Delta County Independent, Aug. 22, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

OPTIONS FOR KIDS

SPORTS

WATER WATCH

Waldorf-inspired school begins year with a new principal, B1

DIAMOND PLAY

Orchard City, Cedaredge keep a close eye on reserves, C1

Cedaredge softball team opens season under new coach, C6

DELTA COUNTY

AUGUST 22, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 34

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

50J focuses on student growth BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The results of statewide assessments for English language arts, mathematics and science were released by the Colorado Department of Education last week, along with academic growth summary information. “We really focus on the growth aspect,” said assistant superintendent Kurt Clay. “It’s important to be growing our kids at or faster than the state average of 50 percent.” Districtwide, English language art results lagged a bit at 49 percent, but strong growth was observed in math, a focus of the school district over the past several years. “This is the third year in the Go Math!” Clay said, “so teachers are feeling more comfortable with the curriculum. We just need to make sure we’re differentiating and meeting every student’s needs.” Overall, math was up 53 percent, with extremely good growth in the seventh and eighth grades. Science is clearly an area of

concern, Clay said, and a subject that’s the focus of a needs assessment in preparation for purchasing new curriculum districtwide. Approximately 550,000 students were assessed last spring from third through 11th grade. Third- through eighth-graders took Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments in English language arts and math. Fifth-, eighth- and 11th-graders took CMAS science assessments. Ninth- and 10th-graders took the PSAT, and 11th-graders took the SAT as the state’s college entrance exam and Colorado’s measure of achievement in high school. “SAT growth is not where we want it to be, but it’s better than it’s been,” Clay said. He’s especially excited about strong growth in the PSATs administered to the district’s ninth and 10th graders. Results for all 178 school districts and approximately 1,800 schools can be found on CDE’s Colorado Measures of Academic Success webpage.

STATE/DISTRICT CMAS RESULTS % Meeting or Exceeding State Standards

LANGUAGE ARTS Grade 3 , , , , , , , , Grade 4 , , , , , , , , Grade 5 , , , , , , , , Grade 6 , , , , , , , , Grade 7 , , , , , , , , Grade 8 , , , , , , , , MATHEMATICS Grade 3 , , , , , , Grade 4 , , , , , , Grade 5 , , , , , , Grade 6 , , , , , , Grade 7 , , , , , , Grade 8 , , , , , ,

STATE

, , , , , , , , , , , , 40.4 , , , , , , , , , , , , 46.1 , , , , , , , , , , , , 47.4 , , , , , , , , , , , , 42.8 , , , , , , , , , , , , 46.6 , , , , , , , , , , , , 43.8

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 39.1 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 33.9 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 30.4 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 30.4 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 28.8 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 28.2

DISTRICT 42* 44 56 47 47 42 37 21 29 28 25 35

*These numbers, as provided by the school district, have been rounded off.

Back to school

Jordan Olivas and his parents, Danelle and Johnny, check in with Jordan’s ﬁrst grade teacher, Katie Stewart, during Lincoln Elementary’s back-to-school night. With the “perfect” number of 22 students in her class, Stewart said she’s excited to seeing the start of a great school year.

12-year sentence handed down for drunk driving death BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The heartbreak that can result when someone makes the decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and marijuna was palpable in Delta District Court Monday afternoon, as a Massachusetts man was sentenced for the death of Gladys “Josie” Varela in February 2017. Josie was just three days shy of her 20th birthday when she was killed in a head-on collision with James Catlin, who is now 33 years of age.

50J explores bond, mill levy override question for 2019 BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County School District #50 is exploring the possibility of a 2019 ballot question that would generate revenue through a bond or a mill levy override. Whether the school district borrows money through a bond, or collects more property tax through a mill levy override, it would likely use the additional revenues for two primary purposes — transportation and school security. At the Aug. 16 school board meeting, superintendent Caryn Gibson discussed proposals from three companies that would help the school district with election planning. The firms would con-

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Agriculture ................... B6 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A8 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ............................ D3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ......................B5 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports .............................C6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

duct a needs assessment and solicit feedback from local citizens that would help the school district determine how much — and for what purposes — voters would be willing to tax themselves. Gibson said the information will help school board members make an informed decision about whether to move forward with a ballot question. At Gibson’s recommendation, the school board chose the firm of George K. Baum & Company and authorized Gibson and business manager Jim Ventrello to negotiate the cost and extent of the firm’s expertise. Currently, Baum’s proposal of $35,000 exceeds the $20,000 budgeted for those outside services.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The school district has been trying to bring the aging bus fleet up to date by purchasing several route and activity buses every year. On Aug. 16, the school board approved the purchase of two gas-powered route buses and heard a report from Joyce Conger. She said the district’s bus drivers covered 550,781 total miles during the 2017-18 school year, with no major accidents. About 185,000 miles were for activities. John McHugh, facilities supervisor, displayed photos of the many projects completed districtwide during the summer months. At Delta Middle School, district and Kissner GC crews met his goal of getSCHOOL DISTRICT TO A3

The accident occurred in North Delta on Feb. 6, 2017. Catlin pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in the death of Josie and vehicular assault for causing injuries to Josie’s father Victor, who was a passenger in her vehicle. Sentencing took place Aug. 20. At the time of the accident, Josie was coming home from classes at CMU, where she was studying music performance. She began playing the violin shortly before her sixth birthday. Her mother Michelle testified that she had the serious dedication required to perfect her skills. Though Victor worked as a ranch hand and money was scarce, violin lessons for Josie were always a priority. Michelle described Josie as a “radiant beam of light” who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She told the judge she wished she could feel hate for James Catlin, but said the incredible sense

Josie Varela

of loss overrides every other feeling she could have. She urged the judge to sentence Catlin to the maximum of 12 years as outlined in the plea agreement. Victor Varela said the death of his daughter was no “accident,” because Catlin made the decision to drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He tearfully described the devastating impact Josie’s death has had on their close-knit family, omitting details about his own serious injuries. Since the accident, Varela has been unable to return to work full-time due to his physical and emotional damages. Janey Sorensen, one of his employers, told Judge Steven Schultz that the pain expressed in the courtroom is not exaggerated. “I have watched this family suffer incredibly,” she said. “Where once there was joy and happiness, there is quiet and sadness. There is so much depression and sadness surrounding Victor and his family.” Defense attorney Gordon Gallagher presented video from Catlin’s AA sponsor and a priest at the monastery where he has been volunteering. He said Catlin is “completely consumed by guilt” and has committed himself to restitution. His girlfriend, an uncle and his father also spoke. Like the members of Josie’s family, they shed tears as they spoke about the tragic aftermath of SENTENCING TO A3

Veterans resource fair

Fire restrictions are back

Veterans who need employment resources, or who are interested in being a ventrepreneur, are invited to a Veterans Employment Opportunity Resource Fair Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Technical College of the Rockies. The entire family is invited to this free networking event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Small business, start-up funding information and resources will be available. This event is sponsored by the Elks Veterans Back to Work Program, western Colorado Elks lodges, Technical College of the Rockies, workforce centers and veterans groups. For more information, call 303-374-4107.

Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand Mesa have transitioned back to Stage 1 fire restrictions. Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific fuel moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather and amount of current fire activity. The present state of the Bull Draw Fire indicates that current conditions on the plateau represent a high level of fire danger. As of Aug. 21, the Bull Draw Fire covered 30,180 acres northwest of Nucla. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Type 2 Team Black has assumed management of the fire from Minnesota Incident Management Type 2 Blue Team. A total of 308 personnel are on the scene. On Sunday morning, four firefighters driving to the fireline were involved in a one-vehicle accident. Three firefighters were taken to Delta County Memorial Hospital by ambulance, and one was later taken by private vehicle. All four crew members were treated and released. For more information on prescribed burns, wildfires and fire restrictions on forest lands call the fire line at 970-874-6602 or visit http://bit.ly/GMUGFireRestrictions.

A2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS A livable climate should matter to us all Dear Editor: For the fourth time in 50 years, the North Fork’s Fire Mountain Canal has been shut off during the growing season. The Colorado River District community affairs director recently noted the drought could be sign of a new reality, “... the new normal, we have more population, we have warming temperatures.” In April 2018, atmospheric carbon pollution hit over 410 ppm, a higher concentration than has existed for at least 800,000 years. Meanwhile the U.S. just had its

hottest May-June-July on record, and Europe had its second hottest July. The “greenhouse effect” has been understood since the 19th century as a brief article from 1912 is noted, with this early observation about coal consumption, adding “...tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere yearly. This tends to make the air a more effective blanket for the earth and to raise its temperature. The effect may be considerable in a few centuries.” Action is required. We need to reduce climate pollution and restore systems that provide cli-

Civics 101: The First Amendment Dear Editor: I am writing in response to Jakki Taylor’s letter that supported my removal from the July 10 Paonia Town Board meeting by the mayor. What Mayor Charles Stewart and Ms. Taylor must realize is that in a public forum, such as a town meeting, their personal opinions and judgements are NOT the law. Not only did Mayor Stewart violate the Code of Conduct by interrupting the speaker, he violated his oath of office to uphold the laws of our nation by denying my First Amendment right to speak about an agenda item. He silenced me, removed me from the podium and expelled me from the meeting. The mayor does not have the authority to restrict public speech to fit his interpretation of what is relevant. This incident was another in a series of inappropriate attacks. I join many others in

mate benefits. We need to adapt to change here now and build resilient communities. And we need leaders that will act with forward-looking policy and targeted investments. For now, the leadership fail at the federal level paints a sad tale. Future generations plead as our rivers shrink and our forests burn. The Trump administration has an opportunity to lead at this critical time. The EPA can reverse course and reinstate the Clean Power Plan. The BLM can uphold the methane waste rule to save taxpayers millions and protect the climate. Elections are the course corrections for a republic. We can let leaders know what issues are important, what problems to prioritize for the pay and position we award them. Call and tell them that a livable climate matters to you and that it needs to matter to them. Pete Kolbenschlag Paonia

Delta County Independent

The facts matter, but which ones can we rely on? Dear Editor: David Jacobson’s letter (8/1) and James Timmerwilke’s response (8/15) have prompted me to reflect on the widening divide in this country. The letter writers expressed their opinions in a civil and respectful manner, but no one’s mind was changed. I think the problem is the writers depend upon different facts. The practice of choosing facts to support one’s opinion is not new, but the practice of rejecting as “fake news” information that doesn’t support our opinion is new and dangerous. There cannot be real communication when the “facts” are fluid and dependent on the source. Mr. Timmerwilke’s information is different than Mr. Jacobson’s. Mr. Timmerwilke says the immigration situation has been exaggerated and that the majority of families separated at the border were reunited within three days. Mr. Jacobson is outraged by immigrant children held in cages. Verified facts: 1) Photos dated 6/17 show immigrants, including children, held in chainlink structures at the detention center in McAllen, Texas (Source:

U.S. Border Patrol). 2) Statement from the Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement on 6/26 that 2,097 children separated from their families were held in shelters. 3) Statement from (HHS) on 7/12 states 57 children had been reunited with their parents. That shows 5 percent of separated children were reunited within 16 days. There is only one set of facts. Which stories get reported may reflect the

bias of the organization (Fox News has different stories than CNN), but the facts should be the same. That they are not is the real danger. How can we talk to each other and make informed decisions if we can’t rely on the same set of facts? More than ever, we have the responsibility to find the truth. The civility modeled by the letter writers is admirable, but the facts matter. Linda McCone Paonia

Don’t start down that road Dear Editor: Councilman Nathan Clay is quoted as saying “explore all sources of revenue... the city needs some income.” The council’s job is to see that money is used efficiently. What will be done better with more revenue? Or will they go looking for new things to do? Taxing marijuana sales will create a black market for cheaper untaxed marijuana. Many users are very flexible about where they get their drug money — theft is popular. Since the city wants to explore all revenue

sources, what will they legalize for how much money? Publish a price list; would they legalize marijuana sales for an additional $200,000, but no less? What would entice them to legalize hard drugs? What revenue would be needed to allow gambling or prostitution? When governments start thinking about money, their ethics seem to get flexible, and the citizens suffer the consequences. Think Chicago, or Las Vegas. It’s not a good idea to start down that road. William Coates Eckert

Paonia who believe the meetings are run in a way that fosters hostility and contempt within the town and disengagement from the public. I would like to remind the board that allowing such behavior from an elected official may put the town at risk by creating a possible civil rights liability. A town hall meeting is meaningless when people are bullied and diverse From the Delta Police was arrested on possession was arrested on a Colorado pects. opinions are stifled. A Crawford area resident Department (edited for of Schedule l & ll (heroin and State Patrol warrant. Suzanne Watson length): methamphetamine). Aug. 18: reported that several kids Paonia Officers responded to A bicycle valued at approx- had been trespassing on his

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter

Aug. 12: Officers responded to Delta United Methodist Church for a report of a male party trespassing. Jesse A. McAfee, 35, of Delta was arrested and charges with possession of schedule II and protection order violation. Officers responded to the 400 block of Grand Avenue for the report of a suspicious Dear Editor: found. The subHarry Staub, along substance stance did not test positive with many friends, for any narcotics, including founded the Friends of methamphetamines, cocaine Cedaredge Animal Con- and heroin. Officers responded to 1317 trol in 2001. His home 50 for the report of a served as the first Highway cold traffic accident. Cedaredge Animal ShelOfficers responded to City ter and he was the first Market to meet with a citizen animal control officer in who wanted to report a posCedaredge. His death sible theft of a firearm from residence. is a loss we feel deeply. their Officers responded to an Harry contributed much address on G96 Lane for a laughter and kindness suspicious incident. Officers took a lobby The Delta County Indepento both man and beast. dent welcomes letters on topreport of a missing 13-year Today give your cat a speics of general interest. Letters juvenile female. The cial treat and your dog a old must include full name, home female was located in Olathe address and telephone number nice long walk in Harry’s and transported back to the (not for publication), and must memory. It’s the legacy Delta Police Department be signed by the author. Letters where custody was turned he left for us. may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. Jacki Dapkus over to the parents. Officers responded to E-mail: Secretary Sonic editor@ for a disturbance. Surface Creek Kevin E. Wallace, 22, homedeltacountyindependent.com Fax: Animal Shelter less of Delta, was arrested 874-4424 Formerly Friends of for harassment, trespass and Mail: P.O. Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 Cedaredge disorderly conduct. Aug. 13: Animal Control Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of H25 Road and Highway 50 for a vehicle speeding and no license plates. Officers responded to the area of Garnet Avenue and Bert Street for an agency assist with Delta County Sheriff’s Office. Officers responded to Hope Manufacturing, 500 W. 2nd Street, for the report of � theft. Officers responded to �� Summers Rocky Mountain �� Motors for a report of a deal�� er plate as lost. Officers took a lobby report �� in regards to an abandoned �� vehicle on the 800 block of �� East 5th Street. Officers responded to the 1200 block of East 7th Street for a single vehicle accident. �� Officers responded to the 700 block of Genessee Street �� for the report of a stolen vehi�� cle. �� Officers responded to 128 �� Palmer Street for a two-vehicle traffic accident. Officers responded to 676 Highway 50 for a suspicious �� incident. Brian Quintanilla was arrested on four extra�� ditable warrants with a total �� bond of $2,250. �� Officers responded to �� 100 block of Grand Boule�� vard for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Brian R. Tracey, 50, of Delta was arrested on charges of open alcoholic container in motor vehicle, �� driving under the influence �� (DUI alcohol), obstruction of government operations and �� resisting arrest. �� Aug. 14: Officers responded to �� Black Jack’s Auto Recycling, �� 725 1565 Road, for a report �� of trespass and criminal mischief. Officers responded to 1360 Highway 50 in reference to a stolen U-Haul trailer being returned to that location. Officers executed a search warrant on a red Toyota Tacoma in the 700 block of Main Street. Majacemeno E.X. Gallegos, 20, of Delta

Harry Staub’s death will be deeply felt

Letters to the Editor

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Safeway fuel station for a Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately (REDDI) call. Jean M. Sellers, 61, of Ridgway was arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI). Aug. 15: Officers responded to an address on 1575 Road for firearms found in an irrigation ditch. Officers responded to the 600 block of Hillside Street for a report of a vehicle theft. Officers responded to the 100 block of West 6th Street for the report of a female urinating on the sidewalk. Jennifer M. Barnett, 24, of Delta was issued a summons on charges of indecent exposure. Officers responded to the 200 block of Kellogg Street for a report of theft of mail. As a result of a traffic stop in the 900 block of Crawford Avenue, Christian Duran was issued a summons for speeding and driving vehicle with license denied. Aug. 16: Officers were monitoring traffic in the 800 block of Main Street and Meeker Street when a traffic stop was conducted. A 15-year old juvenile female was issued a summons for disregard a stop sign and juvenile curfew. A second 15-year-old juvenile female was issued a summons for juvenile curfew. Officers responded to Lincoln Elementary for a private property accident. Officers took a lobby report of a suspicious nature in regards to TGS Construction, 326 Main Street. Officers responded to City Market for a report of possible fraud. Robert L. Abeyta, 39, of Delta was arrested on charges of forgery, unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and violation of a protection order. Officers responded to Quality Inn Hotel for a suspicious incident. Officers responded to the 500 block of East 19th Street for an animal control problem. Aug. 17: Officers observed a suspicious vehicle at Maverik. They were unable to complete a traffic stop. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop in the area of 1525 Highway 50 of a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers responded to Confluence Park Pavilion for a report of criminal mischief. At Fort Uncompahgre, it was reported that someone pried open the padlock and attempted to untie a teepee. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a report of first degree criminal trespass of a vehicle. Officers responded to the 200 block of Columbia Street for an auto theft. Officers responded to the area of Taco Bell for a domestic violence in progress. Aaron T. Kuretich, 26, of Hotchkiss was arrested on charges of criminal mischief and menacing as an act of domestic violence. Robert J. Valdez, 59, of Delta was arrested on a Delta County warrant with a $10,000 bond. Officers responded to the corner of Grand Avenue and East 3rd Street for a disturbance. Christopher D. Johnson, 23, of Grand Junction

imately $3,000 was reported stolen in the area of 1600 Pioneer Road. Officers responded to Highway 92 and Circle Drive for a two-vehicle accident involving injury. Kerstin N. Owens, 46, of Delta was issued a summons for failure to yield right of way at a stop sign. Officers responded to the 700 block of Meeker Street for a report of found drug paraphernalia. Officers took a lobby report of a theft that occurred at Walmart. Officers responded to the 1500 block of Highway 50 for the report of an injured deer on the side of the roadway. Citations: 18 tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.

From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Aug. 13: In response to a random drug test, an Orchard City employee walked out of work. His employer later found a small amount of marijuana in the company vehicle he normally drives. The amount of marijuana falls within legal limits for personal possession, so there is no criminal liability. Aug. 14: A couple residing on 2200 Road, Delta, reported three dead sheep in the past four days, plus a fourth that was injured. Deputies agreed they appeared to have been shot. A Cedaredge area employer reported he had fired an employee who had allegedly used a company credit card for fraudulent purposes. After deputies launched their investigation, the employer and employee agreed to resolve the matter without criminal charges. Three large trash bags containing animal remains were apparently dumped off the Highway 65 bridge over the Gunnison River. Because the remains appeared to be wildlife, the matter was turned over to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Aug. 15: At about 3:30 a.m., an Eckert resident reported her Dodge Caravan had just been stolen. Investigation determined the theft was the result of a domestic dispute. The van was recovered and no charges were filed. A Cedaredge resident discovered a black side-by-side ATV abandoned in some trees near the intersection of Hanson and Rhapsody roads. The vehicle was apparently taken from a residence on Coyote Run Road. There are no sus-

property to fish. Although he chased them off, they had returned and were using his paddle boat when he called dispatch. Aug. 16: A Paonia area resident expressed concern about two men who were going door to door selling insurance. Deputies verified they were legitimate. A resident of F Road, Delta, reported that an old Chevy pickup had been left on his property. The driver apparently abandoned the vehicle after running through a fence. Deputies investigated a report of trespassing on Alkali Basin Road north of Delta. Aug. 17: A 13-year-old Austin girl who was reported as a runaway was located a short time later. Child Protective Services was notified. Paonia firefighters extinguished a car fire at a residence on Lamborn Mesa Road, Paonia. The 1957 Ford was parked near some structures but they were not damaged. It’s believed the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence north of Delta. On Aug. 17, the victim reported the suspect was trying to gain entry into her home. On Aug. 18, she called dispatch again to report the suspect was threatening to shoot her. Aug. 18: A Paonia area resident reported that an individual known to him had broken into his motor home and left feces everywhere. Deputies investigated a report of harassment by a Paonia area female involved in divorce proceedings. Deputies responded to an ATV accident at a residence on Needle Rock Road near Crawford. A 29-yearold female had already been loaded into an ambulance for transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital, possibly suffering a broken ankle. It was reported she had swerved to avoid hitting a deer and ran into a barbed wire fence. At about 8 p.m., deputies investigated a complaint that a motorist was doing “doughnuts” in the Orchard City Park. Aug. 19: After nearly causing an accident, the diabetic driver of a silver Dodge Durango pulled to the side of Highway 65 to wait for medical assistance. A vehicle was reported abandoned after apparently leaving the side of Payne Siding Road and coming to rest in the ravine. An Orchard City resident reported that his granddaughter had broken a window to his house to gain entry at about 1:30 a.m.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

County joins class action suit BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Delta County Commissioners discussed with county attorney John Baier options regarding a class action lawsuit, Kane County, Utah v. United States, at their Aug. 20 meeting. Counties with large areas of federal land in their jurisdictions receive PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) monies from the federal government. These monies must be appropriated each year by Congress. For three years Congress did not appropriate the funds. Kane County, Utah, brought suit against the United States to receive the PILT funds. Baier told Commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes

that during the proceedings of the Kane County’s suit against the United States, the suit “morphed into a class action suit.” Counties across the country, including 29 in Colorado, have joined the class action suit. Baier said not receiving PILT funds results in a 1.33 percent underpayment of revenues to Delta County in each of those three years. The United States estimates the loss to the county at $15,000 per year. County administrator Robbie LeValley said Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) estimates the loss to be $19,000 per

Staff Writer

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Delta, Mesa and Montrose counties have been working together in connection with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest Plan revision process. The three counties have each signed a contract with Mountain West of Glenwood Springs which will increase each county’s capacity to participate as a cooperating agency with the U.S. Forest Service. The consultant will also coordinate the development of comments among the three counties during the revision process. Delta County Commissioners signed the contract at their Aug. 20 meeting. The contract services

FROM PAGE A1 James’ actions. He said he and his wife taught their two sons that there are consequences for their behavior. “It’s not lost on me that James will get a second chance [following his prison sentence], but Josie will not. It’s a disturbing gift of life God has given him.” Gallagher again addressed the judge, saying drunk driving is a crime that is perpetuated on our streets daily, but one which must and will be punished. He said Catlin will continue to take responsibility for his actions. “Even though he recognizes nothing he can do will bring Josie back, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try.” James Catlin was the final person to address the judge. “I’m sorry it was her, not me, that died,” he said. He said the accident is a “constant weight” on his heart and

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

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begin immediately upon execution of the contract and expire on June 30, 2020. The contract may be extended if DOLA grant funding is extended. Mountain West will bill Delta County for services not to exceed $32,000. Mountain West will function as the eyes and ears of the three counties during the plan revision process: attending meetings and establishing and reaffirming existing relationships with the USFS, elected officials and staff members of all three counties. The consultant will work in concert with the three counties to develop a clear understanding of each county’s needs and perspectives, review all information produced by the USFS and assist the counties in developing

Sentencing

Bid awarded for Blake Field runway

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School district FROM PAGE A1 ting all the utilities in place and all 120 piles for the new building driven into the ground before the first day of school. School board members also approved 2019 graduation dates: Thursday, May 16 — Grand Mesa Choice Academy, 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 20 — Paonia High School, 7 p.m. and Delta High School, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 — Hotchkiss High School, 7 p.m Wednesday, May 22 — Vision Charter Academy, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 23 — Cedaredge High School, 7 p.m. Before the meeting adjourned, Gibson updated school board members on a parent request for a sixth grade wrestling program. She said dis-

trict administrators have requested a year to look at sixth grade sports in general. A sixth grade cross-country program will likely transition into a club, to keep all sixth grade athletes on a level playing field.

Three counties hire consultant for GMUG Forest Plan BY ANNETTE BRAND

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year. Delta County’s share of attorney fees incurred during the legal action will be deducted from any PILT funds paid to the county. Commissioner Suppes said Colorado Counties, Inc. reports that school districts are requesting that Colorado counties join this class action suit. The school districts receive some of the PILT funding through their respective counties. Delta County Commissioners voted to join the class action suit and directed Baier and LeValley to fill out the paper work.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

At their Aug. 20 meeting the county commissioners awarded the bid in the amount of $3,699,004.60 for runway reconstruction at Blake Field to Old Castle SW Group, doing business as United Companies. Ninety percent of the funding for the runway reconstruction is provided by Federal Aviation Commission (FAA). The crosswinds runway, east of the facility, will be open to pilots during reconstruction on the runways 1, 2 and 3. The crosswinds runway was completed by District 1 road crew this year.

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soul. He begged the judge for mercy, for the chance to redeem himself, and said he hopes the earthly judgment levied in the courtroom will bring a sense of peace to the family and to himself. Judge Schultz said he believes Catlin’s remorse is genuine. He also recognized Catlin is suffering longterm injuries, including some cognitive damage, but cited Catlin’s significant impairment, the loss of an innocent life and the injuries to Victor Varela in sentencing Catlin to the maximum of 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

comments. Mountain West will communicate each county’s positions clearly when meeting with USFS and help identify strategies or solutions that will support each county’s positions. The consultant will identify and develop appropriate local data and information to augment USFS data as necessary, and as determined by each county to be appropriate, that will support county concerns, issues and comments.

Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421 for rates in your area.

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Kids are Back in School! Please Drive Carefully! ��

A4 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Weavers celebate 74th wedding anniversary Dean and Ann Weaver celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on Aug. 18, 2018. Both were born in 1923, Dean in Austin and Ann in Delta. They met at Delta High School and had their first date attending junior prom at age 16 in 1940. Dean got to kiss Ann when he took her home that evening.

Photo submitted

Back-to-school support

Dean enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 to serve in World War II. While Dean was on a 30day leave, they married in Durango. They raised four children in Parker and have nine grandchildren, and so far, eight great-grandchildren. At the age of 95, they now live in MorningStar retirement community in

Pastors David and Michele Murphy of World Win Ministries International supported over 60 local families with free backpacks, school supplies and hotdogs on Sunday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 19. “When you have school-age children, supplies can really put a dent in the pocketbook,” they said. “This was our way to bless the community and let families know we are here for them.”

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Celebrate Square Dance Month

September is Square Dance Month, as proclaimed by Colorado Governor Bill Owens in 1999. Known as the folk dance of Colorado, square dance started on the Western Slope in 1945 with “Stop and Creek” in Grand Junction. There are now 11 square dance clubs in the Colorado West Council. The Hub Wheelers will celebrate Sept. 1, 15 and 29, with dances at 7 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recre�� ation Center. The public �� is welcome. ��

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Sponsored by:

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Lone Tree. Harry Gilbert, Dean’s cousin, adds some information about the family: Dean’s father, Russell Weaver, started the Weaver Lumber Yard in Austin in the early 1900s. Russell’s wife was Mary Coffey. Coffey Road is located on Orchard City, as is the original Coffey orchard land. Ann was a Conklin and her brother Charles was an attorney in Delta until about 1970. His office was upstairs in the present Delta City Hall.

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Ann and Dean Weaver 1944

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Financial Peace University provides hope to families More than 5 million people have positively changed their financial future through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University (FPU). Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, the nine-week digital course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. FPU will be held in Delta at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road. The classes will begin Thursday, Sept. 6, �� at 6 p.m. Go to www.fpu. �� com/1068816 for more �� information or to regis�� ter.��

Through commonsense principles, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. Along with Ramsey personalities Rachel Cruze and Chris Hogan, Ramsey teaches lessons on budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days. Following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget �� regularly. �� “FPU will not only �� transform the way you �� handle money, but also ��

your marriage and other areas of your life,” says Ramsey. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.” An FPU membership includes immediate access to online video lessons, financial coaching assistance, digital tools and a one-year subscription to the EveryDollar Plus budgeting tool. Also included is the follow up �� course, Legacy Journey, �� which shows families and individuals what �� to�� do �� once they have control of �� their finances and�� helps �� them navigate their way �� through building wealth, �� so they can leave �� a last�� ing legacy. Go to�� Dave Ramsey.com/FPU for �� more information.

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�� Have you ever wondered what’s inside an �� LDS church building? �� Well, you’re in �� luck! �� The LDS missionaries �� a �� will be hosting tour �� of the church building �� at 1679 Pioneer Road in �� Delta. �� An open house is �� planned Friday, Aug. 24, �� from 6:30 to 8:30�� p.m. �� This is a great oppor�� tunity to see what The � �� Church of Jesus Christ �� of Latter-day Saints is �� all about. There will be �� presentations, �� tours, �� and opportunities to ask � �� the missionaries what�� ever it is you are curi�� ous about. Feel free to �� bring the�� whole family, � �� as all are welcome to this �� event. We hope to see �� you there! Feel free to � � �� or �text 970-589-3256 �� call �� with any further ques�� tions or to RSVP. Also, �� check the event out on �� Facebook at @LDSDelta �� Ward�� or search fb.me/ �� LDSDeltaWard. ��

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for �� fall �� swim�� lessons �� Fall swim lessons begin at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Monday, Sept. 10, for the Monday-Wednesday evening classes and Saturday, Sept. 15, for Saturday morning classes. Please sign up early as space is limited. All classes are 30 minutes and run for four weeks per session. For more information, call 874-0923.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Schedules, routines and school ... oh my! BY LISA MOCK Delta Family Center

My sister text me a picture at the end of June when she walked into her local retail store and found the aisles stocked with brightly colored school supplies for the next year. Her comment: “Already? My kiddos are still in school!” Now, to clarify, my nephews live in a part of the country where snow day makeups often put them in school until the latter part of June, but her point is still true to most parents. It seems that school just let out and now here we are again, ready to fill those backpacks and little minds with knowledge. School can often bring a mix of emotions, from excited and nervous, to overwhelmed and possibly a touch of relief. Regardless of where you and your student sit on

this range of emotions, finding a positive routine for your family is a key element to your young learner’s academic and social success. Providing a clear schedule for children with consistent routines can help build healthy habits and predictability for students. “Routines and daily schedules help you and your child. You both know what to expect each day. Routines can also improve your child’s behavior and your relationship with your child,” according to the article by Centers for Disease Control: Essential for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers. (https://www.cdc.gov/ parents/essentials/ structure/index.html). Sometimes it can be difficult to set up these elements of a day as families are very busy and juggle many things all summer

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The thrill of the race

While attending the Delta Family Center’s back-to-school celebration with her family, Shanne had the chance to sit in a specially modiﬁed NASCAR race car equipped with a computerized simulator. This exciting experience was sponsored by Alpine Bank and Top End Racing Promotions.

Food For Thought needs your votes Time is running out to vote for Food For Thought/Vision Charter Academy to receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm® to help improve their community. U.S. residents who are 18 and older with a valid email address can vote for their favorite cause at https:// www.neighborhoodassist. com/entry/2012962. Up to 10 votes are allowed per day, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET Aug. 24. On Sept. 25, the top 40 vote-receiving causes will be announced at www. neighborhoodassist.com

and a $25,000 grant will be awarded to each of the affiliated nonprofits. Food For Thought/ Vision Charter Academy provides weekend food bags to kids in need through a service learning program operated by K-12 kids. State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a crowdsourced philanthropic initiative that empowers communities to identify issues in their neighborhoods. The State Farm review committee selected the top 200 finalists from 2,000 submissions.

Treasure hunt

Photo submitted

Girl Scout Troop #10083 in Delta, comprised of girls in kindergarten through 11th grade, recently went on a fun tour of Delta — of the geocaching type! Girls first learned about the hobby of geocaching and how to find the hidden gems using GPS coordinates. Then the troop went on the hunt and found a few caches hidden around Delta before hiding one of its own. If you’re a fan of geocaching, members of Troop #10083 hope you’ll try and find their cache — they left a geocaching patch for the first few lucky seekers! The girls also learned about “Cache in, Trash Out,” and practiced community service by filling up three large trash bags filled with litter from the parks they toured while on their adventure. The troop is led by Jessica Earl, Jessica Anderson, Jessica Findley and Kami Collins.

long. According to Vanderbilt University and the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) in their presentation Helping Children Understand Routines and Classroom Schedules, “the terms routines and schedules are often used interchangeably. (However), schedules represent the big picture — main activities to be completed daily, (and) routines represent the steps done to complete the schedule.” (http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu). Figuring out a positive routine for going to bed on time and for getting ready in the morning can help even the most hectic of days go smoother and set your child up for a stress free day of learning. Eating meals at a table most nights and having clear, developmentally appropriate expectations for each child is both assuring for your kiddos and also a mental high-five for parents in the ever challenging role as caregivers. However your days may go, try to find a schedule and routines that work for your family. Maybe start each day with a question like, “What do you think will surprise you today?” and end the day with “What made your teacher smile today?” So when you see those school supplies lining the shelves, you not only smile, but maybe even do a little “Whoohoo! Here we go!”

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Back-to-school celebration

Educational booths, fun activities, free lunch and giveaways galore marked the Delta Family Center’s annual back-to-school celebration Saturday, Aug. 18. Located at 822 Grand Avenue, the Delta Family Center houses the BELA and Head Start preschools, as well as the Backpack program for the school district’s youngest learners.

Homeschool parents must notify 50J Parents who plan to establish a non-public home-based educational program must provide written notification to the local school district of residence each year. The statement should include the name, age, place of residence, number of hours of attendance and where test or evaluation results will be submitted for each child enrolled in the home-based program. A notification form for this purpose may be obtained from Delta County Joint School District #50, Special Services Building, 1002 Hastings Street, Delta, or call 970874-7607.

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A6 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

HopeWest celebrates 25 years at Delta gala HopeWest celebrated its 25-year anniversary during the Delta gala themed “Celebrating the Past, Illuminating the Future” on Saturday, Aug. 18. The event was held at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. “For 25 years, our supporters have understood the importance of bringing dignity to the end of life and serving those who are grieving, aging,

or needing additional support,” said Christy Whitney Borchard, president and CEO of HopeWest. “Through generosity, our community has enabled HopeWest to provide the kind of care we all want for our loved ones — and for that we thank you. By illuminating the future, you ensure HopeWest is able to meet the growing needs of our community.” Soon after inception of

HopeWest in Grand Junction in 1993, the nonprofit and communitydriven hospice, palliative care and grief support program was introduced to Delta in 1999. Since then, HopeWest has served more than 22,000 families across western Colorado. The evening was filled with a mix of mission and fun. Following dinner, Snub Liles, longtime

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supporter of HopeWest, gave a special presentation sharing why he believes in the mission of HopeWest. The night

continued with a silent auction and dancing. All proceeds support HopeWest serving Delta County and its mission of

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Bob and Suzanne Hamilton (on the ends) and Andy and Polly Jo Wick (center) enjoy an evening of delicious food, dancing and a silent auction, all to beneﬁt HopeWest. The gym at Bill Heddles Recreation Center glittered with silver and translucent decor, while the lobby featured a large display highlighting HopeWest’s 25th anniversary.

County, Unc. Development partner for economic update

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The 11-page report, prepared by the Business Delta County Com- Department of Colorado missioners Doug Atchley, Mesa University, providMark Roeber and Don ed an economic summary, Suppes perused a copy covering such matters as of Montrose County Eco- local economic indicators, �� nomic Update, Second the local labor market, �� Quarter 2018, at their employment trends, local real estate indicators, Aug. 20 meeting. and national economic indicators. Commissioner Atchley said Uncompahgre Development is reaching out �� for a partner to help fund a similar study for Delta County. Colorado Mesa University has offered �� to donate its services for half of the $8,000 cost of �� the study. He suggested taking $1,000 from the �� County’s Economic Devel�� opment Fund to contribute to a study which will �� consolidate Delta County �� economic data, determine what industries are in �� Delta and provide other needed information. Elyse Casselberry, community and economic development director for �� the county, said Delta County is two years �� behind in baseline data ��

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

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profoundly changing the way our community experiences aging, serious illness and grief — one family at a time.

on economic indicators, local labor market. She said recovery is happening and data is out there to be pulled from different sources. Commissioner Roeber said it would be very helpful to have that data pulled together and he recommended providing more than $1,000 for the project. Commissioner Suppes recommended going to $2,000, saying it would be a bargain, with CMU covering half the cost. County administrator Robbie LeValley asked if the commissioners were anticipating having the study conducted on an annual basis, to which they answered “yes,” with CMU’s cooperation. Roeber moved the commissioners approve appropriating $2,000 toward the economic update study; Suppes seconded the motion. It passed 2-0, with Atchley recusing himself since he is a member of the board for Uncompahgre Development.

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Tractor Supply hosts pet adoptions, supplies drive Tractor Supply Company in Delta is hosting pet adoptions, a pet supplies drive and more on Saturday, Aug. 25, as part of Out Here With Animals, a monthlong event for animals of all kinds and the people who care for them. On Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members and their dogs, cats, pigs, goats and more are invited to make their way to the Delta Tractor Supply to support local pet adoptions. “Our team members believe that animals of all kinds are worth celebrating,” said Michael Guerrero, manager of the Delta Tractor Supply. “Out Here With Ani-

mals allows us to do just that by providing us with opportunities to do our part in supporting local animal rescue groups.” Participating local organizations include TAILS and the Surface Creek Animal Shelter. Additionally, customers can support the local animal shelter community by participating in Tractor Supply’s pet supplies drive. Happening all month long as part of Out Here With Animals, the retailer is accepting new sealed food, toys, cleaning supplies and other essential pet accessories such as beds, scratching posts, leashes and bowls to be donated to Delta rescues and shelters.

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Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

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Speaker highlights astronomy facilities Phil Kelton will present “Astronomy Travel Log Double Header: The Galileo Museum and Inca Astronomy” at the Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS) meeting, Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Room, 24 S. Uncompahgre Street, Montrose. Kelton is an astronomy volunteer at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and a former superintendent of the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory. Important astronomy facilities and historical sites are found throughout the world, and they are interesting to visit while traveling. Kelton

will present contrasting examples from South America and Italy. The Incas constantly observed the sky and used astronomy extensively during the pre-telescopic age. The Galileo Museum in Florence celebrates the great astronomer, a leader of the scientific revolution, whose work is fundamental to our understanding of the cosmos. This Aug. 23 presentation is free and open to the public. The BCAS stimulates local interest in astronomy through lectures, radio features, and public observing events. You can find more information at BlackCanyon Astronomy.com or by calling 970-856-7716.

Paul Rosin performs at the chapel Sunday Baritone Paul Rosin will perform at the Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross on Sunday, Aug. 26, at 4 p.m. Rosin grew up in Greeley and has had a love of music since childhood. He has sung in the Greeley Chorale and church choirs. He has sung the national anthem at Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids games. Rosin is the pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church and his program will include selections from sacred to Broadway. The final concert of the summer music series features The Big End,

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Dancing for a cause

Rachel and Bill Van Houten of Cedaredge comprise one of six dance teams slated to perform at Delta Dancing with the Stars fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center. Six local dance teams will perform to raise funds for area nonprofits — Naomi’s Hope Project, CASA of the 7th Judicial District, Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail, Abraham Connection and Families Plus. Tickets may be purchased from the participating nonproﬁts or dance teams, the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce.

with instrumentals and vocals, Thursday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Join Gunnison Gorge Anglers for fly tying Paul Rosin

Gunnison Gorge Anglers (GGA) Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table (4T) will be seating

Let’s tango! Blue Sage concert series kicks off with quartet The Blue Sage Concert Series is pleased to present the kickoff event of its 2018-19 concert series season with Austin Piazzola Quintet on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 p.m. APQ specializes in the music of the late Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla as well as original nuevo tango compositions. Founded by James Anderson (violin), the APQ has been performing to captivated audiences since 2009 with exciting live shows that feature unique arrangements of Piazzolla’s groundbreaking works, breathtaking original compositions and fiery improvisation. In addition to live shows and recordings, APQ has taken an active

role in music education with clinics and master classes at universities and public schools with a focus on the performance techniques employed in tango, common compositional devices and the origins of the style. “The most difficult aspect of this music, after its technical challenges, is that so little of it is actually on the page,” begins Anderson. “Much like jazz, if you only play what’s on the page, it lacks the passion, personal emotion, and sense of freedom which it absolutely needs.” APQ will perform a live outreach concert presentation at Paonia Elementary School on Friday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets ($20-25) are on

sale now at the Blue Sage Gallery located at 226 Grand Avenue in Paonia open Tuesday through Saturday 12-4, by calling 970-527-7243, or online at bluesage.org. Inquire in the gallery for free student scholarship tickets. The Blue Sage Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization providing education and expression in the arts and humanities in order to engage and enrich the North Fork community. Founded in 1996, the Blue Sage serves about 10,000 residents of the North Fork Valley annually through classes, events, gallery exhibits, venue rentals and arts outreach into local schools.

Thursday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Warriors Resource Center/ Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. The theme for the August gathering will be dry flies. Come join fellow tyers and twist up your favorite dry fly pattern, or whatever pattern you feel like tying or need to tye to fill your box. As always, a materials bag will be available to purchase for $5 with enough materials to tie five of the fly du jour for August, Kelly Galloup’s tilt wing blue wing olive. Refreshments will be served. Check out the GGA Facebook Page for more information.

Bill Heddles Recreation Center is offering volleyball skills and drills for youth grades K4. 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. A separate league is offered for youth in grades 5-6. For more information, Photo submitted contact Whitnee Lear at Let’s tango! The Blue Sage concert series kicks off with the Austin Piazzolla 874-0923 or Whitnee@ Quintet Saturday, Aug. 25. cityofdelta.net.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

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A8 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

CU: State is adding thousands more jobs than expected Agriculture appears to be a soft spot Colorado’s economy is growing more quickly in 2018 than projected, according to a new report from the Leeds Business Research Division at the University of Colorado

Boulder. The state is on pace to add about 15,000 more jobs than expected. The Colorado Business Economic Outlook forecasted 1.8 percent job growth, or 47,100 jobs across the Colorado economy in the annual December report. That growth is now revised upward to 2.4 percent,

or 62,600 new jobs by the end of the year. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, Colorado is marking an increased labor force participation rate, enabling employment growth to outpace declining net migration more than business leaders expected.

One sector that is leading the way on job growth: natural resources and mining. “Employment growth there is much higher than we anticipated. It’s been very strong. Energy prices are obviously factoring into it,” business research division executive director Richard

Spark Tank applications are due Friday Apply now to pitch your Colorado-based startup to Energy industry decision-makers at Delta County’s second annual Energy Conference hosted by ENGAGE in Paonia Sept. 17-18. Pitch participants will be guaranteed short meetings with attendees of their choice. Meet regional utility co-op leaders, energy innovators, and members of coal-impacted communities from around the country. This is a fantastic opportunity for startups seeking test projects or to get market

traction! Applications must be submitted by Aug. 24. The top five companies will be selected by Aug. 31 and will have their travel and lodging paid for to participate in the full conference free of charge. On the evening of Sept. 17, the selected companies will pitch to a panel of industry decision-makers, investors, energy experts and leaders, conference attendees, and members of the public at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia.

Each company will be given 10 minutes to pitch followed by a five-minute time of Q&A. Before and during the conference, Spark Tank participants will be provided the opportunity to schedule short meetings with registered energy leaders or potential investors attending the conference. Attendees will also be granted the opportunity to request audiences with Spark Tank participants. This is a fantastic opportunity for startups seeking test projects or market traction.

To download an application or to learn more about the Energy Conference, visit www.engage deltacounty.com.

Wobbekind said. Construction is also playing an unexpected role in Colorado’s reacceleration. “It’s finally back to the same level of employment that they were at pre-recession,” Wobbekind said. “They are really mostly constrained by lack of available workforce.” Colorado’s economic output is outstripping the rest of the nation as well, with state gross domestic product up nearly 4 percent. Wobbekind expects that could be playing into increased business opti-

mism for the Colorado economy. Agriculture, however, appears to be a soft spot heading into the second half of 2018. Drought, wildfires and stubbornly low commodity prices are hampering growth. The latest corn prices are down more than 30 percent from five years ago. Internationally, Colorado growers and meatproducers are facing pressure from trade wars and a strong U.S. dollar. Combined, “it’s a tough road to hoe in some of the rural areas,” Wobbekind said.

Region 10 celebrates new Montrose location with open house Aug. 23 Region 10 is happy to announce its new location at 145 S. Cascade in downtown Montrose and will be celebrating the move with an open house on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 4-6 p.m. The open house will feature refreshments and door prizes from the six-county area Region 10 serves. The chamber ribbon cutting will be held at 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. “We are very excited to be in our new location in the heart of downtown,” said Region 10 executive director Michelle Haynes. “We are so appreciative of our partners who made our move possible: City of

Montrose, Alpine Bank, the Center for Mental Health, Stryker & Co., and John Renfrow.” Earlier this year, Region 10 signed a contract with the Center for Mental Health to trade buildings. “It was the perfect solution — they needed more space and we had more space than we needed,” said Haynes. Region 10 owned and operated The Enterprise Center, which provided office space to several nonprofit organizations including Volunteers of America (VOA) organizations, on North Cascade. “As a result of the building trade, the Center for Mental Health has the

space and capacity it needs to provide a very important service in our community, while Region 10 has the ability to focus more on our projects and programs.” Established in 1972, Region 10 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offering public programs in support of six counties in western Colorado, including Delta, Montrose, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. Services include an array of Community Living Services, Small Business Resources, and Regional Development Projects. More information can be found at www.region10. net.

Photo submitted

Coming together for training

It is not very often that staff of Delta County Libraries ﬁnd themselves all in the same place at the same time. “We are always very busy running our ﬁve libraries,” says district director Lea Hart. However, on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 16, library staff gathered at Hotchkiss Library for an all-staff training. “It is so good to get everyone together for these quarterly meetings,” says Hart. “Along with providing time for valuable staff development, it is also a great opportunity for staff to share ideas.” The Aug. 16 training covered topics such as interlibrary loans, how to effectively respond to patron reference questions, providing Delta County students with library e-cards, and an upcoming exhibit at Delta Library. “The meeting ended with staff from each library highlighting upcoming programs and events. There was a lot of excitement about all of the things each library is doing to meet the needs and interests of the community.” One of those things is a huge, traveling exhibit that Delta Library is hosting in the fall called “Discover Health.” The hands-on, interactive exhibit was developed by the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus and Colorado Area Health Education Centers and will be in Delta October through December.

Know Your Neighbor WED. 8/22

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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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Carmella Russo brings energy and laughter to My Place Club & Pub

Life goes by way too fast to be idle, so Carmella Russo takes advantage of every single minute, every single moment. It’s that kind of energy that has made My Place Club & Pub the go-to spot in Delta for good times! Carmella and her best friend, Melissa Bailey, purchased the bar at 1410 Valley View Drive, Delta, earlier this summer. Originally there were four women who wanted to go into business together. Unfortunately, two had to back out for other opportunities, which left the duo of Melissa and Carmella, rather than a quartet. During brainstorming sessions

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with friends, they decided what Delta needed was a variety of entertainment. They hashed what that would look like and how they could make it real. “I envisioned a place where everyone would come to have a GOOD time, and I based everything around music,” Carmella said. “Music brings laughter, love, fun, uninhibited freedom. I believe that music is the heartbeat of our lives ... singing, dancing, playing music, listening to music makes people HAPPY, so creating the business plan was EASY.” Coming up with a name for the new business was pretty easy, too. “The name came to me while I was on a business trip,” Carmella said. “It just hit me that it had to feel like home to EVERYONE. It was Melissa’s idea for the legs, one pair to represent ALL women and the other set to represent ALL men. My dear friend, Kerri Munro, created the logo as you see it today, and we love it!” Carmella loves being surrounded

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by the people at My Place, and they love the energy and passion she brings to the business. “I participate in every event, from conception to the last detail up to the last minute of the event,” she said. “I’m fearless so I love taking chances, breaking the mold, and being spontaneous and unique. I am that square peg and I love it.” If you’re looking for more happiness and laughter in your life, stop by My Place Club & Pub, where you’ll be greeted with open arms by Carmella, Melissa and their great bartenders. You’ll find some form of entertainment just about every night, from live music every Saturday to jam sessions every Sunday, plus comedy shows, trivia, karaoke, pool/ dart tournaments and more. “We sell fun!” Carmella said. If you love dancing and socializing as much as Carmella, be sure to “like” My Place on Facebook so you don’t miss any of the great events they’ve got lined up!

NORTH FORK August 22, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Abrupt policy change delays CORA request BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Citizens wanting to request public records from the Town of Paonia will now be required to make those requests on the town’s “Public Records Request” form. The DCI became aware of the new policy after submitting two open records requests on Aug. 14 under the Colorado Open Records Act. Passed in the spirit of open government, the Colorado Open Records Act, or CORA, requires, with some exceptions, such as records of investigative files held by law enforcement and information such as phone numbers and personal addresses subject to redaction, that governments make public records available to the public. Anyone can request public information directly from any governmental agency in the state. The agency then has three working days, or seven working days if extenuating circumstances exist, to provide documents under CORA. After three business days, town clerk Corinne Ferguson, the town’s official keeper of records, sent an email to the DCI stating that she had been out of the office since the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 14. “It is policy that all requests must be on the Town form,” wrote Ferguson. She also attached a request form to the email. Jeff Roberts, an attorney with the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, said in an email that the town is likely within its rights to require that requests be made on its approved form. He based that opinion on a state statute allowing custodians to “make such rules with reference to the inspection of such records” that are “reasonably necessary for the protection of such records and the prevention of unnecessary interference with the regular discharge of the duties of the custodian or the custodian’s office.” Town Administrator Ken Knight said creation of the new policy came about in recent days after a citizen requested documents under CORA in the comments section of the town’s website, www.townofpaonia.com. The comments are not regularly monitored, said Knight, and

are not considered an official means of requesting information under CORA. Due to their inappropriate nature, some of the comments were removed from the website, said Knight, and the policy change was implemented administratively. The town also shut down the public comment option on the town’s website. “It’s not a message board,” said Knight. In considering the public’s right to comment, there are other ways, he said, including on the “Town of Paonia, Colorado” Facebook page and other social media, letters to the editor, by U.S. mail, email, phone, and in person at town meetings, which are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month beginning at 6:30 p.m. Early in the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 17, the DCI again submitted two CORA requests, both on the official town form. As of the Aug. 21 deadline, the requests had not been fulfilled.

Inspecting water tank repairs

Kevin Cooper with Southwest Systems explains the process of replacing the lining in the one million-gallon tank at the Clock Water Treatment Plant to Paonia town manager Ken Knight, left, and trustees Mary Bachran and Bill Bear, while workers set up a vacuum system to remove sand left over from removal of the old lining. Cost of the project is approximately $350,000.

Gubser to lead School of Integrated Studies through continued growth BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

With the start of the new school year, the North Fork School of Integrated Studies begins its fourth year as a Waldorf-inspired school within a school at Paonia Elementary School, and with a new principal. Christi Gubser brings more than 20 years of education experience to NFSIS. She is the school’s second principal, replacing Sam Cox, who for the last three years has been principal of both NFSIS and Paonia Elementary School. Cox continues in his position as principal of PES. “I was thrilled when I was offered the position,” said Gubser. In addition to the quartertime (two hours per day) position, she will teach Spanish Enrichment at NFSIS, and provide support for the PES English Language Learners. Gubser holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and biology from the University of Pennsylvania,

Photo by Tamie Meck

Christi Gubser was recently named principal of the North Fork School of Integrated Studies. She brings 20 years of educational experience to NFSIS, a Waldorf-inspired public school operating within Paonia Elementary School. and a master’s degree in secondary science education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has taught science and worked as a highly qualified coordinator at Vision

Crawford gnaws on ways to enforce code complaints BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Like a dog with a wellgnawed bone, discussions about municipal court keeps showing up on the Crawford Town Council agenda. During the Aug. 15 work session trustee John Paton presented a report on the need for a municipal court and an idea of how much it would cost. He began by expressing his frustration with the town’s ability to deal with enforcement of its codes and ordinances. “The letter writing campaign with [town clerk] Cally [Gallegos] has been a moderate success,” he noted, “but the rest of it has been a failure.” He passed out his report to council, which included references to previous councils’ discussions going back to 2013. He alluded to comments he has received from residents, frustrated with the lack of compliance of the town’s nuisance ordinances. “I think we need to take up action to create a municipal court. The taxpayers and citizens of Crawford are getting short changed,” said Paton. “They are totally disappointed ... when they [violators] get a letter, sometimes they take action, sometimes they don’t.” Mayor Wanda Gofforth then asked him, “How do you fund it?” Paton quipped, “Cally saved $6,000 on the codification project.” Gofforth retorted, “And

Photo by Tamie Meck

what about the next year?” Trustee Mike Tiedeman joined in, “How do you suggest we come up with the funding to start it?” He then brought up another often debated topic — a mill levy increase. Tiedeman noted that the town needs the mill levy increase just to maintain the services it already provides, let alone trying to do something new. Town clerk Cally Gallegos defended the letter process established in the nuisance ordinance the town adopted earlier this summer. When a potential code violation is reported to town hall, she sends out a cease and desist letter. In one instance it worked, in another a woman went to extreme measures to avoid receipt of the letter, hoping to avoid further action against the potential health hazard caused by the amount of trash and junk reported in her yard. “The town attorney has suggested the initial letter come from his office,” noted Cally, who explained it is thought a letter from the attorney would bear more authority than from the town clerk. Frustrated by a personal experience with a neighbor allegedly in violation of the nuisance code, Paton continued to press the issue. He thought the town’s nuisance code, with a process of letters and the threat of taking the matter to county or district court, to be a waste of time.

Chris Johnson tried to bring reason into the emotional debate. “We just passed an ordinance to deal with our nuisance. It seems we need to test it, go through the process and ultimately take somebody to county court to see how it works ... it seems a lot cheaper than trying to establish a municipal court.” The trustees then asked Kimberly Bullen with the Department of Local Affairs, who was present to talk about best practices for municipalities, about what other towns do to enforce ordinances when they do not have any law enforcement. It was noted that some towns contract with their local sheriff ’s office. Paton noted, “The Sheriff ’s Office does not, by law, enforce town codes.” After gnawing on the municipal court bone a little longer, the mayor said, “We will continue along the process, since we have very little money.” Which prompted Mike Tiedeman to complain about involving the town attorney in writing nuisance letters. “What is the cost? ... I don’t want a bill every time the attorney writes the letter.” No formal action was taken, since this discussion occurred during a work session. However, the tacit consensus was to involve the town attorney in the letter process and to see if the process, as established in the nuisance ordinance, actually works.

Charter Academy, and most recently taught elementary level math, French and outdoor education. “She is extremely high energy and capable of taking that school to a higher level,” said Delta County School District 50J assistant superintendent Kurt Clay. Gubser brings a knowledge of the area and the school district to the job and understands the alternative education system and the goings-on at NFSIS. Because the two elementary schools have different philosophies and teaching methods, following three years of growth, the district made the decision to give NFSIS its own principal. “It had come to the point where it needed its own advocate,” said Clay. “That is the best way to allow the school to grow.” NFSIS also welcomes two new teachers, kindergarten teacher Colleen Dolan, a former preschool director/ teacher with the Mesa County School District; and Tricia Tittle from Grand Junction, who will teach third and fourth grades. Returning teachers are Jenica Schevene, who will teach grades one and two, and Lauren Ziccardi, who will teach grades five and six. NFSIS opened in 2015 as a magnet school within Paonia Elementary School. In its first

year NFSIS enrolled 24 students in grades K-4. This year the school opened with 50 students in grades K-6. Enrollment is still being accepted. The goal, said Gubser, is for NFSIS to have its own building and provide one teacher for each grade. The Wildflower Children’s Collective, a private preschool that opened last fall at the district’s Energy Tech building in Paonia, is a feeder school for NFSIS, said Gubser. It is 100 percent full with a waiting list. “The hope is to increase the size of Wildflower, which will increase the size of NFSIS,” she said. Before moving to the North Fork area in 2011 Gubser taught in the Boulder area. Twenty years into her career she realized she was ready to work with teachers and help them to improve their practice. “That’s what I’m looking forward to most,” she said. Gubser earned her principal’s license through Western State Colorado University in Gunnison. As part of the licensure program she interned at PES under Principal Cox, and under Bill Eyler, principal at North Fork Montessori at Crawford, where she taught for two years. When Principal Cox recognized that she was a good match for NFSIS, he CHRISTI GUBSER TO B2

Hotchkiss tables marijuana resolution BY DAVID CAPO Contributing Writer

The Aug. 16 meeting of the Hotchkiss Town Council opened on a rather somber note, mourning the passing of trustee Jim Roberts. Roberts was an active member of the community serving not only as trustee since 2012, but volunteering his time with the local fire department and the North Fork Ambulance. He leaves behind a widow, Barbara, and two children. A service was held at the Elks Lodge on Friday. One of the primary issues discussed was Resolution 2015–5, an ordinance addressing the growing of marijuana and possession by minors. While the majority of the resolution is already law, it would update local laws to be in agreement with state law and allow local law enforcement officers greater jurisdiction over the prosecution of minors in possession. Presently residents are allowed to grow 16 plants at their residence, while state law specifies only 12. Local law does supersede state in this case; however, bringing them

into agreement by reducing the number of plants a household can grow would simplify the code. Further, since state law does not as thoroughly address minors in possession the resolution spells out a fine schedule ranging from a $100 fine for a first offense to a $250 fine, mandatory substance abuse counseling, and 36 hours of useful public service for a third conviction. The resolution was put on hold after concerns that some wording in section 5 of the document may violate due process. In addition to the aforementioned additions, section 5 would allow the town marshal’s office to inspect a grow operation based on nuisance complaints including “creating dust, glare, heat, noise, gasses, odor, smoke, traffic, vibration, or other impacts that may be hazardous ... from other actions related to the cultivation of marijuana.” While assured that this would not allow law enforcement to search one’s house without a warrant, and that simply smoking in one’s residence did not constitute probable cause HOTCHKISS COUNCIL TO B2

B2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 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.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss council FROM PAGE B1 or “odor,” the resolution has been scheduled to be heard again in the September meeting so that it may be re-written to ensure compliance with all civil rights and liberties. The engineer’s report raised concerns over the

state of the Leroux Creek reservoirs. As of Aug. 12 there is only 200 acre-feet stored in the reservoirs. There are still active springs adding to creek flows which should be sufficient to finish out the season, but the report notes that without a wet fall and winter, 2019 will be a challenging growing season. Public works director Michael Owens stated that current water restrictions have been ineffective in reducing water use, and if the drought continues, he suggests mandatory water restrictions including no outside watering from domestic water supplies. On a happier note, after some concerns over securing funding, the council authorized the town engineer to apply for funding for the construc-

Photo by David Capo

Sue Whittlesey, treasurer of the Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce, presents Mayor Larry Wilkening with a check for $391.25 to support the town’s annual ﬂower project. The chamber and the town split the cost for planting new annuals each year in the planters throughout downtown. tion of a new town shop to the tune of $1.5 million. If funding is approved in December, the project should be complete by the end of 2019.

And lastly Sue Whittlesey presented the Hotchkiss Area Chamber of Commerce with a check for just under $400 for town beautification.

Raffi Designs. Her values, she said, align well with the school’s mission of nurturing children and providing arts-infused experiential learning opportunities while balancing academics with arts and activities. Gubser said she knew NFSIS was a special school when it opened. She credits the parents and educators who brought the idea for NFSIS to the district, and district administration for recognizing that parents want more choice

in their education. “To have a valley our size with a school like this is amazing,” she said. “It would not have happened without the support of the district.” She also sees the three North Fork area elementary schools, NFSIS, PES and Crawford, as working together to provide quality education, rather than competing for students. “That is a big thing to have in a small community.” When it comes down to it, she said, “We’re all in it for the kids.”

Christi Gubser FROM PAGE B1 encouraged her, got her working with the teachers, and provided opportunities to help her transition into the position. Because he’s in the same building, “With this transition I know Sam’s there for me whenever I need help,” she said. Gubser said she has had “great fortune” since moving to the North Fork area eight years ago. She’s also raising three children and spends a lot of time with them in the outdoors. She’s multi-lingual, a musician and has performed solo, with local bands, and as a member of the North Fork Community Choir. She also owns her own jewelry business,

Correction The article in the Aug. 15 issue, “Friday service set for Hotchkiss trustee James Roberts,” contains errors. Mr. Roberts served in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam war as a corpsman. He was stationed at a naval hospital in San Diego. The article stated he also volunteered as a driver for the North Fork Ambulance. He volunteered as an EMT, and also drove the ambulance as the need arose. We regret the errors.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Glass artist Nicole Davis with North Rim Glass Studio in Crawford shows a piece from the studio’s ‘Riverway Series’ depicting Chesapeake Bay. North Rim Glass is one of 30 stops on the North Fork Valley Art and Ag Tour scheduled for Sept. 1. The event culminates in a farm-to-table dinner at Edesia Community Kitchen.

Art/ag tour offers best of the North Fork Spend Sept. 1 in the North Fork touring farms, galleries and enjoy a farm-totable dinner Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the Labor Day weekend, enjoy the best of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford, three thriving communities where art and agriculture meet. The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition (NFVCC) is hosting its third annual ‘North Fork Valley Art and Ag Tour’ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. The tour highlights the area’s studios, galleries, farms and wineries. Farm tours and demonstrations are scheduled in two-hour time blocks throughout the day. Tour maps and demonstration schedules are available at North ForkCreative.org/art-agtour, at local businesses, and at the Root and Vine Market, 40823 Hwy. 133. Following the tour, enjoy appetizers and a happy hour concoction by the mixologists at Remedy Juice Bar Cafe, 232 Grand Avenue.

After happy hour, head to the third annual Celebrate the Fork dinner benefit beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Edesia Community Kitchen, 395 Clark Avenue. Featured chefs Mary George, Chelsea Bookout, Lea Petmezas and Clementine Bouton will prepare a delicious fourcourse meal. The event includes hors d’oeuvres and live music as well as a live and lively art auction featuring works by local talents. Tickets are $75 and are available at Cirque Cyclery and Remedy, and online at North ForkCreative.org/art-agtour. Proceeds benefit the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition.

Correction The Aug. 8 article, “Raft raffle brings in waves of money,” contained an error about the Western Slope Conservation Center. The article should have stated that in the beginning, the center was known as the Western Slope Energy Resource Council. The North Fork River Improvement Association (NFRIA) was founded in 1996. The two organizations merged in 2010 to become NFRIA/WSERC. They are now known as WSCC.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Town of Paonia hit with state water reporting violations BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

On Aug. 15, the Town of Paonia sent a mailing to all of its water customers, informing them that state reporting requirements during calendar years 2016 and 2017 were not met in violation of state law. The letter states that the town violated five different reporting requirements. Filing of reports was missed “by a few days,” said town administrator Ken Knight. The letter states that all five violations have either been resolved or are being resolved, that no actions by water users are needed, and that the town’s drinking water continued to be safe for consumption. Knight said none of the violations posed a danger to the health of the citizens, and the town will not be fined for any of the violations. He called the oversights “unfortunate.” With staff handling

numerous priorities in 2017, “This was overlooked.” Violations (and their status) include: • failure to file a timely report on chlorine test results to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment drinking water program by the 5/15/2017 deadline (resolved); • failure to test the required percentage of backflow prevention devices to the state drinking water program (anticipated resolution date: 9/30/2018); • failure to provide consumer with lead tap sample test results (resolved; results sent to homeowners); • failure to meet monitoring requirements for lead/copper in the first half of 2016 (resolved); and • failure to keep and report timely records of turbidity readings to the state (resolved). In resolving require-

ments related to backflow prevention devices by Sept. 30, in February the town board of trustees adopted a resolution establishing “cross connection and backflow prevention” rules and regulations for businesses and multi-family units serviced by the water department to address the state’s “Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Rule Implementation Policy” (see Feb. 7, 2018, DCI article ‘Mandate could hit Paonia businesses in pocketbook’). Resolution includes conducting a survey to identify those at-risk connections. The survey, said Knight, “was not put on the priority list. The survey is now out.” Regarding testing results for lead and copper, all results have been sent to homeowners, said Knight. The last two known water mains on the system that contain lead solder are located in the 100 blocks of Dorris and

Clark avenues. Replacement of the Dorris water main is in progress. Upon completion, work will begin on replacing the main on Clark Avenue. Knight said there may still be some older homes with pipes containing lead solder running from the meter to the house connection. Property owners with concerns “probably need to have a plumber inspect the line,” said Knight. The town’s calendar year 2017 Drinking Water Quality Report is available at Town Hall, by calling 970-527-4101, or at townofpaonia.com under the “News” tab. Another issue facing the town: the potable water dispenser located at 401 Second Street, has been inoperable for several weeks after a customer attempted to drive away with the hose still in their storage tank. Parts have been ordered and were expected to arrive last week, said Knight.

Elk Foundation banquet sells out BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

It’s become one of the most popular events in the North Fork Valley. Tickets for last Saturday night’s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation North Fork Chapter annual banquet were sold out about five weeks before the event, said chapter president Dan Gray. Zack’s BBQ in Hotchkiss catered the meal, which featured prime rib and peaches and ice cream for dessert. Senior regional director Troy Sweet emceed the event and volunteer state chair John Sand was the auctioneer. Pastor Tonya Whaley led the invocation prayer. Since 1984 the RMEF has protected and enhanced more than 6.7 million acres of wildlife habitat in the country. The North Fork Chapter partners locally with the U.S. Forest Service and others to conserve habitat for elk and other wildlife. For example, in 2014, the chapter partnered with the Forest Service on “Whacking the Weed,” a weed eradication project to benefit elk habitat in the Raggeds Wilderness Area in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Gray said this year’s live and silent auctions and gift drawings offered

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Photo by Tamie Meck

A lady points out a pink camp riﬂe up for auction at the annual North Fork Valley Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet at Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss. This year’s auctions and drawings included more items for women and children.

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items for women and children. A Daisy Red Ryder BB gun, animal themed coin banks and stuffed animals were among the items up for bid. Now that hunters are allowed to wear fluorescent pink while hunting, several pink camouflage items were included. While the amount raised from the banquet wasn’t yet available, Gray said that in 2017 the chapter’s banquet raised about $35,000 for education, public access, programs, and wildlife habitat creation, restoration and conservation. For more information, or to join, visit www.rmef.org.

Photo by Tamie Meck

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Aspen Lopez holds up a spotting scope being auctioned off at the annual banquet of the North Fork Valley Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

B4 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Recycle leftover paint on Aug. 23 Not sure what to do with all that leftover and unused paint? PaintCare Colorado is conducting Paint Sweep events in rural Colorado this summer and selected Paonia as one of its drop-off sites. From 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, residents can drop their unwanted paint cans off at the Town of Paonia staff parking located in the alleyway behind Town Hall, 214 Grand Avenue. There is no charge for this service. PaintCare accepts latex or oil-based house paints and primers, stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes such as varnishes and shellac. Containers must

have the original manufacturer label. PaintCare Colorado does not accept leaking, unlabeled or empty containers, aerosol spray paints, or drum containers larger than five gallons. They also cannot accept hazardous waste or chemicals such as paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, spackle, glue, adhesives, roofing tar, pesticides or cleaning chemicals. Businesses can bring an unlimited amount of latex paint, but there are restrictions on the amount of oil-based paint they can bring. No early drop-offs are accepted and will be considered illegal dumping.

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Delta County Independent

Crawford gathers for summer social

Mitch Swanda with Bank of Colorado was armed with the right tools to ﬂip burgers. The bank provided hotdogs and hamburgers for the event.

Photos by Jaquita Watters Photography

Dozens of Crawford residents gathered for the second annual Crawford Summer Social potluck at Crawford State Park. Admission to the park was free, thanks to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The basics were provided by the Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bank of Colorado and First State Bank. Guests provided a wide variety of side dishes.

Photos by Jaquita Watters Photography

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Helping put together the second annual Summer Social were Collonette Vervloet of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce, Mitch Swanda with Bank of Colorado, Leigh Ann with First State Bank, and Misty Hess with The Desperado.

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To the left are new chamber members Steve Mock and Alexandra Ligett. Steve is the new owner of the buildings across from the Crawford Post Ofﬁce and has rebuilt and refurbished the structures. Alex is organiziing the “ﬁrst ever pop-up shop” in Crawford, set for Sept. 14-16, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Crawford. For information or to have your items in the shop, call Alex at 515-867-4001.

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Drought won’t stunt tomato haiku contest It has been a hot, dry summer here in Delta County. Water restrictions, empty reservoirs, wildfires, smoky air, and difficult growing conditions have marked this season for everyone. Fortunately, the drought conditions that are limiting the tomato harvest are not affecting Delta County Libraries’ fourth annual tomato haiku contest. “Actually, the drought has inspired a very new kind of tomato haiku,” says Leah Morris, collections and systems administrator for Delta County

Libraries. “Rather than declarations of delicious, bountiful harvests, we are seeing woeful expressions of loss. It should make for a very different kind of collection of poems this year.” Delta County Libraries launched its first tomato haiku contest in August 2015 to complement the annual Tomato Fest in September. The contest runs through the end of August and a panel of judges selects winners in a variety of different categories. “We invite the winners to read their haiku at

the festival each year,” Morris explains. “It has become a very popular part of the day. We also put together a book of the entries we receive and have it available for people to take.” This year, the Tomato Fest is on Saturday, Sept. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at the park by the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss. Tomato taste testing, “best-of” contests, a tomato-themed fashion show, and the haiku reading are all part of the lineup. “We would love to see everyone in the community get involved,” says

Sarah Smith, senior librarian at Hotchkiss Library. “Even if your garden did not produce tomatoes this year, there are plenty of ways to get involved, including submitting a tomato haiku!” Haiku submissions can be made online through Aug. 31 by visiting www. deltalibraries.org. The contest is open to all ages and is limited to three haiku per person. A haiku is three lines: five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables. Let’s write a haiku! A fun, easy thing to do. Please submit one now!

Showing of ‘Latcho Drome’ is benefit for World Music series The award-winning 1993 documentary “Latcho Drome” will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at The Paradise Theatre in Paonia. Admission is by a $10 donation, with proceeds benefiting “World Music in Paradise,” a fourconcert series featuring music from around the world and around the North Fork Valley. Percussionist, educator and performer David Alderdice is producing the series with support from The Learning Council and in cooperation with local schools. The series opens Sept. 21 with the Balinese orchestra Gamelan Tunas Mekar. The international guitar duo Goran Ivonavic & Fareed Haque peform on Oct. 19. On

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Dec. 15, the North Fork area’s own Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project ensemble performs, and on Jan. 12, enjoy music by the all-female ensemble, the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet. While in the area, musicians will visit schools and provide family-friendly educational workshops to the public. Latcho Drome documents the journey of the Romany people as told through musicians and dancers of India, Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, France and Spain. It’s been called “a rare documentary achievement,” “a cinematic survey of Gypsy music,” and “a work of great beauty, strong colors and wonderful singing and dancing.”

Art to Work symposium this weekend in Paonia

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Elsewhere Studios will host a Symposium of Inspired: Art at Work — showcasing works of local and visiting artists. They will consider the specific yet universal questions: “What is your relationship to this land? How can we create a resilient economy that’s good for the people and the land?” The event takes place Friday through Sunday,

Aug. 24-26, at The Paradise Theater, and the Blue Sage in Paonia. Event speakers include author Robin Kimmerer; Woody Tasch of Slow Money; food writer Eugenia Bone; and public lands advocate Regina Lopez Whiteskunk. Learn more and get tickets at: www.elsewhere studios.org/inspired-artat-work.

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Donald Pobirk

Paonia resident Donald W. Pobirk died Aug. 16, 2018, in Paonia. He was 83. Graveside services were held Aug. 20 at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia. Donald Pobirk was born on June 26, 1935, in Crested Butte to John and Anna (Rozman) Pobirk. He spent his childhood and attended school in Crested Butte and Paonia, graduating from Paonia High School in 1953. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. On March 2, 1967, he married Donna Dick in Westminster. She preceded him in death in 2001. Mr. Pobirk moved to Paonia in 1997 after retiring from Safeway. He also owned a small business. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and enjoyed camping, listening to polka music, playing with his dog, landscaping his property in Hidden Valley and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by two daughters, Vicki Cierpial and Wendy Pobirk, both of Denver; one brother, Richard (Janet) Pobirk of Palisade; one sister, Evelyn Morrow of Paonia; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna; and three brothers, Herman Pobirk, Robert Pobirk and John Pobirk. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Kevin Drummond

Delta resident Kevin Drummond died Aug. 15, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 96. No formal services are planned at this time. Kevin Edward Drummond was born July 18, 1922, to Frank and Elizabeth (McNally) Drummond in Westchester County, N.Y. After graduating from Harrison High School in Harrison, N.Y., he joined the U.S. Army in 1941. He served in the South Pacific during

World War II. After serving in the Army, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver. Mr. Drummond married his first wife, Jane, and they had two children, Craig and Tara. On March 23, 1974, he married Dorothy “Dee” in Golden, and gained a stepson and two stepdaughters. They lived in Jefferson County and Lake Havasu City, Ariz., before moving to Delta 19 years ago. The Drummonds started the Church of Religious Science in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Mr. Drummond was a member of the Center for Spiritual Life in Delta. He enjoyed playing the piano, was very inspirational and wrote a few self-help books. He also enjoyed handwriting analysis and was a certified graphologist. He is survived by his wife, Dee Drummond; son, Craig (Hollie) Drummond of Aurora; daughter, Tara Drummond of Denver; stepson, Rick (Cindy) Henshaw of Delta; two stepdaughters, Nancy (Rod) Smith of Crawford and Sue (Bill) Robinson of Bradenton, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Raymond Sievers Feb. 17, 1930 ~ Aug. 7, 2018 Raymond Edward Sievers was born on Feb. 17, 1930, in Hotchkiss, Colo., to Kate and John Sievers. His older siblings were Marguerite Sievers Emge, Beth Sievers Davidson, Helen Sievers Herrick, and Bill, Lee, Jack, and Bob Sievers. Raymond left the ranch and joined the Air Force in 1951-52. Subsequently he worked part time as a draftsman but it did not define him. He was an entrepreneur, a dreamer, an adventurer and a prospector. He loved his cars. Nephew Bob Davidson describes Raymond this way: “[Back in the fifties] when everyone

thought you had to get married and have kids, Raymond lived life on his own terms and bucked the trend.” He is survived by nieces and nephews: John Emge, Carolann Emge, Sandy Sievers, Jerry Sievers, Katie Sievers, Ron Sievers,

John Sievers, Joe Sievers, Mary Lee Sievers, Craig Sievers, Dawn Sievers Hendrickson, Shauuna Davidson Harrelson, John Davidson, Bob Davidson, Joyce Oglesbee, Elaine Herrick, Vic Herrick. Raymond enjoyed the final two years of his life with caring and supportive staff at A Brand New Day in Redding, Calif. He died peacefully on Aug. 7, 2018, at the age of 88. They will miss his cowboy hat and sweet smile. He is now in heaven, free to offer the angels rides in his 1947 Lincoln Continental convertible. Paid obituary

Helen Marie Sukle July 6, 1919 ~ Aug. 20, 2018 Longtime Delta area resident Helen Sukle passed away peacefully at her home, Monday morning at the age of 99 with her children at her bedside. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Delta. A rosary service will follow at 7 p.m. Father Alberio Herrera-Ciro will say a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, also at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. Graveside services and interment at the Delta City Cemetery will follow the Mass. Helen was born on July 6, 1919, as the daughter of Joseph Pecharich, Sr. and Mary (Matkovich) Pecharich in Crested Butte, Colo., one of four children. On Feb. 25, 1941, Helen married the love of her life, John Sukle Jr., also from Crested Butte. Together they braved the war, raised six children, and shared nearly 66 years of love, marriage and memories until John passed in 2007. In May of 1949, John and Helen founded Modern Appliance in Delta, where she worked until 1985 as an expert bookkeeper who floored auditors with her accuracy. It is still operated

by their son, Jim. Helen was a member of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. Helen enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, needlework, camping and canning. However, above all, Helen loved her family and cherished the time and memories she shared with them. Those grateful to have shared in Helen’s life include her five sons: Dan Sukle (wife Maggie) of Boulder, Bob Sukle of Ithaca, New York, Jim Sukle of Delta, Tim Sukle (wife Alicia) of Parker, and Mike Sukle of Denver, and her daughter Sherri Potter (husband Doug) of Idaho Springs. Helen is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Althea Barela (husband Larry) and children Jake, Taylor and Henry of Denver; Ron Sukle (wife Melinda) and children Tanner, Anna, and Bodie of Monument;

Zebonie Sukle and Stacie McWilliams of Denver; Randy Sukle (wife Carolyn) and sons Trenton, Trever, and Trey of Delta; Therese Sukle (husband Mathieu) of Grenoble, France; Lisa and Anthony Potter of Idaho Springs; Christopher, Jonathan, and Kimberlee Sukle all of Parker; Ian Sukle of Denver; and Kersea Calhoun and children Tristan, Tatum, and Asher, all of Delta. Helen was preceded in death by her husband John, and two grandchildren, Donny Sukle and Cole Sukle. The family would like to honor Helen’s two deceased grandsons, by asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made payable to “Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance,” in memory of Donny Sukle, 801 Reader Street #750, Silver Spring, MD 20910; or payable to “The Denver Foundation, Restricted to the ShineOn Fund in Memory of Cole M. Sukle,” sent to The Denver Foundation, 5 Madison St. 8th Floor, Denver, CO 80206. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet memorial and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary

Richard Bell

Cedaredge resident Richard M. Bell died Aug. 18, 2018, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 81. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedaredge. Bishop Craig Signs will officiate. Richard Merlyn Bell was born Dec. 1, 1936, to Clarence and Marie (Steffens) Bell in Brush. He spent his childhood and attended school in southern California, graduating from Bell High School in 1955. On March 14, 1981, he married Linda Pafford in Buena Park, Calif. They moved to Cedaredge 30 years ago. Mr. Bell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedaredge. He enjoyed fishing, computers, picture coloring and woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda A. Bell of Cedaredge; daughter, Geraldine (Alfred) Nunez of Victorville, Calif.; stepson, Shane Pafford of Cedaredge; brother, Don Bell of Henderson, Nev.; five grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Bell; and stepdaughter, Regina Meeker. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Bob Brooks

Howard “Bob” Brooks died July 25, 2018, at his home in Hotchkiss. He was 86. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at 35503 Hwy. 133, Hotchkiss. Feel free to bring a finger food. Mr. Brooks is survived by his three children, Dale (Cheryl) Brooks of Hotchkiss, Bobbie Jean (Terry) Neff of Grand Junction and David Brooks of Hotchkiss; four granddaughters; and three great-granddaughters. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jeffrey Milstein

Hotchkiss resident Jeffery H. Milstein died Aug. 16, 2018, at his home. He was 57. Jeffery Harold Milstein was born Sept. 21, 1960, to Martin and Charlene (Zimmerman) Milstein in Atlanta, Ga. He spent his childhood and attended school in Atlanta, graduating from Briarcliff High School. He attended the University of Georgia and later Colorado State University. On Sept. 20, 1991, he married Karen D. Jones in Collbran. Mr. Milstein owned a leather manufacturing business that he and his wife ran for years. He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball, rebuilding cars, working with draft horses, his dogs, cooking, giving to organizations like FFA, Children’s Hospital and 4-H dance, and above all, spending time with family. He is survived by his wife of almost 27 years, Karen Milstein; mother, Charlene Milstein; son, Kaden Milstein; daughters, Jessica (Jesse) Alderson and Kayla Milstein; and sister, Missy (Terry) Stein.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin “Marty” Milstein; and grandparents, Benjamin and Jeannette Zimmerman. A memorial service will be held in Atlanta, Ga. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Amanda Wright

Amanda Faith Wright of Cedaredge died Aug. 13, 2018, at her home. She was 33. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 21, followed by interment at Delta City Cemetery. She is survived by her parents, Steve and Lisa Wright; two sisters; one brother; and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Joy FM, 13358 Manchester Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63131 or online at joyfmonline. org. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Norma Olin

Norma Jean Olin died Aug. 15, 2018, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 89. She was born March 22, 1929, to James and Hazel Marriott in Colorado Springs. She graduated from Golden High School in 1948. In the 1970s, she marrid John E. Olin in Las Vegas. They lived in Cedaredge for more than 40 years after spending some time in Golden. Mrs. Olin worked alongside her husband in the auto salvage business they owned. She enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, and visiting with friends. She is survived by her

children, Mike (Edith) Wuertemburg of Fruita, and Hazel Waite of Thornton; sister, Irene Baker of Wheatridge; three grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, June Marriott; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; brother, Lawrence Marriott; and sisters, Lois Booth, Pauline Drake and Opal Baker. Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. at Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church in Cedaredge. A short graveside service will follow at Cedaredge Cemetery. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Grief support groups to meet Although each person’s grief is unique, those coping with the death of a loved one share a common bond. Join HopeWest’s experienced facilitators to share your grief journey in its Mending Hearts grief support group. Mending Hearts is free of charge and open to anyone coping with the death of a loved one. Please call Melanie at 874-0628 for details. In Delta, Mending Hearts groups meet Tuesdays, Sept. 4 to Nov. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the HopeWest offices at 195 Stafford Lane. North Fork meetings are held on Thursdays, Sept. 27 to Oct. 25, 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Hive, 130 Grand Avenue, Paonia.

OBITUARY POLICY

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

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B6 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

County fair results: Open class flowers 2nd Bev Shiflet Marigolds (small) 1st Bev Shiflet 2nd Susie Coombe 2nd Janice Cooper 3rd Heidi Berger Marigold (best specimen) 1st Bev Shiflet 2nd Gavin Finlayson Pansies 2nd Gavin Finlayson 3rd Lezley Bond Petunia, single purple/lavender 1st Gavin Finlayson 3rd Lezley Bond Petunia, single pink/rose 2nd Gavin Finlayson Petunia, single red/burgundy 3rd Lezley Bond Petunia, single two toned/bi color 1st Arlene Porteus 2nd Gavin Finlayson Petunia, double, any color 1st Tami Kropp Petunia, Calibrochoa or Million Bells, pink or rose 1st Gavin Finlayson Petunia (best specimen) 1st Gavin Finlayson 2nd Arlene Porteus Phlox, any color 1st Gavin Finlayson Sunflower, small 1st Pat Bennett 2nd Gavin Finlayson 3rd Nancy Horning Sunflower, large 1st Heidi Berger 1st Mary Hyke 2nd Pat Bennett 2nd Gavin Finlayson Photo by Tamie Meck 3rd Nancy Horning Angie Irwin earned a 3rd Tami Kropp 3rd Bev Shiflet blue ribbon with her Zinnia, small favorite ﬂower. 1st Mary Hyke

FLOWERS ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, BULBS AND PERENNIALS Calendulas 1st Mary Hyke 2nd Tami Kropp 3rd Lezley Bond 3rd Bev Shiflet Cornflowers (bachelor button) 1st Mary Hyke 2nd Bev Shiflet Cosmos 1st Mary Hyke 2nd Jeannette Homedew 2nd Tami Kropp 3rd Bev Shiflet Geranium 2nd Lezley Bond Marigolds (large) 1st Karen Marty

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2nd Tami Kropp 2nd Bev Shiflet 3rd Lezley Bond Zinnia, large 1st Tami Kropp 2nd Lezley Bond 2nd Bev Shiflet Zinnia, most beautiful specimen 1st Lezley Bond 2nd Bev Shiflet Any other not listed 1st Jeannette Homedew 1st Mary Hyke 2nd Janice Cooper 2nd Gavin Finlayson 3rd Lezley Bond 3rd Bev Shiflet Chrysanthemums 1st Bev Shiflet Coneflowers 1st Gavin Finlayson 2nd Bev Shiflet Daisies, Gloriosa 1st Bev Shiflet Daisies, Gaillardias 1st Bev Shiflet Daisies, any other 1st Bev Shiflet Lilies 1st Gavin Finlayson 2nd Heidi Berger Yarrow 1st Gavin Finlayson 2nd Damon Fausett 3rd Bev Shiflet Any other perennial or bulb not listed 1st Janice Cooper 1st Bev Shiflet 2nd Gavin Finlayson ARRANGEMENTS Lasting Beauty 1st Arlene Porteus Petite and Pretty 1st Arlene Porteus 2nd Gavin Finlayson Monochromatic 1st Arlene Porteus 2nd Gavin Finlayson Back to Nature 1st Nancy Horning 2nd Arlene Porteus Bold, Bright and Beautiful Bouquet 1st Gavin Finlayson 2nd Ruthanna McFarlane Uniquely Yours 1st Lynn Brgoch 2nd Arlene Porteus 3rd Gavin Finlayson Simple Beauty in a Bottle 1st Arlene Porteus A Cup of Cheer 2nd Arlene Porteus A Special Time 2nd Arlene Porteus Arrangement - Fair Theme 1st Heidi Berger 2nd Traci Sundquist 3rd Arlene Porteus BEAUTY OF YOUTH Single Stem (age 7 and under) 1st Wesley Hutchins 2nd Chelsie Doolin 3rd Loni Bell Child’s Bouquet (age 7 and under) 1st Blake Homedew Character Created from Fruits and Vegetables (age 7 and under)

1st Joseph Byram 2nd Wesley Hutchins 2nd Cameron Stoner 3rd Jessi Ruble 3rd Rowdy Ruble Gift Shared (age 7 and under) 1st Tanner Homedew Flowers (age 8 to 12) 1st Ian VanHorn 2nd Stevie Lynn Johnson Child’s Bouquet (age 8 to 12) 1st Stevie Lynn Johnson 2nd Cece Houseweart Character Created from Fruits and Vegetables (age 8 to 12) 1st Mitchell Finlayson 2nd Ian VanHorn 3rd Ella Stoner Gift Shared (age 8 to 12) 2nd Stevie Lynn Johnson A Pretty Bouquet (teens 13 to 18) 1st Angie Irwin 2nd Izzi Houseweart An Arrangement (teens 13 to 18) 1st Angie Irwin My Favorite Flower (teens 13 to 18) 1st Angie Irwin DAHLIAS Yellow or Orange 2nd Traci Sundquist Two Tone or Bi-Color 2nd Lezley Bond Yellow or Orange 2nd Gavin Finlayson Lavender or Purple 1st Gavin Finlayson Red or Pink 1st Gavin Finlayson Two Tone or Bi-Color 1st Traci Sundquist GLADIOLUS Pink or Coral

1st Pat Bennett 2nd Gavin Finlayson Two Toned 1st Janice Cooper Bi Colored 2nd Gavin Finlayson HOUSEPLANTS Blooming Houseplant 1st Bev Shiflet Cactus or Succulent 1st Gigi Deegan 2nd Nancy Horning 2nd Ryer Roberts 3rd Abigail Hilty Foliage Plant 2nd Gigi Deegan 3rd Nancy Horning HYBRID TEA ROSES Red or Orange 1st Evelyn Morrow 2nd Pat Bennett Yellow or White 2nd Tonni Wright Pink or Lavender 1st Judy Anderson Two Tone or Bi-Color 1st Susan Pagano Other 1st Susan Pagano 2nd Pat Bennett

Judge’s Choice Most Beautiful Arrangement Gavin Finlayson Beauty of Youth - 7 and Under Blake Homedew Beauty of Youth - 8 to 12 Mitchell Finlayson Most Beautiful Dahlia Gavin Finlayson Most Beautiful Gladioli Pat Bennett Most Beautiful Houseplant Bev Shiflet Most Beautiful Rose Susan Pagano

Most Beautiful Perennial or Bulb Bev Shiflet Judge’s Choice Best Overall Flower Bev Shiflet • Heidi Berger Judge’s Choice Best Adult Arrangement Arlene Porteus Judge’s Choice Junior Arrangement Angie Irwin

Logging the miles

Photo by Tamie Meck

Creating characters from fruits and vegetables proved to be a popular endeavor for young entrants.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Due to active timber sales on the Grand Mesa National Forest, timber trucks continue to be a familiar sight on forest service roads and Highway 65. Logging activities are intended to remove dead and dying trees caused by the ongoing spruce beetle outbreak. Usable timber is being harvested to reduce the likelihood of beetles spreading to new areas and to reduce wildﬁre risk. Logging is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the summer and into autumn.

Hunters can check websites for closures, fire information

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Fires have burned in several mountain areas in Colorado this summer. So if you’re planning to hunt on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, check with those agencies for the latest backcountry travel, fire and closure information. To check on national forest lands in Colorado, start by going to the website of the U.S. Forest Service. To check on Bureau of Land Management, go to the BLM website. A link to some closure information can also be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, but the information might not be the latest available. Check CPW’s “Know before you go” link. While fires on national forest lands have ranged in size from 5,000 to 50,000 acres, the burned areas are small compared to the size of each national forest and Game Management Unit. For example,

the 416 Fire near Durango comprised about 50,000 acres but the entire San Juan National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres. The vast majority of federal public lands are unaffected by the fires. “While fires have gotten a lot of attention they should not hamper big-game hunting in an entire Game Management Unit,” said Renzo DelPiccolo, area wildlife manager in Montrose for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Hunters can get the best information about federal lands by contacting the appropriate land management agency.” Bow hunters and muzzleloader hunters concerned about closures should check on conditions as soon as possible. The bow season starts Aug. 25; muzzleloader season starts Sept. 8. The first regular rifle season does not start until Oct. 13 so conditions in specific areas could change substantially between now and then.

Grand Mesa road work continues The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District will resume work on a road improvement project for the Grand Mesa National Forests’ Flowing Park Road (NFSR #109), located southwest of Highway 65. Project work is scheduled to begin Monday of this week and will consist of crushing operations that will improve the road bed. During crushing operations the road will be closed Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to

4:00 p.m., with the road being open to public access nightly and on the weekends. Crushing operations are expected to last until Thursday, Sept. 6. The public is advised to be cautious as backhoes and excavators will be operating in the area during work hours, and parked along the road during off-hours greatly narrowing the drivable surface of the road. The GMUG acknowledges and appreciates the public’s understanding and patience during this period.

SURFACE CREEK August 22, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Task force tackles drought policy BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

Drought: a word that strikes worry into any farmer, garden enthusiast or lawn lover. For the Town of Orchard City, it’s also a word meaning increased water rates, water conservation efforts and this year, a drought task force. The premise behind creating this group arose when Orchard City realized that while current policies handle what to do in a drought, they didn’t discuss when to call a drought. The group has convened three times and plans to meet at least three more times. About 10-12 citizens attend each meeting, and three board members help facilitate discussion: Jen Gage, Mel Cook, and Doug Keller. Although trustees take part in discussions, no official action takes place during these meetings. At their first meeting, they laid a foundation of how water systems work, to ensure all participants had thorough understanding before proceeding. The next meeting narrowed down factors to look at when declaring drought. The last meeting, on Aug. 14, resulted in a final set of categories for determining drought conditions. The first two categories examine current springs and winter supply for flow and demand. The second is based on carryover amount for reservoirs. The final uses data on moisture equivalencies determined by SNOTEL through the National Resources Conservation Service. At upcoming meetings the group plans to take these categories and establish what factors in each would look like in normal conditions. Then, they will determine the extraordinary circumstances to enforce drought policy. Trustee Keller explained, “If we see that the first and third categories are not normal but the second and fourth are fine, does this mean we need to declare drought or can we manage it in other ways?” After creating this portion of the policy, Keller said the next steps are to examine how best to handle a drought. Raising rates might work for some citizens, but the group wants to see if there are more effective measures. Keller identified that how to educate the community on drought and conservation efforts will play a large part in the discussion. For those wishing to join the discussion, there will be at least two other meetings, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Road in Austin. “I didn’t expect us to have this many meetings, but this task force takes a lot of discussion,” said Keller. “We want citizens to participate now so they have a voice and say.”

Photo by Don Benjamin

Rain ... maybe

These cows and their new calves are lucky to have pasture as the sky out along Green Valley Road in Cedaredge forms into another of this summer’s “maybe” storms. It’s been raining, sometimes hard, but not for long. Eventually, if the regional drought persists, future scarcities of grazing land and hay may force cattle ranchers into tough decisions regarding the size of their herds.

Budget process begins in Cedaredge BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge board of trustees met for a seven-hour session on Thursday, Aug. 16, to hear from town departments regarding their budgetary priorities. It’s early in the budget process and some figures presented by staff are firm while others need to be revised. At this point, the preliminary expenditures requested by town departments exceed preliminary projected revenues by nearly $1.2 million. So decisions must be made between now and Nov. 1 when

a draft of the final 2019 budget will be officially presented to the trustees and be made available to the public. Following last week’s marathon budget meeting, there will be three additional budget sessions leading up to final adoption of the 2019 town budget in December. All the sessions are open to the public. Copies of the preliminary budget are available on the town website: cedaredgecolo rado.com (type “document center” in the search box, select finance, then budget.) Paper copies are also avail-

able for review at town hall and citizens can call or email town staff with questions at 970-856-3123 or manager@ cedaredgecolorado.com Budget sessions will take place in the Cedaredge Civic Center, Grand Mesa Room, 140 NW 2nd Street. Future budget planning sessions and other town meetings will be held as follows: • Sept. 13, 5 p.m. — Budget work session followed by trustees’ general work session. • Sept. 20, 5 p.m. — Regular town meeting. • Oct. 11, 5 p.m. — Bud-

get work session followed by trustees’ general work session. • Oct. 18, 5 p.m. — Regular trustee meeting featuring 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. 15, 5 p.m. — Regular trustee meeting. • Nov. 29, 5 p.m. — Public hearing on the 2019 budget. • Dec. 13, 5 p.m. — Scheduled trustee action on the 2019 budget.

Cedaredge trustees hold executive session, approve liquor licenses BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Following last Thursday’s lengthy budget planning session, the Cedaredge town trustees met in executive session to discuss property issues related to the Surface Creek Trail. Next the trustees held a public hearing regarding an application by the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) for a special event liquor license. The request was for the Sept. 11 Severin Brown concert. Two other license hearings for future GMAEC events were cancelled at the request of the applicants. No one spoke in opposition to the arts center’s license request and it was subsequently approved during the trustees’ regular meeting. Re-convening in regular session, the trustees approved items on the consent agenda: the minutes of previous meet-

New school year

Photo by Don Benjamin

Incoming senior Mariah Simler tries out the newly paved and newly painted crosswalk at Cedaredge High School (CHS). Over the summer Delta County and the County Joint School District #50 teamed up to improve the CHS entryway and parking lot. The work involved grading and paving a new roadway and re-paving and re-striping the old parking lot. Over the past two years all high schools in the district have undergone similar renovations.

ings, a financial report and disbursements for July 2018, and a liquor license renewal for Mesa Liquors. The trustees also approved a liquor license renewal for The Pondy but not as a part of the consent agenda. By policy The Pondy’s request for renewal had to be voted on directly because a minor (and now resolved) gambling violation occurred in 2017. This incident was reported to the trustees by the State of Colorado, Liquor Enforcement Division. Police Chief Dan Sanders spoke in favor of the renewal stating that his department had open communication with The Pondy and that there were no issues with the business. Barb Hladik from The Pondy appeared to answer trustee questions. The trustees approved the license renewal. The trustees also approved a resolution refunding administrative fees already paid by the golf course and waiving remaining 2018 fees. Typically the town charges the golf course a $1,000 monthly fee for administrative services but this year the fees will be waived because according to the resolution “the golf course has faced financial difficulties in 2018 due to the extreme drought.” The trustees were notified of the resignation from the Historical Preservation Board of longtime member Ronn Brewer. Trustee Al Smith who serves on the historical board reluctantly accepted Brewer’s resignation. Smith praised Brewer as “a pillar of the group” who has been instrumental in conducting the detailed research needed to qualify town buildings for historic site designation. Trustee Ray Hanson agreed, saying Brewer’s service has been invaluable. Hanson suggested doing something special to recognize Brewer’s service and the other trustees agreed to plan a future recognition.

In her treasurer’s report, Trustee Patricia Michael noted that the town’s investment income has increased and sales tax collection is also up by 6.76 percent over the previous year to date. Bruce Hovde representing the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce provided a schedule of events proposed for the 2018 AppleFest. The event will run from Oct. 4-7. Already 209 booths are confirmed of which twenty-five are food vendors. Vendors have until Aug. 31 to apply for space at current rates. After that the space rental rate increases by $125. Past estimates have placed AppleFest crowds as high as 20,000. This year organizers will employ a drone to take publicity photos and get bet-

ter estimates of crowd size. A new event this year will be a vendor appreciation night held on Friday, Oct. 5, at the beer garden. Constituents Jim and Gretchen Atkinson asked for an update on the drought and water situation. Administrator Brinck responded that the town is seeing good conservation on the part of the community. Water usage and drought mitigation information will continue to be published in the town newsletter which is included in the town’s monthly water/sewer bills. Mayor Gene Welch commented that the town has a limited amount of stored water and the trustees will continue to maintain reserves as the drought continues.

Morning windmill

Photo by Katherine Key

Once a common sight in rural western Colorado, windmills are becoming increasingly rare. This one was spotted at dawn on Cedar Mesa east of Cedaredge.

C2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

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Delta County Independent

Community picnic a big hit

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

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

The Orchard City Board of Trustees donated their time, resources, and efforts to make the Aug. 18 town picnic a success. Board members include Photo by Kaylee Dunham Mayor Ken Volgamore, Craig Fuller, Dick Kirkpatrick, Gynee Thomassen, Jan Gage, Doug Keller and With a mouth full of braces, Mark Downey chomps Mel Cook. Two boxes of apples were also gener- down on a large slice of watermelon. He took ﬁrst place in the 11-14 age group. ously donated by Fritchman Orchard.

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

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Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Ezekiel Kroon ﬁnished his slice of watermelon long before anyone else to win the 15 and older group.

A peach pie baked by Jessica Chevalier took ﬁrst place in the pie contest. Laurie Peters (pictured) won second place with a keylime meringue pie. Taking home second was a very exciting occasion for her as she “had never won anything like this before.” Laurie also noted that she was very proud of her daughter, Jessica Chevalier, for winning ﬁrst place. Kim Stueck won third with her peach pie.

Gymkhana point totals The following are the individual point totals for competitors in the 2018 Summer Gymkhana Series held at the Surface Creek Horse Arena in Cedaredge: 7 & Under Lead Line Total Points 2018 Contestant 05/30 06/06 06/13 06/20 06/27 07/11 07/18 07/25 08/01 Total Ryder Porter 38 40 37 36 38 36 33 35 37 330 Jace Medill 36 35 36 40 36 40 40 29 29 321 Blaize Peterson 17 16 24 25 16 8 17 14 137 Azayla Hill 29 33 30 92 Addi Carpenter 10 7 8 0 18 7 9 59 Braelyn Peterson 5 5 5 15 Sadie Olson 11 3 14 Yoni Vanderlaan 10 10 7 & Under SoloTotal Points 2018 Contestant 05/30 06/06 06/13 06/20 06/27 07/11 07/18 07/25 08/01 Total Easton 38 29 29 38 27 36 37 37 38 309 Zeldenthuis Kash Greenhalgh 38 20 38 37 19 34 30 29 27 272 Chessa Larson 32 32 24 14 29 24 29 23 31 238 Quinnlan Price 19 32 23 16 27 23 28 24 32 224 Brylee Peterson 13 26 12 22 31 22 15 13 20 174 Jayla Lucero 6 5 12 10 10 18 18 79 Carli Hammer 6 13 13 32 Gracie Kissner 22 22 Tatum Lujon 15 15 Dixie Wright 4 0 0 5 9 8-13 Total Points 2018 Contestant Name 05/30 06/06 06/13 06/20 06/27 07/11 07/18 07/25 08/01 Total Taneal Braslin 29 37 35 38 36 35 24 27 28 289 Kacie McCollum 19 31 10 36 29 34 31 26 33 249 Macklynn Greenhalgh 21 16 24 24 29 21 35 17 27 214 Laynee Zeldenthuis 20 27 28 19 22 16 20 21 25.5 198.5 Roan Spencer 17 27 20 15 13 0 15 24 17 148 Cassie Shoebridge 20 11 25 16 5 17 13 8 14 129 Aneka Price 11 11 16 16 16 17 23 5 13 128 Jessie Stillings 27 19 23 1 0 0 8 8 24.5 110.5 Sequoia Jones 5 6 14 5 18 18 3 13 82 Pearl Burrus 6 0 0 25 21 16 7 75 Shanda Kier 7 0 24 16 47 Akaya Johnson 10 11 4 11 10 46 Bill Koch 11 4 9 20 44 Macy Medill 9 12 2 4 1 5 4 4 2 43 Madison Tate 7 16 9 32 Aylin Bayles 26 26 Haylee Smith 13 0 13 Aidynn Anderson 5 0 6 11 Ali Long 1 4 1 0 1 7 Billy Tate 1 5 6 Lance McCollum 6 6 Annie Wilson 1 4 5 Rynn Radosevich 0 2 0 2 Gianna Anderson 0 1 1 Maya Cerise 1 1 Ivary Lorimor 0 0 0 Rachele Olson 0 0 0 0 0 Zoei Perry 0 0 0 14 -18 Total Points 2018 Contestant Name 05/30 06/06 06/13 06/20 06/27 07/11 07/18 07/25 08/01 Total Jessica Baldwin 40 26 40 30 29 38 39 40 30 312 Briar Wagner 34 12 20 11 23 21 24 31 176 Kyrie Barnes 16 16 17 17 14 9 19 8 27 143 Shyler Walker 25 0 25 33 31 18 132 Mia Maruca 0 5 14 6 11 7 7 15 22 87 Drakelynn Hamilton 32 25 26 83 Whitney Woolley 9 8 9 0 8 10 6 9 8 67 Kaitlyn Sharpe 19 19 Ali Morton 4 0 10 14 Lexee Wilson 14 14 Adults Total Points 2018 Contestant Name 05/30 06/06 06/13 06/20 06/27 07/11 07/18 07/25 08/01 Total Sierra McHugh 27 37 19 38 28 30 39 38 34 290 Kendall McHugh 25 26 37 34 36 36 35 18 29 276 Shirley Koch 19 15 28 19 29 31 141 Jo Oatman 5 11 15 11 8 14 64 Lana Sulkey 8 8 12 18 14 60 Kacy Stillings 10 7 5 12.5 7 9 50.5 Kacey Carpenter 7 5 8 8 7 8 43 Barb Steele 11 17 4 32 Short Kibler 31 31 JoAnn CoCozza 7 1 22 30 Ashley Hansen 26 26 Jody Shefﬁeld 20 20 Cassi Wright 7 9 16 Nicki Cavalier 8 6.5 14.5 Jeanine Foster 2 8 10 Dick Steele 6 6 Shelly Cannon 6 6 Heather Braslin 5 5 Kelsey Miles 4 4

TELEVISION LISTINGS

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

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

Colorado’s semi-arid climate has historically been punctuated with multi-year droughts, reminding us of the value of plentiful water supplies. Fortunately, most of our water supply is renewed annually as snowpack in the Rockies. But not this year. Outdoor water use accounts for about 55 percent of the residential water use in our more urban areas, most of which is used on turf. During drought or times of restricted landscape watering, most lawns, including bluegrass, will withstand reduced watering regimes by going dormant. While urban lawn watering is the single largest water demand on most municipal supplies, there are many ways to conserve water. First, learn the water requirements of your type of turf grass and water accordingly, avoiding over-watering as much as possible. Overwatering is not only wasteful, it is also unhealthy for plants. Second, make a habit of manually operating your irrigation system and rely less on the automatic controller. Third, do not irrigate on a set schedule, since daily plant water

use can vary greatly according to the weather. Finally, take into account recent rainfall amounts, temperatures and cloud cover before watering your lawn. During drought or times of restricted landscape watering, most lawns, including bluegrass, will withstand reduced watering regimes by eventually going dormant. In these situations, adjust mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and weed control practices appropriately to the watering schedule. Do not core aerate lawns that have gone dormant because of reduced watering. Most lawns can be revived with good management and care after the drought breaks. Changing lawn grass species during drought is not a good idea, as it generally takes more water to establish new plants than to keep old plants alive. Certain types of lawn grass may need water every three or four days during a hot, dry summer. Blue grass would be one of these. Tall fescue is deeper rooted and can be irrigated less frequently. Buffalo grass and blue grama grass need water much less often, maybe every 3-6 weeks depending on how you want it to look.

But the real key to maintaining a healthy lawn, even if you are scaling back your watering program, is to insure your sprinkler system is providing full coverage and applying the right amount of water each time. So make sure your irrigation system is operating properly. 1) Replace broken or missing sprinkler heads; 2) make sure the spray heads turn properly; 3) adjust heads so that water does not reach streets and driveways; 4) check nozzles for plugging; 5) renozzle/spray heads with MP Rotators; 6) place straightsided containers (such as tuna fish cans) around the yard during irrigation and measure water depth so that you know how long it takes to apply 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch of water; 7) place containers (empty tuna or cat food cans) on persistent dry spots to determine if poor sprinkler coverage is the problem; 8) and never water if the soil is still wet. How much water per week is enough? About 2-2.5 inches under ideal conditions for blue grass. Deep watering (down to at 6- to 8-inch depth) less frequently will encourage deeper roots and eventually reduce the amount of water you use weekly. Using a screw driver to test for water penetration to the desired depth is always useful. The use of water absorbing polymers has shown no ben-

efit for lawns for water conservation. Mowing to a height of three inches and removing no more than a third of an inch during each mowing is the way to go. Use a sharp mower blade to reduce leaf blade tearing and subsequent increased susceptibility to disease. You can tell if your lawn “wants” water when it starts to wilt. But before that it will be off color in the driest spots and will exhibit “footprinting,” where grass does not spring back up quickly. Again, lawns that have browned because of insufficient water can be revived with good management and care after the drought breaks. Don’t forget winter watering or your dormant lawn will probably not green up in the spring. 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.

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

Orchard City residents are reducing water use BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

During constituency time at the Aug. 8 meeting of the Orchard City trustees, Mary Ditlove expressed concern over not seeing a detailed disbursements ledger in the town financial statements. Trustee Gynee Thomasen was quick to say that the trustees do receive copies of detailed deposits and check details for all town accounts each month. Town administrator Melissa Oelke showed her how each check is accounted for and written each month. “Any citizen can come in and see this,” she said. Ditlove also expressed desire for the finance committee to meet monthly and invite the public to participate. Joe Gorrod commented that his lilacs are being sprayed by the poison meant for the goatheads on the side of the road. Mayor Volgamore explained that the sprayer is careful and doesn’t spray when the wind is blowing and that they would check on the problem. Under unfinished business the board revisited committee reassignments and voted to leave them unchanged until the next rotation. Then the board reviewed ordinance 2018-03 for Subdivision and Land Improvement Regulations. Mayor Volgamore said

the committees have been working on it for a long time and they want to “put it to rest.” He opened a public hearing for the ordinance. No comments were made. All trustees voted on approving the ordinance. Planning commission reported on the new discussion to rename Marshall Road. “There’s confusion where it splits off and becomes Marshall Road East,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Craig Fuller. “Should there be an emergency situation, there could be issues.” Trustee Jan Gage recommended allowing the residents to come up with names. Mayor ProTem Fuller noted that protocol is to suggest a name and allow them to say yes or no. “It’s just up and coming, no decisions have been made yet,” he said. A series of committee reports followed. Trustees, in addition to attending two meetings a month, serve on committees that meet periodically. Only Water and Drought Task Force had items in its reports. Other committees have upcoming meetings. For water, Trustee Kirkpatrick detailed that it has completed the Mountain Village subdivision water line. The committee is finalizing Steve Kehemier’s proposal to relocate his water line. He is signing over his current line to the town for future use.

For upcoming meetings the committee will work on pipe bedding standards and reviewing planning commission’s advisements on updating and requiring town standards for private water lines. “I want to thank the citizens for their efforts,” he said in conclusion. “We have reduced our water usage to where we knocked off about 12 million gallons.” As updates, road committee is determining a date for its meeting this month. Park committee is meeting Aug. 22. The drought task force rescheduled its meeting for Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Keller reported the main concern is on determining when to call a drought. To conclude the meeting, Mayor Volgamore thanked the staff for fielding questions and concerns after the recent water bills went out with penalties for excessive use. Most trustees concluded their comments by thanking the citizens for their help during the drought whether through donating water to the park, attending meetings or conserving water. “Our neighbor even takes his bathwater and uses it to water his trees,” said Trustee Thomaseen.

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Photo submitted

On Aug. 10 town administrator Melissa Oelke reported that after checking Joe Gorrod’s property and taking pictures, it did not appear his lilacs were sprayed by poison as he indicated.

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C6 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS August 22, 2018

Bruins’ softball date in Rifle rained out BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins’ softball team sports a new coach this season and both he and the players are going to support each other as the experience of coaching girls becomes comfortable for Terry Montoya. Montoya is no stranger on the diamond with a few years of experience in baseball in Rye and as Cedaredge’s boys baseball head coach for the past two seasons. Montoya admits the atmosphere in a girls program is somewhat different than in the boys but sees his Cedaredge softball team as a hard working squad that is learning quickly the style of coaching he brings to the program. One of Montoya’s most important aspects of his sport is a concept of team.

New practice gear this season incorporates that concept with all players dressed alike during practice sessions. The Bruins were scheduled to begin their new season with an out of town match-up against previous 4A Rifle last Saturday. Unfortunately, Mother Nature intervened and opening day was pushed back to this Monday’s contest with Montrose. According to Montoya a make-up date with the Bears is in the works. The two teams are scheduled to meet later in the season (Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at the Field of Dreams). Last season’s Bears were 15-6 in the 4A WSL with a 7-1 conference mark. Last year’s nonconference confrontation resulted in a 9-5 win for the Bears on Cedaredge’s

home field. Rifle brings back third baseman Shaeley Arneson who carried a .521 batting average last season with five home runs. The Bear’s catcher, Kaitlyn Harris also featured some pop in her bat with another five home runs on the season for the Bears. Cedaredge returns seniors Hannah Gardner, Nicole Miller, and Emalee Brooks and junior Summer Young to solidify a young team. Gardner led the Bruins at the plate a year ago with a .344 batting average followed by Miller (.316), Young (.267) and Brooks at .237. The Bruins follow their Monday diamond play in Montrose with a contest in Palisade against the 4A Bulldogs on Sept. 23 with varsity action set to begin at 4 p.m.

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com WEEKLY FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES DATE

WEDNESDAY

08-22-2018

THURSDAY 08-23-2018

FRIDAY 08-24-2018

SATURDAY 08-25-2018

SPORT/OPPONENTS

TIME (Varsity)

GOLF Cedaredge/Delta @ Black Canyon

9 a.m.

GOLF Cedaredge/Delta @ Cobble Creek SOFTBALL Cedaredge @ Palisade VOLLEYBALL Delta @ Montrose Hotchkiss @ Ouray

9 a.m. 4 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

FOOTBALL Hotchkiss v Grand Junction JV SOFTBALL Delta @ Eaton Tournament CROSS COUNTRY Delta/Hotchkiss @ Grand Mesa County Line Paonia @ Cheyenne Mountain VOLLEYBALL Hotchkiss v Caprock Academy SOCCER Delta @ Central SOFTBALL Delta @ Eaton Tournament

7 p.m. TBA 10 a.m. TBA 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. TBA

Cedaredge softball team opens season BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

With last Saturday’s scheduled opening game of the season in Rifle rained out, the Cedaredge Bruins kicked off the 2018 softball season in Montrose on Monday, Aug. 20. The Bruins, under new coach Terry Montoya, found themselves on the short end of a 10 score after one inning. Montrose’s run came on a two-out strike out from Bruins’ starting pitcher Summer Young. The Montrose batter made it safely to first after the ball rolled to the backstop and no throw was made to make a play at first. Meanwhile, Elie Edeker, who had gotten a triple earlier, scored on the passed ball. Montrose eventually used a sixth-inning rally to produce six runs to score a 10-3 decision in

the non-conference game in Montrose. A two-run third pushed the Indians’ lead to 3-0 with a fourth score coming in the bottom of the fifth. Cedaredge found the bats in the top of the sixth with some help from two walks to start the inning. Senior Hannah Gardner drew the first walk and senior Emalee Brooks followed immediately afterwards. Sophomore Jazmyn Hart loaded the bases with a single to bring up senior Nevaeh Martinez who struck out looking to record the Bruins’ first out of the inning. Senior Nicole Miller was the fifth batter of the inning for Cedaredge and she delivered a two-RBI single that scored Gardner and Brooks to make the score 4-2. Miller scored later in the inning bringing the Bruins to within

one (4-3) heading to the bottom of the sixth. Cedaredge failed to score in the seventh leaving the final score at 103. Elie Edeker led Montrose’s offense with her triple and a double. Kira Englis had two RBIs on a two for four day and Lara Edeker had an RBI. Gardner was Cedaredge’s leading hitter with two hits in two official at bats in the game. Six other Bruins had one hit each in the game.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Hannah Gardner slides safely across home plate in the top of the sixth inning. The Bruins were unable to crack Montrose pitching until the sixth inning where two walks and two hits produced three runs in a 10-3 loss in Montrose.

Photo courtesy Danielle Bynum

Delta High School’s football team took the weekend off from the gridiron to enjoy the beauty of Moab, Utah, on Saturday. The day-long activity provided players and coaches the opportunity to enjoy some camaraderie and relaxation before entering a demanding football schedule which includes an openingday matchup against 5A East Metro Conference’s Thornton Crusaders on Sept. 1 in Thornton.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge center ﬁelder Jazmyn Hart makes a nice catch on a ball that had her change directions a couple of times as she tracked the ball. Montrose used a late-innings rally to post a 10-3 victory in the non-conference contest.

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Photo courtesy Danielle Bynum

Coaches and players from Delta High School were guests of scenic Moab, Utah, last Saturday. The team enjoyed a bonding experience away from a rugged practice routine before entering the ﬁnal two weeks of pre-season practice.

Classifieds

August 22, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Card Of Thanks

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to the DCI. Call 874-4421

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THANK YOU TO ALL who came to our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We enjoyed seeing all of you. Alan and Terry Rutan. (1x34)

Pets

�� ROTTWEILER STUD SERVice. Purebred for backyard breeding. I owned mom and dad of stud. Call Jay at 970-856-4544. Cedaredge. (4x33)

Wanted ANY ITEMS FROM THE Speedway Gas Station that was located in Delta. Ron Taylor, 719-371-3986. (3x33) I WOULD LIKE HOMEschoolers of high school age to invite a Hungarian girl who is learning English to join them in their studdies from now until the end of September. Call Kathy 874-1617. (1x34) MATURE COUPLE WANTS to house-sit in Cedaredge or surrounding area. Currently campground hosts on Grand Mesa. Available Oct. 1 406-871-5935. (3x34)

For Sale 2 CEDAREDGE CEMetary Plots for sale. $800 for both. Section J, Lot 15, Sites 4 & 5. NE Section. Phone Kathy Watson (707) 704-6188. (4x32)

�� 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)

BUSY SURGICAL PRACtice looking for part time (20 hrs/week) Medical Assistant. Previous EMR experience prefered, but willing to train. Please email resume and references to melissadelsurg@ yahoo.com. (2x33)

BOLINGER AND QUEEN is now accepting employment application in Hotchkiss for a full-time inside sales position. DELTA COUNTY LIBRAR- Applicants must have a i e s — C e d a r e d g e / D e l t a valid driver's license and Library Assistant. Do you be able to work and comdream of mountain towns, municate with a wide range piles of books, and creative of people. Applications can projects with interesting be picked up at 32874 J Rd. people? It all comes togeth- in Hotchkiss. For questions er at Cedaredge and Delta call 970-872-3371. (2x33) libraries. If you listen well, think quickly, enjoy vari- CHOIR DIRECTOR: ECKety, and stay calm under ert Presbyterian Church is pressure, please send us looking for a choir direcyour application for this tor for our talented choir. If library assistant position. you have experience directApplications and complete ing a choir and are wanting job description available to create a little income, at: www.deltalibraries.org. please call the church office at 970-835-3441 and leave (3x33) your name and phone numYOUR LISTING HERE! ber so we can get back with call now... 874-4421 you. (2x34)

Help Wanted POOL OPERATIONS AND Facilities Maintenance Manager for the North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District. Part time, yearround. Maintenance and mechanical upkeep of pool equipment, facility grounds and other properties managed by the District. Light carpentry, plumbing and electrical, troubleshooting, and simple repairs. Lift and carry 50+ lbs. Work with maintenance subcontractors. Experience with swimming pool systems a plus. Apply by resumé or application downloadable at northforkrecreation.com/jobs. Send to Lenore Cambria at nfpool@tds.net or P.O. Box 2093, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Full description at north forkrecreation.com/jobs. (2x34)

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Quality Color Printing give us a call today for a price quote. 874-4421 DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker St. Delta • 874-4421

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DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING DIVISION 401 Meeker St. • Delta

874-4421

D2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Miscellaneous

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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Public Service

WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x34)

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

today in the DCI! Call 874-4421

your

Public Service

WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us DOMESTIC VIOLENCE on Facebook at “cedar Support Group for Adults edgeladiesgolfclub” and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from WOMEN ONLY AA MEET5-7 p.m. there will be a free ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 support group for adults a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal whose lives have been Church, 5th & Palmer (back impacted by domestic vio- door). lence and a separate group for children at the same CO FATHER’S NETWORKtime. Please call 970-874- dedicated to providing community and education 4941 to sign up. to fathers of special needs CARING FOR CARE- kids. Meets twice monthly givers, C4C - support- on the 1st Saturday at 11 ing hearts that care. Open a.m. and the 3rd Monday to ANY caregiver. Meets at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, monthly in Delta, 2nd Delta. See our website for Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. more details: www.codads. 10th St, Delta. org

Community Newspaper

Shoppers are less willing today to accept advertising that is spooned out to them. They seek out advertising on their own. Newspapers are the medium shoppers use most for shopping in an average week More than half (52%) use newspapers, exceeding others like television (36%), ads appearing in search engines (11%) or ads on general interest websites (16%) Frank N. Magid Associates 2011.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up.

you Why advertise should

Delta County Independent

More selective and less intrusive 401 Meeker St. | Delta 970.874.4421

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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. 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.

Public Service 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: AlFREE DIAPERS FOR UP Anon, Mondays at Noon, to one year! Pregnant Methodist Church 285 N. women in Delta County can 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210now get help to quit smok- 8090 or Marjorie 970-433ing and get something they 1856. can really use after their CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV baby arrives — free diapers. regular meetings on the Healthy moms have healthy second Monday of each babies. Enroll in the Baby & month at 7 p.m. at the Me Tobacco Free program Veterans Building, 15th & today. Contact the Delta Howard, Delta. For further County Health Department information, call Paul Carter at 874-2165 or your local 874-5150. physician. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO WELCOME RETURNING change a child's life! Veterans, Post 9221 VFW Children are waiting for meets at 5:00 p.m. on the senior partners in Delta 4th Thursday of each month County right now! Can you in Cedaredge. To find out spare 3 hours a week? We how to participate in pro- need your help! Call today moting patriotism and for more information. Please assisting veterans, contact volunteer to spend time with Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- a child in our community. 1180. Partners of Delta, Montrose AARP DRIVER SAFETY and Ouray, 874-4661, www. Course. Save on insurance, partners-west.org. or www. keep up on newer traffic deltayouth@montrose.net. laws, learn defensive driv- PAONIA AMERICAN ing techniques. For details Legion runs a year round and schedule contact John non-perishable emergency Loring (970) 856-6924 or food pantry. This is for the (970) 424-1778. North Fork area. For inforAL-ANON: HOPE AND mation, call 527-6252. help for families and SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD friends of alcoholics meets jewelry and silver or bits of in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, gold and silver scraps. The Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is behind First Baptist Church, sending them to: New Eyes 370 W. Main St., contact for the Needy, 549 Millburn Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 Jim 970-874-7855. or send them to: Gale HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Conger, Secretary of IOOF Historical Museum. Winter Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Delta, CO 81416. $3 admission or free to AL-ANON: HOPE AND members. Come see our help for families and museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss friends of alcoholics Streets in Hotchkiss. 872- meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, 3780. Wednesdays at 7 pm, CHECK OUT THE BOOK United Methodist Church, store at the Delta Library. 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa You'll find a great selection 970-395-3608, Chris 970of paperbacks at reasonable 527-3366 or Marjorie 970433-1856 prices. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, THE AMERICAN RED you will love the Downstairs Cross needs you. Become Bookstore in the basement one of the Red Cross volunteers who says, “We’ll Be of the Delta Library. There, Because Help Can’t HELP!!! KEEP THE Wait!” Call your local Red animal population under Cross Chapter at 970-242control, and SAVE an ani- 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW mal's life. Adopt your new for information on the difcat or dog from the Delta ference you can make in County Humane Society. someone’s life as a disaster Adoption fee is minimal. volunteer. Call 874-2149.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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D4 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Theatre group to host picnic

Photo submitted

Submissions sought

The Paonia Literary Committee is seeking original works of poetry, ﬁction, and non-ﬁction for the 2018 Harvest of Voices performance during Mountain Harvest Festival. Winning submissions will be read by the writer the evening of Sept. 27 at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. The performance will be live-streamed to The Paradise Theatre. The submission deadline is Aug. 31. For more information and submission guidelines, please call the Blue Sage Center for the Arts at 970-527-7243 or visit www.delta libraries.org.

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Anyone interested in participating in the next production of the Grand Junction Senior Theatre — as an actor, makeup artist, set designer or builder — is invited to the annual community picnic Sunday, Aug. 26. The picnic begins a 4 p.m. at the Long Family Memorial Park in Grand Junction. Meat, tableware and beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. Come see what the Grand Junction Senior Theatre is all about. To RSVP or ask questions call (626) 993-7046 or email bluetopaz1129@yahoo. com.

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The vocal group Hearts of Harmony will perform at Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross Thursday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. The ensemble consists of nine vocalists from Delta County and singers who are involved in the Valley Symphony Chorus. Selections will include Southern folk, gospel, pop, and Broadway — all in rich four-part harmonies. Admission is by donation.

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Hearts of Harmony

Photo submitted

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, August 22, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G Granting wishes for the Golden Years E

Photo submitted

Mabel’s dream of flying an airplane at age 98 proves we are never too old to have dreams. An Angel Flight last September fulfilled her dream as she took the controls during a flight over the mountains between Montrose and Durango.

BY DON BENJAMIN

Staff Writer

hen she turned 98, Mabel was asked what would enhance her already long life. Not a wish for something material — like a new sweater — but a wish for an experience she’d enjoy. Maybe something she’d never done before. After giving the matter considerable thought, she said, “I wish to fly an airplane.” Asked what he’d wish for, 76year-old Michael knew exactly what he wanted to do. Without a moment’s hesitation, he said he’d love to restore a 1956 Ford pickup truck. Mabel’s wish was granted last year as she soared through Colorado skies alongside an accommodating pilot who let her take a spin at the controls. Michael’s wish hasn’t been fulfilled — not yet anyway. Mabel and Michael are two Western Slope senior citizens whose heartfelt golden-year wishes are summarized in a five-minute video called ‘Wish Granting.’ The video was created by the Senior CommUnity Care PACE program which is part of Volunteers of America (VOA). In developing the video the goal of PACE (which stands for ‘program of all-inclusive care for the elderly’) was to promote the organization’s newest innovation in providing alternative programming to area seniors. The idea to interview seniors and strive to grant their wishes came about when Senior CommUnity Care was considering how to enhance the lives of the organization’s participants while making the best use of their limited program resources. Erin Berge is regional marketing director for VOA and Lori Lenhart is outreach and enrollment manager for Senior CommUnity Care PACE. Erin and Lori work jointly along with an internal committee to organize fundraising efforts. For five years, Senior CommUnity Care has been raising funds through Montrose-based music concerts to provide outdoor adventure programs for seniors in both Montrose and Delta counties. The outdoor programs have included trips to Blue Mesa Reservoir, a ride on the Durango-Silverton Railway, and jeep tours to see autumn colors. This year, in addition to trips, Erin and Lori have teamed up to explore the ‘wish granting’ initiative. They conducted interviews among seniors to generate wish ideas and collected images including special portraits and additional photography by Mike Boese of Peak Life Photography in Montrose. The response from seniors was touching and a little overwhelming. More than two dozen seniors are included in the promotional video. So far, three wishes have been granted: Mabel has gone flying, Arlene got to enjoy a day

Photo by Mike Boese

John’s wish is to hold a bald eagle.

Photo by Mike Boese

Fermin dreams of ﬁshing and hunting in Grand County.

Photo by Mike Boese

Michael wants to restore a 1956 Ford pickup truck. of casino gambling, and Rosie got to take a long-delayed train ride. The others are still waiting. In addition to the wishers and wishes pictured, some of the yet to be fulfilled wishes by seniors are: • Ride a zipline; • See the geysers in Yellowstone; • See my grandkids in Kentucky; • Mentor young people; • Drive the California coast; • Do a police ride-along; • Attend a choral concert; • Go to a horse race; • See a professional tennis match; and • See my sister before my eyesight fails. The official wish granting program kicks off on Sept. 1. Senior CommUnity Care participants can submit their wish request through an application process. A committee will review applications and schedule wishes as appropriate. Selected requests will be granted until the organization’s limited funds are depleted. Want to get involved in the wishing granting program? Here are four ways: • Contact Senior CommUnity Care and ask to have a representative come to show the ‘Granting Wishes’ video to your club, business, or church. To schedule call Lori Lenhert at (970) 417-5670 • Join with other generous sponsors to support the

organization’s annual ‘Age Out Loud’ concert. The major sponsors for 2018 included Delta County and Montrose Memorial Hospitals, Alpine Bank, KREX Channel 5, KVNF, Stryker & Company, TEI Rock Drills, Montrose Daily Press, Horizons Healthcare, the Beacon, and Cherry Creek Media. • Step up to donate in-kind services that fulfill a senior’s wish. • Make a cash contribution to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by sending a check to: Senior CommUnity Care, 11485-Highway 65, Eckert, CO 81418. According to its website, the VOA was founded 122 years ago and today it “is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, touching the lives of almost 1.3 million people each year in hundreds of communities across the United States.” In Western Colorado the organization operates two senior day centers, one in Montrose and the other in Eckert. Eligible seniors in Delta and Montrose counties participate in a host of services offered by Senior CommUnity Care. The organization’s main goal is to provide services that help seniors remain in their homes. Therefore the day centers are not residential facilities. Instead they offer medical, dental, hearing, and vision services as well as outreach home care, sending per-

Photo by Mike Boese

Ellen wishes for endless supplies for her art. sonnel to help seniors with tasks such as dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. The centers also provide transportation to medical appointments, a place to meet for lunch, and opportunities to take part in programs and activities that facilitate socialization and enhance experience. To raise programming funds for outdoor adventure trips and the wish granting program, Senior CommUnity Care hosts an annual ‘Age Out Loud’ music concert. Though the concert is held in Montrose, the funds raised are used to serve participants in both Montrose and Delta counties. This year the organization staged its most ambitious event — a May concert featuring legend-

ary Denver jazz and blues performer Hazel Miller. Next year’s concert is scheduled at the Montrose Pavilion on May 10, 2019. Miller will again be the headliner in the 2019 concert. For information call 970-417-5670.

Photo submitted

Mabel used to work in a doctor’s ofﬁce. At age 98, she made a wish to ﬂy an airplane. Her wish was granted last year.

Photo by Mike Boese

Asked to wish for something, Sylvia replied, “I am content with all I have in my life.”