think children aren’t just the church of the future. They are the church now and sometimes they lead all of us in loving God, our neighbors, ourselves, the creation and even our enemies.” Through singing, drama, arts and crafts,

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and interactive Bible study, children will learn five Bible stories that feature children as heroes and realize how they are God’s agents in the world. The stories are: Jesus welcomes and lifts up the children; Miriam and Moses, dynamic duo; a slave girl saves King Naaman; Jesus home alone in the temple; and a boy shares his lunch with 5,000-plus people. The curriculum was written by Dana Jones, a member of the congregation and director of the vacation Bible school. The children will have daily hands-on activities. They will bring clothes to the Methodist Thrift Store on Main Street and learn from JoAnn Price,

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theme song of the week is “Secret Agent Girl, Secret Agent Boy” with words written especially for VBS to a tune many will recognize. Another song to be sung each day is “I am the church! You are the church! We are the

church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together.” Outdoor fun will include games, some with water play to keep things cool. And there will be snacks.

Grand Mesa Southern Baptist hosts VBS Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church announces its 2018 VBS to be held June 25-29, 9 a.m. to noon. Vacation Bible school is for kindergarten through eighth grade, and will be held at Jay Avenue and Highway 65 in Cedaredge. This is the

VBS that has the train and the zip line, as well as music, activities, Bible study, snacks and more, with a theme of “Game On.” Pre-registration can be taken at www.Grand MesaSBC.com or by calling Richard Weldon at 640-6520.

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the store manager, about the many reasons people shop there. Another day they will bring food to the community food bank and learn from Paul Lyons and Charlie Brewer how to pack bags of food for a family. Kathleen Ray, Cedaredge’s celebrated Main Street gardener, will show the children the planting cart she rides on and together they will plant flower pots on Main Street and hang garden prayer flags. The children will learn how they can make a difference in their neighbors’ lives. Hannah Hatheway will teach the camp songs she learned as a camper and now leads as a counselor at the Grand Mesa Methodist Camp. The

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, June 6, 2018

BACK PAGE

B A C K P A G E A

South and West: A love story

Photo submitted

From the beginning, the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center has been a collaborative community effort. In February 2018 David and Cindy Starr joined members of the GMAEC board of directors and advisory council to host a Valentine’s fundraiser at Cedaredge’s AppleShed Arts Complex and Gallery. Going forward, GMAEC plans to coordinate events with other town venues.

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Delta County Independent

thousand miles southeast of Cedaredge, nestled deep in the Ozarks, resides the city of Fayetteville, Ark. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the people there are endowed with southern graces and they love the arts — especially music. So it seems natural that Fayetteville native David Starr and his wife Cindy have carried their creative spark to western Colorado and inspired their adopted community to embrace the arts. This month, after over a year of whirlwind of activity, the Grand Mesa Arts &

Events Center (GMAEC) will open its doors to an enthusiastic public. And it all began with two people who grew up together, drifted apart, and then reunited as adults. In many ways it’s an old-fashioned love story but it’s also a modern tale of fate and Facebook. “We were miles apart but we had both reached the same milestone in life,” recalls David. Both were single with grown children and both were welcoming grandchildren into the world and celebrating the event on social media. The year was 2010 and their Facebook profiles seemed to mesh so they exchanged greetings. Then came more

Image courtesy of David Starr

June 16 and 17 will mark the inaugural performances at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center as David Starr debuts his seventh solo album. “South and West” is a tribute to his roots in Arkansas and his new home in Cedaredge.

Photo by Sandy Wilt

Cindy and David Starr danced to the music of The Scones at a fundraising event held this year for the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. The new center will highlight live performances but will also celebrate the area’s rich treasure trove of visual artists with a gallery and space for art classes.

emails and phone calls and in January 2011 they reconnected in person in Arkansas over lunch. Comparing notes, they remembered that they had been together in Sunday school classes and shared time in the same homerooms from elementary school days through high school. They had been friends and classmates even though they didn’t date. “He sat behind me in high school,” Cindy recalls, “And I didn’t think he liked me that much.” Her most vivid memory of David was formed in grade school when she was working at her parents’ ice cream parlor in Fayetteville. “He kept coming by riding his bike and showing off by popping wheelies, so maybe he did like me just a little.” After high school, Cindy stayed in Arkansas, earned her degree in dental hygiene and worked in the dental profession for 23 years. David pursued a musical career and eventually moved to Cedaredge where he opened Starr’s Guitars on Main Street and continued to perform and record. After the couple reconnected, Cindy came to Cedaredge for a visit in August 2011 and she fell instantly in love with the area. Over the next two years David found more and more reasons to return to Fayetteville. The couple married on Oct. 10, 2013, in Arkansas and decided to make their home in Cedaredge. From the first moment Cindy set foot in Cedaredge she felt a part of the Colorado community. “It’s such a welcoming family here,” she recalls. Soon she was immersed in the small town environment becoming active in the local chamber of commerce but she also embraced the open road as she joined David in his life as a traveling musician. It was while touring with David and experiencing multiple performances as an audience member that Cindy began to envision the idea of establishing a performance venue in Cedaredge. David and his fellow musicians traveled across the nation and overseas performing in diverse communities and a wide variety of settings but every performance had one thing in common. David felt it on stage and Cindy felt it as an observer. “The performances linked people,” David recalls, “Songs and stories brought people together. Heads nodded, hands clapped. Everywhere we played it was a feeling of shared community.” “Each time we visited a venue,” Cindy recalls, “I became more inspired. I talked with the managers and I began to ask myself ‘Why can’t we have something like this in Cedaredge?’ And I began asking David the same question.” David had grown up in a household that supported the arts. The Starr Theater in Fayetteville’s renowned Walton Arts Center is one tangible manifestation of his family’s contributions to the arts

Photo submitted

Cindy and David Starr, who grew up together in Arkansas then drifted apart, were reunited on Facebook. They married in 2013 and returned to Cedaredge where David operates Starr’s Guitars.

Photos submitted

Cindy and David were in the same homeroom in high school but she wasn’t sure he liked her. and to community development. Thinking of his family’s donations and their tireless fundraising efforts he recalls, “I was taught at an early age that the arts are important — not only to enhance the culture of an area, but also to serve as an economic driver.” When Cindy shared her vision of an arts center for Cedaredge, David didn’t need much convincing to jump on the bandwagon. The couple continued to discuss the idea and he encouraged her to write her ideas down in a notebook. “I still have that notebook,” she laughs. “And he may tell you he jumped on the bandwagon but I definitely nudged him.” Back home in Colorado, Cindy was soon nudging and recruiting others until, in the spring of 2017, she and David and other enthusiasts gathered in the basement of the Cedaredge United Methodist Church to discuss what had come locally to be called “The Project.” A board of directors and advisory council was formed and the community immediately began pitching in with ideas, monetary donations, and dedicated volunteer

hours as the idea of a local arts center took shape. And the rest, as they say, is history. The new arts center will open to the public on Friday, June 15, and that weekend, David Starr and fellow musicians will take the stage for the center’s inaugural performances. The concerts will mark the debut of the selftaught musician’s seventh solo album and everyone in attendance will receive a copy of his newest CD: “South and West.” The Saturday, June 16, evening show is already sold out but tickets are still available for the 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17, show at info@starrguitars.com or at Starr’s Guitars, 250 West Main Street, in Cedaredge. On the center’s inaugural weekend, David will perform on Cedaredge’s newest stage, doing what he does best, bringing people together with songs and stories. And Cindy will be there too, a member of the community audience — smiling and nodding her head along with her fellow audience members. And everybody will agree: “It’s here! It’s really happening! We did it!”

DELTA COUNTY Visitors Guide

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

DELTA • CEDAREDGE • CRAWFORD • PAONIA • HOTCHKISS • ORCHARD CITY

A Utopia Of True Vintage & Antique Treasures ��

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2 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

WELCOME TO DELTA COUNTY

NEBRASKA

WYOMING

Craig

UTAH

Under the majestic shadow of the Grand Mesa, Delta County is burgeoning with adventure and restful solitude. With elevations from 4,000 feet to 11,000 feet, the lands here reveal unparalleled outdoor adventure; sacred lands that time forgot; abundant tastes for your palate; and an invitation for you to find yourself. The cowboy, the angler, the chef and the dreamer — all can be found in the beauty and fresh air surrounding Delta County. If an outdoor adventure or a pleasant afternoon browsing art galleries and treasures in museums is what you seek, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Let this guide serve as your inspiration. Come and enjoy all that is Delta County, one of Colorado’s hidden treasures! ~Delta County Tourism Council

Glenwood Springs Grand Junction

135

Gunnison

Leadville

Crested Butte

Montrose

DENVER

Aspen 133

Colorado Springs

COLORADO

Pueblo

550

ADVERTISERS INDEX A Simpler Time Bed & Breakfast . . . . . . Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antelope Hill Orchards . . . . . . . . . . . . AppleFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AppleShed Gallery/Williams Cellars . . . . Aspen Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Lehman Photography . . . . . . . . . . Berg Harvest Mercantile . . . . . . . . . . . Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Juice & Hard Cider Bluebird Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Bridge Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Sage Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . Bross Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cedaredge Creekside Café . . . . . . . . . Cedaredge Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . Chicken Roost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cirque Cyclery/Remedy Juice Bar . . . . . City of Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clubb’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clyde’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conﬂuence Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creamery Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristee-Meade Building Company . . . . . Daily Home Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davis Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta County Memorial Hospital . . . . . . Delta County Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Dab & Doobie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .

. . . 25 . . . 18 . . . 19 . . . 31 12/15/19 . . . . 14 . . . . 33 . . 19/23 . . 12/19 . . . . 33 . . . . 12 . . . . 9 . . . . 25 . . . . 14 . . . . 16 . . . . 35 . . . . 32 . . . . 9 . . . . 37 . . . . 7 . . . . 7 . . . . 17 . . . . 36 . . . . 6 . . . . 27 . . . . 7 . . . . 30 . . . . 40 . . . . 36 . . . . 17 . . . . 19 . . . . 7

Delta Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Parade of Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deltarado Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Devil’s Thumb Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . DeVries Fruit & Veggies . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diamond Joe Café & Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . Egyptian Theatre/Tru Vu Drive-In . . . . . . . . Elsewhere Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairlamb House Bed & Breakfast . . . . . . . . Fort Uncompahgre/U.S. Forest Service . . . . Fritchman Orchards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th & Main Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Mesa Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Mesa Art & Events Center . . . . . . . . Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce Hotchkiss Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotchkiss Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hub, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impressionz Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kwiki Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leon’s Produce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lily & Rose Home Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . Lost Mesa Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mattics Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millennium Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain Harvest Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain View Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Needle Rock Brewing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . Needlerock Mountain Realty & Land . . . . . . North Fork Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall . . . . . . . . . Ollie’s Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 2 27 16 5 9 27 36 2 6 19 2 4 31 30 33 30 38 5 7 19 39 5 19 14 9 12 2 33 37 5 23

Orchard Valley Farms . . . . Our Cozy Cabin . . . . . . . Paonia Creative District . . Peaceful Waters of Paonia . RJ’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . Red Shed Produce . . . . . Redwood Arms Motel . . . Rocking W Cheese . . . . . Rocky Mountain Inn . . . . Rogers Mesa Fruit . . . . . Rogers Mesa Store . . . . . SK Bikes . . . . . . . . . . . Sky Hawk Winery . . . . . . Sparky’s Farm Market . . . Stacy’s on Main . . . . . . . Starr’s Guitars . . . . . . . . Stay Wise Inn . . . . . . . . Stoney Mesa Winery . . . . Tayshen Automotive . . . . United Country Realty . . . Wag’s World Orchards . . . Western Culture Farmstead Williams Cellars . . . . . . . Yost Family Dentistry . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . 19 . . 9 . . 9 . . 23 . . 13 . . 19 . . 23 . . 2 . . 25 . . 19 . . 38 . . 9 . . 12 . . 19 . . 5 . . .5 . . 31 12/25 . . 17 . . 30 . . 19 19/23 12/15 . . 27

A PUBLICATION OF THE DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker Street • Delta 970-874-4421 www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 3

GRAND MESA

Come Tour Grand Mesa with us. ��

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4 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

If you’re looking for a great place to “unplug,” consider a trip to one of the coolest areas around — Grand Mesa National Forest. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet, summer temperatures are considerably lower than those in the valley below. To reach this oasis of lakes, meadows and forests, take the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (Highway 65). From Grand Junction take Interstate70 east to exit 49. From Delta, drive east on Highway 92 to the intersection with Highway 65. The Delta route will take you from fruit-laden orchards in the Surface Creek Valley through the small towns of Cory and Eckert to Cedaredge, the retail and arts hub of the valley and home to the Pioneer Town museums and historic village. North of Cedaredge you’ll travel to hillsides covered with piñon and juniper, to forests of spruce, fir and aspen. The forests and meadows provide food and cover for big game animals such as elk, deer and moose. Porcupine, snowshoe rabbits, pine squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots are some of the small mammals you might spot. Sun-splashed meadows filled with wildflowers line the highway. Along the route, you’ll find turnoffs to numerous picnic areas, cabins, lodges and lakes. Camping opportunities abound on Grand Mesa. In addition to privately operated cabins and lodges, the U.S. Forest Service offers cabin rentals, developed campgrounds and more isolated dispersed camping areas. Nearly every lake or pond on Grand Mesa offers good fishing opportunities. Many of the larger lakes and reservoirs are home to lake trout and northern pike. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find a variety of trails of varying length, although not all trails are open to all types of use. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail, a 10-mile-long circular trail rising from east and west trailheads, with a 6.5-mile-long path stretching across the top of Crag Crest. At the crest, the trail is about three feet wide with steep drop-offs on both sides and awesome vistas. Equally spectacular views can be found on the Land O Lakes Overlook, a gentle hike with views of 13 lakes and the valley floor below. Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitor Center for brochures, maps and books detailing the many trails atop Grand Mesa. Forest Service staff can also tell you where the fish are biting. Grand Mesa Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer.

THE STORY OF GRAND MESA

The Spaniards named the Grand Mesa “Mesa Grande,” meaning “large table,” an apt description for the world’s largest tabletop mountain. The story of the Grand Mesa lakes is one of dynamic geological processes and determined men. The work of glaciers and a weathering process known as “slumping” created the depressions, then industrious men used the topography to build reservoirs to provide a dependable, summer-long supply of water to irrigate orchards and crops in the valley.

HELPFUL CONTACTS Community News/Events Delta County Independent 970-874-4421 deltacountyindependent.com Chambers/Visitor Info Cedaredge - 970-856-6961 www.cedaredgecolorado.com www.cedaredgechamber.com Crawford www.crawfordcountry.org Delta - 970-874-8616 www.deltacolorado.org Hotchkiss - 970-872-3226 www.hotchkisschamber.com Orchard City www.orchardcityco.org Paonia - 970-527-3886 www.paoniachamber.com Delta County www.deltacountycolorado.com Public Lands/Parks Colorado Parks & Wildlife www.parks.state.co.us U.S. Forest Service www.fs.usda.gov/gmug Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park www.nps.gov/blca/

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 5

HISTORIC FORT UNCOMPAHGRE ON THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL

Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum, located on the northeastern corner of Conﬂuence Park in Delta, is a re-creation of Antoine Roubidoux’s 1828-1844 fur trapping and trading post. The fort has been faithfully replicated, from the dirt ﬂoors to the piles of furs and animal hides on display. The original fort was located along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail, so Fort Uncompahgre also serves as an interpretive center for the Old Spanish Trail, remnants of which are still visible just outside of town. The North Branch was basically a trade route — early explorers, trappers and traders used it to trade with the native Ute tribes of Colorado. Spanish and Mexican traders traveled the Old Spanish Trail from Santa Fe and Taos, N.M., through the San Luis Valley and west over the Continental Divide to the Gunnison River, passing by the original Fort Uncompahgre, then north to the Colorado River and on to the Uintah Basin. Self-guided tours of the fort are available on a seasonal basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. There is an admission fee. Additionally, the visitor center provides information about public lands in the area. Western Colorado is the only place in the West boasting three BLM National Conservation Areas — Gunnison Gorge, Dominguez-Escalante and McInnis Canyons — within an hour’s drive of one another. Permits, maps and literature for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are also available at the fort. Stop by to learn about trails, roads and campgrounds on the surrounding forests. Learn more by calling 970-874-8349 or online at http://fortuncompahgre.org/.

Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison

National Forest Headquarters is TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Visitor information services has been relocated to

�� 440 North Palmer Street • Delta, CO

�� Open Monday–Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Forest Maps, Wood Permits, Literature, America the Beautiful Passes and Christmas Tree Permits may be purchased at The Fort. Forest, Campground, and Trail Information is also Available at The Fort.

6 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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DELTA ACE HARDWARE IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide —7

BIKING

By Ben Lehman www.lehmanimages.com

Delta County’s trails and peaceful, backcountry roads provide a multitude of options for bikers of all ages and abilities. These mountain bike routes are recommended by the DAMB (Delta Area Mountain Bikers):

EASY: ESCALANTE RIM LOOP JUMBO MOUNTAIN

Located just east of Paonia, the single-track trails of scenic Jumbo Mountain are popular with all ages and levels for hiking, running and biking. A vertical climb of about 1,200 feet to the summit will take you to “The Hammock,” where eagles’ nests can be spotted in Jumbo Mountain’s rock face and the views encompass the North Fork Valley’s picturesque hills, farms and vineyards. The trails are on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You can find trail maps online at MTB Project or Trailforks, or by dropping by The Cirque Cyclery or SK Bikes in Paonia.

While single track trails are planned for the future of this beautiful high desert area west of Delta, mountain bikers can take advantage of historic jeep trails, which now see little use by motorized vehicles. One of the locals’ favorite rides is the Escalante Rim Loop, taken from Escalante Rim Road, which intersects with West 5th Street (Sawmill Mesa Road) approximately 7 miles west of Delta. The loop is technically easy for the most part, but the climbs can be physically challenging. For those who do not like to climb, the best part of the loop can be ridden as a shuttled ride from the top of Sawmill Mesa Road, then across the top on the edge of the Dry Fork of the Escalante, with beautiful views of canyon country below, back to Escalante Rim Road, and back down to the Cactus Park. A detailed map of the area is available at copmoba.org.

MODERATE: COUNTY LINE TRAIL

When the summer temperatures in Delta County approach triple digits, it’s time to get high. Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, sits at a cool 10,000 feet. The temperatures are usually 15-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys so it’s the perfect summer destination for a ride in the cool and crisp mountain air. Of the many trails open to mountain bikes on the Mesa, one is a project of the Delta Area Mountain Bikers — the County Line Trail. This is a moderate 6.5 mile loop that roughly follows the popular cross-country ski loop. Very little climbing is involved so it’s not as hard on the lungs as the altitude would suggest, but a few rocky sections give it the moderate rating. The well-marked trailhead is easily found by driving up Highway 65 about 33 miles from Delta. This trail is best ridden in a counter clockwise direction.

DIFFICULT: SIDEWINDER TRAIL

East of Delta in the Gunnison Gorge NCA is the challenging Sidewinder Trail. While this trail is rated difficult for most of its length, the north end, particularly that area that intersects the Powerline jeep road, is more moderate, and a good place to test your mettle. The entire trail is 22 miles in length, so many riders opt to take a section at a time, using intersecting jeep roads to return to base. Find a trail map at www.blm.gov, copmoba.org or at MTBproject.com.

8 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 9

DELTA

With a population of about 8,000, Delta is a small city offering all the amenities of an urban area — without the traffic! Clean air, locally grown food, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and high speed broadband make Delta an attractive place to live and work. The city is a regional shopping destination that also boasts top-quality medical facilities — Delta County Memorial Hospital was named one of the top 100 rural community hospitals in the nation in 2018. The city also has an 18-hole golf course, a recreation center with a full-size pool, and one of the few drive-in movie theaters remaining in Colorado. North of Delta, the county-owned Blake Field is busy with takeoffs and landings, and is home base for Ultimate Skydiving Adventures and Rocky Mountain Air Tours. The “gem” of the city is Confluence Park, a 265-acre riparian oasis featuring foot, bike and horse trails, a disc golf course, picnic sites, a stocked fishing lake and river access. Delta demonstrates a strong love for public art with numerous murals, sculptures and floral displays along Main Street and in its parks. Stop by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce office at the corner of 3rd and Main for a map of all the city’s murals.

CEDAREDGE

Nestled at the base of Grand Mesa, at “the edge of the cedars,” is the warm, friendly community of Cedaredge, population 2,300. With a variety of shops, art galleries, motels and restaurants, it’s a great place to launch your outdoor adventure. The town is the “Gateway to the Grand Mesa,” which offers fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, camping and hunting. Your first stop should be the Welcome Center, located just off Highway 65 (the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway) at Pioneer Town. Take time to tour the 19th century western village, which features 25 original or reconstructed buildings, including a jail, schoolhouse, saloon and blacksmith’s shop. The surrounding countryside features dozens of vineyards and orchards producing apples, pears, peaches, apricots and cherries. Cedaredge is the largest community in the Surface Creek Valley, named for the creek that flows from the abundant waters of Grand Mesa. From the walking trails along the creek, you can often glimpse deer, a variety of birds and the occasional fisherman. Other amenities include newly-opened Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center, a unique and challenging 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a skate park, and a climbing wall at Cedaredge Middle School that’s open to the public on Friday evenings 6-9 p.m. from August to May.

ORCHARD CITY Orchard City is the product of three small communities — Eckert, Austin and Cory — which banded together to construct a much-needed domestic pipeline to transport clean, fresh water from Grand Mesa. Each has separate post offices, separate zip codes, and separate histories, but all are part of one common entity. Orchard City retains a rural atmosphere, encompassing an 11-square-mile area in which over 3,100 residents make their homes. The area is dotted with farms, ranches, pastures and orchards. Fruitgrowers Reservoir is known as one of the best waterbirding spots on the Western Slope. Greater Sandhill Cranes come through in large numbers in the early spring and roost for the night in Hart’s Basin to the north of the reservoir. The town park at 11245 2100 Road features pavilions, a playground, 1.5-mile walking path, and softball/baseball/ soccer fields. The ball fields are known as the Field of Dreams, in tribute to a large group of volunteers who banded together to make their dream a reality. 10 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

HOTCHKISS

There is a reason the signs that greet travelers at either end of town declare Hotchkiss to be the “Friendliest Town Around.” Take a walk around the charming small town and you’ll find friendliness at every corner. Located where Highway 92 intersects with Highway 133, Hotchkiss is long on hometown atmosphere and community spirit. By virtue of the town’s location at the natural crossroads of the North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss developed as a supply center for area settlers, many of whom had established cattle and sheep ranches, and extensive orchards, in the last two decades of the 19th century. Hotchkiss is still in the middle of it all — a great springboard for discoveries throughout the beautiful, historic, creative and innovative North Fork Valley! In the central business area, you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants, historic architecture and a museum. Located above the confluence of the Gunnison and North Fork rivers and surrounded by public lands, Hotchkiss is home to the Delta County Fairgrounds, Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery and Gold Medal fishing opportunities. Special events include sheep dog trials, the annual Delta County Fair, and the Farm to Fiddle Festival, which showcases art, agriculture and outdoor adventures.

CRAWFORD

The small community of Crawford is quintessential Americana: cowboys and artists, gunsmiths and poets all call it home, and newcomers are celebrated at an annual community potluck dinner. Founded in 1882, Crawford is nestled in a sweeping valley surrounded by the majestic West Elks mountain range. Crawford Country boasts breathtaking natural geological phenomena and sights, including the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park, historic Needle Rock, and the West Elk Wilderness. Each June Crawford celebrates its small-town western charm with Pioneer Days. The home-town celebration culminates in one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on the Western Slope, where viewers experience the magic of sitting lakeside while colorful sparks reflect from the waters of Crawford Reservoir. Crawford Country boasts premier year-round outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding in summer; snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and more in winter. It even boasts its own public airport. Crawford’s blue skies and crisp, clean air are beckoning!

PAONIA

Located moments off of Highway 133 along the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, Paonia is a small western community of about 1,500 with agricultural and coal mining roots running four and five generations deep. With a reputation for high-quality, chemical-free food and one of the largest concentrations of small, organic farms, Paonia has earned the title of farm-to-table capital of Colorado. It is also home to Solar Energy International. Paonia’s many shops offer products grown and produced locally, from wool textiles to lavender soaps and goat’s milk cheeses. Dotting the hillsides are vineyards from which award-winning wines are produced. The communities of Paonia, Crawford and Hotchkiss have been designated one of 12 Creative Districts in the state. The North Fork Valley Creative District represents the area’s rich concentration of galleries, studios, filmmakers, food and beverage producers, and literary, musical and visual artists. Take a day to hike 11,400-foot Mount Lamborn, or stroll the historic downtown core’s numerous shops and galleries. Lodging options include motels, inns and the historic Bross Hotel. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 11

C A O L L FLAVOR F O P I S A Quench your thirst at these businesses and sample the varieties... perhaps take home a bottle or case!

BIG B’S DELICIOUS ORCHARDS, JUICE, AND HARD CIDER 39126 Highway 133 Hotchkiss, CO 81419 (970) 527-1110 • Bigbs.com Open May through December Serving the highest quality juices and Hard Ciders while supporting sustainable agriculture and our community.

BLACK B R I D G E WI N E RY 15836 Black Bridge Rd. • Paonia (970) 527-6838 blackbridgewinery.com Estate Bottled Wine, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Reisling, Chardonnay, Peach Wine, Pear, dessert wines. New this year - Watermelon Wine Free Tastings Enjoy a glass of wine by the river. Open daily 10-6 Memorial Weekend thru Nov. 4.

MOUNTAIN VIEW WINERY

5829 5825 Rd. • Olathe (970) 323-6816 mountainviewwinery.com Traditional and Fruit Wines. Tasting room open 10-6 Mon.-Sat. Seasonal fresh fruit. 4

16199 Happy Hollow Rd. • Cedaredge (970) 856-WINE • stoneymesa.com Locally crafted wines, locally made oils, vinegars & foods; local artisans. Outdoor patio. Tasting room. We’ve got a wine for everyone! Won Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology “Winery of the Year” award for 2015 & Best of Delta County 2015, 2016 and 2017. Visit the Art Coop. Featuring Local Surface Creek Valley Artists.

SKY HAWK WINERY @ ROOT & VINE MARKET

40823 Hwy 133 • Paonia, CO 81428 (970) 527-3236 rootandvinemarket.com Cafe • Coffee • Pie • Wine Tasting Local Products

STONEY MESA WINERY

WILLIAMS CELLARS

at the AppleShed 250 S. Grand Mesa Dr. • Cedaredge (970) 856-7006 williamscellarscolorado.com Pap’s Pinot Noir, Nappy Dog Merlot, Hibiscas Kiss, Mescato, 6 Flavors Hard Apple Cider on tap and in bottles.

12 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

3 Delta County Independent 2016 Visitor’s Guide — 5

SADDLE UP FOR FUN

Delta County’s ranching heritage is upheld by the cowboys and cowgirls who delight rodeo fans with their speed and skill on horseback. Cedaredge is home to a gymkhana series sponsored by the Surface Creek Saddle Club. Horse enthusiasts of

all ages compete in barrel racing, pole bending, flags and a fun race every Wednesday evening through Aug. 1. Sign up from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the grand entry is at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $7 per event, per day. The arena is located at 24114 Grand Mesa Drive, Cedaredge. Two annual celebrations — Cherry Days in Paonia and Deltarado Days in Delta — wouldn’t be complete without fast-paced rodeo action. The North Fork Horse Patrol hosts the Bulls ‘n Broncs War, a dance and a mud volleyball tournament in conjunction with Cherry Days, Paonia’s 4th of July celebration. The rodeo grounds are located at 39696 Mathews Lane, Paonia. Deltarado Days takes place from July 26-29. The rodeo is Friday, July 27, at the Round Up Club Arena, Highway 92 and 1800 Road, starting at 8 p.m. Mutton bustin’ kicks off at 7! Fairtime means family-friendly rodeo competition at the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. Competitors ages 6 to 18 kick off the fun at the Delta County Junior Rodeo Saturday, Aug. 4. The action continues Monday, Aug. 6, with a team roping saddle shootout. A ranch rodeo is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 9, to be followed Friday night with a rodeo featuring mutton bustin’, team roping saddle shootout finals and 2018 royalty coronation. A fan favorite — the demolition derby — is back Saturday, Aug. 11. Other special events include a tractor pull followed by freestyle motorcross on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Visit www.delta countyfair.com for details.

• Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Angus Burgers • Creative Pastas and Salads • Home Style Lunches and Dinners • Everything Made from Scratch

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LIVE MUSIC! Most Saturday Nights

Check us out on

or www.rjssteakhouse.com

970-856-3841 For Reservations 2323 S. Grand Mesa Dr. ~ Cedaredge, CO

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 13

PIONEER TOWN

Pioneer Town is a unique museum and historical village in Cedaredge just off Highway 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. The complex covers nearly 5 acres and is readily identiﬁed by three distinctive wooden silos standing next to the Welcome Center. The silos are the last remaining structures of the Bar-I Ranch, established in the early 1880s as a cattle ranch. Start your visit at the Welcome Center for information, brochures, maps and videos of the area. Inside the Welcome Center you will ﬁnd a completely revamped gift shop with many unique and locally crafted items, along with an exciting addition this year of a Civil War diary exhibit. A nominal fee is charged to tour the 25 buildings within the Pioneer Town complex. All are original restorations moved from nearby locations or authentic replicas. The buildings house objects and artifacts from early days with connections to the area’s pioneer families. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. through AppleFest weekend, Oct. 6-7. For more information, call 970-856-7554, check out www.pioneertown.org or visit Facebook at Pioneer Town Museum Cedaredge Colorado.

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BREAKFAST BUFFET

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

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365 N. Grand Mesa Dr. (Hwy 65) • Cedaredge, CO 2 blocks north of the stoplight

970.856.3366

14 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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CEDAREDGE

DEVIL’S THUMB GOLF COURSE

Located on the south flank of the Grand Mesa at 6,100 feet in elevation, the Cedaredge Golf Club offers a wonderful Colorado golf experience. The 18-hole course has two distinct nines. The front nine is filled with tree-lined fairways, meandering mountain streams and resident deer. The back nine is built along the hillside with several changes in elevation, tight fairways and spectacular views of the nearby West Elk and San Juan Mountain ranges as well as the Gunnison River Valley. The Cedaredge Golf Club offers an affordable, enjoyable golf experience in a beautiful, quiet mountain setting. Various stay-and-play packages are available to serve visitors. Come see why Cedaredge Golf Club has garnered a reputation for being “unique and challenging.” For more information, call 970-856-7781 or log on to www.cedaredgegolf.com.

Nestled among the adobe hills just north of Delta lies Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, named for the thumb-like rock formation that looms above it. The “prairie style” 18-hole golf course lies at the base of the majestic Grand Mesa. Off in the distance, one can see the Raggeds and West Elk Mountains to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the south. For the third year in a row, Devil’s Thumb has been ranked third in the category “Best Western Slope Course.” The recognition comes from Colorado Avid Golfer, which determines the winners of the awards known as CAGGYs through an online voting process. To book a tee time, call 970-874-6262 or visit www. devilsthumbgolfcourse.net.

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�� 16 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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DISC GOLF

Disc golf is gaining popularity in Delta County, with courses ranging from a few baskets to a professionallydesigned 18-hole course at Confluence Park in Delta. As the name suggests, disc golf is played in a fashion similar to golf, but using Frisbee-like disc putters and drivers. The object of the game is to have fun and play the course from beginning to end in the fewest throws. While the sport has been around since the 1920s, its popularity has grown quickly in recent years. With two par four holes, water hazards, long distances between holes (it covers a lot of ground), and lots of trees, the Confluence Park course is one of the more challenging courses in the area. In the North Fork area, an 18-hole course recently opened at the Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. Located between the fairgrounds and the North Fork River, the course was designed and installed by MOD (MontroseOlathe-Delta) Squad members, and paid for with Colorado Lottery funds. Baskets are also located at Apple Valley Park in Paonia, at Vision School in Cedaredge, and at Tamarac Park at Bluff and East 12th streets in Delta. Because they are smaller in area and the baskets (holes) are placed closer together, both the Tamarac and Hotchkiss courses are perfect for kids. Leagues meet throughout the week and at different courses. Check out the Facebook pages for MOD Squad and the Pumpkin Hollow Disc Conspiracy (Paonia).

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Locals Choice ~ Visitor Friendly �� We are a family owned and operated business offering friendly, high-quality service and repairs. Our technicians are ASE CERTIFIED offering the best technical expertise available for your domestic, import or diesel vehicle. ��

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 17

FARM FRESH

Fruit ranching was one of the first commercial endeavors to take hold in Delta County in the decades following settlement. While there are fewer producing orchards than there once were, harvestime still means mouth-watering cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches and apples. Roadside stands, farmers’ markets and u-pick orchards feature the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables. Look for sweet cherries around the end of June, pie cherries from late July through mid-August, peaches during the month of August and apples from late August through frost. Paonia celebrates Cherry Days on the 4th of July; AppleFest takes place in Cedaredge annually on the first weekend in October. Then there’s the Olathe Sweet™ Sweet Corn Festival on Aug. 4 featuring — you guessed it — all the butter-covered ears of locally grown sweet corn you care to eat. Just about every community hosts a farmers’ market, and as you explore the countryside you’ll find fruit and vegetable stands (often organic) located on the local farms and orchards. You’ll have your choice of the freshest, most delicious fruits, vegetables, jams, herbs, eggs, lavender and flowers. Area vineyards also sell directly from their well-stocked cellars. The biggest farmers’ market each year happens during the Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia Sept. 27-30. And if you’re looking to experience life on a farm, you’ve come to the right place. When you tour a farm and you see all the effort that it takes to put that peach in your pie or that steak on your plate, you really appreciate the process of how it ends up on your dinner table. Search for farm-to-table dinners, farm tours and more at the Valley Organic Growers Association website, www.VogaCo.org, or www.Colorado.gov. County tourism coordinator Kelli Hepler (970-4719621) is always happy to direct visitors to the perfect agritourism experience.

18 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

ESH GUIDE TO AREA R F M R FA FRUITS & VEGETABLES Welcome to the Delta County area, where you’ll find the

“Best Fruit and Vegetables in Colorado!” Antelope Hill Orchards 22274 Antelope Hill Eckert/Orchard City 835-3111 or 835-3112

Sweet Cherries, Pie Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines. bingcherry.com Open 7 Days A Week.

AppleShed - Fruit Stand 250 S. Grand Mesa Drive Cedaredge • 970-856-7007

Open Daily Williams Orchard • Peaches & Apples

Berg Harvest Mercantile 73 Samuel Wade Rd., Paonia (970) 527-3480

Organic cherries, peaches, apples and pears Freshly made fudge, coffee, soft-serve ice cream, breakfast, lunch, vintage candy and more! Spring hours: Mon.-Sat. 7-4, Sun. 8-2 Summer hours: Mon.-Sat. 7-8, Sun. 8-6

Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Juice and Hard Cider 39126 Hwy 133 • Paonia 970-527-1110 www.bigbs.com • info@bigbs.com

Local Organic Fruit & Produce U-Pick • Camping • Hard Cider & Wine Tasting • Cafe for Breakfast & Lunch

Big B Fruit Stand

769 2075 Rd., Delta • 874-8136 Hwy 92 corner of Read

Your local produce provider for over 35 years. Variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, chilies, tomatoes, canned goods, homemade taffies, jams & jellies

Delta Farmers Market

Downtown • Delta • 874-1240

June thru September, Every Saturday & Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Everyone Welcome Check us out on Facebook

Red Shed Produce

DeVries Fruit & Veggies

Corner of 1800 Rd. & Hwy. 92 Delta • 970-874-8888

The Friend ~ ly Farm South of Delta on Hwy. 50 between mile marker 85 & 86 • (970) 323-6559

Open 9-6 Daily July thru Oct. Large variety of locally grown fruits & vegetables. Baked Goods & Frozen Yogurt. Oct. — Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides.

Tomatoes, Peaches, Olathe Sweet Corn, Sweet Cherries, Pickles, Peppers, Okra and Much More. Open Everyday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tomato Patch U-PIK • Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch • Chili Roasting

Rogers Mesa Fruit

Hwy. 92 & 3100 Rd. Hotchkiss, CO 81419 • 970-872-2155

Fritchman Orchards

Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears & Apples. Organic & Conventional. Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-12

13686 Hwy. 65 (3/4 mile north of Eckert) Packing Shed 835-3628 or Erik 970-640-2925 Cherries • Peaches • Pears • Apples Open 7 Days A Week 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sparky’s Farm Market

Leon’s Produce

June thru Oct. Mon.-Sat. - All “in season” fresh fruits & vegetables. Call on U-Pik Fruit, Frozen Pie Cherries, Tart Cherry Juice, Local Honey, Jams & Jellies, Gift Shop, Homemade Ice Cream, Smoothies, Fresh-Baked Fruit Pies. Picnic area. Educational Ops for Kids. A favorite place of local folks & tourists.

31164 Hwy 92 • 5 miles west of Hotchkiss • 970-872-7737

19111 H Road • Delta • 874-4249

Tomatoes, Chili Peppers, Potatoes, Beans, Onions, Cantaloupe & Chili Roasting

Mattics Orchard

8163 High Mesa Rd. • Olathe, CO 970-3235657

Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 7 days a week Family Owned & Operated Apples, Peaches, Pears, Tomatoes, Chile, Peppers, Squash, Cantaloupe, Sweet Corn, Watermelons, Eggplants & Much More.

Orchard Valley Farms & Market

15836 Black Bridge Rd. • Paonia • 527-6838

Jewel of the North Fork - Home to Black Bridge Wines Shop the market, pick your own fruit, veggies & berries. Walk the farm trail, picnic by the river. Local products, beef, balsamic vinegar, infused olive oils. Open daily 10-6 Memorial Weekend thru Nov. 4th. orchardvalleyfarms.com

Wag’s World Orchards 20553 Nowhere Rd. • Eckert 1-888-604-4673 Wholesalers 970-778-5327

Fresh local peaches, apples, cherries, plums, nectarines, berries, pears, tomatoes, pie fills, jams, dried fruit and veggies, raw local honey and all kinds of garden veggies and more! Thanks for your support of our farm and agriculture in beautiful Delta County!

Western Culture Farmstead & Creamery

39883 Mathews Lane • Paonia • 970-417-0213 westernculturefarmstead.com Farm Fresh Goat Milk, Artisan Craft Cheeses & Yogurt. Farm tours available.

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 19

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VISION CHARTER ACADEMY 230 NW Cedar Ave

CEDAREDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 380 N Grand Mesa Dr

COMMUNITY CENTER 140 NW 2nd St

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GRAND MESA ARTS & EVENTS CENTER

CEDAREDGE TOWN PARK

195 W. Main St

Main St & SW 5th St

MAIN ST

R RD

CEDAREDGE POST OFFICE

CEDAREDGE TOWN HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

155 SW 2nd St

245 W Main St

CREEK RD

PIONEER TOWN CHAPEL OF THE CROSS

MESA RD

CEDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

388 S Grand Mesa Dr

CEDAREDGE LIBRARY

575 SE Deer Creek Dr

180 SW 6th St

PP Y H O

CEDAREDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

CEDAREDGE CEMETERY

845 SE Deer Creek Dr

205 SE Independence Ave

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OW RD

CEDAREDGE GOLF CLUB 500 Jay Ave

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1575 RD

TO DOMINGUEZESCALANTE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

ECKERT CEMETERY TR A P C LU B R D

13418 Hwy 65

BOAT RAMP

Confluence Park

NORTH RD

RV DUMP STATION

BILL HEDDLES REC CENTER

Confluence Park

531 N Palmer St

ECKERT POST OFFICE

FORT UNCOMP

12570 Hwy 65

Confluence P

C EN LU E NF AK L E

S ER W O IR R VO G IT R U SE FR RE

301 Main St

TO UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU

CITY HALL 360 Main St

4TH ST

G RD

5TH ST 6TH ST

DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT

11245 2100 Rd

401 Meeker St

N F LU

E N C E

211 W 6th St

2100 RD

501 Palmer St

DELTA LIBRARY

COUNTY COURTHOUSE

MAIN ST

ORCHARD CITY TOWN PARK FIELD OF DREAMS

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

D R

M S

DELTA CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS DELTA FAMILY CENTER CORY CEMETERY 9431 Hwy 65

F RD

ORCHARD CITY TOWN HALL

910

822 Grand Ave

9661 2100 Rd

AUSTIN POST OFFICE

22009 Canal St

9340 Hwy 65

AUSTIN RD

CORY POST OFFICE

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20 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

R IV E

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DEVIL’S THUMB GOLF COURSE 9900 Devils Thumb Rd

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MEMORIAL HALL 175 N 1st St

HOTCHKISS LIBRARY 149 E Main St

HOTCHKISS TOWN HALL 276 W Main St

HOTCHKISS K-8 SCHOOL 465 Lorah Ln

TO HOTCHKISS NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY

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BLAKE FIELD AIRPORT 870 1575 Rd

HERITAGE HALL 403 S River Ln

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POST OFFICE 103 E Bridge St

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM

DELTA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

180 S 2nd St

DELTA TRAP CLUB

I RD

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY

NORTH FORK POOL 333 Bulldog St

1575 RD

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PAONIA JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL 846 Grand Ave

TO GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

POST OFFICE 125 Grand Ave

W E

TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES PAONIA CAMPUS

O Rd

TH End of F25 Rd

�� NORTH FORK MONTESSORI SCHOOL

TO CRAWFORD AIRPORT 1825 RD

A ST

1825 RD

1050 Hastings St

51 Fir St

CRAWFORD LIBRARY

PIONEER RD

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL 1400 Pioneer Rd

ITL

HISTORIC CRAWFORD TOWN HALL

1600 RD

GARDEN OF MEMORIES CEMETERY D St & Elm Ave

2250 Hwy 50

TO NEEDLE ROCK

POST OFFICE

545 Hwy 92

F RD

US FOREST SERVICE

HG RE

TO TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES & GRAND MESA CHOICE ACADEMY

MI N CR NES O EE K R TA D

BETHLEHEM CEMETERY

425 Hwy 92

218 4th St

A CR AW FO RD RD

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK

1080 Pioneer Rd

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY

R IV E

430 Box Elder Ave

2ND ST

Mathews Ln

GARNET MESA ELEMENTARY

16TH ST

PAONIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NORTH FORK SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED STUDIES

VOLUNTEER PARK

7th & Howard

910 Grand Ave

3RD ST

214 Grand Ave

G RD

VISION CHARTER ACADEMY

TO NORTH FORK AIRPORT

600 A St

DELTA MIDDLE SCHOOL

PAONIA TOWN HALL

1501 E 3rd St

3RD ST

4th St & North Fork Ave

N R O D B R M SA LA E M

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

7TH ST

CLELAND PARK

PAONIA TOWN PARK

HARTIG DR

360 Meeker St

RILEY LN

POST OFFICE

155 Stafford Ln

251 Meeker St

682 1725 Rd

URGENT CARE

DELTA MUSEUM

MESA VIEW CEMETERY

1800 RD

DELTA CITY CEMETERY

STAFFORD LN

Confluence Park

4TH ST

800 Shady Ln

GRAND AVE

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Park

ORT UNCOMPAHGRE

RD AV E

PAONIA MUSEUM & BOWIE SCHOOLHOUSE

2 3rd St

ATION

CR AW FO

Shady Ln

PAONIA LIBRARY SA

1055 E 3rd St

PAONIA RIVER PARK

RIV ON

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TO PAONIA STATE PARK

R S ER

438 Bulldog St

Riverside Dr

S River Ln

HOTCHKISS HIGH SCHOOL

8017 Trap Club Rd

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26 Hwy 92

D RD

TO BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK & CURECANTI NATIONAL RECREATION AREA CRAWFORD

RESERVOIR Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 21 SWEITZER LAKE

PAONIA MUSEUM AND HISTORIC BOWIE SCHOOLHOUSE

The Paonia Historic Park, located at 700 Highway 187, is home to two museums — the Bowie Schoolhouse Museum and the Paonia Museum. Each has unique features that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history of Paonia, the North Fork Valley and Bowie. To arrange a visit, call Judy Livingston at 970-527-3970. The Bowie Schoolhouse, built in 1907, was originally part of the mining camp of Bowie. The school was in use until 1950 when rural schools were disbanded and Delta County became a consolidated district. In 1979, the Adolph Coors Co. bought the entire town of Bowie and offered the school to anyone who would move it. History lovers came together and undertook the task. The school contains the original desks as well as other artifacts from that time. The school also houses the ledgers used to record miners’ wages at the Bowie Mine. The Paonia Museum was moved to its present site in 1997. The house was built by James Parks in Midway in 1904. The house is furnished with artifacts from this area, including the original switchboards used by Paonia operators and a large collection of black and white photographs that date back to the 1800s.

DELTA COUNTY MUSEUM

Among the noteworthy exhibits at the Delta County Museum, located at 251 Meeker Street in Delta, are artifacts relating to the 1893 robbery of the Farmers & Merchants Bank in Delta, a world-class display of butterflies and moths from around the world, a diorama-type exhibit of two early stores in Delta, Renfrow’s and Schmidt Hardware, and a collection of dinosaur bones found in the Dry Mesa Quarry outside of Delta. Step into the courtyard to view the 1890 Delta city jail, an old homestead cabin, and a collection of 10 bells representing school, railroad, church and ship-related bells. The museum also includes an exhibit of cameras, an eight-foot-long case clock that once stood in the palace of King Louis XIV of France, and a King’s Robe, a gift from the King of Siam. For those interested in research, the museum contains the county’s only microfilm file of all the newspapers which have been published in Delta County since 1883. There are many other surprises to discover when you visit the museum at the corner of 3rd and Meeker. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached by calling 970-874-8721. Note: Summer hours are subject to change.

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum, located at 180 S. 2nd Street in Hotchkiss, has exhibits showcasing historic venues, local clubs and organizations, and an old time doctor’s office. Also on display are enlarged photographs from the Danny Cotten collection, a chuck wagon, arrowhead collections and other Native American artifacts. The museum includes a bookstore, a research library, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting room and a fully furnished pioneer cabin. The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. until Labor Day, then Saturday afternoons during the rest of the season. The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret the history of Hotchkiss and Crawford and the surrounding areas, in order to make the past more meaningful to all. For more information call the museum at 970-872-3780 or visit hchm.freehostia. com or Facebook. Call Marilyn Tate 970-872-3693 if you are interested in books of local history.

22 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide —23

FISHING

When it comes to fishing, local angler Don Benjamin recommends the Grand Mesa’s Ward Creek Reservoir. “I always catch fish there,” he says. Plus, it’s easy to get to — just 8 1⁄2 miles north of Cedaredge, just off Highway 65. Actually, Benjamin says, you can catch fish on most of Grand Mesa’s lakes. There are over 300 lakes on the mesa and 100 of the most fishable are outlined in the Colorado Parks & Wildlife booklet ‘Fishing the Grand Mesa.’ The booklets are available at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center at the intersection of Highway 65 and Forest Service Road 121 and also in Cedaredge at Pioneer Town and Leisure Time Sports. When fishing Grand Mesa, Benjamin recommends using artificial flies in the mornings and evenings especially wooly worms or any fly that resembles mosquito larvae. And for those who haven’t yet gotten the hang of fly fishing, Benjamin recommends using a spinning rod with a long leader and a casting bubble. With bait or spinners, you’ll find success any time of the day. To practice low impact fishing and good catch-and-release tactics, it’s best to tamp-down the shaft barbs on single fly or bait hooks and clip treble spinner hooks down to a single hook. Remember to wet hands before touching a fish you plan to release and return them gently into the water. Colorado Parks & Wildlife regularly stocks several lakes on Grand Mesa. Island Lake, the largest lake on Grand Mesa, provides fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat and splake. The Colorado weight record for splake trout was caught at Island Lake — it weighed one ounce shy of 19 pounds! Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitor Center to get started on your next fishing adventure or use Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s website http://cpw.state.co.us/ where you’ll find the fishing and stocking report under the ‘Things to Do/Fishing’ heading. Before the weather gets too hot in the valley, Benjamin heads to Confluence Park. Located in Delta, Confluence Lake is managed as both a seasonal trout fishery and a warm water fishery. CPW reports fishing is good for catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring and fall, with fair fishing for naturally reproducing largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie in the spring and summer. At Crawford Reservoir, located one mile south of the town of Crawford, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reduced the number of northern pike and stocked the lake with black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. This new management strategy has paid off as these fish species have increased in numbers and size. For a family outing close to town, check out Volunteer Park in Paonia or Sweitzer Lake just south of Delta. The kids will also enjoy a visit to the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery, just a few miles west of Hotchkiss. The hatchery receives rainbow trout eggs from various sources throughout the U.S. After the eggs hatch, the young fish are placed into concrete tanks in the hatchery building. When they reach 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length, they’re moved to outside raceways where they grow to the proper size for stocking. The hatchery visitor center is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and the facility is open for self-guided visits during daylight hours seven days a week. For hatchery information call 970-872-3170. 24 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

GOLD MEDAL WATERS

The Gunnison River in the Black Canyon National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is a Gold Medal wild trout fishery that stretches over 28 miles from Crystal Reservoir to the town of Austin and provides many diverse wading and float fishing opportunities. In the gorge, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Gunnison River continues to be one of the highest quality Gold Medal fisheries in the west with 5,000 to 10,000 trout per mile over six inches long. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brown trout from 12 to 20 inches, with the possibility of larger fish. The easiest fishing access to the Gunnison River in the national park is via the East Portal Road. Float fishing access is available from various points in the Gunnison Gorge. Foot access is available but trails leading into the canyon are very steep and should only be attempted by those in excellent physical condition. Visit Black Canyon website https://www.nps.gov/blca or the Gunnison Gorge website https://www.blm.gov/visit/ gunnison-gorge-nca for additional information.

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�� Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 25

DOMINGUEZ ESCALANTE CANYONS The Dominguez and Escalante Canyons offer unparalleled opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. A large portion of the BLM-managed land in Delta, Mesa and Montrose counties has been set aside as a National Conservation Area (NCA). Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. Ute tribes today consider these piñon-juniper-covered lands an important connection to their ancestral past. The Gunnison River flows placidly through the desert landscape that’s home to rare plants, Indian rock art and rugged rock formations. The Escalante, Cottonwood, Little and Big Dominguez creeks cascade through sandstone canyon walls that drain the eastern Uncompahgre Plateau, creating the landscape we see today. A variety of wildlife calls the area home, including mule deer, golden eagle, turkey, elk, mountain lion, black bear, the collared lizard and desert bighorn sheep. These animals — slightly smaller than the high-country Rocky Mountain bighorns — are well-adapted to arid desert canyons in the West. Elevations in the NCA are approximately 4,800 to 8,200 feet. The canyons are named for Spanish missionary explorers Father Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Father Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, although they never set foot in the canyons when they led an expedition through western Colorado in 1776. The Hayden Survey named a creek the Rio Escalante and the one downstream Rio Dominguez to honor the two priests who eventually explored more territory than Lewis and Clark. To enter Escalante Canyon, drive north of Delta on Highway 50 about 10 miles to the well-marked turnoff southwest onto Escalante Canyon Road. The hardpacked 17-mile dirt road is traversable by car. The road drops down and crosses the Gunnison River, then continues through privately-owned pastures. BLM signs mark public access. You will find picnic tables and restrooms at the “potholes,” a popular area where Escalante Creek tumbles through a narrow rocky passage. Dominguez Canyon is more primitive. Those who choose to visit must, for the most part, hike in. Halfway between Delta and Grand Junction, at the end of Bridgeport Road, is access to a pedestrian bridge over the Gunnison River. The bridge, a one-mile hike from the parking lot, serves as a gateway to the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area. Access can also be gained by floating the Gunnison River. Campsites and put-ins can be located on a map of the area which can be found on BLM’s website, www. blm.gov. 26 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Three historic landmarks in Escalante Canyon have been named to the state’s list of Most Historic Places. Capt. H.A. Smith’s Cabin, a handcarved structure in stone, and the Walker Cabin represent the hardy homesteaders who lived in the canyon in the 1900s. Both structures can be found on the main road. The third landmark, a water wheel, is located in a channel off the Gunnison River.

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A publication of the Delta County Independent 401 Meeker, Delta (970) 874-4421

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Visit us at www.deltacounty independent.com

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�� Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 27

GUNNISON RIVER

The Gunnison River begins its journey where the East and Taylor rivers meet in Almont. West of Gunnison, the river broadens out into the three reservoirs that make up the Curecanti National Recreation Area — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal. These reservoirs provide a variety of recreational opportunities, water storage and hydroelectric power. Below Crystal Dam, water is channeled through the Gunnison Tunnel to irrigate farms and ranches in the Uncompahgre Valley. Upstream from Delta, the narrow channel is dwarfed beneath the 2,000-foot volcanic rock walls of the Black Canyon National Park. Where the river narrows, rapids offer thrilling whitewater adventures. At other points the floor of the canyon widens and the river is characterized by shallow ripples.

NORTH FORK OF THE GUNNISON RIVER

Near the Gunnison Forks Day Use Area 13 miles east of Delta, the North Fork of the Gunnison River joins the Gunnison River. The North Fork flows from below Paonia Reservoir, through Somerset, Bowie and Hotchkiss during its 33-mile journey. You can access the “North Fork” at the Paonia River Park. Through a collaborative effort, a former instream gravel pit is now a public park with restored river banks, picnic areas and hiking trails. As the Gunnison River continues west, it slices through Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness lies at the center of the conservation area. The Gunnison Gorge offers unsurpassed recreational opportunities, from whitewater rafting to big game hunting. Anglers from all over the world visit the Gunnison River for its outstanding Gold Medal trout fishing and annual stonefly hatch. Visit www.blm.gov for a detailed map.

DELTA-ESCALANTE-BRIDGEPORT

As the channel broadens, the river transitions to a placid, gentle float. Major river improvement projects between the Gunnison River Pleasure Park and Delta have enhanced fish passage and made the river safer to float, so those who wish may continue their journey downstream where the Uncompahgre River merges with the Gunnison River at Confluence Park in Delta. As it flows west to join the Colorado River some 40 miles downstream, the Gunnison cuts through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Beautiful scenery, hidden rock art and solitude draw boaters to the lower stretch of the Gunnison River. Opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploring abound. In this area, the river can be accessed at the Escalante Bridge. Take Highway 50 west from Delta, watching for the Escalante Road turnoff between mileposts 55 and 60. Turn left on the dirt road and travel three miles to the river. A popular downstream stop is Bridgeport. Primitive camping is available and a hike up Big Dominguez Canyon offers an opportunity to view bighorn sheep and visit a historic water wheel. 28 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

Nature Connection photo

GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

Large expanses of adobe hills, arroyos and piñon-juniper canyons and uplands comprise the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a 62,844acre parcel of public land managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area offers outstanding recreational opportunities such as worldclass trout fishing, hunting, whitewater boating, and backcountry hiking and camping. It includes a 14-mile stretch of the Gunnison River extending from the northwestern boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to a point approximately one mile downstream from the confluence of the Smith Fork and the main stem of the Gunnison. While motorized travel in the wilderness area is limited to designated routes, the Peach Valley Recreation Area features a challenging single track and primitive dirt road trail system open to motorized recreation. You can access these “badlands” by taking 2200 Road south from Austin (about six miles east of Delta off Highway 92). Follow the BLM map signs for Peach Valley Road, which runs the entire length along the western edge of the NCA. The Sidewinder Trail, a 20-mile single-track trail suitable for hikers, equestrians, motorcyclists and mountain bikers, is one of the longest in the Gunnison Gorge. By linking to other routes, trail enthusiasts can enjoy sections of Sidewinder without committing to its entire length. Access the northern portion of the trail by taking 2200 Road and turning southeast on H-75 Road.

EAGLE ROCK SHELTER

The NCA contains a number of prehistoric and historic sites, including rock art, cabins, campsites and mines. Thousands of years ago, some of the earliest humans known to inhabit North America found shelter on a ledge by what is now known as the Gunnison River. The southeastern exposure of the rock overhang offered not only shelter from rain, snow and wind, but cool shade in summer, warm sunshine in winter, and unlimited plant food, fish and game. The Eagle Rock Shelter site between Hotchkiss and Delta dates back almost 13,000 years and contains the most complete record of Paleo-Indian life known. To reach Eagle Rock, head east from Delta on Highway

92. At mile marker 13, you’ll see a sign on the south side of the highway. The improved dirt road leading to the trailhead winds for 3.7 miles through dry hilly country offering spectacular views of Lamborn Mountain and the West Elk Mountain Range as well as the Gunnison River. The road to the trailhead splits occasionally and drivers should take all the right-hand forks. The walk from the trailhead is not quite a mile and the trail also splits now and then but taking the right-hand forks will lead directly to the Eagle Rock Shelter site. Take plenty of water and be advised that the last third of the trail is extremely steep. If you follow the rustic stairs to the south of Eagle Rock Shelter, you can cross a bridge to take a side hike to the river below. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 29

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30 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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Come experience what community created at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center - Enjoy live theatre - Stroll through a curated gallery featuring local artists - Attend lectures and workshops - Rent a space for your own celebrations or meetings - Hear regional and national performers in concert

Photo Credit: Cindy Starr

The arts are the heart and soul of a thriving community and we are inspiring generations through visual and performing arts, education and advocacy.

Call or visit our website for the current program schedule or for reservations at www.grandmesaartscenter.com or email at info@grandmesaartscenter.com 195 W Main Street, Cedaredge, CO 81413 | 970-856-9195 Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 31

CHURCH DIRECTORY Your Guide to Delta County Houses of Worship

DELTA CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (SBC)

1290 A St. • Delta • 970-874-9497 www.calvarydelta.org office@calvarydelta.org Sunday Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Childcare Services Provided

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CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

658 Howard St., Delta, CO 81416 970-874-3425 • www.csldelta.org Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Services 7:00 p.m. A spiritual community honoring all ... expressing God as Love! ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY

751 Meeker St. • Delta • 874-8083 Sunday: Bible Lesson Sermon 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Wednesday Testimony Meeting April-Oct. 4:00 p.m. Nov.-March 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DELTA

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1679 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO 81416 Uncompahgre Ward Sacrament Meeting 9:00 a.m. Delta Ward Sacrament Meeting 11:00 a.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH & TINY TREASURES TODDLER PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

1000 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO (970) 874-3052 Reverend Kurt A. Van Fossan Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Bible Class, Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Missouri Synod www.deltalutheran.org

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ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE ORTHODOX CHURCH

298 Bert Street, Delta, CO • (970) 874-5225 Father Benjamin Huggins SaintAndrewsDelta.org Saturday Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Please call for festal and weekday services schedule

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ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

417 Meeker, Delta, CO • (970) 874-9501 www.deltamethodist.org Pastor: Tom Hazelwood Contemporary Worship Service 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:45 a.m. • NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE •

1250 Pioneer Rd. • Delta • 874-3847 deltafirstbaptistchurch.com deltafbcskybeam.com 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Karen Worship 12:30 p.m. Wed. AWANA Club (Sept.-April) 6:00 p.m.

863 “A” Street • Delta • 874-4837 Pastor Jerry Hilterbrand Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Services 11:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Family Night 7:00 p.m. Independent Baptist

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ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH

290 N.W. Cedar Ave., Cedaredge, CO 81413 970-856-6495 Fr. Albeiro Herrera-Ciro Deacon Price Hatcher Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. Tuesday Adoration 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Tuesday Mass 6:00 p.m.

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763 Meeker St. • Delta Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros • 874-9482 Sabbath School Saturday 9:20 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

290 S.W. 2nd Ave. • Cedaredge Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros • 856-6863 Sabbath School Saturday 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship Saturday 10:50 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 4:15 p.m.

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TRUE LIFE CHURCH

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NORTH FORK THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

1507 S.W. 9th St. • Cedaredge, CO 81413 • 856-3586 Rev. Bob Hillyer, Pastor Sunday: Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Adult & Youth Studies 9:00 a.m. Children’s Church 10:30 a.m. Youth 6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

511 Oak Avenue, Paonia, CO 81428 Sacrament Meeting 10:00 a.m.

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HOTCHKISS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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GARNET MESA BAPTIST CHURCH

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628 Meeker St. • Delta • 874-3300 Fr. Albeiro Herrera-Ciro Deacon Price Hatcher Saturday English Mass 5:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 7:00 p.m. Sunday English Mass 10:00 a.m. Spanish Mass 12:00 noon

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DELTA

CEDAREDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1395 SW 9th St., Cedaredge, CO 81413 Sacrament Meeting 10:00 a.m.

ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

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SURFACE CREEK

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

5th & Palmer St. • Delta Fr. Tom Seibert • Rector’s Study 874-9489 Holy Eucharist and Sunday School (Sunday) 10:15 a.m. Order of St. Luke & Healing Service First Monday each month 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Holy Communion 10:30 p.m.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

DELTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

41006 Lamborn Dr. • Paonia • 527-5683 Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros Saturday Worship 9:00 a.m. Sabbath School Saturday 10:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

210 NW 3rd St. (P.O. Box 369) Cedaredge, CO 81413 Pastor Joe Agne — Church Phone 970-856-3696 www.cedaredgercumc.com Worship & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Fellowship time immediately following service.

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DELTA CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

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Reaching the children and youth of Western Delta County I Rd. & 1600 Rd. • North Delta • 874-4322 Worship 10:00 a.m. Children’s Church Age 3 thru 5th grade Childcare - (infant thru preschool) all services www.deltachristianchurch.org

871 3100 Rd. (P.O. Box 74), Lazear, CO • 872-2139 Pastor Jim Jesser Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 p.m. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

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THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

MOUNTAIN VIEW BIBLE CHURCH

4th and Meeker • Delta • 874-4893 http://www.deltapres.org Find us on Facebook Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Jake DeField Youth Pastor James Parks 203 W. Main St. • Hotchkiss • 970-872-3313 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Awana 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Adult Bible 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Youth Group 7:00 p.m.

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32 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

Delta County Independent 2016 Visitor’s Guide — 29

A unique boutique in the heart of Hotchkiss.

Clothing �� Jewelry � Soaps �� Candles Gift Items ��Lucy’s Kid Closet ��

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC BANK OF NORTH FORK BUILDING

204 E. Bridge Street • Hotchkiss • 970-872-2149

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GRAND MESA, UNCOMPAHGRE AND GUNNISON NATIONAL FORESTS

WILDERNESS AREAS The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) has a rich history of wilderness stewardship with over 10 congressionally designated wilderness areas covering about 20 percent of the threemillion-acre forest. Timberline lakes and high mountain streams offer excellent fishing and spectacular scenery; needle-like peaks etch into a rugged skyline; rock, ice and snow blend into soft tundra mosses and lichens; gushing waterfalls and sparkling creeks are lined with a crayon box of wildflowers; elk and deer thrive in these places and healthy herds of mountain goats and bighorn sheep rule the rock cliffs. A full description of all 10 wilderness areas, including links to trailheads and trail access, can be found at www. fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/specialplaces/. 34 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

If you’ve come to Colorado for the mountains, you’ve come to the right place. From any spot in Delta County, all points of the compass lead to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests — a combination of three national forests which cover 3,161,912 acres of public land in the central and southern Rocky Mountains. The forests include spectacular features like Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain; the Uncompahgre Plateau — a high, almost level table broken by sharp, rugged canyons west of Delta; the West Elk Wilderness Area, with peaks reaching 13,000 feet in elevation; and the Raggeds Wilderness Area, encompassing more than 59,000 acres of the Gunnison and White River National Forests. Elevations range from 5,800 feet above sea level in Roubideau Creek Canyon to 14,309 feet on Uncompahgre Peak. Camping opportunities on the GMUG National Forest abound. While electric, sewer, water hook-ups and showers are not always available, most campgrounds have potable water, picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is an option in most areas. You can also experience life in a Forest Service ranger station by renting a cabin on Grand Mesa or in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Reservations are required; visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug for more information. Several lodges and resorts offer all the comforts of home. Trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are easily located using a gazetteer or U.S. Forest Service map. Over 3,000 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Many were carved by indigenous peoples, early explorers and miners. Forest maps, literature and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Paonia Ranger District office at 403 N. Rio Grande Avenue in Paonia, or at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center, 440 N. Palmer Street in Delta. Due to remodeling, the GMUG National Forest headquarters on S. Main Street in Delta has been temporarily closed.

36 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK Hidden away in western Colorado is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The dark depths of the canyon divide the park into two distinct areas. The south rim of the park is 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 347, while the north rim is located 11 miles south of Crawford, via Hwy. 92 and the Black Canyon Road. The last seven miles are unpaved and the North Rim is closed to vehicles in the winter. The park’s uniquely formidable landscape was slowly formed through erosion, as the Gunnison River cut through hard crystalline rock. This exceptional canyon is known as one of the narrowest in the world, with sheer walls and dramatic depths. For more information, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/blca/.

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Foran an hour, hour, aa day, day, or or aa weekend, weekend, come and discover Delta. For WalkWalk the trail Confl uence uence Park, Park, play aplay round at Devil’s ThumbThumb Golf Club, the at trail at Confl a round at Devil’s take a Golf swim Club, at Billtake Heddles Recreation Center, orRecreation take a stepCenter, back in time a swim at Bill Heddles at Fort Uncompahgre. Enjoy dining and shopping, delight in our or take a step back in time at Fort Uncompahgre. incredible Main dining Street fland owershopping, displays delight and enjoy our unique unique murals murals and Enjoy in our and sculptures, sculptures, all while experiencing Delta’s genuine hospitality. all while experiencing Delta’s genuine hospitality.

970-874-7566 �� www.cityofdelta.net 970.874-7566 www.cityofdelta.net

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 37

2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE

7-10

First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Celebrate Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Outdoor Heritage Day, Conﬂuence Park, cityofdelta.net Chapel of the Cross concerts begin, Cedaredge Sundays at 4, Thursdays at 7 deltacountyindependent.com Edge of the Cedars Art Exhibit, Cedaredge Middle School

8-30 9 15-17 21-23 25 28 29 29-30 30

Crawford Pioneer Days: June 7-10 Old-fashioned melodrama, baking contest, auction, arts and crafts booths, food, live musical entertainment, parade, outhouse races, dance and ﬁreworks. crawfordcountry.org Black Canyon Camera Club show, Creamery, Hotchkiss Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta North Fork Uncorked, westelksava.com Delta Fine Arts Annual Show, deltaﬁneartsguild.org Bicycle Tour of Colorado - Paonia, Hotchkiss, Delta Downtown DeltaFest, deltacolorado.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com Lavender Festival, Palisade/Paonia, coloradolavender.org Night on the Town, pioneertown.org

1 2 2 3

JULY 1

4 4 6 7 19-22 26 27 28

Lavender Festival, Palisade/Paonia, coloradolavender.org Paonia Cherry Days: July 3-4 Downtown Day, entertainment, live music, pancake breakfast, parade, family/class reunions, kids’ games, arts and crafts booths, contests, rodeo, royalty, 5k paoniacherrydays.com Fireworks - Conﬂuence Park, Delta Patriotic Fair and Festival, cedaredgechamber.com First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Top O’ The Rockies BMW Motorcycle Rally, Paonia Saturday Trade Day at the Fort, www.fortuncompahgre.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com Ice Cream Social, pioneertown.org Deltarado Days: July 26-29 Rodeo, farmer/rancher lunch, parade, kids’ activities, horseshoe/pickleball/corn hole/ grass volleyball tournaments, street dance, barbecues, beer garden, music, vendor village, tractor pull, car show. deltacolorado.org

AUGUST 2 2-5 3 3-5 4 4

9 10-11 11 16 23 30 31

Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Serenity Run, Cedaredge, internationalserenityrun.org First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com West Elks Wine Trail, westelksava.com Celebrate Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, olathesweetcornfest.com Delta County Fair: August 5-12 Agricultural displays, livestock sale, Heritage Hall exhibits, demolition derby, ATV race, team roping, mutton bustin’, royalty, parade, tractor pull, food, live music deltacountyfair.com Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Farm to Fiddle Festival, Hotchkiss, farmtoﬁddle.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Downtown DeltaFest, deltacolorado.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com

SEPTEMBER 1 1-4 7 8 8 14 27-30 28

Art & Ag Tour, northforkcreative.org Labor Day Trap Shoot, Delta, deltatrapclub.org First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Symphony in the Park, cedaredgechamber.com Colorado Grand Car Tour, hotchkisschamber.com Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia, mountainharvestfestival.com Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com

OCTOBER

13 20 TBA

AppleFest: October 4-7 Apples, chili cook-off, music, food, art, classic car/antique tractor shows, 5k, Pioneer Town activities, 150 booths along the streets and in Cedaredge Town Park. cedaredgechamber.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Gears and Beers Fest, Paonia, paoniachamber.com Hard Cider Festival, paoniachamber.com

NOVEMBER 23 24

Crawford Town Lighting, crawfordchamber.org Kickoff to Christmas, Parade of Lights, deltacolorado.org

DECEMBER 1 TBA

Parade of Lights, Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Blue Sage Holiday Art Fair, Paonia, bluesage.org

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38 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

STATE PARKS

Three large, state-operated reservoirs — Crawford, Paonia and Sweitzer — can be found in Delta County. These reservoirs are administered by the Colorado State Parks, www.parks.state.co.us. Great opportunities for picnicking, boating, water skiing, camping, swimming and fishing abound at all three areas. To reserve a camping spot in Crawford or Paonia, call 1-800678-2267, or go to the reservation section of the Colorado Parks and Reservation website, http://coloradostateparks. reserveamerica.com.

CRAWFORD RESERVOIR

With 400 surface acres of water and 337 land acres of recreation area, Crawford Reservoir is popular with local fishermen, boaters, water skiers and campers. Picnic areas, over 60 campsites, nature trails, a swim beach and a playground can also be found at Crawford State Park. The park’s 6,600-foot elevation guarantees visitors a mild climate at any season. The spectacular north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only 12 miles from the park. Nearby are Needle Rock, Castle Rock and Saddle Mountain. To get to Crawford Reservoir State Recreation Area, travel south of Crawford one mile on Hwy. 92.

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PAONIA STATE PARK

Paonia State Park is located in the shadow of the majestic Ragged Mountains, about 16 miles northeast of Paonia and five miles from Somerset on Hwy. 133. The steep mountainsides give this lake an alpine flavor. The 334-surface-acre reservoir offers water skiing, boating and fishing. There are no hiking trails at Paonia State Park, but during the summer months hikers will enjoy the trail systems in the Raggeds Wilderness Area nearby. Paonia State Park has 15 campsites, vault toilets and a concrete boat ramp. No drinking water is available, so be sure to bring your own.

SWEITZER STATE PARK

Located just one mile south of Delta on Hwy. 50, Sweitzer State Park is a day-use only area. Views of the majestic San Juans, the Uncompahgre Plateau, Grand Mesa and the West Elks can be enjoyed from shady picnic areas. Playground equipment and a sandy beach lie adjacent to a protected swim area. Sweitzer Lake is considered a good fishing spot for youngsters with catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and carp. Sweitzer Lake is a catch and release only lake. A waterfowl area on the east end of the lake provides a haven for many native birds and migratory waterfowl. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 39

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�� 40 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide