Delta County Independent, Aug. 8, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

VICTIM OF DROUGHT Fire Mountain Canal closure comes unusually early, B1

SPORTS

SOUNDING THE SIREN Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Dept. seeks new members, C1

DELTA COUNTY

FLEET FEET

Farm to Fiddle 5k kicks off weekend festival in Hotchkiss, B8 AUGUST 8, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 32

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Land swap appeals to Delta City Council BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The City of Delta is exploring a possible land swap with Bill St. James, a move that would exchange park land on the north side of the Gunnison River for numerous parcels St. James owns on the south side of the river from Ute Street to the east. The land swap will require voter approval, and to get the question on the November ballot, the wording must be finalized by the Sept. 4 council meeting. The pressing deadline has resulted in numerous work sessions with St. James to hammer out details. Visibility, accessibility and the possibility of commercial development, in addition to recreational amenities, are seen as the biggest advantages to the city taking ownership of parcels east of Highway 50 and south of the river. In exchange, the city would give up Riverbend and Cottonwood parks. Riverbend has been set aside for future development and is not open to the public. Cottonwood, the former location of the city’s ninehole golf course, has reverted to a natural state, with about four acres carved out for soccer fields. The park is open to the public, but parking, restrooms and accessibility are limited. St. James is interested in both properties because he could tie them in with parcels he has purchased on that side of the river. If voters approve the land swap, the soccer fields would be moved to the newly acquired land. Mayor Ron Austin said he envisions a sports complex that would include expanded soccer fields, ball fields and even tennis courts connected to a riverfront trail system. Two questions must be addressed before council signs off on the ballot question. The first is whether the land swap

would be equitable to both parties. St. James stands to gain acreage; the question is whether visibility and infrastructure offset the disparity. An appraisal to be completed later this month will answer that question. St. James said he’ll be curious to see how the valuation comes out. “It’s not about acreage; it’s about value,” he pointed out. The second is the status of a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant that was used to purchase Riverbend Park. Wilma Erven, director of parks, recreation and culture, said GOCO provided $175,000 of the $253,921 purchase price. It’s her belief that an exchange for riverfront property of similar acreage would be acceptable, but she has not received confirmation from GOCO. “I’m not comfortable with moving forward on a deal without knowing these things,” the mayor said. He added that it makes no sense to acquire another piece of land without a means of generating revenue, which led to a discussion about potential uses of the property. The land falls within the boundaries of the Delta Urban Renewal Authority, so any commercial development would generate revenue for future DURA projects. David Torgler, city manager, and Stacey Voigt, executive director of Delta County Economic Development, said the ballot question should be worded in such a way so voters know how much of the land will be set aside for commercial development and how much will be designated for recreation, open space and riverfront activation. If the land swap moves forward, the hotel could potentially be back in play at that location. Voigt urged LAND SWAP TO A3

West Nile reported in Delta County STAFF REPORT

The first two human cases of West Nile virus in Colorado in 2018 have been reported in Weld and Delta counties. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reminds people that preventing mosquito bites is the No. 1 way to avoid getting any mosquito-borne illness. Weekly mosquito testing for West Nile virus began statewide in June. Adult mosquitoes are trapped and tested to provide an estimate of the number that are infected. The results help pinpoint the risk to humans in the area. Most human West Nile virus cases are reported in August and September. “When the virus is present, people are at risk,” said

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Agriculture ................... B6 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries .................. A7-8 School Zone .................. A7 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports .............................B8 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

Jennifer House, state public health veterinarian. “Use an effective insect repellent, wear protective clothing or stay indoors when mosquitoes are active, and mosquitoproof your home.” In 2017, there were 68 human cases of West Nile virus in Colorado, including four deaths. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms. About 20 percent have flu-like symptoms, and fewer than 1 percent develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. People over age 60 and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. See a health care provider if you develop severe headaches or confusion.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Last-minute advice

Pearl Burruss of Delta conferred with her father Charlie last Sunday as she got ready to show her horse Tiv. A member of the New Pride of the Valley 4-H Club, Pearl joined several other 4-H and FFA members as the Delta County Fair opened with the youth horse competitions. Pearl placed second in intermediate showmanship. The fair continues in Hotchkiss through Aug. 12.

Encampment draws attention of health officials BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The sight is all too common in Delta County — an older RV is parked in the middle of a parcel of land without access to water or a sewage disposal system. Some folks are just passing through; others seem to be more permanent, surrounding their residences with a growing collection of vehicles, outbuildings and, on occasion, trash and cast-off items. It was the trash blowing onto a neighbor’s property that prompted a complaint to the Delta County Health Department about a series of encampments along Alkali Basin Road north of Delta. To get to his home, the man has to drive through the unsightly mess of dilapidated RVs, campers and buses that have been parked on a 40acre parcel of private land,

with the owner’s permission. None have adequate sewage disposal systems, which has been the focus of the health department. “It was a legitimate complaint,” said Delta County environmental health specialist Keith Lucy, who explained the difference between a public nuisance and a public health nuisance. At the end of July, Lucy, a co-worker and a sheriff ’s deputy issued notices of violation to the various occupants along Alkali Basin Road. The notice advises occupants they have 90 days to submit an application for a sewage disposal permit to the local health department. “We talked to everyone — or taped notices to the door if they weren’t available — so everybody is aware of the violation,” Lucy said. The notice outlines the steps to be taken

to remedy the situation. “They have to take out an application, obtain the services of a registered professional engineer, and submit the application and design to us. Then we can issue a permit,” said Lucy. “But this is not an isolated situation,” he added. “The dilemma is that these situations are popping up all over the county for various reasons. When we become aware of similar situations, we investigate and determine if they’re in violation. “We understand that the resident’s financial situation is often a factor, but we have regulations that we’re charged with enforcing. It’s not fair for some residents to apply for a permit and come into compliance, but not others. This procedure is required for everybody, and we need to be ENCAMPMENT TO A3

Photo by Pat Sunderland

RVs, buses and camp trailers are scattered on both sides of Alkali Basin Road north of Delta. Most of the squatters have the owner’s permission to occupy the land, but run afoul of county health requirements for septic disposal systems.

Junior Market Livestock Sale is Saturday The Delta County Fair continues this week with Heritage Hall exhibits, livestock shows and special events including a wild game chili cookoff Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 6 p.m.; Mountain States Ranch Rodeo at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9; JC Propane Team Roping Saddle Shoot-out Finals and royalty coronation at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10; and the Demolition Derby and ATV Barrel Race at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. The Junior Livestock Sale is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.The livestock sale is the cumulation of months of hard work for exhibitors who have spent countless hours feeding, grooming, exercising and working with their livestock projects to get them ready for the county fair. By purchasing a market animal(s) at the livestock auction, you are helping finance the future of a 4-H/FFA member. Members typically use profits from the sale of their project(s) to purchase animals for the next year, or set aside the money for college. Market livestock is sold by the head with the exception of rabbits, chickens, turkeys and dairy milk products, which are sold by the lot. For more information about the sale, visit the fair website at DeltaCountyFair.com.

Reviews are online

Performance evaluations of Colorado appellate and trial court judges standing for retention in the 2018 general election are available online at www.ojpe.org. The performance evaluations also will be included in the “Colorado Voter Information Guide,” commonly referred to as the Blue Book, to be mailed this fall to every active registered voter household in Colorado. The evaluations were conducted by the State Commission on Judicial Performance and 22 local judicial district performance commissions, each of which consists of six non-attorney members and four attorney members.

A2 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Playing with the bank’s money Dear Editor: President Trump recently announced that his war on trade was supported by the fact that the stock market was at near all time highs. Since stock prices are so high, he says, we can endure a little “pain” that may be caused by his tariff and trade policies because he is “playing with the bank’s money.” To make this perfectly clear, if you own stocks or are at all invested in the stock market through your 401K or IRAs, the “bank’s money” is YOUR money. Of course, President Trump doesn’t really understand any of this at all, because many of his business dealings and investments have pretty much been based on dealing with “the bank’s money.” This is how many of the wealthy operate. They inherit or are lucky enough to make a boatload of cash, then they incorporate to protect that wealth while gambling with “other peoples’ money” to try to make even more. If their gamble fails, the banks or investors who were unfortunate enough to bet their money lose large portions or even all of their investments. The owner of the “corporation” or front company (LLC, e.g.) loses nothing. This is the game of bankruptcy the privileged get to play, because even though the Supreme Court Citizen’s

United case essentially ruled that corporations are people, a corporation has never been sent to jail. Any monetary penalties and fines assessed against corporations are not personally paid by those operating and in charge of the corporation (them), but by shareholders and corporate bond holders (us) or the assets of the corporation only. Corporate officers are rarely if ever truly held accountable. Sure, the value of their stock holdings may decrease (which they largely didn’t actually buy but were “awarded”) and they may get fired (with a multimillion dollar termination package). That’s the deal — the rules the big boys thrive in while too many Americans face the true pain of bankruptcy should they happen to become seriously ill and choose medical care to continue living. To top it all off, today the news is reporting White House approval of $12 billion of emergency aid to farmers due to the consequences of President Trump’s trade war. Besides the hypocrisy of “free trade” and government subsidizing of businesses who can afford the best paid lobbyists and generous political contributions, who do you think is actually paying for that? No surprise again — it’s the BANK (that’s US, the taxpay-

ers). Not much different than bailing out Wall Street, except this time instead of the bankers causing the problem it is the president. Of course, no one (neither the president nor Congress) will require that we pay for it. We’ll just print more money and borrow it, from the BANK! That way we’ll think it’s free. After all, why should WE sacrifice? Let our kids pay it back down the road when we’re long gone. And to be sure, by the time this is printed the president will have crowed about the growth in second quarter GDP. There again, it is being fueled by unfunded tax decreases (disproportionately to the already welloff), growth in consumer debt, and an expansion of our national debt during a period of low unemployment when we should be reducing the debt rather than adding to it. I can just as easily increase my “personal GDP” by borrowing $25,000 on my home or racking up the same amount on my credit cards. Doesn’t make me any more wealthy, though. Nor happier, to be truthful. If we paid attention to our parents, preachers, or history, we’d appreciate the ageold adage “money cannot buy happiness.” It’s time we all started figuring that out. Brian Wegner Paonia

Paonia issues prompt a response Dear Editor: Paonia has been one very busy place this past month, so I have multiple items to address. Having attended every town council meeting for the past eight months with few other hard-core audience members, I was less shocked by Mayor Stewart’s ejection of Suzanne Watson at the July 10 meeting than the reaction to it exhibited by Bill Brunner and whomever else he could stir up. The so called “faint exclamation” was clearly heard in the meeting room from across the room. Just in case anyone missed the piece in the DCI on July 18, Mr. Brunner addressed a packed room on July 24 seemingly for the sole purpose of making accusations against Mayor Stewart, along with some name calling. On both occasions, Mr. Brunner fails to mention that he was not a witness to the incident. Mayor Stewart is being accused of disliking Miss Watson; I cannot speak to that. I DO like Suzanne, but I do not feel Mayor Stewart

was out of line. I was in attendance for all but the last 15 minutes of July 24 council meeting and again for the July 30 special meeting. I was shocked to learn that one of the food incubation crown jewels, Edesia Community Kitchen, had morphed into a nuisance neighbor. Mentioning to a group of women that I thought the neighbors were being “screwed,” the reply was, “The residents knew the warehouses were there when they moved in.” A light industrial warehouse operating weekday during normal work hours wouldn’t and shouldn’t frighten anyone as a neighbor, but once that same property becomes a restaurant, party center and retail establishment from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the entire equation has changed and complaints about disturbances become valid. The proponents of such expansion do not help their cause by referring to the complainants as liars, especially when the complainants have video proof to corrobo-

KUDOS Alumni thank golfers Dear Editor: The DHS Alumni Association would like to thank the 74 golfers and these businesses for a great Deltarado Days DHS Alumni Golf Tournament Bank of the West and Rob Sharon, Clubb’s Stores/ Hartland and Michelle Clubb, Delta Hardware-Ace/ Jim and Jonni Kendrick, Devil’s Thumb Golf Course/ Ken Brown, Dalton Ranch-Durango/Brandon England, The Bridges Golf-Montrose/Eric Feely, Cobble Creek Golf Course/Gerard Lanser, Hellman Motor Co./Bill, Liz and Matt, Hellman Chevrolet Buick/ Tim Hellman, Kwiki Auto Service/Mike Holveck, Kwiki Tire Service/Rich Chezem, Tara’s/Laura Morris, Wildflower Bistro/Gretchen, Taco Time/Orval Proctor, Pizza Hut/Pam, Hoolies, Chicken Roost, Daveto’s, Fiesta Vallarta, The Doghouse/Brian and Cassie, Lily and Rose/Terry Glenn, Mocha Joes, 1440 Apparel/Gip Gafford, Delta County Independent and Printing, Kevin Carlson, Isaiah St. Peter, Doug and Karen Warner, Art Ensley, Debbie McCarty. See ya again next year!

DOC crews are a big help Dear Editor: Delta County Libraries’ staff would like to send a big thank you out to the Delta DOC work crews that helped with recent cleanup on library grounds. Thanks to you, our libraries are looking extra beautiful and welcoming to library patrons!

rate their complaints. At these meetings, it became clear that the persons most vocally in favor of the expansion of Edesia activities and hours are not affected by the noise, traffic and other problems they are promoting. Trustee Chelsea Bookout honestly and forthrightly recused herself as she uses the Edesia kitchen and felt a conflict. Barry Pennell stated that since he has no “financial” ties, that he did not have a conflict, but his anti-resident, pro-Edesia expansion bias was beyond blatant. Barry Pennell’s social profile lists him as a coordinator of the ENGAGE program at Technical College of the Rockies and since food business incubation is a large part of their mission, if being a program coordinator is a paid position, there are indeed financial considerations. Town administrator Ken Knight presented lists of “conditions” that might help negotiate an agreement between Edesia and the neighbors that Pennell continually spoke against. He was against a six-month review of the issues, again proving that he does not live near enough to be disturbed by massive amounts of night time activity and has no empathy or respect for residents who wish for peace, quiet, and traffic safety. Voters of Paonia, know this: If you want to see business developed in the core business district and wish for limited uses in the light industrial zones, Barry Pennell is NOT your advocate. Jakki Taylor Paonia 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. Delta, CO 81416 (970) 874-4421 News: editor@deltacountyindependent.com Advertising: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

Delta County Independent

What is there to be afraid of? Dear Editor: Before you THINK about voting Republican in the upcoming election, turn off the noise of distractions about Russia and fake news and North Korea and take a long LOOK at what the GOP has been doing to America. We successfully fought to keep the ACA and health care for 32 million Americans. The GOP then stripped the ACA of its requirement for insurance to actually cover care, so Americans can again buy junk insurance that pays for nothing and causes bankruptcies. They have stripped the provision that insurance cover people with preexisting conditions at the same cost as healthy people, so millions are again priced out of health care. We successfully fought to keep our public lands from being turned over to the states for mismanagement. So the GOP instead has stripped monument protection from millions of acres and turned the BLM and Forest Service into printing machines

of mining, oil and gas leases, opening millions of pristine hunting and range lands over to oil companies. They’ve also reversed protections from mining waste for the rivers that water our crops and feed our families. They also removed any requirement for mining companies to clean up their sites when finished, leaving that to the taxpayer. And the worst is yet to come. Those “entitlements” they want to cut that you believe are welfare and Medicaid, are

not. They are YOUR Social Security and Medicare, which are NOT tax revenue, but they want to spend it as such. Fox is telling Americans to “Be afraid of the liberal agenda.” So just what is it that they are supposed to be afraid of? Our liberal agenda is education and health care for all, ending poverty, raising wages, protecting public lands and the environment. Seriously WHAT is in there to be afraid of? Carol Nudell Eckert

Jacobson twists GOP positions Dear Editor: The Aug. 1 letter from David Jacobson was interesting. Almost like it was scripted instead of a regular letter. Perhaps a highly similar script will pop up in a local paper somewhere in Kansas and 17 other states all about now. But I’m sure that didn’t happen here. Anyway the letter was a litany of finely crafted talking points

aimed at Republicans, sounding like they came from a hit job leftwing website. But I’m sure that didn’t happen here. Jacobson’s letter was a twisting and deforming of true GOP/conservation positions. Like most leftist haranguing, it didn’t rise to half-truthful. Just emotion and attacks. Gary Cape Orchard City

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police of illegal possession of mariDepartment (edited for juana after they were contacted by officers in Conflulength): ence Park. A vehicle trespass was July 29: Erric L. West, 23, of Delta reported in the 500 block of was arrested on charges of Munro Street. Officers responded to the disorderly conduct. Bryan D. Dillie, 37, of hospital for a one-vehicle Cedaredge was arrested on a motorcycle accident. Aug. 3: warrant with a bond of $350. Wendell C. Harmon, 42, of A possible auto theft occurred in the 500 block of Montrose was issued a summons for charges of failed Grand Avenue. Officer responded to the to present evidence of insur400 block of North Palmer ance and displayed fictitious Street for a suspicious vehi- plates. Officers responded to cle. The vehicle was stolen Quality Inn Hotel for a theft from Montrose County. Officers responded to the from a vehicle. Parker C. Avondet, 18, of 1400 block of East 6th Street Delta was arrested on three for a report of theft. Officers responded to the Delta County warrants with a 500 block of Grand Avenue for total bond of $2,300. Officers responded to the a report of theft from an auto. David Gonzalez-Mendieta, 500 block of Riley Lane for a 36, of Delta was arrested on report of a fire. Tyler M. White-Oneal, 23, a Delta County warrant with of Cedaredge was arrested on a no bond. a warrant out of Delta County. July 30: A bicycle was reported stoAt 5:55 a.m., officers responded to Quality Inn len from Bill Heddles RecreHotel for a report of a pos- ation Center. Adam A. Kasamis, 29, of sible harassment. As officers were looking for the suspect, Delta was charged with third he was seen jumping into the degree assault and violation Gunnison River trying to swim of a protection order as an act away. At 6:30 a.m. officers of domestic violence. Douglas S. Keithley, 46, of were able to get the suspect out of the river. Michael F. Montrose was arrested on two McCullough, 35, of Montrose Montrose County warrants and was arrested on charges of a Gunnison County warrant criminal mischief as an act of with a total bond of $10,500. domestic violence and a war- Keithley was also charged with possession of weapons rant with a bond of $6,000. Officers took a lobby report by a previous offender. of a possible sexual assault Aug. 4: Officers performed a trafthat occurred in the 100 block of West 6th Street. The vic- fic stop at Confluence Drive tim was transported to Grand and Highway 348. Leroy E. Luraschi, 55, of Olathe was Junction for a SANE exam. Officers responded to the issued a summons for speedintersection of West 3rd Street ing 10-19 over, failed to presand Main Street for a two ent evidence of insurance and vehicle, non-injury traffic acci- fictitious plates. Officers provided transport dent. Officers responded to the to the hospital for an adult 1700 block of Hillcrest Drive female mental health hold. Officers contacted a pedesfor a possible burglary. Officers responded to the trian on a bicycle that did not 600 block of West Apricot Lane have any reflector. Thomas A. Banks, 22, of Delta was arrestfor a suspicious incident. Criminal mischief was ed on a Delta Police Departreported in the 500 block of ment warrant with a bond of $300 cash only West 7th Street. Citations: 14 tickets were Officers were traveling down East 5th Street Hill when issued this week for various three juvenile males flagged traffic violations. Please remember: All crimthem down and provided officers with a bag of insulin inal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant syringes they had found. Officers responded to the is presumed innocent until or 1100 block of East 5th Street unless proven guilty. where they arrested Lloyd C. From the Delta County Lambert, 34, of Cedaredge on charges of unlawful posses- Sheriff’s Office (partial list): sion of a controlled substance, possession of drug parapher- July 30: William Harmon, 77, of nalia and two active warrants, one out of Montrose County Olathe was issued a summons with a bond of $6,000 and a for unlawfully burning trash at Cedaredge municipal warrant a residence along Highway 92 near DMEA’s Read office. with a bond of $500. At about 6 p.m., a single July 31: Sean L. Metheny, 33, of vehicle accident was reported Delta was arrested on charges on G50 Road near the railroad of third degree assault as an tracks. As she was crossing the railroad tracks, Tina Rhineact of domestic violence. Officers responded to the hart, 45, of Delta the trailer she 200 block of North Palmer was pulling began to fishtail. Street for a report of criminal It detached from her Toyota Tundra and left the right side mischief. Officers took a lobby report of the road, striking a fence. of possible fraudulent transac- The Colorado State Patrol tions from an at-risk adult’s handled the investigation. July 31: bank account. Deputies were asked to Officers responded to the 800 block of Meeker Street for check the condition of some horses in the Orchard City a possible trespass. Officers responded to an area appeared to be extremeaddress on H Road for sec- ly thin. A woman residing on Old ond degree burglary, theft and Wagon Road, Delta, reported criminal mischief. Officers responded to the the theft of several items from corner of Eaton Avenue and her home, including cash, Silver Street for a 911 call. An two strands of pearls and two adult female was transported rings, one with an amethyst to the hospital for a mental and the other with abalone. She provided some suspects’ health hold. Officers responded to the names. At about 1 p.m., a 500 block of West Apple Drive Cedaredge woman traveling for a civil problem. on Highway 65 near Eckert Aug. 1: Officers responded to Taco saw a vehicle run off the road, hit a road sign and keep going. Time for a traffic accident. Officers responded to Bank She followed the vehicle and of Colorado for a possible hit was able to provide deputies with a description and a Coland run traffic accident. orado license plate number. Aug. 2: Three juvenile males were Deputies contacted Berwyn issued summons on charges Brown, 80, of Delta. He was

escorted to the scene of the accident, where he was contacted by the Colorado State Patrol. Brown told deputies he might have fallen asleep. Aug. 1: Arson is the suspected cause of a fire that severely damaged an unoccupied home at 495 1740 Road, Delta, at about 3:30 a.m. Fire investigators associated with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation traveled from Denver to assist at the crime scene. The case remains under investigation. The theft of $6.17 in gas was reported at the Rogers Mesa Food Store. Deputies were provided a description of the suspect and his motorcycle. A single vehicle accident was reported on Green Valley Road, Cedaredge, at about 5 p.m. A pickup driven by Esmeralda Bodine, 54, of Cedaredge left the road and struck a hillside, dislodging the camper shell on the back of the truck. The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the possibility of alcohol as a contributing factor. Aug. 2: A female reportedly went through a window to steal a cat from her landlord’s house in Eckert. A Delta area resident reported her debit card was being used to make purchases in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. Ronald Schuster, 67, of Raton, N.M., was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital after a motorcycle accident on Black Canyon Road near Crawford. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. James Brasiel was charged with fourth degree arson after he allegedly set a truck on fire “to prove a point.” Cedaredge firefighters extinguished the blaze. During the investigation, deputies came across some marijuana that Brasiel admitted was his. He was arrested for violation of a protection order that prohibits the use or possession of marijuana. A Loveland man reported he’d been assaulted by three individuals on Alkali Basin Road north of Delta. He was unable to identify the suspects and he refused to prosecute. Aug. 3: While assisting the Delta Police Department with a search warrant, deputies came across a Suzuki dirt bike that had been reported stolen from a residence on Highway 348. A wallet containing the victim’s driver’s license and credit cards and other items were also located. The investigation continues. Aug. 4: Deputies responded to Urgent Care, where they took a report from a 42-year-old Austin woman who had been bit by a dog. Minor injuries were sustained by two motorcyclists involved in an accident three miles south of the Grand Mesa Visitors Center. Aug. 5: Deputies responded to a harassment call on 2000 Road near Delta at about 2:30 p.m. They spotted the suspect, Asa Reed, 32, of Delta as he was walking toward his home. He was described as combative and belligerent. When they attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly resisted and made references to a firearm. He was ultimately Tased and jailed on charges of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and menacing. A Delta man reported that he got into a fight while floating the Gunnison River with his wife and she threw his phone in the river. Later, she took off in their Chevy Trailblazer with their 9-month-old daughter, allegedly driving while intoxicated.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

North Fork activist challenges BoCC to fire planning commission member BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Lisa Niermann, president of North Fork Valley Community Rights Advocates (NFVCRA), presented a letter to Delta County Commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes at their Aug. 6 meeting. Niermann’s letter con-

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cerns two emails planning commission member Steve Schrock sent, on June 22 and July 4, to fellow planning commission members, area planning committee members, planning department staff, county administrator, and the commissioners regarding an organization NFVCRA plans to use in its training sessions in August, Deep Green Resistance. Schrock notes in his July 4 email, “This strategy training Direct Action Training with Deep Green Resistance – Western Colorado – is coming to the North Fork Valley in August sponsored by the North Fork Valley Community Rights Advocates group located in Paonia and Hotchkiss. The radical strategy includes, as you will see, public infrastructure sabotage not just non-violent civil disobedience which is promoted as free speech.” Niermann describes NFVCRA as a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, educational and advocacy nonprofit. NFVCRA’s mission is to cultivate a safe, healthy environment for all North Fork Valley residents by protecting the community’s unalienable rights to clean air, water, soil and food. NFVCRA educates and advocates for nonpartisan self-determination, economic resilience and energy innovation. Currently NFVCRA is advocating for a Community Bill of Rights to be

passed as an ordinance in the Town of Paonia. “We are garnering an amazing amount of support for our Community Bill of Rights, 200 signatures, and counting, from progressives and conservatives alike,” Neirmann said. She added, “One result of the community outreach NFVCRA has been doing is hearing from many people who are feeling un-represented and frustrated. People feel that to be heard, something outside the usual channels is becoming necessary. “Farmers, ranchers, artists, former oil and gas workers, progressives, Democrats and Republicans alike, have expressed the desire to protest in the form of non-violent civil disobedience. Most everyone understands that this valley only exists because of the water, and they are prepared to protect and keep the water clean and abundant. “NFVCRA cannot and will not be organizing civil disobedience actions, but because we care about the community, we want to make sure that our neighbors who choose to organize such actions are doing so safely and that they know their rights.” NFVCRA is offering a workshop as part of its educational directive which will cover non-violent civil disobedience,

“Know Your Rights” information and community organizing. NFVCRA will bring trainers from Deep Green Resistance, an environmental organization that provides nonviolent civil disobedience training, Neirmann said. For the guiding principles of DGR, visit their website: https://deep greenresistance.org/en/ who-we-are/guidingprinciples-of-deep-greenresistance. Niermann ended her presentation to the commissioners: “Perhaps this board might like to take a closer look at Mr. Schrock’s behavior and decide if it is acceptable for a member of the Planning Commission, and if persons who engage in such behaviors have the integrity to serve on the PC. I am quite sure my commissioners do not want to find themselves in a legal setting, defending such egregious behavior. It certainly does not reflect well on this body’s integrity or credibility when dealing with matters in the public interest. “If members of this board do not agree with the false statements that have been made, the unprofessional behavior, and the disregard for county policy, you can refute these claims, rectify this, and distance yourselves from it all by calling for the immediate resignation of Mr. Schrock.”

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Back to School Now’s the Time to Call for

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Open house planned ��

Photo by Pat Sunderland

An open house is planned Thursday, Aug. 9, at the new school district ofﬁce at 145 W. 4th Street in Delta. Community members, students, parents and school district staff are invited to tour the building from 3 to 5 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled at 3:30 p.m.

Physicals and Immunizations

for the new school year! ��

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Encampment

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FROM PAGE A1 consistent.” Lucy said the occupants along Alkali Basin Road were polite, and several said they planned to move on in a week or two anyway. Unfortunately, he said, people seem to come and go from that

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piece of land so ensuring compliance can be challenging. Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee said numerous complaints of unlawful acts have been reported along Alkali Basin Road, mostly due to drug and alcohol use. On Aug. 2, a Loveland man reported he had been assaulted by three individuals and the tires on his vehicle had been slashed while parked in the area. He declined to pursue the matter any further. Lucy said health department officials won’t be going out of

Land swap council members not to focus their efforts on that possibility alone, but to keep ballot wording general enough to cover any commercial development. “You don’t know ... the project may take a turn,” she said. Portions of the land that wouldn’t be suitable for commercial development, due to the floodplain, could still be used for trails, open space and riverfront activation. “I want to see this thing work, I really do,” St. James said, but he advised staff and council he will move forward with other plans if the question doesn’t make it on the ballot. “I’ve been messing around with this for two and a half years.” While no formal vote could be taken during the work session, council members feel the advantages of a land swap merit additional consideration.

their way to search for other encampments in Delta County, but if they receive a complaint or spot a potential violation while they’re out and about, they’re going to follow up.

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

A4 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

BIRTHS ��

Chance and Jessie Davidson of Montrose are the parents of a daughter, Cambri Alana Davidson, born July 30, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 7.2 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

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An afternoon of harmony

Photo submitted

Grand Mesa A Cappella performed at Delta Library on Saturday, July 28, during the ﬁnal week of the 2018 summer reading program “Libraries Rock.” Patrons enjoyed all of the usual library services while listening to the barbershop-style four-part harmony the group is known for.

What’s happening at your library?

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Seth and Macy Russell of Delta are the parents of a son, Declan Russell, born Aug. 1, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19.75 inches in length.

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Want to advertise in the DCI? Contact one of our ad reps at 874-4421.

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. Book Talk and Signing with Carolyn White. Local author Carolyn White will present her book, “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt,” and have copies available for purchase and signing. She will present on publishing tips for aspiring

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authors and provide book giveaways and handouts on the top 12 publishing tools. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Call 3997674 for more information. Low Vision Technology Demo. Scott Chaplick, a professional in the field, will lead a discussion on macular degeneration and present the latest in adaptive technology that can help individuals stay independent. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m. Call 399-7674 for more information. “Our Microbial Allies: What Would We Do Without Them?” Eugenia Bone will speak about and sign her new book “Microbia: A Journey Into the Unseen World Around You” on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. $10 recommended donation at the door to cover costs. 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. August StoryWalk®. The August StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon” by Jack Kent. When Billy Bixbee finds a tiny dragon in his bedroom, his mom tells him, “There’s no such thing as a dragon!” This only makes the dragon get bigger. He grows, and grows, and grows, until he’s bigger than Billy’s house — and that’s just the beginning! Find out how the story goes on the Surface Creek Trail in August. Then, visit the Cedaredge Library for activities and a take home craft related to the story. 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. 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. 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. Quilt Display. There is an informational display on quilting set up at Crawford Library during the month of August. The display includes information on quilting methods and construction along with examples of different styles of quilts. 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. 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. Tech Information Station. Delta Library offers an open tech information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tab-

lets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online classes. Thursday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. Teen Game Night. Teens are invited to Delta Library every Wednesday night at 4 p.m. for board games and card games in the teen area. 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. School Supply 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. 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. Knit Crochet Day. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow knitters and crocheters; share projects and browse our library of craft books for use or purchase. Always tea and cookies too! Saturday, Aug. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tech Café. Paonia Library will have an open tech café in the community room for all ages and skill levels to seek tech assistance. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Hubwheelers plan special square dance on Aug. 16 The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club is planning a special dance 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. Hub Wheelers dance on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Dances are Mainstream with Plus tips from 7 to 9 p.m. Club caller is Naaman Moorehouse of Grand Junction. For more information, call 835-3771 or 8358666.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Dutch oven cooking

Joyce Conger of Delta positioned her special chicken enchiladas last Sunday as she prepared to enter the Delta County Fair’s Dutch oven cook-off. Joyce has been competing for 10 years and was declared grand champion at least four times. She and her team entered several other recipes this year including corn bread, corn bake, and Texan pecan cake. Her team members included her husband Glen and their daughter Mari.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Traffic tip By Colorado State Patrol Trooper Evan Hilling It’s hard to believe, but summer is fading quickly and school is right around the corner. The start of school is accompanied by the presence of those big yellow buses. Each year, the Colorado State Patrol receives dozens of complaints from school bus drivers and concerned citizens regarding motorists who ignore the flashing lights of a school bus as they load or discharge children. These complaints are alarming to law enforcement and the public alike. As such, they are taken very seri-

ously and every attempt is made to seek out and issue hefty penalties against the violators. Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1903 states, “The driver of a motor vehicle upon any highway, road, or street, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction a school bus shall stop the vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus if visual signal lights have been actuated on the school bus.” This does not apply to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on a highway separated

by a depressed, raised or painted median. The violation does not have to be witnessed by a law enforcement officer, and a summons can be issued based solely on the information provided by a school bus driver. A violation of this statute is a class 2 traffic misdemeanor and an automatic appearance in court. Pay attention, be patient, and remember those buses are carrying our future! The Colorado State Patrol thanks you for staying safe as the school year kicks off.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Five initiative petitions filed on Aug. 6 deadline Secretary of state Wayne Williams announced Monday that five initiative petitions were turned in by the 3 p.m. deadline: Initiative 97, setback requirement for oil and gas development, Initiative 126, payday loans, Initiative 153, trans-

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portation funding, Initiative 167, authorize bonds for transportation projects, and Initiative 173, campaign contributions. The secretary of state’s office has 30 days to review the information provided on the petitions and determine whether the proposed measures

will make the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Two other proposed amendments, Initiative 108, just compensation for reduction in fair market value by government law or regulation turned in signatures last Friday. Initiative 93, funding for public schools, turned in signatures on July 11.

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Vision Charter Academy: Onward and upward The theme for the 2018-2019 school year for Vision Charter Academy is “Onward and Upward,” reflecting the trend of increasing educational opportunities for learners, improving test scores and adding additional field trips and exploration classes. This continuous improvement theme also builds on the Vanguard mascot of the school in being the first and regional leader in individualized education. For 17 years Vision has led the way in personalized learning, parent involvement, and diverse educational opportunities. With the addition of a local growth measure called Galileo, Vision looks to use data more effectively in best meeting learners’ and families’ needs in ways that spark their curiosities, fuel their passions and increase academic growth. Galileo is a standardized measure followed by adaptive means of identifying

learning gaps or areas information go to www. needing more challenge. visioncharteracademy. Angela Valentine, the org. new MTSS and data specialist, has been tasked with making data meaningful to the school and to each and every learner and family. Galileo is just “one piece of the educational pie” served at Vision Charter Academy which partners with over 50 businesses in offering a wealth of choice in community-based learning opportunities. The highly qualified coordinator supported (home-based path) learners and families are already working on their individualized learning plans and counting learning hours. Teacher supported (class-based path) learners will start on Aug. 20 at the Delta or Surface Creek (Cedaredge) campuses. The Vision Charter Academy staff will be kicking off the new year on Aug. 14 with an Onward and Upward, the game show, event. For more

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Photo by Don Benjamin

First year, ﬁrst ribbon

Chyann Ashby of Eckert and her horse Romeo appeared in their ﬁrst county fair last Sunday. With one pink ﬁfth place ribbon under her belt, Chyann was getting ready for her next novice event during the 4-H and FFA horse show. The fair continues in Hotchkiss through Aug. 12.

DELTACOUNTYFAIR.COM

@DELTACOUNTYFAIR

A6 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Smoky conditions persist On Monday, the Minnesota Incident Command System Type 2 Blue Team assumed management of the Bull Draw Fire 12 miles northwest of Nucla. The fire is blamed for much of the smoke filling the skies west of Delta, and on Saturday prompted a flurry of 911 calls when the smoke grew unusually thick and ash fell from the sky for a brief period of time. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the lightning-caused fire has

St. Michael is site of yard sale Photo by Don Benjamin

Keeping steady

Contestants in the 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) halter class competition kept their mounts steady until the judge made her rounds last Sunday. The Delta County Fair continues through August 12 at the Hotchkiss fair grounds.

It’s time for the annual yard sale sponsored by the Altar & Rosary Society at St. Michael Church, 628 Meeker, Delta. All proceeds go to the charitable works of St. Michael Church. Hours are: Thursday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

burned 6,439 acres since it started July 29. The fire is most active on the north side (Mesa County), where a small amount of growth occurred. The fire is backing down the ridge at the South Fork Mesa Creek drainage. Moderate growth is expected in the coming 24 hours. Current weather conditions and fuels could contribute to more extreme fire behavior on the north slopes if slope and wind align. No structures have been lost. There is now an official Facebook page for the Bull Draw Fire: (@Bull DrawFire) https://www. facebook.com/BullDraw Fire/. On Tuesday, crews were working to maintain and improve the existing fire line and continue structure preparation (this may include clearing flammable material away from houses and utiliz-

OPEN HOUSE Come tour the new Delta County School District office and enjoy refreshments.

Thursday, August 9 ~ 3:00-500 p.m. Ribbon Cutting at 3:30 p.m.

145 W. 4th Street in Delta ��

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BY ANNETTE BRAND At their Aug. 6 meeting Commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes signed a fullyear grant application to the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund for a $10,000 grant for victim services, provided through the sheriff ’s office and under the direction of Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee. The grant application provides the number and type of primary victims that the sheriff ’s office expects to serve in the next calendar year, and estimates the number of victims in each category. These categories are: crimes against atrisk individuals, 3; sex assault/adult, 4; assault (first, second, third degree, vehicular, and on the elderly or disabled), 10; sex assault/child, 15;

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and Environment issued an air quality health advisory for much of western Colorado. For a detailed daily air quality summary for all areas of Colorado, visit https://www.color ado.gov/airquality/color ado_summary.aspx. Other fires across the west are also affecting overall air quality and smoke in the area. The Buttermilk Fire, in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area, was reported at 746 acres and 50 percent containment, on Aug. 5. This fire was also caused by lightning and is located 15 miles northeast of Montrose. Crews are working to increase fire containment. Resources, including aircraft, are being released to other incidents as firefighters make gains on Buttermilk. The C77 Road remains closed for public and firefighter safety.

County seeks law enforcement grant for victim assistance Staff Writer

Y ou’re Invited!

ing sprinkler systems). Operations staff from the Type 2 Team will scout for strategic opportunities that present the highest possibility for success while providing for firefighter and public safety. More resources have been ordered, and hotshot crews will be arriving to assist with firefighting operations over the coming days. There are multiple closures in place for areas affected by the Bull Draw Fire. These are in effect for both public and firefighter safety and to allow fire operations to be carried out successfully. These include BLM roads, trails and lands, national forest system roads and trails, and some county roads. For a map of BLM and National Forest closure areas, go to: https:// bit.ly/2AMkyYl. The Colorado Department of Public Health

child abuse, 20; menacing, 6; crimes involving domestic violence, 52; for a total of 110 victims projected to need service under this program. The commissioners also entered into five Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) for providers of alternative sentencing. All the MOAs are between Delta County and State of Colorado Alternative Sentencing Department, and the individual provider. The first MOA is with Maria Call, LPC, who will provide individual and family counseling to clients and their families who are referred by Delta County Alternative Sentencing Programs/Juvenile Diversion. The second MOA is with Peggy Godin, CAC III, LPC. Godin will provide individual and family counseling to clients and their families referred by Delta County Alternative Sentencing/Juvenile Diversion.

The third MOA is also with Peggy Godin, with the same services offered at the same rate of payment. However, this MOU is funded by Delta County and State of Colorado Alternative Sentencing Department/Marijuana Tax Fund Grant Program. The fourth MOA is between Delta County and State of Colorado Alternative Sentencing Department and The Place I Go in Delta. The services provided under this MOA are urine analysis - drug/alcohol testing; hair analysis - drug testing; and saliva analysis - drug testing. The fifth MOA is between Delta County Alternative Sentencing Department, Division 1 Juvenile Diversion Program, Marijuana Tax Fund Grant and The Place I Go. The services provided and the charges for services are the same as in the fourth MOA.

Emmons appointed to trauma advisory council BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Aug. 6 meeting County Commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes appointed Jillian Emmons to the Western Regional Emergency Trauma Advisory Council Board for a term expiring in 2020. Emmons has served as trauma nurse coordinator at Delta County Memorial Hospital since April 2018, and has been employed by DCMH for six years. She has worked in the

emergency room, as nursing supervisor and she spent five months with the Hotchkiss Clinic. Prior to joining DCMH Emmons worked as a nurse in California for nine years. Emmons said, “I have a lot of experience in critical care and trauma. I think I will make a good addition to the Western Regional Emergency Trauma Advisory Council Board and the appointment will help me be a voice for Delta County and the hospital.”

Fund established for toddler’s transplant With the cost of a lifesaving transplant often exceeding $800,000, most transplant families are unable to shoulder that financial burden. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national 501(c)3 charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. In Olathe, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of a local toddler, Allison Koehn. Allison is the daughter of Alana and Austin Koehn. Born in 2014, Allison was diagnosed with biliary atresia. The transplant team at Colorado Children’s Hospital in Aurora has recommended a life-saving liver transplant. Olathe volunteers are raising $50,000 for COTA to assist with transplantrelated expenses. Additional volunteers are needed for this COTA community campaign. For more information, contact community coordinator Chelsey Corona at 970-901-7271

or aniyaeva0524@gmail. com. COTA helps transplant families avoid financial devastation. Transplant procedure costs range from $100,000 to more than $800,000. Once the transplant is complete, families face significant transplant-related expenses, including medication; transportation to and from the transplant center; lodging; and expenses while parents are out of work and often living with the hospitalized child far from home. In cases where a shortfall exists, COTA helps bridge the financial gap. One hundred percent of all funds raised assist with transplant-related expenses for a patient’s lifetime. Contributions may be sent to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. Checks should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Allison K” written on the memo line. Credit card gifts are accepted online at www. COTAforAllisonK.com.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Hospital ER institutes additional procedures to enhance patient safety The Delta County Memorial Hospital emergency department is instituting additional procedural changes to enhance patient safety and efficiencies within the department, according to chief clinical offi-

cer Jody Roeber, RN, MSN, who supervises the department. New procedures now being implemented include: 1) ER patients will now have their photos taken during the admis-

sion process in order to protect patient identification and for patient safety reasons. In accordance with federal patient privacy regulations (HIPPA) and to protect patient health information these photos will be scanned and placed in the patient case file. 2) A medication bar coding scanning system is also being implemented. Co-pays will now need to be paid by ER patients following a medical screening exam during the admissions process. Co-pays, typically required as part of commercial insurance carriers (such as Blue Cross Blue Shield), will be paid by ER patients by cash or credit card through the hospital website online bill pay process. Emergency department patients who are self pay patients will be required to pay a $100 flat co-pay amount during the admissions process, with the

OBITUARIES Marilyn Sullivan

Jay Ayer

Marilyn Theos Sullivan of Paonia died Sunday, July 29, 2018, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 75. Funeral services were held Aug. 3 at St. Nicholas Greek Church. Burial has taken place in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Mrs. Sullivan was a comptroller for Denver County. She is survived by two sisters, Katherine Theos and Eleni Theos Stelter, both of Paonia. Callahan Edfast Mortuary handled the arrangements.

Jay Eugene Ayer died Aug. 4, 2018, at his home in Paonia. He was 64. At his request, no services will be held. Mr. Ayer is survived by his daughter, Christine Clymer of Seattle, Wash.; and a sister, Connie (Neal) Black of Paonia. He enjoyed the companionship of his pitbull, Sister. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Donna Heronemus

John “David” Shelton died July 31, 2018, at his home in Cedaredge. He was 79. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Surface Creek Community Church in Austin, with Pastor John Copper officiating. Mr. Shelton was born in Cedaredge June 21, 1939, to Wiley and Mildred (Tyler) Shelton. He spent his childhood in Cedaredge and Montrose. On Sept. 22, 1962, he married Arla Whitmarsh in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was a member of Surface Creek Community Church in Austin and enjoyed snowmobiling, ATVing, watching baseball and flying remote control airplanes. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arla Shelton of Cedaredge; three sons, Douglas (Lilly) Neubauer of Lakewood, Wash., Jeffrey (Cathy) Shelton of Edmonds, Wash., and Donald (Shayne) Shelton of Grand Junction; two daughters, Chris Bingham of Cedaredge and Janet (Bill) Tuttle of Grand Junction; one sister, Bettie Brady of American Fork, Utah; a brother-in-law, Donald (Vicki) Whitmarsh of Libby, Mont.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-

Donna J. Heronemus of Delta died Aug. 4, 2018, at Willow Tree Care Center. She was 90. She was born in Jetmore, Kan., April 13, 1928, to Jens and Nellie (Sloan) Anderson. She spent her childhood in Jetmore where she attended school. She graduated from Jetmore High School in 1946. She was given the nickname “Johnny,” which friends and family still use. On May 5, 1946, she married Leroy Heronemus in Dodge City, Kan. She enjoyed music, boating, Native American art and culture and ranching. She had four children and fostered 27 more. She is survived by her children, Michael (Jane) Heronemus, Stevan Heronemus, Gary (Carla) Heronemus and Darla (Eric) Yockey; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 18 greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Leroy; two infant sisters; two brothers; and one great-granddaughter. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

David Shelton

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.

grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Shelton; and a sister, Carolyn Shelton. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

same payment options, cash, credit card using the hospital website online bill pay feature. This $100 co-pay does not constitute full payment for services rendered; it is only good faith payment toward the balance of the invoice which will be determined following treatment. Receipts for co-pays will be provided to the ER patient and a copy will be kept in the ER patient file. Routine emergency department procedures will continue to be followed: • A copy of patient’s legal identification will be scanned every time a patient presents in the emergency department. • A copy of the patient’s insurance card will be scanned each time a patient presents in the emergency department. • Each patient must provide a valid phone number and will be requested to provide a valid email address so the patient can be contacted for feedback on the quality of their medical care and to provide discharge instructions via email. • If a patient who is a minor presents and is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, then a parent, legal guardian or state ward will need to be contacted by phone to obtain verbal permission to treat the minor. • Each emergency department patient will receive an identification bracelet as part of the admissions process.

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Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

A8 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

OBITUARIES July 15, 1934, in Monroe, La., to Howard and Mary (Phillips) Tidwell. He spent most of his childhood in Louisiana and graduated from Waxahachie (Texas) High School in 1950. On Dec. 21, 1952, he married Betty Lou Chilcoat in Tolleson, Ariz. They moved to Glendale, Ariz., where they resided until August 1966 when they moved to Delta. Mr. Tidwell as a member of the Delta First Assembly of God. He enjoyed tinkering on tractors, restoring old vehicles and livestock. He is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Don) Owen, Rose (Wayne) Eklund and Susan (Gary) Clum; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Beckie (James) Robertson and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Betty Lou Tidwell. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Walter Giron

Walter Franklin Giron died July 6, 2018. He was 61. He was born Nov. 10, 1956, to Mildred (White) and Leopauldo Giron. He spent his childhood and attended school in Delta. He got his mechanic’s license at the vocational technical school in Delta. He enjoyed music, the mountains, watching the Denver Broncos, junking, old cars, antiques and, in his younger years, arrowhead hunting. He is survived by his daughter, Nichele Giron of Montrose; grandchildren, Bailey Giron and Izzy Giron of Montrose and Archer Ware and Emma Ball of Delta; twin sister, Ruth (David) Lemmond of Montrose; sisters, Rosalie (Simon) Howard of Gaston, Ore., Jean Giron of Olathe, Mary (Ron) Jackson of Delta and Sharon Cook of Olathe; one brother, Arthur White of Eugene, Ore.; stepsons, Joshua Daniels, Jason Schultz of Dickinson, N.D., and Jacob Daniels of Montrose; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vanette Hambek his father, his daughter Paonia resident Sherry Giron and Sammy Vanette A. Hambek died Giron. July 31, 2018, at Paonia Care and Rehab Center. She was 91. She was born in Minot, N.D., July 2, 1927, to Loyd and Vivian Elsberry. She married Walter Robert Hambek in 1946. They owned a flower shop and greenhouses in Byers for many years. They retired to Paonia with their daughter in 1995. Mrs. Hambek enjoyed making everyone feel Howard Tidwell welcome. She had a pasFarmer and former sion for the color red Delta County assessor and for flowers, winning Howard U. Tidwell died awards from the garden Friday, July 27, 2018, at club in Tioga, N.D., for Delta County Memorial most beautiful yard in Hospital. He was 84. town. A celebration of life She lived at Paonia was held Aug. 4 at the Care and Rehab for the Taylor Funeral Service past 5 1/2 years. Chapel in Delta. She is survived by Mr. Tidwell was born

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four children, Thomas Hambek of Byers, Linda Granbois of Williston, N.D., Celia (Leo) Keslar of Paonia and Larry (Bonnie) Hambek of Midland, Texas; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild. She was preceded in death by four siblings and her husband of 54 years. A memorial service was held Aug. 7 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Paonia. Inurnment followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the activities fund of Paonia Care Center. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Delta County Independent

and Eva (Erebs) Durkee. She spent her childhood in Windsor and Wagon Wheel Gap. She graduated from St. Luke’s Nursing School in Denver in 1954 and earned her master’s degree from Western State College in 1972. On June 8, 1958, she married Andrew “Jene” Young in Denver. They were married 59 years before his death in July 2017. Mrs. Young was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Austin. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. She is survived by her sons, Victor Young (Rene Hadley) and Robert Young; and a sister, Ruth Homburg. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, James Young; and a sister, Helan Wilson. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online

She married Leonard guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com. Waibel on Sept. 30, 1945, in Walla Walla, Wash. She was active in the Rebekah Lodge, Three Corner Club and Baca Busy Bees. She enjoyed cooking for her family, watching the wildlife on her farm and playing dominoes. She is survived by her three children, Rene (Allen) Rider of Ephrata, Pa., Keith (Pam) Waibel and Burt (Hope) Waibel, all of Glenwood Springs; a sister, Betty Hoyt of Donna Waibel Donna Waibel died Nelson, Wash.; seven nine May 25, 2018, at her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and home in Cedaredge. She two great-great-grandwas 91. Graveside services children. She was preceded in will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at the death by her husband, Cedaredge Cemetery Leonard Waibel. Memorial donations with Terry Wilkerson and Cedaredge Rebekah may be made to the charLodge #106 officiating. ity of the donor’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service Burial will follow the and Crematory is hangraveside service. Donna Weaver was dling the arrangements. Visit the internet obitborn on March 27, 1927, uary and sign the online to Bert and Emma (Faden) Weaver in Chi- guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com. cago, Ill.

Christopher Allan Tafoya Jan. 12, 1971 ~ July 27, 2018 Marvin Stephens

A celebration of life for Marvin Stephens will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1220 E. 5th Street, Delta.

Joyce Felix

Joyce A. Felix, recently of Lindale, Texas, died in Tyler, Texas, Aug. 3, 2018, at the age of 83. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Olathe Cemetery. Mrs. Felix was born in Cottonwood, Ariz., July 12, 1935, to Thomas and Amanda (Hicklin) Simon. When she was in grade school, her mother and a sister moved from Murray, Utah, to Montrose. In 1955, she married Eldon Felix in Aztec, N.M. He died on Jan. 7, 2008, after 52 years of marriage. Mrs. Felix enjoyed spending time with her family, fishing, hunting, traveling and camping. She also enjoyed canning, sewing, crafts, genealogy, golf and playing softball. She retired from Montrose County School District as secretary of Olathe Junior High School. She is survived by her three children, Joy Lake of Gore, Okla., Vickie Slade of Lafayette and Ken Felix of Tyler, Texas; six grandchildren, Kimberly Thorton, Spencer Lake, Robyn Shaw, Sean Slade, Kurt Felix and Beth Davis; and nine great-grandchildren. Crippin Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Virginia Young

Eckert resident Virginia Young died Aug. 3, 2018, at her home. She was 86. Services are pending. Virginia Ruth Durkee was born in Windsor June 10, 1932, to Charles

Thank you I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your fine care and loving support given to my dear wife Francis during her long illness and passing. Special thanks to the terrific staff at HopeWest Hospice and at Crossroads Care Center; the wonderful doctors and others who provided medical care for the both of us; the kind and caring folks at Taylor Funeral Home; Pastor Van Fossen and all of our church family at Redeemer Lutheran Church; and to all of our neighbors and friends who have shared their caring love and support during this difficult time. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. —Bob Tuttle

Christopher Allan Tafoya passed away July 27, 2018 at his home in Cedaredge, Colo. Christopher lost his battle with a rare type of cancer that settled in both lungs. He was diagnosed on Christmas 2017. Christopher was the youngest of five siblings. He was born on Jan. 12, 1971, to Alfonso and Cecelia Tafoya. Christopher graduated Cedaredge High School in 1989 and attended college in New Mexico. He returned home when his mom became ill. She passed away when he was 21. Christopher lost his dad in 2010. Christopher married Amanda Seaver on Feb. 14, 1994. He bought a home in Grand Junction, Colo. They had two sons, Brenden and Domonic Tafoya. Christopher lived in Grand Junction Colo., for many years. He worked a variety of jobs, which ranged from carpet installer, construction worker, musician and technician for the Grand Junction news station. He whole-heartedly loved to write, play, record and listen to music. In his last days he wrote in a biography

for the Hope Fundraiser that his one and only refuge is music. He leaves behind a legacy of songs written and recorded by him. He was a part of many bands but his solo band name was Soul Syphon. Later on Christopher met companion, Brittany Pauls. They also had two sons, Silas and Ezekiel Pauls. Christopher’s prized possessions were his four sons. Christopher spent his last nine years with his soul mate, Peggy Lampton. Together they made many memories together. Christopher would spend many hours listening to Rush, epic classics, and his favorite band of all time, Kings X. He was an avid reader but mostly read books about recording or biographies of rock legends. He was looked

up to in many ways, but it is his music that continues to move and astonish everyone. Christopher Tafoya was ambitious and a visionary. All who loved him knew that music was Christopher’s sanctuary, his expression, and his life’s work. Christopher also spent many hours reading and studying the Bible. He stated that his undying relationship with his creator gave him strength each and every minute of his journey. He remained positive and loved the support from his friends and family. He believed each and every one of you is an overwhelming blessing. His sons, Brenden Tafoya, Domonic Tafoya, Silas Pauls, and Ezekiel Pauls, his sister, Kathy Schaefer, and brothers, Mike, Tim, and Bernie Tafoya, and his companion, Peggy Lampton, survive Christopher. A memorial service will be held at the Delta Assembly of God on Aug. 18 at 11 o’clock. Everyone is invited to attend the services and potluck. Paid obituary

Maxine Hazel Wheatcroft May 19, 1928 ~ July 22, 2018 Maxine Hazel Wheatcroft of Manhattan Beach, Calif., passed away peacefully at her family home since 1957 on July 22, 2018 ,at the age of 90 surrounded by her family and dog, Molly. She was born May 19, 1928, in Los Angeles to Hazel Beatrice Treaster and Pinckney William Baker. She was the youngest and last surviving of her siblings: P.W. Buck Baker, Jr., Racine Bell, and James W. Baker. In search of a better life, the Baker family left Oklahoma in the 1920s. They stopped briefly in Arizona where they grew watermelons and picked cotton. Eventually they settled in Glendale, Calif., by the riverbed in “Toonerville.” Maxine married her John Marshall High School sweetheart, George Wheatcroft, in 1948. During their courtship, he taught her how to drive in a roadster using the two foot racing method up and down the hills of Echo Park. Four years after they married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glendale, their first child, Linda, was born in 1952. In 1953, Craig was born. Maxine and George settled their family in Manhattan Beach in

1957. She was an active Girl Scout Leader and Little League Baseball Team Parent. Maxine worked at Grandview Elementary School cafeteria in the early 1960s. Her husband, George, passed at their Manhattan Beach home in 1985. Maxine retired in 1988 from the Manhattan Beach School District as Cafeteria Manager. She moved to Cedaredge, Colo., to be close to her brother, Buck, and her new home on Surface Creek. She loved arranging fresh and silk flowers. She traveled the area antiquing and collecting glassware. In 1991, she bought the historic “Garnethurst” house in Delta, Colo., where she resided for over 20 years. She was a member of the Friends of the Library and on the Board of Directors for the Delta County Museum. Due to deteriorating health, she returned

back to California in 2013. Like Mickey Mouse who was also born in 1928, “Aunt Mackey” was much loved by those who spent time with her. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Joyce Wheatcroft (Jay Ireland) and grandson, Shane Loftis (Maria Saiz-Loftis) of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and son, George Craig Wheatcroft of Carlsbad, Calif., and grandchildren, Kyle, Alissa, Derek, and Rochelle: and four great-grandchildren, Logan, Evan, Katie, and Travis. Memorial donations may be made to your local Alzheimer’s Foundation. Inurnment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Calif. in the Columbarium of Tranquil Memories in the Court of Remembrance. A Celebration of Maxine Hazel Wheatcroft’s Life and reception will be held immediately following at 3:30 p.m. at the Baker-Davis home in Sherwood Forest. Any inquiries can be directed to: Jeff Baker of Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary at (818) 4306144. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

�� Dancing with the Stars: Delta style ��

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Get ready to be entertained and support your favorite nonprofit all at the same time. Delta County’s Dancing with the Stars is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Delta County Performing Arts Center, with six local dance teams performing to raise funds for six area nonprofits. Choreographers Gena Rose, Kayln Bruington, Kristine Weiszbrod and Lenore Cambria are challenged with creating two unique routines for the untrained dancers to perform at the event. Rehearsals are already

underway, and Reve Portraits has provided each team with a professional photo shoot and promotional posters. As the dancers perform on behalf of their nonprofit, they will be competing for the coveted Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, where audience members will vote via their smartphones at the performance. Each nonprofit, in partnership with their dance team, will fundraise through sponsorship packages, VIP tickets, and sales of general admission tickets prior to

Olathe Grand Ole Opry returns for 25th year The 25th annual Olathe Grand Ole Opry takes place Aug. 10-12. Bring your fiddle, banjo, dobro or other acoustic instrument and head to the Nolan McCauley place at 1207 South Wortman. Pickers and grinners, families and friends are all welcome. Campers and motor homes are encouraged; space is available in the horse pasture.

Star party planned View the night sky at the Grand Mesa Observatory on the side of Grand Mesa. From 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, Western Colorado Astronomy Club will set up telescopes for viewing at the observatory, 7475 Purdy Mesa Road, Whitewater. Visit grandmesaobservatory. com/calendar to verify optimal weather conditions.

You won’t need any sound equipment, and leave your drums at home. Each musician will handpick a backup of not more than five players. Each band will be allowed to play 30 minutes on stage. Musicians may be tapped to help other bands at any time. The price of admission: one smile or three grins. Bring a potluck dish to share Friday and Saturday. For more information, call McCauley at 970323-5816.

Workshop highlights at-home water efficiency Does the hot and dry summer have you thinking of ways to be more efficient with your water? Have you considered installing a rain barrel or grey water collection system at your home? The Western Slope Conservation Center will be hosting a free workshop on “At-Home Water Efficiency for Colorado” on Thursday, Aug. 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the CSU

Colorado Canyons Association presents a free paleontology lecture Sunday, Aug. 12, at Two Rascals Brewing Company, 147 N. 1st Street in Montrose. The talk runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and features Joshua Lively, a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, who will discuss

ing a Ph.D. in music education. Their music combines elements from baroque to fusion and includes originals and modern takes on loved standards from the past. Admission is by donation.

a prehistoric marine reptile (Prognathodon stadtmani) and the secrets of the ancient ocean! Are you curious about what creatures inhabited the ancient oceans in what is now Delta and Montrose counties? Are you interested in learning more about the diversity and ecology of Colorado’s western interior seaway? Have you enjoyed the recent Jurassic World movies? Then you won’t want to miss this insightful paleontology presentation. Lively will talk about his research on a group of marine lizards known as mosasaurs, who lived during the last 26 million years of the “Age of Dinosaurs.” A mosasaur called Prognathodon stadtmani

The Thursday, Aug. 16, concert at the Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross will feature Dr. John Howard. The concert begins at 7 p.m.; admission is by donation. Dr. John Howard, conductor and organist, is a native of San Diego, Calif., and earned his bachelor of arts in music from Christian Heritage College in 2002. In 2005, he earned his master of arts in musicology from San Diego State University, and in 2011, he completed his doctorate of musical arts (DMA) in choral conducting and pedagogy at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Howard current-

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Research Center on Rogers Mesa, Hotchkiss. The workshop will feature speaker Avery Ellis of Avery Ecological Design and will include a presentation with handson applications for grey water and rain collections systems. Come and learn about current Colorado regulations around stored and re-cycled water. Potluck hors d’oeuvres are suggested.

(discovered and excavated near Cedaredge in 1975) first brought Lively to Delta County in 2017. Lively will showcase some of his preliminary work on the fossils and rocks from the area. Finally, he will shed a light on how these discoveries play into the bigger picture of understanding life in Colorado’s ancient ocean. Learn about how mosasaurs like the one in Jurassic World once inhabited our National Conservation Areas, and how CCA is supporting this important scientific work. For more information, contact CCA’s AmeriCorps VISTA, Tatyana Sukharnikova, at montrosevista@gmail. com or 970-240-5348.

Chapel concert features Grand Junction conductor and organist ly holds the position of director of music and worship arts at the First Presbyterian Church of

Dr. John Howard

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Mejia and Aggie Unda; • Grand Mesa Arts and Event Center, Rachel and Bill Van Houten; • Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail, Tristan and Lee Redepenning; • The Abraham Connection, Deborah and Ken Shaffer; • Families Plus, Starbeam Studio dancers Emma Wise, Willa Clay, Jayren Botts and Olivia Tyan. Tickets may be purchased from the participating nonprofits or dance teams, the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce. For sponsorship information, call 970-209-5320.

Learn about the prehistoric marine reptiles that inhabited this area

Musical combo to perform at the chapel Musical combo House Blend will perform at Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross on Sunday, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m. All members of the group are teachers at the Precedence Music Academy in Montrose. Gregory Davidson worked for more than 30 years in New York singing, performing and teaching with the Metropolitan Opera Company. Lane Anderson also worked in New York for 30 years as a professional musician. He completed his post graduate work at Julliard, and has performed and toured with jazz greats and opera companies alike. Richard Hansen is a relative newcomer to the music world, dedicating his considerable talent and energy, previously given to the business world, to performance over the last ten years. Jordan Carls became a professional musician at the age of 13, foregoing high school to attend college in the pursuit of music’s mysteries. He has performed and toured with many Grammy winning artists, produced several albums, and is currently pursu-

the event. Team sponsors and overall event sponsors will receive a VIP pass to “A Star Struck Evening,” slated for Aug. 24 at the Grand Mesa Arts and Event Center in Cedaredge. The invitation-only event will bring together dancers, choreographers, nonprofits, and sponsors for an evening of music and dancing, with Altrusa International of Delta serving up an array of tasty appetizers. Nonprofits and dance teams participating in the Delta DWTS event on Aug. 25 are: • Naomi’s Hope Project, Ken and Tracy Brown; • CASA of the 7th Judicial District, Alberto

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Grand Junction, and has served in similar positions at other churches in California and Mississippi. He has conducted the Schumann Singers in Grand Junction, the Germania Choir in El Cajon, Calif., and the House of Germany’s Deutscher Chor San Diego. In addition to these appointments, Dr. Howard maintains a small private studio in piano, voice, and organ, and works as a freelance accompanist. Dr. Howard works with tireless passion and energy to promote excellence in choral and organ music for the glory of God and the enrichment of contemporary culture.

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A10 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Electric Mountain Lodge purchased A group from the Roaring Fork Valley has purchased the Electric Mountain Lodge. The lodge is located on Stevens Gulch Road above Paonia and has been fully renovated back to its nostalgic roots with plans to have it operational within a month. It will be operating for the enjoyment of the public, and members of the lodge. The purchase of this lodge is a collaborative project that has been spearheaded by Sean Gooding and Dr. Dave Jensen. Electric Mountain Lodge is a premier snowmobile and backcountry location, and plans to be organized to host special

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events throughout the year. Current plans are for the hunting lodge to be open for the season. For more information, visit the Electric Mountain Lodge website at http://www.Electric MtnLodge.com or email Info@ElectricMtnLodge.

Photo submitted

Staff of Delta-Montrose Home Health, owned and operated by Delta County Memorial Hospital

Vendors sought for DeltaFest The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce is soliciting vendors for the final Downtown DeltaFest of the summer Thursday, Aug. 30, from 5:30 p.m. to dusk. More information is available by calling the chamber at 874-8616.

Home health reorganizes Delta-Montrose Home Health, owned and operated by Delta County Memorial Hospital, has a new administrative team — Jon McMurphy, RN, BSN, MBA/MHA, as the director, Hilary Showalter, RN/BSN, as quality manager and Tiffany LaHue, RN, clinical manager — whose primary goals include strategies to improve the exceptional care of patients. “We welcome all new and returning home health patients, as your home health care team helping patients to remain in their homes,” commented Jody Roeber, RN, MSN, chief clinical officer of DCMH. Delta-Montrose Home Health is working closely with surrounding clinics, hospitals and health facilities to offer additional home health services including expanded physical and occupational therapies and phototherapy for infants. Experienced registered nurses assess the patient’s health care needs, provide a high level of skilled nursing care, including wound and IV care, instruct the patient and family regarding the skills to cope with lifestyle changes, manage medications and provide education. Registered physical and occupational thera-

pists assist patients in regaining lost mobility, motor skills, and function; provide treatments and exercises to help relieve pain; and teach the use of adaptive equipment to improve a patient’s independence and quality of life. Licensed speech therapists help with written, verbal, and nonverbal communication, as well as assist in better understanding and language skills. Certified aides assist with personal care such as eating, bathing, and grooming, and assist with

prescribed exercises. Medical social services consultants help locate additional community services as needed, provide counseling to better help a patient respond to medical treatment, and assist with financial issues and eligibility requirements for assistance. Through case management, Delta-Montrose Home Health works with a large network of qualified professionals to assist with medical equipment, pharmaceutical, dietary and respiratory care needs. All of

your health needs will be coordinated by your primary clinician. Services are available for children and adults. Home health is covered by most insurance companies, but coverage varies according to individual policies. DMHH accepts Medicare, Medicaid, worker’s compensation, private insurance and self-pay. Claim forms will be completed and submitted to your insurance company for you. For additional information about DeltaMontrose Home Health please call 874-2463.

Energy startups have until Aug. 15 to apply for Spark Tank Innovative startup companies working in the energy sector are invited to apply to the Spark Tank, a pitch event kicking off the second annual Energy Conference hosted by ENGAGE. The conference will be held Sept. 17 in Paonia. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15, with a selection date of Aug. 31. Applicants selected will have travel and lodging paid for and attend the full conference free of charge. On the evening of Sept. 17, selected companies will pitch to a panel

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

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

Know Your Neighbor ��

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Lost Mesa Grill offers breakfast and lunch, plus chef-inspired dinners on weekends

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Lost Mesa Grill pairs a chef-driven menu with the classics you crave. Travis and Annie Holton, owners of the Lost Mesa Grill, officially opened their doors in Cedaredge on May 15. The renovated site at 130 West Main Street is one of several restaurants the couple has owned over the years. Their enterprises included a steakhouse, a Mexican restaurant, a brewery and a fine dining establishment. The couple sold everything in May 2017 and moved to Cedaredge where they had purchased an old homestead on Cedar Mesa.

They set about restoring the old 1911 house and expanded the property by purchasing an adjacent acreage. They hadn’t intended to open another restaurant but they noticed the downtown Cedaredge location for sale and decided they wanted to be part of Cedaredge’s artistic revolution. They’re proud to join the Cedaredge business community, bringing good food to Main Street and supporting community endeavors. Travis has been cooking professionally for 40 years. He’s been mentored by chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales and Le Cordon Bleu cooking schools. He is also a talented gardener, raising the organic vegetables showcased in his weekend menu. Annie works in the front of the house. She and Travis say they’re fortunate to have a cohesive team of employees dedicated to prompt, friendly service. Lost Mesa Grill is open 8 to 3 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 8 to 8 Friday and Saturday.

The breakfast menu features a selection of eggs benedicts, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and omelets. The chicken fried steak and egg combo is a house specialty. Lost Mesa’s commitment to the freshest ingredients is evident in their selection of salads. Try the spinach salad topped with sliced mushrooms, strawberries, red onions, bleu cheese crumbles and a hard-boiled egg, or the grilled chicken and goat cheese salad dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette. Burgers feature a third of a pound of Homestead natural beef, served on an artisan bun with your choice of toppings. Tacos,

fish and chips, and an assortment of sandwiches round out the choices for lunch. Weekend dinner specials range from steaks to tempting chicken entrees to fish selections such as trout, tuna or mahi — recently paired with a Fritchman Orchards peach and Olathe sweet corn salsa ... yum! Weekend specials are posted on Lost Mesa Grill’s Facebook page. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 with 25 percent off appetizers and $1 off all beer and wine. Don’t miss your chance to support this wonderful addition to Cedaredge’s Main Street.

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WED. 8/8

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FRI. 8/10

SAT. 8/11

SUN. 8/12

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

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NORTH FORK August 8, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Fire Mountain Canal closure comes early BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Users of the Fire Mountain Canal became the latest victims of the ongoing drought in western Colorado. Water to the 34-mile long canal running from Somerset to the south end of Rogers Mesa was shut off Saturday evening. Jeff and Kaylee Armstrong are among the nearly 500 water users affected by the shutdown. They grow fruits and vegetables at their Abundant Life Organic Farms on Highway 92, which they sell at farmers’ markets in Telluride and Aspen and at their farm stand. After an unusually dry season in 2012, the Armstrongs built a storage pond, said Kaylee Armstrong. “Otherwise, it would be over.” They’re being extremely conservative with what little water they have, constantly checking for leaks in the system, and irrigating only what’s absolutely necessary. They’re optimistic that they can get through October when the farmers’ markets close down and the growing season ends, said Armstrong. In the meantime, “We’re crossing our fingers and hoping for rain.” Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company superintendent Steve Fletcher planned to close the canal head gate below Somerset on Saturday afternoon, but heavy rain in the McClure Pass area delayed the closure until late Saturday evening. “Everybody’s pretty understanding about it because it’s a bad year,” said Fletcher. With some irrigation water getting cut off much earlier in the summer or not being delivered at all, “People feel pretty fortunate they had water this long.”

Colorado’s complicated system of water rights is based on the “Appropriation Doctrine” of “first in time, first in right.” Also known as the “Prior Appropriation System,” it allows users with the oldest water rights decrees, or senior rights, to fill their needs ahead of junior right holders by placing calls on the water. The Paonia Project — the Paonia Dam and Paonia Reservoir, Fire Mountain Diversion Dam and expansion of the Fire Mountain Canal — was completed in 1962, mainly to provide stored supplemental water for FMCRC shareholders late in the growing season when demand is high and creeks run low. Saturday’s early closure marks the fourth time since 1962 that the canal was closed before the end of the growing season. It also went dry early in 1977 — the only year the reservoir didn’t fill to capacity, and in 2002 and 2012. What little water still flowing into the reservoir will be released to meet downstream demands. Calls on the water from the Paonia Reservoir began last spring, said Fletcher. Any additional water flowing into the reservoir is being released to meet those downstream demands. FMCRC board president Dixie Luke said this is the worst year for water in the 100 years her family has farmed on Rogers Mesa. While they rely on at least two cuttings, Luke said they will get just one cutting this year and will use their second cut for pasture. Some growers will harvest a second cutting and gamble on getting enough rain to regenerate crops for pasture.

Chokecherries

Photo by Tamie Meck

Chokecherries, like these growing at Paonia State Park, are abundant this summer. Known by many names including the western chokecherry, jamcherry and black chokecherry, chokecherries grow at between 4,500 and 9,000 feet in elevation. The fruit, which ripens in August, was used by Native Americans to make pemmican and is often used today for making wine, jelly, and syrup. This tasty treat, along with other ripening fruit, is also an important food resource for black bears as they begin their quest to pack on pounds before entering hibernation this winter. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers tips for camping, hiking, and living with bears at cpw.state.co.us.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Muddy Creek carves a channel through Paonia Reservoir below the Paonia State Park boat ramp. The boat ramp has been closed since July 4 — about six weeks earlier than its 2017 closing date of Aug. 20. The Fire Mountain Canal, which relies on the reservoir for late-season irrigation water, was shut off Saturday evening, affecting some 488 shareholders from Paonia to the south side of Rogers Mesa. Luke said her family also grows several hundred acres of hay in the McClure Pass area. While they own seconddecree water rights, this year there wasn’t enough water in the spring to meet even the first decree, said Luke. “It looks like the Sahara Desert.”

Leroux Creek Water Users Association also delivers water to the Hotchkiss and Rogers Mesa areas. Shareholders are still getting water, “But we’re real tight right now,” said association president Mark Smith. The LCWUA serves about 85 water users and stores water

in 29 fairly small reservoirs located in the Leroux Creek drainage area. Most of those reservoirs are already dry. The association normally provides water for shareholders to irrigate through Nov. 1, said Smith. “But that’s a long ways away.”

Farm to Fiddle Festival showcases ag, art and music It’s a big week in Hotchkiss, with the Delta County Fair and Rodeo underway, soon to be augmented by the Farm to Fiddle Festival Aug. 10 and 11. This weekend event celebrates the local community with arts and crafts, live music, kids’ activities, food vendors and great beverages from Mesa Winds Winery, Leroux Creek Winery and Big B’s Cider. Co-organizer Marsy Moore is especially excited about the great music lineup. All performances are free and will be held in the Creamery Arts Center Park. The fun starts at noon Friday, Aug. 10, with music by David and Tamara Hauze. David Alderdice and the Community Band will perform at 1 p.m., followed by Tim and Richard (2:15), Kristyn Harris (3:30), Ananda Trio and Dream Feed with Miguel Dakota (5:30). Dakota was a runnerup on America’s Got Talent. Kristyn Harris is a two-time Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year, 2018 American Idol contestant and Ameripolitan Music Awards Western Swing Female Artist of the Year. Saturday’s lineup will feature the Solar Brothers, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; David and Tamara, 12:30 to 1:40 p.m.; Tim Veazey, 2 to 3 p.m.; David Alderdice and the Marimba Project, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; and Scott Helmer, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Helmer describes himself as a “one-man rock and country music show.” He dedicates himself to good causes across the nation, raising money and awareness for their important

Scott Helmer work. During the music, there will be games, face painting and a free rock climbing wall for the kids. Buy a ticket for chickin’ pickin’ bingo and a chance to split the pot with a local nonprofit. Moore is still looking for volunteers to help — and benefit — from this event. Give her a call at 8724277 to learn more. Stop by the information booth to pick up a free ticket for some great giveaways, ranging from Bronco tickets to a Yeti cooler to gift certificates for local restaurants. You must be present to win, so plan to hang around and enjoy the music. Over 60 vendors will be located on Bridge and Oak streets, and the Creamery is hosting an art show. A free shuttle will be available to transport you to the fair and back. Vendors are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

As the event has been organized in an effort to promote and highlight the local community, you can expect to see mostly local vendors featuring handmade arts and crafts and locally-produced cottage foods. The Farm to Fiddle Festival is also a great opportunity to explore all that downtown Hotchkiss has to offer. You’ll find restaurants, bars, boutiques and professional services. Make your way to the Hotchkiss Crawford Museum located at Second Street and Hotchkiss Avenue, where admission is free the afternoons of Aug. 10, 11 and 12. The museum collects and preserves history of the North Fork Valley. “We’re spreading the news far and wide that Hotchkiss is a wonderful gateway to the North Fork Valley,” Moore said. Check the Farm To Fiddle Facebook page for the latest updates.

Kristyn Harris

Building on HHS’ outstanding tradition BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A teacher, coach and administrator who has been with the school district for eight years is taking the leadership role at Hotchkiss High School. HHS principal Paul Rodriguez resigned the position for medical reasons, but remains supportive of the Bulldog community and Marty Rover, the new principal. Rover was raised in Tempe, Ariz., and chose to attend Mesa State because he had a chance to play baseball there. His teammates included Blake Carlquist, Steve Morales, RJ Englehart and Curtis Englehart. “What I knew about Delta County, I learned from them,” he said. Rover said his dad was a middle school teacher for 25plus years, which partially influenced his decision to go into education. He majored in

Marty Rover math for the secondary level. He student taught at Delta High School, then joined the staff in 2010 when Kurt Clay, now assistant superintendent, was the building principal. “I always liked the challenge of teaching a high stakes subject like math,” he said.

“It’s very results-oriented, very black and white.” To address a variety of learning styles, math teachers have to be able to get the lesson across in four or five different ways. “That’s true in every subject, but even more so in numbers,” Rover said. He taught at DHS for five years, where he also coached baseball and golf. He says he grew up playing golf, but admits he wasn’t “overly qualified” as a coach. He felt far more comfortable on the baseball field. After earning his master’s degree in educational leadership, he was selected as one of the assistant principals at Delta Middle School. “I didn’t consider an administrative position when I started teaching but the more I got involved — not just in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities —

the more leadership appealed to me,” he said. “The ability to have an impact on more kids, on the entire school, is an exciting challenge. Teaching was always a challenge, and so was being an assistant principal. But this is a different type of challenge, a rewarding responsibility.” As part of his online studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Rover dove into a master’s project that centered on the school district’s calendar. “It was enlightening to get myself into different communities, different schools, looking at their wants and needs.” He gained a great deal of insight by surveying administrators, staff members and community members. For example, he learned that the county fair “is a big thing,” so starting school earlier in

August would be a bad fit for Delta County. His survey results were incorporated into a three-year calendar schedule that is now in its third and final year. Like the broader field of education, Rover says future calendars may need some tweaks. “In education, there’s a constant attempt to improve,” he said. He’s looking forward to meeting new people, learning the history of the Hotchkiss community, and building relationships with students and staff. He already knows both the school and the community are tight-knit, and that the community is passionate about fighting for its students. “It’s my job to take that input to the powers that be, to make sure the equity is there for our students.” He believes it’s also his MARTY ROVER TO B2

B2 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Marty Rover FROM PAGE B1 job, and the job of his administrative team, to make sure everyone in Hotchkiss and in Delta County knows about the great things happening at HHS. “School climate, school culture, that’s a significant part of any school,” he said. “I look forward to celebrating the success of our students and staff and continuing the tradition of HHS being a distinguished and valuable part of this community,”

he said in a letter posted on the school’s website. He said he believes in holding people accountable, in supporting them, allowing them to fail quickly and to learn from those mistakes so they don’t make the same mistake twice. He actively solicits feedback with an eye on continuous improvement. As principal, he said his number one responsibility is to support staff. “If you can support and empower teachers to do what they need to do,

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then you can get things pointed in the right direction.” Rover touched on the other staff changes at HHS. Angela Caldwell, a former health aide, has been hired as school secretary to replace Patty Scott, who retired. Counselor Becky Thatcher has a new role in the school district; her replacement is Resa Moran, who is also making the move from DMS to HHS. Pete Nethington will not be teaching but he will continue to coach volleyball. Hailey Taylor, the girls’ basketball coach, will take over the “smorgasbord” of classes taught by Nethington. “I’m excited to have these new people on board,” Rover said, “and it’s nice to have the hiring process complete going into August.” Going forward, he said HHS students will have the opportunity to take two advanced classes at Paonia High School every afternoon. In the morning, there will be AP classes at Hotchkiss the Paonia students can attend. “We have to be creative in a school our size, trying to maximize the opportunities we can offer our students,” Rover said. Enrollment at HHS is just under 200. Rover’s wife Lisa is a fourth grade teacher at Garnet Mesa Elementary. They have twin sons who are 3 1/2 years old and a 14-month-old daughter. Because of Lisa’s teaching position, and grateful for the great child care they’ve got in Delta, the Rovers do not plan to relocate at this time.

Dancing at the library

Photo submitted

The ﬁnal summer concert at Paonia Library brought over 100 people to the outdoor amphitheater. Local rockers “The Bromigos” got the audience singing, dancing, and having a great time. Despite the crowd, parking was not an issue, likely due to the fact that many folks opted to bike to the library — as evidenced by the full bike racks!

Bulldog boosters sell sweet corn at the fair The Bulldog Booster Club will sell Mountain Fresh Sweet Corn this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11, in Hotchkiss. Mountain Fresh owner Mike Ahlberg is donating the corn, which he and sons Seth and Zach have grown since 2000. Seth and Zach played sports at Delta High School with Hotchkiss teachers/coaches Curtis Hintz and Richard Flores. Over the years, said Ahlberg, he has donated corn to

benefit numerous fundraisers for DHS sports teams. Mountain Fresh also donates product to help cover shipping costs for Montrose-based Operation Sweet Tooth, which since 2003 has sent care packages to service men and women across the globe as a morale booster. Hotchkiss High School student-athletes will pick the corn this Friday morning and begin selling it Friday after-

noon. Booths will be set up at both entrances to the Delta County Fairgrounds (387 E. Bridge Street, and the intersection of Highway 92 and Doc Maloney Way). Sales will continue on Saturday morning and last until the last ears are sold. All proceeds will go to the Bulldog Booster Club for scholarships, purchase of athletic uniforms, and other support for HHS students.

Water law seminar offered Aug. 23 The Bookcliff, Mount Sopris and South Side conservation districts will host “Water Law in a Nutshell,” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue. The seminar covers law related to water rights and ditch rights, including appropriation, per-

fection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment, and enforcement of various types of water rights. Seminar presenter Aaron Clay is an attorney at law. Clay grew up in Hotchkiss and was referee for the Colorado Court, Division 4 (Montrose) from 1982-2008. Cost for the seminar is $50 per person and includes lunch. Realtors are eligible for eight continuing education credits. Register online at www. evenbrite.com.

Blue Sage recreates 1920s speakeasy Enjoy the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy. The Blue Sage Center for the Arts is hosting this jazzy event Friday, Aug. 17, from 8 till 10 p.m. Music will be provided by the Adam Bodine Trio. Table service will be provided with both cocktails and appetizers available for purchase. The event cost is $15. Guests are encouraged to dress in ‘20s attire for this fun evening. A special thank you to Ulli Lange for underwriting. For more information please contact the Blue Sage at 970-527-7253.

Photo by Tamie Meck

New ofﬁcer in Paonia

Paonia Town Clerk Corinne Ferguson swears Nick Rogers in as an officer for the Paonia Police Department at the July 24 meeting of the Paonia Board of Trustees. Rogers previously served as an officer from 2011-2014. His hiring brings the department up to four full time officers and one half-time officer.

Free admission to museum during fair The Hotchkiss Crawford Museum located at Second Street and Hotchkiss Avenue will offer free admission on Aug. 10, 11 and 12, from 1 until 4 p.m. The museum collects and preserves history of the North Fork Valley. The exhibits currently on display include early

county fair photos, an Indian collection of artifacts, an early doctor’s office from the Todd family, Town of Somerset photos and the firearms of Otto Mears and Enos Hotchkiss from the 1870s. Attached to the museum is a restored 1890s cabin used by the blacksmith and his family.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Pickin’ series opener

Cicada Rhythm opened the 11th annual Pickin’ in the Park free concert series at Paonia Town Park Thursday evenings in August. This week’s performances include the powerhouse bluegrass duo Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, and Grammy-winning songwriter John Fullbright. The featured local artist, Americana singer-songwriter Justin Evan Thompson, will perform six songs beginning at 6 p.m.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Weather trends spell trouble for river basin BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

For the fourth time in more than a half century, the Fire Mountain Canal was shut off before the end of the growing season, impacting some 488 irrigation water shareholders and more than 15,000 acres of arable land in the North Fork Valley. If current weather trends continue, by 2050 scientists say, there could be 20 percent less water in Colorado’s river system by mid-century, and 35 percent less water by the end of the century, said Jim Pokrandt, community affairs director for Colorado River District in Glenwood Springs. The district was formed some 95 years ago to protect the waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries. Speaking at the June 21 meeting of the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley, Pokrandt explained that in 1922, seven southwestern states signed the Colorado River Compact, an interstate agreement that controls water rights along the Colorado. The seven states were then divided into an Upper Division comprised of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, and a Lower Division including Nevada, Arizona and California. Under the compact, the lower states get their share of the water before the upper states do. That puts a big target on the biggest water user in the state: agriculture, said Pokrandt.

Lake Powell was created “to store water to satisfy the obligations of the Colorado River Basin.” In years like this one, said Pokrandt, “We dip into our savings account.” Otherwise, there would be no way for the upper states to provide the 7.5 million acre feet of water to the lower states under the compact. Because it is a headwater state with virtually no water flowing into it, Colorado relies solely on snow pack for its water. Just four out of the last 18 years produced what is considered a normal snow pack, said Pokrandt. “If it weren’t for Lake Powell, we’d be looking at curtailing our water uses up here to satisfy the lower basin’s water uses.” In 1999, the last year Lake Powell was considered essentially full, Hite Marina was a good place to put a boat on the water, said Pokrandt. Beginning in the early 2000s the area began experiencing a prolonged drought. By 2005, Lake Powell’s water level was reduced by about two thirds. “Today, Hite Marina doesn’t exist,” he said. This year “is not looking good for the Colorado River system,” said Pokrandt. A normal runoff period results in about 7.2 million acre feet of water for Lake Powell; the latest forecast for 2018 is 2.8 million acre feet. “That’s not good,” he said. In the North Fork area, Paonia Reservoir filled this year thanks to snow pack on the Grand

Mesa, which was about 50 percent of normal, said Pokrandt. The reservoir continues to do its job, but this year is considered the fourth worst year in history. “These are trends we’re concerned about,” said Pokrandt. “If this is the new normal, we have more population, we have warming temperatures.” The CRD wants to protect current water users and uses, including agriculture, recreational and environmental, said Pokrandt. “We want to be able to protect current uses so the west slope continues to look the way it does and we all can continue to enjoy the lifestyles we do.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hazy smoky days of summer

Smoke from wildﬁres burning in the west was visible from Stucker Mesa Road Monday evening. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment issued an air quality health advisory for Delta County and surrounding areas from 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, through 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7. The CDPHE suggests that residents, especially those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young and the elderly, remain indoors during times of thick smoke. If smoke reduces visibility to less than ﬁve miles, it has reached levels considered unhealthy.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Jim Pokrandt with the Colorado River District in Glenwood Springs spoke in June at the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley on water trends in the Colorado River basin. If trends continue, the state’s river ﬂows could be reduced by as much as 35 percent by the end of the 21st century.

West Nile Virus warning issued for North Fork The North Fork Mosquito Abatement District is warning residents that mild cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the North Fork area. Residents are urged to use preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing of protective clothing, long sleeves and pants, and repeated application of mosquito repellent, especially at dusk or when dining outside or attending events at outdoor venues. Added precaution should be taken to protect children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems who may be more susceptible to the effects of WNV. The Culex mosquito is one of five main mosquito species in the valley and the only one that can carry WNV. According to information posted by the NFMAD on social media, samples taken from North Fork area traps have indicated that populations of Culex in some areas are currently infected with WNV. Found throughout the valley, Culex are “dawn and dusk feeders“ and are not the aggressive “field” mosquitoes that emerge during the day. The NFMAD is increasing larval treatment and targeted fogging of the indicated locations and sources of both WNV

and Culex mosquitoes. Mosquitoes seek humidity, and a female mosquito can lay 100 eggs in an inch of water, which will hatch within five to seven days. In light of recent rain showers, residents are asked to police and empty any standing water, and to water lawns and gardens in the morning to allow humidity to disperse before evening. With local irrigation ditches being turned off early, NFMAD is also anticipating an increase in mosquito populations until ditches dry up completely. A large area of Delta County not served by either NFMAD or Delta District No. 1 is resulting in uncontrolled breeding of mosquitoes. This creates tremendous pressure on the western and southern areas of Hotchkiss at the borders of the NFMAD boundaries. Due to a severe underfunding, the district can’t extend services outside of its 50square-mile area. For updates and more information, visit and “Like” the North Fork Mosquito Abatement District Facebook page, or visit NFMAD.org. To report increased mosquito presence or possible sources for mosquito breeding, including areas where water remains standing for more than three or four days, call 970-527-6681.

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B4 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Explore dostadning with A Little Help North Fork Valley

Photo by Tamie Meck

Donating to Christmas party

Linda and Bob Lario with Re/Max Mountain West, center and back right, present a check for $2,000 to Children’s Christmas Party representatives Pam Bliss and Jackie Parks (back row center). Last year’s party served 175 needy children in the North Fork community. Also pictured, from left, Carrie Silvernail, Tammy Geisler and Dorothy Lorig with Re/Max. Not pictured: Jay Canode, Mike McClure, Ann Marie Gambino, Lissa Pinello and Carrie Soto. Along with Re/Max, the annual Christmas Party is primarily supported by individual donations of $50 per child. Each child receives a new winter jacket or pair of shoes, outﬁt, hat and gloves, underwear, towel, books, activity book, and Christmas stocking ﬁlled with goodies and lots of toys. Babies receive a handmade quilt along with other presents. The 2018 Christmas Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, and marks the 26th anniversary of this much-loved community event.

The Delta County Fair Board is seeking community minded individuals to join our team. Livestock, 4-H, FFA or event planning experience a plus but not required. Please submit letters of interest to info@DeltaCountyFair.com by August 31st. New members will be chosen at the September 4th meeting. Position is subject to a background check and approval by the Delta County Commissioners.

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A Little Help is offering three one-hour discussions on “dostadning,” from 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 14, 21 and 28, at the Paonia Library Community Room. Based on the book, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family of a Lifetime of Clutter,” dostadning literally translates to “death cleansing,” an invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings

while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a life. It can be undertaken at any age or life state, but is particularly helpful in guiding older adults in shedding unnecessary objects so as not to burden relatives with the task. Reading the book is necessary for the class. Sessions will be hosted by ALH members/volunteers Jill and Dave Knutson. To register, call 527-3482. For more information, call 527-3969.

The first session, Aug. 14, will cover the first half of the book up to the section on “The Kitchen.” The second session on Aug. 21, will cover the remainder of the book. It is a short and delightful 128 pages. And finally, on Aug. 28, each participant will bring a box with the possessions they have decided to “declutter” from their lives! Anyone with interest is invited to join Jill and Dave for this exciting exploration.

Disaster Preparedness Fair set for Aug. 18 in Paonia

Photo submitted

The HHS Alumni Fund presented scholarships to three seniors this year. Pictured are Colton Peebles (center, left), who received $500, and Jordan DenniLearn how to be pre- son (center, right), who received $1,000. Not pictured is Eli Kirk, who received pared for any disaster at $500. the Disaster Preparedness Fair in Paonia Saturday, Aug. 18. Booths and displays on emergency kits, fire prevention, evacuation preparedness, flood preparedness and more will be set up at the Paonia Library, 80 Samuel Wade Road, from 2 to 5 p.m. Detailed information will also be available on Delta County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Register your cell phones to be notified of local emergencies and learn about Delta County’s hazard mitigation Photo submitted plan. The Disaster Pre- A number of $50 awards were presented to Hotchkiss High School underclassparedness Fair is spon- men. The recipients were selected by their teachers. sored by Delta County Emergency Management in partnership with the Paonia Library, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, American Red Cross, Delta County Memorial The Hotchkiss High Kayla Allred received DeMoss, Kaiya Firor, Hospital, Paonia Fire School Alumni Fund is a $50 for the outstanding Ethan Guy, Kimber HenDepartment, Paonia supporter of all Hotchkiss eighth grade award and drix, Nadia Hill, Hunter Police Department, Delta schools. At the end of this Lynette Clock received Lyons, Caitlin NordCounty Health Depart- school year, the following $100 for her outstanding strom, Alyssa Palecki, dedication to the school Jace Peebles, Bryce Shelment and U.S. Forest awards were given: Hotchkiss K-8 — and its students. These den, Adam Smith, BosService. awards were given by ton Sommer, Ava Taylor, Susan Spencer and Eric Dylan Toothaker, Elsie Hollembeak. Vasquez. Hotchkiss High School The outstanding HHS — $50 awards were pre- senior scholarships this sented by Carl Clay, Eric year went to Jordan Denand Margie Hollembeak nison ($1,000); Colton and Sandy Leger. These Peebles and Eli Kirk awards were voted upon ($500 each). by their teachers: TrisTo give a donation, ten Allen, George Arroyo, please contact Susan Robert Cochran, Dylan Spencer at 970-261-1723.

Hotchkiss alumni support students

Photo submitted

Kayla Allred, the eighth grade outstanding student, with Susan Spencer from the HHS Alumni.

Photo submitted

Eric Hollembeak and Susan Spencer (right) presented $100 to Lynette Clock for her outstanding dedication to Hotchkiss K-8 and its students.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Learn about at-home water efficiency

Photo by Don Benjamin

Raring to go

Members of the Grand Mesa Harness Club got their teams ready last Sunday. The club provided a demonstration during intermission at the 4-H & FFA Horse Show. Posing with their teams left to right are Steve Ward, the club treasurer, from Cedaredge; Jim Rock of Montrose; Bonnie Brown of Delta; Gale Volk, club secretary, from Somerset; and Dick Pierce of Hotchkiss.

Does the hot and dry summer have you thinking of ways to be more efficient with your water? Have you considered installing a rain barrel or grey water collection system at your home? The Western Slope Conservation Center will be hosting a free workshop on “At-Home Water Efficiency for Colorado” on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at

the CSU Research Center on Rogers Mesa, 30624 Highway 92, Hotchkiss. The workshop will feaspeaker Avery ture Ellis of Avery Ecological Design and will include a presentation with handson applications for grey water and rain collections systems. Come and learn about current Colorado regulations around stored and recycled water. Potluck hors d’oeuvres are suggested.

Call 811 before you dig It was time for Joe to replace a few fence posts on his family’s farm. Those posts were likely older than him. Meanwhile, at a house in town, Karen was making plans to replace her once beautiful hydrangea the deer had nibbled down. Both Joe and Karen knew about 811, the free service that arranges for

professionals to mark the location of underground utility lines. But neither called. In the farmer’s mind he was only replacing the post, not digging a new hole. And Karen just didn’t see how planting a shrub would require all that to-do. But Joe didn’t know a gas line had been installed

after the original fence post had been dug. As for Karen, her hydrangea hole was nearly two feet deep — just at the depth of her natural gas service line. Fortunately, Joe and Karen were lucky. They missed hitting the line, which could have resulted in fines and interrupted service to others. Most importantly, no one was

Raft raffle brings in waves of money BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Lisa Niermann of Paonia is the lucky winner of a new Hyside MiniMax raft. The raft, which included a set of Cataract oars and a custom oar frame was raffled off by the Western Slope Conservation Center. The setup is valued at over $4,000. Welfelt Fabrication sponsored the raffle. Owner John Welfelt, a

river runner himself, has been a member of WSCC since it began in the late 1970s as the North Fork River Improvement Association. For running rivers, “It’s one of the most popular boats for a good reason,” said Welfelt of the Hyside. The boat is easy to maneuver, great for running low water or Class 5 water (with a good oarsman). And it’s

Photo by Tamie Meck

Patrick Dooling, center, and Alex Johnson, left, with the Western Slope Conservation Center watch as a blindfolded John Welfelt rolls up his sleeves for drawing the winning rafﬂe ticket for the Hyside raft, oars and custom frame.

small enough that it can be slightly deflated to fit in the back of a pickup, and compact enough to fit in a passenger car or rolled up and packed down into the Gunnison Gorge. “For this area it’s really a good boat.” WSCC is dedicated to public lands advocacy, education, and stewardship of watersheds. Executive director Alex Johnson said that the 500 raffle tickets sold — 300 of them at Cherry Days alone, raised $8,840 for WSCC. For all those who didn’t win, said Johnson, “We will be doing this again next year.”

hurt. Many others are not as fortunate. Every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone didn’t call 811. A hit line carries the potential for serious injury and expensive property damage. That’s why Black Hills Energy is participating in National Safe Digging Day on Aug. 11 — or 8-1-1. No matter what the date, the law requires that you call 811 to have underground utility lines marked before you break ground. That’s true whether you’re a homeowner setting a fencepost or a contractor conducting a large excavation. You can also enter your request at http://colorado 811.org. “Safety is always our first priority at Black Hills Energy, and we want to help our customers stay safe,” said Susan Bailey, vice president. “When you’re planning to dig, don’t make a judgment call, make a phone call; call 811 two to five business days before you plan to dig.” Visit www.blackhills energy.com for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.

Photo submitted

A free workshop on Thursday, Aug. 16, will offer the latest in gray water and rain collections systems. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the CSU Research Center on Rogers Mesa.

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MOUNTAIN HARVEST

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Paonia, CO September 27-30

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The Delta County Independent will be publishing a special section in the September 26 issue for Paonia’s 18th Annual Mountain Harvest Festival. The section will include a schedule and stories about the events taking place during the festival weekend. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to promote your business to both local residents and visitors to our area.

Call 874-4421 or email ads@deltacountyindependent.com to reserve your advertising space by September 14. Ad copy must be in our hands no later than September 21. ��

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B6 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Surviving drought: A workshop for ranchers on the Western Slope CSU Extension, Colorado Cattleman’s Association, Delta County Livestock Association and Mesa County Cattlemen join forces to host a workshop, “Surviving Drought: A Workshop For Ranchers on the West Slope and Beyond.” Extreme drought conditions in 2018 require ranchers and livestock owners to make difficult and stressful decisions regarding

their operation, land and livestock. This workshop offers information, strategies and support for ranchers and livestock producers of all sizes who are dealing with drought and its effects. Join neighbors and beyond for a meal in Delta (lunch) or Loma (dinner) on Aug. 21 and learn how to cope with the ongoing situation. Meal is free with RSVP by Aug. 16 to

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Retta Bruegger — retta. bruegger@colostate.edu or online: http://rangemanagement.extension. colostate.edu/survivingdrought-a-workshop-forranchers-on-the-westslope-and-beyond/. Topics will include decision support tools you can use with challenging decisions such as buying hay or selling cows, cost-effective supplementation and de-stocking strategies, wildfire preparedness and disaster assistance programs. The workshop in Delta runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 Palmer Street.

Compensation available to protect forests Colorado landowners who want to protect environmentally valuable private forest areas that could someday be threatened by development or conversion to other nonforest uses — and who desire to receive monetary compensation in the process — now have the opportunity to submit proposals to protect their forestlands. The Forest Legacy Program authorizes the Colorado State Forest Service or U.S. Forest Service to purchase permanent conservation easements on private forestlands to prevent those lands from being converted to nonforest uses. The application deadline is Aug. 31 for federal fiscal year 2020 funding. Proposals must be submitted by standard mail. (Note that this is an extension from a previously released deadline of July 28.) Applications are available online at http://csfs.colostate.edu/ funding-assistance.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Buggy run

Jim Rock of Montrose takes his matched pair on a practice run around the grounds at the Delta County Fair. Jim is a member of the Grand Mesa Harness Club which provided a demonstration during last Sunday’s 4-H and FFA Horse Shows. The fair continues in Hotchkiss through Aug. 12.

Delta Tractor Supply celebrates pets of all kinds Store hosts monthly pet supply drive

Tractor Supply Company in Delta is dedicating the entire month of August to showing its appreciation for animals. The rural lifestyle retailer will host a variety of animal-centric happenings and deals as part of Out Here With Animals, its monthlong event for animals of all kinds and the people who care for them. Customers are invited to show their support for the Delta animal shelter community by dropping off new sealed food, toys, cleaning supplies and other essential pet accessories such as beds, scratching posts, leashes and bowls to be donated to local rescues and shelters. In addition to the supplies drive, Tractor Supply will host a pet adoption event Saturday, Aug. 25. Local animal orga-

nizations interested in participating are encouraged to sign up online at www.TractorSupply. com/EventPartners or by contacting the Delta Tractor Supply. Registration closes Wednesday, Aug. 22. “Out Here With Animals allows the Delta community to come together to celebrate their pets while supporting the great work of their local animal organizations,” said Mary Lawley, vice president of store administration at Tractor Supply Company. “Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, pig or goat, we hope families will bring their leashed, friendly pets to the store to show how special their animals are and help us find homes for the local adoptable animals that deserve a family too.” Tractor Supply is also shining a spotlight on animal organizations through the return of its popular Rescue Your Res-

cue contest. The retailer will donate a total of $25,000 in grants to 10 animal nonprofits that deserve a boost. Customers are encouraged to nominate their favorite shelters through Wednesday, Aug. 8 at Tractor Supply.com/PhotoContest. Along with events that celebrate and support Delta pets, Out Here With Animals will feature a sale on premium pet and animal products and brands. Out Here With Animals events are open to the public and leashed, friendly animals. Contact the Delta Tractor Supply store for more details. For expert advice on raising pets and other animals, visit Tractor Supply.com/KnowHow and follow Tractor Supply on Facebook and Instagram. To receive deals and rewards on pet and livestock products, sign up for the Tractor Supply Neighbor’s Club at NeighborsClub.com.

Take self-guided tour of grass pasture demo plot Tri-River Area small acreage landowners are invited to a “Management of Small Acreage Pastures Self-Guided Tour,”

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at the Delta County Fairgrounds at 403 S. 4th Street in Hotchkiss. The two-acre plot is located on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, near the river. The demonstration plot offers visitors a hands-on view of 17 species of irrigated grasses and another 17 species of dryland grasses suited for TriRiver Area climate and soils. These grasses can be used for agricultural and natural resource conservation purposes, such as: growing hay, grazing livestock, weed suppression, erosion control, and enhancement of wildlife habitat. The grasses are planted on furrows clearly labeled. Handout materials describing each of these grasses are also available. Be sure to visit the Delta County Fair and take a few minutes to tour the grass pasture demonstration plot. The project is a cooperative effort by CSU Tri-River Area Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Delta County, Delta Conservation District, and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts. For more information please contact program coordinators: John Rizza, 243-5068 ext. 128 or john. rizza@colostate.edu; or F. Isaac Muñoz, 249-3935 or f.isaac.munoz@colostate. edu.

Delta County Independent

LOCAL NEWS

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

OLATHE SWEET CORN

Festival

Drew Davis of Eckert raises his arm in victory as he swallows the last kernels of corn in the kids’ corn-eating contest. Winners of the youth, men’s and women’s divisions received back stage passes to meet Eric Paslay after his Saturday night concert.

Tender ears of corn from John Harold and the Tuxedo Corn Com- Bumper balls, bouncy houses and a petting zoo pany were plentiful at the 2018 Olathe Sweet Corn Festival. kept the kids occupied.

Kirstie Martinez of Montrose was the back-to-back champion of the women’s corn-eating contest.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Peach Tree Festival, a Grand Junction band, rocked the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival with music from Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Heart, as well as their own original songs.

Butter up!

B8 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS August 8, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Twenty-two run Farm to Fiddle 5k BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Farm to Fiddle 5k race featured a number of runners last Saturday in Hotchkiss. Cedaredge resident Gerald Harding was the race’s oldest participant

and finished 19th with a time of 52:37. Tobias Vigil was the 12-year-old male winner as the youngest runner to compete. Other male winners, by age group, included Sam Rodriguez (16-19), Lee Collins (30-39), Brian

Photo by Tamie Meck

Sam Rodriguez was the clear front runner of the Farm to Fiddle 5k on Saturday. A former track and cross country runner at Hotchkiss High School, Rodriguez will run cross country at Colorado College this fall.

Boden (40-49) and Dave Knutson (50 and older). Female winners were Sharon Vigil (under 12), Emma Loibassan (13-15), Shoshanna Vigil (16-19), Amanda Collins (20-29), Anna Smith (30-39), Jamie Hamm (40-49) and

Becky Ela (50 and older). The final order of placings in the race were Rodriguez (19:43), Will Ela (24:54), Lee Collins (25:25), Brian Boden (26:41), Dave Knutson (30:47), Amanda Collins (31:55), Sam Cox and

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cedaredge resident Gerald Harding, 78, was the oldest competitor in the Farm to Fiddle 5k walk/ run, held Saturday in Hotchkiss. Harding, who ﬁnished the course in 52 minutes and 32 seconds, runs between four and ﬁve local 5ks a year.

Becky Ela (32:47), Ana Smith (34:19), Emma Loibassan (36:41), Shoshana Vigil (36:42), Susan Hamilton (37:05), Jamie Hamm (37:05), Kelly Korth (39:16), Paxton

Bell (50:01), Tobias Vigil (50:08), Sharon Vigil and Portia Vigil (50:53), Gerald Harding (52:37), Allison Hannon and Sean Hannon (59:55) and Loni and Amy Bell (62:58).

Photo by Tamie Meck

Amanda Collins, of Crawford, won the female division of the Farm to Fiddle 5k on Saturday. Collins volunteers with Girls on the Run. She and husband Lee, who ﬁnished third overall, started running about a year and a half ago.

Score of 126 wins 18th annual Diablo Duo BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

There were 78 players who teed off last weekend for the 18th annual Diablo Duo Golf Tournament at Devil’s Thumb Golf Club. The two-day tournament featured three flights of competition. Winning the First Flight’s top gross honors was the team of Tami French-Gunkel and Pam Buerger with a two-day total of 126. J. Kollath and K. Kock won net honors with their 129. Second-place gross honors

went to Katy and Peggy Brink (134) with C. Hammerich and M. Fleming carding a 129 for second net honors. The Second Flight’s top gross players were Sandra Varnell and Tracee Lanier with a score of 111. Top net winners for the Second Flight featured the duo of Donni Cochran and Sue Means with a score of 121. Second-place gross scorers for the Second Flight were Patti Michael and Tracy Brown with a score of 124. Second-

place net honors went to Maria Hynes and Barb Thurman (124). M. Marquardt and K. Dehan combined for a 136 to win the top gross prize in Third Flight competition with a 136. Top net winners in the flight were Jinx Richards and Jo Rosenquist with a 130. Rounding out the top two winning teams in the Third Flight were second-place gross winners Shelli Spiers and Wendy Millsaps and second net winners P. Ausbrooks and P. Puckett.

Photo courtesy Wilma Erven

The recently played Delta Panther Football Scramble (July 21) was won by KC Carlson, Kevin Carlson, Andy Braslin and Matthew Bohling. Delta High School head football coach Ben Johnson and assistant Ryan Whittington ﬂank the winners. Twenty teams were registered for the event held at Devil’s Thumb Golf Club with proceeds going to the DHS football team.

Photo courtesy Wilma Erven

This year’s ﬁrst place winners in the Deltarado Days Golf Scramble won a scorecard playoff to win the team title. Members of the winning team, not in order, include Mike Dallas, Ron Deushane, Al Brown and Jack Hannanan. Devil’s Thumb golf pro Ken Brown and Delta Alumni president Dwain Bush ﬂank the winning foursome.

Photo courtesy Wilma Erven

Finishing in a tie for ﬁrst place at this year’s Deltarado Days Golf Scramble, the team of Yuelin Willett, Gary Simpson, Art Ensley and Bill Hellman placed second after a scorecard playoff. Devil’s Thumb golf pro Ken Brown and Delta Alumni president Dwain Bush appear on opposite sides of the second place team.

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Sports special coming The 2018 fall sports special is due to be printed on Aug. 29. Many of the upcoming schedules, along with previews of fall sports Photo submitted for Delta County Schools will be reviewed by sports Matt and Stephanie Cano were in Grand Junction this past week and had their writers Tamie Meck and picture taken with former Colorado Rockies’ star Matt Holliday, who was preparing for a rehab assignment with the Grand Junction Rockies. Wayne Crick.

SURFACE CREEK August 8, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Cedaredge needs volunteer firefighters BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

As the region’s current drought persists — and with wildfires burning throughout the West — the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department is continuing to seek new members. For application procedures, contact Chief Dan Sanders at the Cedaredge Police Department, 140 NW 2nd Street, 970-856-4301. Interested parties should be aware that eligible participation in the volunteer fire department carries the benefit of a pension. Although surrounded by forest and woodlands, Cedaredge and the Surface Creek region have been fortunate this year to escape a major wildfire. The fire department has nevertheless been busy responding to a number of smaller blazes, mostly caused by lightning. Residents are asked to be especially vigilant during the current drought conditions when an errant spark or lightning can quickly ignite the dry landscape. And don’t hesitate to contact the fire department in an emergency by dialing 911. Although some communities and agencies have begun to relax fire

restrictions, remember that open campfires, open burning, and fireworks are still forbidden throughout Delta County, as is the discharging of certain firearms. Plus citizens are reminded to be cautious in the use of chainsaws and welding equipment. As for historic fires in the Cedaredge area, perhaps the most spectacular blaze in recent memory was the McGruder or Fourth of July fire which was visible east of Cedaredge near the site of the old McGruder coal mine. According to an internet account of the blaze, “Lightning struck a tree on Friday, July 2, 2004. The fire smoldered overnight and hot dry winds fanned the flames into a large wildfire on July 3, 2004. By Sunday, July 11, the fire was considered 100 percent contained. Thanks to the efforts of the Cedaredge volunteer and other area fire departments, San Juan Hot Shots, the BLM and Forest Service, no homes or lives were lost. The total area consumed by the McGruder fire was estimated at about 3,000 acres...” (This entry was posted in the online “Kiddie Encyclopedia”).

Community cookout

The Cedaredge town trustees and members of the town staff cooked up a large supply of main course treats for the crowd that attended last Saturday’s “Party in the Park” community potluck.

Cedaredge trustees begin 2019 budget process BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

“Kiddie Encyclopedia” photo

The spectacular July 2004 McGruder fire near Cedaredge consumed some 3,000 acres before it was brought under control. Historic fires like this remind residents of the importance of their local volunteer fire department which is continuing to seek new members.

Photo by Don Benjamin

The Town of Cedaredge has canceled the usual monthly work session which would have been held on Aug. 9. Instead town trustees will focus on the process of planning next year’s town budget. The public is invited to attend all aspects of the budgeting process. The budget process is an important component of town planning. It is where projects are identified and approved, and resources allocated to staffing, capital projects and other programs are prioritized. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, the trustees will hold an all-day session to hear from town departments regarding their budgetary priorities. Later that same day, at 4 p.m., the trustees will meet in regular public session to deal with other town matters. Please note the earlier starting time for the regular meeting since trustee work sessions and regular meetings generally convene at 5 p.m. All budget sessions will

take place in the Cedaredge Civic Center, Grand Mesa Room, 140 NW 2nd Street. The Aug. 16 schedule indicating the order in which town departments will outline their budgetary needs is as follows: 9:30-9:45 a.m. — Networking and refreshments. 9:45-10:45 a.m. — Capital improvement plan/vehicle wish list and applicable modification. 10:45-11 a.m. — Administration. 11-11:30 a.m — Police department. 11:30-11:45 a.m. — Animal control, code enforcement, municipal court, abatement and mitigation. 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Lunch break. 12:30-1 p.m. — Employee compensation/benefits. 1-1:30 p.m. — Golf course/ clubhouse restaurant. 1:30-1:45 p.m. — Park maintenance. 1:45-2 p.m. — Trust fund/ recreation, parks, open space and trails. 2-2:20 p.m. — Water (raw water collection, treatment

and distribution). 2:20-2:40 p.m. — Wastewater treatment (collection, treatment and discharge). 2:40-3 p.m. — Streets, facilities and other general fund accounts and major street improvements. 3-4 p.m. —Break 4 p.m. — Regular monthly trustees’ meeting. Additional budget planning sessions which are also open to the public are: • 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 2019 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.

Orchard City trustees discuss committees, water BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Orchard City board of trustees met Aug. 1 for a public work session during which they discussed a variety of issues ranging from water to committee assignments. Trustees serve on various committees which meet periodically to consider topics such as water, personnel, and planning. Trustee Doug Keller felt that the mayor, in making current committee assignments, did not take into account the interests and strengths of each trustee. The mayor and other trustees responded that the goal of committee assignments is to have trustees gain experience by serving in rotation on all town committees. Trustee Keller also questioned the purpose of certain committees. After further discussion, Keller stated that he was sorry if his concerns were taken personally and he apologized for any unintended slights. After taking part in the discussion, Mayor Ken Volgamore announced that the current trustee committee assignments will remain unchanged until the next rotation. A discussion followed regarding the best way to communicate the contents of town financial reports to the public. Town administrator Melissa Oelke noted that the financial statements are regularly published in the DCI and are available at town hall for public inspection. To make this information even more available, the trustees asked that the town finance committee prepare a monthly financial summary which will be handed out to the public at

future meetings. Trustee Jan Gage pointed out that there are about a halfdozen instances where current town practices differ from existing municipal code. These instances are minor ones but, since trustees have sworn to uphold the municipal code, she felt these differences should be resolved. Oelke assured the trustees that the town is in the process of updating the current code to address such discrepancies. Trustee Mel Cook expressed his continuing concern regarding the town’s participation in the Delta County Economic Development (DCED) organization, a group which sometimes meets in confidential sessions not open to the public. Administrator Oelke reminded the trustees that a representative of DCED will be at the next regular town meeting to respond to trustee concerns. An ordinance for regulating the cultivation and possession of marijuana within town limits was discussed. This ordinance will be drafted and further discussed at the town’s September work session. Given a choice between creating a town ordinance similar to a complex one adopted by Crawford and following the more simply-worded county ordinance, the trustees felt that it would be best to follow the county rules. The goal is for the county sheriff to be able to enforce marijuana ordinances within Orchard City in a manner which is consistent with county regulations. The trustees were informed that their next regular meeting will include a public hear-

ing on an ordinance regarding subdivision regulation. Oelke pointed out that adopting this ordinance is critical because subdivision developers are awaiting the town’s action before they can proceed. Trustees emphasized that the subdivision ordinance should include provisions to require developers to install adequate water lines. Oelke completed the work session with a series of announcements. She noted that an advisor will meet with the trustees soon to discuss changes in the town’s investment strategy with an eye toward maintaining liquidity while also increasing returns. Regarding the town’s water

situation, she does not plan to purchase any further water leases. With water conservation measures in place, she feels that Orchard City will be able to manage through the summer with a combination of current leases plus lower but steady flows from the springs the town depends on. She estimates that this combination will carry Orchard City users for 96 days. By then the Little Gem Reservoir, which is an essential component of the town’s water supply, will hopefully be full enough to carry users through autumn and winter. Trustees expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation in reducing water usage dur-

Motorcycles on parade

ing the current drought. Oelke noted that some businesses have been particularly responsive in conserving water. The trustees again thanked local residents who have donated ditch water to help maintain the town park grounds. On Wednesday, Aug. 8, the trustees will hold a regular public meeting during which decisions will be made regarding items discussed at their work session. Barring special meetings, the town trustees meet twice a month: for a work session on the first Wednesday and a regular meeting on the second Wednesday. All meetings take place at 7 p.m. in the Orchard City Town Hall at 9661 2100 Road, Austin.

Photo by Don Benjamin

International Serenity Run (ISR) Parade. Cedaredge townsfolk lined Main Street last Saturday to greet hundreds of clean and sober motorcyclists as they roared past. The 33rd annual ISR brought riders from across the nation to the group’s encampment north of town.

C2 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Eugenia Bone to speak about microbia Eugenia Bone will speak about and sign her new book “Microbia: A Journey Into the Unseen World Around You” on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. A $10 donation is recommended. Call 856-9195 or visit www. grandmesaartscenter.com or www.delta libraries.org for more information. Bone is a resident of Crawford and a critically acclaimed journalist, with an emphasis on nature and food. She is the former president of the New York Mycological Society and a member of the National Association of Science Writers. Her previous books include “Mycophilia,” “The Kitchen Ecosystem,” “At Mesa’s Edge,” “Italian Family Dining” and “Well Preserved.” Her books have been nominated for a variety

Eugenia Bone of awards, including a Colorado Book Award and James Beard Award, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Saveur, Food & Wine, and Gourmet, among others. While researching her 2011 book “Mycophilia,” Eugenia Bone became fascinated with microbes — those life forms that are too small to see without a microscope. She wanted to understand the microbes that lived inside other organisms, so she enrolled at Columbia University to

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study ecology, evolution and environmental biology. “Microbia” takes the layman on a survey of the role of microbes in nature and illustrates their importance to the existence of everything: atmosphere, soil, plants, and us. Every day there seem to be new headlines about how our gut microbiome is making us skinny or fat, or about the bacteria lurking on our toothbrushes/iphones/toilet seats, or the effects of antibiotics used in industrial farming methods, or how probiotics are a cureall. We know microbes are everywhere, but do we really understand just how significantly they shape our world and our day-to-day? Why are we attracted to the people we’re attracted to? Why do some people have stronger cravings for chocolate? Why aren’t graveyards a hotbed of disease? Why is grassfed beef more nutritious than corn-fed? Why do we have better hair days after we skip a shampoo? Why is the paleo diet baloney? It all goes back to microbes. Part memoir, part popular science, “Microbia” is an approachable, highly personal look at our relationship with microbes and shows how different the world is with a microbial point of view. Bone clarifies the new science in this rapidly evolving field, explaining such things as the wrongheadedness of labeling some bacteria “good” and others “bad,” the science behind biodynamic farming, “microbiomania” vs “germaphobia,” and how microbes provide a new definition of family.

33 years of serenity

Photo by Don Benjamin

Cedaredge’s Stolte Shed was packed with visitors from around the globe last week as a host of clean and sober bikers took part in the 33rd annual International Serenity Run. The Grand Mesa Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9221 hosted two breakfasts last Friday and Saturday as bikers passed through town on their way to their annual encampment.

Explore ‘flower pounding’ at garden club program BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

Friday, July 20, proved to be a perfect day for the Plant & Dig Garden Club’s annual wildflower viewing on Grand Mesa. There was a slight overcast which kept the temperature just right for our adventure. A dozen of us started out, including four guests, finding many wildflowers in bloom in spite of the very dry conditions. Everyone marveled at how well these amazing plants adapt to whatever condition Mother Nature imposes. Jude Kieca, one of the guests, proved to be a wealth of information about many of the flowers that we encountered. Her vast knowledge added greatly to our enjoyment. Thank you, Jude, for sharing that knowledge with all of us. We ended the day at Frost’s restaurant, where we had a delicious lunch and more wildflower-viewing around that establishment. This is always one of our favorite outings. As gardeners we enjoy being outdoors. And experiencing the garden that is provided for us in our beautiful mountains is just another way for us

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Amanda Cerise of Cedaredge earned a master of arts degree in school counseling from Adams State University, Alamosa, during spring commencement ceremonies in May.

to be aware of the beauty around us. Club members continue to monitor “our” garden beds at Pioneer Town. Comments from visitors and volunteers tell us that our efforts are appreciated. And all members agree that our commitment to help make the grounds at Pioneer Town attractive is what community service is all about. August is our club’s month to keep the courtyard at Horizons Care Center looking well caredfor. Our club is one of the three in the area that take a month during the summer to perform this service. Once again, we enjoy helping to keep this area beautiful for residents, staff and visitors. We also are happy to be a part of the commitment involving the three area

clubs in this endeavor. Club member Patt Jones will spearhead our August program, teaching us all about “Flower Pounding.” This is a process which transfers the color and image of garden flowers and foliage to cloth by pounding it with a hammer. It is a great way to create artwork to frame. We are looking forward to trying our hand at this unique way to bring the beauty of our garden flowers into our homes. If you are interested in learning more about all phases of gardening, in making new friends, in participating in our community service projects, in just having fun, come and join us. Our club meets the third Friday of every month. For more information you may call 856-7077 or 856-3897.

Life Line Screenings to be offered Aug. 13

Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will offer a preventive health event at All Saints Lutheran Church on Monday, Aug. 13. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is close-

ly tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a wellness package which includes four vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. There are three ways to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129. Please call toll-free 1-888-6536441 or visit http://life linescreening.com/ communitycircle or text the word circle to 797979.

Cedar Mesa Club hosts salad supper fundraiser The members of the Cedar Mesa Community Club are offering a way for everyone to cool down and fill up this summer — a salad supper fundraiser. On Friday, Aug. 10, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the clubhouse, 15637 Peach Road, the ladies will apply their wellknown cooking skills to preparing a wonderful variety of salads for everyone to dine on.

This will be a summertime version of the club’s ever-popular fall/winter soup suppers. Dessert and drinks will also be offered. All of this is available for just a donation to the club’s scholarship fund. So if you’re tired after a hectic work week, or preparing for a busy weekend, and don’t want to cook, please consider the Cedar Mesa Club’s salad

A senior tradition

supper as a welcome respite. And if you’ve got a house full of company, bring them along. Come enjoy a friendly neighborhood gathering, and help the club raise money for local students while you’re at it. If you have any questions, about the supper, or the club’s activities, please call club president Jane at 856-6042 or Bev at 856-4165.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Cedaredge High School incoming seniors helped out at last week’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) breakfasts served as part of the 33rd annual International Serenity Run. The enthusiastic crew served water, coffee and orange juice to motorcycle visitors, veterans and townsfolk who dined together in Pioneer Town’s historic Stolte Shed. Pictured left to right are Kylee Hanson, Emalee Brooks, Nevaeh Martinez, Azalee Hoffbauer, Kaden Schulz and Courtney Freeman.

TELEVISION LISTINGS

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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

Our drought has continued with generally hot, dry days. I did receive seven tenths of an inch of rain the last week of July but this storm was spotty at best. We have entered the monsoon season with expected increased chances of rain. I will not hold my breath! A continuing drought can be a gardener’s worst nightmare. When a hot, dry weather pattern settles in, it affects your landscape in a variety of ways. There’s nothing you can do to prevent a drought, but there are some strategies you can enact to help minimize the effect it has on your yard. Drought weakens your plants, increasing how susceptible they are to attack from insects and disease. It also makes plants less winter-hardy, especially if the drought occurs in fall as plants are going dormant. The hot, dry conditions have a lasting effect, too — trees and shrubs in particular can take several years to fully recover from drought. Watering your garden is the most obvious strategy to deal with prolonged dry conditions. To stay healthy, most garden plants like about an inch of moisture per week. In most cases, it’s better to apply the water less frequently during droughts but with higher

amounts. It’s a bit of a waste to give your plants less water more frequently: Doing so discourages the roots from growing as deeply into the soil (where it stays moister longer) as they can, and it’s also inefficient as more water is lost to evaporation. While about 50 percent of residential water use typically goes toward our gardens, the biggest water user by far is your lawn. Lawns planted to cool-season grasses such as Kentucky blue grass use 40-50 percent more water than trees and shrubs for optimal appearance. The first thing I would look at in my effort to maximize water efficiency would be my irrigation system. You can’t just install a lawn sprinkler system and expect it to function perfectly year after year. I would also suggest reducing the size of your

lawn where practical and reducing the amount of water you apply by 10-20 percent. Your lawn won’t look as good but it will survive and not go dormant. You should reduce the amount of water applied by watering less often, maybe increasing the interval by a day. Do not reduce the amount of water applied at each irrigation. We want to encourage deep roots. Core aerating your lawn is another practice that will increase water penetration and be very beneficial. If you haven’t done so already, I would apply a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil in your gardens and under trees and shrubs. It keeps the soil cooler and shields the ground from direct sun. The benefit is that moisture stays in the soil longer, where it’s more available to your garden plants. You can run a soaker hose underneath your mulch to maximize water savings. Water will be delivered directly to the ground (reducing evaporation) and slowly (reducing water loss

to runoff). It will also keep plant foliage dry, which helps prevent many common fungal diseases such as black spot on roses. If you apply fertilizers (organic or synthetic), it’s helpful to stop doing so when you are trying to conserve water during a drought. Fertilizers encourage plant growth; the more a plant grows, the more moisture it needs. If fertilizer salts build up in your soil because they’re not naturally leaching out with rain or irrigation, they can build up and burn plant roots, causing further damage. You should also pull weeds. It might not be fun at the best of times, but getting those weeds out of the garden is especially important during drought. The reason: weeds’ roots steal valuable moisture from your desirable plants. Deadheading your flowers is also suggested if you don’t already. Removing spent blooms before they have a chance to set seed saves energy for your plants: They don’t need to

put extra energy (which they need water for) into producing seeds. Gardening without water or in minimized conditions can be challenging. By following a few of these simple tips, however, you can still have the beautiful garden without irrespon-

sible water waste and high utility bills. 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.

Early ribbons

Photo by Don Benjamin

As the Delta County Fair got underway last Sunday, Bailey Rogers of Cedaredge and her bay gelding Veto were among the early ribbon winners. Bailey — who is a member of the Best of the West 4-H Club — took ﬁrst place and grand champion in the halter class competition. The fair continues in Hotchkiss until Aug. 12.

Methodists launch monthly program for kids Cedaredge United Methodist Church will launch a monthly program for children of Cedaredge and surrounding communities with a back-to-school/end of summer celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which says there is a season for every purpose under heaven, children from kindergarten to fifth grade will enjoy music, drama, arts and crafts, outdoor games, including water games, snacks, lunch and a trip to pick seasonal produce at one of the area’s farms. The children will also pack school supplies for children in need. While pre-registration would be appreciated, it is not required. Registration for the Aug. 11 event will begin at 8:45 a.m. with the program beginning in full at 9 a.m. Participating is as simple as showing up at the church, which is at 210 NW 3rd Street in Cedaredge, at the intersection of NW 3rd Street and NW Aspen Avenue.

Photo submitted

Book talk

Local author Carolyn White will present her book, “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt,” and have copies available for signing at the Cedaredge Library Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m. She will present on publishing tips for aspiring authors and provide book giveaways and handouts on the top 12 publishing tools.

Delta County Memorial Hospital

Foundation Proudly Presents the Seventh Proudly Presents the Seventh AnnualAnnual

Pea Green PedalPedal & Fun Pea Green & Run/Walk Fun Run/W Registration includes catered lunch, drink, prize drawings, & a T-shirt* *Your registration must be received no later than August 21, 2018 to guarantee a shirt. Registrations on or after August 22 get shirts on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last.

*Ages 13 - 18

*Late Registration

(no later than 08/21)

With Student ID

(on or after 08/22)

$40.00

$25.00

$45.00

Saturday, September 8, 2018 Saturday, September 8, 2018

Lion’s Pavilion ~ Confluence Park, Delta Bike Ride 40 mile route 8:00 am Start

Bike Ride 18 mile route 9:30 am Start

5K Fun Run/Walk 10:30 am Start

www.dcmhfoundation.org

C6 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Ignite Faith Conference scheduled Aug. 10-11

Photo by Don Benjamin

Party rainbow

Last Saturday the Cedaredge Town Park was humming with activity. The day began with a “Celebrate Cedaredge” fair and the start of The Pondy’s cancer walk fundraiser. Then the town trustees served up treats for a Party in the Park and David Starr took the outdoor stage for a two-hour concert. Halfway through his set it began to rain — and hard — until the audience was treated to a full-sky rainbow. The next big event planned for the park is the Sept. 8 Symphony in the Park from 4-8 p.m.

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founder of Life Church in Montrose, Pastor Tod is a steady and consistent example of faith in a chaotic generation. He and his wife, Pastor Lori, have three amazing children. Jeff Fenholt will also speak. Fenholt has a powerful testimony as he was set free and delivered from chronic drug use and a destructive rock and roll lifestyle. He has been seen on TBN blessing people with his anointed voice. Dr. Andrew Nkoyoyo, the third speaker, is a revivalist, missionary, best-selling author and forerunner for Jesus Christ from Uganda, East Africa, called to be His

voice to the nations, specifically the U.S. He is on fire for God with an urgent prophetic call to our generation. For more information about the conference, call Pastor Tod at 970-7124700 or Lisa Martinez at 970-644-0339, or visit www.todtruitministries. org.

Contact the DCI: Website: www.deltacountyindependent.com

E-mail ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

E-mail articles and letters to the editor at:

editor@deltacountyindependent.com

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The Ignite Faith Conference 2018, “Faith, hope and healing,” will take place Aug. 10-11 at the Montrose Pavilion. Presented by Tod Truitt Ministries, the conferences begins at 7 p.m. Friday. Services are planned Saturday at 10 a.m and 7 p.m. The Montrose Pavilion is located at 1800 Pavilion Drive. Pastor Tod Truitt is a faithful teacher of God’s word. He lives to see lives changed and transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. He has an awesome testimony himself of the power of God to set free from debilitating depression and anxiety/panic attacks. The

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Classifieds

August 8, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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ESTATE/DOWNSIZING/ Moving/Yard Sale. Gigantic. Furniture, tools, wigs, household items, linens, material, patterns, antiques, sports equipment, holiday decor, exercise equipment, Rentals For Sale men’s & women’s clothing... something for everyone! 885 NE 2nd St in Cedaredge IMMACULATE CEDAR- 2 CEDAREDGE CEM- August 10 & 11. 9:00 a.m. til edge home for rent. 3 bed etary Plots for sale. $800 3:00 p.m. each day (no early 2 bath, new carpet, fenced for both. Section J, Lot 15, birds). (1x32) yard for 1 dog on approval. Sites 4 & 5. NE Section. ADVERTISE YOUR YARD No Smoking (anything). Call Phone Kathy Watson (707) Sale in the DCI...874-4421. (970)835-4761 or (970)216- 704-6188. (4x32) 6262. (2x31) ��

Yard Sales

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

the Paper!”

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Yard Sales

Classified Ads are the place where sellers find buyers. Call today. 874-4421.

“I Saw It In You’ll find lots of interesting things in your newspaper… • Local News • Editorials • Business • Meetings • Schools

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D2 Wednesday, August 8, 2018 Help Wanted

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�� CUSTOMER SERVICE Specialist I. High Country News seeks data entry and departmental support. Strong candidates will have experience meeting the needs of customers and providing accurate, highvolume data entry. Nonexempt, PT, hourly position, $15/hour. For details and how to apply, go to hcn. org/about/jobs. Deadline 8/17/18. EOE. (2x32)

POSITION ANNOUNCEment—Delta County Libraries Bookkeeper/ Administrative Assistant. Delta County Libraries Administration-Hotchkiss. 30 hours/week, $16 - $25/ hour. Application Deadline: August 31, 2018, 5:00 p.m. Applications and complete job description available at: www.deltalibraries.org/ bookkeeper-administrativeassistant/ (4x32)

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTant. High Country News seeks assistance on fundraising campaigns. Strong candidates will have experience administering monthly-giving programs, communicating with donors, and working with complex databases. Non-exempt, hourly, up to 40 hrs/wk. PT applicants will be considered. For details and how to apply, go to hcn.org/about/ jobs. Deadline 8/17/18. EOE. (2x32)

ROGERS MESA FRUIT Co. is now taking applications for seasonal packers and sorters for the 2018 packing season. Come in to fill out an application MF 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 9981 3100 Road, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. We are located on the corner of Hwy 92 & 3100 Rd. (2x32)

Miscellaneous

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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NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent 10 days prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS 4421. in the classifieds. 874-4421 ADVERTISE....874-4421!

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Delta County Independent

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) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149.

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Public Service

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up.

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

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

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

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, WANNA PLAY A ROUND? keep up on newer traffic Golf with a fun group of laws, learn defensive drivladies. Two membership ing techniques. For details options available. Sign up and schedule contact John at www.cedaredgeladies Loring (970) 856-6924 or golf.com. Get to know us (970) 424-1778. on Facebook at “cedar AL-ANON: HOPE AND edgeladiesgolfclub” help for families and ALCOHOLICS ANONY- friends of alcoholics meets mous meets Thursdays at 7 in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall 897 Palmer Street, Delta. behind First Baptist Church, 370 W. Main St., contact CO FATHER’S NETWORK- Mary M. 970-856-6123 or dedicated to providing Jim 970-874-7855. community and education to fathers of special needs HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD kids. Meets twice monthly Historical Museum. Winter on the 1st Saturday at 11 hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. a.m. and the 3rd Monday $3 admission or free to at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, members. Come see our Delta. See our website for museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss more details: www.codads. Streets in Hotchkiss. 872org 3780.

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 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta AbrahamConnection. org. HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift Shop and some additional areas. If you are interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for an application.

IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Library. NARCOTICS ANONYmous meets at 9th and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support groups. Please call our office at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour crisis line at 1-844-990-5500.

AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: AlAnon, Mondays at Noon, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210FREE DIAPERS FOR UP 8090 or Marjorie 970-433to one year! Pregnant 1856. women in Delta County can CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV now get help to quit smok- regular meetings on the ing and get something they second Monday of each can really use after their month at 7 p.m. at the baby arrives — free diapers. Veterans Building, 15th & Healthy moms have healthy Howard, Delta. For further babies. Enroll in the Baby & information, call Paul Carter Me Tobacco Free program 874-5150. today. Contact the Delta County Health Department THINK YOU'RE PREGat 874-2165 or your local nant? Abused? Need help? physician. The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free SUPPORT THE DELTA service, support and advice Library. Give a gently used to all teenagers and women book in the Downstairs in crisis pregnancy situaBook Store. tions. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door).

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Bearproof your home to protect bears As if bears weren’t already known for their insatiable hunger, the end of summer triggers an instinctual need to pack on the pounds to prepare for the months of hibernation ahead. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds everyone that this quest for calories, called hyperphagia, will send bears on an urgent search for food making it especially important to bearproof your homes and cars when in bear country. During this “feeding frenzy,” bears will try to eat up to 20,000 calories a day to build up their fat reserves ahead of winter, often searching for food up to 20 hours a day. Hyperphagia also triggers changes to a bear’s preferred food sources, shifting from their summer diet of insects, leaves, and flowers of broadleafed plants to a higher fat and carbohydrate diet of fruits and nuts. It also means hungry bears will be actively seeking out the types of meals found in your trash can and around your home. “Bearproofing your property — including both homes and cars — becomes even more important this time of year,” said Jerrie McKee, district wildlife manager with CPW. “It only takes one person to disregard common-sense precautions for a bear to get into their trash or their

home. That one careless person increases the chances that the bear will move on to a neighbor’s home, car or trash can. We want everyone to understand why it’s so important to take the steps to keep your property, your neighborhood, and ultimately our bear population safer.” Wildfires across the state this year may lead to more bears seeking food outside of their usual habitat, but CPW stresses that humans should not try to “help” bears by leaving food out or not hazing animals away. The agency urges residents and visitors to continue taking special care to secure trash, pet food, birdseed and other easy sources of calories for bears. “Wildlife, including bears, are very resilient during times of habitat stress,” said McKee. “In most cases, animals affected by wildfires or other stressors do not require human intervention to find food. If you have concerns about a bear or other animal, call your local CPW office, but don’t take matters into your own hands — there is never a good reason for people to feed wildlife.” Properly bearproofing your home may mean taking several of the recommended steps below: Keep Bears Out • Close and lock all bear-accessible windows and doors when you leave

the house, and at night before you go to bed. • Install sturdy grates or bars on windows if you must leave them open. • Keep car doors and windows closed and locked if you park outside. Make sure there’s nothing with an odor in your vehicle, including candy, gum, air fresheners, trash, lotions and lip balms. • Close and lock garage doors and windows at night and when you’re not home; garage doors should be down if you are home but not outside. • Install extra-sturdy doors if you have a freezer, refrigerator, pet food, bird seed, or other attractants stored in

your garage. • Remove any tree limbs that might provide access to upper level decks and windows. • Replace exterior lever-style door handles with good quality round door knobs that bears can’t pull or push open. Get Rid of Attractants • Don’t leave trash out overnight unless it’s in a bear-proof enclosure or container. Be sure to research all local ordinances and regulations if vacationing. • Don’t store food of any kind in an unlocked garage, flimsy shed or on or under your deck. • Don’t leave anything with an odor outside, near open windows

or in your vehicle, even if you’re home. That includes scented candles, air fresheners, lip balms and lotions. • Only feed birds when bears are hibernating. If you want to feed birds when bears are active, bring in seed or liquid feeders at night or when you leave home. Teach Bears They’re Not Welcome • If a bear comes close to your home, scare it away. Loud noises like a firm yell, clapping your hands, banging on pots and pans or blowing an air horn sends most bears running. • Utilize electric fencing, unwelcome mats and scent deterrents like ammonia to teach bears

that your property is not bear-friendly. • If a bear enters your home, open doors and windows and ensure it can leave the same way it got in. Don’t approach the bear or block escape routes. • Never approach a bear. If a bear won’t leave, call your local CPW office. If a bear presents an immediate threat to human safety, call 911. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has several resources available that can help you find the right methods for protecting your home and property while bears are most active. For additional information, see CPW’s Living with Bears page or visit cpw.state.co.us.

Thinking about health

Resurrecting old insurance model may limit who gets covered and how well BY TRUDY LIEBERMAN

Rural Health News Service

A new health insurance option awaits consumers this fall. Proponents say it will offer lower premiums and relief from increasingly expensive Obamacare policies sold in the so-called individual market. That’s the place where people who don’t have employer or government-sponsored insurance turn when they need coverage. It’s no secret that rising premiums have hurt people in that market if they are among those whom the law considers too wealthy for subsidies to help them out — for example, families of four with incomes above $100,400 and single people whose incomes exceed $48,560. So the Trump administration has approved the return of association policies, called AHPs for short. Fraternal or professional organizations can sponsor one. A single proprietor or sole owner of a business can also set up one of these new arrangements. But these “new” arrangements are not new. They were around for years before the Affordable Care Act was passed, and they’ve been resurrected by the Trump administration to promote a low-cost option for a small slice of the insurance marketplace. Labor secretary Alexander Acosta offers this rationale: “Many of our laws, particularly Obamacare, make health care more expensive for small businesses than large companies. AHPs are about more choice, more access and more coverage.” Once again the individual market may Colorado Parks and Wildlife photo become the Wild, Wild Properly bearprooﬁng homes and cars not only West of insurance as sellprevents property damage, but keeps you, your ers pick and choose what neighbors and Colorado’s bears safer. benefits to offer. They

can present a shopping nightmare for consumers who try to slog through the market and understand what they’re buying. Many of the protections offered by the ACA are gone, and shoppers are on their own to sort through the fine print that may or may not disclose what they are buying. For example, the Affordable Care Act outlawed the practice of considering a person’s pre-existing health conditions before issuing a policy, one of the most important protections it provided. Under the government’s rules for AHPs, a person’s health still cannot be factored into the decision to issue a policy. But insurers may find a way around this limitation, says Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Health Insurance Reforms. “The way benefits are designed can make a policy very unattractive to certain groups of sick people,” she told me. If an insurance group doesn’t want to cover a lot of people with HIV-AIDS, it could create a network that includes almost no doctors who treat people with that condition. AHPs must still cover the ACA’s preventive services like mammograms and diabetes screening. But other ACA protections are gone. Fewer benefits and ones that are less comprehensive are the trade-offs for cheaper policies. “AHPs will have more flexibility in how they vary premiums and what benefits are covered,” says Cori Uccello, senior health fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries. Here’s where

the shopping task gets tricky. AHPs won’t be required to cover any of the ACA’s package of essential benefits — things like mental health, maternity, and prescription drugs. It’s also possible their benefits could come with limitations on hospital stays and doctor visits. Comparing policies with these different combinations of benefits will take some effort. There are other changes, too, that would-be shoppers should be aware of. The “flexibility” touted by the labor secretary means that AHPs will now be able to use gender in deciding how much to charge. Women could be forced to pay more than men because insurers say that, especially at younger ages, women have more claims. On the Health Affairs blog Katie Keith of Keith Health Policy Solutions showed what could happen when gender is factored into the pricing decision. Keith pointed to a Blue Cross Blue Shield comment letter that suggested AHPs could rate (determine what to charge) young men more than 40 percent lower than insurers could while young women could be rated more than 30 percent higher. The AHPs could rate engineers nine percent lower than insurers and rate taxi drivers 15 percent higher. Engineers apparently file fewer claims than taxi drivers. That may be the biggest change — that AHPs will be able to consider people’s jobs in the decision to insure them. The ACA had outlawed the practice of occupational underwriting, which had meant that waiters, musicians, models, beauty operators,

fry cooks, even doctors and lawyers sometimes couldn’t obtain insurance because insurance stats showed people in those occupations filed more claims. Will people in those occupations be turned down now? Association health plans might look like a panacea for the country’s health care woes. But questionable practices are likely to resurface, and it’s not clear state insurance departments, which had a tough time keeping tabs on fraud and abuse years ago, are up to the job of policing them. AHPs may well throw the individual market into a big mess without addressing the fundamental problem they purport to solve: the underlying high price of American medical care. What would you choose: lower premiums or skimpier benefits? Write to Trudy at trudy. lieberman@gmail.com.

Youth volleyball skills and drills offered Bill Heddles Recreation Centr is offering volleyball skills and drills for youth grades K-4. Register before Sept. 23; the cost is $30. Skills and drills will be Monday nights Oct. 15 through Nov. 19. K-2 students will play from 4 to 4:40 p.m., and grades 3-4 will play from 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. Come learn the skills of volleyball and how they are applied to a real game. For more information, contact Whitnee Lear at 874-0923 or Whitnee@ cityofdelta.net.

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, August 8, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

Biker, black belt, bowed strings — all for the fun of it Nora Kniskern’s brother, Carl Wilcox of Montrose, has initiated several climbing expeditions of Colorado’s 14’ers. Nora and Mark have joined Carl in climbing Mount Sneffels, Uncompaghre Peak, Handies Peak, Sunlight Peak and Precipice and Courthouse. Photographed above on Mount Sneffels are Carl, Ella (Carl’s and Nora’s sister), Nora, Mark and Ella’s son William.

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

ora Kniskern is a member of Women on the Move, bike riders who ride every Friday with their buddies. Their rides average about 30 miles. Recently their ride was from Paonia to Crawford, back by Needlerock to Paonia for lunch. Sometimes they schedule a longer ride or participate in local charity rides. Nora and her husband Mark lived in Milwaukee. Nora was having difficulties with her sinuses and in 1993 visited her brother, Carl Wilcox, who lives in Montrose. She recalls, “I felt so healthy in Colorado and decided, ‘This is where I want to be some time.” In August 1996 Nora and Mark moved to Delta. They bought their current house in 1997. Mark taught math, physics and computer programming at Delta High School and Nora went to work for Delta Family Physicians. In January 1998 their son David was born. Mark is now a software engineer for Twentieth Century Fox, and Nora is retired. Nora’s dad was a professor, teaching biochemistry engineering at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He was also a highly proficient pianist. He played in church, at Christmas parties and other social gatherings for their fellow professors and families. “Our mom insisted that all three of her children take piano lessons for five years,” Nora said. Nora considered herself a piano failure and started violin lessons when she was eight or nine. Her violin teacher, Jennette Hoff, was excellent with children and carried a teaching commitment of 200 students, “teaching every breathing moment,” Nora recalls. Several of Hoff ’s older, proficient

students assisted in teaching Hoff ’s younger students. When Hoff passed away, several of those older students continued teaching Hoff ’s younger students. During Nora’s senior year of high school, she taught violin in that capacity. As a college freshman, Nora auditioned and was accepted as a violinist in the regular orchestra and the chamber orchestra at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Nora has played with the Valley Symphony Orchestra as a violinist since the early 2000s. She is a student of Debbie TenNapel, concert mistress of the Valley Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the Valley Youth Orchestra. During the rehearsals of the Valley Youth Orchestra, Nora works with the young musicians as a mentor. She will play her violin with the student and guide him or her with fingering, bowing, rhythm and counting. In the Valley Youth Orchestra, the young musicians fall into three classifications: concertino for the youngest, philharmonic for the middle in ability, and symphonic for advanced musicians. Some of the youth in symphonic classification play in the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Mark and Nora’s son, David, is also a violinist. David and Nora have played violin duets at weddings, funerals and other occasions. One of Nora’s favorite activities is karate. “Karate is good for selfdefense and good for self-confidence, especially for children and women,” Nora said. “But it is also good for muscle toning, which helps us keep physically strong. “Karate helps you develop focus and concentration. You have to focus in karate.” Nora’s karate sensei (teacher) is Rodney Grantham. He teaches Seidokan, a karate

Nora is an avid bike rider and a member of Women on the Move, a group of friends who ride every Friday.

style from Okinawa. “Sensei Rodney is a gifted teacher. He’s perceptive, understanding and sensitive. I’ve really learned a lot from him,” Nora said. “He does not let us get overwhelmed, and leads us gradually. He’s supportive, showing us the next step, or kata, is the natural thing. People learn easily from him.” Grantham hosted the International Seidokan Black Belt Conference in 2009 at Camp Cedaredge. The conference was open to students worldwide with black belts or advanced brown belts. People came from far away, including Japan and Puerto Rico, and stayed at the camp. Local people drove up every day, Nora said. Sensei Grantham taught classes at the conference, as did guest sensei. There is no language barrier in karate. Sensei Grantham currently holds a sixth degree black belt. As a master, people respect him and seek him out for his knowledge of Seidokan. Belt designations go from white to yellow to green to brown to black. The apparel karate activists wear is called a gi (pronounced gee). Nora began karate lessons in 2005. She currently holds a third degree black belt, earned in 2015. She earned first degree black belt in 2010, second degree black belt in 2012. Next summer, August 2019, she hopes to achieve fourth degree black belt. “One of the first things you learn in karate is how to fall,” Nora said. “This is important as you will be falling a lot in training. “Practicing karate is cumulative; each kata (learning form) progresses in complexity, building on what you have learned before. All katas are teaching tools. The basic first kata is kihon, and in karate you will always be doing kihon kata until you die ... or quit training.” All students are expected to teach each other in a positive, supportive way. “You learn the most by teaching, more than any other way,” Nora said. Nora attends classes on Monday and Wednesday at the dojo (training hall) in Cedaredge, starting at 6:30 p.m. In addition, there are advanced classes on Sunday

The Kniskern Family: Mark, Nora and David evenings. Nora will teach adult classes for sensei Grantham for three weeks this fall when Grantham goes to Okinawa with fellow student sensei Adam DeAngelo. Nora’s husband Mark practiced karate for about a year and a half, earning a yellow belt. When he joined Twentieth Century Fox, he was traveling a lot and couldn’t work the classes into his schedule. Son David started karate lessons when he was eight years old, earned the third stripe on a green belt, then decided to quit. There were not many children his age in the classes at that time. Nora notes that karate is never offensive. “It is for protection, training, education

and discipline,” she emphasizes. There are five special people that Nora feels gratitude to and thankfulness for being there to enable her to be involved in these three activities that bring such meaning and joy to her life. They are her husband Mark; Lucy Orros, good friend and workout partner; her karate sensei Rodney Grantham; Debbie TenNapel for both Valley Symphony and Valley Youth Orchestra; and Sydney Shaw, organizer of Women on the Move. “These people inspire me to be a better person; they lead by example. I’m extremely fortunate to learn from them and have them in my life,” Nora said.

Nora Kniskern, feet ﬁrmly planted, and Ben Resz, on the ﬂoor, are practicing prearranged kumite technique to use in self-defense.

Violinists Nora Kniskern, son David Kniskern, and nephew Tom Hall play at Ridgway Park for the wedding reception of Nora’s brother.