Delta County Independent, July 25, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

TOP O’ THE ROCKIES 30th annual BMW rally draws 585 riders to Paonia, B1

DELTARADO DAYS

DEER COUNT DROPS

Surveys document movement of deer in and out of Cedaredge, B7

DELTA COUNTY

HATS OFF TO AG

Parade, music, car shows, BBQs highlight annual celebration, C1-8 JULY 25, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 30

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Drugs tied to nudity, criminal mischief BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An incident in Hotchkiss described as a “rampage” is eerily similar to an arrest made two days earlier by the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office in Eckert. At about midnight on Thursday, July 19, deputies observed a female pedestrian on Highway 65 near Ersley Road in Eckert. She was exposing herself and appeared to be quite intoxicated or high on some type of substance. Shirley Rimpley, 52, of Kansas City, Kan., was arrested and jailed on charges of intoxicated pedestrian on highway, public indecency and resisting arrest. The “rampage” in Hotchkiss took place Friday, July 20, and involved juveniles that were allegedly under the influence of some type of drug, possibly acid. Hotchkiss Marshal Dan Miller said the incident started about 11:30 p.m., with reports of the males running around town in their underwear — or naked — and causing damage to some vehicles. Alexander Mehder posted a photo on Facebook showing

the damage to the windshield of his car parked at 2nd and Orchard. The marshal said all five juvenile males, ages 15 to 18, have been identified. Multiple ambulances were summoned to transport the boys to the hospital, where they were checked and then released to their parents or guardians. Miller said he is working with the Paonia Police Department to identify another juvenile and an adult male who were also believed to be involved in Friday night’s criminal activity. He is also very interested in tracking the source of the illegal substance consumed by the teens. No one is in custody at this time, Miller said, as officers continue to gather evidence. Charges could include consumption of a Schedule I substance, criminal mischief, trespassing and indecent exposure. Mehder said in his Facebook post that one young man out of the group had come forward to apologize and to promise full restitution for the damages to his car.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Coming down

The sixth grade wing at Delta Middle School was leveled Monday to make way for an addition to the school that will include classrooms for the sixth graders, as well as a new cafeteria and band room. “We are all excited about the addition of a new facility for our students at Delta Middle School,” said superintendent Caryn Gibson. “It will allow for new and exciting opportunities for students and staff.” For the 2018-19 school year, the sixth graders will be temporarily housed in the second level of the Delta Family Center (the old middle/high school).

DURA expands search for hotel site BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) is optimistic an upper midscale hotel is still in Delta’s future — it just won’t be built in the first two sites proposed for development. At DURA’s most recent meeting on July

19, City of Delta staff was directed to begin searching for other properties that would be appropriate for the project, particularly sites already owned by the city. The move comes after DURA struck out twice, first with the TK Mining property and then with a much larger

Grand Mesa from the air

parcel of adjoining privatelyowned land, both on the east side of Highway 50. MARS Hospitality expressed interest in the TK Mining property before it was pulled off the market. When that occurred, the DURA board issued a new RFP for the St. James property. The second

Photo by Pat Sunderland

A scenic ﬂight with Rocky Mountain Air Tours provided this overview of the lakes on Grand Mesa (including Island Lake on the right). Rocky Mountain Air Tours is based at Blake Field. Owner Ben Lowe also offers tandem sky dives and will soon expand his business to include guided ATV trips to Grand Mesa from the municipal airport in North Delta.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Business ........................ A8 Church ........................... D6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Deltarado Days ........ C1-8 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-5 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A6 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ...........................B10 Surface Creek News ...B7-9 TV Listings ..................B5-6

deadline of July 2 passed with zero interest from developers. David Torgler, DURA’s executive director, shared his understanding that MARS was hesitant to pursue the larger parcel due to the lack of a vision of how the property would be developed. Although Torgler said MARS recognizes the market opportunity in Delta, there were simply too many unknowns with the St. James parcel. Plus, voter approval would have been required for the land swap that would have put the property in the city’s hands. “And wouldn’t you have to have a deal structured before you went to the voters, so they’d know the reason for approving the land swap?” asked DURA commissioner Tom Huerkamp. “Are we totally way out in front of this thing?” “That’s been a concern I’ve had since the whole thing was moved from TK,” said DURA chairman Ron Austin. “The whole thing is contingent on some kind of deal being put together through a swap, plus some money. It’s no wonder to me that we didn’t get any RFPs back. There’s way too many questions as to even acquiring the property and their ability to move forward with it.” Adam Hughes of Better Cities, who participated in the meeting by phone, said MARS representatives indicated they would consider alternative sites that do not require such a broad development vision,

particularly if the site was located in close proximity to the Highway 92 corridor. “Part of the problem with this whole process is that the land is not secured,” said DURA commissioner Don Suppes. “Had the land been secured first, we wouldn’t be having these issues. Maybe we need to step back and think how to restart this process with land that would not be so hard to acquire.” He directed the commisioners’ attention to city-owned property on the opposite side of Highway 50 and close to desired amenities including river access, Confluence Lake, trails and the recreation center. Any sale of city-owned property, even to DURA, would require a vote of the people, but without the expense of property acquisition, the project becomes more feasible. With the aid of an aerial map of the area, DURA commissioners discussed possible locations that would offer the four acres required for a hotel and parking, and that would also be within DURA project boundaries. City staff was asked to continue evaluating possible sites, and to provide the commissioners with a list of possibilities and their pros and cons at a future DURA meeting. While the commissioners would like to keep the process moving forward, they recognized it would be difficult to identify one parcel in time to HOTEL SITE TO A3

Crawford boat ramp closed

DMV system upgrade

Due to low water levels, the boat ramp at Crawford Reservoir is closed. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports the reservoir is down 46 feet from full capacity. People can still put in hand-launched craft such as canoes, paddleboards and kayaks. However, boats with motors are no longer allowed this season. Even with low water, fishing at Crawford State Park has been surprisingly good, according to park staff. Anglers are landing good catches of trout, catfish and largemouth bass. Anglers are reminded that they can keep only one large-mouth bass that is 18 inches or longer. All other services and facilities at the campground are open. The park has 66 campsites. For those with motorboats, the reservoir at Sweitzer Lake State Park just south of the town of Delta, is full and open for boating and water skiing. Sweitzer is a day-use park, so there is no camping. Entry to the parks is $7 per vehicle, or $70 for an annual pass good for all state parks. For more information about Colorado’s 41 state parks, go to: http://cpw.state.co.us.

All Colorado title and registration services, including motor vehicle registration renewal, vehicle titling, and ownership transfers will be unavailable Aug. 1-5 to allow for technical upgrades. Individuals needing to renew eligible vehicles are encouraged to use online services at mydmv.colorado. gov. Colorado driver license services, both in office and online, will be unavailable Aug. 23. State driver license offices will be closed. This closure will allow the state to replace a computer system that was originally installed between 1983 and 1986.

A2 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Saving Social Security Dear Editor: The Government Accounting Office estimated that the tax cuts enacted by Congress in 2017 will add two trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next 10 years as a result of lowered taxes for the wealthiest Americans. These same legislators who enacted this legislation are now considering lowering entitlement programs such as Social Security as a means of reducing the federal deficit. House Speaker Paul Ryan has stated that to help balance the federal deficit, the government must cut spending on these programs. More recently, Sam Johnson (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, released a plan that would drastically reduce benefits. In order to close long term funding gaps,

Johnson proposes to raise the retirement age for eligibility, lower annual cost-of-living adjustments, and exclude drug purchase discounts for formulating eligibility for the catastrophic phase of coverage. The resolution also assumes repeal of the Affordable Care Act and adopts the reforms included in the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The Congressional Budget Office, another “watchdog” agency, predicted that 23 million Americans would lose health care insurance under AHCA as compared to current law. The House Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2019, introduced by Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), and approved by the House of Representatives Budget Committee, also proposes drastic cuts for programs of importance to lower and middle income Americans.

According to AARP, there are proactive ways to help ensure that these programs are protected. AARP suggests asking your representative politicians and candidates four basic questions and asking them to respond specifically. The questions are: 1. Do you believe Medicare and Medicaid should be cut as a way to reduce the federal deficit? 2. Do you favor turning Medicare or Medicaid into voucher programs? 3. What changes would you make to ensure that individuals continue to get promised benefits? 4. Do you support expanding coverage to include hearing, vision and dental care? With the upcoming elections, we have the opportunity and responsibility to proactively engage incumbents and office seekers to find out where they stand on matters of such importance to so many Americans. John St. George Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Technical upgrades impact driver license, motor vehicle renewals

All Colorado title and registration services, including motor vehicle registration renewal, vehicle titling, and ownership transfers will be unavailable Aug. 15 to allow for technical upgrades, which will improve the customer and employee experience in offices and online. Online registration renewal and kiosk registration renewal in participating counties will remain available Aug. 1-5. Individuals needing to renew eligible vehicles are encouraged to skip the trip by using online services at mydmv.colorado. gov. Colorado driver license services, both in office and online, will be unavailable Aug. 2-3. State driver license offices will be closed. This closure will allow the state of Colorado to replace the Colorado State Titling and Registration System (CSTARS), originally installed between 1983 and 1986, with a new system, Colorado DRIVES, which will allow for better countyto-county integration, faster transaction pro-

cessing and additional online services. This system was successfully implemented for driver services on Feb. 21, 2017. New online services, which will be available Aug. 6 at mydmv. colorado.gov, include improved online vehicle registration renewal, document uploading, personalized plate requests, change of address and new registration. “We are excited to introduce the DRIVES system into both driver license and motor vehicle offices in Colorado,” said Department of Revenue executive director Michael Hartman. “This new system offers a 35year leap in technology, which will allow for a faster customer experience with several additional online service options.” Individuals whose driver license, identification card or motor vehicle registration expires in July or August 2018 are encouraged to renew early. “We apologize for the inconvenience this closure may cause and look

forward to providing the residents of Colorado with a modern, userfriendly system for driver and vehicle services,” Hartman said. The Colorado Department of Revenue is dedicated to providing quality service to our customers in fulfillment of our fiduciary and statutory responsibilities, while instilling public confidence through professional and responsive employees.

Letter to the Editor Policy The Delta County Independent welcomes letters on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address and telephone number (not for publication), and must be signed by the author. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. E-mail: editor@ deltacountyindependent.com Mail: P.O. Box 809, Delta, CO 81416

Delta police, sheriff’s blotter

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From the Delta Police report for a possible theft. Officers responded to Department (edited for Cleland Park for a report of length): a vehicle accident. Ramon, Urquiza-Cano, 48, of July 16: Officers were dispatched Hotchkiss was arrested for to the 1600 block of Cherry driving under the influence Lane for a possible adult sui- and limitations on backing. Officers responded to the cidal male. Officers responded to the 1000 block of East 5th Street intersection of Stafford Lane for a possible domestic vioand Highway 92 for a two- lence. Officers responded to Clevehicle accident. Joseph A. Rodgers, 69, of Montrose land Park, where Jeffrey D. was issued a summons Nutter, 63, was issued a sumfor disobeying a red signal mons for unlawful acts. Officers responded to a light. Officers responded to 500 traffic accident at the interWest 2nd Street, Hope Man- section of Highway 92 and ufacturing, for a possible Stafford Lane. Lee V. Cook, 71, of Delta was issued a burglary. Officers took a lobby summons for disobeying a report of a possible identity red signal light. Officers responded to the theft. Officers took a lobby parking lot of Wells Fargo report of a possible missing Bank for a traffic accident. Officers took a lobby person. This person returned report in regards to possible home on July 23. Officers responded to 795 suspicious activities involv1600 Road, Delta Christian ing juveniles. Officers took a lobby Church, for a report of crimireport in regards to a posnal mischief. Officers responded to sible burglary. Officers took a lobby the 1100 block of Park Ridge Court for a possible bur- report in regards to a possible trespass. glary. Officers took a report of July 20: Officers took a report of a property that was found in the 1700 block of Hillcrest traffic accident that occurred July 18 at the intersection of Drive. Officers responded to 689 G Road and Graff Road. Officers took a lobby Highway 50 for a report of an report of a possible missing adult male suicide attempt. person. A welfare check was July 17: Officers responded to the conducted. Officers responded to 200 block of Howard Street for a report of theft of prop- Walmart for a private property accident. erty. Officers responded to the Officers responded to the intersection of Dodge Street 500 block of Dodge Street and West 8th Street for a for a report of improper use two-vehicle accident. Cindy of child car seat. Christina Treto Maders, 23, of Fruita S. Johnson, 38, of Hotchkiss was issued a summons for was issued a citation for driving without a valid driver’s disregarding a stop sign. Frank Salazar, 49, of Delta license. Officers responded to the was issued a summons for 600 block of West 5th Street shoplifting at City Market. Officers took a hit-and- for an unattended death. Officers responded to the run traffic accident report 500 block of Dodge Street, that occurred at Walmart. Officers responded to the for a report of lost and found 300 block of Dodge Street for property. John S. Beres, 59, of Delta a possible forced entry into a was arrested on charges of residence. violation of a no contact proJuly 18: Officers contacted a tection order. Officers responded to pedestrian on Highway 50. As a result, David H. Rey- Wells Fargo Bank for a prinolds, 24, of Grand Junction vate property traffic acciwas arrested on two Mesa dent. A 14-year old juvenile County warrants with a total male was issued a summons bond of $6,026 cash only. Officers took a lobby for shoplifting at Walmart. July 21: report of a lost wallet. Officers responded to the Officer took a lobby report 1400 block of Elm Way for a of possible identity theft. Officers responded to welfare check. Officers responded to the Stafford Lane and Highway 600 block of Palmer Street 92 for a traffic accident. Officers responded to for a juvenile problem. As a West 6th Street and Main result, John H. Stewart, 47, Street for a traffic accident. of Delta was arrested on a Thomas L. Collins, 44, of no contact protection order Delta was issued a summons violation. Officers responded to for careless driving and a proof of service for driving Safeway for the report of a vehicle while license sus- possible drunk driver parked at the fuel station. Cody W. pended. Officers responded to the Dillard, 28, of Delta was 200 block of Meeker Street arrested on charges of drove for a private property acci- vehicle while denied and a Colorado State Patrol wardent. Officers responded to 702 rant with a $300 bond. Officers received informaMain Street, Eldorado Motel, for a report of a wanted per- tion of a possible wanted son. James L. Huff, 56, of person at Four Seasons River Delta was arrested and jailed Inn & RV Park. As a result, on a Delta County warrant Martin A. Martinez, 41, of with a $1,500 cash or surety Delta was arrested on three warrants with a total bond of bond. $15,000. July 19: Citations: 16 tickets were Brook K. Ware, 30, of Delta was arrested on a Delta issued this week for various County warrant with a bond traffic violations. Please remember: All of $300 cash or surety. Officers took a lobby criminal charges are merely

an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): July 16: A Delta area resident reported the theft of his checkbook. At about 3 p.m., deputies responded to the emergency room at Delta County Memorial Hospital concerning an Orchard City resident who had been in an altercation with a neighbor. The man, who was treated for injuries in the area of his rib cage, declined to cooperate with law enforcement. July 17: A Cedaredge area woman reported the theft of registration and proof of insurance from two different vehicles. Two separate calls were received about a trash fire on F Road, Delta. An Eckert woman returned to her home on W. Spring Circle to find a door open. It’s not a door that she normally uses and her home has been broken into before. She is compiling a list of missing items. Deputies investigated a report of elder abuse involving an 81-year-old Austin woman. The woman was reportedly talked out of $300 by a home health provider. A Delta area woman reported a dispute with a neighbor over irrigation water. July 18: Deputies were asked to check the welfare of an older Hotchkiss resident who failed to show up for an appointment and could not be reached by phone. She later returned a message left by deputies, saying she had been on a camping trip. Deputies were asked to check the welfare of an 83year-old Delta area man. Family members believe he’s being taken advantage of by a number of people, including one female who resides in his home. The Bank of the West fraud division contacted sheriff’s deputies about a 71year-old Delta area man who had withdrawn $71,000 from his account. It was believed he was the victim of a scam. Deputies determined he had sent a portion of the funds overseas before realizing he was the victim of fraud. He had used the remainder of the withdrawal for house repairs. Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a

traffic stop at Stafford Lane and Highway 92 following a tip from hospital personnel. Reuben Moore, 48, of Clifton was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. July 19: At about midnight, deputies observed a female on Highway 65 near Ersley Road in Eckert. She appeared to be either intoxicated or high and was exposing herself. Shirley Rimpley, 52, of Kansas City, Kan., was arrested and jailed on charges of intoxicated pedestrian on highway, public indecency and resisting arrest. Deputies had spoken with Rimpley earlier in the week concerning a stolen vehicle she believed to be located at a residence on California Mesa. A homeowner alerted by an interior alarm contacted dispatch about a possible break-in at a home on Marshalls Road in Austin. Deputies responded to a domestic incident involving a 70-year-old female in a wheelchair who was threatening to stab the reporting party. July 21: A Hotchkiss area woman contacted dispatch after her 25-year-old son showed up at her home, apparently drunk and making threats. A man living on Redlands Mesa reported someone had entered his home through an unlocked door and taken a number of checks, including one that was signed. July 22: A hemp company in the Paonia area reported the theft of about $6,000 worth of products from a warehouse. A suspect has been identified and the investigation is continuing. A Crawford area resident reported a neighbor threatened to punch a hole in his generator because it was running too early in the day. A female’s screams prompted a Paonia area man to contact dispatch. Deputies visited with a male and female on BLM property just off Pan American Avenue. They determined the altercation was verbal only and the two parties were separated. Deputies responded to a motorcycle accident on Fruitland Mesa Road and Polson Road, Crawford, that occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Justin Peter, the driver of the motorcycle, had been transported to the emergency room by his mother. The Colorado State Patrol investigated the accident, which apparently involved a deer.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delta County (includes Olathe Somerset & Maher) ....$30.00 Seniors in Delta County (65 and over) ....................................$28.00 In-State ............................................$34.00 Out-of-State .....................................$38.00

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Training can increase the odds of surviving an active shooter event BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

National statistics show that the average critical shooting incident is over in just 5 minutes, generally minutes before law enforcement has arrived on the scene. ALICE training is

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designed to help individuals and organizations help themselves by providing them with a plan on how to more proactively handle the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter event. Earlier this month, two Delta Police Department officers attended a two-day class offered by the ALICE Training Institute on the Front Range. Commander Jesse Cox and Sgt. Jeremy Gay are now the only two certified ALICE trainers in Delta County. ALICE is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. The nationally-recognized program aims to “eradicate the ‘It can’t happen to me’ mentality and change the way people in schools, universities, businesses, hospitals and places of worship respond to armed intruders.” Cox and Gay say the program is aimed at changing the mindset of people, to authorize and empower them to use a variety of simple options to save their lives, as

Managing Editor

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During a jury trial in late May, Emilio Martinez was found guilty of four misdemeanor counts of assault against two female victims in Delta. While the jury rejected felony convictions and settled for misdemeanors, the fact that there were two separate victims, coupled with similar convictions in Alamosa and Mesa counties, prompted Delta District Judge Steven Schultz to carefully consider his options during a sentencing hearing July 16. During the jury trial in May, one of two female victims in the September 2017 incident testified Martinez trapped her in her bedroom, then grabbed her by the neck; the second said Martinez kicked her in the side

while she was lying on the floor. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Martinez had dated one of the victims a few times, and the trio had just returned from Grand Junction, where they’d patronized a couple of bars. They were hanging out at one of the victim’s homes when what started as a joke turned into an ugly incident. When DPD Officer Nick Buffington arrived on the scene shortly after 3 a.m., he testified it was clear a struggle had taken place. One victim was crouched over, holding her side; the other was holding her neck. A hole had been punched in a hallway wall. At the sentencing hearing, Martinez told the judge he was highly intoxicated and just didn’t make the right decisions.

Hotel site

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FROM PAGE A1 submit a ballot question for the November election. They agreed to take the time necessary to do things right. It was pointed out the St. James property is still open to private development, and there are other potential projects within the DURA plan boundaries. DURA attorney Cait-

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ing incidents occur in businesses, Cox said. The training they’re prepared to share is applicable anywhere large groups of people congregate, indoors or out. ALICE Training Institute encourages training be implemented in drill form. “We’ve seen the successful results of fire drills. It’s time to start anticipating manmade disasters,” the ALICE website notes. “Active shooter attacks are, unfortunately, a national phenomenon,” said Chief Luke Fedler. “It’s good to be able to say we’re taking a proactive approach.” The police department is working with the school district to offer ALICE training this fall. Cox and Gay are also available to share their knowledge with local businesses, churches and other groups. Training is free and can generally be accomplished in an hour or two, depending on the size of the group. More information is available by calling the Delta Police Department at 874-7676.

Photo submitted

Joseph Chavalia (right), a national ALICE/RAIDER trainer, demonstrates how two females can “swarm” an active shooter (portrayed by Commander Jesse Cox) and force him to the ground. ALICE training changes the traditional mindset of “duck and cover.”

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Emilio Martinez sentenced for assault on two females BY PAT SUNDERLAND

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opposed to hunkering down and waiting for law enforcement to save the day. Individuals who find themselves in an active shooter attack are being taught first to attempt to escape, and if that isn’t possible, then to barricade themselves in a room or closet. Simply locking the door is not enough, the ALICE Training Institute teaches, because shooters can easily shoot the lock off. Swarming the intruder is another option. “After 22 years in law enforcement, I was surprised how much I learned in two days,” Cox said. “The most important thing we learned is how to train people not to be victims,” Gay added. The two participated in hands-on scenarios that demonstrated the effectiveness of the ALICE training, and they’re now eager to share what they’ve learned with the community. When people think of mass shootings, schools come to mind, but the majority of active shoot-

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lin Quander said energy has been focused on hotel development, but there’s a larger vision that leaves the door open for redevelopment opportunities with existing property owners. That may be true, said commissioner Suppes, but participation from taxing entities within Delta County was secured with the understanding DURA would pursue a flagship hotel to reduce leakage to Montrose and Grand Junction.

Just one of the victims opted to address the court during the hearing. She described the mental and emotional impact of the traumatic event, and urged the judge to sentence Martinez to a considerable amount of time in prison. The prosecutor pointed to the escalating seriousness of Martinez’s crimes against women. He referred to the presentence report, in which Martinez said he believes he is the victim in this case, because the two females still have their homes and still have their jobs. Martinez lost both when he was jailed on a probation revocation from Alamosa, triggered by the charges in Delta County. Defense attorney Jessica Hempstead urged the judge to make the jail time concurrent with the Alamosa sentence, and to give Martinez credit for time served for his probation revocation. The judge rejected both arguments and sentenced Martinez to nine months in county jail, to be served prior to the community corrections sentence for the case out of Alamosa County. He must also complete 30 months of supervised probation and domestic violence treatment. Judge Schultz noted that Martinez failed probation in his two previous cases. “You need to succeed this time,” he said. “If you don’t, you face prison time.”

Your church or organization having a special event? Call the DCI 874-4421.

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A4 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

BIRTHS Kevin and Laura Sunderland of Eliot, Maine, are the parents of a daughter, Neva Jeane Sunderland, born July 11, 2018, at York Hospital in York, Maine. She weighed 7 pounds, and was 19.75 inches in length. She has an older brother, Grady. Her grandparents are Pat and Randy Sunderland of Delta, Lisa Bond of Needham, Mass., and Whitford Bond and Faith Wilcox of Sudbury, Mass. Great-grandparents are Norman and Gladys Sunderland of Delta.

Manuel Lara and Maria Adama are the Emily Paige Wray and parents of a son, RonRyan Dean Turtura of aldo Lara, born July 17, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 10.8 AARP needs ounces and was 19.75 inches in length.

volunteer tax preparers

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Cedaredge are the parents of a daughter, Stella Elaine Turtura, born July 14, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 1.4 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Robert and Kristi Romero of Delta are the parents of a son, Jaxon James Romero, born July 15, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 5 pounds, 11.8 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

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AARP provides free tax service to seniors and low-income residents in the weeks leading up to April 15. Additional volunteers are sought to serve as tax preparers. If you can type emails and navigate Facebook, you are skilled enough to handle AARP’s tax program. Full training is provided and experienced people will work beside you. Training is just two afternoons each week for 10 weeks. To learn more about this rewarding service, email dgdelta@msn.com or call 874-7123.

Zach and Monica Jones of Hotchkiss are the parents of a daughter, Aspen Reign Jones, born July 17, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 2.6 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

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90 and counting

Ruth Miller’s 90th birthday was a success with two daughters, Kay Miller and Judi Douglass and her husband, Terry, Ruth’s brother and wife, Bob and Margie Sturgeon, as well as other close friends dropping by. She received more than 50 cards thanks to family, friends and readers. Ruth and her daughters want to thank everyone — she is still looking through the ones she received over and over. Again thanks to everyone.

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Uganda is a beautiful country with even more beautiful people.

A week in Uganda BY DON BARTON, MT, MS DCMH Laboratory Informaticist

This past May I was privileged to join the Fountain of Life Foundation with a few dentists, nurses, and others on a trip to Uganda, Africa. Our flight to Uganda took 22 hours, broken up with an overnight stay in Dubai, Arab Emirates. Those first two days were a study in contrasts between one of the richest areas in the world to one of the poorest. Our destination was the Canaan Junior School in the Ndagga village about two hours north of Kampala, the capital city. The school was started in late 2014 literally out of the forest, and already has seven grades (K-6) and about 250 students. The foundation not only supplies access to education for the villagers (free of charge), but also two meals a day for all the students. For some students, the afternoon meal is their biggest and most nutritious meal of the day consisting of white corn-

meal, rice and beans. In the process of building the school, a small medical clinic was also established and this is where my wife and I spent most of our time. I assisted the dental team and was put in charge of sterilization. I also had the opportunity to play dentist and pulled some teeth on two patients. I wish them well! We were very busy as the dental team saw 400 patients in five days. My wife, who is an RN, helped on the medical side of the clinic and with an interpreter passed out medication for a variety of ailments. Resources at the clinic are very limited at this time. Even though limit-

ed, many villages waited days to be seen by the nurses. Uganda is a very conservative country in many ways, but AIDS is a serious problem. Some of the students at the school had no parents because both died of AIDS. The United States gives AntiRetro Virals (HIV meds) to Ugandans for free as a way of combating the AIDS epidemic there. Uganda is a beautiful country with even more beautiful people. Their lives are very hard but in spite of the many challenges, they manage to smile big, sing incessantly, and dance their cares away at every chance they get.

Open house planned for Pat Moore’s 80th Pat (Carlson) Moore of Delta is celebrating her 80th birthday this year. Her children, Lessie and David Martin of Colorado Springs, Judy Amoo

of Scottsbluff, Neb., Jeff and Amy Rushall of Flagstaff, Ariz., and David and Leah Rushall of Highlands Ranch invite her friends to an open house on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 Palmer Street in Delta. Pat’s birthday is actually Oct. 18, but her family is eager to start the celebration. Let your presence be your gift! If you are unable to attend, please join the card shower by sending your well wishes to: 675 Carpenter Street, Delta, CO 81416.

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DCMH employee Don Barton and his wife provided medical services in Uganda through the Fountain of Life Foundation.

Pat Moore

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Road closed for bridge replacement

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

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Delta County announces the closure of 1200 Road between Amber and B75 Roads for approximately 5 months, beginning July 26, for bridge replacement. Please use alternate routes.

Librarians rock!

Photo submitted

Delta Library staff proudly wear their “Libraries Rock” T-shirts on Thursday, July 19, to encourage kids to complete their summer reading logs. Every kid in Delta County has the opportunity to earn a T-shirt and other prizes by participating in the 2018 summer program. Completed reading logs will be accepted at all ﬁve libraries in Delta County through Saturday, Aug. 18. Pictured from left to right are Bonnie Bishop, Mary Saunders, Adriana Chavira, Hannah Easter and Audry Haws.

City receives Blueprint 2.0 award to improve tourism On July 12, Colorado Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne joined local officials and state representatives at the Logan County Courthouse in Sterling to reveal the 17 Colorado communities selected as 2018 Blueprint 2.0 program award recipients. A program of

Hubwheelers plan regular, special dance The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will gather at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta, on Aug. 4 for a regular dance. A special dance is planned Thursday Aug. 16, with guest caller Dean Diederman from Nebraska at a special location — Garnet Mesa Elementary School. Enter from the cafeteria off 5th Street. The second dance of the month, which would normally be held Aug. 18, has been cancelled. For more information, call 835-3771 or 8358666.

the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Blueprint 2.0 marks its third year of rural economic development support throughout Colorado. Delta received support for a program titled “Colorado Rural Academy for Tourism Studio 201.” The application, written with the support of the Delta County Tourism Cabinet, provides peer assistance and training for regions and destinations that want to improve or expand their own tourism assets. The City of Greeley received support for the same program. “Blueprint 2.0 has become an integral part of rural Colorado’s economic resurgence,” said Lynne. “These programs deliver the vital economic services and expertise to help spark economic growth in a collaborative community-led effort. I’m honored to announce this year’s awardees and am excited to watch the transformative process within each community unfold.” Blueprint 2.0 is a

Presenter to discuss home funerals and green burials Caring for our loved ones during their dying time is not easy, but it can be incredibly gratifying. Guidance and education are the focus of a presentation at the Center for Spiritual Life, 658 Howard Street in Delta. Carrie Lerner of Bird Song Crossings will present the program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 30. Lerner is a trained home funeral guide and death midwife. She completed her train-

ing through the Beyond Hospice program in 2015 and is a member of the National Home Funeral Alliance. will discuss She the dying process and home death legalities, advanced directives, creating a guide book for transition, home funerals and green burials. For more information, contact the Center for Spiritual Life at 8743425 or visit csldelta. org.

End-of-life series concludes at All Saints 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 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.

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.

series of technical assistance initiatives offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development to enhance rural economic development strategies across the state. The program leverages state partnerships and specialized resources to address the unique economic development goals of rural Colorado. This bottomup effort turns regional feedback on local economic needs into a catalyst for economic growth. To learn more, visit choose colorado.com. For specific program or application process questions, contact Danielle Lendriet at danielle.lendriet@state. co.us.

HopeWest presents Diversity & Grief HopeWest bereavement coordinator Melanie McClanahan and bereavement volunteer, Reverend Carol Layton, will host a presentation examining the issues surrounding the need for culturally competent grief support. “Diversity & Grief” is scheduled Tuesday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the HopeWest office at 195 Stafford Lane in Delta. This presentation is free and open to professionals in the community who are touched by grief and loss in their own work. Learn ways to cope with issues of diversity and grief, regardless of age, income, ethnicity, religion, gender or LGBTQ identity. A light dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to Melanie McClanahan at 970-874-0628 by Thursday, July 26.

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A6 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Joe Alexander

Joseph Boyden Alexander died at HopeWest in Grand Junction on July 16, 2018. He was 96. He was born in Curlew, Neb., on April 11, 1922, to Granville and Fairye (Cox) Alexander. In 1927, the family settled on California Mesa, where Mr. Alexander spent the rest of his life. In 1941, he graduated from Olathe High School, where his favorite subject was “ditching class.” He joined the Army during World War II. He served in the Philippines

OBITUARIES and was part of the occupying troops in Japan. On April 1, 1947, he eloped to Gallup, N.M., with Maryann Stites. They were married for 71 years. Mr. Alexander farmed on California Mesa and was an independent mail contractor for the U.S. Postal Service for over 45 years. He was president of the Colorado Independent Contractors Association and received the prestigious Eagle Spirit Award, in recognition of excellence in service, from the U.S. Postal Service. He is survived by three children, Dr. Jeri Alexander, Teri Alexander and Granville Alexander; two grandchildren, Arienne Huff and Carl Craig Hasto; and four greatgranddaughters, Alexa Huff, Kylie Huff, Brianna Huff and Gwyneth Hasto. He was preceded in

OBITUARY POLICY

As a community service, the Delta County Independent publishes obituaries at no charge. Submissions are edited to include basic biographical information, survivors, precedents and service details. One photo can be included. Families wishing a more detailed eulogy may request a price quote for a paid obituary, which will be printed word-for-word and may include more than one photo. For more information, call 874-4421.

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death by a daughter, Keli Ann Alexander. A memorial service was held at Taylor Funeral Home in Delta July 23. Interment followed at the Olathe Cemetery, followed by a reception at Daveto’s Italian Restaurant. Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest, 725 S. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401 or 3090 N. 12th St., Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Samuel Giron

Samuel Narcisco Giron died July 3, 2018, due to a car accident in Olathe. He was 54. Mr. Giron was born and raised in Delta. He graduated from the votech as a mechanic and welder. He worked in the orchards and fields as a mechanic and maintenance operator. He married Cheryl Lassley, which ended in divorce. He married Linda Patterson in 1985 in Delta, which also ended in divorce. He enjoyed being with family, friends and his three dogs. He also enjoyed woodburning, drawing, his motorcycle and scrapping iron. He is survived by his mother, Carla Giron; daughters, Amanda Giron and Misty Paez; son, Jason Lassley; brothers, Tom (Terri) Short, Tex (Becky) Piele, Victor Giron and Loyd Giron; sisters, Tonya Piele, Cathy (Gary) Cox, Susan Harper, Cindy Crank and Vera (Santos) Martinez Ruiz; 11 grandchildren; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Silver Giron; three brothers, Silverio “Nokie,” Max and Jesse Giron; daughter, Amber Giron; one sister, Silveria “Nina” Giron; and one uncle, Walt Giron. Memorial contributions may be made in his name at Wells Fargo Bank, c/o Thomas Short,

Delta County Independent

Judith Lynn Johnson March 31, 1941 ~ June 14, 2018 Judith Lynn Johnson passed away into the presence of her Savior on June 14, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, after circulatory surgery. She was 77. Judith Lynn Mead was born in Ransom, Kansas on March 31, 1941 to Elmo and Winifred Mead. She was the fourth of seven children: Velda, Gary, Lonnie, Judy, Dean, Connie, and Darwyn. She has four children from a previous marriage. She spent much of her time in the 70’s and 80’s at basketball games, tennis matches, and cooking for hungry athletes...not all her own! Her greatest joy was watching whatever event, sport, or concert her grandchildren were involved in. Judy married Ronald 500 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416. A graveside service was held July 14 at Delta City Cemetery. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.

Karen Troutman

Karen Marie Gilland Troutman of Montrose died July 21, 2018. She was 74. She was born in Bakersfield, Calif., on Nov. 19, 1943, to Clarence and Myrtle Gilland. She spent her childhood and attended school in Hayden. In January 1969, she married William “Bill” Troutman. After raising her family in Hayden, she spent a brief time in Grand Junction and Alaska before settling in Montrose. Mrs. Troutman held many different jobs to help support her family. She enjoyed family activities, playing cards, watching movies, camping, fishing in Routt County, snowmobiling,

Johnson on Aug. 9, 1980. They were married for nearly 38 years. She loved playing tennis, golf, card games, Scrabble, and whatever game any grandchild wanted to play. She raised her children being employed as a legal secretary for several attorneys in Delta, Colo. She is survived by her husband, Ron Johnson of Delta, Colo.; her children, Tony (Amy) Bohling of Delta, Colo., Troy

(Julie) Bohling of Salem, Utah, Travis (Pam) Bohling, of Hillsboro, Ore., Tiffany (Joe) Frost of Bisbee, Ariz.; her grandchildren, Joshua Bohling, Chenee (Tannon) Bradley, Kirtlyn Bohling, Hattie Bohling, Matthew Bohling; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Bradley. Our family would like to invite all of her friends and acquaintances to a gathering for the celebration of her life at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course on Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Have dinner with your family, and then have dessert with ours, sharing your memories and stories of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother! Paid obituary

riding motorcycles, gardening, feeding birds, cooking and spoiling her pets. She is survived by her children, Rick (Marty) and Rona (Dave); and grandchildren, Michael and Elisa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; and her siblings, Albert Gilland, Ronald Gilland and Doris Gilland Scott. Bertha Romero Taylor Funeral Service Longtime Delta Counand Crematory is han- ty resident Bertha Romedling the arrangements. ro died July 16, 2018, at her home. She was 86. A memorial service will Elsie Carroll Elsie L. Carroll of be held at 2 p.m. SaturDelta died July 19, 2018, day, July 28, at Jehovah’s at her caregiver’s home in Witness Kingdom Hall in Cedaredge. Hotchkiss. She was 87. She was born Aug. 2, A graveside service was held July 24 at Mesa 1931, to John and Trinidad (Mastes) Ortega in View Cemetery. Elsie Lucille Frank La Madera, N.M. She was born Nov. 1, 1930, spent her early childto Columbus and Bes- hood in Monte Vista and sie (Bowling) Frank in moved to Delta when she Bixby, Okla. She spent was 13. On March 11, 1950, her childhood in Glenpool, Okla., and gradu- she married Toby Romero ated from Shasta High in Olathe. Mrs. Romero was a School in Mt. Shasta, member of the Jehovah’s Calif., in 1948. On Feb. 9, 1949, she Witness Kingdom Hall. married Tom Carroll in She enjoyed canning, Fort Smith, Ark. They baking and cooking. She is survived by were married 67 years four sons, Dennis (Bonbefore his death in nie) Romero of El Reno, December 2016. Toby (Betty) Mrs. Carroll belonged Okla., Romero of Montrose, Joe to the Order of the Eastern Star. She started a (Lisa) Romero of Ecknew chapter of Rainbow ert and Tim Romero of Girls and was the first Denver; four daughters, worthy matron of the Tiny Wilson of Montrose, chapter in Morrilton, Evlynn (Ernie) Lopez of Ark. Mrs. Carroll was Sela, Wash., Linda (Richalso an Avon lady, selling ard) Parry of Ignacio, and Avon products for 35-plus Irene Romero of Denver; years and achieving third six brothers; eight sisters; 13 grandchildren; and 16 in the nation in sales. She enjoyed being a great-grandchildren. She was preceded in wife, mother and sister; death by her husband of she also enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, bingo and 66 years, Toby Romero. Taylor Funeral Service traveling. She is survived by and Crematory is hanthree daughters, Cathy dling the arrangements. (Don Johnson) Carroll, Lisa (Steve Erickson) Dawn Young Carroll and Beth RogLifetime North Fork ers; brother, Jack Frank; area resident Dawn L. five grandchildren; two Young died July 8, 2018, great-grandchildren; and at her home. She was 56. extended family. A celebration of life Mrs. Carroll was pre- service will be held at 2 ceded in death by her hus- p.m. Saturday, July 28, at band; and six siblings. the Taylor Funeral SerTaylor Funeral Service vice Chapel in Hotchkiss. and Crematory is hanDawn LeAnne Barkdling the arrangements. hoff was born on Sept. 24, 1961, to Ron and Lorraine (Schoning) Barkhoff in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She spent her childhood in the Paonia area and graduated from Paonia High School. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by two sons, Rick (Cathy Mathews) Young of Paonia and Corey Young of Delta; mother, LorKay Honeycutt raine Barkhoff of CassKay Honeycutt of ville, Mo.; brother, Shane Delta died unexpectedly (Sheryl) Barkhoff of June 13, 2018. She was Pennsylvania; and one 62. grandson, Taylor ManShe is survived by zanares of Utah. her husband, Jerry; son, She was preceded in David; mother, Ruth Mor- death by her father, Ron ris; and three brothers, Barkhoff. Lane, Russ and Randy Taylor Funeral Service Morris. and Crematory is hanServices will be held dling the arrangements. Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at Delta Visit the online guest Church of Christ, 164 registry at www.taylor Grand Boulevard. funeralservice.com.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

�� Fort hosts Saturday Trade Day ��

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Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail features a giant open air market on the fourth Saturday of each month through September. There’s something for everyone — quality art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, antiques and collectibles, new and used merchandise, custom and handmade items, food and a farmers market. At the Saturday Trade Day on July 28, you’ll also have an opportunity to see four of the six tipis that are to be used for outdoor classrooms in conjunction with the Nature Connection and the Delta Gear Hub. Admission is free on Trade Day, and re-enactors will be on hand. The entire family will enjoy live demonstrations, spinners, flintknapping, baking bread in the horno

and music. Vendors are welcome. Booth space is free. To reserve your space or for more infor-

mation, call 874-8349 or 640-7076 or check out fortuncompahgre. org. The fort is located at

440 N. Palmer Street, in the heart of Deltarado Days activities. Trade Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo submitted

With the help of John Harvey and his clan, volunteers were able to set up several of the tipis that will be used for outdoor classrooms at Fort Uncompahgre. “We are so grateful for the knowledge of John Harvey and his great clan,” said fort director Chris Miller. “Also to all the volunteers who showed up to pitch in and learn how a traditional tipi is set up.”

Celebrate Moose Day July 28

Colorado’s abundant and varied wildlife is one of the best things about living in the state, but no animal gets the public’s attention more than moose. To celebrate the state’s largest, most charismatic species, CPW will host the eighth annual Grand Mesa Moose Day with family activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center atop the Grand Mesa. With the Grand Mesa moose population estimated at over 400 and statewide numbers exceeding 3,000, CPW says now’s the time to learn about the giant ungulates, including where they live, what they like to eat, how they are managed and most importantly, how to watch them safely. “Colorado has healthy and growing moose populations, including our local population on the Grand Mesa,” said CPW’s Northwest Region Watchable Wildlife coordinator Trina Romero. “They really are fascinating animals and many peo-

ple have a tremendous interest in seeing them and learning more about them. One of the most important things you can do if you love moose, and all wildlife, is learn all you can about them. The more you know, the more interesting and enjoyable the species becomes.” The Grand Mesa relocation effort began in 2005, concluding two years later after wildlife managers transplanted a total of 91 moose from Utah and existing herds in Colorado. The phenomenal growth in their population makes the transplant project one of

the most successful wildlife management efforts in the country. Among the activities planned Saturday are programs on moose viewing and safety, moose biology and telemetry

presentations, casting demonstrations, prize giveaways, family hikes and hands-on activities for the kids. For more information, call the visitor center at 856-4153.

USDA - Forest Service photo

Grand Mesa Moose Day is held annually on the last Saturday in July. Free family activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn to tie a damselfly Gunnison Gorge Anglers Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table (4T) is seating July 26, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. The “theme” for this month is stillwater flies, since there’s a good chance anglers will be fishing there the

rest of the summer if the water temperatures continue to rise in the rivers. Come prepared to tie your favorite stillwater pattern (or whatever pattern you feel inclined to tie, or need to tye to fill your box) and enjoy

a fun evening twisting thread. All experience levels welcome and, as always, there will be a materials bag available for $5 with enough materials to tie five flies. This month’s “bag fly” will be a damselfly nymph.

Harpist presents ‘show and tell’ Robin Freed is delighted to return to the Chapel of the Cross in Pioneer Town in Cedaredge Sunday, Aug. 5, for a one-hour harp program at 4 p.m. She will be bringing a variety of sizes and types of harps for a “show and tell” and demonstration type of program, including a 22-string cardboard lap harp, a concert grand pedal harp, and several others in between. Joining her will be a few of her best students to play a varied program of solos, duets, and ensemble. Music included will be Celtic, light classical and traditional folk songs along with a few familiar hymns. Come join us for an informative and fun program with “all things harp.” Admission is by donation. Robin teaches at the Harps and Hammers

Music Studio in the Precedence Music Academy, at 513 East Main Street in Montrose. Her harp students range in age from 6 to 86, with private lessons and weekly group classes. Her phone number is 970-275-8996; email, robinfreed@harps andhammers.com.

Robin Freed

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Rhythm Method

Rhythm Method premiers Aug. 2 Rhythm in music is good! It swings, it makes people move, and it’s fun! Combine rhythm with a method to the madness and you get “The Rhythm Method.” At least, that’s what pianist Sharon Clark, drummer Bruce Joss, vocalist Nancy Carlson, together with Al Smith on bass and Jo Smith on clarinet have decided. If that wasn’t enough, the group added guitarist Phil Ill from the Front Range, who

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has previously appeared in Cedaredge. Once this group of six musicians began performing old and new favorites, such as “Stormy Weather,” “Desperado,” “Route 66,” “Night Life,” and “Wonderful Tonight,” the Rhythm Method became more fun than madness. Come to the Chapel of the Cross on Thursday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. for their premier performance. Admission is by donation.

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A8 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Livestock producers meet Drought, mountain lions, and legislature discussed at DCLA meeting BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

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Over 35 people attended the annual Delta County Livestock Association meeting on Friday, July 20. This year the group decided to host the meeting and following picnic supper in Cedaredge, hoping to increase attendance from the Surface Creek area. After a brief welcome, approval of last year’s meeting and treasurer’s report the group welcomed numerous special guests. First was Elyse Casselberry with the Delta County Master Plan. She thanked the group for its diligent help and contributions toward creating the Master Plan over the last year. Several members raised their hands when being asked if they attended every meeting. The next step, she said, is to work on implementation. Two working groups have been established — confined feeding animals operations and oil and gas regulation. Both will develop recom-

mendations to work into Master Plan regulations to benefit the county. “It’s time to see how we’re dealing with land use,” said Casselberry. She also encouraged the group to look into ENGAGE, a local initiative encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within Delta County through sectors like energy and agriculture. Cedaredge game warden Cody Purcell informed the group of a new coordinator for game damage. “I think he’ll be a little stricter,” he said. Purcell advised the members to document any game damage immediately and to call with any concerns. Bears are slower this year, he said, but mountain lions are worse. The group discussed ways to combat the increase in lions but also agreed there needs to be balance. The new brand inspector, Jason Burnes, introduced himself next. He gave details on his rich agriculture background, ensuring the members he “rides for every brand.” Burnes plans on doing traffic stops and will be in a white truck with a red and blue light bar. The purpose, he said, is to prevent missing livestock and also check that proper documentation is in order for those trans-

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Red Shed Produce & Bakery ��

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porting livestock. Alan Bull gave an update from Farm Service Agency on how extreme drought conditions have triggered a couple of programs to help livestock. For example, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program can cover grazing losses and if anyone is starting to haul water in for livestock they need to contact the FSA. Robbie LeValley gave an update on the Beef Council, with positive news on an increase in consumption, largely due to advertising dollars and social media targeting millenials. She said, “Your dollar is being put to work effectively.” Concluding her report, LeValley informed the group that public lands council is making progress with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For example, the Council of Environmental Quality asked for help to rewrite some of the language of the rules to make it relevant for agriculture. Bureau of Land Management’s Lenae Rodgers answered several questions on the current drought. She is implementing site specific monitoring, and a proper resource management plan is in the works. Janie Vanwinkle related good news, saying “CCA [Colorado Cattlemen’s Association] is looking out for ranchers at the legal level.” She invited DCLA members to join CCA and also invited them to a Stockmanship and Stewardship Training in Montrose on Sept. 21 and 22. A CCA drought workshop is scheduled Aug. 20. Mark Taylor, candidate for Delta County

sheriff, and Mike Lane, Delta County commissioner candidate, made an appearance, saying they’re both eager to work with the DCLA. Nate Adam, president of DCLA, gave some association updates to conclude the reports. Last school year, DCLA awarded $11,000 in scholarships to students in Delta County. Adam said he is “keeping an eye on” the desire for wilderness boundaries to be extended in the county. Likewise he is adamant on keeping out oil and gas. Next Adam handed out an updated bylaws packet. Minor adjustments were made to reflect the difference in times and needs from the organization’s beginning in 1977. Many were surprised the bylaws had not been updated before. Wrapping up DCLA business, the group nominated one new board member for each town in Delta County. Teresa Burns finished the meeting with other business from Black Mesa CattleWomen. She reported a good turnout at the agriculture days in Hotchkiss, with over 500 youth in attendance. DCLA helped with transportation and donations to make the event possible. She hopes to build on the program to make it longer and more accessible to other towns. Additionally, she asked for donations to help support the fair breeding program for youth in Delta County. After the meeting the group enjoyed a picnic dinner and fellowship. The next DCLA event will be the Delta County Fair barbecue Aug. 11.

Visit the museum to celebrate Colorado Day A lot has happened since the great state of Colorado was created Aug. 1, 1876. To celebrate Colorado’s heritage, Alpine Bank encourages fellow Coloradans to visit their local history museum to explore our past. “Since 1973, Alpine Bank has been proud to be a Colorado-based company,” said Alpine Bank president Glen Jammaron. “We look forward to our next 45 years as an employee-owned and

independent Colorado bank.” Colorado Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 1, and this year in honor of its 45th anniversary Alpine Bank is proud to cover the cost of the first 45 admissions to 17 museums located in communities served by Alpine Bank on or near Colorado Day. Learn more at www. alpinebank.com or check with the Delta Museum at 874-8721.

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USFS to host public field trip The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be hosting its third annual public field trip for the Spruce Beetle Epidemic and Aspen Decline Management Response (SBEADMR) project on Wednesday, Aug. 8. SBEADMR is a forestwide project which allows commercial and noncommercial vegetation treatments in response to the spruce beetle and sudden aspen decline epidemics. All interested members of the public are invited to attend this year’s field trip and interact with personnel from the GMUG’s staff and science team. This year’s trip will focus on the Alpine Plateau southwest of Montrose. This will be an all-day event. The trip will entail stops at areas that display a recent/past timber treatments, current spruce beetle activity and stream courses. Depending upon public interest, small buses will be leaving Montrose Public Lands Office and the Gunnison Ranger District Office at 7:30 a.m. returning to this location by 5 p.m. If you are interested in attending please contact Chris Miller, Public

Lands Partnership coordinator, by Monday, July 30. Miller can be reached at info@publiclands partnership.org.

Susan Schoenfelder

Schoenfelder retires from State Farm Susan Schoenfelder is retiring from Jerry Reiher State Farm Insurance Agency on July 31. She has been a valuable asset at the office since April 2007. She says she enjoyed helping her wonderful customers with their insurance needs over the years. She will miss them, as well as Jerry Reiher, “the best boss ever,” and the rest of the Reiher team. Please stop by the office at 540 Main Street, Suite 102, on July 31 to wish Susan the best.

NORTH FORK July 25, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Residents voice concerns about new nuisance law BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

While Crawford’s Town Hall meetings usually have four or less in the audience, July 18 attracted a staggering attendance of over 16 citizens. The full board of trustees was present, as well as the town’s attorney, Bo Nerlin. The main reason for the crowd was concern over the recently enacted nuisance ordinacne. Carl Page began by asking how many times Nerlin met with the council before issuing the ordinance and also inquired if Nerlin had met with Mayor Wanda Gofforth. Nerlin assured citizens he worked in conjunction with the town staff on the ordinance. He stated he had not met with the whole council nor had he met directly with the mayor about the ordinance but communicated with Gallegos as she is the town clerk. Other concerns came down to two main categories — due process and subjectivity. For example, Page expressed concern about the ordinance’s compliance with the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. Nerlin responded, “I think the ordinance does a good job of giving due process to the public or anyone who might be charged or cited with a possible nuisance.” He highlighted the ordinance’s ability to have administrative review and pointed out that those cited can challenge the citation. He did put a disclaimer that he and his office do not provide legal advice to the public; they work with the town council directly. Gill Sanders, Crawford resident, expressed concern over who could be an enforcement officer and asked if there are regulations to qualify. Nerlin said the definition in the ordinance states the enforcement officer is delegated from the board of trustees. He stated the officer would likely be someone in town staff but that there is not a requirement in the ordinance to have specific training. He also pointed out that

the trustees could put standards in place to define who can be an enforcement officer. Other citizens expressed concern over how much was changed from the previous ordinance, how much it cost in legal fees and the need to issue fees. “I just see this as setting the people against one another,” said Donna Saunders. Gofforth reassured the citizens that this ordinance is not intended to be a revenue generator and is meant to encourage those not compliant with the ordinance to take care of the problem within a timely manner. Nerlin pointed out that the fee schedule is to be a passthrough cost to cover the cost of town staff enforcing the ordinance itself. Town clerk Cally Gallegos wanted to make a comment but was shut down from several citizens, who said she is only allowed to answer questions during that time. However, the citizens did allow council member Chris Johnson to address some concerns. Johnson stated he should have objected to the emergency aspect of the ordinance adoption because it did not allow the citizens to review the ordinance before approval. He also began discussing the need for ways to enforce ordinances when Nerlin directed the council back the public comment period. Wrapping up the public non-agenda portion, citizens expressed concern over the subjectivity of defining a nuisance and how council members could be the ones issuing citations. Nerlin pointed out that the ordinance defines a nuisance through three different criteria focusing on health, safety and welfare. Another citizen claimed the fines are a threat and that they don’t see a need for them to enforce an ordinance. Gofforth then wrapped up the comment section, for the sake of time. Later, during trustee comments, Chris Johnson resumed his previous comments on the ordinance. “We’ve had a hard NUISANCE LAW TO B2

Photo by Tamie Meck

With renovation of the Miner’s Statue Plaza at Paonia Town Park complete, the committee overseeing the project is accepting applications for the newly-installed memorial walls. The walls are intended to commemorate miners and those who contributed to development of the North Fork Valley, the community, industries and Paonia Town Park.

Memorial walls to honor miners, Paonia community BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The North Fork Valley is proud of its coal mining heritage. One way that heritage is honored is through the bronze miner’s statue memorial at Paonia Town Park. The statue was dedicated back in 1982. The area surrounding the statue recently underwent a re-development, led by a committee of citizens, mine employees, and relatives of coal miners. The area is intended to serve as the official entrance to the park and to all who helped to create it. Included in the project are two memorial walls. The Town of Paonia is currently accepting orders for memorial dedications, to be carved in granite and placed on the walls. Memorials are intended to commemorate those who contributed to or support development of the North Fork Valley, the community, industry, and Paonia Town Park. Only the names of individuals or entities will be allowed on the wall and all submissions must be approved by the Town of Paonia. Messages will not be

considered appropriate for engraving. According to David Bradford, who is leading fundraising efforts, the walls were the idea of committee member Don Emmons, who served on the original Miner’s Statue committee. His relatives are honored on the plaque at the base of the Miner’s Statue, along with other miners who died while working in the local mines. Emmons envisioned the walls as honoring miners both living and dead, and the community, said Bradford. A goal of $25,000 must be reached for the project to move forward. That will cover purchase of the granite panels and caps, and engraving. There is sufficient space on the walls to generate more than $40,000, and any additional funds raised will go toward replacement of the name plaque on the front of the miner’s statue, said Bradford. Estimated at a cost of $3,500, the new plaque will correct misspelled names and standardize the font type used, said Bradford. Any remaining funds will go to maintenance of the area and additional

benches. Plaques are available in small 4x8-, medium 8x8-, and large 12x12-inch sizes. Cost ranges from $100 to $300. Small spaces can accommodate up to four lines of characters, with 20 characters per line (80 characters total) for a cost of $100; 8x8 bricks can be engraved with eight lines of 20 characters (160 total) for $200; and the large 12x12 are big enough to hold 12 lines with 25 characters per line (300 total). For an additional $50, one of six selected symbols can be included on the medium and large spaces only. Symbols represent the coal mining industry, mine rescue, the fruit orchard industry, the ranching industry, Mount Lamborn and Landsend, and a spruce tree. Adding an image will reduce the space available for lettering. Application forms and flyers are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 214 Grand Avenue. For more information or to download a flyer and application form, visit TownofPaonia. com.

BMW rally attracts 585 riders to Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

For the 30th time, motorcyclists rode from miles around to Paonia last weekend for the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado’s annual Top O’ The Rockies Rally at Paonia Town Park. Paonia resident Scott Kellogg has volunteered with the rally the past 15 years and has overseen the registration table the past five years. He reports that 585 riders representing 35 states and three Canadian provinces registered for the rally. That’s up slightly from the 573 who registered in 2017.

“We’ll take anything we can get,” said Kellogg. This year’s youngest male and female riders, Daniel Poppe and Rachelle McMullin, are both 30 years old; the oldest male, Willi Waak, is 82; and the oldest female, Marie Huxtable, is 70. Traveling the farthest distance to the rally were Tonni Nelson, who rode 1,840.6 miles from British Columbia via Middleburg, Penn. and Ron Clark, who rode 2,769.9 miles from Prince Edward Island. The couple to travel the farthest distance two-op (on a single bike) rode 1,930.8 miles from Newark, Del.

The Top O’ the Rockies Rally has been held every year since 1973 and is believed to be the longest continuously held rally in North America as sanctioned by the Motorcycle Owners of America. Before coming to Paonia the rallies were held in Dillon, Chief Hosa Campground, Glenwood Springs, Monument Lake, Grand Lake, Leadville, Estes Park, Buena Vista, Ouray and Steamboat Springs. Local lead organizer Bob Bushta has been involved with the Paonia rally since 2007. He was sporting a Tshirt from the first Paonia

Photo by Tamie Meck

River Goldsberry of Paonia, front, and Alex Teets of Denver, both 10, check out some of the more than 500 motorcycles at the 30th annual BMW Top O’ the Rockies Rally at Paonia Town Park. The two said they met a couple of days earlier and became instant friends.

rally back in 1989. Local pastor James Gall, who was mayor of Paonia at the time, surprised Bushta with the Tshirt during the rally. Bushta remembered Ellen Smith, who managed local rally efforts for 26 years, and after whom the Ellen Hansen Smith Teen Center at Town Park is named. As it had in the early years, back in 1989 the club planned to stay two years in Paonia. When they arrived, they found a welcoming community. The Lions Club rolled out its food trailer, the teen center opened its doors, and the Beemers had a great time. But it was Ellen Smith who made them feel welcome. Because of her, said Bushta, the club decided to make Paonia the rally’s permanent home. “We lost Ellen in 2012,” said an emotional Bushta. It was very late in the spring and teen center board member Rene Atchley stepped up and took control. “She said they will do it for her,” said Bushta. Smith also insisted that local youth be involved with and benefit from the rally. Over the years, high school students serve daily breakfasts, help with activities and field games and with cleanup. The rally thanks them and the town each year with generous cash donations. “That was the most important thing to her,” said Bushta. “Thanks to you, it keeps being the most important thing to us.” Today, organizing and carrying out the rally is “a beautiful team effort,” said Bushta. With help from the Red

Photo by Tamie Meck

Local rally organizer Bob Bushta sports an original Top O’ The Rockies Rally T-shirt from 1989. He credits the late Ellen Hansen Smith for keeping the rally in Paonia. Feather Bowmen archery club and coordination with the Town of Paonia, the sixmember teen center board including Bushta, Atchley, president Kathy Linnell and secretary Tracy Sturgis, ensures that every detail is tended to, every question is answered, and everyone has a good time. “That tells you that it takes six of us to replace Ellen,” said Bushta. At the closing ceremony, rally chair David Adair announced that the club has committed to returning to Paonia in 2019. Paonia Mayor Charles Stewart thanked rally-goers and the BMW club for another great rally. “It’s a pleasure to have you here,” said Stewart. “You folks have always been a class act.”

B2 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Grants, community support will make ball fields a reality and stopped traffic both ways, causing people to honk at me, just so a Richard Flores, a teachcouple of kids could cross er and coach of 15 years in the street and make it to Hotchkiss, was the main the dust bowl safely,” said speaker July 16 at the Flores. Kids Pasta Project fundThe North Fork Pool, raising dinner. The dinPark and Recreation Disner was held at the North trict and Hotchkiss Home Fork Swimming Pool and Plate have partnered brought in $300 to go together to make this toward the construction of dream a reality. new baseball fields near Michelle Pagone with Hotchkiss High School. Hotchkiss Home Plate Flores shared his said they had close to 120 thoughts on the need for a kids in the program this new field. “My most fond year which resulted in a memories were of playlot of volunteer time and ing baseball, growing effort. Pagone thanked up. I love the prospect of everyone on the board having these fields. As a by name and called specoach I love what athletcial attention to softball ics have to offer, and the coach Ben Harrison who values that they teach you halfway through the season said his goal was to have the first Hotchkiss High School softball team. Amanda Meredith was another individual Pagone called special attention to, because she arranges every year an opportunity for the kids to take the field with the Colorado Rockies in Grand Junction. Lenore Cambria, district administrator for North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District, invited Ulli Lange to come Photo by Kaylee Dunham to the podium in recogniUlli Lange receives a plaque for his service through- tion of his service. out the valley, including the planning of the new “At this point in time ﬁelds. we did receive $350,000 from GOCO,” Cambra said. “We also applied for �� and received $15,000 from �� El Pomar. We received $30,000 from the Gates Family Foundation, and �� I am going to present to �� DOLA on Wednesday to ask for a donation of close �� to $400,000 so that we �� can make these fields. We �� also have an application �� in for the Daniels Fund. �� They will not review it �� until August but it will be �� for $75,000. We are also �� going to present at DMEA on the 24th of July. From �� them we hope to receive �� an in-kind donation to run �� electricity to our score�� boards.” Cambria continued, �� “Support from the com�� munity will help to prove �� to the grant foundations �� that the community is invested in this effort and �� that it is a real need.”

BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

in life. As a community member I really love that we’re bringing all of these activities together in one place. Currently all of the softball, T-ball and baseball fields are in different locations and it will be great to have them all right here.” Flores added kids need to have a safer place to play ball. The dust bowl, as the current field is nicknamed, is not only old and causes players to go home with dust covering every inch of their bodies, it is also unsafe. To reach the dust bowl small children have to cross the highway after school. “One time I drove my truck out from the school

Photo submitted

Anniversary celebration planned

Patrons are invited to Crawford Library to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the building and the grand ﬁnale of the 2018 summer reading program with a potluck dinner Thursday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. Tableware and drinks will be provided, and there will be a piñata for the kids.

Explore Elephant Hill with geologist Dave Noe Have you ever heard of Elephant Hill? Have you ever been there? Join local legend, Dr. Dave Noe, for a hike to the crest of one of the region’s hidden gems. Elephant Hill rises to an elevation of 7,056 feet and is perched above Minnesota Creek on the lower flank of Mt. Lamborn. Hikers will be treated to sublime views of the Minnesota Creek valley, Jumbo Mountain, the town of Paonia, Lamborn and Stewart Mesas, and the peaks of the northwestern West Elk Mountains. It is truly a different perspective! The geology of Elephant Hill is interesting, as well. It records the erosion and unearthing

Elephant Hill of Mt. Lamborn, as well as the early stages of Minnesota Creek. You’ll see giant boulder gardens and red clinker from coal fires, and will muse about their sources. It is a place of mystery and geologic intrigue. Dr. Noe will point out many other points of geologic interest along the way. Co-sponsored by Delta

County Libraries and Western Slope Conservation Center, the hike will take place Saturday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited and signup is required. For more information and to sign up for this hike visit http://deltalibraries.org/ elephant-hill-hike/ or call Paonia Library at 3997879.

more to stay informed. Trustee Ralph Clark also commented on how the ordinance is not to make money for the town, and that he felt the public was attacking the council. Trustee Mike Tiedeman agreed with Clark and continued the ordinance discussion, stating that the council “just wants to see benefit and security of the town.” Under new business, John Lazarski was present to request waiving a $500 late fee because he turned in the liquor license renewal application for the Old Mad Dog Café two days late. Council refused to waive the

late fee, but approved the license. In his report to the trustees, Bruce Bair noted that the town’s supply is decreasing while demand is increasing, mainly from the dispenser. He said if the water gets too low council will need to shut off the dispenser. “The town needs to voluntarily conserve water,” he urged. The council discussed installing a prepaid card system to limit dispenser use. The TDS franchise agreement was tabled until the Aug. 1 regular town council meeting. It is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Crawford Town Hall.

Nuisance law FROM PAGE B1 time figuring out how to enforce ordinances,” he said. He expressed the need to allow for more discussion and to take more time to implement ordinances, given the turnout and comments from the public. “We should post it, give public a month to look at it, then pass it,” he said for future ordinances. He said in the past public works director Bruce Bair has been the one to look at nuisances in question and that town clerk Cally Gallegos issues the letters. “If the people of the town council or anyone else is misusing it [the ordinance], then we need to know,” he said. Johnson finished his comments by urging the public to come to meetings

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS University of New Mexico senior Tyrell Clock of Paonia participated in commencement ceremonies for the class of 2018 Saturday, May 12, in Albuequerque. Tyrell, a 2015 HHS graduate, received a bachelor degree in emergency medical services and his paramedic national certification. Tyrell is the son of Kirby and Lynette Clock of Paonia.

Photo submitted

Dance party planned

The ﬁnal week of the Paonia Library summer concert series features local rockers The Bromigos on Tuesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. The concert will take place rain or shine, moving indoors if necessary. Wear comfortable shoes because this is a dance party. Picnic and take out dinners are welcome. Call 399-7881 for more information.

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Artists ‘inspired’ by EcoFlight tour BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

On a cool July morning, artists with Elsewhere Studios climbed aboard a Cessna Turbo Centurion II plane at the North Fork Airport for a flight along the North Fork and Muddy Creek drainages above Paonia. They were seeking to gain new perspectives on where oil and gas development is occurring or proposed in relation to local communities, water sources and the overall landscape of the North Fork Valley. You might say they were inspired. Since 2002, Aspenbased EcoFlight has provided aerial perspectives of environmental threats to the western landscape in the spirit of early astronauts, who gained new perspectives of Earth after viewing it from outer space. The artists were selected for participation in “INSPIRED: Art at Work,” a two-month program designed to allow artists to create socially engaged artwork INSPIRED is funded by a $25,000 Arts in Society grant in collaboration with the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries and Hemera Foundation in partnership with the RedLine Contemporary Art Center. Elsewhere was among 21 organizations selected from a field of more than 265 applicants to participate in the grant, which will culminate Aug. 24-26 with the INSPIRED Symposium. “This initiative responds to the growing desire of artists and arts organizations to use their creativity and talents to make a difference in their community,” said Gary Steuer with the BonfilsStanton Foundation in announcing the grant recipients last winter. Throughout July and August, international artists John Melvin and Anna Macleod, local artists Tanya Blacklight and Christine Palafox, and Montrose High School multi-media teacher Clara Pena are working closely with scientists, policy makers and local partner organizations Solar Energy International, Citizens

for a Healthy Community, Colorado Farm and Food Alliance, and the Western Slope Conservation Center to explore selected environmental, cultural, social and economic issues. They will interpret their experiences through dance, video, readings, sculpture and other mediums, which will be presented during the symposium. The goal of the EcoFlight tour “was to give artists a deeper understanding of where development exists and is proposed,” said Elsewhere’s Dierdre Morrison, a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) member charged with providing support to INSPIRED and its artists. Pete Kolbenschlag narrated the flights. He founded the Colorado Food & Farm Alliance, connecting Colorado’s farm-to-table movement with conservation and climate advocacy. His more than 20 years as a consultant with Mountain West Strategies gives him a unique perspective on the extractive industries in relation to food production and economic development in the area, said Morrison. Art can push boundaries and borders and lead to new approaches to creative activism, said Kolbenschlag. “We can use data then to inform people,” but art opens people’s minds to discussion in a different way, said Kolbenschlag. “I think that art provides an opportunity (to communicate) that shouting at each other just doesn’t.” The flight came days after the Bureau of Land Management announced proposed lease sales on about 7,900 acres of land in the North Fork Valley this December. Morrison said EcoFlight gave artists the opportunity to see where lease sales are planned in relation to water, food sources and communities. With help from Kolbenschlag’s narration, artists gained a broader view of oil and gas development on the Western Slope. Flying above Grand Mesa they could see to the I-70 corridor and the Roan Plateau, considered one of the

most biologically diverse areas in the state, where up to 3,600 wells could be drilled as part of the December lease sales. “It’s all really close together,” said Blacklight. She and Palafox are partnering to create live multimedia dance performances to raise awareness to oil and gas development. “Seeing it directly made a big impact.” Industrial development is happening across the world, said Blacklight. For artists to make a difference, “Unity is a key.” The artist’s role, she said, is “to think creatively... Legislation is not my department, but community activism is. It’s connections and thinking of ideas that comes from source, which I believe we’re all connected to.” To hear differing perspectives on the subject of energy development, Morrison reached out to four locals connected to the extractive industries to offer a seat on the plane and discuss what they saw during a post-flight debriefing. All four either declined or didn’t respond to calls, said Morrison. For her INSPIRED project, Pena is documenting a history of

Photo by Tamie Meck

Methane vents, also called gob vents, are among the many industry-related features Elsewhere’s INSPIRED artists saw on their EcoFlight tour of the North Fork area. The vents are often mistaken for hydraulic fracturing drill pads. extractive industries in the valley with her dad, who grew up between Hotchkiss and Paonia. Their 50-acre farm, which the family has worked for 60 years, borders BLM land where gas development is proposed. She recruited Montrose senior intern Jonathan Cornejo to photograph the flight. “He’s really into flying drones,” said Pena. “An airplane is basically a big drone.”

When asked what he saw, Cornejo replied that he lacks familiarity with the North Fork area landscape and took as much of it in as he pos-

sibly could. “Most people don’t think of the subject” of oil and gas, development, said Cornejo “I feel like now I’m just thinking about it.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Artists with the Elsewhere Studios recently got a bird’s-eye view of the upper North Fork valley and beyond with Aspen-based EcoFlight. As part of the INSPIRED project, artists are participating in “socially engaged” projects calling attention to oil and gas and other environmental issues in the valley.

Food, art, fun at Final Friday frolic The Paonia Chamber of Commerce and Paonia Creative District have teamed up to present Final Fridays from 5-8 p.m. the last Friday of the month through October. From 5-8 p.m. this Friday, stroll through Downtown Paonia and enjoy all the live music, visual arts, retail and

tasty treats this small town has to offer. From 6-8 p.m. Friday, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 228 Grand Avenue, Paonia, will host a gallery opening for “The Art of Landscape and Agriculture,” a collection of paintings by Cedar Keshet. The exhibit is open through August.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Energy leasing Q&A

Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson with Citizens for a Healthy Community, left, and Alex Johnson with the Western Slope Conservation Center ﬁelded several questions from the more than 50 people who attended the July 16 public meeting on recently-proposed oil and gas leases in the North Fork area by the Bureau of Land Management. With public participation time cut in half, the two organizations are urging the public to double down on efforts to respond to the proposals by the Aug. 27 deadline.

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B4 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Volunteers improve popular local trails BY HOLLY HENRIKSEN Western Slope Conservation Center

On Saturday, July 14, 25 volunteers from across Delta County joined with the Western Slope Conservation Center, the Western Colorado Youth Conservation Corps crew, and the U.S. Forest Service Paonia Ranger District to improve a popular trail on Kebler Pass. The focus was the Cliff Creek Trail — a highly used trail by hikers and horseback riders. Volunteers built 2 turnpikes, one measuring 32 feet long and one measuring 68 feet long, across a muddy

portion of a trail. The project was lead largely by the Western Colorado Youth Conservation Corps of Delta County. The five-member crew includes Brandon Harper, Katya Schwieterman, Nick Jung, Ezra Russell, and Nicole Jefferis. The crew, along with crew leader Paul Kimpling, spent many hours preparing for the project in the week preceding the event. Barrett Funka, Paonia Ranger District wilderness and trails manager, said of the day: “Cliff Creek is a major arterial trail into the West

Photo courtesy Western Slope Conservation Center

Volunteers from across Delta County worked on the Cliff Creek trail on Kebler Pass. Another trail work day is set for Aug. 4, focusing on the Dark Canyon trail.

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Elk Wilderness, and has a backlog of deferred maintenance, including the old turnpike we replaced with a new one. Not only are we mandated by the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (NFSTSA) of 2014 to increase volunteer stewardship of trails, volunteers are critical to trail maintenance and stewardship, especially these larger projects requiring more hands. We have seen growth during the last 3 years of our community trail stewardship, with this event having the most attendees yet. Must have been the lunch! We are looking forward to our next trail day in August to accomplish even more!” The next Trail Day is Saturday, Aug. 4, and will be at the Dark Canyon Trail. Visit www.western slopeconservation.org for more information.

Music madness

Photo submitted

On Thursday, July 19, a story came to life with music and dancing for children at Paonia Library. The program included storytime, sing-a-longs, mad lib lyric writing and dancing. Children learned about the guitar and even had the opportunity to hold and play one. Afterwards, children visited the maker station for a musical-themed craft. The week of July 23 will feature ﬁnal summer parties at all ﬁve libraries in Delta County. Visit the events calendar at www.deltalibraries.org for more information.

Hotchkiss trustees consider development, opportunity zones BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Hotchkiss trustees got a preview of potential development on the south side of Highway 92, across from Todd Enterprises. Thirty acres of irrigated agricultural land is under contract to Fairfield Specialty Eggs. The firm was represented at the July 11 town board meeting by Liz Heidrich, broker/owner of Needlerock Mountain Realty & Land, and Roland Hostetler, representing Kenton Hostetler and Fairfield Specialty Eggs. After some research, it was determined the property was annexed into the town in 2008 and is des-

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ignated as a developing resource district, which Mayor Larry Wilkening said leaves development options “kind of open.” Heidrich and Hostetler explained a warehouse would be erected on the site, where eggs gathered from area farms would be placed in cold storage until they could be shipped out. A second phase of the project could potentially involve a washing and grading facility. A portion of the land would remain agricultural. The next step, Wilkening said, would be for Heidrich and Hostetler to request the Hotchkiss Planning Commission to consider rezoning the property for light industrial or heavy industrial use. The planning commission can also consider other development factors, such as highway access and use of water. If town council grants final approval, the project will be allowed to proceed. “That would be a good use

of that property, I think,” Wilkening said. Trustees also heard from Stacey Voigt, executive director of Delta County Economic Development, who highlighted DCED’s goals. She said DCED’s focus is on support of new and existing businesses, rather than recruitment. Trustees were interested to hear about opportunity zones, but questioned why the county designated Delta and Paonia as opportunity zones, but not Hotchkiss. Opportunity zones were created nationwide with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. As defined by the IRS, an opportunity zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. In a follow-up interview, county administrator Robbie LeValley said opportunity zones

were identified in Delta County by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The zones were based on economic stress, infrastructure capacity to attract business, and economic recovery. Delta County requested that the entire county be designated an opportunity zone. Instead, the state went with three of seven zones in the county. A map on the Colorado Office of Economic Development website shows the east and west ends of the county as being in an opportunity zone. “It looks like the middle of the county did not qualify because it did not meet the thresholds for unemployment or poverty,” LeValley said in an email. At the meeting, Mayor Wilkening wondered if there was a way for Hotchkiss to “grab on to the coattails” of surrounding zones. Voigt promised to look into that possibility, but wasn’t hopeful.

Paonia awards contract for Clark-Dorris project BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

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The last of the Town of Paonia’s water delivery lines containing lead will soon be gone. At the June 24 board meeting, Paonia trustees awarded two separate bids to replace water mains on the 100 block of Clark and Dorris avenues to Paonia-based Roop Excavating. Roop entered a bid of $83,765 for Clark Avenue and $165,844 for Dorris Avenue, for an estimated total cost of at $249,609. Grand Junction-based Eagles Nest Contracting also submitted a bid of $93,738.50, and TSM Construction in Crawford submitted a bid of $112,618. The project marks the last of the town-owned lines containing lead soldering, said Public Works Director Travis Loberg. As part of a $6 million distribution upgrades project, in 2016 and 2017 the town replaced about 5,600 lineal feed of intown water main line, some of it more than 50 years old. Work was scheduled to begin in mid-July, according to Loberg. Residents of both streets should be able to park vehicles and access their homes throughout construction, said Loberg. Drainage work on Clark Avenue where it intersects with Second Street is expected to eliminate the large pool of water that forms rainfall and during spring runoff.

Photo by Tamie Meck

A large puddle, referred to as Clark Lake and Clark Reservoir, forms in the 100 block of Clark Avenue in Paonia during a recent rain storm. Water main replacement projects in the 100 block of Clark and Dorris avenues are slated to begin in mid-July. The drainage on Clark Avenue will also be improved. Due to a lack of funding, re-surfacing of both streets are not included in the bids, but could be completed as early as in 2019, said Loberg. Both neighborhoods will also get a new fire hydrant. The Clark Avenue hydrant is currently served by a four-inch line that can’t supply the pressure needed to effectively run a fire hose, said Loberg. In 2017, Paonia fire chief Mike Byers told the DCI that until it is replaced, the department would use the Dorris Avenue hydrant, increasing response time by a matter of seconds. Due to a lack of funds, re-surfacing of both streets is not included in the bids, but is expected to be completed in 2019 or 2020. The town will dip into reserve funds to pay for both projects. “This is a good use of the reserves,” said Mayor Charles Stew-

art. “And we do have a very healthy reserve balance.” Trustees also awarded a bid of $60,051 to Eagles Nest Contracting for a transmission main pressure-reducing valve and concrete vault in Dry Gulch, with funding also to come from reserves. Trustee Bill Bear voted for the projects, but urged caution by the board in relying on reserves for future projects. Bear noted that these projects, along with the estimated $550,000 approved by the board last month for relining of the one million gallon water Clock storage tank on lower Lamborn Mesa, are putting pressure on the town’s reserves. “Even though we have a big reserve, we have a lot of big projects that are going to eat it up,” he said. Editor’s note: Reporter Tamie Meck lives in the 100 block of Clark Avenue.

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SURFACE CREEK July 25, 2018

NEWS

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Chamber working on internet access BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Mitchell Gronenthal, board president of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that the chamber is working with Adaptive Internet to set up free internet service to allow customer access at businesses along Main Street and the Highway 65 corridor. The idea is to have internet access for the public which does not require them to log on to the business line. The goal is to provide more security for the businesses and avoid conflicts between public use and business use of the same line. Gronenthal noted that the chamber has also issued “Shop Local” stickers for merchants to display and he reported that the July 14 “Celebrate Cedaredge” event had a good turnout with steady traffic all day. Police chief Dan Sanders reported that the town’s practical driving training activities, conducted earlier that

day, were successful. The training is mandatory for police officers and other town employees and optional for others. This year some trustees participated. New officer Stewart Byrge, who was sworn in December 2017, had the best time of participants. Chief Sanders noted that Tigger, the department’s K-9, has had minor surgery on his footpads but the dog is recovering well. Recently Tigger was called upon six times — four within Delta County and two in other locations — to perform his drug-sniffing duties with conclusive results. In other animal activities outlined in his written report, the chief emphasized that his force has been busy with unlicensed dog enforcement and issuing new licenses. The town’s 2018 dog license database has now topped 400 entries. Regarding feral cats, Cedaredge Animal Shelter feels that the town’s trap-neuTOWN COUNCIL TO B8

Photo by Diane Webster

Pristine purple

Island Lake on Grand Mesa shimmers below this hillside of blooming ﬁreweed photographed by Diane Webster. She notes, “Grasshoppers clacked as I wandered through this wonder of purple. Voices of anglers in boats drifted up from the lake. I couldn’t distinguish their words, but they must have enjoyed the beauty around them as well.”

Cedaredge drought response draws doubts BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Although the town of Cedaredge board of trustees has been monitoring the current drought situation since last year when it was clear that winter snows were lagging, and although the trustees have been discussing the drought in public meetings and taking actions to convince citizens to conserve water and avoid using up water reserves,

constituents attending the town’s regular meeting on July 19 had their doubts about the town’s efforts. Constituent John Steighner spoke at length and expressed a variety of concerns. In general, Steighner felt that the town had done an inadequate job of communicating drought information to the public. He said the information so far provided — some in the DCI and some in the town’s month-

ly newsletter — was confusing to the average reader and did not convince him that there was a crisis. Such concepts as the amount of cubic-feet-persecond (cfs) of water the town has access to this year compared with past years do not, in his opinion, give citizens an understandable picture of what is happening. Steighner also expressed concern that Cedaredge water users are being punished with

Summer deer count shows contrast with winter totals BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Last month, Cody Purcell, district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, assembled a dozen citizen volunteers and two CPW staff to conduct a summer count of the Cedaredge mule deer population. The purpose of the count was to gather data on the number of deer that are congregating in and adjacent to town. The survey was a follow-up to Purcell’s February count and his winter campaign to remind local residents to stop feeding wild deer. Deer are clustering in and around Cedaredge, in part because local residents are feeding them. Feeding wild deer is bad for their health and it is illegal under Colorado law. Deer cannot digest unnatural food and eating it contributes to poor health and sometimes kills the animals. Violators are subject to citations and fines but Purcell hopes that community awareness will decrease the likelihood that local residents will be cited. To conduct the deer count, Cedaredge and areas near the town limits were divided into separate zones. Counters were given zone maps and instructed to record the

number, gender, and location of animals spotted between 7 p.m. and dusk. The total count for summer was far lower than the winter count. The summer crew documented 142 animals whereas the winter count totaled 542. In both cases, about twothirds of the deer counted were so-called ‘resident’ deer that seem to have made a home in Cedaredge especially on the golf course. Weather may have influenced the count totals. The winter count was conducted on a blustery frigid day in February and the June count occurred during the ongoing regional drought. Still, the totals are significant since they suggest that the urban deer population is subject to seasonal migration patterns. According to Purcell, the winter deer that were clustered in and near town have tended to move up to Grand Mesa and other higher elevations. Temperature and availability of food are factors compelling the deer to move higher plus pregnant does were seeking more isolated areas to drop their fawns. Purcell emphasized that the winter and summer counts represent the early stages of CPW efforts to develop a scientific management plan to

deal with the town’s growing deer population. The winter and summer counts will be conducted again to secure multi-year data and an autumn count may be added. The timing of the potential autumn count is crucial because Purcell hopes to get a better idea of when the deer begin to leave higher elevations and return to town. Counts conducted at differing times of the year will yield data to analyze deer movements during diverse seasons. The overall goal is to continue gathering data in order to prepare a comprehensive management plan to guide future actions. “The picture will paint itself as we go,” said Purcell, “The data may tell us how many deer are resident in-town versus how many migrate in and out of town and help us determine if they are following typical migration patterns.” In closing, Purcell reminded everyone that several fawns are out and about. “If you spot a fawn on their own, rest assured that the mother is nearby. Don’t try to ‘rescue’ the fawn. A fawn which has been touched or handled by a human is more likely to be abandoned by the wild deer mother.”

Photo by Don Benjamin

Jerry Young, public works co-director for the town of Cedaredge, took time after the July 19 trustee meeting to answer questions posed about the town’s drought response. Trustee Dayton Myers also talked with constituents. Pictured above in the foreground are Young (in black) and constituent John Steighner. In the background are Myers (in hat) and constituent Steve Pierce. During the meeting, both constituents addressed the board and raised their concerns regarding the drought. having to pay high usage rates while the town continues to approve new water taps. He called the current increased water rates “excruciating” and said that every new water tap issued represents another demand on the system. If things are so bad that citizens must pay high fees, he asked, why is the town still issuing water taps? Constituent Steve Pierce also addressed the trustees. Pierce made a number of suggestions about how the town could make better use of the golf club’s water holding pond and gallons of “gray” water being expelled from the water treatment plant. Constituent Gretchen Palmer said that she believes that most residents fully understand that we are in a drought but she felt the trustees needed to be more forthcoming and more user friendly in the language used to communicate with citizens.

And, as a member of the women’s golf club, she asked if there was any truth to the rumor that the golf course was going to be closed down in August. She was particularly concerned because the women’s group has events planned for that month. The trustees responded to constituents. Mayor-pro-tem Ray Hanson — who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Gene Welch — apologized on behalf of the board for any miscommunication in drought information the town has provided and he thanked citizens for their help thus far in dealing with the drought. Trustee Al Smith stated that the board can resolve to communicate better. Public works co-director Jerry Young reported that Phase II of the town’s drought response plan is working with citizen’s cooperating to produce a 25 percent reduction DROUGHT RESPONSE TO B8

Artesian well is a bust, for now BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Photo by Don Benjamin

Several volunteers assembled last month at the Cedaredge Golf Club to conduct the summer edition of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s urban deer count. An earlier count was conducted in February. Plans are to continue the seasonal counts to gather data for a comprehensive management plan.

The long lost artesian well that slumbered north of Cedaredge might have been a welcome source of extra water during the region’s current drought. Hoping for the best, the town had the well tested for flow strength on Monday, July 16. “Unfortunately,” wrote town

administrator Greg Brinck in his July 19 report to the town board of trustees, “It was only capable of pumping around 40 gpm (gallons per minute), much less than the 200 gpm we were hoping for.” Brinck concluded that the well may yet be a viable option for future development and staff will continue to discuss the possibility.

B8 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Town council FROM PAGE B7 ter-return (TRN) program has reduced the number of kittens arriving at the shelter for adoption. Over the nine months ending in May 2018, the town spayed a dozen female cats and neutered over

two dozen males. The police force has also been busy with public safety issues, enforcement activities, and court appearances. The chief reported that his department has been busy inspecting mari-

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juana growth to make certain the number of plants being cultivated is in compliance with legal limits. Most growers contacted have been in compliance and those whose plants exceed the limit have been cooperative in reducing their crop. The volunteer fire department has been responding to lightning-caused fires. Jerry Young, co-director of public works, reported that the Highway 65 waterline replacement project is on schedule to be completed by Oct. 3. The vast majority of new pipe is in the ground. A few leaks associated with the project have been detected and repaired. Regarding roads, Young reported that a request for proposals has been issued for chip-sealing to take place this autumn targeting SE Buffalo and SE Centennial avenues. Town administrator Greg Brinck noted that the tentative schedule for working on the 2019 town budget is now official. The public is encouraged to attend all sessions. The dates are: • Aug. 16 — 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m., all-day workshop

followed by the trustees’ regular meeting. • Sept. 13 — 5 p.m., budget work session followed by trustees’ general work session • Oct. 11 — 5 p.m., budget work session followed by trustees’ general work session • Oct. 18 — 5 p.m., action regarding resolutions, ordinances and items affecting the budget • Nov. 1 — the final 2019 draft budget will be submitted to the trustees and will be available to the public • Nov. 29 — 5 p.m., public hearing on the 2019 budget • Dec. 13 — 5 p.m., scheduled trustee action on the 2019 budget As a follow-up to the auditor’s report, which was approved last month, the town has reviewed its fund balances and has determined that — of seven ratios set by the state — only the town’s unrestricted fund balance is below the state benchmark. According to Brinck’s written report, “This will be important information to consider as we move into developing the 2019 budget.”

Photo by Sandy Wilt

Concert openers

Bittersweet Highway, the duo of Rene Janiece and Wayne McKinzie, will open the Dana Cooper concert on July 27 at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center in the metropolis of Cedaredge — population 2,253. Their visit to the Surface Creek community might seem a big step when you consider that their hometown, the tiny southern Colorado settlement of Jaroso, boasts 13 inhabitants. Tickets for the Saturday performance are going fast but still available at Starr’s Guitars, 250 West Main Street, Cedaredge, or call 970-856-2331. The GMAEC is located at 195 West Main Street and the center’s phone number is 970-856-9195.

Historic buildings honored ��

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During the July 14 “Celebrate Cedaredge” event, members of Cedaredge’s Historical Preservation Board presented plaques commemorating the vintage of local buildings. Two plaques were presented to the 4B’s Brewery and the Cedaredge Pharmacy. Both businesses are located downtown on Main Street and the building housing the two adjacent enterprises has been an active commercial site since 1910. Over the years it has housed, among other things, a theater and an

older pharmacy. Also receiving two plaques was Curtis McCrackin whose building at the corner of Highway 65 and Main Street once housed the First National Bank (1912) and the U.S. Post Office (1913). In closing the awards ceremony, Brewer reminded the audience that the Historical Preservation Board is actively seeking new members. Citizens interested in serving on the board should contact town hall at 235 W. Main Street, or by calling 970856-3123.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Pictured left to right are Sharon Pierce and Ronn Brewer, both members of the town of Cedaredge’s Historical Preservation Board along with Barb Breitnauer, owner of the 4B’s Brewery whose building has been a commercial site since 1910.

Drought response FROM PAGE B7 in domestic water usage. He emphasized that the town’s goal is to “make sure we have water available for everyone who needs it while also conserving for the future.” Responding to the issue of continuing to issue water taps, Trustee Smith calculated that new taps represent a fraction of a percent of water usage. Town administrator Greg Brinck noted that town taps currently issued require new users to conserve water by conforming to limitations on landscaping and also that the impact of a new tap is not immediate due to time required for construction. The town is currently in Phase II of the town’s drought response plan. Phase III

calls for restrictions on water taps but Smith hoped things wouldn’t come to that. “I don’t want to tell people who want to build here that they can’t have a tap. I’m willing to sell taps so that those new people will be living in this town when this water crisis passes.” As to when that might happen, Smith was uncertain. “If we go through another winter like the last one, we will be in a bad situation,” he said. And Smith added that the town’s situation would be far worse if the board hadn’t already taken steps to conserve water and protect water reserves. Regarding rumors that the golf course would be closed in August, the trustees said there were

no such plans although continued drought may require future restrictions on the use of golf carts in some dry areas. Trustee Dayton Myers added that, if it became necessary, a decision to close the course would be discussed in a public meeting before any such action was taken. As they have done in prior public meetings, the trustees again emphasized that the purpose of the temporary water rate increases is to encourage citizens to reduce water usage. The town’s goal is not to increase revenue, the trustees said, repeating their often stated belief that towns that implement water conservations measures do not make money in a drought year.

Don’t miss upcoming concerts at the Chapel of the Cross BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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You may find yourself glancing at the clock on a Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon and saying, “Oh shoot! I missed another Chapel of the Cross concert!” If so, clip this article and paste it on your bathroom mirror or tack it on your refrigerator. Then next time, grab your honey and your hat, and head over to the western edge of Pioneer Town for a musical treat. Admission is by donation. July Thursday, July 26 — Alan Cunningham, guitar and vocals, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29 — Jody Brown Family Band, instrument and vocals, 4 p.m. August Thursday, Aug. 2 — The Rhythm Method, instrumental and vocals, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 — Robin Freed harp ensemble, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 9 — Rhonda Parker and Bethany Ward, classical to Broadway vocals, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12 — House Blend jazz ensemble, instrumental, 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 — Dr. John Howard, classical organ, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19 — Grady Bunch, Cedaredge

Community Band, 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 — Hearts of Harmony, gospel to pop vocal ensemble, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 — Paul Rosin, baritone, vocal sacred to pop, 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 — The Big End, instrumental and vocals, 7 p.m.

Photo by Don Benjamin

The duo of Nancy Carlson and Bob Wear perform as “Me & Bob.” Accompanied by pianist Sharon Clark, the pair sang an evening-full of timeless love songs last Thursday.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

What’s bugging you? Local gardening questions and answers BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

It is time for me to revert back to my roots and talk about interesting arthropods. Today I will cover the common scutigera, a unique looking house centipede. I never had seen this beastie until I moved to Colorado and I discovered it one day in my house. Since then this centipede has invaded my house on several occasions but I have never observed it outdoors. They are very fast moving centipedes. Because of their secretive nature, scary appearance and darting motions, homeowners typically fear the house centipede. Centipedes are in their own class, chilopoda, and not insects at all. To be an insect this crea-

Photo by Diane Webster

Thirsty for thistle

Even though this butterfly, believed to be a Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, has tattered wings, it finds happiness on a purple thistle in bloom on Grand Mesa. These butterflies are found across North America, and are seen flitting among the wildflowers in the high country. Such simple pleasures abound if one only looks ... what will you see today?

ture would need to have three body parts and six pairs of jointed legs. But centipedes have two legs per body segment, not necessarily 100 legs, but more than six. My particular centipede is in a genus that has many simple “eyes” grouped in a cluster, resembling a typical insect true compound eye. This house centipede is thought to be native to the Mediterranean. Today it can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. They can apparently survive in many habitats, as long as there is a place to hide, sufficient humidity, and enough food. They are often found in dark, humid areas such as crevices under rocks and in caves. In residences they’re more commonly found in base-

Trustees approve liquor licenses, adjust commercial water rates BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge board of trustees met for three public hearings and a regular meeting on July 19. The public hearings dealt with requests for special events liquor licenses. Following the hearings, the board voted to grant licenses to the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce for the AppleFest beer and wine garden at Cedaredge town park on Oct. 5-7 and to the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) for the Dana Cooper concert on July 27 and the Karla Bonoff concert on Aug. 12. Trustee and treasurer Patti Michael reported that all town accounts have been verified and June expenditures allocated appropriately. The sales tax for June was up by 4.67 percent from previous year-to-date. After responding to constituent comments and hearing several departmental reports, the trustees approved two resolutions. One resolution adds a category for liquor licensing which was established by the State of Colorado in 2017 but not yet added to the town fee structure. With trustee approval, the town’s licensing categories were expanded to include a new “lodging and entertainment license.” Another resolution recognized that hotels, restaurants and large commercial customers generate sales tax and a positive economic impact on the Town of Cedaredge and established a new water usage rate structure for such enterprises. Hotels, restaurants and large commercial users who use 30,000 gallons or less will be charged the regular rate per 1,000 gallons. To encourage water conservation, such businesses which exceed 30,000 gallons will be

Popsicle party in the park for summer readers The Cedaredge Library will host a popsicle party on Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m. in Cedaredge Town Park. This is the final celebration for the summer reading program. There will be fun for the whole family, with cool treats, water games and much more. Come prepared to get wet, and to have fun!

temporarily charged a sure expires on Nov. 1, rescinded. higher rate. The mea- 2018, unless previously The new rates are:

Cedaredge temporary commercial water rates Gallons used (thousands) 1-30 31-60 61-90 90+

In town per 1,000 gal. $2.97 (regular rate) $5.25 $7.50 $15.00

Out of Town per 1,000 gal $4.45 (regular rate) $7.75 $11.00 $22.25

House centipede ments, crawlspaces, and bathrooms. My encounters usually take place during periods of colder weather. These house centipedes are generally brown in color. Like all arthropods, they have an exoskeleton made of chitin. Their dorsal-ventrally flattened body is divided into fifteen segments with one pair of legs per segment. The first pair of legs is modified into fangs used for capturing prey and for protection. There are three dorsal longitudinal stripes, and their legs are banded. They have very well developed antennae. Most range from one half inch to just over two inches in length. Immature scutigera hatch from the egg and appear very similar to the adults, although they have only four pairs of legs. As they develop they pass through five larval instars, with each molt gaining more segments and leg pairs. After their fifth molt, they have all fifteen pairs of legs and are mature. They are also quite delicate and easily injured. So handle with care. Female house centipedes lay their eggs in the soil and cover them up with a sticky substance. Courtship and reproduction occur during the warmer months of the year. For about two weeks after the baby centipedes have hatched,

the mother and her offspring live in the same place, she providing some degree of protection for her young. Scutigera spend the winter in isolated protected habitats and become active in the spring. They retreat to underneath rocks and logs during the day, becoming active at night. They use their antennae to sense the environment around them. Scutigera are carnivorous, eating worms, snails, cockroaches, silverfish, fly larvae, small spiders, and other arthropods. They sense prey by using their antennae, which have scent and touch receptors on them. House centipedes then use their fangs to hold the prey while injecting poison with the modified front legs. So they are good guys to us since they eat things we don’t especially like. And their small size precludes them being any threat to us. If house centipedes are seen frequently in your house, this may indicate that some prey arthropod is in abundance, and may signify a greater problem than just the presence of these scary centipedes. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Cedaredge Town Park was jumping for the July 14 Celebrate Cedaredge event.

Celebrate Cedaredge returns Saturday, Aug. 4 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The July 14 ‘Celebrate Cedaredge’ community fair filled town park with an array of vendors — housed in tents and displaying handmade items and promoting services. Matt and Phil Sheader, owners of The Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall, and other talented guests pro-

vided the music. The event was a joint effort by the Town of Cedaredge and the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. The next celebration is scheduled for Aug. 4. The August event will include booths promoting nonprofit groups and an allday “Walk for Quinten,” a cancer fundraiser spon-

sored by The Pondy. For details on the cancer walk, visit The Pondy any day from 11-2 a.m. at 220 West Main Street in downtown Cedaredge or stop by The Pondy booth in town park on Aug. 4. The Saturday celebration will conclude with a 5-8 p.m. Party in the Park, a potluck dinner hosted by the Cedaredge Board of Trustees.

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B10 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS July 25, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Tackle Camp kicks off start to youth season Delta High School hosted a three-day Tackle Football Camp beginning on Sunday, July 22. The camp was open to all area football players entering grades 5-8. Each athlete received instruction in the proper skills and techniques associated with playing football. Instruction was provided by area high school coaches with demonstration and assistance from high school players.

Numbers for this year’s camp were down noted head Delta High School football coach Ben Johnson. “Our numbers were down after having around 75 players last year and we had just over 30 this year.” One reason for the lower number of participants might have been due to an earlier camp date in 2018. “This year’s camp was a week earlier than last year because our (DHS) schedules

were bumped up a week,” noted Johnson. Pablo Gallegos, a Youth Football Coach, offered another possibility for the low numbers. “Many of the area teams just finished their baseball seasons and parents may have had vacations planned for this week to accommodate schedules.” Delta County youth teams compete against each other and also play against Montrose County teams.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Assistant Delta High School football coach Ryan Whittington guides a new tackling drill where young athletes practice tackling techniques against a rolling tackling dummy designed to improve wrapping up an opponent during a tackle of a player carrying the ball.

Twenty teams play in DHS golf scramble BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

This year’s Delta High School Football Scramble attracted 20 teams. With the help of Mother Nature there was plenty of optimum sunshine as players chased dimpled spheroids on a four-plus mile journey around Dev-

il’s Thumb Golf Course last Saturday. Some teams traversed the course in relatively normal times while others may have stayed longer than intended as they pursued the sometimes elusive ball for 18 holes of play. Winning this year’s

top honors with a score of 51 was the team of KC Carlson, Kevin Carlson, Andy Braslin and Matt Bohling. The win was not a runaway as the tournament’s second-place team (Josh Applegate, Joppa Smith, Zach Larson and Jeremy Lambert) carded a 52.

Photo by Wayne Crick

After a station with the wheel, athletes move on to live tackling using the technique practiced against the wheel.

Registration open for demo, ATV barrel race Registrations for the Delta County Fair Demolition Derby and ATV Barrel Race are currently being accepted. The events will close out the 113th annual fair and promise a night of action and metal car-

nage. This year’s derby payout is $3,500, which will go to the last three cars running. Entry fee is $67 per car and includes the driver and one pit crew member. Alternate drivers and pit crew members must pre-

register; cost is $10 per member. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the first and second place winners of the ATV Barrel Race. Online entry is accessed at www.DeltaCountyFair. com.

Wilma Erven photo

This year’s Delta Panther Football Scramble was played on Saturday, July 21. First place winners included, from left, KC Carlson, Kevin Carlson, Andy Braslin and Matt Bohling. Delta High School’s head football coach Ben Johnson and assistant Ryan Whittington ﬂank the winners. Twenty teams were registered for the event with proceeds going to the DHS football team.

Barrel of Fun

Photo by Tamie Meck

An ATV driver maneuvers around a barrel in the 2017 Delta County Fair ATV Barrel Race. The barrel race and demolition derby will close out the 113th annual Delta County Fair on Aug. 11 at the Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss.

Matt Hamm photo

Playing golf for nearly 50 years needs to have a happy note for those who play. Last Thursday, a nine-iron shot on number 14 enabled Wayne Crick to mark one of his “Bucket List” items off a very long list of dream things to do. The feat was witnessed by golﬁng buddies Matt Hamm and Roger Hutchison. The inset picture shows the ﬁnal resting position of the ball.

Deltarado Days 2018

Section

July 26-29 * Delta

Celebrate Delta’s rich agricultural heritage BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The annual farmerrancher luncheon this Thursday kicks off four days of Deltarado Days festivities. Deltarado Days was first observed in 1935 as a harvest celebration. Years later, we still come together to celebrate our rich agricultural and ranching heritage! Thursday The farmer rancher luncheon at noon Thursday, July 26, at the Delta Sales Yard. Anyone working in the agricultural industry is invited to enjoy the free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet the Deltarado Days king and queen, Colton Galvin and Emily Martinez, and enjoy music by Beth Williams. That evening from 5 to 7 p.m., Altrusa International will host a barbecue and beer garden at Confluence Park — a new location for one of the longest-running traditions of Deltarado Days. Also new this year is a Fun Glo Run, taking place on the red rock trails around Confluence Park. All ages are invited to participate; just check in at the corner near the dog park. There will be two courses to choose from — around the lake (yellow loop) or the largest trail (blue loop). Maps are available at the recreation center for anyone

who wants to do some advance planning. Trails will be marked with balloons. Start time is the participant’s choice, anytime between 7 and 8 p.m. Organizers will provide glow-in-the-dark items for the youngest participants. The course will not be monitored; parents/ guardians will be responsible for their children. For those staying at the Lions Club Pavilion, Grace Community Church will have some lawn games like volleyball and cornhole set up before the movie, so come by early and have some fun with the whole family. As the sun sets, Grace Community Church will present a free movie in the park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy the movie “The Greatest Showman” with your family and friends. Free drinks and popcorn will be provided. Friday The Delta Street Rodders will host a pre-registration kick-off party in advance of the huge car show in Cleland Park Saturday. Owners of classics, antiques, rods and pickup are invited to gather at Butch’s Cafe, 1560 S. Main Street, at 5:30 p.m. Friday night. Registration information can also be obtained by calling 874-8130. Due to the stock contractor’s schedule, the

street dance and rodeo are swapping nights. The Deltarado Days rodeo this year will take place Friday, July 27, at the Delta Roundup Club Arena on 1800 Road. Mutton bustin’ begins at 7 p.m.; rodeo action starts at 8 p.m. Saturday Early risers can enjoy a pancake breakfast in Cleland Park Saturday morning at 7 a.m. Classics, antiques, rods and pickups will be lining up for the Delta Street Rodders’ annual car show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will also be setting up in the park, while downtown entries will be lining up for the parade. The Deltarado Days parade will run its usual route from 9th to 2nd, beginning at 10 a.m. “The parade is such a tradition, and we want everyone to enjoy themselves, but we’re asking people to stay in the median or on the sidewalks, well away from the floats, horses and motorized vehicles. We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt,” Stockwell said. After the parade, head to Confluence Park, where the Elks will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. The Kiwanis Club of Delta have changed up their menu a bit, offering pulled pork or pulled chicken beginning at 11 a.m. Sandwiches will be served with coleslaw,

cowboy beans, corn on the cob and a beverage, all for $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. Booths offering food, refreshing beverages and a wide variety of merchandise will line the vendor village. In the kids’ fun park, members of the Delta Barracudas swim team will supervise watery fun that may include water slides, bounce houses and a dunk tank. Live music is on tap in the arbor and will tentatively feature North Fork Country, Beth Williams and Dawson Springs. Grass volleyball, pickleball and cornhole tournaments will be held at Confluence Park. Only the horseshoe tournament will take place at Cleland Park. Stop by the chamber office at 301 Main Street for registration information, but be advised the pickleball tournament is full. In addition to all of the fabulous events taking place at Confluence Park on Saturday, Historic Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail will be open and free to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 is a Saturday Trade Day at the fort — an open air market with art, jewelry, handmade items and food. There will be plenty of parking in and around the park, including the dirt lot adjoining Palmer

Street. Y Bar Hitch will be circulating the park with a horsedrawn carriage, conveying folks from one end of the park to the other in style. Park activities wrap up about 4 p.m., leaving time to cool down and get ready for the street dance featuring country rock band Derringer. A portion of East 4th Street between Meeker and Main will be closed for the dance and beer garden, which run from 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday DHS Alumni and First Colorado National Bank will host a golf tournament at Devil’s Thumb Sunday morning with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Proceeds will fund two scholarships for 2019 graduates, a classroom supply drive and AP testing. A community worship service takes place in the Lions Pavilion at Confluence Park at 10 a.m. Deltarado Days events end with this coming together of our community in worship and prayer. The Lions Pavilion is located across from Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Immediately following worship, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served by the Abraham Connection. A $7 donation is suggested for each meal. All proceeds will benefit the homeless and hungry of Delta County.

DCI ﬁle photo

Volunteers from the Abraham Connection homeless shelter will grill hot dogs and hamburgers following the community worship service Sunday morning. All proceeds beneﬁt the homeless and hungry of Delta County.

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C2 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

DELTARADO DAYS

You can still get in on the fun

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Delta County Independent

K IW A N I S BB Q

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�� THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT, SO COME DOWN FOR THE BEST MEAL DEAL IN TOWN!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Deltarado Days this weekend! There’s still time to register for most events, including the parade, glo run, car show, grass volleyball, golf, horseshoe and cornhole tournaments. The glo run is new this year. Participants can choose from two courses, one or three miles in length, and start any time between 7 and 8 p.m. There is no charge for this event, which will take place after the Altrusa kick-off dinner and prior to the movie in the park sponsored by Grace Church. The parade takes place Saturday, July 28, and will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Check-in time starts at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at 9th and Grand. The parade route is on Main Street from 9th Street north to 2nd Street. There is no charge for entries, thanks to Bank of Colorado, the parade sponsor. Floats, car/ motorcycle entries, equestrian entries and people walking or riding bikes are all welcome. Entry forms are available at the chamber office, 301 Main, Delta. The 4x4 grass volleyball tournament begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. The registration fee is $100; the tournament format will be decided by the number of teams entering the event, which is sponsored by First State Bank of Colorado. The format of the cornhole tournament will also be determined by the number of teams entering. Registration is $50 per team. Naomi’s Hope Project is the sponsor of the horseshoe tournament, the only event to be held at Cleland Park. Your $25 registration fee includes a T-shirt. A late registration fee of $30 will be in

effect on the day of the tournament, and there’s no guarantee of a T-shirt. Men and women will be competing in a pickleball tournament on the tennis courts in Confluence Park. This event is full. Kids’ activities, a vendor village and the Delta Street Rodders’ 15th annual car show will all be taking place in Confluence Park Saturday. Registration for the car

show is from 7 to 10 a.m.; show hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss the preregistration kickoff party at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Butch’s Cafe, 1560 S. Main Street. More information about the car show can be obtained by calling 874-8130. The Delta High School Alumni Association is sponsoring this year’s Deltarado Days Golf Scramble hosted by Devil’s Thumb Golf Club.

Players will begin their quest for bragging rights and a variety of prizes Sunday, July 29, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. Play format is a scramble with four-man teams ($65 each player) vying for top honors. Registrations are to be concluded by July 26. Call Dwain Bush at 970-209-1530 or Ken Brown at Devil’s Thumb, 970-874-6262, to reserve a spot.

DCI ﬁle photo

Cool shower

A crowd quickly gathers in Confluence Park when Delta firefighters show up and turn on the water works. The cool shower is a welcome relief from the relentless heat.

Altrusans’ kickoff barbecue moves to Confluence Park It wouldn’t be Deltarado Days without the kickoff barbecue hosted annually by Altrusa International of Delta. This year the popular event is moving to the Lions Pavilion at Confluence Park. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, Altrusans will be serving a tasty dinner of smoked brisket, pulled pork, cowboy beans, corn salad, rolls and bar cookies. The cost is $12 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. They can be purchased at the event or in advance at Ruby’s Flowers, 755 Main

Street, or the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, 301 Main Street. You can also enjoy an ice cold adult beverage from the beer garden, where the friendly folks from 4B’s Brewery will be manning the taps. Participants of all ages can take part in a Fun Glo Run, taking place on the red rock trails around Confluence Park. To register, check in at the corner near the dog park any time between 7 and 8 p.m. Organizers will provide glow-in-the-dark items for the youngest

participants. The course will not be monitored; parents/guardians will be responsible for their children. Then, grab your lawn chair or spread out a blanket on the grass to watch “The Greatest Showman” with your friends and family. The outdoor movie is sponsored by Grace Community Church. Church members will also have some lawn games available, such as volleyball and cornhole, so come early and have some fun with the whole family.

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A longstanding tradition of Deltarado Days is the kickoff dinner hosted by Altrusa International of Delta on Thursday night. This year, the event moves to the Lions Pavilion in Conﬂuence Park, across from Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

WE HAVE THE WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE

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DELTARADO DAYS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Theater owner named parade grand marshal BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Jeanne Dewsnup is being honored as parade grand marshal, in recognition of 50 years of ownership of the Tru Vu Drive-In. The Tru Vu is a unique outdoor offering that can’t be experienced in many other places across the country,

let alone in-state. The drive-in is one of only 385 such outdoor movie spots left in America, according to Dewsnup. There are only six total drive-in movie theaters still in business in all of Colorado. Jeanne and her husband Stan owned and operatd theaters in Utah,

DCI ﬁle photo

The Tru Vu is a unique outdoor offering that can’t be experienced in many other places across the country, let alone in-state.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

While the grass volleyball, pickleball and cornhole tournaments will be held in Conﬂuence Park, the horseshoe tournament will remain in Cleland Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, and the action is slated to get underway at 10:30 a.m. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three teams. This year, the tournament is sponsored by Naomi’s Hope Project, a group of local citizens who saw the need to provide support to local families who are faced with cancer. Learn more at naomis hopeproject.org.

Idaho, Nevada, Nebraska and Colorado. They purchased the Egyptian Theatre and the Big Sky Drive-In on Crawford Avenue, then acquired the Tru Vu Drive-In a year later. Jeanne describes Stan as a “real go-getter.” She was working as a waitress in Salt Lake City when Stan came into the restaurant. She vividly recalls the safety pins holding his shirt together, but his lack of fashion didn’t stop romance from blossoming. Living in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the time, the Dewsnups saw the Delta theaters for sale in a cinema-centric publication and decided to check into it. The Tru Vu, opened in 1954, was the last property the Dewsnups officially purchased. She recalls just two prior owners of the drive-in. “These theaters were for sale for a cheap, cheap, cheap price. We came over here for a weekend and here we are, right?” Jeanne quipped. Now a historic landmark, the Tru Vu is the only remaining Delta drive-in. The Big Sky fell victim to financial hardships after area coal mines closed in the late 1980s, Dewsnup explained. “We were just spinning our wheels, spinning our wheels, so we decided to put one drive-in down,” she said. “We asked the customers which drive-in they would close down. They said that one. They said the restrooms were nicer over here. That was the deciding factor.” The price of admission ($8.50 for two features) is still the best deal in town. The drive-in’s capacity is around 200 vehicles, Dewsnup said. “We just get people from all over everywhere. Grand Junction. Fruita. Palisade, even Carbondale. When they come from that far away they make a night of it; get a motel and go to dinner, and stuff like that,” Dewsnup said. “You’d be surprised of how many people have never been to a drive-in before.” She takes a moment in the projector room to explain how the technology has evolved over the years, from clunky, 35 millimeter films to digital hard drives. Change is inevitable. (She said the newest digital projector cost a total of $93,000.) She quickly added, though, the concession stand, which serves up cinema classics like popcorn, soda and nachos, hasn’t undergone many renovations since the beginning. “This snack bar, every year we try to do something new, but actually the snack bar is like

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Jeanne Dewsnup peeks out from behind the projector at the Tru Vu Drive-In. when we first bought it,” she said. The sea foam green and off-white color scheme, paired with the neon-red lettering, completes the drive-in’s quintessential 1950s nostalgia, which may be part of the reason so many people travel there. After her husband Stan passed away in 2005, Jeanne admitted she found solace in the business that has created �� happy memories for so �� many. “I don’t know what I �� would have done with �� myself after he died, if I �� didn’t have this to go to,” she said. “I know where I’m going to be from the middle of April to the middle of September.” Evenings off are a rarity, so at the end of each summer, she rewards herself with a trip to an exotic destination, like Africa or Central America. This year she is joining her sister and brother-in-law on a journey to Belize, a favorite getaway when Stan was still alive. “Every year, I say this is going to be my last, but then comes spring and I’m ready to go again,” she said. �� She will be taking �� a few nights off during Deltarado Days, to entertain family members who don’t want to miss the parade and the sight of �� Jeanne waving from the �� back seat of a classic Cor�� vette. “It’s going to be like a �� family reunion,” she said, with two sisters and their families traveling from Texas and Utah. Her daughter is unable to get away, but a grandson and �� his wife are planning to come from Denver. �� The Deltarado Days �� parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, and will travel north from 9th to 2nd Street.

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C4 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

DELTARADO DAYS

Delta County Independent

Delta Street Rodders sponsor 15th annual car show Saturday

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The grassy area near the Lions Pavilion in Confluence Park will be filled with classics, antiques, rods and pickups Saturday. Join members of the Delta Street Rodders for the club’s 15th annual car show. There is no cost for spectators. The event begins with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 28. Same-day registration for the car show runs from 7 to 10 a.m. An amazing collection of vehicles will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $20

registration fee, with proceeds going to local nonprofit organizations. Proceeds from the 2017 show went to the Pregnancy Resource Center and Delta Food Pantry. Entrants will be eligible for raffles, trophies and cash prizes. The club is raffling off a $250 gift certificate from Big

O Tires and a floor jack from NAPA Auto Parts of Delta. A pre-registration kick-off party will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Butch’s Café, 1560 S. Main Street, the night before the event. Delta Street Rodders is a for-fun car club, open to all motor vehicle types.

They consider themselves a “classics, antiques, rods, pickups and motorcycles” club. There are no dues; membership is open to all. All that is required is an interest in things automotive. Learn more on the Delta Street Rodders’ Facebook page or call Sam Vasico at 874-8130.

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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.

Get scrambling for DHS alumni golf tourney In conjunction with Deltarado Days, the DHS Alumni Association presents a scramble golf tournament to be held Sunday, July 29, at Devil’s Thumb Golf Club. A shotgun start is planned at 9 a.m. Player fee is $65. There will be prizes for

the longest drive, closest to pin, longest putt and hole-in-one. There will also be special prizes for all-alumni teams. Individual Mulligans can be purchased for $5 each. Lunch will be provided by Needle Rock Brewing Company. Proceeds go to scholarships for graduating seniors, the AP testing program at Delta High School, youth activities and classroom supplies. For more information, contact Devil’s Thumb Golf Club at 874-6262 or Delta High School’s Dwain Bush at 970-209Class of 1958 is planning its 60th reunion during Deltarado Days. Alumni are invited to gather at Cleland Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28. For information about other activities, contact Stan Sammons at 2345520 or Larry Head at 872-6311.

60th class reunion scheduled

1530. Registrations are due July 26.

Class of 1968 to host dance Delta High School’s Class of 1968 is hosting a dance Saturday, July 28, at the Delta Elks Lodge. All DHS alumni and friends are welcome. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m. and will feature the band Route 66. The cost is $10 per couple.

Class of 1973 plans reunion Delta High School’s Class of 1973 is planning a reunion during Deltarado Days. Classmates, whether they graduated in 1973 or not, are invited to the 45th class reunion Saturday, July 28, from noon to dusk in Confluence Park, sites #4, #5 and #6. Meat will be provided; please bring salads, sides or desserts and your own beverages. For more information, call Diann (Koppes) Suttle in Montrose at 596-5053, Jose Lujan in Grand Junction at 5961406 or Kathi (Schlangen) Marquez in Delta at 901-7754. Pass the word.

Grab it and go

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The Kiwanis Club is changing its traditional barbecue menu to include pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches and all the ﬁxings. This more “portable” lunch gives you the option of relaxing in the shade of the pavilion, or taking your lunch with you as you take in the activities in the park. Club members begin serving lunch in the Lions Pavilion at 11 a.m. Saturday. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12, with the proceeds going to the club’s community service projects.

Vendor Village

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Conﬂuence Park will be lined with booths offering information, merchandise, food, refreshing beverages and more. Vendor Village is open Saturday from 10 am. to 4 p.m.

DELTARADO DAYS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Mutton bustin’, rodeo move to Friday night The Deltarado Days rodeo this year will take place Friday, July 27, beginning with mutton bustin’ at 7 p.m. While the rodeo has

traditionally been held on Saturday, the stock contractor had a conflict that night. The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce has contracted with

Berentis Rodeo Company to provide stock and personnel for this Deltarado Days tradition. Action begins at the Delta Roundup Club arena with mutton bustin’ at 7 p.m. The number of participants isn’t capped;

kids are just asked to show up by 6:45, with their parents, to sign up. The main event begins at 8 p.m. and will include bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down calf wrestling, breakaway roping, barrel

racing and bull riding. Contestant information is available from Jerry Berentis, 434-4843. Tickets are $10 for adults (13 and over), $5 for kids ages 5-12, seniors and veterans. Kids 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at the

Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, 301 Main Street. Food vendors and a beer garden will be on the premises. The Roundup Club Arena is located on 1800 Road east of Delta. Look for the signs off Highway 92.

Deltarado Days Special ��

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Derringer brings a unique country rock sound to the street dance Derringer, a group of talented and dedicated musicians from Colorado’s Western Slope, is bringing a spectacular show to Deltarado Days. On Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m., the band will perform at the street dance on 4th Street, between Main and Meeker. Sean Paxson formed Derringer in the spring of 1993 with the goal of creating a unique country-rock sound focusing on three-part harmonies, solid song writing and energetic stage presence. Drawing on influences ranging from Brooks and Dunn and The Eagles, to classic country, Derringer

combines familiar sounds to create a style that is all its own. Derringer’s sound and show have made it a favorite across Colorado, playing festivals, rodeos and bars such as the famous Grizzly Rose in Denver and Whiskey River in Grand Junction. Derringer has opened for national acts including The Pirates of the Mississippi, Doug Supernaw, Rick Trevino, Big House, Dan Seals, Michelle Wright, Ricky Lynn Gregg, The Smokin’ Armadillos, Ricochet, Kenny Chesney, STYX, Dwight Yoakam, Country Jam (1999 and 2000),

Chris Ledoux, The Little River Band, Black Hawk, Tracy Byrd, Highway 101 and Collin Raye. In 1994 Derringer wrote and produced a ten song CD titled “Put A Little Kick in Your Country.” The band released its second CD, “Rocky Mountain Rain,” in 2011. All 12 songs are originals written by Sean Paxson and arranged by the band. Derringer performs several of the songs in its

live performances. Alive and well after 20 years, Derringer is booking shows regularly. Derringer members are Sean Paxson, lead vocals and lead guitar; Jeff Huff, keyboards, guitar and backup vocals; Dave Watson, drums and bass guitar; and Emily Kingston, lead and backup vocals. Whatever the venue, Derringer brings in the crowd for guaranteed good time.

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Derringer

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In appreciation

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This year (2018) marks the 99th year since the celebration of our annual harvest began under the name Farmer’s Spree. It wasn’t until 1936 when the name Deltarado Days was selected in a “re-name the event” contest. The annual event continues to honor and thank our agricultural producers for the hard work they put in every year. That’s the focus of the farmerrancher appreciation luncheon, to be held Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Delta Sales Yard. This event is sponsored by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. Singer/songwriter Beth Williams will provide music for the event.

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C6 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

DELTARADO DAYS

Delta County Independent

King, queen plan careers working with youth BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce has established the tradition of awarding scholarships to two Delta High School graduates who are then named Deltarado Days king and queen. This

year’s recipients are Emily Martinez and Colton Galvin. “With so many outstanding students applying for the scholarship, it’s often times difficult to pick the recipients,” said Paul Stockwell, executive director of the Delta Area

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Chamber of Commerce. “This year was no different.” Applicants were asked to provide a brief essay addressing the ways they have contributed to the community. “There’s many ways to contribute to the community and I feel like helping with Abraham Connection was one that really showed it,” Emily wrote. “Being able to make dinner for the unhoused people of our community really hits home. Seeing those people smile because they got a plate of food and even got to interact with another person really made me realize how blessed and lucky I am to have what I have. If I were to move back to Delta after graduating, I would really want to become a regular helper

at Abraham Connection. That would be the first way I would come back and help my community, after the community has done so much for me.” Emily plans to study early education at Colorado Mesa University and eventually teach kids ages 5 to 8. “I want to show kids that anything is possible in life if you strive for what you want.” While a student at DHS, Emily participated in ASTRA, American Sign Language Club, Visual Arts Club and marching band. Deltarado Days king Colton Galvin plans to study exercise science at Presentation College, a small private college in South Dakota. “There is so many things I can do with this

degree that I am excited about,” he said. He plans to minor in coaching, then work with youth, teaching them how to eat right and to reach their fitness goals. As a high school athlete, he realized the importance of proper nutrition and staying physically fit. As a member of the Delta High School football and baseball teams, he set the bar high. “I pushed myself every day, learned some hard lessons along the way ... I hope that the times I have worked with our youth, they have recognized work ethic and maybe have learned how to set goals.” Colton was recognized as a leader on and off the football field. In addition to encouraging and

supporting younger athletes, he volunteered at high school sports camps and his church’s sports camps. “I have a passion for being a leader for the youth,” he said. “I want to show them what hard work, listening and caring can do for them.”

Colton Galvin

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Emily Martinez

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DCI ﬁle photo

Kids’ zone

“I’m bored!” If your kids are at loose ends, bring them to the Kids’ Fun Park in Conﬂuence Park Saturday. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and will include lots of activities to keep the kids busy while you browse the vendors’ booths or listen to the live music in the park.

Kiwanis Club of Delta hosts disc golf tournament The Kiwanis Club of Delta is hosting the second annual Deltarado Days disc golf tournament Saturday, July 28. Open registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. — look for the booth on the red rock trail, just before the first tee box. The tournament begins at 9:30. Competition will take place on the top-level

course at Confluence Park, which has been given high reviews by those who have played there. Entry is open to players of all skill levels and costs $15 per person. Prizes will be awarded. The Delta County Disc Golf Revolution will judge the tournament. The Kiwanis Club of

Delta now has its own disc golf club BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The MOD Squad — comprised of disc golfers from Montrose, Olathe and Delta — was instrumental in helping the City of Delta create an 18-hole disc golf course in Confluence Park. That group has now transitioned into the Delta County Disc Golf Revolution. Recently, club members pitched in to clean up fallen branches and downed limbs to create 18 new greens in Confluence Park. Club president Patrick Winner explains the club is creating 18 alternate positions for existing holes, to facilitate big tournament rounds.

“This is pretty exciting, because the only club in the area that can currently do that is Palisade,” he said. He said the City of Delta has done a “fantastic job” cleaning up the area and helping with the installation of concrete tee boxes. With more time to get the word out, Winner is hoping to see 40 to 50 participants in the second annual disc golf tournament. “This is going to be an amazing event,” Winner said. “If you are new to disc golf or have wanted to check it out please consider coming. I hope to see some new faces on the course!”

Delta has lined up 42 sponsors, including 20 businesses that have donated prizes for a raffle. In addition to raffle tickets, the club will be selling Mulligans for $1 each. Funds raised from this tournament will help the Delta County Kiwanis Foundation support the community with an annual signature project, multiple local service projects and high school Key Club members with college scholarships, leadership training and attendance at state and national conventions. Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. For more information about the tournament, contact Richard Simmons at 970-399-3365 or Patrick Winner, president of Delta County Disc Golf Revolution, at 814-7466168. The Kiwanis Club of Delta is serving a barbecue luncheon at Confluence Park Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Participants can arrange for their luncheon orders to be delivered to the course.

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Music at Delta Library

Photo submitted

The Delta/Grand Junction Women’s Choir, Grand Mesa A Cappella, will perform at Delta Library on Saturday, July 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear these women singing barbershop style, four-part harmony at its ﬁnest! The concert will take place upstairs near the circulation desk. Call 874-9630 for more information.

DELTARADO DAYS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

What’s up at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Summer Reading Finale: Popsicle Party! Bring the entire family to celebrate the end of the summer reading program with popsicles, games, and more. Be prepared to get wet in water balloon games. Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at Cedaredge Town Park. Sunflower Maker Space. Bring the entire family to the Cedaredge Library to create beautiful sunflower crafts at the maker station. All month in August during library hours. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! Staff at Cedaredge Library will help you clear up your confusion with technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and computers, our resident techies will do their best to get you going. The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. July StoryWalk®. The July StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates, illustrated by Chris Gall. From his unique perspective as the great-great-grandnephew of Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental work of art. Sing along as you read the StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail in July. Then, visit the Cedaredge Library for activities and a take home craft related to the story. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Summer Reading Final Party: Piñata and Potluck. Bring the entire family to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Crawford Library building and the finale of the 2018 summer reading program. Bring your

favorite dish to share. Tableware and drinks will be provided. Piñata for the kids! Thursday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Crawford Library. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. “Books in a Tent” 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 during library hours. For more information or to volunteer to help with the sale, please contact the library at 874-9630. Kids’ Final Party. Celebrate the end of summer reading with homemade ice cream and water balloon games. Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m. Teen Final Party. Celebrate the end of the summer reading program at Delta Library with a black light party. Enjoy pizza and games under a black light. Find out if you are the winner of a final prize drawing! Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m. Music in the Library: Grand Mesa A Capella. Patrons are invited to Delta Library for a performance of the Delta/ Grand Junction Women’s Choir. Saturday, July 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the circulation area upstairs. Delta Book Club. This month we will be discussing “The Churchills: In Love and War” by Mary S. Lovell. Saturday, Aug. 4, at 1 p.m. Back to School Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Delta Library to embark on a scavenger hunt in the children’s area to find objects that are used at school. All month in August during library hours. Bookmark Maker Space. Teens are invited to Delta Library to make bookmarks at the

maker station. All month in August during library hours. All supplies provided. Craft Stick Catapult Maker Space. Kids are invited to Delta Library to build a catapult using craft sticks and rubber bands. Catapult a pompom and see how far it goes! All month in August during library hours. All supplies provided. Genealogy One-onOne. The Delta genealogy group will not meet in July or August. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Summer Reading Finale: Water Games! Bring the entire family to the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss to celebrate the end of summer reading program with fun water games! Don’t forget to turn in your reading log for a free T-shirt! Wednesday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at the Delta County Fairgrounds. Supply School Drive. Hotchkiss Library is hosting a school supply drive to benefit local schools. Drop off supplies in August during library hours and help support area youth! All supplies will be donated to Hotchkiss schools. Call 399-7781 for more information. Parade Float Decoration Party. Teens are invited to Hotchkiss Library to help decorate the parade float for the Delta County Fair parade. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. Delta County Fair Parade. Patrons are invited to join Hotchkiss Library staff and walk in the Delta County Fair parade Saturday, Aug. 11. Please arrive by 9:15 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. Call Hotchkiss Library at 399-7781 for more information. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Art of Rock Maker Space. Teens are invited to Paonia Library to create a mock music poster for their favorite band. July 13-27 during library

hours. Summer Reading Finale: Wet and Wild Party. Bring the entire family to Paonia Library for an afternoon of fun water games and a popsicle snack! Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m. Music in the Amphitheater. The final week features local rockers The Bromigos! Wear comfortable shoes because this is a dance party! Picnic and takeout dinners are welcome. Tuesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. Rock Band for Teens. Teens are invited to Paonia Library to play Rock Band, Mario, and other fun Wii games. Best-dressed rockers win a prize! Friday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. The Sixth Extinction. Environmental scientist Robin Smith will show amazing wildlife photographs and talk about “The Sixth Extinction”— and what we can do to protect our remaining wildlife. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. Tech Café. Tech assistance for all ages and skill levels. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

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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.

Rodeo Barbecues Tournaments Car Show Parade Vendor Village Kids’ Activities Movie in the Park Music/Street Dance

Wild Rides Wild Times

DELTARADO DAYS July 26-29

Pick up the Aug. 1 edition of the DCI for photo coverage from start to finish!

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Suffolk Punch horses from Y Bar Hitch will be providing transportation in Conﬂuence Park Saturday. Ken Spann and Valorie Barnica, owners of the Y Bar Hitch, have a number of the rare chestnut-colored Suffolk Punch draft horses.

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C8 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

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Delta County Independent

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FOR RENT, 1,600 SQ. FT. VISION CHARTER ACAD3 bedroom house with 1 car emy, a public charter school garage in Delta. $850 per focused on individualized month, $850 deposit. Call education for K-12 learners 596-5319. (TFNx28) in Delta County and surrounding areas, seeks can3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH didates passionate about on 2100 Rd., Eckert. No dynamic learning opporpets. Water included. tunities. Visit www.visionShady quiet community. charteracademy.org for $900/month. 970-835-4101 open position information or 970-201-1743. (2x29) and requirements. (2x29) SEEKING QUALIFIED safety minded Estimators/ Project Managers for Garfield, Mesa, Delta, Yard Sales Montrose and Gunnison County. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, YARD SALE – 822 GRAND 401k, PTO. Interested parAvenue (Delta Middle ties please send resume School), by football field, to: Hsystem66@gmail.com Friday, July 27th - 8 a.m.– 3 or 1338 Grand Ave., PMB p.m. Desks, tables, lockers, 256, Glenwood Springs, CO cabinets, doors, lots of mis- 81601. (2x30) cellaneous items. (1x30) WARD’S LANDSCAPE IS GREAT SHOP SALE seeking individuals to help Tools, cars, trailers, furni- with mowing, pruning, ture, fountains, patio sets, and/or helping install landart. original paintings, scapes. Must be able to take antiques, dining rooms, direction and work with othchina cabinet. 10181 Hwy ers. Experience is helpful 65, Austin, CO. Thursday, but not necessary. Valid Friday and Saturday, driver’s license is needed. Position is full time for sum7 a.m.-5 p.m. (1x30) mer and fall. Background WANT TO MAKE A QUICK and driving record checks sale? Advertise in the Delta will be done. Pick up an County Independent's Clas- application at 20143 Austin sifieds. Call 874-4421 Rd., Austin. (2x30)

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HELP WANTED: FARM laborers also fruit stand retail. 323-5116. (6x25) WILLIAMS ORCHARDS hiring seasonal position at fruit packing facility. Apply at 21180 Fruit Growers Road, Austin, CO. (1x30) SIGN UP TODAY FOR a subscription to the DCI!

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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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D2 Wednesday, July 25, 2018 Help Wanted

CLASSIFIEDS

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Delta County Independent

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�� HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Golf Course Maintenance Worker for the Devil’s Thumb Golf Course. Starting salary is $10.52 per hour depending on experience. This is a part-time, seasonal position. Under the direction of the Golf Superintendent, performs a wide variety of unskilled/semi-skilled work and construction work on City’s golf course. Works with hand tools necessary to maintain golf course, spray weeds, mow grass, irrigate. May operate weed cutters, riding mowers, dump truck and pickup truck. May run hand power equipment including power mowers, compactors and chains saws. May paint miscellaneous equipment used in the operation of the department. Minimum requirements are any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of general labor experience. Must be willing to work early mornings, weekends and Holidays. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Minimum age 17. Must successfully pass a background check and preemployment drug screen. Submit applications to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources Department, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Applications and full job description available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta. net (do not submit application to the golf course). EOE (1x30)

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 TOWN OF PAONIA NOT- 369, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. ice of Open Position. The EOE (2x29) Town of Paonia is accepting applications for the position of Public Works Laborer. Under the direction of the Classified Line Ad Rates Public Works Director, this $8.00 for first issue position performs skilled, (25 words or less) semi-skilled, and special12¢ per additional word ized operations for the 1/2 off each consecutive issue. Town of Paonia related to streets, public works, Customers must pay when equipment responsibilities they drop off the ad, mail and parks. Salary dependin a check so it arrives at ing on qualifications. Town least by Wednesday, put employment application the ad on their debit or available at www.townof credit card, or charge the paonia.com Applications ad to their will be accepted until established account. 4:30 p.m. on July 26, 2018. Contact Town for additional information. The Town of Paonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (2x29)

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Help Wanted HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Parks Part Time Laborer position in the Parks Department. This is a 25 hour per week position. Starting salary is $10.52 per hour. Under the direction of the Parks Manager or Parks Lead Municipal Service Worker, performs a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance and construction work on city parks, cemetery and other public facilities. Works with hand tools necessary to fill graves, spray weeds, mow grass, irrigate parks and cemetery. May operate weed cutters, riding mowers, dump truck and pickup truck. May run hand power equipment including power mowers, compactors and chains saws. Any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of general labor experience. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Submit applications to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main St., Delta, CO 81416. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Applications and full job description are available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta. net. EOE (1x30)

Public Service HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X29)

Public Service THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, Mondays at 6:30 pm, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-2108090 or Marjorie 970-4331856. ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. 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 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. 10th St, Delta.

THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at THE DELTA COUNTY 970-773-8290 to make a Independent runs these referral, or for informaitems as a public service tion on how to volunteer free of charge for non-profit or donate. www.Delta organizations, if no fees are A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . charged. However, each org. group is asked to please keep them current by call- ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCiation Caregivers' Support ing 874-4421. Group, Delta. Hospice and IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, Palliative Care of Western you will love the Downstairs Colorado, Grand Mesa Bookstore in the basement Oncology Center, 1501 E. 3rd of the Delta Library. Street, Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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Cash for Mineral Rights �� Call: 720-988-5617 �� Write: �� Email: 303-571-5117 ��

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Delta County Independent

Spotlighting Colorado’s Scenic & Historic Byways Colorado’s Scenic & Historic Byways are being highlighted through various channels this summer, as the tourist season shifts into high gear. First, a new exhibit at Denver International Airport is highlighting all 26 of the state’s Scenic & Historic Byways. Two photos of each designated route are being displayed to entice travelers after they land. The photos are displayed at the A gates, Y-Juncture Gallery, located past the A security checkpoint through October. Second, combining byways with bicycling is the focus of the newly designed Bicycle and Byways map, published by the Colorado Department of Transportation

(CDOT). The map serves as a guide for selecting routes best suited to the interests and abilities of sightseers. State and federal roadways also are color coded by shoulder width and traffic volume, with the Scenic & Historic Byways easily identified by yellow highlights and reference numbers. The map also is available online, providing an information “zoom in” about resources and amenities in local communities. Third, Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways and other organizations are joining together to host the international Preserving the Historic Road 2018 Conference this September in Fort Collins. The conference is bringing together many

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groups, with a primary focus on the future of historic roads in the United States and around the world. CDOT’s economist Oana Deselnicu, PhD, will be discussing how the state’s economy is enhanced as part of the “Benefits of Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways” presentation. The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways program isn’t just a list of roads connecting one place to another. The 26 byways have been carefully selected by the Colorado Byways Commission to awe, instruct, delight, inform, physically challenge, soothe, and bolster the physical and spiritual health of the thousands of travelers who traverse Colorado’s chosen trails.

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Grand Mesa in winter for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. Porcupines, mountain lions, coyotes, red fox, elk, and deer thrive here. West Elk Byway The twin summits of Mount Sopris and the incomparable Black Canyon of the Gunnison anchor the ends of the West Elk Loop. Begin your journey in Hotchkiss and continue northeast along Highway 133 through Paonia and Somerset, a small mining community about 12 miles from Paonia. East of Somerset and just south of Paonia Reservoir is the intersection of Highway 133 and County Road 12. This is Kebler Pass, the road you’ll take if you want to complete the loop by vis-

iting Crested Butte, Gunnison, the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park and the old-west community of Crawford. Travel 10 miles north of Crawford to Hotchkiss to complete the loop. If you’re taking the spur to Carbondale, which does not again connect to the byway, continue along Highway 133 as it winds along Paonia Reservoir and the Raggeds Wilderness. The highway gradually rises to the 8,755-foot summit of McClure Pass and then quickly drops into the scenic Crystal Valley. To order maps, other publications or for more information, visit www. ColoradoByways.org.

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Two of the state’s Scenic & Historic Byways pass through Delta County: Grand Mesa Scenic Byway This 63-mile stretch of Highway 65 extends from Cedaredge to Interstate 70 about 30 miles east of Grand Junction. It includes a 12-mile stretch called Lands End Road. Along the byway, you’ll find turnoffs to picnic areas, cabins, lodges, trailheads and more than 300 stream-fed lakes, many swarming with rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Bright meadows filled with wildflowers line the highway and emerald-green fields carpet this playground in the sky. Glistening blankets of snow dress the

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

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D8 Wednesday, July 25, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P Jamaica A G Outreach E

Photos courtesy Jamaica Outreach

Kids Pasta Project members Brooke Hillman and James LaBounty share a moment with students from Mason Hall Primary School at St. Mary Parish, Jamaica, on their recent service trip with Jamaica Outreach.

BY TAMIE MECK

Staff Writer

or more than a decade the Kids’ Pasta Project has prepared and served fresh pasta dinners to benefit North Fork area nonprofit groups and causes. The experience teaches the kids who volunteer with KPP both the value of service to the community and relevant life skills. Last April, a group of eight KPP kids, ranging in age from 12-19, spent their spring break from school doing service work with the Crawford-based nonprofit, Jamaica Outreach. They were chaperoned by Shawn and Joyce LaBounty. The team traveled to St. Mary Parish, Jamaica, to work on the Mason Hall Primary and Basic School. This is the second year KPP kids traveled to Jamaica. Longtime Crawford residents Pam and Ed Bliss founded Jamaica Outreach in 2004. Rotarians with the Rotary Club of the North Fork, they model the Rotary motto, “Service above self.” One way they share that passion is through Jamaica Outreach. For more than 15 years, they and teams of mostly Delta County area residents have traveled to St. Mary Parish, building and maintaining primary schools and a library and providing education, nutrition, medical and eye care, and much more for kids living in a rural area of Jamaica. During the week, the KPP group painted the Mason Hall school library from ceiling to floor, spruced up signs and artwork, and resurfaced a concrete school activity court. They also brought more than 200 pounds of new books for the library. While they carved a little fun time out each day, most of their time was spent working. “I’ve had so many people say to me, ‘Oh yeah, it’s just a vacation for the kids,” said Pam. “Not at all. Every day we worked.” The roots of Pam and Ed’s work in Jamaica began in the early 1990s. Pam’s parents vacationed in Jamaica in the 1950s. One year her dad took them to Jamaica to celebrate their 11th wedding anniver-

Nora Dransﬁeld helps a Jamaican student add an imprint of her hand to a tree mural she painted on an exterior wall of the Mason Hall Primary School. sary. Pam’s dad died in 2000. On a trip to Indiana to scatter his ashes, Pam chanced to meet the Jamaican director of Outreach for Friends International, who was giving talks throughout the U.S. on orphanages around the world. When Pam asked about the biggest need for Jamaican orphanages, she replied: a water line at the Swift Purscells Boys’ Home. Pam and Ed committed to funding the project and promised to visit on their next trip to Jamaica. In 2001, they traveled to Bolivia with Crawford residents Don and Kathy Geddes to distribute eye glasses for the Lions Club and celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. The next month they returned to Jamaica to visit the Lyndale Home for Girls. Conditions were deplorable, said Ed and Pam. The next year they delivered new mattresses, sheets, curtains, posters, paint and other supplies to the orphanage. When they shared their stories back home, friends offered to help. In 2003 they took their first group trip to Jamaica to work on the school and provide medical exams. They brought brightly colored bags made by Pam’s mother with toiletries, school supplies, and even underwear.

Over the next few years, doctors, optometrists, educators, contractors and others joined their teams. Each team carried supplies and books with them. “People would line up for blocks to us,” said Pam. In 2008, Ed and Pam built a house where teams could stay. In 2007 and 2008, students with the Delta and Cedaredge high school’s ASTRA clubs traveled to Jamaica. The ASTRA clubs are sponsored by Altrusa International of Delta to provide community service opportunities for youth. Students carried thousands of pounds of supplies for both the girls’ and boys’ orphanages. In 2009-2010, both orphanages closed due to poor management and the kids were scattered to foster homes and other orphanages. Jamaica Outreach’s mission shifted to the primary schools of St. Mary Parish. In 2011, ASTRA students built the school library “literally cinder block by cinder block.” Students packed suitcases full of books, and by the time they left, the school had a library. Pam and Ed returned that spring to install a roof, doors and electrical work. When they met the principal of Mason Hall in 2011, she called nutrition her biggest need. “Hungry children,” said Ed Bliss. “Most of them received just one meal a day and she can’t teach a hungry belly.” That led to the “Nutritious Breakfast Program,” funded by a Rotary grant and support from the North Fork Valley. The program provided 64,800 nutritious breakfasts. In 2016, the Jamaican Education Ministry realized the correlation between full bellies and learning and established its own breakfast program. The money saved funded two teachers’ salaries. Pam and Ed also worked with a Jamaican Rotary club on a Rotary International grant to build gardens at Mason Hall and taught students to grow vegetables. The idea was for them to teach their families. Their theme: “Growing Vegetable Soup.” Crawford musicians

Crawford-based Jamaica Outreach took a group from the Kids Pasta Project on a service trip to Mason Hall Primary School, St. Mary Parish, Jamaica. Back row, from left: Shawn LaBounty, Patrick Delaney, Lene Sharer-Meneley, Nora Dransﬁeld, Brooke Hillman, Aiya Schwartz, Matthew Delaney, Joyce LaBounty, Pam Bliss and Vincent “Cutty” Cuthbert, who has worked for the Blisses the last 15 years and is like a son to them. Front row: James LaBounty and Abby LaBounty. Not pictured: Ed Bliss.

Kids Pasta Project students prepare a pasta meal to serve to teachers and students at Mason Hall Primary and Basic School in St. Mary Parish, Jamaica. David and Tamara Hauze made up songs about the gardens. Jamaica Outreach partnered with an organization out of Atlanta, Ga., to establish gardens in six other rural primary schools. When all was said and done, they had established 140 gardens. Over the years they also funded college educations for seven girls from the closed orphanage. One now works in the medical field in Nantucket Island, and another recently graduated from the Jamaican Teacher’s College. Recently they began to cut back on their group trips. This trip came together last summer at a KPP dinner fundraiser for Jamaica Outreach. When students who had gone to Jamaica five years earlier shared their experiences, KPP director Moni Slater asked Ed and Pam if they would take another group. “In the moment, I said yes,” said Pam. “Ed and I thought we were done taking teams to Jamaica.” During the trip, students prepared and served pasta lunch dinners for the students and teachers in the spirit of KPP dinners. Teachers were worried that their students wouldn’t like it, said Pam. But they ended up trying to take it home to their families. Another project involved making a volleyball court with nets brought with them anchored to concrete-filled tires. They also taught the kids how to play volleyball and football. It was all new to them, said Nora Dransfield, one of three recent graduates from Paonia High School who made the trip. “They loved it,” she said. “They were fascinated by it.” Over the years, students have called their experiences with Jamaica Outreach “life changing.” Dransfield is majoring in elementary education. During the trip she decided to minor in ESL — English as a Second Language, and teach in a least developed country like Jamaica. She also noticed how small children were compared to American children of the same age. Children, and in particular the sixth graders preparing for the exam that will dictate where they will attend high school, understand that going

to school is a privilege, said Nora. They work very hard and take it very seriously. Brooke Hillman had never been outside of the U.S. While the Jamaican students are incredibly poor, “They find happiness from within,” said Brooke. Despite their poverty, “they were always smiling; they were always laughing.” Rather than spend vacation at a resort, “It was really great to experience the real Jamaican lifestyle,” said Brooke. “So many travelers to Jamaica only see the tourist side of things because they’re caught up in vacationing. Where we were and what we experienced, I think we really saw the poverty. It definitely made us appreciate what we have.” Pam describes their poverty as “not much hope, like everything is a struggle.” In taking vacations to resorts, it’s the same experience pretty much everywhere — nice hotels with a lot of food and a nice beach. By going out into the countryside, “You see the real Jamaica.” Nora described seeing trash burning in the streets, and lots of stray dogs. “You want to feed the stray dogs, and then you see the kids and your heart breaks.” The trip wasn’t all hard work. Each day the group carved out fun time — a trip to the beach, a dip in a local swimming hole. “It’s very tropical and lush,” said Nora. A highlight was seeing a nest of turtle eggs just before they hatched. Brooke and Nora both said they would use service trips for vacations in the future. As they did in Jamaica they would make time every day to play. “I think it’s important to split your time and have both,” said Brooke. Humanitarian work trips to foreign countries, and especially to least developed countries like Jamaica, also look great on grant applications, and also on resumes and student college scholarship applications, said Pam. The Blisses praised this group for not having a single crisis, and for getting along better than any of their past groups. And while they accomplished a great deal, “It’s never felt like work,” said Pam.