Delta County Independent, June 6, 2018

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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

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

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.


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