Delta County Independent, July 18, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

WATER USERS CUT BACK Voluntary conservation efforts are working in Paonia, B1

SPORTS

ELIMINATING POLIO

GOLF SCRAMBLE

Cedaredge Rotarians join worldwide effort, C5

Hotchkiss Booster Club tourney draws all-time high of 19 teams, C6

DELTA COUNTY

JULY 18, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 29

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

DURA project lacks hotel developers BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Delta Urban Renewal Authority received zero response to a request for proposals to develop an upper mid-scale hotel along the Gunnison River. The deadline for submission of proposals was July 2. The RFP was reissued after it was learned the parcel of land originally designated for the project was no longer available. At that time, DURA had one interested party. An adjoining parcel of land was identified as a more attractive alternative, and the concept of an indoor/outdoor water park was thrown into the mix. DURA commissioners agreed to throw the process “wide open” to whoever would be interested in developing the property. DURA meets Thursday, July 19. In a memo setting the stage for that meeting, city

manager David Torgler, who serves as DURA’s executive director, posed the question: “Respectfully, how does the DURA Board want to proceed with implementation of the project plan?” DURA has outlined other goals, in addition to the hotel development, but Torgler observed that without a catalyst project such as the hotel development, a major source of funding — tax increment financing — would be limited. His memo also refers to the private parties who have expressed interest in developing a water park and lodging. “Does the DURA board want to hold back for a defined period of time, such as six months, to see if other development occurs without public participation?” That will be the question DURA commissioners ponder at their meeting July 19.

Fire ban downgraded to Stage 1 restrictions STAFF REPORT

An increase in moisture levels and decrease in overall threat of wildfire has prompted Delta County Undersheriff Mark Taylor to request the county commissioners downgrade the county from Stage 2 to Stage 1 restrictions. A resolution adopted Monday by the Delta County Board of County Commissioners mirrors actions taken by the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, as well as the BLM. Grand Mesa National Forest continues to remain

at Stage 1. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit open burning of any kind to include agricultural burning, open campfires and fireworks. Smoking cigarettes outdoors is not allowed, unless in an enclosed vehicle or building or in a developed recreation site. Campfires in a developed campground or enclosed fire pits are okay. For more information on fire restrictions on national forests, call the fire information line at 970-874-6602 or visit http://bit. ly/GMUGFireRestrictions.

Delta Volunteer Fire Department photo

Pothole rescue

The Delta Volunteer Fire Dept. responded to a rescue call in Escalante Canyon Saturday, July 14, around 4:05 p.m. The call was reported as people trapped in a flash flood at the potholes. Firefighters responded by using ropes and life jackets to rescue three people from their location on the east side of the creek. Everyone was brought to safety without any incident. “We would like to remind the public that we live in an area where flash flooding can occur,” the fire department said in a press release issued July 16. “Please be mindful of the weather and your surroundings at all times.”

DHS teacher to embark on expedition STAFF REPORT

Delta High School science teacher Ben Graves has been selected as one of this year’s Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows in recognition of his commitment to geographic education. The 2018 Fellows, a group of 40 highly respected educators from the United States and Canada, will embark on global expeditions to Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic to explore the rapidly changing marine ecosystems of the Far North. He departs in early August. “The focus of this expedition for me personally as a science teacher is to help make the invisible visible for my students,” Graves said. “The Arctic and especially the polar atmospheric and marine systems play an incredibly large and complex role in global atmospheric circulation impacting everything from the winter storm systems we see in Colorado to intensifying summer drought

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church ........................... A6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness ...... B4-6 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries .................. A7-8 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports .............................C6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

conditions. Climate change is having a profound impact in the Arctic and the influx of freshwater and lack of sea ice is exacerbating increased sea surface temperatures across the North. My goal is to bring this experience home to my students in Delta so that I can make visible the invisible forces that drive our earth system.” Graves plans to make a series of videos for his classroom which can be viewed at youtube:@Mr GravesScience. He will also be bringing home ocean and glacial water samples and air quality data to help his students connect with the rapidly changing Arctic. Graves will travel aboard the Lindblad Expedition ships National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endeavour ll and National Geographic Sea Lion for his hands-on experience. This year marks the 12th year of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program, established to honor former National Geo-

graphic Society chairman Gilbert Grosvenor’s lifetime commitment to geographic education. The program began with two fellows in 2007 and has grown each year. The expeditions were donated in perpetuity to the National Geographic Society by Sven-Olof Lindblad and Lindblad Expeditions to mark Grosvenor’s 75th birthday in 2006 and honor his service to the enhancement and advancement of geographic education. Each year, pre-K–12 educators are encouraged to apply for this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity. Fellows enhance their geographic learning through direct, hands-on field experience and bring that knowledge back to their classrooms and professional communities. Accompanied by Lindblad-National Geographic expedition experts, ranging from undersea specialists to National Geographic photographers, the fellows will experience landscapes, cultures and wildlife unique to their

regions of exploration. Before their 10- to 17-day voyages, the fellows traveled to National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they participated in a multiday, hands-on, preexpedition workshop covering

Ben Graves

everything from photography to outreach planning and had the opportunity to network with Lindblad Expeditions naturalists and past fellows. “Grosvenor Teacher Fellows are an integral part of National Geographic’s work to achieve a planet in balance,” said Mike Ulica, interim president and CEO of the National Geographic Society. “Educators like these fellows ensure that students are equipped with geographic knowledge and global awareness, empowering the next generation to create solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.” “These are exemplary educators who play a vital role in shaping and inspiring the future stewards of our planet. We are committed to taking them to some of the world’s most remote and pristine places to help fuel their passion to share knowledge, and the world, with their students,” stated Sven Lindblad, CEO and president of Lindblad Expeditions.

Tipi raising party

Animal feed collected

Food help

Calling all volunteers! Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail has received six new tipis that will be used as outdoor classrooms in conjunction with the Nature Connection. John Hardy has volunteered to lead a group of folks who are willing to learn how to set up the tipis and pitch in where necessary. Hardy plans to get started early Saturday, July 21. Please plan to be at the fort around 8 a.m. Fort director Chris Miller promises to provide doughnuts and coffee, as well as lunch. Call 874-8349 or 874-6695 for more information.

CSU Extension Offices in Mesa, Montrose, San Miguel and Delta counties are conducting an animal feed drive to benefit the victims of the Spring Fire and their livestock. The evacuation site at the Huerfano County Fairgrounds is full of evacuated animals and more are still coming! To help, CSU Extension Office is collecting any and all types of feed — oats, corn, sweet mix, horse feed, chicken feed, alfalfa cubes, etc. Please, no dog or cat food. There will be drop-off areas at Mesa, Montrose, San Miguel and Delta County Fairs, or drop off donations at your local CSU Extension Office. Monetary donations are also accepted; please make checks payable to Montrose Extension Fund. For more information, call Nicole at 970-249-3935.

Adults aged 60 and over in Delta County may be eligible to receive a monthly nutritious food box consisting of non-perishable protein, milk, juice, cereal, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, and refrigerated cheese. Food Bank of the Rockies and partner agencies want to make sure no senior goes hungry. For details, contact Salvation Army Delta at 399-3584.

A2 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS For the health and safety of our community Dear Editor: I like to use my life energy to improve the health and well being of people and our planet, so I am volunteering as a coordinator for the Colorado Rising ballot initiative that would create commonsense setbacks for neighborhood fracking from the current 500 feet to 2,500 feet. I am a mother of two young adults, nanny for five children and have worked in community health and education for 15 years. My past employment at the Cancer Center and Mountain Valley Devel-

opmental Services have motivated me to learn how fracking and environmental toxins affect the health and quality of life of our community members. Health: A recent study from the Colorado School of Public Health shows that the concentration of known carcinogens increase dramatically near Colorado’s oil and gas facilities, exceeding the EPA’s upper threshold by 800 percent. This study showed eight times the normal cancer risk for Coloradans living within 500 feet of a well and

Paonia mayor overssteps Dear Editor: Mayor Stewart rose to his full glory as the king of Paonia when he ordered Chief Ferguson to evict former Trustee Watson from the last council meeting. Sadly, Chief Ferguson complied, choosing to serve the mayor’s prejudice rather than the Constitution. The mayor invited her to the podium and then threw her out because he doesn’t like her and didn’t like what she had to say. Her crime was pointing out the mayor’s double standard. After encouraging “his board”

a fourfold increased risk of leukemia. Long-term impacts include increases in heart disease, endocrine disorders, congenital birth defects, and permanent brain damage to children. Safety/resources: In 2017, 93,000 gallons of oil where spilled into Colorado soil, groundwater, and streams and our state has experienced at least 14 fires and explosions at oil and gas sites, some resulting in death or serious injury. Additionally, fracking uses approximately 4.6 billion gallons of our state’s fresh water annually. Quality of life: When fracking comes to communities, our friends, families, and neighbors throughout Colorado, are forced to live in an industrial zone with stadiumstyle lights, 24/7 construction noise and vibration, noxious chemical odors and diesel tanker trucks. I encourage you to sign the petition now and vote in November. Donations and volunteers are also needed — information at CoRising.org. Michelle Williams Carbondale

to spend $350,000 of the public’s money without posting an agenda notice, moments later he declared they could not authorize a letter of support for a matter that was on the agenda. A mayor who has and uses police power to silence his critics is a dangerous tyrant. If we are still America in more than name only he should be thrown out of office. Download an unedited clip of the incident: https://gofile. io/?c=3YsWrG. Bill Brunner Dear Editor: Paonia What a treat that we have a local newspaper in face of this technical age. I was delighted with the July 11 Delta County Independent: the stories �� about special Mary Mee�� han and her art, the won��

Health care coverage is in peril Dear Editor: Two articles in the July 11 edition of the DCI truly encapsulate what is at stake in both the upcoming mid-term elections and the nomination for the Supreme Court. DCI profiled the owners of the Pondy. Over the past three years, they have sponsored fundraisers and raised over $50,000 for cancer patients. This is a display of love for neighbor from which we can all learn. You are awesome D.J. and Barb Hladik! Keep it up! In the same article, the DCI reported the American Cancer Society “figures that newly diagnosed cancer cases will exceed 1.7 million in 2018.” All of those new cancer patients will join the group of Americans who have pre-existing conditions. While some of those 1.7 million no doubt have employer-sponsored health care, many patients will be unable to work due to their cancer. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, patients who lose their job and their employer sponsored health insurance can still sign up for insurance on the open market without being denied due to having a pre-existing condition. However, 20 Republican state attorneys general from across the nation are suing to

Interesting reading

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Delta County Independent

derful one regarding the dog Traveler and that on the Delta Elevator, truly a landmark in Delta. Always look forward to the arrival of the paper. Thanks to all at the DCI. Appreciate you! Jo-an Barnett Delta

have the Affordable Care Act declared unconstitutional. If they are successful, protection for pre-existing conditions will go away. Such a suit, if it is appealed, will find its way to the Supreme Court. The replacement for Justice Kennedy will have a profound influence on such a case. If you, or somebody you know and love, has cancer or some other pre-existing condition, this appointment will have a direct effect on you. It matters, literally, in a life and death way. Cancer treatments can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, all but the very richest will go without treatment. Some will argue that there is no right to health care defined in the Constitution. However, the Ninth Amendment makes clear that the Constitution does not claim to list all human rights. It seems clear that the framers believed rights were something for the living to define, not the dead from hundreds of years ago. Health care was extremely primitive in the 1780s, and the framers could never have imagined something like today’s cancer treatments. On the front page of the July 11 DCI, there is an extensive article about Jared Polis and Dianne Primavera, candidates for Colorado governor and lieutenant governor. Primavera is herself a cancer survivor, and therefore has a preexisting condition. She is also director of Komen Colorado, which supports breast cancer research. Primavera knows firsthand what cancer vic-

tims go through, and she is not fighting to take insurance coverage away from people who have pre-existing conditions. Representative Scott Tipton has voted multiple times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The Republican replacements for the ACA do not cover pre-existing conditions and do not cover all Americans. Independent analyses all conclude that tens of millions of people would lose coverage under all the Republican proposals. Diane Mitsch Bush is advocating for Medicare for all as a way to lower health care costs while increasing coverage for all. Polis and Primavera are over here on the Western Slope listening to our local health care providers, exploring ideas on how to better care for Coloradans. One of Polis’ ideas, which I think is especially valuable, is to eliminate geographical price ratings. A single price rating for all of Colorado would make our rates the same as those on the Front Range. Changing to that system would cause rates to go up modestly per person on the Front Range and bring down rates in rural Colorado significantly. Either Medicare for all or eliminating geographical rating is progress in my view. Meanwhile, Republican attorneys general nationwide, as well as Scott Tipton, are trying to take insurance coverage away from victims of cancer and other grave conditions. I will be supporting those trying to improve coverage over those trying to remove coverage. I hope you will too. Joseph McGill Cedaredge

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Delta police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Main Street for a hit and run Department (edited for traffic accident. As a result, Jacob M. Wagner, 31, of Delta length): was arrested on a Montrose County warrant with no July 8: Officers contacted a bond. Officers took a report of a male party on a pedestrian contact in the area of 795 juvenile male that had been 1600 Road. As a result of assaulted. Officers responded to 11th the contact, Adam J. Tucker, 34, of Craig was arrested on Street and Highway 50 for a misdemeanor warrant out a traffic accident. James P. of Montrose County with no Simpson II, 27, of Delta was issued a summons for failed bond. Officers were asked to to drive in a single lane. respond to the area of Musk- July 13: Ryan A. Jacobs, 35, of Eckrat and Caribou Street for the report of an unresponsive ert was arrested on an active male in a vehicle. Officers warrant with a $2,000 bond. Officers responded to a assisted Delta Ambulance Service with the transport to two-vehicle accident with Delta County Memorial Hos- injuries at the intersection of 5th Street and Confluence pital. Officers responded to Drive. David W. Dillie, 68, of Walmart for a report of third Delta was issued a summons for failure to yield right of degree criminal trespass. Officers responded to way at stop sign. Officers requested an the intersection of east 2nd Street and Meeker Street for abandoned vehicle be towed from the 600 block of Palmer a report of a traffic accident. Officers assisted ambu- Street. lance personnel in the 600 July 15: Officers responded to the block of Silver Street. 1100 block of Highway 50 in July 9: Officers responded to the reference to a disturbance. 1500 block of H25 Road for a Greyson McCullough, 18, of Delta was issued a summons report of property damage. Officers provided an agen- for destruction of property. Officers responded to the cy assist to Child Protection Services in locating two juve- 1100 block of Bluff Street for a report of theft. nile females. Officers responded to Officers took a lobby report of a theft that occurred Delta High School for a citiin the 600 block of Cypress zen assist. Officers made a pedesWood Lane. Sharon D. Davis, 65, of trian contact in the area of Delta was issued a summons mile marker 3 on Highway for shoplifting at City Market. 92. Jason W. Kuykendall, 47, Officers responded to 1491 of Eckert was arrested and Highway 50 for a report of an jailed on a warrant with $300 adult male making suicidal bond. Citations: 26 tickets were threats. issued this week for various July 10: Officers respond to 3rd traffic violations. Please remember: All Street and Main Street in reference to a traffic acci- criminal charges are merely dent. Grace E. White, 24, of an accusation and the defenMontrose was issued a sum- dant is presumed innocent mons for careless and dis- until or unless proven guilty. obeyed a red signal light. Officers responded to the From the Delta County 1700 block of Buffalo Street for the report of a possible Sheriff’s Office (partial list): missing person. July 10: July 11: Deputies continued mariOfficers responded to Main Street Pawn and Sport juana compliance checks in response to stolen prop- throughout Delta County. Deputies met Dan Love, erty. Officers responded to the state veterinarian, at property 200 block of Meeker Street for on Pendleton Lane outside of Delta to discuss the condia traffic accident. Officers responded to the tion of eight horses with their 500 block of Hastings Street owner. Dr. Love said all eight in reference to a suspicious need to gain weight. In addition, a 13-year-old gelding incident. Lindsay A. Moody, 26, has a leg injury that requires of Delta was arrested on a veterinary care. He planned Delta municipal warrant with to follow up with the owner of the horses in a few days. a $500 bond. Deputies responded to a July 12: Jeffrey D. Nutter, 63, of traffic accident on 1325 Road Delta was arrested on a Delta at about 11:10 p.m. The driver municipal warrant with a said she likely fell asleep, then woke up when her 2015 Ford $300 bond. Officers responded to a sedan hit a fence. The Colofire in the alley of the 400 rado State Patrol handled the investigation. block of Main Street. Officers responded to 326 July 11:

At about 5 p.m., deputies responded to a fire near the intersection of 2200 Road and H75 Road, near the city of Delta. It appeared high winds knocked tree branches into power lines, causing a smoldering fire in a grassy area. Delta Fire Department extinguished the fire. A Paonia resident reported a break-in at her home on 3790 Road. Numerous items were stolen, including jewelry. Deputies could find no sign of forced entry. A person of interest was identified. July 12: Deputies investigated a complaint of harassment in the Paonia area. The victim declined to prosecute. At about 12:40 p.m., deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Austin Road and Fairview Road. There were minor injuries. At about 11:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office, along with Cedaredge Fire Department and Delta County Ambulance District, responded to the parking lot of the Big Battlement Lake on Grand Mesa. A male party who was injured in an ATV accident was airlifted to St. Mary’s. July 13: Deputies received a call regarding an illegal burn at a residence on J80 Road near Hotchkiss. Philip Rhodes of Delta was issued a summons for violating the Delta County ordinance banning open burning. No property damage was caused. Deputies investigated a report that water was being taken illegally from a ditch in the Crawford area. Tracey Montoya of Lakewood was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice during a motorist assist in the Paonia area. A complaint was received about people shooting guns on Redlands Mesa Road near Hotchkiss. Deputies determined that all shooting was taking place safely and legally. Deputies responded to H30 Lane, Delta, on a report of a physical altercation in progress. Robert Ralph, 28, was arrested on domestic violence-related charges. Heather Phillips, 34, was arrested

and booked into Delta County Jail for obstructing a police officer. Deputies responded to a domestic incident near Happy Hollow and W. Main Street in Cedaredge. No arrests were made. investigated Deputies criminal mischief on Alkali Basin Road near Delta. July 14: Deputies responded to a disturbance at a home near Hotchkiss. Paul Salinas, 42, of Hotchkiss was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol A Hotchkiss area resident reported a female was hiding in bushes at his home on Stingley Gulch Road. Tamala Mayfield, 51, was arrested for criminal trespass, theft, criminal mischief, stalking, possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of a peace officer and introduction of contrabrand. At about 4 p.m., dispatch was notified that three indiiduals had been stranded on the east side of Escalante Creek, near the potholes in Escalanate Canyon. All three reportedly scrambled to safety when a flash flood came down the creek. Delta Fire Department and Delta County Search and Rescue were called to assist. Firefighters, who were first on the scene, were able to get the two males and one female across the creek to safety. Deputies report the creek was running fast and high, but the flow was receding. July 15: Shortly after midnight, deputies were called to an address on Coburn Road, Paonia, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Ashley Eakin, 23, of Crawford, was arrested on DUI-related charges. At about 7:40 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a missing person report from the Cedaredge area. The missing adult male was later located. At about 11:30 p.m., deputies responded to an address on Main Street in Austin, for a reported disturbance between a male and female. Deputies determined no probable cause existed for criminal charges.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Airport zoning, rail spurs discussed BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

At a work session Tuesday, July 10, Delta City Council members agreed staff should pursue a pre-annexation agreement with the county before water and sewer are extended to Blake Field in North Delta. Whether or not that pre-annexation agreement is exercised is up to the city, attorney David McConaughey advised, but it will serve as a tool for outlining expectations for both entities. Installation costs and system maintenance are two items that could be covered in the pre-annexation agreement. This step is required of all parties requesting city utilities, although

county officials have said Blake Field tenants do not wish to be annexed into the city. They also don’t want to pay out-oftown tap fees and water and sewer rates. A major sticking point to annexation seems to be landscaping and other site development requirements. City manager David Torgler suggested the city could create an “airport overlay,” essentially a new zoning district that could mitigate concerns about site development. Community development director Glen Black pointed out that the airport in Delta is not as visible as the airport in Montrose. “We could consider what works for Delta,” he said. Black was directed to start the airport zoning process with the city’s planning commission

while Torgler and Betsy Suerth, the city’s public works and utilities director, move forward with engineering/design of infrastructure improvements in partnership with county officials. At the work session, council members also addressed the need for road improvements to the airport. Council members agreed that road improvements should ideally be incorporated into the infrastructure project, particularly if there’s any possibility additional development could occur in the area in the future. Staff also asked for direction on rail spurs, another topic that came up during a joint citycounty meeting on June 26. The city has identified one potential site to be shared with county

officials. Some council members questioned the need for rail spurs. Stacey Voigt, director of Delta County Economic Development, said rail spurs are vital for some of the clients DCED is working with. She cited challenges to trucking, including electronic logs and a nationwide shortage of truck drivers. She said rail transport is a viable alternative. As the work session wound down, Suerth and council member Gerald Roberts briefly touched on a new Project 7 water treatment plant that could affect water rates for the city’s customers. Roberts said there is currently no backup if the water treatment plant went offline; the new treatment plant would rectify that situation. He and Suerth promised to keep council updated.

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Delta City Council reviews 2017 financial audit BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

During a short meeting July 10, Delta City Council members heard the results of the 2017 audit from Holscher, Mayberry & Company. The audit looked at the city’s major funds — General Fund, Parks and Rec Center Fund and the Citywide Capital Improvement Fund, and four major enterprise funds — Municipal Light

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tax was up 3.62 percent in 2017, which provides a snapshot of the local economy. Overall the audit was “clean” and generated few questions from council members. Street closure permits were approved for the Deltarado Days parade on July 28, and the Parade of Lights on Friday, Nov. 23. Main Street will be closed from approximately 8 to 11:30 a.m. for the Deltarado Days parade.

Colorado State Patrol targets dangerous driving in this area The Colorado State Patrol has identified the second deadliest region of the state when it comes to crashes. For the past five years, the counties of Delta, San Miguel, Gunnison, Ouray, Hinsdale, and Montrose (CSP Troop 5C) have had more deadly crashes in July than the majority of the other areas in the state. Over this five-year time span, 35 motorcycle crashes, of which 28 were fatal, have been a major contributor to this ranking in statewide crashes. On July 18, the Colorado State Patrol and additional law enforcement agencies are teaming up to conduct a large scale operation with one goal in mind: saving lives. “We’re right in the midst of a busy travel summer, and with all the traffic traveling to and through this region, we want to make sure everyone has the chance to enjoy their visits to this area,” said Col. Matt Packard, chief of the CSP. “Whether it’s for vacation, a day trip, or just a normal commute, safe driving is everyone’s responsibility.” Troopers from CSP Troop 5C will join other law enforcement officers from the area to identify and stop the dangerous driving behaviors that put all motorists at risk. Emphasis will be on impaired driving, seatbelt use, speeding, and

Correction

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& Power Fund, Sewer Fund, Water Fund and Golf Course Fund. The unrestricted net position of the Golf Course Fund is in the red, at $28,000, but the other enterprise funds have healthy balances. Overall, the city has reserves to cover three to four months of operations, which is on the low end but in the acceptable range. It was noted city sales

Starr’s Guitars presents

In the July 11 article about the Delta Elevator, the name of Franchesca Esplin was spelled incorrectly. Franchesca is the wife of Bobby Esplin Jr. and the daughter-in-law of Bob and Laurie Esplin, owners of the Delta Elevator.

distracted driving. In addition, Chief Packard will address local groups and hear their concerns on how the CSP can improve their communi-

ties. “These are not just the areas we work. These are also the communities where we live. We want what is best for everyone,” said Packard.

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

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VETERANS ARE A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY.

IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY, PLEASE JOIN BANK OF COLORADO IN THANKING OUR NATION’S HEROES FOR THEIR SERVICE.

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�� VETERANS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 – 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ��

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A4 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Delta Praise Center reaches into the community BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A worship team is breathing new life into the church at the bottom of Hillcrest Drive, where the street intersects with H Road. The modest white church at 1712 H Road was formerly known as

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Maranatha Fellowship, and was faithfully served by Pastor Earl Douglas for 27 years. With his retirement came an opportunity to reinvigorate the dwindling congregation, a task that Bill and Karen Wadley have undertaken with faith and optimism. The Wadleys moved from Texas with their youngest daughter and her husband, as well as a youth leader they previously worked with in Texas. After praying for guidance, they came up with the name Delta Praise Center as a starting point for the rebirth of the church. Physical changes are also taking place inside the church, where Wadley is putting his construction experi-

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Sponsored by:

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ence to work to modernize the interior. They want the church to reflect a more laid back, comfortable atmosphere. “Our vision is to reach out to the younger generation,” Wadley said. “We are not formal in any form or fashion.” While the church continues to be affiliated with the Pentecostal Church of God, “We consider ourselves more nondenominational,” Wadley said. The changes he envisions extend beyond the walls of the church to the community at large. “We believe being part of the community is very important,” he said. “We’ve helped out at the homeless shelter, we plan to start working with the correctional facility, and I’ve been attending ministerial alliance meetings. We’re here to help.” Future plans include classes on life/job skills and finances. Wadley is certified with the Chalmers Center to teach money management skills and biblical stewardship principles to individuals from

Girl Scouts raise funds for trip to Denver Delta Girl Scout Troop #10083, comprised of girls in kindergarten through 11th grade, is hosting a multi-family yard sale and bake sale on Saturday, July 21, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Westminster Hall in Delta. All proceeds benefit the troop and a planned trip to Denver later this summer to learn about our state’s capitol. Girls also recently learned about bats and their importance to our ecosystem, and will have bat houses for sale as well.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Senior pastors Bill and Karen Wadley have “replanted” the church at 1712 H Road. It’s now known as Delta Praise Center, and while it continues to be afﬁliated with the Pentecostal Church of God, the Wadleys say they consider themselves nondenominational. varied financial backgrounds. Wadley has been involved in ministry since 1972 and has served as a pastor for 30 years. He is bi-vocational, meaning he also works in construction. He is currently remodeling a house in Grand Junction and updating the church, all while opening his arms to folks from every walk of life. “If I wasn’t busy, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself,” he said. Wadley and his family moved from Olney, Texas, where he converted an old nursing home into an emergency shelter. The shelter was up and running, and grants were coming in to support operations. All was going well. Then God sent Wadley a message: “I told you to start this, not to run it.” So the next day Wadley turned in his resignation and began searching for another way to share the healing power of God.

His search brought him to Delta. “We took this church before we even saw it,” he said. Wadley and his team members extend a warm welcome to everyone in the community. “We will not force anything ill-fitting or uncomfortable on

you,” he said. “We are, however, always willing to talk and share one-onone with anyone who has questions.” The coffee pot is always on, he added. Services are held Sundays at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Learn more at www. deltapraisecenter.com.

Nesbit, Worcester to wed in November Louis and Jeanetta Nesbit announce the engagement of their son, Carl Nesbit of Grand Junction, to Denae Worcester of Castle Rock. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Stan and Sylvia Worcester. The couple will be wed Nov. 18 and will be looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together, no matter where life may take them.

Denae Worcester and Carl Nesbit

BIRTHS Christopher and Sabrina Ryan of Delta are the parents of a son, Warren Michael-Leroy Garrett, born July 8, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, .6 ounce and was 21 inches in length.

Carnival is coming to Delta The Delta Lions Club Carnival is coming to Confluence Park in Delta July 19-21. Presale tickets are available at the City Market in Delta. Children must be 3 feet tall to ride.

Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421.

Photo submitted

Reading celebrations

Each library in Delta County will host a ﬁnal party to celebrate the end of the 2018 summer reading program, “Libraries Rock.” Families are invited to the libraries for water games, sweet treats and prizes for completed reading logs. Still not registered for the program? There’s still time to participate! Go online to sign up at deltalibraries.org “Summer Reading.” Reading logs will be accepted through Saturday, Aug. 18.

We’re Havin’a BAR-B-Q! ALTRUSA DELTARADO DAYS KICK

ALTRUSA DELTARADO DAYS KICK-OFF BBQ

BEER GARDEN BY 4B’S BREWERY

Thursday, July 26 • 5-7 p.m.

ATION! Conﬂuence Lions Pavilion NEW LOC Smoked Brisket • Pulled Pork Cowboy Beans • Corn Salad • Rolls Bar Cookies

ADULTS $12 / CHILDREN 10 & UNDER $4 Tickets available at Ruby’s Flowers, 755 Main St. or Delta Chamber, 301 Main St.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

BoCC responds to BLM oil/gas lease sale BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

The Colorado River Valley Field Office of Bureau of Land Management notified the Delta County Commissioners in late June of a competitive oil and gas lease sale scheduled for Dec. 6, 2018. At their July 16 meeting Commissioners Doug Atchley and Don Suppes authorized and signed a letter of reply to BLM. Commissioner Mark Roeber was absent. The competitive sale will involve leases in three counties, Mesa, Gunnison and Ouray.

Delta County Commissioners commented on leases in Gunnison County, noting that Delta County defers to comments from Gunnison as the authority in their county. The commissioners stated their understanding that the lease sales will be subject to stipulations consistent with the RMP and updated resource information from a variety of sources. The commissioners specifically requested that additional issues be added to those stipulations, including: ground and surface water for

municipal watersheds, public water supplies and agriculture; water bodies and structures; wetlands and riparian areas; air quality and best management practices; and standards for public health. The commissioners quoted Goal 7.0 from the recently adopted county Master Plan: Facilitate responsible, beneficial energy development in order to promote the wise use of natural resources, while also working with energy businesses, land and mineral management agencies, and neighboring county government to eliminate or mitigate,

Commissioners act on financial items BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their July 16 meeting, Delta County Commissioners Doug Atchley and Don Suppes acted on several financial items. Commissioner Mark Roeber was absent. Intergovernmental Agreement with Cedaredge. The county recently partnered with Town of Cedaredge in accomplishing a chip seal project. The county furnished equipment, labor and materials to chip seal approximately 1,350 feet of east Main Street. Cedaredge reimbursed the county $4,397.15 for materials and provided traffic control during the project. Refund to Sheriff’s Office. Delta County received a reimbursement of $48,755, for services rendered, from the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund. The semi-annual report from Seventh Judicial District stated that the Sheriff ’s

Office provided services to 54 primary victims during the six-month period. The criminal categories covering what these victims experienced included crimes against at-risk individuals, sex assault on an adult, sex assault on a child, child abuse, menacing, crimes involving domestic violence, and assault (first, second, third degree, vehicular and on the elderly or disabled.) Colorado Division of Housing. Delta County, along with Montrose, Ouray, Gunnison, Hinsdale and San Miguel counties, participates in a Colorado Division of Housing program for rehabilitation of housing stock. In Delta County, the housing stock is owned by Delta Housing Authority. Primary funding comes from a CDBG grant, with local matching funds from the counties. Delta reimbursed the Division of Housing $13,749.24 for the coun-

Veterans’ OneSource breaks ground in GJ The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for the Western Region OneSource Friday, July 20, in Grand Junction. A state-owned, former Colorado National Guard armory in Grand Junction is the future home of the Western Region OneSource, which will help serve the needs of more than 40,000 Colorado service members, veterans, and their families who live in the 24 counties along the Western Slope. “With the governor’s leadership, we will increase our capacity to assist Colorado service members, veterans, and their families, making Colorado even more of a military- and veteranfriendly state,” the Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Loh said.

“The addition of a Western Region OneSource will centralize resources under one roof, making it easier for those who serve or have served, and their families, to take that first step in obtaining assistance.” The ceremony is 11 a.m. at the Colorado Army National Guard Readiness Center, 2820 Riverside Parkway (DRoad), Grand Junction. Veterans are a growing population across Colorado. More than 400,000 veterans live in Colorado, with about 10 percent living along the Western Slope. The OneSource is close to a major veteranserving medical facility, the Grand Junction VA Medical Center, which is already a destination for about 15,000 veterans in the western region. It is scheduled to open its doors in May 2019 at 428 28 Road.

ty’s local match for the rehabilitation of housing for Delta Housing Authority for the month of June 2018. Supplemental Budget, Human Services Fund. The need for child congregate care has increased substantially since the 2018 county budget was approved and additional funds are needed to cover services in the child congregate care for the last half of the budget year. Commissioners approved an additional $25,000, increasing the Human Services Fund from $3,965,805 to $3,990,805. The $25,000 will be taken from unappropriated funds in the Human Services Fund.

to the extent feasible within the county’s jurisdiction, both on and off site impacts of energy development activities to the environment, water resources, communities, public infrastructure, surrounding land uses, and the public health, safety and welfare within. To help accomplish this goal, the county has convened an Oil and Gas Working Group of industry representatives and county residents to evaluate county regulations to ensure the county effectively exercises the authority available to it. The commissioners will provide additional comments based on the work of this group as the Environmental Assessment moves through the NEPA process. The commissioners commented on specific leases. Leases 8389, 8390, 8391. Delta County fully supports these lease sales as they provide the base for ongoing research in the North Fork Coal Mine Methane Working Group. Their mission is to support the coal mines and surrounding communities in the North Fork Valley through the development of a comprehensive strategy for education, capture, exploration of mitigation, and economic utilization of coal mine methane. These lease sales allow for the utilization of product and continuation of the exploration of viable alternatives, including flaring. Leases 8138, 8140, 8135. These leases are in

close proximity to existing leases and subject to the protections currently in place. Delta County requests that the above mentioned stipulations be considered and addressed with these leases. Leases 8320, 8351. Because of the proximity of these leases to the Paonia Reservoir, careful consideration needs to be given to the steep terrain, geological features, instability of surrounding soils, proximity to West Elk Scenic Historic Byway, and watershed

areas. The commissioners encourage detailed evaluation and implementation of stipulations and monitoring of these two leases due to the proximity to the Paonia Reservoir. During constituent time Andrew ForkesGudmunson told the commissioners that capturing methane is a good idea, but the BLM doesn’t have the authority to offer oil and gas leases for waste methane. He asked the commissioners to encourage BLM to follow its own rules.

A6 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Singers invited to audition for ‘The Voice of the San Juans’ Altrusa of Montrose is again offering its popular vocal events this July and September modeled after the popular television competition, “The Voice.” “The Voice of the San Juans” will feature blind auditions on Sunday, July 29, at Magic Circle Theatre starting at 3 p.m. Judges, who will listen with their backs turned to the performers, will select 12 vocalists to move on to the final competition, to be held Saturday, Sept. 15,

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at the Montrose Pavilion. At that concert, the audience will vote using their smart phones to select four finalists and, after an intermission and additional performances, choose a single grand prize winner who will receive $2,000. Singers can register to audition by visiting http://the voicesanjuans.wordpress. com. This local contest will raise funds to benefit our community and others with connections to the Western Slope. “This will be great fun for both the audience and the singers,” said Rose Price, co-chair of the Altrusa fundraising committee organizing the event. “Vocalists will gain exposure and fans

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will enjoy a wide range of performances. All for a good cause.” Proceeds from the events benefit the local Altrusa International Foundation of Montrose. Altrusa is a nonprofit, worldwide volunteer organization of people with diverse backgrounds and experience dedicated to improving communities by personal service. Altrusa of Montrose was organized in 1975 and is one of the most active clubs in the entire international organization. During the past fiscal year, Altrusa of Montrose provided financial assistance to over a dozen local nonprofits, $6,000 in scholarships to local students, and needed

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regular business hours, or from Brown Paper Tickets online at http:// voice2018.bpt.me for the auditions or http://

voice2018finals.bpt.me for the finals. Brown Paper Tickets charges a small processing fee for each ticket sold.

Having the conversation All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin, will conclude its end-of-life series with a presentation by Aaron Clay, attorney from Delta, on Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Clay will discuss Medicaid eligibility rules, powers of attorney, living wills, wills and trusts, beneficiary deeds and estate administration. Ninety percent of people say that talking about

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end of life discussions with their family is very important; 10 percent 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. The public is invited to this presentation and refreshments will be served.

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supplies and services to numerous other groups. Tickets for both events are available at Fabula, 317 E. Main, during

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OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Wilma Johnson

Longtime Hotchkiss resident Wilma J. Johnson died July 13, 2018, at her home. She was 71. A celebration of life service is pending. She is survived by her husband, Owen Johnson of Hotchkiss; sons, Boyd (Connie) Johnson of Detriot Lakes, Minn., William Mercer of Grand Junction, Darrel Johnson of Hotchkiss, Brian Mercer of Grand Junction and Dell (Lynette) Johnson of Delta; daughter, Diane (Jason) Bursack of Fargo, N.D.; brother, Lewis (Barbara) Sylvain of Hackettstown, N.J.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and extended family. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

ing, fishing, camping, gold panning and playing practical jokes on friends and students. He was a member of the Uncompahgre Ward at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Delta. He is survived by his wife, Anita Prisbrey of Olathe; two sons, Jason Prisbrey of Olathe and Jeremy (Jennifer) Prisbrey of Casper, Wyo.; four daughters, Tammy (Earl) Keysaw of Riverton, Wyo., Wendi (John) Muzzy of Cheyenne, Wyo., Katrina (Quinn) Snow of Casper, Wyo., and Jalita (Lawrence) Sanderson of Montrose; a sister, Diane (Lloyd) Belka of Sandy, Utah; a brother, Joe of Sandy, Utah; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Valita Prisbrey; and a daughter, Devida. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jack Prisbrey

Longtime Olathe resident Jack Prisbrey died July 14, 2018, at his home. He was 78. Public viewing will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Delta. Interment will follow at the Olathe Cemetery. Mr. Prisbrey was born July 23, 1939, to Henry and May (Palmer) Prisbrey in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his childhood in Bountiful, Utah, and graduated from Bountiful High School in 1957. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Adams State College in Alamosa. On May 3, 1962, he married Valita Higley in Salt Lake City. She preceded him in death. In 1965, he began his teaching career in Olathe. He taught science and was a coach. On April 20, 2018, he married Anita Hundley in Olathe. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunt-

Larry Moore

Larry Robert Moore died Monday, June 11, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. He was 78. He was born in Konawa, Okla., on Aug. 12, 1939, to Robert and Orclea “Rusty” (Simpson) Moore. He retired from real estate in 2006. He and his wife spent six months each year at Aspen Leaf Ranch in Gunnison County. After a fall at the ranch on Sept. 16, 2017, he became a quadriplegic. He was determined to get back to the ranch, where they provided room and board for the oil and gas industry, as well as hunters. He enjoyed his family, art, The Eagles and spending time at the ranch. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosalie of Denver; son, Paul (Laura) Moore of Durango; daughter, Lisa Connor of Englewood; grandchildren, Miranda Connor, Victoria Connor, Logan

Moore and Halle Moore; a sister, Nancy Silvers; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Linda Hammond. Memorial donations may be made to “That’s How I Roll Foundation,” which was supportive of Larry after his accident. Donations can be made at www.thatshowiroll. org. There is a place on the website to write a note in memory of Larry Moore.

Willis Walker

Hotchkiss resident Willis Walker died July 11, 2018, at his home. He was 77. He was born at home near Speedwell, Tenn., to Milus and Trula Walker on Nov. 27, 1940. In his early 20s, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, and was hired by Chrysler Corporation, where he worked for 20 years until he was forced to retire due to a brain aneurysm. He moved with his family to Hotchkiss in August 1991. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane Walker of Hotchkiss; daughter, Lana Walker Tobin of Dayton, Ohio; son, William Walker of Denver; nephew/brother, Jerry (Susie) Rogers of Eaton, Ohio; two granddaughters, Kaelee Tobin of Denver and Kelsey Tobin of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Etta Wright of Big Rapids, Mich.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by three infant brothers, Eugene, James and Corey Walker; five sisters, Agnes Webb, foster mother/sister Gertrude “Sis” (Hoyle) Rogers, Jeanette Hill, Betty (Jack) Marks and Thelma Harmon; one brother, Timothy (Jeanette) Walker; and his father- and mother-in-law, Otto and Carol Hattstaedt. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Hotchkiss. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 or Hotchkiss Fire District, PO Box 522, Hotchkiss,

June 8, 1926 ~ July 7, 2018

High School in 1944 and went to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., on a music scholarship. There she met the love of her life, Bob Eklund. They were married July 1, 1945 in her parents’ home in Kiowa. Throughout her lifetime Alice gave the gift of music to many piano students, accompanied others, and played for countless events. She was (in her words) “so fortunate to have had such wonderful, loving parents, a precious sister whom I loved dearly, and the best husband in the world.” She was also blessed with six children: Connie, Larry, MaryAnn, Shellee, Wayne and Scott. She and Bob had a beautiful life together and were especially happy when their children and grandchildren were

around. Alice is survived by her children Connie Bray, Larry (Celia) Eklund, MaryAnn (Marty) Rathburn, Shellee (Richard) Starr, Wayne (Rose) Eklund, Scott (Syndi) Eklund; 12 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, her parents, her sister, and one granddaughter, Kim Bryant. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Chapel of the Cross in Cedaredge, Colo., with Rev. Wayne Eklund officiating. Interment was at Cedaredge Cemetery, Cedaredge, Colo. Memorial contributions may be made to Horizons Care Center Memory Unit for music in memory program, 11411 Hwy. 65 Eckert, CO 81418. 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

Street, 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.

Barbara Caldwell

Jim Shea

Alice Louise Jefferies Eklund Alice was born June 8, 1926, in Enid, Okla. At 20 months old she was placed in an orphanage. Eight days later Alice was taken to the home of Wayne, Minnie and Melvinia Jefferies. They adopted her and were her loving parents and sister. Alice’s dad, Wayne, had built a nice home on their 80-acre farm outside Kiowa, Kan., but times were hard and Wayne had to get a job in town. Later he transferred to Isabel, Kan., where Melvinia graduated from high school and Alice went to first grade. The next year the family moved back to the farm, and Alice went to the country school her mother, dad and sister attended. Alice’s dad farmed until she was ready for the eighth grade. Then her parents sold the farm, and the family moved into the town of Kiowa. During her school years Alice studied piano with Mrs. Hugh Griffin and earned many awards for her skill as a pianist. Among her awards was inclusion on the National Honor Roll for Pianists at age 11. Alice graduated from Kiowa

CO 81419. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Lifetime Delta resident Jim Shea died July 15, 2018, at Crossroads Assisted Living Center in Delta. He was 86. A vigil service will beheld from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, at St. Michael’s Church with Mass of the Resurrection to follow at 10:30 a.m., with Father Dick Haldane, Mr. Shea’s nephew, officiating. Interment will follow at Delta City Cemetery. Mr. Shea was born May 3, 1932, to John and Nellie (Ryan) Shea in Delta. He graduated from Delta High School in 1951. He was an accomplished athlete in school and received a football scholarship to Mesa State. On May 29, 1954, he married Addie Hendricks at St. Michael’s Church. Mr. Shea raised sugar beets, barley for Coors, corn and hay. He built and operated Shea Dairy. He served on the Wells Fargo board of directors, both locally and nationally, and he also served on the Production Credit Association board and USDA board for many years. Mr. Shea enjoyed spending time with family and friends, an occasional trip to Las Vegas, his cabin on Grand Mesa and dancing. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He is survived by his children, Kelly (Kim) Shea and Teri (Larry) Cockroft, all of Delta; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 10 siblings; his wife, Addie Shea; a son, Scott Shea; and daughter, Debbie Jo Ryan. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 628 Meeker

Barbara Sue Caldwell died July 12, 2018, at Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 68. The date and time of a celebration of life has not been set. Mrs. Caldwell was born March 10, 1950, to Vernon and Berta (Arnold) Lewis in Missouri. She was a CNA most of her life. She enjoyed hiking, road trips with family and friends, and caring for her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She is survived by five children, Larry Head, Jeffery Head, Tashia

Hodge, William Head and Bernita Head; and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

John Terry

Delta resident John Terry died June 18, 2018. He was 52. A memorial service will be held at his home on Saturday, July 28, at 5 p.m. He is survived by his mother; two sisters; one daughter; two sons; and extended family.

Check out the DCI Print Shop. Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

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A8 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

OBITUARIES Frances LeGault

Frances Elaine LeGault died Dec. 24, 2017, at her home in Delta. She was 97. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. July 21 at Rivers Church in Delta.

Michael Bauer

Cedaredge resident Michael D. Bauer died from a stroke on July 13, 2018, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 51. Funeral services were held July 17 at Eckert Presbyterian Church; interment followed at Cedaredge Cemetery. Mr. Bauer was born Dec. 9, 1966, to Clifford and Alice (Ogren) Bauer in Sacramento, Calif. He spent his childhood and attended school in Cedaredge. Mr. Bauer was a lineman by trade. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, Fords and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He is survived by three sisters, Melissa Hofius, Marilyn (Kenny) Myers and Jeanetta (Leon) Nesbit, all of Cedaredge; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be made to Donor Alliance. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Charlotte Ambrose

Former Somerset resident Charlotte Rose Ambrose died July 13, 2018, at Colorow Care Center in Olathe. She was 87. She was known as “The Walking Lady” as she could be seen walking between Somerset and Paonia nearly every day. Services will be held at a later date. She will be buried at the Somerset Cemetery. She is survived by a brother, Roy Ambrose of Mesa, Ariz. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Edwin Macy

Edwin L. Macy died July 13, 2018. He was 88. He was born June 27, 1930, to Merle and Ruth Macy in Montrose. He spent his childhood and attended school in Montrose, graduating from Montrose High School in 1948. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Western State College in 1952 and then served in the U.S. Army for 16 months in Korea in 1953 and 1954. He attained the rank of sergeant. He went back to Western State, earning his master of arts in 1955. He was a skilled cornet player throughout grade school and was a featured soloist for Western State College Band. He was a graduate assistant at Western State, teaching classes in conducting and band instruments. He taught band in Ouray for one year before moving to Olathe in 1956, where he taught band until 1982. Then, he received his library certification from University of Northern Colorado and became the librarian at Columbine Junior High School (later Columbine Middle School) in Montrose until he retired in 1993. On July 31, 1955, he married Nancy Stephenson in Doyleville. She preceded him in death on May 4, 1989. He married Rosemary Stuver in Montrose on July 17, 1994. Mr. Macy was the master of the Olathe Masonic Lodge and served as lodge secretary for 10 years.

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He was president of the Western Slope Music Educators, president of the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association, president of the Olathe Rotary, president of the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, and chapter representative to the state Archaeological Society board of directors for several years. Mr. Macy was a member of the Olathe AF & AM #157, Montrose Elks Lodge, and was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite in Grand Junction. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry board from 1990-1993. He and his wife served as ushers at St. Paul’s Church for many years. The Macys enjoyed traveling. They took trips to the Panama Canal, Europe, Ireland, England, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific. Mr. Macy enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, photography, being outdoors, watching the Broncos and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; daughters, Elaine (Randy) Rowan of Montrose, Kathleen (Larry) Cirbo of Longmont and Karen (Bill) Decker of Delta; stepdaughter, Chris (Jack) Panasuk; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the San Juan Cancer Center or to HopeWest. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. The enrichment of ashes will follow at Grand View Cemetery, Serenity Gardens in Montrose. Crippin Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Dawn Young

Lifetime North Fork area resident Dawn Young died Sunday, July 8, 2018, at her home. She was 56. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Hotchkiss. Dawn LeAnne Barkhoff was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, Sept. 24, 1961, to Ron and Lorraine (Schoning) Barkhoff. She spent her childhood in the Paonia area and graduated from Paonia High School. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and the outdoors, especially fishing. She is survived by her two sons, Rick (Cathy Mathews) Young of Paonia and Corey Young of Delta; her mother, Lorraine Barkhoff of Cassville, Mo.; her brother, Shane (Sheryl) Barkhoff of Pennsylvania; and a grandson, Taylor Manzanares of Utah. She was preceded in death by her father, Ron Barkhoff. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Delta County Independent

Crystal Dawn Pipher Jan. 18, 1936 ~ June 6, 2018 Crystal Dawn Pipher (Lemon, Reigles, Laub), born Jan. 18, 1936, was found June 6, 2018, at her home in Delta, Colo. She was born at the homestead on Crystal Creek at the dawn of day and delivered by her father. Graduated from Crawford High and attended college in Denver. Crystal was a lifelong Christian. She had two daughters and then was blessed with seven grandsons. My mother was a ray of sunshine, always greeting everyone she would meet with a smile. She did not know a stranger. Going for daily walks, waking up at 4 a.m. to prepare meals for large holiday family get-togethers, and playing games with family and friends brought her much joy. To know her was to love her and her memory will always be

in our hearts. She is survived by her daughter Katie Lula (Lemon) and son inlaw Robert Nehring of Eagle Mountain Utah. Grandsons and granddaughters in-law Matt and Joan, Jamey and Amber, Jeremy, Chad and Frenses, and Joshua and Jamie, and Corissa Rule wife of Gregory. Great-grandchildren Ethan, Kaden, Hailey, Alyssa, Kenlee, Esther Mae, Madison and Brendon. Brother Luce

Pipher, sister Hetty and brother-in-law Larry Todd, brother Kermit and sister-in-law Laura Pipher all of Crawford, Colo. She was preceeded in death by her father and mother, Charles Herbert and Katie Claudine (Collins) Pipher, brother Charles Pipher and three sisters, Alova Wohlfahrt, Thursa Stella, Myrtle Bowlus and grandsons Brendon Loren and Gregory Lee Rule that she adored. Crystal had 34 nieces and nephews. She kept track of every birthday and would send them cards and call them if she could reach them. In lieu of flowers or other gifts please donate to Crawford Cemetery, PO Box 253, Crawford, CO 81415. There will be a memorial celebration posted at a later date. Paid obituary

Frances Loraine Tuttle Aug. 17, 1935 ~ July 6, 2018 Frances Tuttle passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018, at Crossroads Memory Care Unit in Delta, with her family by her side. Frances was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Fort Collins, Colo., to William and Esther Schaefer Schilling. She graduated from Wellington High School in 1953. On June 13, 1954, in Fort Collins, Colo., Frances married the love of her life, Robert J. Tuttle. Their marriage produced three sons, Steven Joe, Michael Paul, and Stuart Robert. In 1967 the family moved to the Eck-

ert area where Frances made their house a loving home. She enjoyed gardening, landscaping, rock laying, texturing, building houses, and ranching. She loved to read and was an expert seamstress, making clothes for her family. Her talents will be greatly missed. Frances is survived by her husband: Robert, of Delta, Colo.; and a son, Stuart (Mary Paspernacki) Tuttle of Flagstaff, Ariz.; two sisters-in-law, Edith Gutowski of Pontiac, Mich., and Ann Tuttle of Wellington, Del. She is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Esther Shilling; two sons, Michael and Steven; and a brother, Robert Schilling. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel, 682 1725

Road, Delta. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018, 10 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1000 Pioneer Road, Delta, with the Rev. Kurt Van Fossan officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Mesa View Cemetery. Memorial contributions to be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24 Delta, CO 81416 or a charity of your choice in Frances’ name. 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

Mary LoRene Reirdon Woodruff March 31, 1936 ~ June 26, 2018 Mary was the eldest of four children born to Jack Joseph Reirdon and LoRene Madison Taliaferro Reirdon. Mary grew up and attended school in Durant, Okla,, graduating from Durant High School in 1955. Her grandfather had a lumber yard in Durant, and her father worked there as well. He was also an assistant fire marshal. She married Philip Henry Woodruff on July 14, 1955, in Durant, Okla. After having her two children, Grace and Henry, she attended Southeastern State College of Oklahoma where she graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in home economics. She and Phil moved to Hotchkiss, Colo., with their two children in 1963 because of Phil’s previous hunting experience in the San Juan area and his love of the mountains. Mary was promised an elementary school teaching position in Hotchkiss if she would teach one year of home economics at the high school. This began Mary’s successful teaching career, which spanned 24 years, as a home economics teacher. She was selected to appear in the 1971 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America, in recognition of her

outstanding accomplishments and service to her community, country, and profession. In 1976 she started a boys’ home economics class where they would sew down jackets, vests, and gators. Her female students often sewed their prom dresses in her class. In 1969 Mary brought back the Future Homemakers Organization to the school. She began having an annual spring style show where top models and seamstresses/tailors were awarded for their talents. Mary earned a master’s of arts degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., in 1970. Before Mary retired she finally had the opportunity to teach at the elementary school. She taught four years of fourth grade, and some of her students were children of her former high school students, which made parent teacher-conferences especially interesting. Mary retired

from teaching in 1991. After Mary retired, she and Phil traveled all over the world. They often visited their son, who lived and worked in Italy. Other countries they explored included Austria, France, Greece, South America, Ireland and Turkey. Mary had a strong fondness for her former students and enjoyed crossing paths with them in town. Whether shopping at the grocery store or dining at a restaurant, her presence was always kindly acknowledge by those who knew her in the community. A reception honoring Mary and her teaching career was hosted last summer by her friends and students. She enjoyed this special occasion and appreciated the thoughtfulness of all who attended. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil, who passed away in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Grace Whitmer, son-in-law Lyle Giegling, granddaughter Emily Whitmer, her son Henry Woodruff, his wife Amy Thomas, twin brothers Dorsey and Joe Reirdon, and younger sister Ella Brown. A celebration of life service will be held at a date to be determined. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

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announces headliner, Eric Paslay Olathe Sweet Corn Festival is proud to announce that Grammy nominated artist Eric Paslay will headline the 27th annual event on Saturday, Aug. 4. EMI Records Nashville breakout country artist Eric Paslay delivers a powerful punch as a renowned, Platinumselling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer. Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The Temple, Texas native has earned numerous songwriter award nominations including Grammy’s Best Coun-

try Song, ACM’s Song of the Year twice and the CMA Song of the Year for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” Paslay was also honored with a Grammy nomination as an artist in 2016 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “The Driver,” a collaboration with friends Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley. A true artist’s artist, USA Today calls

Eric Paslay

tion, visit BlackCanyon Astronomy.com or phone 970-856-7716.

Register for fall adult softball Take advantage of our mild fall weather and extend your summer fun by registering your team for the City of Delta’s fall softball league. Register now through July 28 for the coed, women’s or men’s leagues for just $225 per team and a $20 player fee. The 10game season begins the week of Aug. 20. Coed will play on Monday nights and men’s and women’s will play Thursdays at Mountain View Park. For more information or to register, stop by Bill Heddles Recreation Center, call 874-0923 or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

Brown Family Band offers a unique sound Don’t miss the Brown Family Band in concert at the Chapel of the Cross Sunday, July 29, at 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. The Brown Family Band is comprised of father Jody Brown with his two kids, Levi and Tia Brown. They have formed a unique sound

accompanied by artist Kurt Isgreen on banjo and lead guitar, along with others. The Brown Family Band taps into genres of music stemming from the deep roots of bluegrass, gospel, blues, rock, country, pop and anything else this trio can wrap its harmonies around.

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hosts over 50 food and craft vendors and a local beer and wine garden. Kids and families can enjoy entertainment all day from multiple bands, a petting zoo, games, and of course all of the Olathe Sweet Corn you can eat! The Olathe Sweet Corn Festival is proudly presented by City Market and Alpine Bank and is a component fund of the Montrose Community Foundation. For more information and online ticket sales visit www. olathesweetcornfest.com.

Singer songwriter to perform at the chapel

Learn how astronomy has transformed us Molly Pittman will present “How Astronomy Has Shaped Us” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 24, in the Centennial Room, 24 S. Uncompahgre Street, Montrose. Pittman is a park ranger at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Humans have been observing the night sky for the last 32,000 years. In that time, the sky has changed little, but the act of observing it has transformed us. Join Ranger Pittman and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS) to discover how astronomy has shaped the human species. The BCAS stimulates public interest and knowledge of astronomy in the local area. Monthly meetings are held in Delta or Montrose. The BCAS also holds public sky viewing events. For more informa-

Paslay “flat out-brilliant” and American Songwriter names him an influencer of country music. For latest information on Eric go to www.ericpaslay.com. “The festival committee is excited to bring another high-caliber entertainer to our 27th annual event,” said festival coordinator Kyle Martinez. “It should be an exciting festival celebrating Olathe’s strong agriculture heritage, local nonprofits, and we will have plenty of butter.” The annual event

Brown Family Band

The Chapel of the Cross welcomes Alan Cunningham in concert Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m. Alan Cunningham has made his musical home in the folk/Americana world of singer songwriters for many years. For the past four decades he has had a passion for creating his music filled with songs of life and love. His shows have a wonderful blend of original songs accompanied by the tales of how they came to be. A simple, straightforward storytelling style with a voice that comes straight from the heart. Cunningham comes to Cedaredge from his home in Ottawa, Kan., where he has made his living teaching elementary music. In addition to taking the stage with his original folk music, he spends his summer days performing shows for children where he shares his original children’s songs.

Alan Cunningham So don’t be surprised if a couple of songs bring out the inner child in you. Cunningham looks forward to sharing his music with the Cedaredge community. Grand Mesa has always been a second home to him and his family. Many of his songs were created while spending time in a family cabin on the mesa built by his father-in-law. Come and enjoy a refreshing evening that will make you laugh and touch your heart. Admission is by donation.

Competitive trail ride set for Aug. 4-5 The Women’s Surface Creek Saddle Club hosts the Island In The Sky, a NATRC competitive trail ride on Grand Mesa Aug. 4 and 5. Ride mileage varies from 8 miles to 30 miles a day depending on the class folks enter. Horse enthusiasts can treat themselves and their equines to a dramatic contrast in landscape, climate and vegetation at the top of the largest flattopped mountain in the world. Ride through huge

Library to host huge book sale The Friends of the Delta Library are hosting a book sale in conjunction with Deltarado Days on Wednesday, July 25, and Thursday, July 26. A great selection of books and other materials will be for sale under a tent on the library lawn from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Proceeds of the sale benefit Delta Library. For more information or to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact the library at 874-9630.

meadows and around beautiful lakes, following game trails in the spruce and aspen forest. Contact Juleen Feazell at gjfeazell@icloud.com for more details.

Soccer registration is underway Registration for the youth recreational soccer program is open until Saturday, July 21. From July 21-28, a $10 late fee will be charged in addition to the registration fee. Soccer is for ages 414 with birthdates from 1/1/2005 to 12/31/2014. Each team will practice two times a week beginning Aug. 20 and will have a total of six games, beginning in early September. There will also be an end-of-season tournament. Games are usually played on Thursday and Friday evenings or on Saturdays. The fee for U6-U10 is $60; for U12U-14, it’s $65. For more information or to register, stop by Bill Heddles Recreation Center, call 874-0923 or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

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A10 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Hospital CEO receives Grassroots Champion Award Jason Cleckler, CEO of Delta County Memorial Hospital, received the American Hospital Association (AHA) 2018 Grassroots Champion Award at the recent Colorado Hos-

pital Association (CHA) annual meeting in Vail on July 12. Each year AHA partners with state hospital associations to recognize the achievements of grassroots leaders who

effectively deliver the hospital message to elected officials; help broaden the base of community support for hospitals; and advocate tirelessly on behalf of patients, hospi-

Introducing ICELab Accelerator businesses Five regional businesses have been selected to participate in the ICELab’s Accelerator Program. Now in its second year, the accelerator prepares emerging entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses through an intensive curriculum of training and mentoring. This year’s participants include two businesses from Delta County and three from Gunnison County. Crested Butte SUP is a stand-up paddle boarding experience company. Also based in Crested Butte, Vermont Sticky is an innovative maple syrup manufacturer offering a variety of products. Napping Bunny, located in Gunnison, is focused on providing napping pods in large metropolitan airport concourses. In Delta County, AFSAGV is working on creating control widgets to help farmers and ranchers manage their irrigation and water operations. Finally, the Delta Brick Company hopes to develop advanced manufacturing on the Western Slope. “This program is a game changer when we think of economic development throughout the area we serve,” stated Dan Marshall, director of programming for the ICELab. “Our focus is to work with businesses and their concepts with the direction of positive impact, whether it is

job creation, growth of revenue or retention of staff.” acceleraICELab’s tor is a 12-week rigorous program for start-up and early stage companies located in Gunnison and Delta counties on Colorado’s Western Slope. Funded through a Federal Economic Development Grant, ICELab’s focus is economic development for both counties that have been hard-hit in recent years by coal mine closures. In early November, the program culminates at the “Trout Tank” — a demonstration event that brings businesses, investors and community together in celebration of these five inspiring businesses. Almost a year after being part of the inaugural acclerator cohort, alumni continue to make strides in establishing and growing their businesses. Merrily Talbot, produes “Placebos,” a line of breath mints designed to counteract anxiety, with flavors such as “Political Despair.” Placebos are currently in 40 retailers from Boston to San Francisco. Ken Richards, based in Delta, continues to develop his value-based software platform giving professional service providers better control when tracking hours and calculating costs. Ty Long, founder of Tyligent Industries has achieved federal contractor status for his innovative sports

and firefighting equipment drying system. He currently sells the product online. Crested Butte’s First Ascent Coffee, owned by Mark and Ali Drucker, has begun working on its high-end, handcrafted instant coffee and wholesale products. “We have been able to grow our wholesale coffee three times more than it was,” stated Mark. Rachel Alter continues to create connections throughout the Gunnison Valley in support of her vision, The Kitchen Project — a multi-use, commercial kitchen that will be available to artisan food producers. She has attracted partners like Western State Colorado University to help build the facility in the heart of Gunnison. ICELab is located on the Western State Colorado University Campus in the Escalante Terrace Building. The Lab is also home to the West Central Small Business Development Center for Colorado helping build business throughout seven counties of southwest Colorado. ICELab is a co-working space offering a place for location-neutral workers to work, create and interact — and boasts the excellent onsite Overlook Cafe. The ICELab is the regional one-stop shop for everything related to business and economic development. Learn more at icelab.co

tals and communities. In 2017 and 2018 Cleckler was named in the top 60/50 Rural CEOs in the Nation to Know from Becker’s Review. Cleckler has actively worked on health care issues on behalf of rural hospitals with legislative representatives both on a state and national level. He is often quoted by local, statewide and national press as a spokesperson for rural hospital health care issues, including Yahoo news, national public radio, and various health care publications. He serves on the Colorado Hospital Association board of trustees, Western Health Care Alliance and Collaborative Care Organization boards, Western Workforce Development board, San Juan Accountable Care Organization board, Delta County Economic Development board, and is a member of the Delta Rotary Club. Cleckler has been with the 49-bed community hospital for a total of 10 years and CEO for the past six years managing 650 employees in the hos-

pital and nine outpatient care clinics. Prior to that time he was chief clinical officer, emergency department director and trauma nurse coordinator at DCMH. His health care career began in the 1990s when he first became a regis-

tered nurse (RN). During his career as an RN he worked in a variety of capacities including inpatient psychiatry, ER/trauma, ICU, various management roles and as a clinical instructor with the University of Colorado.

Photo submitted

Jason Cleckler, CEO of Delta County Memorial Hospital accepts the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award presented by Steven Summer, CEO and president of the Colorado Hospital Association at the CHA annual conference in Vail.

Innovative startup companies invited to pitch their ideas Innovative startup companies from Colorado, working in the energy sector, are invited to apply to Spark Tank, a pitch event kicking off the second annual Energy Conference hosted by ENGAGE in Paonia on Sept. 17. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15. The top five companies by Aug. 31 and will have their travel and lodging paid for to participate in the full conference free of charge. On the evening of Sept. 17 the selected companies will pitch to a panel

of industry decision-makers, investors, energy experts and leaders, conference attendees, and members of the public at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia. Each company will be given 15 minutes to pitch followed by a 10 minute time of Q&A. Before and during the conference, Spark Tank participants will be provided the opportunity to schedule short meetings with registered energy leaders or potential investors attending the conference. Attendees will also be granted the opportunity

to request audiences with Spark Tank participants. Capitalizing on a very successful inaugural event, the second annual Energy Conference will further explore the topic of energy innovation. The intersection of traditional providers, innovative disruptors and a newfound focus on the customer are stimulating a rapid industrial transition in the once staid power utility business. To learn more about the Energy Conference, or to apply for Spark Tank, go to www.engage deltacounty.org.

Know Your Neighbor

Custom-designed memorials by Stones with a Story capture a loved one’s life

Lark Abel has been a working artist and designer since she was 18. For over 45 years, she has been creating carved and etched art glass for high-end homes in California, Hawaii and Colorado. Her love of wildlife and nature brought

Lark to her new home in the junipers of Cedaredge. About three years ago, her dear friend Bob Heid (rest his soul) requested a customdesigned granite memorial (see photo below). Three years and 20 memorials later, “Stones with a Story” is paying tribute to loved ones with hand drawn, cut and carved memorials. Each stone reﬂects a person’s loves, life story and all things meaningful to them. Designs can be simple and tasteful, or intricate and detailed.

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Stones with a Story is a full-service memorial company offering installation and refurbishing. Lark also offers architectural stone carvings for mantels, ﬁreplaces, shower partitions and entryways. Simple, ornate, stylized or realistic, she offers a variety of themes to complement your architecture and create a warm and meaningful statement for your home or ofﬁce. Lark began her career as a self-employed artist at 19. She started Abel Arts in 1972, making redwood signs and logos on the island of Kauai where she lived and had a shop for 26 years.

Today, she works from an industrial shop located at Aspen Rock & Gem at 1290 S. Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge — a destination in itself. Lark would love to hear your ideas. Call for an appointment at 970-7787710 or visit www.abelart glass.com for a look at her beautiful craftsmanship.

Owl - Carved and etched glass

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NEVER A COVER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! • 10 a.m.-2 a.m. 1410 Valley View Drive • Delta • 970-874-3130

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NORTH FORK July 18, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Former trustee booted from town meeting Paonia mayor takes exception with comments from former trustee on board procedures BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A longstanding rift between a current and former elected town official came to a boil at the July 10 meeting of the Paonia Board of Trustees when Mayor Charles Stewart asked law enforcement to escort former trustee Suzanne Watson out of Town Hall. The ousting came during consideration by the board to submit scoping comments to the Bureau of Land Management regarding recently revived oil and gas leases in the North Fork Valley. Earlier in the meeting trustees voted to approve a $360,000 bid for sandblasting and re-lining of the Clock water tank. The item was not on the agenda. Stewart argued that the issue of the water tank had been discussed at length during previous meetings, and noted that in June, the awarding of a previous contract was nullified when the winning bidder announced it would not accept the contract. Awarding the bid is considered by the town to be a priority in one of the driest years on record and trustees expressed concern at putting the bid off, further delaying storage of a million gallons of water. In light of the absence of the town attorney, and in the name of transparency, Watson and Paonia resident Dave Knutson urged the board to consider scheduling a special meeting to award the bid. During consideration of the letter to the BLM — noticed on the agenda as “Citizens for a Healthy Community — BLM 4th Quarter Oil & Gas Lease Sale,” under “New Business” — Stewart said the board would need to hold a spe-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Former town trustee Suzanne Watson is escorted out of Paonia Town Hall by Police Chief Neil Ferguson and ofﬁcer Nick Rogers during the June 10 meeting of the board of trustees. Watson was ordered removed by Mayor Charles Stewart after she spoke without being recognized and disobeyed orders to stop speaking. Dave Knutson, left, also spoke without being recognized and left the meeting with Watson. cial meeting to approve comments, “which it could elect to do. That’s the only way this board can act. It can only act if in fact there is notice to the public.” “Really?” asked Watson from the audience. “That is correct, Miss Watson,” said Stewart. “You want to comment again. You can leave.” Stewart then granted Watson the podium to discuss one specific issue after Scott Shishim, who was last to speak at the podium, asked, “Charles, can she talk. I mean, I was up there. I don’t see why she couldn’t talk.” Watson walked toward the podium, and Stewart again warned her. “Miss Watson, I’m gonna be really clear about this. You have an outburst like that again, you’ll be asked to leave. And I have that authority.” Watson began expressing her opinion on what she saw as a “double standard” in the way the two agenda items were being handled. “Miss Watson, right now we’re deal-

Hotchkiss town shop will be on November ballot BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In November, the Town of Hotchkiss will ask voters for permission to sell the town shop at 222 W. Bridge Street. The town’s public works department has not only outgrown the 6,236-square-foot facility, but it can be tricky moving trucks and heavy equipment in and out of the garage and onto the town’s busiest thoroughfare. If the town can sell what it believes to be prime commercial property, it could build a new shop next to the town’s wastewater treatment plant. But by state statute, a statutory town may only sell and dispose of real property after receiving voter approval. At their July 11 meeting, Hotchkiss trustees unanimously approved a resolution to place the question on the November ballot. The question sets a minimum sales price of $168,500, an amount that reflects a 2014 appraisal of the site. There was some discussion about holding onto the property, but trustee John Marta said the town can not afford to keep the current building and build another home for the shop. As for leasing out the building, trustees agreed the town should not become a landlord. Later in the meeting, trustees authorized staff to pursue a DOLA grant for planning and design of the new shop, so the project will be “shovel ready” shortly after the November election. At that time, the town could apply for a construction grant for the project, also from DOLA. Town attorney Bo Nerlin clarified that voter approval

paves the way for sale of the building, but council will have the final say on purchase conditions, provided the “floor” of $168,500 is met. A majority vote will be required to complete the sale. In other business: • Trustees approved special events liquor licenses for the beer garden to be operated by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce during the county fair, and for a Kids’ Pasta Project dinner to benefit Jamaica Outreach. The dinner will be held at Shadescapes July 23. • Trustee John Marta said the lack of senior housing tops a list of concerns voiced by the town’s senior citizens. Seniors would also like more benches on Bridge Street, where they can stop and rest, and lower fares for transportation offered by All Points Transit. • Trustee Jim Roberts expressed concern about the number of residents who are proceeding with building projects without proper permitting. He questioned why the building inspector isn’t enforcing the town’s building regulations. Mayor Larry Wilkening said the citizens need to be educated, perhaps through the town website. • Town engineer Joann Fagan and public works director Mike Owens said the town’s new effluent line should be completed next week. The Barrow Mesa tank replacement is progressing slowly. They said special precautions will be required once Doughty Steel moves to the site, to comply with Stage 2 fire restrictions that prohibit welding outdoors. A change order totaling $14,656.68 was approved for the project. HOTCHKISS BOARD TO B2

ing with the extension,” said Stewart. “That’s what I’m talking about,” said Watson. “And you just made a comment and I find it a bit of a double standard, because you voted on something that was not on the agenda and not...” “Miss Watson, you’re gone,” said Stewart, snapping his

fingers. attempted to Watson address the issue again, at which point Stewart asked Police Chief Neil Ferguson to remove her from the building. Trustee Chelsea Bookout called for a point of order to ask under which rule she was being removed.

Stewart replied that while only the board has the authority to remove a board member, “In terms of removing a member of the public, that can be done by the mayor. “The reason why she is being removed, she has repeatedly made outbursts from the room,” said Stewart. “Those comments have been very inappropriate. They have been derogatory. They clearly have been meant to demean members of this board. She was asked to remain quiet; she didn’t. She was asked to refrain from commenting on anything other than the extension and she elected to proceed beyond that.” After the meeting Watson told the DCI that she has attended three meetings since her four-year term on the board ended last April. She called Stewart’s actions “bullying” and criticized him for considering her actions while serving as a trustee in his comments. Knutson, who serves on the town Planning and Zoning Commission and has provided consulting services to the town in the past, had also said “Really” after Stewart’s comments on the letter. He said he wanted to point out the difference in the way the letter and the bid were handled. In solidarity, he walked out of the meeting with Watson.

Photo by Tamie Meck

BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado will bring the Top O’ The Rockies BMW Rally to Paonia July 19-22.

BMW Top of the Rockies Rally in Paonia this week BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The North Fork Valley will see an influx of motorcycle traffic beginning today. Cyclists are arriving in Paonia for the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado’s 47th annual Top O’ the Rockies Rally scheduled for July 19-22 at Town Park. Paonia has hosted the rally the past 27 years. During their stay, hundreds of cyclists will turn Town Park into their base camp, enjoy meals and activities at the Ellen Hansen Smith Teen Center, and participate in rides and activities throughout the area. The public is welcome to

take a close look at the motorcycles (in addition to BMWs, there will be various other vintages and models) and mingle with motorcyclists. Food and other vendors will open at 9 a.m. daily, Thursday-Saturday. Anyone who is not associated with the rally is asked to stay out of the camping/tent area for the privacy, safety and security of campers. The Beer Garden opens at 11 a.m. daily. Local students will also use the rally to raise funds. They will offer hot and cold breakfasts for sale daily starting at 6 a.m., in the teen center. The Kids’ Pasta Project will hold a fundraiser spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m.

Friday at the Teen Center. The meal has always sold out in the past; tickets are available at the door. Rally Registration is sponsoring two blues/rock bands at the park shelter. The Shawn Pittman Band will bring the sounds of Austin rock and blues to the park at 7 p.m. Friday. At 7 p.m. Saturday, dance the night away to the blues and hot vocals of the Ally Venable Band. Closing ceremonies begin at 6 p.m Saturday. Several awards, including the oldest, youngest, and farthest traveled riders will be presented, and a few interesting stories will be told.

Voluntary conservation efforts working in Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia water users, pat yourselves on the back. Your efforts to conserve precious water resources is working. “After our conversation on water conservation... our water consumption is down on the average between 60,000 and 80,000 gallons per day,” said Paonia town administrator Ken Knight. “Merely asking the public to consider their water use and consider their water consumption has resulted in a significant daily savings.” Recent rains were heavy

enough to produce gully washers, but “that certainly hasn’t broken our drought,” said Knight. “We still need to be conscious of water conservation.” Clean up following the flash floods that hit Paonia on July 8 and flooded Apple Valley Park and tennis courts continues, said public works director Travis Loberg. The flooding, which resulted when flash floods washed out two beaver dams on Minnesota Creek east of town. The resulting debris took out a foot bridge on Harding Lane and backed up against the bridge on Pan

American Avenue adjacent to Apple Valley Park. The flooding was the worst that the town has seen in recent years, said Loberg. The tennis courts were flooded and remain closed until further notice. The town and North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District are coordinating on clean-up efforts, and much of the mud has already been removed. Citizens are also asked to be aware of road repair and construction work on area sidewalks beginning this week. Work is expected to take about a month, said Loberg.

B2 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Volunteers, community make 72nd Cherry Days a success BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photos submitted

Music at the library

Week seven of Paonia Library’s summer concert series features Melanie Jean, joined in the second half by The Scones. Enjoy an evening of music in the amphitheater Tuesday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. Picnic and takeout dinners are welcome.

Hotchkiss board FROM PAGE B1 • Trustee Esther Koontz, the town’s liaison to the Leroux Creek Area Planning Committee, said the county is doing away with the APCs, but she will monitor Delta Planning Commission meetings for items of interest to the Hotchkiss area. • Trustee Mary Hockenbery wondered how many citizens are aware that the Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect in both Hotchkiss and unincorporated areas of Delta County prohibit smoking outdoors. • Finally, Marshal Dan Miller said assaults, harassments and thefts have increased in the hot

summer months. As for traffic patterns through town, for the month of June, Hotchkiss averaged 9,000 cars a day, with an average speed of 35 mph coming into town (10 miles over the posted speed limit). His deputies wrote 81 traffic citations in June. • Trustees will meet briefly for a special meeting Thursday, July 19, to consider an ordinance on drought restrictions. Attorney Nerlin will conduct a trustee training session after the special meeting. • The August meeting was moved to Thursday, Aug. 16, to avoid scheduling conflicts with the county fair.

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The 72nd annual Cherry Days is now memories and photographs. But from coordination with the Town of Paonia to the last of the bands, the event went very well, said Cherry Days Forever Committee chair Bob Bushta. The 10-member, all-volunteer committee began planning the event in January, and many others stepped in to help as the event drew closer and throughout the festival. What made it work so well, said Bushta, is that “Everybody did their part.” Aside from one alcohol-related offense, there were no major reports of incidents, said Paonia Police Chief Neil Ferguson. “Not even a firework” on July 4, the use of which is banned under Delta County Stage 2 fire restrictions. Coordination with the Town of Paonia and the Public Works Department went well, and there was nary an over-flowing garbage can thanks to the couple hired to provide trash services. Food vendors and the Beer & Wine Garden reported an up-tick in revenue over past years, said Bushta. The Cherry Days committee shares its wealth. In 2017 the Paonia Fire Department received a donation of $1,500, repre-

senting half the amount earned by the sale of Cherry Days buttons. The PFD helps the committee each year by driving a fire engine through town selling buttons and collecting donations. This year they will get at least that much, said Bushta. The community is also to be thanked, said Bushta. When one of the featured bands pulled out just ahead of its scheduled July 3 performance, musicians David Snider, Bobby Walker, Don Newbury, Ray Taylor and Bill Bartlett, also known as the Bromigos, stepped in, giving the crowd a healthy dose of blues rock to dance to. Cherry Days parade judges Jay Morley, Jackie Parks, Ames Yates and Cyndi Wegner judged more than 50 entries. They awarded first place to the U.S. Forest Service, second place to First Colorado National Bank, and third place to the North Fork Valley Community & Parade Band. A gentleman from Paonia won the wood splitting contest, crossing the finish line in 13.39 seconds, and winning the Fiskars axe used in the competition. The event was sponsored by Earth Friendly Supply Co., and Todd Enterprises provided the wood. Following the competition, the pile of pre-split logs was auctioned off for $75.

In the Cherry Spitting contest, the adult division winner was Jorge Diaz Adame, who won his second straight title with a spit of 42 feet, 3 inches The youth division was won by Mia Stollmeier, who spit a pit 26 feet, 4 inches. The American Legion Wilson-Head Post 97 provided judges Joe, Scott and Jim, and Antelope Hill Orchards in Austin supplied the cherries. This year also marked the return of the Coal Shoveling contest. “It’s great to have coal shoveling back,” said Bushta. Edgar Martinez and Antonio Mora beat out eight other teams, shoveling a ton of coal into the hopper in 50.67 seconds. Mora and Martinez, who pocketed $250 for their efforts, also won the coal shoveling contest the last time it was held in 2015. Out at the North Fork

Horse Patrol, the Bulls N Broncs War bronc ride was won by Tyler Williams of Meeker; Kasey Rosendahl, of Meeker, placed second; and Paonia resident Gunnar Chesnik placed third. In bull riding, only two riders stayed on the full 8 seconds. Wyatt Hamilton of Cedaredge took first and Chance Bibb placed second. Crawford resident Donna Saunders won this year’s talent show after singing “Sweet Dreams,” by Patsy Cline and “Daddy’s Hands,” by Holly Dunn. The committee will begin planning for the 73rd annual festival this winter, which will mark the fourth consecutive year they will begin planning with a positive operating budget. They welcome volunteers. Visit Paoniacherrydays.com to sign up.

Share your stories of the North Fork Do you have a story to tell about the North Fork Valley? Jessica Kahkoska and the Notch Theatre Company are partnering to create a play based on stories about the North Fork Valley. Community members are invited to share stories and par-

ticipate in a discussion about the project from 34:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Edesia Community Kitchen, 395 Clark Avenue, Paonia. The event is free and snacks will be provided. For details, email associate@notchtheatre. org or call 719-238-2337.

Cancer bike tour rolls into town BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Members of a coastto-coast bike ride to raise support for cancer victims passed through Delta County over the weekend. “Team San Francisco” is one of six teams of cyclists and runners traveling coast to coast this summer through the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “4K for Cancer” ride. Riders range in age from 21-26. They come from throughout the United States, from Louisiana to Washington state. Each rider has a very close connection to the cancer community. For the team, “Every mile matters” in their more than 2,000, 70day trek from Baltimore to San Francisco. The have crossed Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. In Colorado they tackled Trail Ridge Road, rode from Kremmling to Vail, and made it over McClure Pass. They stayed at Paonia High School Sunday night before riding Highway 65 over Grand Mesa to Grand Junction.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Heidi Simpson of Paonia received a bachelor of arts in special education degree from Western Governors University (WGU). The online, nonprofit university celebrated the recent graduation of more than 15,000 students from across the country. WGU pioneered competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Designed to meet the needs of working adults, students study and learn on their own schedules with individualized, one-to-one faculty support. They complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the subject matter, enabling them to move quickly through material they already know and spend more time on what they still need to learn. As a result, many WGU students are able to accelerate their studies, saving both time and money.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Riders with The Ulman Cancer fund for Young Adults 4K for Cancer crosscountry bike ride prepare to depart from Paonia Junior-Senior High School Monday morning on day 44 of a 70-day ride from Baltimore to San Francisco. Their motto: “Cancer changes lives... so do we!” Their tour continues this week to Moab and Green River, Utah. Now in its 17th year, 4K for Cancer seeks to change lives by creating a community of support for young adults and their loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Through their efforts, the fund is able to provide free support services and

resources for those young adults. Alex Gomez, one of the team’s two mechanics, rides for his mother and uncle. Each day begins with a dedication circle, when riders devote the day’s ride ahead to a role model or role models, said Gomez. That person might be a friend or family member, or someone

they met along the way who has a story to share about cancer. Each morning, riders write their role model on a leg or forearm with a Sharpie pen, a reminder throughout their long and often arduous days of the person or persons for whom they ride. To read their stories, visit 4kforcancer.org.

A lotta helping hands for ‘A Little Help’ July 3 in Paonia Town Park was kind of quiet. Not much activity prior to the big Cherry Day celebration. “A Little Help” volunteers were staffing their booth at the park and decided to close it down around 5 p.m. Just a few minutes after the volunteers left, a huge microburst of wind picked up the ALH canopy and

Potluck planned at Crawford Library A piñata and potluck celebrating the end of the summer reading program, and the 10th anniversary of the Crawford Library building, will be Thursday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. at Crawford Library.

pummeled it across the park. Thanks to the fast action of bystanders and Shirley and Deb at Pine Needle Creations, the canopy was gathered up, taken down and all the ALH materials were stored for the night in the neighboring Pine Needle Creations booth. Two ALH volunteers showed up shortly after the microburst to check on the site and everything was gone! They had no idea that their neighboring booth had rescued their entire ALH setup and wondered: “Had everything been stolen?” Dave Knutson reports that the morning of Cherry Days the next volunteers arrived on site to find everything magically set up and ready for the big Cherry Days event. Deb Duffek, Shirley, and others helped reconstruct

Photo submitted

Shirley Fuller was one of the neighbors at Cherry Days who helped A Little Help. the ALH booth! “A Little Help directly experienced the ‘neighbor to neighbor’ vibe and can’t thank Pine Needle Creations and others for salvaging our equipment,” Knutson said.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Paonia P&Z considers rezoning, special review Commission to give town board recommendations at July 24 meeting BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Paonia Planning and Zoning Commission will make recommendations to town trustees regarding two separate issues at the July 24 public meeting. Commissioners voted 4-0 to recommend denial of an application for rezoning for Autumn Clark, who requested a zoning change from R-1 to R-2 for property located at 123 Oak Avenue. The lot has a residential structure and a 120year-old brick structure. Clark told commissioners that the brick structure is unsound and can’t be restored. If approved, she plans to remove the structure. The property is of sufficient size for R-2 zoning, said town administrator Ken Knight in explaining staff ’s recommendation to deny the request. However, it is not accessed from Oak Avenue, as required by statute, but rather off of a private gravel road leading to “Freedom Lane” and to a pocket of residences located in Delta County. Also of concern are a

lack of emergency access or a cul-de-sac on the dead-end road, lack of storm drain engineering to address flooding as required by town code, setting precedent for other property owners in R-1 zones to increase density, and limited parking. “An additional dwelling unit would only add to the congestion,” said Knight. The gravel road also doesn’t meet code requirements for a town street, said Knight. With the 100 block of Oak Avenue now a parking/access lot for the Paonia Fire Department headquarters, the subject property is not accessed via Oak Avenue as required by statute. Increased density should be considered only if Oak Avenue access is restored as a condition of approval, and that no additional access be granted on the private road. “It just seems like there are a whole lot of reasons to deny this,” said commissioner Charles Stewart. Among them the “practical issue of good access.” While going through the subdivision process might be an option, “My concern is that the access issues may turn out to be very expensive to resolve.” At a standing-roomonly, two-hour public hearing, commissioners recommended approval of special use permits, with conditions, for Edesia Community Kitchen

& Farmers Market, 395 Clark Avenue. The issue created a dilemma for commissioners seeking to balance support for a business viewed as beneficial to the community with the rights of neighboring property owners in considering “permitted by right” versus “permitted by special review.” Edesia is zoned L-1 Light Industrial under Paonia building code, which allows some activities to be permitted by right, and others only by permit upon special review and approval by the town board. John Mattox and Mary George opened Edesia in 2016 as shared community space and commercial kitchen for producing value-added foods using local produce, where entrepreneurs could incubate food-related business ideas, and non-profits could hold fundraisers. It currently supports six to eight businesses that employ 24-30 people. In 2016, said Knight, who was hired in 2017, apparently neither the town building inspector nor the proprietors brought up the issue of zoning. He assumed that everything was legal. Because he sees no malice or intent to violate code, he waived a cease and desist order for 60 days to allow George and Mattox to cure code vio-

Judge reduces bond for Heather Jones BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

On Monday, Delta District Court Judge Steven Schultz modified bond for Heather Jones, who’s being held in a shooting incident that took place in Paonia Jan. 12. Ryan Redifer, 54, remains hospitalized from injuries he suffered during the incident. Jones has been held in Delta County Jail since April 13. Her bond was set at $100,000 cash, an amount defense attorneys argue is more typical for first degree felonies. Jones is charged with lesser felony counts of first degree assault and second degree assault, as well as violation of a protection order. Deputy district attorney Barb Sanford opposed any modification to the bond, saying Jones is potentially facing 16

years in prison. She summarized the events of Jan. 12 for the judge, alleging Jones shot Redifer as he was entering his own home. She said for some time, it was uncertain whether Redifer would even survive the shooting. Redifer, who appeared by phone from a hospital in Denver, told the court he’s still unable to eat or drink. He pointed out that a restraining order was in place at the time of the incident, which Jones, a friend of 10 years, apparently ignored, and he believes she would still have access to guns. “What would stop her from further violence?” he asked. The judge agreed a cash bond of $100,000 was “elevated” and he modified it to a cash or surety bond, so she will be able to pledge real estate

to secure her release. Entry of plea was set for July 30. A GoFundMe account (www.gofundme.com/ ryan-redifers-medicalexpense-fund) is still accepting donations to cover Redifer’s ongoing medical expenses.

lations, and asked that operations cease no later than 6 p.m. Callie West and John Cowell live adjacent to Edesia and brought the code violations to the town’s attention. They argue that activities are not compatible with the character of the community as required by town code. They and other neighbors say late-evening noise, increased traffic, and bright outdoor lighting has upset their lifestyle and keeps them up at night. West said she is not opposed to Edesia’s operations, but wants them conducted “during normal business hours.” On a recent Friday night, said West, she documented 88 car trips past their front door. That is incompatible with the neighborhood, said West, asking proponents to put themselves in her place. “We can’t sit on our porch anymore.” Favorable comments pointed to Edesia’s contributions to a more sustainable economy, benefits to non-profits that use the facility for fund-raising, community access to a commercial kitchen, and the unique options it provides the community. Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of special use permits for “fabricating/ manufacturing industry, manufacturing (limited to food-related products), food processing, and retail business. They also voted 4-0 to recommend that trustees adopt staff recommendations, to include a list of seven conditions for approval. Following numerous failed and amended motions, “restaurants” was approved, 3-1. Mayor Charles Stewart voted no. Edesia “is simply the wrong location” for a restaurant, he said. If it were located in the downtown commercial district, “All of these issues would dis-

allows entrepreneurs to learn the business without the huge investment in starting a business, said Elaine Brett. In considering neighborhood compatibility to other uses permitted by right in the L-1 zone — nursing homes, parking lots, parks and recreation areas, and small animal clinics, they could come with some of the same issues as those permitted by special review, said Hunter.

appear. And that’s where it should be.” Commissioner Lucy Hunter agreed that the issues would disappear, but disagreed that restaurants are disallowed or inappropriate under zoning code. “It’s permitted by special review and that’s what this process is,” said Hunter. Some argued that Edesia is not a conventional restaurant. “What happens at Edesia is a business incubator,” that

GET ENGAGED IN YOUR COMMUNITY! The DCI has an opening for a part-time reporter/photographer to cover Hotchkiss and Crawford. This position involves weekend/weeknight coverage and occasional travel, so a reliable vehicle is a must. You’ll also need a camera (not just your phone). Stories can be written at home but must be submitted Monday morning for inclusion in the weekly Wednesday paper. To apply, email editor@ deltacountyindependent.com

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT ��

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Scholarships awarded

Morgan Miller, daughter of Chuck and Amy Miller, was the Hotchkiss High School recipient of the Black Mesa CattleWomen’s $500 scholarship, presented by club president Christa Hawk. Morgan plans to attend Texas Tech University where she has already been accepted into the pre-law track. Below are the Paonia High School recipients, Tess Gore and Clay Campbell. Tess, daughter of Yancy and Mary Gore, plans to attend Laramie County Community College to pursue a nursing or radiology degree. Clay, son of Calvin and Tracy Campbell will be attending West Texas A & M majoring in animal and agricultural science.

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B4 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Seniors’ senses of smell and taste change with age Aging comes with several sensory changes, many of which people expect. Loss of hearing or diminishing vision are widely associated with aging. But one’s senses of smell and taste may diminish with aging as

well. The senses of taste and smell work in concert. The sense of smell is vital to personal health, not only because inhaling pleasant aromas can provide comfort and stress relief through

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aromatherapy and help trigger important memories, but also because smell enables a person to detect the dangers of smoke, gas, spoiled food, and more. The National Institute on Aging says that, as a person gets older, his or her sense of smell may fade, and that will also affect taste. The Mayo Clinic says some loss of taste and smell is natural and can begin as early as age 60. Adults have about 9,000 taste buds sensing sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavors, or those corresponding to the flavor of glutamates. Many tastes are linked to odors that begin at the nerve endings in the lining of the nose. Medline says the number of taste buds decreases as one ages, and that remaining taste buds may begin to shrink. Sensitivity to the five tastes also begins to

decline. This can make it more difficult to distinguish between flavors. Similarly, especially after age 70, smell can diminish due to a loss of nerve endings and less mucus in the nose. With the combination of the reduction of these important sensory nerves in the nose and on the tongue, loss of smell and taste can greatly affect daily life. Changes in these senses can contribute to feelings of depression, diminish one’s enjoyment of food and cause harmful conditions, such as extreme weight loss from disinterest in food to problems associated with overusing salt or sugar. Although aging is often to blame, loss of smell and taste also may be tied to early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Cancer treatments,

medications, lack of saliva, colds, flu, and other factors may contribute to sensory loss. Changing medications or treatments may help. It’s important to bring up diminished flavors or smells with a doctor to rule out something more serious and to determine what might help restore pleasure from smells and flavors. An otolaryngologist, or a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose and throat,

may be able to help fix the problem, though some people may be referred to a neurologist or another specialist. Continuing to use one’s sense of smell and taste by cooking, gardening, trying new flavors, and experimenting with different aromas may help slow down the decline of these senses. Although age-related loss of taste and smell cannot be reversed, some such cases may be treatable.

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�� Black Canyon Quilt Show set for July 20-22 ��

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The annual Black Canyon Quilt Show takes place July 20-22 at the Montrose Pavilion Drive, 1800 Pavilion Drive. More than 175 quilts by local artisans will be on display. Also featured will be vendors, a raffle quilt, a boutique where the public can purchase handcrafted quilted items, scissor sharpening, classes, Saturday afternoon lecture by quilt

artist Barbara Yates Beasley, and Sunday demonstrations. Admission is $4. Show hours are 9-5 Friday and Saturday, 10-4 Sunday. Bobbie Aug will appraise quilts by appointment at a cost of $50. Make appraisal appointments with Carolyn at 970-249-8362. Class and lecture details can be found at black canyonquiltshow.com.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Safe and secure

Tucked in an alcove at the Delta County Sheriff’s Office, 555 Palmer Street, is a secure box for depositing unwanted household medications, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, prescription patches, medicated ointments and vitamins. The box is accessible five days a week, Monday-Friday, and can be found in the lobby of the sheriff’s office.

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Dorinda Rouch, MD

Allan Miller, MD

Medical Oncologist Medical Oncologist Hematologist Hematologist 12 years Oncology Physician 41 years Oncology Physician

Helen Goldberg, MD Medical Oncologist Integrative Oncologist 24 years Oncology Physician

Our goal is to provide the most exceptional and holistic care to all our patients and caregivers by focusing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of each patient. We oﬀer complimentary and wellness services including Yoga, Tai Chi, Massage and Art Therapy, Nature Journaling and Support Groups.

�� For appointments call

(970) 399-2895 ��

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

A realistic guide to organic food In a perfect world, chemicals would not be needed to produce any foods, all of which would be made in sustainable conditions and from allnatural ingredients. But even the most eco-conscious foodie routinely faces difficult decisions at the grocery store. The Organic Trade Association says organic food is the fastest-growing sector of the American food industry, and organic food now accounts for more than 5 percent

of total food sales. While many people understand the benefits to consuming organic produce, such foods tend to cost more, compromising shoppers’ budgets as a result. Making smart choices and getting the facts about organic food can help consumers make informed decisions. Smarter Organic Choices According to the food and health resource the Environmental Working Group, certain fruits

and vegetables are more likely to feature residual pesticides than others. They dub these foods the “dirty dozen,” which include strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and sweet bell peppers. Shoppers who cannot afford strictly organic foods can opt for non-organic items that are less likely to contain residual pesticides. Fearing Antibiotics Many people are concerned about milk, meat and poultry treated with antibiotics. Organic foods are antibiotic-free. The Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines in place to phase out the use of antibiotics in food animals to enhance growth or improve feed efficiency. They’re also requiring farmers to select strains of microbials that are less medically important to humans who would need them to treat disease. This means

Nuclear Care Partners hosts Honorary Home Run Hangout

All former atomic and uranium workers are invited to attend an honorary Grand Junction Rockies baseball game, hosted by Nuclear Care Partners. There are thousands of former atomic workers and uranium miners in the Grand Valley who served their country’s defense by working in the nuclear weapons development industry. To honor them, Nuclear Care Partners is hosting the Honorary Home Run Hangout. At the baseball game there will be food, giveaways, and special recognition. The event will take place on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at Suplizio Field, 1315 North Ave-

nue. Former atomic workers are asked to RSVP by calling 970-243-8500. Since 1945, hundreds of thousands of men and women have served in more than 360 nuclear weapons facilities throughout the United States. Collectively they built more than 70,000 nuclear weapons to deter, and if necessary fight, a nuclear war. Many of these workers paid a high price for their service, including developing debilitating and sometimes fatal illnesses due to the exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals they endured. Nuclear Care Partners, an in-home care provider for former department of energy workers, believes

these individuals should be supported and recognized for their contributions to build the country’s defense and keep American’s safe. “This appreciation night is just one way to show these men and women how much we appreciate them for enhancing our nation’s security,” said John Kelley, community outreach manager at Nuclear Care Partners. “They sacrificed more than they knew and we are committed to ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.” For more information about the event or to RSVP for tickets, please call Nuclear Care Partners at 970-243-8500.

There’s no scientific evidence to support eating of placenta BY KIMBERLEE ECKHART, RN stated that when they mom eats her placenta, Certified Lactation Consultant

There is a recent surge in postpartum mothers deciding to consume their placentas. This practice is called placentophagia. These women believe there are benefits that include preventing postpartum depression, increasing bonding and increasing their pain tolerance. On the other hand, some women describe high levels of anxiety, increased bleeding, digestive disorders and hot flashes from eating their placenta. Some

Certain foods can aid sleep According to the National Sleep Foundation, certain foods may help people fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly while others may compromise a person’s ability to enjoy a restful night’s sleep. In lieu of white bread, refined pastas and sugar-laden baked goods, all of which can reduce serotonin levels, the NSF recommends whole grains. The buildup of serotonin in the brain during periods of wakefulness can contribute to the onset of sleep later in the day. If serotonin levels in their brains are disturbed, then people may experience difficulty falling asleep. The NSF also recommends almonds and walnuts, which contain melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep/wake cycles. In addition, foods that are high in lean protein that contain the amino acid tryptophan also may increase the production of serotonin, potentially contributing to a restful night’s sleep.

stopped the consumption of their placenta, their symptoms resolved. The placenta is essentially a large piece of meat that can harbor bacteria and deteriorates rapidly. The placenta also acts as a barrier filtering toxins between the mother and baby, therefore, the placenta may contain mercury, lead and pathogens. The mother either eats the placenta raw, cooks it or places it into “capsules.” I’ve been told there is a person locally who “prepares” it for the mother. There are no laws governing the mechanism, storage, safety, additives or cleanliness of such a process. The largest argument against placenta-eating is the risk of decreasing breast milk production. In simple terms, once the placenta comes out of the mother she will make breast milk. If the

her body gets “confused” with the increase in progesterone and can reduce or stop breast milk production. Placenta-eaters will argue that all mammals eat their placentas. This is untrue; camels, llamas and marine mammals do not eat their placenta. Scientists speculate that many animals attempt to protect their offspring from predators by eating the placenta to remove any evidence of a birth. There is very little scientific research on benefits or the safety of placentophagia. Most “success stories” are simply anecdotal reporting where a mother denies having any postpartum depression after eating her placenta. Perhaps these mothers may have avoided postpartum depression naturally, without eating a piece of afterbirth the size of a dinner plate.

Back to School Now’s the Time to Call for

Physicals and Immunizations

for the new school year! ��

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that conventional milk, meat and poultry may contain less antibiotics than consumers know. Also, according to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, poultry are not given growth hormones, so there’s little need to pay more for hormonefree. Organic and Pesticides To be “organic,” foods produced and sold in the United States and Canada must be shown to conserve natural resources and be devoid of GMOs, among other requirements. However, USDA organic certification allows for natural substances, such as pheromones, vaccines for animals and a limited number of natural pesticides. Also, a 2011 survey by the USDA showed 39 percent of 571 organic samples were found to have pesticide residues, but well below tolerance levels set by the EPA. Therefore, pesticide-free and organic are not exclusive. Organic foods are seen as a healthy alternative to foods that do not fall into this category. While there are many positive reasons to go organic, including conventional foods in one’s diet is not necessarily unhealthy.

Photo submitted

15-year employee

Richard Coburn (left) has been employed with Delta County Memorial Hospital for 15 years. On the right is Tracy Robb, lab manager.

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Hospital volunteers wanted Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the emergency room, oncology, gift shop and some additional areas. If you are interested please contact volunteer coordinator Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for an application.

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B6 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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The Delta County Independent publishes engagements, anniversaries and wedding stories free of charge.

Delta County Independent

Building stronger brains: levelness BY SARAH YOUNG A Kidz Clinic

Scientists say that children’s mental health affects how they interact with others, how they learn, and how well they meet their potential. One way to think about child mental health is that it’s like the levelness of a piece of furniture, say, a table. The levelness of a table is what makes it usable and able to function, just like the mental health of a child is what enables him or her to function and do many things. Some children’s brains develop on floors that are level. This is like saying that the children have healthy, supportive relationships, and access to things like good nutrition and health care. For other children, their brains develop on more sloped or uneven floors. This means they’re exposed to abuse or violence, have unreliable or unsupportive relationships, and don’t have access to key programs and resources. Remember that tables can’t make themselves level — they need attention from experts and caring adults who understand levelness and stability and who can work on the table, the

Take the fitness challenge Bill Heddles Recreation Center has launched a summer fitness challenge. There is a different theme each month through September. Pick up a challenge sheet from the front desk or from fitness instructors. Call 874-0923 for details.

floor, or even both. We striving to help youth be mation about the schoolknow that it’s important physically and mentally based clinic, call 970to work on the floors and strong. For more infor- 874-2753. the tables early, because little wobbles early on tend to become big wobbles later. We have many opportunities to provide this levelness in the conditions and environments in which children grow. We can help put a child on level ground by connecting families to community services and being a supportive, reliable adult even if we are not the child’s parent. The next time you interact with a child, consider the levelness of their mental health. If their mental table seems level, notice the conditions that Photo submitted helped them be sturdy. If things are tilting or wobbly, find out what you Jeff Richmond, director of radiology, honors can do to support a stable Toni Colby on 40 years of service at Delta work surface. County Memorial Hospital. Sarah Young is part of the A Kidz Clinic team,

Celebrating 40 years

What is leukemia? BY ALLAN MILLER, M.D. Grand Mesa Oncology Center

The word leukemia is formed by combining the Greek “leukos” with “heima,” meaning “white blood.” Leukemia is defined as a cancer of blood forming organs. The main blood forming organs in the body are the bone marrow, the lymph glands and the spleen. You can think of the spleen as the body’s biggest lymph node. In our blood, we have three major cell types: 1) Red blood cells. They carry oxygen. All of the body’s red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. A red blood cell has a life span of approximately 120 days, so we produce about 1 percent of our red blood cells every day. If you want to impress your friends, this is called erythropoiesis. 2) Platelets. They are also only made in the bone marrow and are responsible for helping the blood to clot. The life span of a normal platelet is 7-10 days. 3) White blood cells. Approximately 60-70 percent of white blood cells, known as granulocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and the rest of the white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, are produced in the spleen and lymph nodes. Granulocytes, produced in bone marrow, are our infection fighting cells. They have a life span of 6-8 hours in our circulation. In defining leukemia we are talking about the change of a normal white blood cell into a “malignant” or “cancerous” white blood cell. There are also leukemias of red blood cells, termed eryth-

Dr. Allan Miller roleukemia and leukemias of platelets termed acute megakaryocytic leukemia, but these are extremely rare. There are certain age groups of people that tend to develop certain types of leukemia. Quick developing leukemias that occur in white blood cells created in bone marrow primarily happen in adults. This type of cancer is called acute granulocytic (myeloid) leukemia (AML). With the advancement in treatments, the five-year overall survival rate is now 25 percent. Quick developing leukemias in white blood cells created in the spleen and lymph nodes, called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), occur most frequently in young children ages 3 to 5 years old. The curability rate for this type of leukemia in children 3 to 5 is 90 percent. Chronic, or slower developing, leukemias that occur in white blood cells created in bone marrow most commonly

occur in adults. The 5year overall survival rate for chronic granulocytic (myeloid) leukemia (CML) is currently about 65 percent. However in this type of leukemia, there are different stages of diagnoses. If diagnosed in an early phase, the fiveyear survival rate raises to about 85 percent, but with current treatments and data, patients may have a nearly normal life expectancy. Slower developing leukemias that form in white blood cells created in the spleen and lymph nodes primarily occur in adults in their 60s and 70s. This type of leukemia, known as, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), differs in comparison to the other types discussed. It usually does not require treatment immediately, is often diagnosed when blood screenings are performed, like at Delta County Memorial Hospital’s health fairs, and consequently it is difficult to accurately define a life expectancy. There is still room for improvement in the treatment of many types of leukemias. However, the advances in the treatment options over the last few years give the patients a great reason to be optimistic for the future. Dr. Miller is board certified in oncology and hematology. The Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center is owned and operated by DCMH.

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Celebrating 25 years

Donna Parks recently celebrated her 25th anniversary as an employee of Delta County Memorial Hospital. She is pictured with Larry Vincent, chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer.

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SURFACE CREEK July 18, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

OC establishes drought task force BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Orchard City has created a drought task force to develop a new drought policy for the future. An invitation to join the task force was sent to citizens last month as part of their water bill. The newly assembled task force includes town trustees and about a dozen local citizens. The group has met once, on July 17, and it will continue to

meet every Tuesday for three additional weeks. The public is invited to attend and participate in the remaining meetings which will be held on July 24 and 31 and again on Aug. 7. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Road in Austin. Although trustees will take part in discussions, no official action will be taken during the task force meetings.

Cedaredge sets budget calendar Town strives to reduce water use 20-30 percent BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees met for a work session on Thursday, July 12. The work session was a discussion-only meeting with no action taken. Town administrator Greg Brinck outlined a draft schedule for developing a 2019 town budget. The process tentatively begins on Aug. 16 with an all-day workshop. The midAugust workshop will be followed by budget work sessions on Sept. 13 and Oct. 11. On Oct. 18 action will be taken regarding resolutions, ordinances, and other items impacting the budget. A final draft of the 2019 budget will be submitted to the trustees and made available for public view on Nov. 1. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Nov. 29 and the trustees will take action on the budget on Dec. 13. All budget sessions are open to the public. As part of the budgeting process, trustees were asked to let the town staff know if they have any items of particular interest so that staff can do appropriate research and prepare background information. Trustee Dayton Myers stated that he’d like information on plans to chip and seal town roads. There was also discussion of completing a project involving town storm drains. The trustees discussed the town’s drought response plan

which is currently at stage two. The trustees have established temporary financial incentives to encourage water conservation during the current drought. Administrator Brinck indicated that discussions with local hotels and restaurants have led to a recommendation to use a base of 30,000 gallons per month before increased usage rates are charged. This higher base contrasts with the base of 10,000 gallons for regular residential customers. RV parks are included in the proposed hotel adjustment. Brinck is continuing to reach out to businesses and also work with concerned business owners who contact town hall regarding rates. Adam Conway, Cedaredge’s golf course and parks superintendent, reported that the golf course has been focusing on using limited water resources to water greens first with less emphasis on fairways and other areas. The town is also cutting back on watering schedules and focusing on trees and shrubs at the skate park, post office park, High Country pocket park, and main town park. Mayor Gene Welch recalled that the town trustees have been addressing the drought since April with a series of actions leading up to the present Stage 2 restrictions. The goal remains to reduce water usage by 20-30 percent. The public needs to be aware that the local schools and cemetery operate on their own water systems and, while these entities are also conserving, their volume of use do not impact the town’s supply of water. Trustee Ralph Hanson CEDAREDGE TO C5

Dishing out stories, ice cream

Last week’s reading activities at Cedaredge’s Pioneer Town invited children of all ages — some in period costumes — to gather at the historic school house and around the newly acquired tipi. Robin Rogers, coordinator of the Pioneer Town gift shop, and the children themselves read stories aloud during the two-day event. The next big happening for the popular historic town is the annual ice cream social which is scheduled for Saturday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society, the occasion features ice cream and slices of homemade pie along with baked goods and whole pies available for purchase. Admission is by donation. Pioneer Town is located adjacent to Highway 65 in Cedaredge. For more information, call 970-856-7775. To donate a pie, cake, brownies, cookies, or other dessert specialty call 970-856-7554.

OC trustees approve audit report, adopt county fire restrictions BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Orchard City Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 11. After approving the minutes of their June 13 meeting, the trustees discussed last month’s disbursements and financial statement. Trustee Doug Keller suggested that details of the financial statement be included for public viewing during future meetings. Town administra-

A license to collect BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Photo by Don Benjamin

Frank Swancara Jr. poses with a small sample of his extensive license plate collection. He is particularly proud of those shown on the right. The “18-77” and “VL-77” all belonged to the same person. He’s happy to have them but disappointed that, before he acquired the series, the collection was split apart and is missing several individual years. The bright blue “ABC 0000” plate in the lower right is especially rare. It was issued to promote the concept of “Always Buy Colorado.” Every plate in his collection has a story behind it and Frank says archiving those stories is as enjoyable as collecting the plates themselves.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Frank Swancara Jr. is a man of few words. Asked how he managed to amass his well-ordered collection of 850 license plates, he pauses then responds. “I always saved my own and when I retired and my wife and I moved to Montrose I finally had a garage. So I had a place to keep them.” His wife died in 2003 and that summer he consoled himself with a trip to Durango where, in a secondhand store, he discovered a mint-condition 1938 Colorado license plate. “It was a beauty. So then I thought, why not get some others? Soon I found that collecting them was quite a pleasurable pursuit.” His collection now includes at least one copy of every Colorado year beginning in 1913. New plates were issued to each motorist every year up until 1976 when the state began issuing stickers instead of replacement plates. Prior to his retirement in 1995, Frank enjoyed a 25year career with the U.S. Forest Service serving among other places in the South Platte ranger district and as site manager of Grey Towers national historic site in Pennsylvania, the home of Gifford Pinchot, the nation’s first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Before his forest service career, he taught science in Denver for more than a decade.

tor Melissa Oelke responded that the financial statements are public records and can be viewed at town hall. The board discussed placing the statements online. After further discussion, the trustees approved the disbursements and financial statement for June 2018. The trustees then welcomed Pete Blair of Blair and Associates, P.C., who serves as the town auditor. Blair conducted an audit which examined actual town financial activities for 2017 and compared 2017 fund balances and available resources with actual 2016 transactions and the town’s proposed budget for 2017. Blair reported that

“the town is in very healthy financial shape.” Only a few minor audit adjustments were needed and Blair praised the town staff for their diligence in keeping good records. He reported no discrepancies and he assured the trustees that his findings demonstrate that the board can rely upon the accuracy of monthly financial statements. During a discussion following the auditor’s presentation, two themes emerged. First, because the town budgeted for but did not complete certain projects, some funds — notably the water fund and water capital construction — showed apparent ORCHARD CITY TO C2

Photo by Don Benjamin

Volunteers urgently needed

The Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department, which is housed in the building above at the intersection of Highway 65 and SW 2nd Avenue, is seeking new members. Since 1913 when the town first installed fire hydrants and purchased firefighting equipment, volunteers have been responding to community emergencies. Now, according to Cedaredge police chief and volunteer fireman, Dan Sanders, more volunteers are needed as current members retire. Interested parties should be aware that eligible participation in the volunteer fire department carries the benefit of a pension. For application procedures, contact Chief Sanders at the Cedaredge Police Department, 140 NW 2nd Street, 970-856-4301.

C2 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Enjoy dinner and a show at True Life Church True Life Church is hosting dinner, a show and silent auction to support Engage Student Ministries and the National Youth Convention. The fundraiser will be held Friday, July 20. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the cost is just $10 per person. Tickets are available at the church, 1507 SW Photo by Don Benjamin 9th. For more informa- Lorna Beard (far left) leads a group in “Nia” dance. The other dancers pictured left to right are Claudia Lopez, Teresa Carlton, and Jude Kieca, all of tion, call 856-3586. Cedaredge.

CPR rhythm

Photo by Don Benjamin

In time with the beat of the Bee Gee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive,” Patti Sullenberger of Cedaredge practices chest compressions. She was one of a dozen citizens who spent a day last month at the Cedaredge golf clubhouse participating in a heart-saver ﬁrst aid cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) workshop. The instruction was sponsored by the Cedaredge Ladies Golf Club which invited the Delta County Ambulance District to teach the life saving skills. The Delta instructors were Charles Hufman and Jo Nakano. In addition to a full day heartsaver class, the ambulance district also offers a one- to two-hour hands-only chest compression class. Anyone interested in learning these valuable skills should call 970-874-7001.

Pioneer Town hosts ice cream social on Saturday The Surface Creek Historical Society invites area residents to an ice cream social Saturday, July 28, at the Stolte Shed at Pioneer Town. In addition to ice cream, you’ll enjoy homemade pies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baked goods and whole pies will be available to take home. Donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information or to help by donating baked goods, call 8567554.

GMAEC offers dance classes and more BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Lorna Beard has earned a blue belt in the energetic dance activity called “Nia.” And she’s teaching others to enjoy what she describes as “a very strengthening form of healing dance.” The activity features lively rhythmic music and it appeals to “dancers as well as people wanting to transition from traditional dance and Zumba.” Beard, who is an experienced Nia instructor, is offering her classes

in the Bank of Colorado theatre at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC). The class meets every Wednesday from 5:15-6:15 p.m. and she’s still enrolling participants. If there is interest, she may eventually add a noon and a morning class. To enroll, contact her at 303-847-1794 or Lornab9@msn.com. Nia dance is one of several workshops and classes offered at the newly opened arts center. Upcoming classes for children 8-12 include:

• July 18: Acrylic Painting — create a fantasy creature. • July 25: Rock Your T-Shirt — bring a colored T-shirt to tie-dye and stamp. • Aug. 1: Krazy Klay Krafts — create a clay critter. Space is limited to ten students; to register call the center at 970856-9195. The center is located at 195 West Main Street. For the latest information on upcoming events, visit the GMAEC Facebook page.

alternative investments. This will require a trustee-approved investment policy which maintains a certain level of liquidity and conforms to Colorado Revised Statutes. The trustees thanked Blair for his work and voted to accept the audit report. During constituent time, Jack Ditlove spoke in favor of the trustees adopting a new investment strategy. He stated that investment income of approximately $19,000 which the town earned last year was unacceptable. Mayor Ken Volgamore responded that he agreed and that an investment advisor has been contacted and that individual will be making a presentation to the board regarding future investment strategies. Constituent Tim Hinz commented that he has observed 18-wheeler rigs and other large trucks driving up and down on 2100 Road between Austin and Fairview Roads. He observed that this roadway, locally known as Tank Hill, is narrow and not made for such traffic. In new business, the trustees approved a resolution adopting Delta County open fire restrictions. Mayor Volgamore explained that the county has asked Orchard City to join with them in adopting open fire restrictions. Administrator Oelke added that the trustees’ action authorizes the county sheriff to enforce open fire restrictions within the Orchard City town limits. The Delta County restrictions are outlined on the county’s Facebook

page and they include bans on fireworks, certain firearms, open camp or charcoal fires, and restrictions on the use of chainsaws and welding torches. The trustees approved a lease of three and onehalf water shares from trustee Dick Kirkpatrick at the same rate as that used by the town to secure other lease arrangements during the current drought situation. At their June meeting, the trustees authorized the town administrator to lease water as needed without board approval. However a vote was taken in this case because the transaction involved shares owned by a sitting trustee. Trustee Kirkpatrick was absent and did not vote on this matter. The other trustees approved the lease unanimously. In other water-related issues, trustee Gynee Thomassen reported that Orchard City citizens have stepped forward to donate irrigation water for the town park. Because of generous donations, town personnel can probably keep the park watered through October without relying on other sources. Trustee Keller reported that town crews have been busy repairing water leaks and that the Tank Hill water tanks have been inspected and found in good shape. Administrator Oelke noted that graphs informing citizens of how 2018 town water use compares with 2017 are available for public viewing at town hall. Soon the graphs will also be available on the town website.

Orchard City

Our Cedaredge Office is Celebrating its

FIRST ANNIVERSARY!

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FROM PAGE C1 surpluses. Blair reminded the trustees that the budgeting process is an estimate and that municipalities are typically conservative in their revenue estimates while cautiously over-estimating anticipated expenditures — especially for capital projects. Since Orchard City budgets expenditures and revenue on a fund basis rather than a line-item basis, spending estimates which prove incorrect seldom require supplemental budget adjustments at the end of the year to balance accounts. Therefore such situations do not negatively impact the audit. Second, the town has approximately $6.3 million in bank accounts. This amount generated a discussion regarding the town’s investment strategy. Blair recommended that the town consider

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Dana Cooper to perform in Cedaredge on July 27 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Dana Cooper is a roadwarrior. Not the Mad Max kind, although in his youth he was a bit of a hellion. He’s the touring musician kind who has traveled America and the world from the Midwest to California and Ireland to Denmark. The selfdescribed “song poet” is home in Nashville right now but on Friday, July 27, he’ll be taking the stage at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) in downtown Cedaredge. The reasons that Cooper, an award-winning artist who has 20 albums to his credit, is coming to Delta County to perform are simple ones: he has a strong affection for the Grand Mesa, Cedaredge, and David Starr, not necessarily in that order. He’s known Cedaredge resident David Starr for going on 20 years. Cooper first performed in Starr’s club in Little Rock and then a fellow musician introduced them and the friendship flourished. The two have penned a couple of songs together. Last year Starr invited Cooper to perform at Cedaredge’s annual AppleFest and so

the invitation to perform at the GMAEC was a natural one. This isn’t Cooper’s first Colorado rodeo. In 1973, when he was under contract with Electra Records, he played in Denver at Ebbets Field, a famous nightclub on 15th Street. Ebbets is closed now but it once hosted a diverse pantheon of musical stars from Asleep at the Wheel to Willie Nelson to Sugarloaf. The Colorado duo Bittersweet Highway will open for the upcoming Cedaredge concert. Then Cooper will perform a mixture of his insightful songs, accompanying his rich voice with legendary guitar picking. And he’ll include songs from his new album “Incendiary Kid.” Asked in a telephone interview about the title, Cooper described the “Kid” as a character based upon his own youthful exploits. “I was a bit of a hooligan as a kid. At 13 my dad had to bail me out of jail for throwing a cherry bomb on Harry Truman’s porch. I was upset about the A-bomb but I got a history lesson that night.” In addition to bedevil-

ing his famous neighbor in their shared hometown of Independence, Mo., Cooper picked up the guitar and drums at age 12. “I couldn’t decide whether to be George or Ringo,” he recalls. But the inspiration for his musical career came much earlier at age three when his father took him for a train ride to Kansas City to see Ernest Tubb perform. They rode both ways in the caboose. “You could do that in those days,” he said, “Buy a ticket to ride in the caboose.” That same year, Cooper saw two movies: “Blackboard Jungle” and “On the Waterfront.’” The iconic rock and roll group, Bill Haley and Comets and their song “Rock Around the Clock” were featured in the former film and Leonard Bernstein’s symphonic score enhanced the latter. And this cascade of diverse music inspired the impressionable boy. “They say folks can’t remember that far back (to age three). But I compared notes with my dad and he agreed that from that time on I’ve always loved music,” he said. What does he think about playing the GMAEC’s 175-seat theater? He has played smaller venues including intimate house concerts and cramped pubs. “Wherever people gather, I’ll play there,” he said. “And I’m particularly excited to perform for the folks in Cedaredge at the new Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center.” Tickets for Cooper’s July 27, 7 p.m. concert are still available at Starr’s Guitars, 250 West Main Street, Cedaredge, or call 970-856-2331.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Cedaredge FROM PAGE C1 cited the DCI articles in recent weeks by Jim Leser of the Cedaredge Tree Board as good sources of information for citizens seeking to reduce water use. Leser also authored a series of tips called “Watering yards during a drought,” and this article was included in the town’s “Writing on the Edge” newsletter that is distributed to all citizens along with their water/sewer bills. Conway concluded his remarks by saying, “Stage 2 is working. We are conserving water on the domestic side and the use of treated water is down by 20 percent. We’re in a bad spot, but we’re doing the right thing.” To emphasize the severity of the present drought, Brinck provided the trustees with a water report comparing the town’s owned water for 2018 with water available in 2007 — a year with more average snowpack. Measured at a flow rate of cubic feet per second (cfs), the town’s total owned water for 2018 is less than half the water available for 2007. The figures are 187.43 cfs for 2018 compared to 392.58 cfs in 2007. Despite the challenges of the drought, Brinck did have a bit of good news. Jerry Young, the town’s co-director of public works, found paperwork from the 1950s indicating the existence of an artesian well in the vicinity of the town’s old water tanks. The town will have the well flow tested to see if it is feasible to utilize. If so, water will be pumped into Big Ditch and the volume traded for Grand Mesa water. There are no plans to tap the well for drinking water as it is unlikely to be potable

without significant filtration. Utilizing the artesian well water will involve unbudgeted costs to upgrade electricity and piping but Brinck suggested those expenses could be met using increased water usage fees that will potentially result from drought mitigation measures. Water gained from the artesian well will not be sufficient to solve the town’s drought woes, but it may help the town in its efforts to strategically water public places. The trustees will volunteer to host a “Party in the Park” on Aug. 4. There will be a “Celebrate Cedaredge” event that same morning in town park and the trustee sponsored event will make it a full day by adding an afternoon potluck. Trustees will set up tables and chairs and perform other tasks to welcome the public. The town will provide the main course (barbe-

cue) and drinks. Citizens will be asked to bring side dishes to share. The trustees closed their work session with a review of their regular meeting agenda for July 19. There will be three public hearings that day beginning at 5 p.m. All concern special events liquor license applications, one for AppleFest from Oct. 5-7 and two for concerts at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC). Time is allotted at the start and end of all regular board of trustee meetings for constituent comments. Barring special meetings, the trustees meet for work sessions on the second Thursday of each month and for regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings begin at 5 p.m. in the Grand Mesa Room at 140 N.W. 2nd Street in Cedardege. The public is encouraged to attend.

Cedaredge Rotary invites community to celebration The community is invited to join the Cedaredge Rotary celebration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Cedaredge United Methodist Church. There will be a salad and pasta bar with dessert and beverages at a cost of $15 per person. Anyone who has polio will be Rotary’s guest at no charge. Reservations are required. Please call 970856-4580 or email phyll. hoff@gmail.com. The featured speaker will be Kelly Atkinson from Rotary International. Atkinson, a former Utah legislator, is an excellent motivational speaker who is welcomed and celebrated around the international Rotary

world. Bill Gates, Rotary’s partner in eliminating polio, will speak by video. Joe Agne, Cedaredge Rotary president said, “We are honored that Kelly is coming to Cedaredge. I heard Kelly speak recently and we are in for a treat.” Local musician Thomas Neil will entertain during dinner. The program following dinner will include installation of new Rotary officers, celebration of the club’s work last year and an opportunity to express our deep-down compassion by joining Rotarians all around the world in eliminating polio from the world.

Photo by Jeff Thorneycroft

Proliﬁc songwriter Dana Cooper will perform at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center on Friday, July 27. He appeared at Cedaredge’s gigantic AppleFest celebration last year and the popular touring musician is looking forward to returning to Colorado.

OC trustees want to hear from DCED BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

During committee reports at the July 11 meeting of the Orchard City Board of Trustees, trustee Mel Cook raised concerns regarding his role with the entity known as Delta County Economic Development (DCED). DCED is a nonprofit organization which (according to its website) works “in partnership with public and private sectors to strengthen and diversify the economy of Delta County, Colorado.” Because the group works with sensitive matters — including contacts with businesses considering relocation to Delta County — certain aspects of DCED are conducted confidentially and members of the group are sworn to secrecy. Cook questioned whether a public entity such as the town should be paying dues to a secretive organization and

participating in transactions that are not open to public scrutiny. Mayor Volgamore indicated that the town has periodically questioned its participation and he suggested that it was time to ask DCED representatives to again visit the board and state their case for Orchard City continuing to contribute and participate. Barring special meetings or holidays, the Orchard City board of trustees meets for a work session on the first Wednesday of each month and for a regular meeting on the second Wednesday. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at 9661 2100 Road in Austin. The public is encouraged to attend. A public hearing will be held regarding an ordinance related to subdivision and land improvement regulations. The public hearing is at town hall on Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.

YEARS

3 - 2 0 1 8

RATING EB

includes fishing gear and transportation from the library. Registration is required for this class, no later than July 20. Comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking/tennis shoes are a must. Bring your own water, sunscreen, sun hat, snacks and bug spray. Call Cedaredge Library at 399-7674 for more information. Register in person at Cedaredge Library by July 20.

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Nature Connection offers Fly Fishing 101 The Nature Connection is offering a Fly Fishing 101 program for sixth-eighth graders out of its gear hub at Cedaredge Library. David Holt, Cedaredge resident and fly fishing master, will teach the introductory class. Participants will meet at Cedaredge Library at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27, then head up to the Grand Mesa for a two-hour workshop. A $5 registration fee

C6 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS July 18, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Hotchkiss Booster Club hosts golf play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Nineteen teams represented the largest number of teams in the history of Hotchkiss’ Booster Club 18 Hole Golf Scramble at Devil’s Thumb on Saturday, July 14. There was plenty of sunshine and a few low scores as 76 players played for bragging rights and prizes. This year’s winners of the Best Ball Scramble were Abel Chavez, Mike Dallas, Jime Poutre and Tony Marks. Specialty prize winners included Bindi Pennetta (closest to the pin), Kory Mills (men’s longest drive) and Annavah Kropp (women’s longest drive). Event organizer Curtis Hintz was excited as this year’s tournament came together and a total of 19 teams teed off Saturday morning. “We started

three years ago with just eight teams and had 13 teams in last year’s tournament.” The increase in numbers speaks to the interest of golfers and Bulldog supporters. Monies raised from the tournament has gone to purchasing game football pants, replacement football jerseys and an rnd zone camera. Hintz has been enthusiastic in serving as the tournament’s organizer and knows his efforts are but a small piece of the puzzle needed to make everything work. “I want to make sure that a big thank you goes to Ken Brown and his staff at Devil’s Thumb. They do an amazing job of putting on a tournament and being organized. I also want to thank both the Booster Club at Hotchkiss High School for its support and the

Hotchkiss football team for its help working the tournament.” Hintz gave a big thank you to Ken and Needle Rock Brewing Company for organizing and providing a fantastic lunch following tournament play. A list of sponsors and donating places of business include Homestead Meats, Lasting Impressions, Weekender Sports, Tribble and Sons Construction, Bolinger and Queen Inc., Hotchkiss Automotive, Arch Co Customs, Northeast Chiropractic Center in Colorado Springs, Aspen Golf Photo submitted Club, BNS Sports, Needle Rock Brewing Company, This year’s Hotchkiss Booster Club 18 Hole Scramble winners are, from left, Black Mesa Lodge, Ross Abel Chavez, Mike Dallas, Jim Poutre and Tony Marks. Curtis Hintz, the tourReels, Black Canyon nament organizer, poses on the right. Arbor Care, RV Horizons Inc., Kwiki Auto Service, Watson Hopper Inc. and Whitney Constructions Inc.

Photo submitted

Last Saturday’s specialty winners from the third annual Hotchkiss Booster Club 18 Hole Scramble pose with tournament organizer Curtis Hintz. From the left is Bindi Pennetta (closest to the pin), Hintz, Kory Mills (men’s longest drive) and Annavah Kropp (women’s longest drive).

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Photo by Wayne Crick

This foursome had a short chip shot to reach number 18 as they competed in the third annual Bulldog Booster Club Scramble at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course. Members of the team, not in order, included Steven Flores, Richard Flores, Scott Murtaugh and Michael Munoz.

CHSAA sets new registration plan Beginning this fall, all Colorado high school coaches and athletes will be required to register with the Colorado High School Activities Association through an electronic platform. CHSAA, the governing body of high school sports in the state, signed an exclusive statewide agreement with ArbiterSports to implement ArbiterAthlete across all 355 CHSAA member high schools. Beginning with the 2018-2019 season, athletes, coaches and parents must register and submit physicals, CPR cards, consent and other forms through the ArbiterAthlete electronic platform. The platform is accessed at www.arbiter athlete.com and allows students to complete and access forms via computer, tablet or mobile form. The action “will

improve the compliance and eligibility tracking process for athletes who sign up for athletic/activity programs in the state and provide real-time access to the information athletic directors, administrators, coaches and parents need,” according to a CHSAA press release. In addition to improving the ease efficiency with which high schools interact with each other and the CHSAA, ArbiterAthlete will help the state to stay in compliance with the latest Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) guidelines. Students and coaches must be in compliance with forms prior to Aug. 6. Contact fall coaches or school athletic directors for details.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Golfers at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course know it’ll be a matter of 10-15 minutes before parachutists will make an appearance when they see this plane taking off from Blake Field in Delta.

�TODAY

Candice Moore

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Tennis courts closed

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Apple Valley tennis courts are closed until further notice to allow for clean-up of mud deposited on the courts after Minnesota Creek ﬂooded on July 8. Floodwaters destroyed two beaver dams east of Paonia, and carried tons of debris downstream, washing away a foot bridge near Harding Road and jamming up against the bridge on Pan American Road adjacent to Apple Valley Park. The North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District and Town of Paonia are coordinating on clean-up efforts, and much of the mud has already been removed.

Photo by Wayne Crick

New Hotchkiss High School principal Marty Rover replaces the ﬂag after his team ﬁnished play on number six.

Classifieds

July 18, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Classified Line Ad Rates $8.00 for first issue (25 words or less) 12¢ per additional word 1/2 off each consecutive issue. Customers must pay when they drop off the ad, mail in a check so it arrives at least by Wednesday, put the ad on their debit or credit card, or charge the ad to their established account.

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10:00 a.m. Monday for Wednesday edition. Noon Monday for "Too Late to Classify."

Have a house for sale? Advertise it the DCI. 874-4421.

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HOME FOR SALE IN Garnet Mesa Estates. 601 Willow Wood Lane. Delta. 3 bedroom/2 bath. Large fenced in yard with automatic sprinkler system. 2 car garage. Close to schools and downtown. $215,000. Contact Greg Brown, 970216-3774. (1x29)

Mobile Homes 12X56; 2/3 BEDROOMS, 1 bath in quiet Cedaredge park. Unique home with real wood paneling on walls and ceilings. Separate dining/bedroom with murphy bed. Built in hutches and dressing areas. Includes adjustable bed and washer/ dryer. $12,000. 856-7800; 303-917-2844. (1x29)

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

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Rentals FOR RENT, 1,600 SQ. FT. 3 bedroom house with 1 car garage in Delta. $850 per month, $850 deposit. Call 596-5319. (TFNx28) 3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH on 2100 Rd., Eckert. No pets. Water included. Shady quiet community. $900/month. 970-835-4101 or 970-2011743. (2x29)

Yard Sales YARD SALE: FRIDAY & Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 19850 2325 Rd., Cedaredge. Antique roll top desk, wood lathe, router table, lots of collectibles, some glass half price, all offers considered. (1x29) MULTI FAMILY YARD sale and bake sale, Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Westminster Hall, Delta. Proceeds benefit Girl Scout Troop #10083. (1x29)

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Help Wanted HELP WANTED: FARM laborers also fruit stand retail. 323-5116. (6x25) TOWN OF PAONIA NOTice of Open Position. The Town of Paonia is accepting applications for the position of Public Works Laborer. Under the direction of the Public Works Director, this position performs skilled, semi-skilled, and specialized operations for the Town of Paonia related to streets, public works, equipment responsibilities and parks. Salary depending on qualifications. Town employment application available at www.townof paonia.com Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on July 26, 2018. Contact Town for additional information. The Town of Paonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (2x29)

�� SEEKING PARAPROFESsionals/teachers to work with children who have cognitive delays in Delta County. Must be willing to learn, pass background check, and have reliable transportation. Go to https://www.otrbehavior. com/career-opportunities to learn more. (4x26)

VISION CHARTER Academy, a public charter school focused on individualized education for K-12 learners in Delta County and surrounding areas, seeks candidates passionate about dynamic learning opportunities. Visit www. visioncharteracademy.org for open position information and requirements. STORE RETAIL MERCH- (2x29) andiser. Seasonal Project Based Work, Flexible NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE Schedules. Apply today notify the Delta County GET QUICK RESULTS, at www.matchmg.com/ Independent 10 days prior advertise that position in careers to be a retail mer- to moving. PO Box 809, the DCI Classifieds. Call chandiser. Great Hourly Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874today 874-4421. Pay! (4x26) 4421.

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D2 Wednesday, July 18, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

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HOLD THE

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

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�� 401 Meeker St. Delta • 874-4421

Help Wanted

�� THE TOWN OF HOTchkiss is now accepting application for a full time position with Public Works Department. Requirements include the following: Minimum of D water and D wastewater operator’s license or ability to acquire within one year. Minimum of a class 1 water distribution and class 1 wastewater collection license or ability to acquire within one year. Minimum of a class B CDL driver’s license or ability to acquire within one year. Ability to perform physical labor. Successful applicant must be able to pass preemployment drug screening and background check. Experience with equipment operation, computer, mapping, map and blue print reading, electrical, plumbing, pipe laying, construction and mechanical skills are all great assets to the Public Works Department. Employees must perform rotating weekend assignments. Public Works is considered part of the emergency response team for the Town of Hotchkiss. Employees must be able to accept on call status and respond within 20 minutes. Town of Hotchkiss employment applications are available on line at w w w. t o w n o f h o t c h k i s s . com or can be picked up at the Town of Hotchkiss Town Hall, 276 West Main St. Hotchkiss CO, 970872-3663. Compensation is based on experience and includes benefit package. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 31, 2018. Please send to Town of Hotchkiss, 276 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 369, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. EOE (2x29)

Delta County Independent

Public Service

ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta.

SUPPORT THE DELTA Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store.

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

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180.

AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067.

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. HOW DO I SELL MY 10th St, Delta. Cottage Food products? You may sell your products THE ABRAHAM CONNECdirectly to the consumer tion homeless shelter, from your residence, road- located at 480 Silver St., side stand, Farmers’ mar- Delta, offers emergency ket, community supported overnight shelter and food agricultural organizations, to men, women and famior other similar venue. If lies in the Delta area midyou have any questions, October- April. Call us at please call: 874-2165. Delta 970-773-8290 to make a County Health Department. referral, or for information on how to volunteer (4X29) or donate. www.Delta THE DELTA COUNTY A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . Independent runs these org. items as a public service free of charge for non-profit HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS organizations, if no fees are Wanted! Delta County charged. However, each Memorial Hospital needs group is asked to please hospital volunteers. Days keep them current by call- and hours are flexible. There are currently openings ing 874-4421. in the ER, Oncology, Gift THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Shop and some additional Kitchen needs egg cartons. areas. If you are interested, If you have any to give please contact Volunteer please call 250-6637 and we Coordinator, Barbara Hall at will pick up. 250-2105 for an application.

Public Service

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.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door).

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. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Healthy moms have healthy Golf with a fun group of babies. Enroll in the Baby & ladies. Two membership Me Tobacco Free program options available. Sign up today. Contact the Delta at www.cedaredgeladies County Health Department golf.com. Get to know us at 874-2165 or your local on Facebook at “cedar physician. edgeladiesgolfclub” PARENTS FREE! INFORMBOOKS MAKE GREAT ation and referrals to WANT TO MAKE A QUICK stocking stuffers. Find licensed child care providsale, advertise in the Delta books at great prices in ers, call Bright Futures Child County Independent's Clas- the basement of the Delta Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. Public Library. sifieds. Call 874-4421

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

Public Service THINK YOU'RE PREGnant? Abused? Need help? The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free service, support and advice to all teenagers and women in crisis pregnancy situations. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster.

HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There AL-ANON: HOPE AND are also ongoing support help for families and groups. Please call our office friends of alcoholics meets at 970-773-2251 for more in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, information or if you are in Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall crisis please call our 24 hour behind First Baptist Church, crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. 370 W. Main St., contact Mary M. 970-856-6123 or AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and Jim 970-874-7855. friends of alcoholics meets HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, Historical Museum. Winter Mondays at 6:30 pm, hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Methodist Church 285 N. $3 admission or free to 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210members. Come see our 8090 or Marjorie 970-433museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss 1856. Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780. CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV regular meetings on the CHECK OUT THE BOOK second Monday of each store at the Delta Library. month at 7 p.m. at the You'll find a great selection Veterans Building, 15th & of paperbacks at reasonable Howard, Delta. For further prices. information, call Paul Carter IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, 874-5150. you will love the Downstairs YOU HAVE THE POWER TO Bookstore in the basement change a child's life! of the Delta Library. Children are waiting for NARCOTICS ANONY- senior partners in Delta mous meets at 9th and County right now! Can you Palmer, Delta, Mondays and spare 3 hours a week? We need your help! Call today Fridays at 8 p.m. for more information. Please DELTA FOOD PANTRY volunteer to spend time with needs meals for Delta fami- a child in our community. lies who are temporarily Partners of Delta, Montrose in need. Donations of non- and Ouray, 874-4661, www. perishable food may be partners-west.org. or www. brought to 628 Meeker. deltayouth@montrose.net.

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Delta County Independent

With full military honors

Photos by Don Benjamin

Naval reserve petty ofﬁcers Ben Bowers and Brevard Smith unfurl, then tightly refold an American ﬂag to be presented to the family of Bud Loose, a U.S. Navy veteran. The two reservists journeyed from Fort Carson in Colorado Springs to take part in military honors for their naval comrade.

BY DON BENJAMIN

Rifles at the ready, members of VFW Grand Mesa Post 9221 await the signal to fire volleys in honor of a local naval veteran. The rifle squad members are (left to right): Hans Echevrria, Richard Romero and Buddy Hamrick.

Staff Writer

e was born Rudyard Kerwood Loose in Kansas in 1926 but the name ‘Bud’ seemed to suit him better. Bud Loose graduated from high school in 1944, just in time to enlist in the United States Navy. Assigned to the Navy Seabees, he served in the Pacific where he and fellow sailors built runways, fuel depots, and support facilities to help win World War II. In peacetime, Bud re-enlisted in the Navy and served until 1969, retiring as a lieutenant commander. Shortly after his military retirement, Bud and his wife Loretta and their family moved to Cory. The avid outdoorsman hunted and fished on Grand Mesa. Bud also worked for Delta County and he and his wife ran a successful tax preparation service. Loretta passed away in 1993 and eventually Bud moved to Littleton to live with his daughter. Over the years, Bud fondly recalled his time in Cory and his years of

naval service. Those were fond memories and when the old sailor died this year, it was time for the town of Cory and the Navy to remember Bud with full military honors. Since January 1, 2000, all active duty, reserve, or honorably discharged U.S. military veterans are entitled a graveside service with military honors. If the surviving family requests this honor, uniformed military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations step forward to provide the ceremony at no cost. In the Surface Creek area, volunteers from the Cedaredge-based Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Grand Mesa Post 9221, answer the call. Post members provide graveside services for an average of two funerals every month and they also take part in special services on Memorial Day. Throughout Delta County, other VFW posts perform similar services. Post personnel can be contacted by either the family or the mortuary. The VFW provides a

World War II U.S. Navy veteran Rudyard Kerwood (Bud) Loose, 1926-2018.

website where interested parties can obtain contact information for a post nearest the site of internment: www.vfw.org/find-a-post. Locally, survivors can contact the Delta County Veterans Office at 970-874-2082 for a referral.

Bill Hendrix, chaplain for Grand Mesa VFW Post 9221, salutes and sounds the post bell as part of full military honors for navy veteran Bud Loose. The bell is sounded three times: once for “Duty,” once for “Honor,” and a third time for “Country.”

Chris Weldon, a retired member of the Delta County sheriff’s ofﬁce, played the traditional rendition of “Taps” as former Cory resident Bud Loose was laid to rest last month.

Members of the Grand Mesa VFW Post 9221 provided the benediction and ﬂag honors at graveside services for fellow veteran Bud Loose. Preparing to retire the colors at the close of the Cory Cemetery ceremony are (left to right) Wayne Hamrick (post commander), Steve Grewe, David Craig and Gary Tollefson (post quartermaster).