Delta County Independent, Aug. 29, 2018 by Delta County Independent

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Art & Ag Tour shows off the bounty of the North Fork Valley, B1

Local authors serve up an array of written works, B6

DELTA COUNTY

FALL PREVIEW

Expectations are running high for area athletes, coaches, C1-8 AUGUST 29, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 35

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INDEPENDENT

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Delta woman jailed for shooting brother BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Officers from the Delta Police Department responded to a 911 call from an injured male asking for help in the early morning hours of Aug. 22. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of Aliza Marie Archuleta, 33, of Delta for alleged first degree assault with deliberation, menacing, prohibited use of a weapon, child abuse and reckless endangerment. Archuleta is being held in the Delta County Jail on a $60,000 bond after she allegedly discharged

Aliza Archuleta

a firearm injuring the adult male in the presence of multiple children. Delta County Human Services Child Protection was called in to assist. According to the arrest affidavit, Terry Speicher Jr. said his sister shot him in the forearm during an argument. She says he had choked her, and that’s why she got a gun. She says she was trying to scare him away when she pulled the trigger. According to the Delta Police Department, alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor. While both Archuleta and her brother had been drinking, a witness to the events that unfolded at 668 Hastings Street. According to the arrest affidavit, he told Terry he needed to leave and go somewhere for the night to sober up. He was headed toward the front door when Archuleta allegedly showed up with the gun. He attempted to grab her in a hug but keep her from using the gun, and that’s when the shot was fired. The bullet went through Speicher’s arm and exited through the glass and screen of the front door.

Playground attraction

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Garnet Mesa Elementary students wait their turn to try out the climbing boulder installed by The Nature Connection and Delta County Joint School District #50. Climbing boulders were also installed at Paonia Elementary, Hotchkiss K-8, Crawford Elementary, Cedaredge Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Garnet Elementary, Delta High School and Olathe Elementary as part of a GOCO initiative to get kids outdoors. The durable climbing boulders are comprised of glass ﬁber reinforced concrete, with handcarved foot and hand holds by ID Sculpture. Shade sails at playgrounds in Paonia and Hotchkiss provide shelter from the hot afternoon sun.

Water park advocates encouraged by support BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

About 40 community members attended an Aug. 23 presentation intended to “pitch the vision” and generate financial support for a water park feasibility study. Proponents Scott Schaible and Ron Austin hosted the Aug. 23 event, which also featured comments from Joe Kingsley, on “Moab and the Great Comeback,” and a video presentation by Dan Martin of Market & Feasibility Advisors of Chicago. Ron Austin made opening comments which mirrored what he had to say during a May 29 presentation on the same topic. That presentation took place during a work session of the Delta City Council. The Aug. 23 meeting targeted business people who Austin said would benefit from increased tourism traffic, and who he hoped would, in turn, help fund a feasibility study. The city would also benefit, through increased revenues. Austin, the mayor of Delta, and Schaible, an area resident, said that’s been the motivating factor all along. Without additional revenue, the city is facing critical budget shortfalls in two to three years. They described the water park as a catalyst that would attract people — and their dollars — to the city. Once here, the water park could be packaged with other activities, from gold medal fishing to golfing to the drive-in, to get people to stay in the area for a few days. The first step is generating $4,000 for phase one of a

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D8 Business .......................A10 Church ............................B5 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries .................. A7-8 School Zone .................. A6 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................C1-8 Surface Creek News ...B6-8 TV Listings ................. D5-6

feasibility study, which would be conducted by Martin’s firm. The multi-step process would add up to about $16,000, which Austin and Schaible hope to generate with donations from local businesses and individuals. Martin went through much of the same presentation he gave on May 29, also by video, with one critical difference. Between the two presentations he had an opportunity to visit Delta, where he discovered the city is already part of the tourism flow from I-70 south. “You just need something for people to stop and stay for,” he said. “Delta can become a base camp for the great natural attractions of the region. “And what you do for the tourists will work for the citi-

zens, too.” Joe Kingsley related how Moab virtually folded after the collapse of the uranium industry. He was one of just three members left on the chamber board of directors when they came up with an idea for the “most beautiful dump” in the country contest — an idea that wound up generating millions of dollars worth of publicity for Moab. He said a community has to have a vision, and he talked about the power of a community working together to make that vision a reality. When the floor was opened to questions, most addressed the feasibility study and what Schaible and Austin hope to accomplish. Others wondered how they came to focus on a water park. The two said they

surveyed amenities offered in other tourist destinations and decided a water park would be a good fit, understanding that it would start small and expand as the word spread and its popularity grew. During his presentation, Martin discussed other options, which he described as “magnets” that could include a river park, lodging with a western flavor, or cool places to eat, shop and hang out. Many in the audience expressed a desire to see the feasibility study expand to those options, as well, and not focus solely on a water park. Austin said he still loves the idea of water park, but is open to other ideas that would take advantage of all that Delta has to offer — perhaps with a water component.

Following the meeting, Schaible said he was encouraged by the discussion that took place Thursday night. “It indicates to me that people have been hungry for a change that has taken too long in coming,” he said. “I saw people who weren’t just saying they love their community, they were taking action.” The ultimate goal is to complete the feasibility study, then find a private developer to get the project — whatever it might be — off the ground. “For a developer to buy in, they need to see strong community support,” Schaible said. “This group got why that’s so important.” “It is exciting to think of a project of this scale that doesn’t rely on our taxpayers footing the bill,” Austin said.

City of Delta adds ballot questions BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta City Council has approved two ballot questions for the November election but will likely be adding more before the cutoff date in early September. At their Aug. 21 meeting, council members approved the wording for two questions concerning the sale of city property. The first concerns the city’s municipal light and power plant at 1133 S. Main Street. The plant once generated all the electric power the city needed. Eventually, the city had to purchase power

from outside sources to meet increasing demand. According to a newsletter article written by Jim Wetzel, former director of the Delta Museum, for the past several decades ML&P has operated only as a backup, fulfilling its mission for the last time on July 27, 2010 when the main transformer in the Garnet Mesa substation failed, causing a massive outage. The city sets the minimum sale price at $620,000 if closing takes place prior to Dec. 31, 2019. After that date, the minimum price increases by 5 percent annually. The second ballot question

concerns the sale, transfer or conveyance of 115 acres comprising Cottonwood Park and Riverbend Park. The city is considering a land swap with Bill St. James for acreage south of the river with better visibility and accessibility. The minimum sale price is $4,575 per acre. City manager David Torgler said the city arrived at that price by dividing the purchase price of Riverbend Park by the number of acres, then applying that figure to both parcels. Again, the minimum sale price will increase annually if closing does not take place prior to Dec. 31, 2019.

Also under consideration are questions concerning a sales and use tax increase, the sale of marijuana and deBrucing of fines and fees. A sales tax increase of 1 percent, from 3 to 4 percent, would generate an estimated $2 million. The increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2019, and would sunset after 10 years. In that time, Torgler said the state will have figured out how to tax internet sales, which would likely generate revenue for the city and county as well. A June 2018 Supreme Court ruling is seen as a billion-dollar boon, DELTA BALLOT TO A3

DeltaFest

Bull Draw Fire road closures reduced

Several blocks of Main Street will be closed this Thursday for the Downtown DeltaFest sponsored by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. The streets will be lined with vendors, food, live music and kids’ activities from 5:30 p.m. until dusk Thursday, Aug. 30. North Fork Country will provide the music. For more information, call 874-8616.

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests has reduced the closure area around the Bull Draw Fire. The remote blaze, burning 12 miles northwest of Nucla, has reached approximately 30,280 acres and is burning on both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. Public access to the following area of the Uncompahgre National Forest’s Plateau Division will be limited: The area bordered on the north by national forest system Road (NFSR) 407, on the west and southwest by national forest boundary, on the south and southeast by NFSR 600 (Windy Point Junction) and on east by NFSR 402 (Divide Road). The public is asked to adhere to these closures and pay close attention to all road signage. For questions concerning these emergency closures please contact the Grand Valley Ranger District at 970-242-8211. All emergency closures on Uncompahgre BLM lands related to the Bull Draw Fire have been lifted. Early season hunters in Unit 61 who may be impacted by the Bull Draw Fire closures are asked to direct their questions to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Montrose Office at 970-252-6000.

A2 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS

Civics 201

‘Livable climate’ letter demands a response Dear Editor: I must respond to the fear mongering, intentional deception and manipulation of Pete Kolbenslchag in his letter, “A livable climate should matter to all of us” on global warming.

From the Snowtel data the drought of 1977 was worse as was the multi year drought of 1934 as was the 15-year drought of the 1200s that caused the Anasazi Indians to desert Mesa Verde. So what is global warming

KUDOS 4-H’ers appreciate the support

Dear Editor: Surface Creek Wranglers 4-H Club would like to thank the 2018 Delta County Fair Board, all buyers, and all who supported our club members through the new add-on program at the Delta County Fair Junior Livestock Sale. Thank you buyers: Bank of Colorado, First State Bank of Colorado - Hotchkiss, Bolinger & Queen, Cropworx, Crystal Springs Trout Farm, DIP Co., Delta County Fair Buyers Pool, Delta County Farm Bureau, Delta Hardware, LeValley Ranch, Lightworks Fiber, Myles, Lisa and Tawney Roberts, Sisson Feed and Ranch, Stein Crusher. Thank you add-on participants: Allan and Kena Price, Cedaredge Pharmacy, Cropworx, Deborah Shaffer, Delta Animal Health, 5S Show Pigs, Stillings Ranch, West Slope Ag Center, Western Slope Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction. A special thank you to all add-on participants who gave to Kiera Stroh who lost her sale pig on the morning of sale day: Master Petroleum, DIP Co., Sisson Feed and Ranch, Crystal Springs Trout Farm, Watson Hopper Inc., Western Slope Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction, Price Family, Spencer Family, Tom Mullen, Roberts Family, Craig Family, Robbie LeValley, Mariah Wood, Miller Family, Kiefer Family and Zeldenthuis Family. Thank you so much for your support of our kids at the sale and throughout the year! Surface Creek Wranglers

Thanks for your votes!

Dear Editor: Vision Charter Academy and the Food for Thought program would like to thank the entire community for their support. We find out on Sept. 25 if we were successful in our grant efforts. There were so many efforts made by so many that it is impossible to name them all. We want to thank the businesses who donated to encourage voting: Davetos, Taco Time, Moca Joe’s, Delta Family Fun Park, Java Hut, Lost Mesa Grill, Needle Rock Brewery, Sisson’s Feed & Seed, Reve Portraits, Jerry Reiher State Farm, The Coffee Barn. We also want to thank everyone who made a video in support of the cause: Lisa Mock, Angela Fedler, Jennifer Magner, Delaine Hudson, Daniel Renfrow, Jim Farmer, Caryn Gibson, Chief Luke Fedler, Chief Dan Sanders, Danielle Barnard. Our community is the best and we cannot thank you enough. We will let you know on Sept. 25! Vision Charter Academy Food for Thought

Delta County Independent

really? From the best source from high precision satellites that have monitored the entire globe for the last 40 years, global warming has amounted to just a few tenths of a degree over that whole period. Sea level rise is likewise intentionally misrepresented for political purposes. Sea level has been rising since the end of the last ice age 16,000 years ago. Per high precision satellite altimetry since 1992 it’s about 1/8th inch per year (3.4 mm) now, but by comparing the rise in the 1800s to present day, nature is responsible for 4/5th of it. That leaves man possibly responsible for 1/5th x1/8th = 1/40th inch per year. That is if we banned all fossil fuels from cars, trucks, power plants and banned cows from passing gas mainly methane and suffered the huge economic loss and world wide poverty that would entail, we could slow down sea level rise by one inch every 40 years, yet these demagogues would have you believe Miami Beach will be underwater by 2100. What a load! What a lie! Lastly everyone seems to assume increased CO2 is bad. Yet commercial greenhouses that can dial in CO2 don’t choose 285 ppm of the 1700s or today’s 400ppm. No, they dial in 1300 ppm which nearly doubles plant growth and makes them drought resistant since they open up for less time to get enriched CO2 they require thus evaporating less water. Look at what they are doing. These people, I’ll bet mainly Democrats, would have you in poverty and control your life as in they do know what’s better for you than you do. This whole game, global warming, sea level rise and CO2 is just one big power trip. Tell them to take a hike. Mike Mason Cedaredge

Dear Editor: This is in response to Suzanne Watson’s naive and ill researched complaint about the stifling of free speech at the Paonia town meeting in July (letter, Aug. 22). A bit of research into the First Amendment and applicable laws would have taught her that free speech IS limited and a

government entity does have the right to place and enforce restrictions on time, place and manner of expression. The right of a governing body to establish and adhere to a code of conduct for meetings IS protected by law. As a regular attendee, I appreciate that Mayor Stewart makes

Law enforcement blotter

Officers took a lobby report From the Delta Police Department (edited for of possible forgery, theft and child abuse. length): Officers responded to an address on 1575 Road for a Aug. 19: Jeremy W. Woodson, 29, report of persons trying to of Austin was arrested for break in to a residence. Officers took a lobby report driving under the influence (DUI), careless driving and of domestic violence and posfailure to present evidence of sible probation violation. Aug. 23: insurance. Officers provided an agenOfficers responded to the 600 block of Howard Street to cy assist with Delta County recover possible stolen prop- Adult Protective Services. Officers responded to the erty. Jennifer J. Williams, 32, of 1200 block of H25 Road for Cedaredge was issued a sum- the report of a possible intoximons for shoplifting at City cated female who drove into a ditch. Amanda M. CipriaMarket. Officers conducted a wel- no, 31, of Delta was arrested fare check in the 800 block of on charges of driving under Palmer. Three juveniles were the influence (DUI), careless driving, driving while license removed from the residence. A customer reportedly revoked and failing to present tried to use counterfeit bills at evidence of insurance. Officers took a lobby report Taco Bell. of fraudulent bank activity. Aug. 20: Officers responded to the Aug. 24: Officers took a “Safe2Tell” 1100 block of Pioneer Road for report of a juvenile male maka traffic accident. Counterfeit bills were ing suicidal threats. Officers responded to a reportedly used to make a two-vehicle accident in the purchase at Walmart. Officers responded to area of Highway 50 and 1600 Whiskey’s Liquor Store for a Road. Tayler E.M. Philman, 19, two-vehicle accident. Timothy of Delta was issued a sumL. Carlill, 35, of Paonia was mons for careless driving. Officers responded to the arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), 800 block of Meeker Street for driving under the influence a hit and run traffic accident. Officers provided an agenper se, and careless driving. Bank of the West reported cy assist to Delta County Child Protective Services. a possible case of fraud. A two-vehicle traffic acciOfficers responded to Splish Splash Car Wash for a dent was reported at E. 4th and Main streets. suspicious incident. Officers conducted a trafA one-vehicle traffic accident involving a deer occurred fic stop in the area of East in the 1400 block of Highway 5th Street and Riley Lane. Anthony M. Evans, 30, of 50. Delta was issued a summons Aug. 21: Officers responded to the for owner operated uninsured 600 block of N. Main Street for vehicle, drove vehicle with license revoked (HTO), opera private property accident. Officers responded to the ated vehicle with no tail lights 1700 block of Highway 92 for and displayed expired license a one-vehicle traffic accident plates. Officers conducted a traffic involving a deer. Officers responded to stop in the area of East 5th Street and Riley Lane. Sierra Urgent Care for a dog bite. Officers responded to the D. Swanson, 25, homeless of 1100 block of Bluff Street for Montrose was arrested on a a domestic violence incident. Montrose County warrant with A warrant has been issued a $25,000 bond. Swanson was for Eloy O. McLaughlin, 47, of also arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled subFairplay. Officers responded to stance (methamphetamine). Delta High School for a feud Aug. 25: Officers responded to a between multiple juveniles. Officers responded to residence on H38 Road for a Clearview Drive for a report burglary. Officers responded to the of an adult male unconscious 700 block of Palmer Street for and not breathing. a theft. Aug. 22: Officers responded to the Officers responded to 7108 Highway 50 for a possible bur- 200 block of Howard Street for a possible burglary. glary. Three syringes were found lying on the ground at the intersection of Highway 92 and Heinz Street. They were placed into evidence for destruction. Citations: 13 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.

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From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list):

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Aug. 20: Deputies investigated a report of illegal burning at a residence on 2100 Road in Delta. Burning trash in a burn barrel is prohibited by county ordinance. A squatters’ campfire is being blamed for a fire that burned several trees near the intersection of Highway 65 and Tongue Creek Road shortly after 7 p.m. No structures were damaged. Aug. 21: A Palisade woman reported that while she was on Grand Mesa, a man came out onto the deck of his cabin holding a firearm and looking at her grandchildren. A red Chevrolet Malibu that had been reported stolen from the City of Delta was found at an Austin residence. Deputies determined the “stolen” vehicle was the result of a domestic dispute. A resident of 2100 Road, Delta, filed a complaint about a white pickup that was “tearing up the road.” An Austin resident reported that he had video surveillance of someone rifling through his vehicle. At about 8 p.m. a woman residing on Payne Siding Road

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DELTA COUNTY

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INDEPENDENT

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every attempt to keep the meeting orderly and on task without being hijacked by folks speaking whenever they chose on whatever subject they fixate on. Ms. Watson’s removal was not without several warnings to her and after several exclamations. Jakki Taylor Paonia

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

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reported a burglary in progress from an old trailer on her property. Using a description of the vehicle provided by the victim, deputies pulled over a pickup occupied by Laura Clark, Jennifer Borders and Paul Luce. They reportedly found some of the items that had been stolen in the back of the suspects’ vehicle. The three were arrested and transported to Delta County Jail. They are charged with theft and second degree burglary. Aug. 22: Deputies were asked to check out a suspicious vehicle parked on B Road about a mile and a half off Highway 50. It was determined the female driver had pulled over to rest and all the car’s occupants had fallen asleep. There was no indication of alcohol or drugs. An individual riding his dirt bike in the ‘dobies came across a burned vehicle near Fairview and Pig Mesa roads. It was determined the 2007 yellow Pontiac had been stolen out of Montrose on Aug. 20. The same vehicle is suspected of being involved in an accident in the City of Delta earlier that day. BLM and the Montrose Police Department were notified of the vehicle’s location. Aug. 23: A Cedaredge resident said he was being harassed on Facebook and asked for advice from a deputy. Deputies contacted a 60year-old Paonia man who was being treated for a dog bite at Delta County Memorial Hospital. A short time later, they took a report from a 50-yearold Hotchkiss female who was being treated in the hospital emergency room for injuries that occurred during a domestic dispute. A 41-year-old Paonia resident reported that her brother, Curtis Daniels, 46, had stolen her car and cell phone from the home they share. The vehicle’s VIN was entered into a national database. The following day, Mesa County deputies notified local authorities that they had contacted Daniels at a gas station in Grand Junction. He was taken into custody and charged with second degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, violating a protection order and driving under restraint. Aug. 24: A Caterpillar track skid steer was reportedly moved from the vacant property near Crawford where it was being kept. The victim said he is the only one with keys to the vehicle. Aug. 25: At about 1 a.m., a Cedaredge area man reported his wife and two grandchildren, ages 10 and 7, had failed to return from a doctor’s appointment in Delta. About 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were located at Walmart, where they had reportedly been left for two hours. They told deputies they had spent the night in their vehicle in Confluence Park, then they’d gone to Walmart while their grandmother had the vehicle repaired. When Grandma arrived on the scene, she said she had left the children in the main part of the store while she went to the automotive department. She denied leaving the children unattended and denied spending the night in Confluence Park. She said she did not go home because she needed to have the vehicle checked for leaking fluids. Child Protective Services was contacted and the grandfather took custody of the children. An Austin resident reported the theft of two large flower pots from her porch. Mail was reportedly pulled from several mailboxes in the Austin area and scattered along the carrier’s route. Aug. 26: Deputies assisted the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office with the recovery of a stolen iPhone that was “pinging” from a location in Eckert. The cell phone was recovered and Sarah Arguta, 21, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. A Hotchkiss area landlord reported that her renters disappeared in the night, along with two 40-foot semi trailers. Deputies contacted a 57year-old Paonia resident who was being treated for a dog bite at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Clarification: An item in last week’s blotter stated that an Orchard City employee walked out of work rather than submit to a random drug test. His employer later found a small amount of marijuana in the company vehicle he normally drives. The individual in question was not an employee of the Town of Orchard City, but rather a business located within the town.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Quiet afternoon shattered by gunshots Two Delta residents who were out on bond for other crimes were arrested Tuesday, Aug. 21, after reportedly firing a gun six times from a red Toyota Tacoma pickup, then speeding away. Officers of the Delta Police Department responded to the area of East 5th Street and A Street at about 2:18 p.m. the afternoon of Aug. 21. Based on the description of the vehicle, officers quickly iden-

tified the suspects and located the pickup at a residence at 5th Street and Riley Lane. Parker Chase Avondet, 18, and Majacemeno “Xac” Gallegos, 20, were arrested without incident. A firearm and alleged Schedule I controlled substances were taken into police custody and the vehicle was towed from the scene. DPD Chief Luke Fedler said officers canvassed the area and have been unable

to determine whether the men were firing into the air or at a specific target. No injuries and no damage have been reported. Officers recovered 9mm brass from the area where the shots were reported. Avondet was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of Schedule I controlled substance (heroin), prohibited use of a weapon, violation of bail bond conditions and violation of a protection order with a $10,000 bond.

Majacemeno “Xac” Gallegos, 20, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of Schedule I controlled

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Clean-up is underway

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Delta ballot

Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

At about 1:21 a.m. Aug. 23, a vehicle plowed into the side of the Stockyards Restaurant at 1205 Main Street. The driver struck the concrete patio wall, propelling cement blocks and breaking the restaurant’s windows. Friends and employees quickly arrived to help owners Dianne Mannon and Jeri Roberts clean up the mess inside the restaurant. They say a driver headed northbound on Highway 50 crossed over the southbound lanes and into the restaurant. He reportedly fell asleep. The Delta Police Department issued a citation to the driver, identiﬁed as Cain Hunt, 22, of Montrose. Cedaredge Police Department K9 unit assisted with the execution of a search warrant on Hunt’s vehicle. Mannon and Roberts said this is the fourth time in 18 years the restaurant has been hit by a vehicle.

FROM PAGE A1 allowing states to collect internet sales tax, even if the online retailers don’t have a physical presence in the state. If approved by the voters, half the revenue would be used for public safety and the other half for parks, recreation and golf. Council member Gerald Roberts raised the less controversial question of de-Brucing municipal court fines, building fees and other fees levied by the city. Due to the ratcheting down effect of TABOR, and an accompanying slowdown in construction, the city has not had to refund any excess fees, but that picture could change as growth occurs in the city. The third issue — marijuana — generated the most discussion during a work session earlier in the evening. Mayor Ron Austin opened the conversation by reminding council members of the established process for gathering signatures to place a question on the ballot. If council took that step, the mayor said it could be perceived as council support. The previous taxpayer question approving the taxation of marijuana sales was not a referendum to authorize those sales in city limits, he insisted. City clerk Jolene Nelson summarized the actions of previous councils. In 2011, a medical marijuana dispensary operated in Delta until council adopted an ordinance prohibiting sales. The business owner successfully circulated a petition, generating a special election. Voters upheld the council’s decision with 1,215 for and 564 against with fairly high voter turnout. Then

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substance (heroin), prohibited use of a weapon and violation of bail bond conditions with a $10,000 bond.

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two years later, council adopted another ordinance prohibiting retail marijuana sales. The question did not go to the voters, Nelson said, because council members reasoned citizens felt the same way about retail marijuana as they did about medical marijuana in the 2013 election. Times have changed, council member Nathan Clay said, and he would like to see three separate questions on the ballot — one for retail marijuana, one for medical marijuana and one for marijuana cultivation and production facilities. Regardless the type of business, he agreed it should be heavily regulated.

Council member Christopher Ryan echoed that thought. “Our role is to regulate it, not to decide it.” He and council member Kevin Carlson agreed with Clay that three separate questions should be on the ballot. “It’s for the people to decide,” Carlson said. “That’s the biggest thing.” A special meeting was set for Tuesday, Aug. 28, to finalize the ballot wording in preparation for a council vote at the Sept. 4 meeting. In accordance with Colorado law, ballot content must be certified to the county officials coordinating the ballot no later than Sept. 7.

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A4 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Reception honors Laws newlyweds

Kathryn and Derrick Bien

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Todd and Cheryl Laws of Delta announce the marriages of two of their four children over the summer. The Laws family have been part of the Delta community since January 1994. Kiley, Kathryn, Caleb and Conor grew up here, the first three from a young age. Conor was born in Delta in September 1994. Now they’re rolling through their 20s with new homes and families. Kathryn Marlene Laws and Derrick Thomas Bien (pronounced Bee-en) were married Tuesday, June 12, 2018, on the beach in Pensacola, Fla. Many members of Derrick’s extended family live in the Pensacola area, and the Laws enjoyed a great beach vacation. Kathryn and Derrick met their sophomore year at Colorado State University seven years ago and dated all through college and beyond. Both hold bachelor degrees from CSU. Kathryn’s degree is in health and exercise science; Derrick’s degree is in agricultural business. The son of Rebekah Barrington, he grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Colorado Springs Christian School in 2010. Kathryn is a 2010 graduate of Delta High School. They live in Fort Collins, where Kathryn is employed by the Health

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District of Northern Larimer County, assisting people with learning about and completing medical advance directives. Derrick is an agricultural manager at Infinite Wellness just outside of Fort Collins. While both are enjoying their current occupations, Kathryn’s nonprofit work is funded by a grant that’s already been extended due to the results she and team members have achieved. Derrick is open to a move and agricultural business pursuits elsewhere. Both love active outdoor recreation, athletics and life in our Rocky Mountains. Conor Samuel Laws and Chloe Christell Louise Vasilakis were married Aug. 1, 2018, at Chautauqua Park in Boulder. Both are Daniels Scholars who met at an Daniels Fund orientation program in 2012. Conor earned a bachelor of science degree in recreation, tourism and hospitality from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Chloe graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, with a minor in French language. Chloe is originally from Waterford, Mich. She moved to Denver and attended East High School, graduating in 2012. Conor and Chloe make their home in Fort Collins. Conor is assistant manager of the housekeeping department at Embassy Suites in Loveland and

Chloe is a kindergarten teacher at Spring Creek School in Fort Collins. A move to Portland, Ore., is coming at the end of September as Chloe begins her graduate education at University of Western States. She will pursue a degree of doctor of chiropractic medicine emphasizing pediatric care. Conor is looking to transfer within the Hilton family of hotels in Portland, Ore., to pursue a career in hotel management. Local friends are invited to a Sept. 8 reception here in Delta to celebrate the marriages of Kathryn and Derrick and Conor and Chloe.

Anyone planning to attend is urged to contact Todd and Cheryl Laws at 970-874-1246 beforehand to help in their planning and preparations. The reception will be held at the First Baptist Church Pavilion (behind the church at 1250 Pioneer Road in Delta) from 2 to 6 p.m. Todd and Cheryl will provide the meats along with some of their favorite side dishes and desserts. Friends who wish to augment the food supply at the reception are encouraged to bring their favorite side dish, salad or dessert to share. Your presence will be your present to the newlyweds.

Conor and Chloe Laws

Senior CommUnity meals listed for September

Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Civic Center (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), Delta Senior Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 874-5302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through Sept. 28 follows: Monday, Sept. 3 — Meal sites closed for Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 4 — Chicken enchilada casserole, Spanish rice, chuckwagon corn, black bean salad and pineapple tidbits. Wednesday, Sept. 5 — Roast beef, mashed pota-

toes and gravy, honeyglazed carrots, kidney bean salad, wheat roll and strawberry shortcake. Thursday, Sept. 6 — Barbecue beef sandwich on wheat bun, macaroni calico salad, broccoli with cheese sauce and green sunset yogurt dessert. Friday, Sept. 7 — Baked lemon onion fish fillet, fish house coleslaw, potato wedges, whole wheat roll and peaches. Monday, Sept. 10 — Beef, cheese and rice burrito with green sauce, refried beans, mandarin spinach salad and churro. Tuesday, Sept. 11 — Pizza mac casserole, kidney bean salad, stewed tomatoes and apple crisp. Wednesday, Sept. 12 — Barbecue chicken breast, baked beans, vegetable blend, oatmeal roll and green yogurt with berries. Thursday, Sept. 13 — Roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green salad, California blend

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veggies, whole wheat roll and birthday cake. Friday, Sept. 14 — Lasagna, tossed salad, green beans, garlic breadstick and tropical fruit. Monday, Sept. 17 — Southwest sausage and egg bake, potatoes O’Brien, peach crisp and PBOK cookie. Tuesday, Sept. 18 — Italian chicken breast, fettuccine primavera, bacon ranch pea salad, garlic bread and chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookie. Wednesday, Sept. 19 — Sloppy joes on a wheat bun, green bell pepper coleslaw, parmesan potato wedges, western corn and honey bee ambrosia. Thursday, Sept. 20 — Ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, Italian vegetable pasta salad, whole wheat roll, mandarin oranges and bananas. Friday, Sept. 21 — Chicken salad on a wheat bun, mac and cheese, confetti salad, V-8 juice and cranberry apple crisp. Monday, Sept. 24 — Pepperoni and beef pizza, tossed salad, zucchini, tomatoes and onions, and tropical fruit. Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian vegetables, breadstick and diced peaches. Wednesday, Sept. 26 — Chili con carne, tossed salad, cornbread and citrus splash mousse cake. Thursday, Sept. 27 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh veggie salad, whole wheat roll and strawberries with whipped topping.

Senior centers close for Labor Day

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Sept. 3, no meals will be served at the four Delta County senior center meal sites in Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss and Paonia; and Olathe in Montrose County. There will also be no Meals On Wheels deliveries that day.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

BLM plan calls for enhancement of Old Spanish Trail in Delta County

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BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A plan to increase general knowledge and usage of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail in Delta and Mesa counties is detailed in a draft document prepared by the Bureau of Land Management. Stakeholders came together to identify Old Spanish National Historic Trail sites that could be marked and developed for the public, including trailheads, overlooks and interpretive locations. Further development of existing hiking/biking/ equestrian trails, 2WD routes, 4WD routes, and ATV routes could make the trail accessible to the public. Sites identified for future development in Delta County include the Big Dominguez Canyon overlook, Fool’s Hill, Wells Gulch, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area parking area and the Escalante State Wildlife Area overlook. It’s also suggested that Delta’s mural collection be augmented with a new mural depicting travelers on the Old Spanish Trail. The only current interpretive site is located at Fort Uncompahgre. Antoine Robidoux, an influential trader out of Santa Fe, established Fort Uncompahgre as a

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Newly installed metal silhouettes at Fort Uncompahgre depict travelers on the Old Spanish Trail. trading outpost in 1828. The location was a central hub for many trade and travel routes in the west, primarily the North Branch of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. The draft can be viewed on the Delta County Independent website, www.deltacounty independent.com. Suggestions and feedback on the draft are welcomed by Courtney Fernelius at cfernelius@blm.gov through Sept. 7.

Volunteers needed for AC/DC events Arts Coalition of Delta County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is asking for volunteers to help with important events coming very soon. AC/DC will need some help with security, ticket takers/sales, stage crews, set-up and cleanup crews and some others with some experience with stage management, stage sets, sound technology, and website management. Some of these volunteer jobs could become part-time employment or eventually full-time employment opportunities. If you have time and energy and some skills, to volunteer for events coming soon, you will be joining a group that could energize and excite you as well as change the economic and job market in

Grief support Summer reading groups meet registration is up to Although each person’s The summer reading program offered by Delta County Libraries saw increased participation in 2018. “We had 1,132 people register this year,” says Lea Hart, district director of Delta County Libraries. “That is up from 846 registered in 2017.” “I attribute the increase in registration primarily to our expanded outreach efforts to the schools, new marketing strategies, and the enthusiasm of our excellent staff,” Hart explains. During the months of June and July, the libraries offered over 100 programs that attracted over 3,000 attendees. From scavenger hunts and

maker spaces to musical performances and workshops, librarygoers enjoyed a wide-variety of musical-themed programs. “A lot of hard work and planning goes into our summer program, so it is exciting for all of us to see increased participation,” says Hart. “It gives us the momentum we need to begin thinking about next year’s program. We begin the planning process in October and many of our staff are already brainstorming ideas for the 2019 theme.” Visit www.delta libraries.org for a list of summer reading sponsors and a calendar of upcoming events.

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.

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INDEPENDENT

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Delta County. � �� Events are already�� scheduled for September,� �� October and December�� with 6-7 in the plans for� �� next year. The first event,�� Sept. 16 at 4 p.m., will be� �� a fundraiser concert fea-�� turing jazz-movie and TV�� theme music at the Delta�� Performing Arts audito-�� rium. Oct. 19-20 will be �� the first annual Delta County Art Fair, held at the Technical College of the Rockies and following on Dec. 23, a Sunday fundraiser and sing-along Christmas brass concert for AC/DC and area food �� banks. �� Please call 6406520 or email weldon 814162944@yahoo.com to �� volunteer or seek more information.

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Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421.

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A6 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Colorado State Fair results from Delta County 4-H’ers Congratulations to all Delta County 4-H members for their excellent 4H projects. Below are the results from the exhibitors who advanced to the

Name Gracelynn Lubin Charley Perkins Cody Brack Henry Hollembeak JD Miller Kalli Haining Zoey Duncan Kiera Stroh Baili Hulet Bryee Bush Bailey Miller Tia Homedew Cassidy Ballard Tia Homedew Lottie Hollembeak Marcos Camacho Colton Rounds Colton Rounds

Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. If you would like to have the opportunity to participate in the Colorado State Fair through

Town Crawford Hotchkiss Delta Hotchkiss Hotchkiss Cory Hotchkiss Hotchkiss Olathe Delta Hotchkiss Crawford Delta Crawford Hotchkiss Hotchkiss Delta Delta

the Delta County 4-H program, please contact Jackie Shea at 874-2198 or stop by the Delta Extension Office at 525 Dodge Street in Delta.

Placing Project Champion Ceramics Qualifier Leadership Qualifier Leathercraft Reserve Champion Leathercraft Third Leathercraft Eighth Scrapbooking Champion Artistic Clothing Qualifier Cake Decorating Qualifier Cake Decorating Champion Cake Decorating Reserve Champion Cake Decorating Fourth Clothing Construction Seventh Foods & Nutrition Fourth Quilting Champion Quilting Eighth Shooting Sports Fifth Sportfishing Reserve Champion Sportfishing

DHS students wrap up internships in science and engineering A collaboration between Uncompahgre/ Com and the U.S. Forest Service offered Delta High School students an opportunity to job shad-

ow Forest Service professionals and gain work experience assisting on projects. Each intern had an individual research project based on his or

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her field of interest. Morgan Hamm studied Gunnison sage grouse habitat and how it can be managed through landscape treatments including prescribed burns, mowing the oakbrush and herbicide applications, all followed by a spreading of native seeds. Markus Hays did a livestock study that focused on grazing management in the Crystal and West Antelope creeks on the Gunnison National Forest. His focus is on educating people on effects of wildlife and livestock grazing on GMUG national forests. Alyssa Marker continued a comparison of Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat on Crystal Creek and East Cimarron River that she started last year.

Lifeguard training offered The aquatics department at Bill Heddles Recreation Center will be hiring lifeguards this winter. A lifeguard training class is being offered Oct. 9-12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deadline to register is Sept. 24. There are programs to help with the cost of training. For details, call the recreation center at 874-0923.

Photo submitted

Pioneer Propane purchased the lamb donated by Colbi and Taneal Braslin, with Braslin Club Lambs, and sold at the fair to beneﬁt Clayton Abila’s medical treatments.

Livestock sale raises $13k for Clayton’s cancer fight BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS and blessed to live in offered the full meat to Contributing Writer

At the Delta County Fair Livestock Sale on Aug. 11, three animals were sold not to benefit their handlers but instead to benefit 18-year-old Clayton Abila’s cancer fight. The total amount raised? Over $13,750 — not including add-ons. “We’re so overwhelmed

Homeschool parents must notify the school district 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, CO 81416, or call 970-874-7607.

such an amazing community where everyone has come together to support my son’s fight,” said Clayton’s mom, Jennifer. Last May, Clayton, now a senior in high school, was diagnosed with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma after having chest pains. Since then they’ve travelled twice a month for week long stays in Denver for Clayton’s chemotherapy and other treatments. The idea to use the sale as a fundraising opportunity came from the Braslin family — mother Heather, father Andy, and children Colbi and Taneal. The Braslin and Abila families have been friends for over a decade, so when Clayton fell ill they wanted to help. Since the family is extensively involved in the fair and it was quickly approaching, they decided to see if the board would approve donating a lamb to benefit Clayton. “I spoke with Jennifer after we got approval, and I think she was just very humbled,” said Heather. “There have been several fundraisers to benefit Clayton and are more planned in the future.” Later, a steer was donated anonymously and a last minute pig from Jessie Roeling also went to the sale for Clayton. Homestead Meats donated the processing. “When we heard two more animals were being sold, we were so surprised,” said Jennifer. She and Clayton were in Denver for treatment during the time of the fair and witnessed the lamb sell for over $5,300 on video. “I couldn’t believe how the number just kept rising,” commented Taneal. Jennifer described Clayton’s reaction as “being floored.” “He’s amazed at how much people are giving for his fight,” she said. Jennifer’s employer, Lightworks Fiber, purchased the steer and

their family. She accepted half and the other half was given to the rest of the employees. She described her employer’s support during this time as “incredible.” The lamb’s meat was also donated back to the family. This meat will be in a drawing at the upcoming 16-inch softball benefit for Clayton. This tournament is like regular softball, only with a larger ball that’s more difficult to hit with no gloves or mitts on the fielders. All proceeds will go to Clayton’s cancer fight. This tournament will take place on Sept. 8 at 8 a.m. at Mountain View Park on F25 Road in Delta. They’re hoping for 16 teams and to sell shirts to benefit Clayton. To sign up or receive more information, please call Naomi Sutliff at 970209-8978 or email naomis hopeproject@gmail.com. “We’re so thankful to have such loving people in our lives,” said Jennifer when discussing all the fundraisers for her son. “We want to make sure everyone knows how much we appreciate their contributions.” Jennifer is also a cancer survivor. Several years ago she underwent treatment for non Hodgkin’s diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. “It’s very odd and rare for a parent and child to have lymphoma within the same family, like Bcell,” she said. Because of its scarcity, both she and Clayton are participating in a study at Children’s Hospital in Denver. For those wishing to stay up to date on Clayton’s journey, a Facebook group called “21 Strong” is available. The number comes from Clayton’s football and baseball number. Now the phrase is the embodiment of his journey. “We’re not fighting alone,” said Jennifer. “And for that, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Photo submitted

After receiving his diagnosis, Clayton’s coach texted him “21 strong” for encouragement. The phrase stuck.

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Joy Beth Wieben

Joyce Elizabeth Barz Wieben (Joy Beth) died Aug. 20, 2018. She was 87. She was born in Florida on June 3, 1931, to Marguerite and Donald Barz. She attended school in Minturn, DeBeque and Glenwood Springs. She attended Cottey College in Nevada. On June 18, 1951, she married Walter Wieben. They had six children and later divorced. The Wiebens lived on a ranch in Snowmass. An expert seamstress, Mrs. Wieben owned a drapery shop in El Jebel and made drapes and home decor for some exclusive homes in Aspen. She enjoyed ccrocheting, painting, decorating and leathercrafts. She made handmade gifts like belts, wallets, quilts and clothes. She gave a handmade Christmas ornament to her 13 grandchildren each year. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, playing cards and games, and was active in a bowling league. She shared her skills with others. She is survived by her siblings, Marcia and Don (Pat) Barz; children, Wendy Petersen, Clint Wieben, David (Anne) Wieben, Marc (Jennifer) Wieben and Matt (Gwen) Wieben; 12 grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Bruce; and a grandson, Kirk. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Jim Westwood

Paonia resident Gerald “Jim” Westwood died Aug. 22, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 88. Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Gerald Dean Westwood was born in Hayden Feb. 28, 1930, to William and Julia (Williams) Westwood. He spent his childhood hunting and fishing near Hayden but relocated to Denver where he graduated from high school. Mr. Westwood was a sergeant in the Army. He served his country in the Korean War as an infantryman. He received several medals, including a Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning home to Denver, he became a professional roofer and later a maintenance technician for Cherry Creek School District. On June 6, 1969, he married Ginni Benedict and gained two daughters, Ramona and Dana. In 1990, they moved to Paonia where he enjoyed fishing, gathering firewood, woodworking, gardening and visiting with friends at local stores and restaurants. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ginni Westwood of Paonia; daughter, Ramona “Mona” Benedict of Montrose; grandchildren, Benjamin (Justine) Benedict and Bretony Snyder (Jesus Vieyra); and greatgrandchildren, Allen and Asher Benedict and Jude Vieyra. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana Benedict. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

account. Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.

Naomi Bryson

Paonia resident Naomi Bryson died Aug. 21, 2018, at her home. She was 101. Naomi Lenzi was born in Summit, Ill., Feb. 27, 1917, to Columbus and

Veronica (Greene) Lenzi. She spent her childhood and attended school in Hodgkins, Ill., where she graduated from Lyons Township High School. On Feb. 16, 1942, she married Robert Bryson in Hodkins, Ill. They moved from Washington, D.C., to Paonia in 1967. They lived there until Robert’s death in 2015. They were just eight days shy of their 73rd wedding anniversary when he died. Mrs. Bryson was a member of various officers’ wife clubs, drama and art clubs while her husband was in the military. After moving to Paonia, she enjoyed riding horses, playing Kaluka and being a member of Pitkin Mesa Club. She is survived by her

children, Jeffery (Barbara) Bryson of Tucson, Ariz., Clayton (Tamis) Bryson of Bayfield, Robert (Melissa) Bryson of Aurora, Natalie Stettner of New York City, N.Y., Veronica (Donald) Sprouse of Broomfield, Margaret (Anthony) Stimac of St. Ignatius, Mont., and Maureen (Brian) Ayers of Paonia. She was preceded in death by her husband; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Meghan; and two great-grandchildren, Kyle and Jordan. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.

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Robert Jones

Robert “Bob” Jule Jones of Delta died Aug. 21, 2018. He was 69. He was born July 31, 1949, in Belle Fourche, S.D., to Henry and Louise (Lermeny) Jones of Buffalo, S.D. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1967 and attended Black Hills State. In 1980 he married Lorea Ferguson. He was employed in various jobs including Chrysler Corporation in Cherry Valley, Ill., road construction in Montana, the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado and retail sales for May D&F. He began his career in manufactured home sales and service in 1975 with Elkhorn Mobile Home Service in Grand Junction. Five years later, he and his wife started B & L Mobile Home Sales and Service. He enjoyed watching his kids’ activities when they were in high school, spending time in the mountains, fishing, hunting and camping. He traveled the world with his wife and took a six-week trip to Wales with his dad in 1974 to visit relatives. A lifelong sports fan, he followed the Broncos, Nuggets and Rockies. He also enjoyed playing pool and watching golf and Jeopardy. He was a member of BPOE 1235 for many years. He is survived by his wife, Lorea Jones; daughter, Amanda (Aaron) Miller; son, Trevor Jones; four grandchildren, Charleston and Marlee Miller of Grand Junction, and Treygan and Taysen Jones of Delta; sisters, Mona Humphrey of Glendive, Mont., Carla (Pat) Kelly and Jennifer (Steve) Wild, all of Bow-

Corn ‘round-up’ to be held in Delta Farmers and ranchers are facing a lot of anxiety this year. Depressed commodity prices and unfavorable weather conditions may top the list, but are not overshadowed by the need to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, or the uncertainty surrounding NAFTA renegotiations and the tariff situation with China. Corn producers and grain handlers are invited to a “round-up” of the issues being hosted by Colorado Corn Growers Association and Administrative Committee (CCGA and CCAC) on Tuesday, Sept. 4, in Delta. Farmers and handlers of Dis-

man, N.D.; his brothers, Steve (Sherri) Anderson of Mesa, Ariz., and John (Anita) Jones of Charlottesville, Va.; mother-inlaw, Marjorie Ferguson of Grand Junction; sisterin-law, Staci (Rick) Adleman of Grand Junction; and extended family. He was preceded in death by the two women who were mothers to him, Louise (Lermeny) Jones and Viola (GiannonattiAnderson) Jones; his father, Henry Jones; and his sister, Beth Combs. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Delta United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made at any Alpine Bank to the “Bob Jones Memorial”

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

trict 8 are invited to join the Colorado Corn staff for lunch at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The round-up will include a short status update on the issues with time ample time dedicated to hearing from local producers. Those planning to attend are asked to call or email Olivia Sponsler at 970-351-8201 osponsler@coloradocorn. com. Reservations are appreciated, but not required. Anyone interested in serving on the board should attend or notify the office. Nominations will be accepted for CCAC director and alternate at-large positions.

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A8 Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Cindy Jo Scott

Delta County resident Cindy Jo Scott died Aug. 16, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 64. Cindy Jo Scott was born Sept. 23, 1953, in Denver to Norris and Vinda (Showers) Amann. She spent her childhood in Denver and Phoenix, Ariz., where she was homeschooled. Mrs. Scott lived in Paonia, Hotchkiss and recently, Delta. She enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, helping others and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Eric Scott and Kyle Beveridge, both of Hotchkiss; three sisteres, Sharon (Jason) Feld, Tia (Dave) Bell and Julie (Fred) Spencer-Vacchiano, all of Phoenix, Ariz.; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in

OBITUARIES death by her parents and Bill Beveridge. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Evelyn Waitman

Evelyn Louise Waitman died Aug. 21, 2018, at her home. She was 81. She was born in Denver Sept. 25, 1936, to Wesley and Louise

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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(Schaal) Holmes. She lived in Denver until the age of 4. She also lived in Milliken and Portland, Ore. In 1945 her family moved to Burlington, where she spent most of her younger years. In Burlington she met and married Phillip Waitman. They made their home in Hotchkiss. Mrs. Waitman was proud to call Hotchkiss her hometown and contributed to her community for many years as a senior care workers. She was an artist and seamstress. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, the outdoors, smf her ranch where she had horses, dogs and cats. She is survived by six children, Bruce (Cathy) Waitman of Delta, Boyd Waitman of Craig, Brian Waitman of Hotchkiss, Burl (Deann) Waitman of Billings, Mont., Shirley (Larry) Tate of Grand Junction and Marlyn Waitman of Delta; 12 grandchildren, Eric Waitman, Tony Waitman, Aaron Waitman, Ronnie Wanczyk, Crystal Walsh, Elizabeth Waitman, Rebecca Graham, Paden Livingston, Carly Kiddy, Wiley Bass, Keegan Bass and Megan Sievertsen; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, William “Bill” Holmes. A celebration of life will be held Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion, 40772 Lamborn Mesa Road, Paonia. The family will provide light fare and beverages. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Terry Rutan

Terry Lynn Rutan of Delta died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction on Aug. 24, 2018. She was 71. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Pastor James Gall will officiate. Interment will take place at the Cedaredge Cemetery. Terry Lynn Marah was born in Delta on Jan. 13, 1947, to Robert “Ed” and Beryle (Thompson) Marah. She grew up in Cedaredge and graduated from Cedaredge High School in 1965. She attended Southwestern University in Keene, Texas, and Union College in Lincoln, Neb. On Aug. 11, 1968, she married Alan Rutan in Cedaredge. They just celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mrs. Rutan worked as a teacher’s aide at Cedaredge Elementary School and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1990. She taught elementary education at the Delta Adventist School as well as Spring Creek Christian School in Montrose. In addition, she was a substitute teacher for Delta County School District and prior to retirement served as receptionist for Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory for seven years. She and her family had lived in Delta for the past eight years. Mrs. Rutan was a longtime member of the Cedaredge Seventh-day Adventist Church. She enjoyed crafts, needlework, canning, cooking big meals, her cabin on Grand Mesa, and being a mother and homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Alan of Delta;

Delta County Independent

two sons, Cullen Rutan of Delta and Aaron (Talin) Rutan of East Green Bush, N.Y.; her mother, Beryle Marah of Delta; brother, Bob (Becky) Marah of Cedaredge; sister, Pat Chapman of Aurora; and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delta County Libraries or the Diabetes Foundation. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Darrel Anderson and Cleve (Alex) Anderson; two sisters, Ruth (Bob) Knorr and Ann (Al) Wildenstein; 34 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Raymond; one daughter, Janice; four brothers; and two sisters. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Church in Elsie, Mich., prior to moving to Paonia 21 years ago. She was a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Delta. Among the survivors are her husband, Keith LaRue of Paonia; and a sister, Elaine Kacsor of Elsie, Mich. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Robert Pearce

Robert Eugene Pearce of Crawford died Aug. 25, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. He was 73. Services are pending with Taylor Funeral Service. Survivors include two sons, William Pearce of Austin and Kyle Pearce of Grand Junction. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Mary Jo Anderson

Mary Jo Anderson of Fredonia, Ariz., died at her daughter’s home in Hotchkiss on Aug. 23, 2018. She was 86. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fredonia, Ariz. Inurnment will take place Monday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Eagar Cemetery in Eagar, Ariz. Mary Josephine Wiltbank was born Sept. 16, 1931, to John and Afton (Haws) Wiltbank in Greer, Ariz. She spent her childhood and attended Round Valley High School in Greer, Ariz. On Sept. 3, 1949, she married Raymond Anderson in Reserve, N.M. Mrs. Anderson was the postmaster in Fredonia for many years. She enjoyed quilting, embroidering, crocheting, horseback riding and especially spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, Sandra (Steve) Bayles, Jessie (John) Price, Susan (Mark) LeFevre, Alan Anderson, Wayne (Cindy) Anderson, Wally (Vickie) Anderson,

Drew Cotten

Walter Buchanan

Walter Earl Buchanan died Aug. 24, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction after a brief illness. He was 80. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, with James Gall officiating. Mr. Buchanan was born July 29, 1938, to Walter and Dorothy (Morgan) Buchanan in Walsenburg. He graduated from Oak Creek High School. Mr. Buchanan was a coal miner prior to his retirement. He moved from Paonia to Montrose 12 years ago. He enjoyed ATVing, hunting, fishing and shopping for trucks. He belonged toan ATV club. He is survived by a daughter, Nacole (Chris) Williams of Montrose; and several grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Dottie LaRue

Dorothy L. “Dottie” LaRue died Aug. 21, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 69. At her request, there will be no funeral service. Dorothy Louise Blummer was born in Midland, Mich., Dec. 7, 1948, to Robert and Alice (Demlow) Blummer. She graduated from Elsie High School in Elsie, Mich., and attended Central Michigan University. She was a member of the United Methodist

Longtime area resident Drew Wayne Cotten died Aug. 23, 2018, due to complications from cancer. He was 52. Mr. Cotten was a resident of Kihei, Hawaii. He was born in Fort Collins on Oct. 18, 1965, to Dale and Donna (Light) Cotten. When he was four, the family moved to North Delta, where they owned and operated a dairy for many years. He graduated from Delta High School in 1984 and married Teresa VanDenBerg on Nov. 11, 1989. They moved to Maui in 1990, where Mr. Cotten worked as a carpenter. They moved to Cedaredge in 2000, where their four girls went to school, then returned to Maui in 2014. Mr. Cotten was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time at the beach in Hawaii with his family, hunting and surfing. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Cotten; daughters Sierra, Miranda, Lindsey (Brad Boyd) and Kimberly, all of Hawaii; father and stepmother, Dale and Rayma Cotten of Delta; mother and stepfather, Frank and Donna Bowen of Clearlake Oaks, Calif.; siblings Deb Cotten (Jeff Marasovich) of Sykesville, Md., Doug (Charity) Cotten of Delta and Dusty (Karissa) Cotten of Olathe; two grandchildren, Alexia and Kameron; mother- and father-in-law, John and Sandy VanDenBerg; and extended family. The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date. Donations to help pay for medical expenses can be sent to Teresa Cotten, 71 Hoohale St., Kihei, HI 96753.

William “Bill” Gerald Kendrick Dec. 1, 1929 ~ Aug. 23, 2018 William (Bill) Gerald Kendrick of Delta passed away peacefully at home the 23rd of August at 88 years of age. He was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Denver and grew up in the small town of Palmer Lake, Colo. He graduated from Lewis Palmer H.S. in Monument in 1948. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Naval Reserve. After completing his first cruise aboard the USS Shields in July 1948 he determined the sea wasn’t for him and enlisted as active duty in the Air Force October 1948. While in the Air Force he served in the Philippines and various bases around the U.S. Bill was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1952 where he returned to his hometown of Palmer Lake and married his best friend of the last 65 years, Wanda Maxine (Owens). They were married Jan. 30, 1953. From this union they had three children, Wil-

liam (Billy), Pam and Dianne. While raising his family in Monument, Bill worked for Sears and later he and Wanda opened their own business, Banner Refrigeration and Appliance Repair. After all the children left the home they relocated to Delta in 1985, where he continued in appliance repair until his full retirement in 1992. All throughout his life Bill lived to serve the Lord. He was an active member and dea-

con at several churches. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, woodworking and most of all his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Wanda, daughters Pam and Dianne (Gene), oldest grandson Jesse (Amanda), six additional grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Billy. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church 1290 A Street, Delta, on Friday, Aug. 31, at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope West Hospice at hopewestco.org or at P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

�� North Fork tour highlights ag, art ��

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Spend Sept. 1 touring farms, galleries and enjoy a farm-to-table 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

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a live and lively art auction featuring works by local talents. Tickets are $75 and are available at Cirque Cyclery and Rem-

Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail will be in fiesta mode Saturday, Sept. 15, for its second annual Mexican Heritage Celebration with entertainment and activities for the whole family. Events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. include horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, a cumbia dance contest, a children’s folkloric dress contest, piñatas, crafts and games for kids, heritage portraits, vendors, and a wide variety of tra-

Portrait photography is focus of camera club

ditional Mexican food and drink. Admission for the daytime event is free. The fort’s gates reopen at 6 p.m. when popular dance band Agrupación Clave 5 takes the stage.

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 Recreation Center. The public is welcome.

Black Canyon Camera Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and at 11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the First Church of God on 11th and Howard in Delta. Guests are welcome and can bring up to three pictures for review. The September program is portrait photography by Reve Portraits. Visit blackcanyon cameraclub.com or conMark Varien, executact rae-anns@live.com tive vice president of the for more information. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Research Institute in Cortez, is the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Colorado Archaeological Society - Grand Junction Chapter. His topic is “The Neolithic Revolution in the U.S. Southwest.” The meeting will be The Abraham Connec- held Monday, Sept. 10, tion is hosting a “Notes of 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at RedGrace” concert Saturday, lands United MethodSept. 15, 3 to 7 p.m. in ist Church, 527 Village the pow wow arbor at Way. Confluence Park. The meeting is free Enjoy a beautiful day and open to the public in the park and listen (donations appreciated). to three amazing bands! The Neolithic RevoGhost River, the Lugnuts lution refers to what and the Scones will play may be the most impora variety of great music tant transformation in that will keep your toes human history — the tapping all afternoon shift from hunting and long. There will be a beer gathering to domestiand wine garden and the cated food production. grill will be hot, grilling The southwestern Unitup tasty burgers and hot- ed States — especially dogs. Tickets are just $15 the Mesa Verde region for those 21+; no charge of southwestern Colorafor under 21. do — is one of the best

edy, and online at North ForkCreative.org/art-agtour. Proceeds benefit the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition.

Delta VFW to host pancake breakfast Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 and its auxiliary will host an all-you-caneat breakfast on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, at the Delta First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Road. Everyone in the community is invited to drop by between 7 and 11 a.m. to enjoy biscuits and gravy, pancakes, sausage, eggs to order, coffee and juice — all you can eat, for a sug-

Fort Uncompahgre gears up for Mexican Heritage Celebration In addition to some great norteño music, dancing and a beer garden, the evening will feature Mexico’s Sept. 15 tradition known as “El Grito” de Delores” — the call to action that launched Mexico’s war for independence. Admission for the evening event is $15, with admission limited to adults and youth aged 13 years older, accompanied by a parent.

‘The Big End’ closes out chapel music series Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross summer concert series ends with a grand finale, The Big End, on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. Various solo musicians and groups who performed during the concert series will return and a few new musicians will also perform. Admission is by donation.

gested donation of only $7 (children under 10 only $3.50). VFW members all share the common experience of having served the United States of America in a combat zone someplace around the world, from the world wars through the current international war on terrorism. All of them, and their family members in the auxiliary, are dedicated to assisting American veterans. All of the profit from the breakfast will be used for this purpose. The post service officer will be present to answer questions or schedule appointments for filing claims with the Veterans Administration. For additional information about the breakfast, or joining the VFW or its auxiliary, contact Post Commander Louis “Corky” Ware at 970312-5937 or auxiliary president Della Ware at 872-3327.

Street dance planned Come join the fun at the Center for Spiritual Life’s annual street dance Friday, Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “Pirate Fun.” Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. at a cost of $8; the Solar Brothers will provide music from 6 to 8 p.m. The Center for Spiritual Life is located at the corner of 7th and Howard in Delta.

Crow Canyon expert to speak on the Neolithic Revolution

Musical afternoon to benefit Abraham Connection

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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

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documented cases in the world of the expansion of this new Neolithic life way, and it has been the subject of research by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center during the last 35 years. Four thousand years ago maize (corn) farming was introduced into the

region, and this marks the beginning of one of the world’s most innovative and resilient cultures: Pueblo Indian society. The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center has conducted research into the deep history of Pueblo peoples since its founding in 1983.

Explore the amazing world of Indonesia Explore Indonesia with Gunnison-based adventure traveler and avid photographer Arden Anderson. Enjoy his search for colorful and rare birds in misty volcanos, orangutans in the jungles of Sumatra and manta rays in the waters of Bali. Anderson explored national parks and other wild areas for two and a half months and will focus on the highlights in an enjoyable presentation hosted by the Black

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Canyon Audubon Society on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Rec Field House, 25 Colorado Avenue. Admission is free.

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A10 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Funeral home’s ability to operate permanently revoked Megan Hess, owner/ operator of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors in Montrose, has agreed to permanently relinquish her registration to provide services as a funeral establishment and crematory, and has promised to never again apply for any

type of registration from the state Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration. Hess operated Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors from January 2010 until Feb. 12, 2018, when registration was suspended by the director of the Divi-

sion of Professions and Occupations, Department of Regulatory Agencies, Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration. A stipulation and final agency order executed in early August finalized that action. Suspension was based

Soper, Mason, Lund plan to participate in Club 20 debates For more than 30 years, Club 20 has hosted the largest candidate debates in western Colorado. U.S. senators and congressmen, state legislators and governors alike have attended Club 20’s fall conference and debates for more than three decades. The conference and debates will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main Street, Grand Junction. On Friday, Sept. 7, all are invited to attend the popular Club 20 steak fry at Cross Orchards Living

Learn how to counsel suicidal people There will be a group meeting to read and study the book “Counseling Suicidal People.” The book will come at no cost and the meetings will be each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Coffee Trader on Main Street in Montrose. The first evening will be Wednesday, Sept. 5. There will be access to a conference call for those who would like to participate and can not travel to Montrose. Please contact Heather at the Center for Mental Health for more information at 970-252-3228 or hdarbe@centermh.org.

History Museum, 3073 F Road, Grand Junction. This is an unbeatable opportunity to meet with elected officials from federal and state offices from across the region. Saturday, Sept. 8, will feature the much anticipated and publicized candidate debates. Club 20 will host debates for every western Colorado House and Senate district race. Saturday evening debates include the Colorado attorney general candidates, candidates for the 2nd Congressional District and the 3rd Congressional District, as well as a Q & A with gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton. “The issues we are facing as a region, a state and a nation have far reaching implications and it is vital that our

on the following allegations: 1) In February 2014, Hess took possession of Decedent JE for cremation. Cremains purpoting to be Decedent JE were returned to the family. The family had the cremains analyzed and the cremains were found to be concrete. 2) In March 2015, Decedent FC’s family followed the same course of action and the cremains were found to be concrete. 3) In December 2015, Hess agreed to transport the body of Decedent HC to a cancer research facility to be used for scientific research, at the family’s request. According to the stipulation signed by Hess, Decedent HC was cremated without transport to the cancer research center. 4) In September 2016, Hess embalmed Decedent RH without first obtaining permission from Decedent RH’s family.

leaders, both locally and in our nation’s capital, be strong advocates on behalf of the needs of our communities,” said Club 20 executive director Christian Reece. Three residents of Delta County will take part in the debates. Matt Soper (R), candidate for House District 54, will debate Erin Shipp (D) and Thea Chase (U) at 8:05 a.m. Mike Mason (R), candidate for House District 61, faces Julie McCluskie (D) at 10:10 a.m. Olen Lund (R), candidate for Senate District 5, and Kerry Donovan (D) will debate at 2 p.m. The event is open to the BY PAT SUNDERLAND public. For more informaManaging Editor tion and to register call At their regular meet970-242-3264. Tickets are ing on Aug. 21, Delta limited for the steak fry, City Council members so register early! adopted on first reading an ordinance addressing backflow prevention and cross-connection controls in the city’s potable water system. The written poliThe draft FONSI and cy, a requirement of the EA is available online Colorado Department of at www.usbr.gov/uc/env Public Health and Envidocs/index.html or a copy ronment, formalizes can be requested by con- what utilities director tacting Reclamation. Betsy Suerth said has Reclamation will been the city’s practice consider all comments for many years. received by ThursThe purpose of the day, Sept. 27. Submit program is to protect comments by email to the potable water suplmcwhirter@usbr.gov or ply from the possibility to: Ed Warner, Area Man- of contamination or polager, Bureau of Reclama- lution by isolating withtion, 445 West Gunnison in its customer’s interAve, Suite 221, Grand nal distribution system Junction, CO 81501. contaminants that could

location. The stipulation outlines additional allegations related to recordkeeping for the business. According to the stipulation, Hess denied the allegations but acknowledged that if they were aired at a hearing, they would constitute a prima facie case of violation of the Mortuary Science Code contained in state statutes. An FBI investigation of business operations is ongoing. “The FBI will be testing a select set of cremains (ashes) as determined by the investigation,” it said. “The FBI Lab, or any other lab that may be used, likely cannot test for DNA to determine if cremains (ashes) are from a specific deceased individual (decedent). Testing will only determine whether cremains (ashes) are a foreign substance or from the cremation of a human.”

Backflow prevention ordinance adopted; city property subdivided

No significant impact found for piping project The Bureau of Reclamation has released a draft finding of no significant impact and environmental assessment on the Delta Irrigation Canal Salinity Control Piping Project located in Delta County. The project would replace approximately 6.1 miles of open irrigation ditch with buried pipe. The purpose of the project is to prevent seepage and reduce salinity loading in the Colorado River Basin.

5) In May 2017, Hess took possession of Decedent GH for cremation. Respondent was initially unable to locate Decedent GH’s cremains. Upon eventual receipt of the cremains labeled GH, the decedent’s family had the cremains analyzed. The cremains were found to weigh less than is to be expected for Decedent GH’s height and weight. The analyst located remains of a watch, rivets and pieces of a metal zipper within the cremains. When Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors took possession of the body, the decedent was wearing pajamas without zippers or rivets, and was not wearing a watch. 6) When the Office of Investigations for the Department of Regulatory Agencies conducted an on-site investigation in February 2016, investigators observed bags of dry concrete/cement at Sunset Mesa’s registered

back flow into the public water system. The program applies to commercial, industrial and multi-family residential connections and requires annual inspections to be obtained and paid for by the property owner. Before the second reading of the ordinance, council member Nathan Clay said he would like to know what property owners have been paying for the required inspections. The Streeter Minor Subdivision at 7th and Pioneer was approved, creating two lots, one with a house and one for development, as well as a larger 6.487-acre parcel. All three parcels are owned by the city and are expected to be sold in the future. Council member Ger-

ald Roberts recalled the property was originally purchased to obtain rightof-way for an extension of Pioneer Road from 7th to 5th. Community development director Glen Black confirmed that right-ofway was dedicated to the city shortly after the purchase of the property. The city owns all right-of-way between 7th and 5th, but is missing “a couple of pieces” between 5th and 3rd. Two special meetings were set for August and September. Council was to meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 28 to resolve ballot wording prior to a formal vote at its Sept. 4 meeting. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, council will begin work on the 2019 budget. That meeting is also set for 5:30 p.m.

Know Your Neighbor

Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli offers a fast-casual dining experience with excellent food

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Have you been to Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli in Montrose? If not, you’ve been missing out on some great food! Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli, located at 1521 Oxbow Drive, offers a fast-casual dining experience with excellent food. All the bread is made from scratch and baked daily. All the ingredients are free from nitrates, nitrites, hormones and antibiotics. It is truly great tasting, clean food! Three longtime customers loved the food at Heidi’s so much, they purchased the Montrose business nine months ago. The owners — Nikki Gray, Kim Lesure and John Angelo — all worked together in a different business prior to the purchase of Heidi’s. “The opportunity to purchase the business came to us, and the further we investigated, the more we liked the energy and direction of the franchise. We also liked what the brand stood for — good food,” Nikki said. Nikki is a Colorado native and longtime resident of Montrose County. She

worked in the banking industry for many years, and is now overseeing the operation of Heidi’s. Kim is a certiﬁed public accountant and a longtime resident of Montrose County. When she’s not providing contract accounting services, she enjoys biking and

skiing with her two wonderful and energetic sons. John was born and raised in Gunnison and has lived in Delta County for about 15 years. He worked in the banking industry before starting his own business, Angelo Business Advisors, LLC. He is blessed with a

Nikki Gray, John Angelo, Kim Lesure and Gay Lynn Baker

wonderful wife and four great kids. Gay Lynn Baker was hired as manager about six months ago. She has over 20 years of experience in food service. “The community has a lot of options for places to eat,” John said. “However, Heidi’s offers the ability to get quality, homemade, fresh food in a short amount of time. We also offer catering for small and large events, meetings, or group dinners.” Heidi’s offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes high quality sandwiches, fresh salads, handmade bagels, breakfast, soups, wraps and fruit smoothies. All items are prepared in-house using the highest-quality, natural products available. Come taste the difference for yourself! Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday (closed on Sundays). For more information, visit the website, Heidis email brooklyndeli.com, Heidiscateringmontrose@ gmail.com or call 240-2044.

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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

NORTH FORK August 29, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Pennell resignation opens seat on Paonia Town Council BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Paonia Board of Trustees will consider the appointment a new trustee after receiving a letter of resignation from trustee Barry Pennell last week. The decision comes after Pennell and his

Photo by Tamie Meck

Barry Pennell is sworn in as a trustee for the Town of Paonia after his appointment in August 2017. Pennell, whose term expires in 2022, informed the board that he is moving out of town in October. The board will appoint his replacement.

wife purchased “our dream home just outside of town limits...” wrote Pennell in an email. They plan to complete the move the first week of October. Pennell was elected last April to a four-year term ending in 2022. Last night’s board meeting agenda included a discussion item “regarding board procedure” to fill the vacancy. Mayor Charles Stewart explained that the board of trustees can fill the vacancy by appointment, or through a special election. Since Pennell won’t immediately vacate the seat, “There’s not a rush,” said Stewart. That gives the board time to consider the appointment. Whether it decides to accept his resignation immediately or have him serve until his move is complete, “I will comply to the board’s wishes,” wrote Pennell in an email. Letters of interest are being accepted at Paonia Town Hall. Per town code, the appointee will serve until after the next municipal election in April 2020, when a successor has been elected and qualified.

Eventful night for first responders in Hotchkiss BY DAVID CAPO Contributing Writer

Thursday, Aug. 23, proved an eventful night in the small town of Hotchkiss. Around 9:30 p.m. local emergency services received a call reporting the “strong odor of [natural] gas” at the Hotchkiss Inn. The building was evacuated, along with the multiplex behind it, and firefighters and members of the North Fork Ambulance Association were dispatched to the site. The gas meter was shut off and emergency personnel cleared the building as well as a nearby school and businesses, finding no signs of a leak. Black Hills Energy was contacted to restore service to the building and, after

checking for any damage to underground piping or gasbased appliances, the building was declared safe and guests were allowed to return by midnight. The source of the odor was never identified. At the same time the Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office received a report of a woman walking into a local gas station with a bloodied head. Hotchkiss officers, Colorado State Patrol troopers, sheriff ’s deputies and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, with an ambulance arriving at 10 p.m. The marshal’s office has not provided any additional details. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Some of the older products collected dated as far back as the 1950s and 1960s. One can was dated 1951.

Locals take advantage of PaintCare event in Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A lot of people took advantage of last Thursday’s PaintCare used paint recycling drop-off event in Paonia. Within the first hour and a half, PaintCare workers had collected hundreds of cans of unused paint from more than 60 vehicles. Some cans had been sitting on shelves, in garages and basements and storage spaces for decades.

One can was dated 1951, and another had a pop-top style lid approved for shipping by the U.S. Postal Service. The Denver-based nonprofit has drop-off sites at more than 170 hardware stores in Colorado, explained Colorado PaintCare program manager Kevin Lynch while workers unloaded more cans and placed them in large cardboard boxes. The organization partners with hardware stores and co-ops

Photo by Tamie Meck

PaintCare workers from Denver sort through discarded paint during a drop-off event last Thursday in Paonia. In the ﬁrst hour and a half of the event, more than 60 vehicles came through the drop-off site. Each box of cans represents about 100 gallons of paint.

throughout the state to collect unused paint. PaintCare and its partner stores accept latex or oilbased house paints and primers, stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes such as varnishes and shellac. Stores volunteer their time and storage space and PaintCare covers the cost of staff training, storage boxes, processing, transportation, and even helps build storage if the store lacks the space. “It’s very simple,” said Lynch. The service is funded through the Paint Stewardship Program established in 2015 to aid in the disposal of unused paint. To pay for the service, the 2014 passage of Senate Bill 14-029 established a fee to be collected with the sale of each can of paint larger than a half-pint. “We cover the whole state of Colorado,” said Lynch. “Since everyone who buys paint in Colorado pays the fee, we have to offer the service to everyone in the state.” Since Paonia doesn’t yet have a drop-off site, he added, “We brought their services to the town.” To find a drop-off site or learn more about PaintCare, visit www.paintcare.org.

Art & Ag Tour shows off North Fork’s bounty BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Did you know that the North Fork Valley is home to a foundry, a hat-maker, a one-of-a-kind bookmaker, a Church of Art, and a worldclass glass studio? You can meet these artists and a host of others this Saturday during the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition’s third annual North Fork Valley Art & Ag Tour. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when artists, artisans, ag producers and vintners from Hotchkiss, Crawford and Paonia open their studios, galleries, farms,

wineries, gardens and kitchens to the public. Artist demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. From 10 a.m. to noon, experience state-of-the-art sculpture at Lands End Sculpture Center foundry and flowers at Zephyros Farm and Garden; from 2-4 p.m., enjoy the scents, flavors and colors of lavender at Lamborn Mountain Farmstead and learn about cows and cheese at Rancho Del Gallo Farm. Tour maps and demonstration schedules are available at NorthForkCreative. org/art-ag-tour, at local businesses, Cirque Cyclery and

Photo by Tamie Meck

“Walk With Me: A Garden Meditation” is the work of Paonia artist Carol Turtness Newman, one of 30 artists featured in this Saturday’s third annual North Fork Valley Creative District Art and Ag Tour.

Remedy Juice Bar in downtown Paonia, and at the Root and Vine Market, 40823 Hwy. 133. After the tour, enjoy appetizers and a happy hour concoction by the mixologists at Remedy. There’s more. The third annual Celebrate the Fork farm-to-table dinner benefit begins 6:30 p.m. at Edesia Community Kitchen, 395 Clark Avenue. Enjoy a fourcourse meal prepared by Mary George, Chelsea Bookout, Lea Petmezas and Clementine Bouton, hors d’oeuvres and live music as well as a live and lively art auction featuring works by artists featured on the tour and others. Tickets are $75 and are available at Cirque Cyclery and Remedy Cafe, and online at NorthForkCreative.org/artag-tour. Proceeds benefit the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. While there are too many highlights to mention, here are two stops to consider: Montage Designworks: Mosaics Visit Montage Designworks, 40303 Cedar Lane, and experience Carol Turtness Newman’s mosaics. Newman’s mosaics have been exhibited locally and regionally, featured in “The MASK Project” benefit for the Denver Hospice, and are held in the private collections. Her mixed-media pieces incorporate numerous raw, up-cycled and re-purposed materials — stained glass, beads, rocks, gems and minerals, bones and seashells, “...anything that can get glued down and that interests me.” She also creates woven

Photo by Tamie Meck

Mary Hockenbery will offer a rare peek inside her Church of Art in downtown Hotchkiss, and debut “Kansas Dreams,” a collection of digitized photographs of her dolls and mannequins taken during her residencies at the Red Barn Studios in Kansas. The group show includes works by Peter Halladay and Jean Stortz. fiber art wall hangings incorporating a variety of materials, beads, willow branches and other unusual items. Newman is past program chair of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and served on the Civil and Cultural Arts Center of Pineville, N.C. She’s affiliated with the American Craft Council, and is a member and former board member of Colorado Mosaic Artists. She also serves as secretary to the board of directors of the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. A former instructor at Washington Heights Art Center in Lakewood, she offers workshops in Hotchkiss, Paonia, Ridgway, Carbondale and most recently she taught “Exploring Mosaic Art” on Aug. 23 at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center in Cedaredge.

Mary Hockenbery: “Kansas Dreams” You might say that photographer Mary Hockenbery religiously promotes arts in the North Fork Valley. One of six Hotchkiss area artists participating in the tour, she will open her Church of Art for one day only, where the photographic exhibit, “Kansas Dreams: Images from my Red Barn Residencies” makes its public debut. Hockenbery opened the Church of Art in 2013, hosting numerous non-juried shows before closing almost two years ago. It’s now her home. The tour marks the only day the church will open to the public this year. The group show includes works by Hotchkiss sculptor and mixed media artist Peter Halladay and Delta painter and ART & AG TOUR TO B2

B2 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Housing rehab helps Hotchkiss couple recover after water damage BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Inouye to share research on wildflowers, pollinators During a presentation at the Paonia Library Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m., David Inouye will talk about the research he has done on wildflowers and pollinators over the past 48 years, working at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic. He has researched bumblebees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as the wildflowers they pollinate. His 45-year study of the timing and abundance of flowering

by over 120 species of wildflowers is now one of the longest in the country. Do you want to learn about a wildflower that can live up to 80 years or more, then flower once, and die? How about another plant that can cause lambs to be born with one eye? Or another that attracts ants that help to guard it against insects trying to eat its seeds? Come hear these and other stories during this presentation on Sept. 6.

Driving from Denver International Airport to their home in Hotchkiss, Lynn and John Brgoch were listening to a sermon about tribulations on their favorite Christian radio station. They had no inkling how close that message would hit home. Pulling into their Rogers Mesa home after a three-month getaway, they unloaded their luggage, unlocked the back door and immediately stepped back in dismay as water poured out onto the steps. “It was like a river flowing out of our house,” Lynn Brgoch said. After turning off the water supply, they began moving water-logged furniture and pulling out the sodden carpet. Mold had crawled up the walls of their home, an indication the water had been present for some time. The subfloor had absorbed so much moisture it buckled. Even the insulation under the floor joists was soaking wet, so they pulled that out too. They went back through the house, dousing the walls and floors with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to reduce bacteria. Only a bathroom and a spare bedroom were spared from the flood, which was ultimately traced to a leak in the water supply line to their dishwasher. “The only time I even use the dishwasher is in the fall, to sterilize canning jars,” Lynn said. With 20/20 hindsight, they realized they should have shut off the water and called to check in with the friend who’d said he’d keep an eye on things. They had no homeowners’ insurance, but

Photo submitted

Lynn Brgoch was delighted to ﬁnd a distinctive mirror for her bathroom at Heirlooms for Hospice. They added a new bathroom counter and a tub from Habitat for Humanity. aren’t certain the damage would have been covered anyway. In the end, much of the home had to be gutted. Lynn and John moved their bed and clothing into the garage and slept there for the next six months. John, a retired contractor, started on repairs while Lynn phoned agency after agency in search of assistance. She was finally directed to the Delta Housing Authority, which administers a housing rehabilitation program utilizing funding from the Colorado Division of Housing. The program provides assistance to low and middle-income households for necessary home improvements. With assistance from program director Todd Wicklund and rehab assistant Jeni Applegate, the Brgoches were able to obtain a low-interest loan for building materials. Wicklund explains that the housing rehab program won’t pay the homeowner for labor, but it will finance materials. Lynn scoured building supply stores, thrift shops and yard sales for low cost supplies and furnishings, coming up with some amazing finds that

transformed their manufactured house. Through John’s labor and Lynn’s bargain shopping, they were able to make the most of the funds provided through the housing rehab program. Eligible borrowers include those on a fixed income such as the elderly or disabled as well as low income individuals and families. The loan payments are based on what

the borrower can afford. Learn more by calling the Delta Housing Authority at 874-7266. With that program, and their faith, Lynn and John have been able to pick up the pieces and move forward in the wake of their tribulations. “It was devastating,” Lynn said. “It was so hard for us, but now we have this lovely house. We’re blessed.”

Photo submitted

John Brgoch, a retired building contractor, used tiles he had on hand in the master bathroom. With occasional help from a friend, he did most of the home reconstruction himself.

Art & ag tour

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FROM PAGE B1 community builder, Jean Stortz. In creating Kansas Dreams, Hockenbery traveled the back roads of Kansas photographing her mannequins and dolls, using the prairies, towns and buildings of Kansas as a backdrop. While she carries a D80 DSLR camera, most images were taken on her cell phone. Hockenbery’s work

has won numerous awards and has shown at juried exhibitions in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Her photos have been published in the Texas Observer, Doll Collector and JPG magazines and featured in exhibitions as far away as England. “Kansas Dreams” is the result of four artist-in-residencies at the Red Barn Studio and the Raymer Society for

the Arts in Lindsborg, Kansas, made possible in part by a career advancement grant from Colorado Creative Industries and the National Endowment for the Arts. Through the tour she hopes to promote the grant program, which offers financial support to stimulate artists’ commercial creative business and cover expenses outside the normal cost of doing business.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Fair designed to help people prepare for disaster BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photo submitted

Basket Case Quilt Guild member Jeanne Leser designed this display to educate the public about the art of quilting.

Local quilt guild supports education BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

When Alice Marie Slaven talks about quilting her passion and humor are contagious. Whether you quilt or not, you will find yourself imagining aisles of colorful textiles, laughing quilters sharing jokes and ideas, and babies and newlyweds wrapped in beautiful quilts. Slaven explains her joy of quilting and of life in simple terms. “I call it ‘quilt therapy,’ ” Slaven says. “Today’s quilters have a great sense of humor. They are glad that they do not have to quilt to keep their families warm, but for the art and enjoyment of it.” Slaven, like many other local quilters, is a member of the Basket Case Quilt Guild. The guild’s mission includes a statement about supporting education for the textile art of quilting. Guild member Jeanne Leser designed a quilting display to help meet that goal. The guild uses the display at its bi-annual quilt show and likes to make it available to the community year-round. “And what better place for it to be than at the libraries,” Slaven states. Crawford Library is currently showcasing the display. “It has something for both new and experienced quilters,” Slaven explains. The display includes quilting techniques for all levels and examples of different styles of quilts.

Along with education, the guild also focuses on community outreach. Members are launching a project this year that aims to give local migrant women income through the winter months. Guild members have also sent handmade dresses, bandages, pro pads, dishcloths, baby hats and blankets to Haiti. Slaven wrapped up our conversation by sharing the message on one of her favorite T-shirts. She referred to it as “The Quilter’s Prayer”: “May your tension always be well-adjusted, your bobbins always be full, and your fabric always be on sale!” I would like to add to that message by saying, “May there always be people like Alice Marie Slaven in this world to make it a brighter, more colorful place.” To view the display, visit Crawford Library

during normal business hours, Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.. The Basket Case Quilt Guild meets the second Tuesday of every month at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. To learn more about the guild, visit them on Facebook.

As Delta County enters the final phase of updating its multi-jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, county Emergency Management Manager Jeffrey Wright wants citizens to consider what they’d do if a disaster strikes. “I’m talking about things that keep you up at night,” like fire, flood, power outages, and even drought, said Wright during last Saturday’s Disaster Preparedness Fair held at the Paonia Library. The American Red Cross, Paonia Fire Department, Delta County Memorial Hospital, the North Fork Ambulance were among the agencies and organizations attended the fair to answer questions and provide information on emergency preparedness. Family emergency planning, planning for pets, water storage tips, protecting homes from wildfires, and packing an emergency kit were among the subjects covered. Ethan Mobley with Mitigate Hazards in Montrose contracted with the county to create the plan. He encourages citizens to take a short community survey designed to help the county tailor the plan to the perceived

Crawford Area Indivisible to host congressional debate Crawford Area Indivisible, a non-partisan, grassroots organization which promotes liberty and justice for all, has invited both Republican Congressman Scott Tipton and Democratic nominee Diane Mitsch Bush, to participate in a debate for the people of Delta

County and the surrounding areas. Mitsch Bush has accepted the invitation; Tipton’s campaign has not responded to multiple emails and phone messages. The debate is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. at Hotchkiss High School.

needs of each of the communities. While a draft plan will be presented to the public in the coming weeks, there’s still time to take the survey, said Mobley. Thus far about 100 have responded, but ideally, he said, they would like to double that number so that their responses are more statistically valid. Those completing the survey are eligible for a prize of a $300 voucher toward Stilh products and other prizes from Delta Ace Hardware. To complete the survey online, visit mitigatehazards.com, click on the “Delta County MJHMP” icon and go to “Community Survey.” Once the plan is finalized, jurisdictions will be eligible for federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding. Installing generators in

schools is one example of a mitigation project, said Mobley. For every dollar spent on mitigation, he added, six dollars are saved. Wright said that during the process of drafting the plan, about 2,000 citizens have signed up for the county’s free Code Red Emergency Notification System. The system allows the county to notify citizens of potential or current life-threatening situations in their area via a text or voice message. All of the landlines in the county are automatically in the Code Red system, said Wright, but cell phone users must register by going to the county website or downloading the CodeRed mobile app. If there’s one thing he could share, said Wright, “It’s please sign up for Code Red.”

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Correction In the Aug. 22 issue of the Delta County Independent, there were some errors in the coverage of the Crawford Summer Social. Leigh Ann should have been identified as with Bank of Colorado. Collenette Vervloet’s name was misspelled. The errors were introduced in the editing process, not by photographer Jaquita Watters. We regret the errors.

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B4 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Vision’s original learners, 18 years later BY NANCY BOLAM Special to the DCI

Approximately 18 years ago, Dev Carey, a local student advocate with a PhD in biology, approached the Delta 50J School District superin-

tendent, Laddie Livingston, with a proposal involving the district and 75 home-schooled learners who were not currently attending schools in the district. The premise of this proposal was to

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sculpt a self-directed educational model for learning. Given free choice, funding and freedom to dream, what would a learner be inspired to explore? And how could we facilitate that inspiration? The proposal did not include the expenses of a school building nor any required courses; however, it did include individual funding so the learner could explore his interests and direct his own education. Once the idea was approved, it was agreed that one fourth of the funding received for each student would go to organize and to set up the program, another fourth would provide the learner with funds for his education and the remaining half would go to the school district for administrative purposes. This was the early prototype of the VISION Home and Community Program open to learners from ages five to 20. The original 75 students, along with their parents were told to dream big, to forge and create an individualized educational plan based on the learner’s passions and their personal motivation to learn. Circa 2000, the half dozen original members of the VISION staff advertised for locals interested in being learner advocates. They hired 15 Delta County residents to fill these roles (aka resource consultants) who, by consensus with the staff, agreed on a Quaker-based model of governess utilizing consensus and equality for the foundation for the program. Each learner and his or her parents interviewed resource consultants until they found a match. Next a team comprised of the resource consultant, learner and

parents developed a personal learning plan and budget for each semester utilizing this consensus model. They all had to agree on the classes, the tutors and how to document the learning within the learner’s budget. What an incredible learning process in patience, listening and unity this became for all of us! In the first years of VISION, the learners were able to hire their neighbors and local community members as tutors, anyone who had passed a background check with the school district could be added to the educator list. They taught in their individual areas of expertise and what a vast area of expertise it was, everything from kayaking to sewing to dance, music, math, science, English, Spanish, mechanics, beekeeping, theatre, solar energy. These teachers were excited to share their knowledge. In other words, this was THE village in the phrase, “It takes a village.” It brought all kinds of people in the community together with a shared desire to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation. It was fun for all of us to discover what the learners were naturally drawn to and discover how we could inspire them to achieve their aspirations. The initial 75 learners expanded to include three VISION offices in Paonia, Delta and Cedaredge and enrollment bloomed to nearly 1,000 learners at its peak. Over the years, consensus was dropped and democracy adopted, committees were formed, teaching certificates required and the program’s face changed. As part of the original VISION staff and community I was curious to know what the original learners were up to, who they became. The following is a brief update on many of the original 75 VISION learners. I was not able to contact all of them but this overview will give you an idea of their influence on the world after VISION. I think you will be impressed with who we as THE “village” handed over the reins of our future to. Again, I want to give a special thanks to Dev Carey for his devotion to this concept and for making it a reality and to Laddie Livingston, the futuristic superintendent who gave us permission to “push the envelope” and explore the future of education outside the box. Thank you, thank you, thank you to them from so many of the parents and learners I spoke with. Forest Aley — Head ski coach for the Big Mtn. Division of Aspen Valley Ski Co., currently skiing in Argentina. Danny Bailey — Instructor and manager of the lab yard at Solar Energy International. Michael Bailey — Homesteader and father of two. Skyler Bissell — Cofounder of OLEO, biotech startup creating CBD infused water soluble beverage powders in Seattle. Cassidy Boone — Degree in vocal performance and Italian; international marketer for the tourism industry; author of travel blog. Marley Boone — Lives in Maui, Hawaii, and works in hospitality industry. Professional henna artist. Ian Burritt — Lighting and electrical technician on Hollywood films including Lady Bird. Asa Burritt — Chemistry major, worked at Los Alamos, currently getting PhD in chemistry at School of Mines. Michael Carney — Middle school special ed teacher. Eric Carney — Owns

Austin Family Honey, and a beef and hay business. His first bee equipment was funded by VISION. David Carney — Farms, manages and markets Austin Family Farms with his brother Eric (and grandpa, Glen). Clay Carney— VISION class on welding principles inspired him to become a certified welder. Joe Chisholm — Continuing Paonia Farm and Home legacy. Computer repair and wizardry. Johannes Colby — Mycologist and farmer, father of one. Alex Colby — Certified elementary teacher, University of Argentina. Lucanus Colby — Biodiesel producer and enthusiast, mechanical genius. Nathan Cranson — Ordained pastor of four churches in Iowa. Andrew Cranson — Organic farmer, hunting guide, tree trimmer and musician. Teya Cranson — Award-winning film maker for collaborative film “PaperHeart” and originator of film “Paonia from the Ground Up.” Jorel Cuomo — Professional international wildlife photographer; got his greeting cards in Whole Foods right out of VISION. Cooper Darby — Founder/owner of Paonia Bike Coop, summer camp director/founder, Improv and Radio Theatre. Chandra Jones — 10 years as personal care professional, partner in Looter’s Legacy Vinegars, mother of one. Loni Jones — Baker extraordinaire and successful catering assistant in fast-paced Northern California. Tara KanePendergast — Research associate for Center for Policy Research (working on poverty, teen homelessness, domestic violence). Darby KanePendergast — Master’s in architecture, currently riding the Continental Divide trail on horseback. Kori Kropp — Head chef at historic Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast. Keaton Kropp — Professional fly fishing and rafting guide on the Gunnison River; outfitter. Kacey Kropp — First Fruits Organic Farms marketing manager, Boulder Farmers’ Market manager and CSA manager. Noah Kropp — Town of Paonia employee, father of one. Kristen Kropp — Received a full ride scholarship and is now farming and managing a CSA in downtown Salt Lake City. Kanielle Kropp — Designer for Deco Art, a company that provides canvases for home painting parties. Enoch Kropp — Plans on taking over family farm and orchards, First Fruits. Gifted at working on farm equipment. Annavah Kropp — Works for an orthodontist. Cassidy Lehrman — Professional film actress/ director/writer, acted on Entourage (HBO series), AT&T/Verizon commercials and more. Jessica Lehrman — Professional photographer with work in The NY Times, Rolling Stones, Vanity Fair, etc. Heather McFadden — BA in communications; recently returned from teaching English overseas. Rowan Michelsen — VISION fostered love for cooking and now works at Delicious Orchards’ Café as a cook. Quinn Michelsen — Formerly chef at The Flying Fork. Currently chef at Delicious Orchards’ Café. Ginger Murphy — Criminal justice degree, married to a state trooper, four beautiful children.

Hayden Murphy — Mechanical engineer degree, patented refillable dry markers design and now prototyping design. Abreeze Parra — Registered nurse. Holly Quinn — Homesteader, cheese maker and mother of two. Taj Rabin — Professional artistic glassblower. Desta Rabin — Degree in cellular molecular biology, internship at British Columbia Neuro Bio Lab. Lindsey Reich — Professional dancer and choreographer, mother of two. Chelsea Reich — Happily married, phenomenal full-time mother of two, natural health advocate. Nick Rogers — Paonia police officer, dad of three. Tyler Rogers — Green carpenter specializing in alternative housing: straw bale, adobe, cob. Father of two. Naomi Sikora — Midwife then became RN. Now ICU nurse specializing in neuro trauma. Abbey Sikora — Dedicated and fabulous homemaker and mother of two. Michael Sikora — ICU nurse specializing in heart telemetry, spiritual mentor. Hannah Sikora — Licensed speech pathologist. Arthur Starr — Street theatre, works with youth and the homeless. Anna Stech — Degree in music ed., taught. Degree in sonography, working at OB/GYN clinic, mother of one. Matthew Stech — Attended School of Mines. Software engineer and consultant for state governments. Joey Stech — Data scientist at Oracle Software, working on master’s, owner of online biz: CompellingScience Fiction.com. Emma Stedman — Professional dance instructor with Celebrate the Beat, a NYC-based company. Lily Stedman — California dreamer, gem and mineral expert. Leda Stinson — Environmental studies degree, focus on sustainability and social change, double minor in sociology and anthropology. Julia Stinson — Degree in environmental science, minor in management, summer fellowship with Piedmont Environmental Council. Heidi Stinson — Graduated from the University of Denver in international affairs. Wade Stinson — Working toward environmental science degree, member of touring choir and soccer player. Eben Sullivan — Successful businessman. Followed in George Washington’s footsteps as a hemp grower for CBD industry. Sage Sullivan — Traveled extensively through Central America and Australia. Experienced in wine making and distilling. Chaiah Sullivan — Owner and founder of Unparalleled Glass. Inventor of innovative oxygenation system for glassblowing. Adam Werner — Professional firefighter and EMT. Leah Werner — Years as professional nanny, currently professional freelance photographer. Corey Wiitanen — Working in aerospace machine shop and attending school for an ATA in machining. Logan Woods-Darby — Filmmaker, artist, screenwriter, traveler. Working on his family’s artist-in-residency project. Elizabeth WoodsDarby — Professional actor, writer, filmmaker. Working on Everland, their family’s artist-inresidency project near Paonia.

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Cedaredge UMC pastor begins fall preaching series “How do we live with dementia?” is the first question Joe Agne, pastor of Cedaredge United Methodist Church, will address in a fall preaching series that will pair questions asked by members of the congregation and the parables of Jesus. The series begins on Sunday, Sept. 2. The congregation will focus on these parables and questions in worship on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and during its Sacred Bites Bible Study at 4Bs Brewery at 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays. The title of the series is “Jesus’ Stories that Surprise, Provoke and Disturb.” On Sunday, Sept. 2, the congregation will consid-

er a trilogy of Jesus’ best known stories: a shepherd who lost a sheep, a women who lost a coin and a father who lost his children. Pastor Agne wonders, “What can we learn from these stories when we face the lostness of dementia experienced by both the person with dementia and the persons who love and care for them?” • The question and parable for Sept. 9 are “Does greed lead to vengeance and violence?”; The Good Samaritan. • Sept. 16 — “How can Christians deal with depression and suicide?” The Kingdom of Heaven is like Yeast. • Sept. 23 — “Do we value truth?” The Pearl

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of Great Price. • Sept. 30 — “How can Christians respond to climate change?” The Mustard Seed. • Oct. 7 — “Why do we treat some people as ‘other’?” The Pharisee and Tax Collector. • Oct. 14 — “How can a congregation help people age-in-place?” The Laborers in the Vineyard. • Oct. 21 — “Are marijuana and opiates helpful in dealing with chronic pain?” The Widow and the Judge. • Oct. 28 — “How can we respond to ‘me too’ n the church?” The Rich Man and Lazarus. The resource for these sermons and Bible studies is “The Short Stories

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ers to listen to the story with the ears of Jesus’ contemporaries, avoid allegorizing, refrain from looking for the approved meaning, search for our

own meaning now, avoid domesticating Jesus’s stories and prepare to be surprised, provoked and disturbed. The books are available at the church.

Delta County Women’s Connection hosts Date Night Delta County Women’s Connection is excited to host its Sept. 13 event, open to women of Delta and the surrounding areas from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Delta Christian Church. This month is Date Night, DCWC’s annual fundraiser with a gift basket and dessert auction. This is the one event a year that you can bring a fellow, whether

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it be your husband, son, grandson, or friend. Because this is a catered event, reservations are appreciated. Reservations for children will be needed as well, and moms are asked to bring a sack dinner for each child. This month guest speaker Drew Felix, LTC USAR Retired, presents “An Army of One

– What You Learn When Your Life Goes Sideways.” There will be a live musical performance by Aniyha Cohick. The $15 cover charge includes all of the above and the catered dinner. Please RSVP by Sept. 10 by phone to Cindy at 970-921-5412, text 919-795-8968, or email dcwcreservations@gmail. com.

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of Jesus,” a book by AmyJill Levine, a rabbi who teaches New Testament courses at the Divinity School of Vanderbilt University. She invites read-

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SURFACE CREEK August 29, 2018

NEWS

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Cedaredge trustees tackle 2019 budget BY DON BENJAMIN Managing Editor

After one work session on Aug. 16, it’s early in the budget process and some figures presented by staff to the town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees will need to be revised. The preliminary expenditures requested by town departments exceed preliminary projected revenues by nearly $1.2 million. So decisions must be made between now and November 1 when a draft of the final 2019 budget will be officially presented to the trustees and be made available to the public. Two more budget work sessions are planned, one on Sept. 13 and another on Oct. 11. Both sessions begin at 5 p.m. in the Cedaredge Civic Center, Grand Mesa Room, 140 NW 2nd Street. The sessions are open to the public and copies of the preliminary budget are �� 2019 TOWN ��

Fund Category

available on the town website: cedaredgecolorado.com Type “document center” in the search box, select finance, then budget. Paper copies are also available for review at town hall and citizens can call or email town staff with questions at 970-856-3123 or mana ger@cedaredgecolorado.com. Town business is conducted using six distinct funds each of which has revenue sources: general fund, water enterprise fund, wastewater enterprise fund, golf course enterprise fund, capital improvement fund and trust fund (from the Colorado Lottery). The general fund is the largest in terms of revenue. As its name suggests, the general fund encompasses a variety of functions which are familiar to the public including town administration, the trustees (legislative branch), law CEDAREDGE BUDGET TO B7

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OF CEDAREDGE PRELIMINARY BUDGET Anticipated Proposed Revenue Expenditures

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Photo illustration by Phillip Berghauser

The Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center is exceeding expectations in its inaugural season.

Arts center hits its stride BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

On the weekend of June 1617, local musician David Starr took the stage at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center alongside performers Shelly Rae Korntved, Erik Stucky and Ben Harris. Those soldout inaugural concerts marked the christening of the fledgling arts center and follow-on performances by an array of talented artists signaled the center’s coming-of-age.

That initial opening weekend took place a mere seven months after organizers unveiled the concept to the public in a “sneak peek” event. Since then audiences have packed into the Bank of Colorado Theatre to enjoy summer concerts by Stray Grass, Dana Cooper with Bittersweet Highway, and Karla Bonoff with Nina Gerber. So far concert attendance is pushing a thousand and more music is in the offing as the center prepares

to welcome Severin Browne and Laurie McClain (Sept. 11) and Gordy Pratt and Dalyce Sellers (Oct. 12). In addition to hosting concerts, the center is humming with additional events: family gatherings, lectures, a poetry festival, on-going art exhibits, and a growing number of classes and workshops. So, in case anyone wondered if the place was going to fly, look to the skies. It’s soaring.

Local authors serve up an array of written works BY DON BENJAMIN Managing Editor

It’s harvest time in Delta County and not just for fruits and vegetables. New works by local authors are adding to the county’s homegrown banquet of creativity. Three local authors have recently published a diverse collection of works that cover topics ranging from the natural environment to personnel management.

Joseph Colwell is a prolific nature writer who lives on Redlands Mesa northwest of Hotchkiss. Last year Colwell served as artist-in-residence for the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA) which inspired him to write a book of short essays entitled ‘Echoes of Time.’ His writing explores not only the scenery of this fascinating natural area north of Delta but, according to his synopsis of the book, he also touches on “the meanings of time and the history of life.” Colwell’s latest work as well as his other books will be available for purchase at the Colwell Cedars Retreat on Saturday, Sept. 1, as part of the North Fork Valley Ag and Art Tour. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Cedars Retreat is a nature and art retreat center operated by Colwell and his wife, Katherine, who is an artist and art teacher who offers classes at the retreat center. The address is 30048 North Road. For a map and directions, visit their website: www.colwellcedars.com.

Carolyn Coleman Waller writes under the pseudonym “Carol White.” Since 1986 she has been working as a freelance reporter, columnist, and photographer contributing to a variety of publications including the Rocky Mountain Fence Post. The Cedaredge resident describes her newly published memoir as “a humorous look at life in the mountains without a telephone, electricity, hot

running water, or daily mail service.” Entitled “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt,” the book recounts her adventures working on a primitive guest ranch in the wilds of Idaho. She intends “Bricks” to be the first in a series of books. The work is available for purchase at Cedaredge’s First Friday Artwalks. Roger Campbell of Eckert has condensed over 50 years of successful business experience into what he describes as “an easy to read leadership manual” and “a good guide to help leaders on their journey.” Entitled “It’s About People,” Campbell’s book is a collection of fundamental and critical leadership lessons as well as practical exercises to help put the lessons into action. Campbell’s background includes experience as a coach, athletic director, and a business executive for a fortune-500 company. As a businessman he helped develop

OC tackles nuisance policy BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

Log truck accident

employees in America, China, Austria, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Portugal. His wife has also written a book called “A Pastor’s Message.” Campbell operates a consulting company — Personnel Profiles — and the couple’s books and his consulting services are available by contacting him at 614-2961577.

Photo by Linda Lankin

Around noon on Friday, Aug. 24, a truck overturned while hauling logs down Highway 65. Linda Lankin of Lazear was headed home from a ﬁshing trip when she snapped these photos. The truck crashed near the intersection of Highway 65 and Old Grand Mesa Road. She reported that the driver was Rock Nahgonbe-Heinze, a commercial truck driver who lives in Montrose. According to Lankin, “The driver climbed out on his own, some cuts on his face and shoulder pain.” There is no further word on the driver’s condition although he did respond to Lankin’s Facebook post regarding the accident with two words. “I hurt,” he said. The accident is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol.

On Aug. 23 the Orchard City planning commission held a work session focused on the beginning developments for a nuisance policy and its ramifications. This meeting was discussion-oriented rather than creating concrete policy components. The group focused on developing a framework to help build the policy over the next few months. “Many individuals felt there needed to be a clearer policy on nuisances and how to handle perceived problems,” said committee chairman Paul Kehmeier. “Thus the city tasked us with the job to build guidelines.” To start, the group determined that for the next few months, the planning commission wants to tackle a policy for health and safety nuisances first. Then it will use those guidelines as a model for developing a general policy on nuisances. This resulted from discussing an overall vision and goal for said policy. Because of its beginning stages they used input from those present to discuss the overall framework for a policy. At the next meetings they plan to look at how other municipalities handle nuisance ordinances, and gather opinions on what people believe a health and safety

nuisance is. A majority of the meeting was sidetracked due to several citizens’ concern over a perceived nuisance with a burned out abandoned trailer. While the commission appreciates citizens participation, these meetings are not for addressing specific current nuisances. If any citizens have concerns over a current perceived nuisance, they can contact the county health department if it is a health and safety issue, or the county sheriff if resolution is needed between two parties. “The planning commission is simply an advisory board asked to do background work,” said Kehmeier. Thus, any final decisions the planning commission comes to on a policy will be voted on by the board of trustees. However, citizens are encouraged to attend the meetings to contribute ideas and questions for shaping the overall nuisance policy. Planning commission meetings are the fourth Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. in the Orchard City Town Hall at 9661 2100 Road, Austin. If the group has other official business to address, discussion of the nuisance policy may be postponed until the next meeting. For more information please contact the Town of Orchard City at 970835-3337.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Arleta Pech presents artist forum Aug. 30 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

It’s probably not her best work and she didn’t even get proper credit for it, but Front Range artist Arleta Pech was instrumental in designing the Denver Broncos’ football logo used by the team from 1970-1996. She was a young artist working for a Denver-based logo company forty-eight years ago when word came that the team wanted a new logo. Arleta sketched a design that the team accepted but another person got the credit. Undaunted, Arleta continued to hone her craft until today she is a renowned artist with several published books and a long list of exhibition credits and awards. As her reputation grew, it was only a matter of time before her unique and thought-provoking work made it to the Western Slope. The Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) is hosting her

File image

Arleta Pech’s early sketch was used to create this Denver Broncos football logo used by the team from 1970-1996.

Photo submitted

Unique paintings by Arleta Pech are on display now through Oct. 10 at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center in Cedaredge. The show features her original works from 1989 to 2018 with antiques used for the still life images and the story behind each painting. one-woman show this month through Oct. 10. Works on display include ‘Chrome Refection’ (look closely and you’ll see an image of the artist looking back at you) and ‘Simple Pleasures’ (a whimsical painting that will convince you it’s possible to use a blow torch to roast a marshmallow). The artist will be in Cedaredge on Thursday, Aug. 30, to present an artist’s forum. The forum, entitled “A Progression of Time,” will take place at the GMAEC at 10 a.m. And she will return to the center to teach a pair of classes on Saturday, September 8, a class in the morning for children and one for adults in the afternoon. For further information, call GMAEC at 970-856-9195. Interested art enthu-

Cedaredge Methodists invite kids to be part of God’s creation Cedaredge United Methodist Church invites children and their families and friends to take a Sacred Hike on the Grand Mesa Saturday, Sept. 1. Participants in the church’s second Just Kids/Just Kids Plus event will think about and experience God’s creation as recorded in Genesis as they stroll the gentle Mesa Top Trail. And they’ll meet some of the animals and plants that call the mesa home. En route to the mesa, there will be a nature scavenger hunt with each car carrying a team in search of plants, creatures and signs along the highway. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided from the church, which is at 210 NW 3rd Street in Cedaredge at the intersection of NW 3rd Street and NW Aspen Avenue. Children ages kindergarten through fifth grade may attend alone though parents, grandparents, extended family and friends are encouraged to join the hike. Younger children are welcome if accompanied by adults and all youth and adults are welcome. A snack will be provided while hiking, and lunch will be served at the church following the hike. Just Kids/Just Kids Plus is the church’s new outreach program for children, their families and others in the community to get to know each other as they learn how God calls them to make a difference in the world by caring for others and for our planet. Monthly events, each based around a biblical passage, include fun activities, a project that serves others, and when possible, a trip into the community. While pre-registration is appreciated, it is not required. Registration for the Sept. 1 event will begin at 8:45 a.m. with cars departing for the mesa shortly after 9 a.m. Participating is as simple as showing up at the church by 9 a.m. To register, contact Pamela Gubkin at the church at pgubkin@

siasts are invited to visit Arleta’s show in the center’s Starr Family Gallery in downtown Cedaredge at 195 West Main Street. Hours are MondayThursday 10 a.m-4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m-6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Cedaredge budget FROM PAGE B6 enforcement, animal control, building inspection, municipal court, parks, and public works (excluding water and wastewater treatment). Economic and community development are also included in the general fund category. Despite receiving the most revenue and including the most town functions, the general fund does not represent the largest expenditure proposed for 2019. So far that distinction falls to the water fund. Each fund in the town’s preliminary budget can be summarized as follows (dollar amounts are subject to change during the budget process and figures are rounded up). The challenge for the trustees and town staff will be to bring proposed expenditures closer in line with anticipated revenue. At the close of the Aug. 16 budget session, town administrator, Greg Brinck, previewed two of the town’s biggest

challenges when he told trustees that in the coming months they’ll need to look closely at the general fund budget and examine water/waste water needs. He also said that the discrepancy between anticipated golf course

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Serving with kindness

Members of the Grand Mesa Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 9221 have been busy crocheting and knitting soap sacks which will be distributed to needy individuals through the Abraham Connection homeless shelter and the Surface Creek Community Services food bank. The “sack” part of soap sack stands for “serving a community with kindness.” Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS Cedaredge Ward are joining with the VFW auxiliary to produce the sacks. Pictured, left to right, are VFW auxiliary members Connie Tollesfson, Loy Hamrick and Rose Craig.

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Photo by Don Benjamin

revenue and proposed expenditures will require much discussion and decision-making. Overall, the trustees and staff will strive to balance the 2019 budget and do so without tapping too much into the town’s reserve funds.

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� cedaredgecumc.com or 970-856-3696; check the � church’s website, www. cedaredgecumc.com; or � stop by the United Meth�� odist Thrift Store on �� Main Street. For informa� �� tion, contact Dana Jones, danaellenjones@gmail or 720-346-3952, or Pastor Joe Agne, � �� revagne@gmail.com or � � � � � �� 720-891-5233. � � Mark your calendar �� now for other 2018 Just �� Kids/Just Kids Plus � � � � �� events: �� • Saturday, Oct. 20 �— �� St. Francis event with �� a�� blessing of the animals. �� Children will discover �� what can be learned from� � �� the birds of the air, the �� fish of the sea and the �� animals that walk on the �� land. They’ll do a project �� to benefit homeless and injured animals. Follow�� ing lunch, their parents and all in the community will be invited to bring �� pets and special animals �� for a service of blessing the animals. �� • Saturday, Nov. 17 — Christmas is com�� ing: Advent preparation event. With the stress of �� the holidays approach�� ing, this is an event for �� families of all sizes from single persons to large �� families to think about �� the meaning of Christ�� mas and how to make it a time of celebration rather �� than too much work and �� financial overload. There �� will be separate sessions �� for children and adults as well as intergenera�� tional games, snacks and lunch. Participants will �� prepare gifts for those �� in need in the area and make Advent calendars �� and wreaths to use in �� their homes. �� • Saturday, Dec. 8 �� — Parents’ day out. Par�� ents and grandparents �� can drop off children �� then spend the day as they want. The program �� will be extended from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to give them �� a fuller day to do holiday preparations, catch up �� on work or simply rest. �� The children will focus on the gift of Jesus with the theme “What Gifts �� Can We Bring?” based on the story of the three magi who visited the baby Jesus. They will �� make gifts for others, �� play games and more.

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B8 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Information on previous droughts delays task force progress BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS ously established set of Contributing Writer

At the Aug. 21 meeting for the Orchard City drought task force, the agenda was to narrow down criteria for normal conditions in the previ-

drought condition categories. These categories cover current springs and winter supply flow and demand, reservoir carry over, and moisture equivalencies.

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The group had thorough discussion on what should be considered in these categories for normal and not normal conditions. However, citizens and trustees alike wanted more details, such as previous ideal water content, before making official guideline recommendations. “The more information we can get from previous drought years, the better we’ll be able to make the policy,” said trustee Doug Keller. “But I have to get the information so we can answer the questions raised during the meeting.” For example, information on winter flow rates and reservoir percentages for 2002 and 2012, previous drought years, was desired but is now proving difficult to find. Trustee Keller is seeking parallel information that will be useful as they have their next meetings. Because of this task force, detailed information is being kept regard-

ing this year’s drought. The group plans to use it in the future as this policy is evaluated and developed. The task force met on Aug. 28; updates are to come. For those wishing to join the discussion, there will be at least one more meeting on Sept. 4. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at 9661 2100 Road in Austin. After the trustees narrow down factors determining both drought and normal conditions, they plan to move to phase two — options for what to do when a drought is declared. “While this has taken longer than anticipated, I’m thankful we have such consistent contributions from citizens,” said Keller. Currently 10-12 citizens consistently come, and three board members facilitate discussion. Although trustees take part in discussions, no official action takes place during these meetings.

Photo courtesy Dea Jacobon

Lecture at art center

Eugenia Bone (left) came to the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge on Wednesday, Aug. 22, where she spoke to a group of 55 curious guests about her new book, “Microbia: A journey into the unseen world around you.” Bone is the author of many books, including “Mycophilla” and “Well Preserved,” which was nominated for a James Beard Award. An earlier book, “At Mesa’s Edge,” describing her adventures ranching and cooking in Crawford, was published in 2004. She lives in New York City and Crawford. The event was co-sponosred by Delta County Public Libraries. She is pictured with Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center executive director Deborah Shaffer, who invited Bone to lecture at the center. Signed copies of “Microbia” are available for purchase at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center.

Free wi-fi access in Cedaredge

Photo by Reve Portraits

Cutting a symbolic ribbon to launch the service were chamber ofﬁcers and business members, left to right: Alisha Komives, chamber executive director; Deborah Shaffer, Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center; Jude Conn, treasurer, GMAEC; Mitchell Gronenthal chamber president, Reve Portraits; Tony Chavez, member, T’s Grill; Brandy Atencio, member, 4B’s Brewing; Shawna Woodward, 4 B’s; and Cindy Starr, board member, Kauai Vacation Rental.

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The Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce and Adaptive Internet have established a partnership to bring free wi-fi to local businesses. Beginning Sept. 1, local customers can check their email, surf the web and utilize social media while eating and shopping in Cedaredge. The new service will give customers access to a dedicated service that does not interrupt or conflict with the business’ internet use. “This not only brings ease of access to consumers to shop locally but an economic benefit to our businesses and to the town,” said chamber president Mitchell Gronenthal.

Pops in the Parks comes to Cedaredge BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform a pops concert in Cedaredge Town Park on Saturday, Sept. 8. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and the event will include a pie and ice cream social. Bring your blankets and chairs for this family-friendly concert. Now is a great time to order tickets for

the symphony’s upcoming events including two popular Christmas concerts. The symphony’s six-concert season runs from October of this year through April 2019 with performances at the Montrose Pavilion. Tickets which feature special discounts for online purchases can be obtained through the symphony’s website: www.valley symphony.net.

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Photo by Don Benjamin

Warrior canes

John Loring a U.S. Air Force veteran, 195281 and Helen Barton who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1951-52 were honored last week during a ceremony held at Cedaredge Town Park. The two veterans are members of the Grand Mesa Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 9221 and the occasion was the post’s annual picnic. Each veteran received a unique eagle-head cane. Helen is the post’s ﬁrst female veteran to receive a cane and several members of her extended family were present to witness the honors. Keith Kollasch of Cedaredge presented the canes which were handmade by the Grand Valley Wood Turners and Wood Carvers organization. The tradition of presenting tribute canes to veterans dates back to the time of the American Civil War.

SPORTS

Section

August 29, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Juniors lead Bulldog gridders BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Bulldogs list 32 players on the preseason football roster, among them, seniors Kaiya Firor and Elysah Shaw. Firor, who was 19-for-22 in PATs her junior year, will kick and play at wide receiver and cornerback. A transfer from Louisiana, Shaw will play both offensive and defensive lines. “Two seniors. That’s it,” said head coach Curtis Hintz. He’s expected it since taking over as head coach three years ago. Three sophomores made the roster. One didn’t return this season, and the other, multi-sport athlete Elijah Patrick, moved to Grand Junction. That just means a lot of younger players will get a chance to compete, said Hintz. He described both the sophomore and junior classes as “solid.” Ten of 12 sophomores and seven of 10 juniors are returning varsity players. Sophomore Yahir Chavez will start at quarterback. Chavez gained valuable experience last year after quarterback Chase Hiatt suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. Juniors Jace Peebles and Will Scarlett will start in the back field. Peebles rushed for 218 yards in 21 carries his sophomore year, and Scarlett will transition from wide receiver to running back.

Hintz also sees junior center/defensive end Ethan Guy, safety Jacob Palecki, and Malykai Klaseen, a fullback, middle linebacker and running back in leadership roles this season. Other returning juniors are Hunter Bry-

Cochran, Oliver Mendoza, Adam Smith, Saul Cortez, Jordan Manzanares, Christian Matus and Hector Elizalde. Eight freshmen also made the roster. The Bulldogs saw preseason action last Friday, outscoring the Grand

Photo by Tamie Meck

Sophomore Jace Peebles (5) starts in motion in Friday night’s foundation game against the Grand Junction High School Tigers JV squad. Peebles is part of a strong junior class that will play a big role this season. Hotchkiss opens the season at home Friday against Clear Creek.

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ant (WR/CB), JD Miller (DL/OL), and Kyle Luginbyhl (OL/DL). Tristan Allen, who played his freshman year, and Samuel Erickson round out the junior class. Returning sophomores included Traycer Hall, Anthony Scanlon, Robert

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on Sept. 21. While 3A teams aren’t normally on their schedule, finding non-conference games is getting more difficult every year, said Hintz. Coach Horton, the athletic director at HHS, is constantly on the phone looking for games and teams that match up well with the Hotchkiss players. When Center canceled last year due to a lack of players, Hotchkiss picked up a game against the Montrose JV squad. Hotchkiss opens conference play on Sept. 28 with the annual North Fork Bowl at Paonia. Grand Valley, Olathe and Cedaredge round out the schedule. A longtime Bulldogs defensive coordinator, Hintz is in his third season as head coach. Doug Horton returns as defensive coordinator and will coach D-line and running backs; Gary Peebles will coach JV, O-line, Dline and kickers; Gates Shaklee coaches JV, wide receivers and D-backs. Hintz said he believes the Western Slope League is the strongest conference in the state. In the last decade, WSL teams have had a tradition of going deep in the playoffs and winning state titles. “From top to bottom I feel it’s the best in the state,” said Hintz. “Every team’s well coached, every team’s got returning kids that are going to be as tough as nails. It’s gonna be a dog fight every single week.”

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Junction High School junior varsity squad, 170, in a foundation game. Peebles ran for a touchdown and Chavez connected with Palecki for a second touchdown. Firor was 2-for-2 in PATs and kicked a field goal. Approved for this season, foundation games are live when the offense and defense are on the field; special teams’ plays aren’t live, and offenses start with the ball on the 30-yard line. “It’s more of a scrimmage than a game,” said Hintz. The win doesn’t count toward the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), a formula used to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams used to determine post-season qualification (visit chsaa now.com for more information). In looking at non-conference games, the Bulldogs host their seasonopener Friday against Clear Creek. The Golddiggers were an 8-2 team that made the playoffs last season. “Hotchkiss was fortunate enough to get a game scheduled against Clear Creek,” said Hintz. “It’s good to see a different 1A team ahead of playoffs.” Hotchkiss faces 2A Coal Ridge on Sept. 7. On Sept. 14 they scrimmage at 2A Gunnison, which won’t field a varsity team this season. “It doesn’t help or hurt our RPI, but it’s still a competition,” said Hintz. Hotchkiss travels to Steamboat Springs, a Class 3A team,

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C2 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Panthers back in WSL fold BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s Panthers missed the playoffs last season and there’s a sense of determination among players and coaches to rectify that in 2018. “We were very disappointed we were not in the playoffs. I told the kids we better get that chip on our shoulder and get back to playing hard-nosed Delta football,” noted Delta’s head football coach Ben Johnson. There will be 55 players who might share the urge to step up competition this season with 25 of those athletes leading the way as returning letter winners from a year ago. Delta has been a perennial powerhouse the past few seasons with a reputation of a team that makes the playoffs regularly. This year’s squad can restore that prestige to DHS when the new sea-

son kicks off Sept. 1 in Thornton. Some of the traits which have characterized the Panthers are visible in this year’s team. “We have some good skill position players who are youthful and need to step up and play well,” said Johnson. After scrimmaging Montrose last week Johnson assessed the progress of his team so far. “I thought our offensive line played well and we return three starters from a year ago and I see that as a strength.” Players who looked good for the Panthers along the line were seniors Trevor Ledesma at right tackle who stands 6-0 and weighs 220 pounds, right guard Blake Naranjo at 5-10 and 205 pounds and Aiden Barrios who plays left guard and stands 5-9 and weighs 170 pounds. Junior Odin Higgs (6-1, 250 pounds) plays left tackle and junior Ethan

Lawrence (6-3 and 225 pounds) snaps the ball. “We will be very balanced on offense with the ability to throw and run the ball pretty well. I think that hurt us last season as we were not very balanced,” quoted Johnson. Other key personnel, not already mentioned include sophomore quarterback Nolan Bynum whose 6-1 frame carries 195 pounds. A possible target for Bynum is junior Gauge Lockhart (6-3 and 210 pounds) who plays tight end and is projected to play defensive end as well. Junior receivers Skylar Kraai (6-1, 170 pounds) and Nate Workman (6-0, 170 pounds) possess speed making them a threat once they have caught the ball. Workman is also slated to see action as a defensive back for the Panthers this season. After being part of the Intermountain League

in previous seasons, the Panthers have returned to the Western Slope League (we were the only

sport (football) in our school that was in the Intermountain League with the rest of the sports

in the WSL) noted Johnson. “We are excited to get back to playing some rivalry games.”

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s pass defense works on its drop-read coverage at a pre-season practice at Delta High Shool.

Delta soccer team in the hunt for gold BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A shift in soccer coaching duties for Delta High School included moving long-time boys’ coach Elaine Wood to the girls’ program while Paul Shean takes over head coaching duties for the boys. Shean acknowledged the fact soccer was one of his top boyhood sporting endeavors and is elated to be at the helm of Delta’s boys team. “I am truly excited to write a new chapter and coach soccer. Soccer was my first sport growing up. I started playing competitive soccer at the age of nine and Photo by Wayne Crick played on teams travelDelta boys soccer team works on defense and offense during a pre-season ing around California all through high school.” practice drill at Cottonwood Park. Coming from recent

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Paul Shean

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blanked La Junta 10-0 in its first game then fell to University, 8-7, in extra innings later on Friday of last week. Saturday’s results included a loss to Lamar, 8-3, and an 11-10 win over Rocky Ford. Sandoval notes it’s not the physical play of the Panthers but rather simple miscues that have been the hard-to-take aspects of Delta’s play last weekend. Overall, Sandoval was pleased with Delta’s

efforts. “We played really well and I’m very excited about our softball team,” Second year head softsaid Sandoval. ball coach at Delta High This year’s team will School, Jerry Sandoval, feature nine seniors, has not changed his three juniors, seven sophapproach to helping kids omores and six freshmen earn the rewards they in three levels of play. are working for. His Delta “Our seniors will be a Panthers made it to last large part of our success,” year’s state tournament says Sandoval. and were ousted by the Delta’s infield will have eventual state champion, seniors Jenna Sutliff (SS), Strasburg. Sandoval’s Ashley Lahoe (3B), Sami excitement for the game, Lane and Reagan Clay at and its challenges, is 2B and Makayla Kortz at evident in conversations first. Sophomores Hailee Ruble and Keely Porter will be a pitcher/catcher combination to complete the infield for the Panthers in most situations. A senior outfield will feature returning centerfielder Tatum Saddoris with Alyssa Trujillo in left field and Desiree Garcia and Shianne Valdez sharing time in right field. Garcia and Lane will also see time in the pitching circle for the Panthers. Sandoval sees Meeker as one of Delta’s tougher opponents this season Photo by Wayne Crick with the likes of Basalt, The ball got to Delta High School’s Keely Porter in time to make a tag on this Palisade, Eagle Valley runner trying to score during game simulations in a preseason practice ses- and Rifle on the schedule to spice things up a bit. sion. DCI Sports Editor

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a second-team all-state defender) who Shean says is probably one of the better defenders in the area; Martin Corral (Jr., Delta, striker), a natural offensive player who is extremely skilled and can shoot lights out from anywhere on the field; Jarrett Hernandez (Jr., Delta, striker), who is fast and knows how to finish; Jason Holiman (Sr. Vision, defense and middle fielder); Sergio Campos (Sr. Delta, fullback); Nathan Downey (Jr., Vision, midfielder and defense) and Sean Maulhardt (So., Paonia, midfielder). Add to the list one of the league’s top goalkeepers in Delta’s Filipe Bedoy, and the Panthers are poised to be a contender in the always strong 3A WSL. Shean sees Roaring Fork’s Rams and Coal Ridge’s Titans and two of the top contenders Delta will face for a league title in 2018. This could be a banner year for Delta’s soccer team. “I think this team has the talent to compete for a league championship and to make a run deep into the playoffs. Passing has been a big strength, and, we return our whole defense,” noted Shean.

Experience to guide Delta’s softball fortunes BY WAYNE CRICK

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football coaching duties at Delta High School for many years, Shean sees little effects of the change to soccer coaching. “I don’t feel the transition to soccer was as hard as I thought it would be. I feel I helped write a chapter in the history of Delta football that helped turn the program around for the better. I’ve learned so many great lessons from coaches I’ve been around (especially Coach Steve Reiher) and feel that I have been prepped to take this job.” Shean will be assisted by former Delta standouts AB Ontiveros and Colton Godwin (Paonia) who are in their first season as coaches as well as for the soccer program. The number of players who are out for soccer continues to grow as athletes have asked about the program since the start of school. Players on the roster at this time include athletes from Cedaredge (2) Hotchkiss (2), Paonia (4), Vision (2) and Delta (18). There is a list of impact players (as noted through early practice sessions) who potentially have the ability to be in the spotlight a majority of the time. On that list is Jose Pantoja (Sr., Paonia,

about his team’s progress this season. “We will fare well this year as we have a lot of experience. The girls will only continue to get better with every pitch and swing in the season. Our confidence and team unity will help us do well,” quoted Sandoval. Most of Sandoval’s comments come from an early-season tournament in Eaton where the Panthers played four games in two days. Delta

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Size, speed, experience a picture of Eagles’ team BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, seniors Sackett Chesnik, Jesse Burns and Anthony Felice will be key to the Eagles running game this season, which opens Friday with a nonconference game against Centauri at Dan Lawrence Field.

Cedaredge football team to be a handful BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins aren’t as experienced as they have been in the past, but opponents best bring an “A” game when they play the Bruins. Bruins’ head coach Brandon Milholland is excited about this year’s

team because of what it brings to practice every day. “I really like these kids and the attitude they have. We’ve changed some things and they are accepting them and working hard.” Milholland is an optimistic coach who believes in his coaches and ath-

letes. Cedaredge is a team which will have some overall team speed but does not have a dominant standout player heading into the 2018 season. There are 29 players (down from the 35 on last year’s roster) who work hard in practice sessions BRUIN FB TO C4

Photo by Wayne Crick

The ball comes out during a live tackling session at Cedaredge High School. Cedaredge is down slightly in numbers but not in enthusiasm and spirit.

DCI Sports Editor

we play,” was Montoya’s thoughts on who would be a team to beat. Continuing on about the Bruins’ schedule this season, Montoya is confident his team will grow as it plays each week. “I scheduled a lot of 4A teams early in the season because I want my players to realize that they can play against anyone. It’s really not about who we play; it’s about focusing on playing against the ball; making the routine play, controlling what we can control and playing hard for the other eight people on the field. I really hope we learn to be selfless throughout this season because that is a lesson that will carry over into all parts of life. If we can achieve that as a team, then it will be a successful season. Some of the best wins don’t go

in a column.” How Cedaredge plays this season comes down to a core of returning players which is centered around the play of seniors Hanna Gardner, Nevaeh Martinez, Nicole Miller, Emalee Brooks and Shelby Stone. “I am expecting all our seniors to have an impact this season. It is a new coach, a new system and they all must continue to learn it and buy into what we are trying to accomplish. So far they have all done a good job,” explained Montoya. Palisade 9, Bruins 7 The middle innings cost Cedaredge its chance at a victory in Palisade on Aug. 23. The Bulldogs used a combined sevenrun burst in the third, fourth and fifth innings to fuel the 9-7 non-conference victory. Cedaredge

son the Eagles were 8-3, 4-1, and ended the season on a 35-23 quarterfinal playoff loss to No. 1-ranked Bennett. “As of right now,” he said, “I’m feeling more about where we’re at than I was last year.” His coaching staff — Josh Burns, Don Holt and Lucas Wiggins — works well together and has a good rapport with the kids, said Escher. After losing longtime assistant coach Scott Rienks, they picked up Dakota Coats, a 2011 graduate of Hotchkiss High School and veteran wide receiver and linebacker. Escher and Coats started playing football against each other in peewees. “He’s a phenomenal overall player,” said Escher. “He’s one of those guys that will give you everything he’s got. I know him on a personal level and I know that the kids are going to stride with him.” Kickoff for Friday’s game is set for 7 p.m.

After ending the 2017 season with an 8-3 record and a quarterfinal loss to the No. 1 ranked team in the state, the Class 2A Western Slope League Paonia Eagles hope to ride the express train to another post-season appearance. Paonia comes in at number seven in preseason rankings. Considering last year’s quarterfinal loss to No. 1 ranked Bennett and the loss of 10 seniors, head coach Blaine Escher believes that’s about where they should be. With a combination of speed, size and experience, “We’ve got a solid team this year,” said Escher. Third-year varsity junior Grey Neal will start at quarterback, with senior Logan Green taking the No. 2 quarterback position. Escher looks to run a three running back set formation utilizing the experience of seniors Jesse Burns, Sackett Chesnik and Anthony Felice. David Lozano and Soul Connolly will be the one and two receivers, with Carlos Lozano in the mix after missing much of the 2017 season. Looking at the preseason roster, third-year junior Levi Peterson brings the most experience to the offensive and defensive lines, said Escher. Justin Holt, Anthony Miller, Gavan Weiss and Austyn Norris are also on the line, and Felice and Chesnik will lead the linebacker corps. In the backfield are Landon Thliveris, Carlos Lozano, Connolly and Neal. Paonia opens the season at home Friday against No. 4 Centauri and in week two travels to No. 10 Monte Vista. Photo by Tamie Meck Scheduling top-10 teams Junior Levi Peterson brings the most experience to ahead of conference play the Eagles line of scrimmage this season. was the plan, said Escher. The games “promise two big battles” and should reveal the kind of players they have and where the team needs the most

CHS softball gets new start BY WAYNE CRICK

work. “I feel like if we can get those two big wins right out of the gate, we’ll be a train that’s hard to stop,” said Escher. Up next is 2A Coal Ridge on Sept. 14. In scheduling non-conference games, Roaring Fork and Gunnison didn’t have the players to field varsity teams, but Basalt was available for Sept. 21. The Rams were 9-2 and 2A WSL champions last season. Paonia scrimmaged at Basalt in June. Overall, said Escher, it was basically a stalemate despite Paonia missing much of its offensive line. It also gave the younger players a chance to see where they might fit in with the team. Conference season opens Sept. 28 with the North Fork Bowl game against rival Hotchkiss. Meeker, Grand Valley and Cedaredge fill out the conference schedule. Escher enters his second year as head coach at Paonia. In his first sea-

had just scored its first run in the top-half of the third to tie the game at one run apiece. Cedaredge scored twice in the fourth and sixth innings and trailed 8-5 before the Bulldogs tacked on their final run in the bottom half of the inning. The Bruins scored twice in the top of the seventh for a final score of 9-7. Junior Summer Young and sophomore Jazmyn Hart had four hits each for the Bruins. Young had a double and four RBIs in the game while Hart scored twice and knocked in two runs. Senior Nevaeh Martinez, junior Saidee Antal and sophomore Ivy Kirk picked up two hits each in the loss. Palisade’s Jetta and Nivia Rivera had two hits and two RBIs each for Palisade.

The past is just that, something that has happened and can not be changed. What takes place in the next instance is controllable to some degree. Cedaredge High School’s softball team posted an 8-12 record a year ago and lost an 11-9 first-round playoff game to Valley. Season over. Cedaredge’s next chapter of the school’s softball program is in the hands of this year’s team and new head coach Terry Montoya, and Bruins’ players are getting to know the disciplined style he brings with him. This is the first season Montoya has coached a girls softball team and he has found not all aspects of coaching the game are foreign to him or his players. Montoya has two seasons as the Bruins’ baseball head coach and he brings the same winning mentality from baseball to the softball program. There are big expectations for Montoya and the coming season. “The girls are working hard and learning fundamental skills that will make them competitive.” There are 21 athletes playing softball for Cedaredge this year; with five seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen listed on the Bruins’ varsity roster. The seven-team 3A District 5 softball league consists of Meeker, Cortez, Aspen, Delta, Cedaredge Basalt and Gunnison. Montoya knows there are no easy games to be played and is wary of all league teams and doesn’t Photo by Wayne Crick pick any one team to beat over another. “We need New head softball coach, Terry Montoya, explains what’s next in a recent preto compete with everyone season practice session.

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C4 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta Barracudas look back on a successful season The Delta Barracuda swim team kicked off the 2018 season with a twoday meet in Gunnison June 1, and closed out competition Aug. 5 at the seasonal state meet Aug. 5 in Colorado Springs. The team was comprised of 38 swimmers ranging in age from 4 to 13: Daniel Angotti, Liam Asche, Bella Beilfuss, Owen Beilfuss, Pearl Burruss, Kalli Carmichael, Cali Duran, Damien Garcia, Jaylena Gibson, Madyson Hannegrefs, Adalynn Hannegrefs, Haddie Hellman, Charlie Hellman, Grady Hellman, Peyton Huntley, Emma Kappel, Olivia McCrackin, Sophia McCrackin, Jacob Merriman, Brooklynn Mininger, Hadassah Payne, Joella Payne, Nathaniel Quammen, Josh Quammen, Sloan Quenn, Danika Quenn, Camren Reed, Landon Spaedt, Nikole Stanfield, Caleb Weams, Ryar Weams, Taryn Wolcott, Jocelyn Wolcott, Doyle Young, Lella Young and Lars Zukauskas. Coaches were Ellen Erickson, Karoline Roome, Taylor Bess and Kendra Hillman. Competition took the swimmers and their families to meets in Gunnison, Craig, Durango, Montrose, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs. Three home meets were held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Two swimmers qualified for the long course state meet, a qualifying meet for seasonal and year-round swimmers, which took place at Air Force Academy in Col-

orado Springs July 2729. Grady Hellman and Lella Young represented the Barracudas at this elite meet, which drew over 400 swimmers from all across the state. Ten Barracudas qualified for the seasonal state meet, a qualifying meet for seasonal swimmers only. Traveling to Colorado Springs Aug. 3-5 for this meet were: Doyle Young, Jacob Merriman, Jaylena Gibson, Caleb Weams, Jaylena Gibson, Grady Hellman, Lella Young, Charlie Hellman, Ryar Weams, Peyton Huntley and Nathaniel Quammen. The team won first for small team. All swimmers posted personal best times, and several placed in the top five. Among the amazing accomplishments at state were: Lella Young placed third in the 100 back, Jacob Merriman placed third in the 200 back, Doyle Young placed second in the 200 fly, Grady Hellman placed first in the 200 free, Charlie Hellman placed fifth in the 100 IM, and Jaylena Gibson, Lella Young, Grady Hellman and Caleb Weams placed fourth in the mixed 200 free relay. Grady Hellman finished second overall in the 9-10 boys age group. The coaches commented that all the swimmers demonstrated tremendous growth during the summer season. All improved their strokes and posted personal best times throughout the city. Thanks to community support, the Delta Barracudas were also able

Delta earns 3-0 soccer victory Delta’s Panthers outshot host Central 24-8 en route to a 3-0 nonconference soccer win Aug. 24. Junior Martin Corral scored two of the three Delta goals and junior Jarrett Hernandez recorded the third Panther score. Picking up individul points for the season were juniors Jesus Saldivar and Hernandez who had one assist each in

Delta’s victory. The Panthers were ahead of Central at halftime by a narrow 1-0 margin. Delta hosts Summit’s Tigers on Friday, Aug. 31, in a contest set for a 6 p.m. varsity start and travels to Crested Butte Thursday, Sept. 6, for a 4 p.m. varsity contest. Delta finishes the week in Roaring Fork Saturday, Sept. 8, for an 11 a.m. varsity start.

to purchase a new timing system. The timing system will allow the swim team to hold a state meet in the future as well as bigger three-day meets. The high school swim team will also benefit from this timing system as well. Contributing to this project were: First Colorado National Bank, the City of Delta, Delta Panthers, DHS Alumni Association, Hellman Chevrolet, Hellman Motor Company, Jolley Smiles, Lasting Impressions and Mountain Valley Realty. “We couldn’t have obtained the timing system without their help!” a team representative said.

2018 Delta Barracudas Swim Team

17th season for cheer team BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After a successful 2017 season that included a regional championship and a third-place showing at state, the Hotchkiss High School spirit team is back. Spirit is one of nine fall sports sanctioned by the Colorado High School Activities Association. This year’s 13 cheerleaders and five dancers voluntarily trained throughout the summer in preparation for the season. Of the 18 team members, 13 are returning athletes, said head coach Liz Heidrick. The team practices daily to prepare for competition in the Class 2A Cheer and Pom divisions. Many of the routines are choreographed by the athletes. They also train with the Colorado Mesa University cheerleaders and dance team, and with stunt coach Scott Pruess. He grew up in a dance studio and his mother is a CHSAA dance division judge. They’re very dedicated, said Heidrick. Most team members compete in another sport or activity or play in the school band. Everyone who tries out makes the team. “If you’ve got effort and desire, then you’re on the squad.” This is Heidrick’s 17th year of coaching spirit. Team members Jade Hart and Mia Cowan are second-generation athletes whose mothers were

cheerleaders. The spirit program, which encompasses both cheer and dance, “is meant to be an uplifting experience to support school spirit and camaraderie amongst the students and studentathletes,” said Heidrick. They greet competing cheerleaders and other athletes and make visitors feel welcome and respected. More than cheerleaders and dancers, “We’re here to encourage sportsmanship,” said Heidrick.

They cheer at all home football games and travel when the team has a game at Paonia. After state competition they cheer and perform at home basketball games. On Sept. 8 the team competes at the 21st Spirit Fest championships, an annual statewide competition held at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Last year they placed second at the Spirit Fest, a non-CHSAA competition mostly attended by larger schools. Since few Western Slope schools

hold competitions, the event helps the team to prepare for regional and state competition. “It’s held early in the season, before we’re ready, but it’s a great opportunity for them to get used to a large crowd and the stress of competition,” said Heidrick. This season the student body will cheer with the team from bleachers located at the north end of the football field. It’s a new concept, said Heidrick. Their motto: “One school. One team. One spirit.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

The defending regional champion Hotchkiss High School Spirit squad placed third at state last December. In addition to competing in the CHSAA 2A cheer and pom divisions, the 18-member team cheers at home football games, greets visiting teams, and promotes sportsmanship throughout the school.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge head football coach Brandon Milholland oversees a recent practice session. Milholland is a master of putting together winning football teams and has the staff to trust in helping make decisions when a ﬁx is needed.

Bruin FB

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“Stay Close To Home and Family, �� We Are �� Here For Your Health” �

CONTINUED FROM C3 with eight seniors who will provide leadership and strong core on offense and defense. Milholland notes a handful of players who will likely pave the way this season. Seniors Taj VanderLinde (OL/DL), Toby Waddell (OL/MLB), Wade Barnard (RB/LB) and Jared Reynolds (QB/LB) are some of the notable leaders. Junior Joshua Jenkins will see play as a running back

and be a defensive menace at linebacker. Five juniors, including Jenkins, are also part of this year’s roster. The majority of Cedaredge’s squad will be made up of 11 sophomores and six freshmen making the Bruins vulnerable in the experience department. Milholland sees the coming season as a challenging schedule. When asked who the team(s) are to beat, his answer was “all of them, week

in and week out because we have a competitive schedule.” Expectations are high in Cedaredge and Milholland also noted, “We will be competitive and surprise our opponents.” The Bruins return a coaching staff that boasts over 40 years of experience beginning with Milholland’s nine years as a head coach and 16 overall. CJ Cannell will bring eight years of experience with Craig

Cerise’s 15 years adding to the number. John Kuemmerlin brings 15 years experience and Dante Markley is back for his second season with the Bruins. Ken Scheetz is a newcomer on this year’s coaching staff. The Bruins had their annual Blue and White scrimmage last Saturday with plans to open regular season play against Steamboat Springs this Friday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Carsten in charge; Eagles ready for VB BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

Ce’rra Carsten returns to the Paonia High School volleyball court as head coach. Carsten was a four-year varsity player and the conference MVP her senior year. Mom, Krista Carsten will coach JV and 2006 grad Nikki Poulos the C team.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Poppy Lightfoot attacks against Meeker last season. The senior will play a big role as a hitter for the Eagles this season.

Krista Carsten can’t seem to stay off of the volleyball court. As head of the Paonia volleyball program from 2011-2016, Carsten’s run included a 134-25 win-loss record, the Eagles’ first state showing in 18 years and five consecutive state tournament appearances. She also produced numerous all-conference and all-state players. In 2016 she announced her retirement from coaching. Carsten returned to the court this fall, but not as head coach. That’s daughter Ce’rra’s job now. A 2013 PHS alumna, during her four varsity years, Carsten garnered numerous awards. Her senior year she was named to the all-state/ all-conference first-team and was MVP of the 2A Western Slope Conference. She also competed in the elite Colorado High School Coaches Association Games. Carsten said she considered taking the head coaching job in 2017. “But maturity-wise, I didn’t feel like I was ready for it,” said Carsten. After graduating from Colorado Mesa University in 2016, where she was a member of the Mavericks rodeo team, “I was ready to do my own thing.” When the position reopened again last fall, she and her mom had a long conversation and decid-

Paonia CC team off to a strong start; Bartlett 2nd BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia cross country coach Brandy Sparks knows from her experience as a college runner that hard work has its rewards. After just one race, she sees big rewards for this year’s team. “This is one of the hardest-working teams I’ve had,” said Sparks of her 19 student-athletes. “They’re ready to go. They have that high expectation of competing, they’re encouraging each other, they’re pushing one another.” That confidence led her to schedule their first race of the season at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, held last Friday at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. One of the biggest meets of the season, the Stampede attracts more than 80 teams, all looking to run on the course where the state championships will be held this October. Of the eight 2A teams to score points, the Paonia boys finished third overall, led by senior Ethan Bartlett’s second-place finish. His time of 17 minutes, 56.2 seconds marked a two-second improvement over his prior personal best time set in last year’s state championship race. Freshmen Alyster Birk and Alejandro Garcia finished 13th and 18th,

and Elijah Evans, Calvin Reese and Harley Ewert finished in the top 30. Juniors Evans and Ewert are returning state qualifiers. In addition to Birk and Garcia, freshmen Arjun Bacigalupi, Jose Mojarro, Morgan Dawson and Aidan Zerr join the team. The girls’ team placed seventh overall at the Stampede, with Alexandra Eaton, Sophia Gonzalez, Jade Ellenberger, Abby Reedy and Cristina Rankin all finishing in the top 40. The girls were missing their two top returning teammates, junior Katya Schwieterman and sophomore Tawny Roberts, who last year placed 11th and 13th at state. Between her freshman and sophomore years, Schwieterman improved her state time by more than four minutes. As a freshman, Roberts joined the team in time to run the regional and state races. This year, “We’ve got her the entire season,” said Sparks. Eaton and Ellenberger are also returning state qualifiers. Roberts, Schwieterman and Eaton have all run sub-22-minute times needed to qualify the team for state. Gonzalez and Irene Shenk are both freshmen, and Rankin is a first-year sophomore. Paonia runs the Battle Mountain Husky Invi-

tational this week. The meet moved to a new venue at Maloit Park in Minturn, the site of this year’s 4A Region 1 meet. Rather than run the Devil’s Thumb Hill Climb, the team voted to run the new course, said Sparks. While it’s still challenging, unlike the grueling uphill start of the old course, it’s more of an up and down course. Prior to regional competition on Oct. 29, the Eagles will also attend meets at Hotchkiss, Eagle Valley (a fast, mostly flat course), Snooks Bottom Open Space in Fruita,

the Delta meets at Sweitzer Lake and Confluence Park, and at the Montrose Relays. With an extra week added to this year’s season, the teams spent their first week getting familiar with each course. That will allow them to focus less on where they are and more on improving their time, said Sparks. Her focus is on getting her athletes back to the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs on Oct. 27. “As long as we can stay injury-free, I have full confidence we’re going to be back at state.”

ed it was a good move. Carsten was already familiar with this year’s team after coaching juniors in club volleyball their eighth-grade year. “I really enjoyed that group,” she said. She also knows what a great group of athletes this year’s seniors are. “I decided to go for it,” she said. “It was a good year for me to start.” The decision to bring Mom on board was an easy one, she said. They have a good relationship both on and off the court, and Krista brings more than 30 years of experience to the program. “Why would I not have someone like that in the gym?” asked Carsten. Asked if her mom is really the boss, Carsten said she is giving her full rein to do what she wants. “We are co-coaches and she is an extension of me in this program.” Carsten began working with the team last summer, holding open gyms and taking the team to Grand Valley High School’s summer tournament. They placed fourth in the Big Dog bracket that included Meeker, which placed third in state last season and will likely be the team’s toughest conference competitor, 5A Grand Junction, and a Denver team. “It was a good experience,” said Carsten. Looking at the preseason roster, seniors Poppy Lightfoot, Taralee Mautz, Emily Miller and Jaquelin Mora are all returning varsity players. Lightfoot will start as a left hitter. Lightfoot made 251 assists last season and at middle hitter scored kills on 27 percent of her attacks. Both on and off the court, “She will play a big role this year,” said Carsten. Taralee Mautz returns at middle hitter/blocker

where she had a 24-percent kill rate as a junior. Emily Miller is the designated setter, and Jaquelin Mora will again specialize in defense as the libero. Junior Jessica Deaton will hit opposite, and Carly Horn will start at setter. Horn had 240 assists in 916 sets last season. “Carly has stepped up as a leader, even to the seniors,” said Carsten. “Even in eighth grade, she was my biggest leader ... I think it’s a natural ability.” Lyla Hayutin-Baril, who set for the JV team as a sophomore, will hit right side and could fill in at setter. Ceylon Carter will transition from a C-team player to varsity setter and will start the first four games. “She’s doing a great job,” said Carsten. Junior Paige Fister is new to the team, and there’s a big class of incoming freshmen. This is a very dedicated group, said Carsten. Seniors are stepping in to leadership roles, and the younger players are quickly figuring out the team culture and where they fit in. In addition to the Carstens, 2006 PHS alumna Nikki Poulos will coach “C” team, and former head coach Kriss Allen is volunteering to spend time with the team. She will also manage the annual Pink Night Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser for HopeWest in October. Their schedule has the team on the road for 12 games including one three-match tournament at Dawson School in Lafayette, and at home for seven games. They opened the season Tuesday with a conference game at Caprock Academy. On Sept. 11 they play their home opener

73 Samuel Wade Road • Paonia, CO 81428 970-527-MERC (6372) • facebook.com/bergharvest

�� Good luck runners!

Photo by Tamie Meck

Elijah Evans, left, and Ethan Bartlett head for the Jumbo Mountain trails during a recent cross country practice. Bartlett ﬁnished second at last week’s Cheyenne Mountain Stampede and Evans was the 21st runner to cross the ﬁnish line.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, this year’s Paonia High School cross country team includes Elijah Evans, Ethan Bartlett, Alejandro Garcia, Alyster Birk, Aidan Zerr, Arjun Bacigalupi, Calvin Reese, Alexandra Eaton, Katya Schwieterman, Abby Reedy, Tawny Roberts, Cristina Rankin, Jade Ellenberger and Sophia Gonzalez. Team members not pictured: Irene Shenk, Logan Green, Harley Ewert, Patrick Delaney, Dawson Morgan and Jose Mojarro.

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C6 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss CC team small, hardworking group in 2018 BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss cross country coach Kelly Cowan is fielding a small team of cross country runners this season, each one a quality athlete and student. Running for the girls team are senior Mariah Griffith, junior Grace Hatheway, sophomore Adair Ela and freshman Karlie Egging. Griffith has competed in cross country and track since middle school and was a state cross country qualifier for Paonia in 2015. Hatheway is a third-year runner, and Adair is a first-year runner and competed in high jump and as a middistance runner on the Bulldogs track team last spring. Egging brings three years of competition at Delta Middle School to the team. Last fall she placed sixth out of more than 70 runners in the Delta Pantherfest 3000meter run. Senior Will Ela, junior Tevin Keller and freshman Ben Rodriguez will run for the boys team. Ela is a second-year cross country runner and runs distance and mid-distance for the track team. Since he started running, “He’s just gotten better,” said Cowan. “He’s starting to figure out, realistically, what he can accomplish.” Keller attends Cedaredge High School. He competed in middle school and runs on the Bruins track team. Hatheway and Keller commute to Hotchkiss two days a week and train in Cedaredge the other days. Hotchkiss opened the season last Friday at the Grand Mesa County Line

Trails meet. The course is located within the Grand Mesa National Forest at an elevation of about 10,800 feet. “It was a challenge,” said Cowan. Three schools and 31 athletes competed at the meet. In the girls division, Egging placed second out of 16 runners with a time of 28 minutes, 45.48 seconds. Griffith placed third, Hatheway was fifth and Ela finished 10th. In the boys division, Keller placed third with a time of 24:01.67, Ela finished sixth in 24:53.59, and Rodriguez placed 13th. This is a new course for the team. They signed up for the race last year, but it was canceled due to trail construction, said Cowan, a long-time coach who tries to get at least one new course in each season. To get familiar with the terrain and see how well they would handle the high elevation, they took a trial run during a recent practice. “We figured, let’s just get out of the heat and go up on top,” said Cowan. It was raining when they arrived, during their run the rain turned to hail, and when they finished their roughly 25minute run, it was still raining. No one complained, said Cowan. In fact, the kids had fun with it. It’s a small but hard-working and dedicated group, he said. They’re all top students, most are multisport athletes, student council members and school leaders, and they all participate in other activities. And they’ll be easy to keep track of, joked Cowan. “All you’ve got to do is turn around and CC TO C7

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Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Ben Rodriguez, Will Ela, Karlie Egging, Adair Ela and Mariah Grifﬁth are ﬁve-sevenths of this year’s Hotchkiss High School cross country team. Not pictured are Tevin Keller and Grace Hatheway, who attend school in Cedaredge.

Delta runners on cusp BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School began its cross country season with a total of 23 names on this year’s roster. Six of those individuals are seniors, including John Ames, Beki Atch-

Photo by Wayne Crick

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s cross country teams opened the season with a split squad over last weekend. A partial team participated in the Grand Mesa County Line meet while a few athletes were participants in Saturday’s Central Warrior Invitational at The Trails at Matchett Park. The Grand Mesa event had three teams making the trip to the top

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are freshmen Vianney Corral, Austin Hurd, Maria Lamas, Sophia McCrackin and Emma Roithmayr. JB Lopez returns as Delta’s head coach in 2018 and will have Jennifer Beckwith and Brandon Fuller as his assistants. This year’s top group of boys includes Ames and Lewis, who qualified for last year’s state meet. Throw in Young and Paniagua as potential qualifiers for the Panthers in 2018 and Delta has an outside shot at taking a team to state. Lopez sees Atchley, Andre, Abby Williams, Hollenbeck and Baldwin as the leading contenders to do well this season on the girls side. “The girls should do well this year if the top girls perform to their potential,” noted Lopez. There are some difficult courses on this year’s schedule and Lopez believes last week’s Grand Mesa County Line Invitational, Devil’s Thumb and Battle Mountain are three of the most difficult.

Panther harriers compete

Cross Country Schedule

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Sandrige. The sophomore contingent for Delta is made up of Aubree Andre, Emma Corbasson, Enrique Gonzalez, Grace Hall, Zoe Williams and Doyle Young. Completing Delta’s cross country roster

Nine of Delta High School’s 23 cross country team members posed for this photo after a morning practice session at Conﬂuence Park. The Panthers have participated in two meets (Grand Mesa County Line and the Central Warrior Invitational so far this season.

Delta High School

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ley, Shanaya Deuschle, Andrew Toole, Shoshanna Vigil and Abby Williams. Another six names on the list include juniors Remi Baldwin, Hana Hollenbeck, Jack Jones, Shad Lewis, Garrison Paniagua and Maddie

John Ames

Shad Lewis

of the Mesa to participate in what can only be described as a beautiful experience, if for nothing more than the trip to the race. Delta head coach JB Lopez was somewhat disappointed with the turnout, but he also believes there will be a time when others will join the three teams for a larger competition in the future. One of the things making the race a special event was the absence of mosquitos. Ouray senior Cooper Rondinelli won the boys race in 22:13.25 and Delta senior Beki Atchley ran the race in 27:37.12 to win the girls division. Delta’s top finish in the boys division was senior Andrew Toole who placed seventh in a time of 27:05.85. Junior teammate Jack Jones finished ninth (28:13.87) and freshman Austin Hurd was 14th (32:35.91). Delta had eight runners in the event and

Doyle Young

won the team title with 15 points. Also scoring points for the Panthers were junior Emma Corbasson (31:19.19), senior Abby Williams (31:21.09), junior Remi Baldwin (31:26.72) and freshman Maria Lamas (32:07.51). Six runners were in the field at Matchett Park on Saturday. John Ames had a good run in the boys division and finished third with a time of 17:07.80. Junior Shad Lewis had a strong kick in the final meters of the race to place ninth in 17:33.90. Delta’s third runner, sophomore Doyle Young, finished with a time of 20:43.0 in 30th place. In order to be eligible for team points there must be five runners in the competition. The Delta girls’ contingent also had three

entrants in Saturday’s race with sophomores Aubree Andre and Grace Hall crossing the finish line in nearly the same instance. Andre was awarded 23rd (24:58.40) and Hall 24th (24:58.60). Senior Hana Hollenbeck recorded a 30th place finish with a time of 26:47.60.

Hana Hollenbeck

Aubree Andre/Grace Hall

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

CC CONTINUED FROM C6 count the heads in the van.” On Sept. 8 the Bulldogs will host their 17th annual Hotchkiss Invitational meet. Considered one of the most challenging runs in western Colorado, the course begins with an uphill climb and includes steep ascents and descents. The meet

also includes a middle school race. Before the Oct. 19 regional race, the team will run at the Mountaineer Cowboy Invitational in Gunnison, the Ridgway Ramble at the Reservoir, the Delta Sweitzer Lake and Pantherfest invitational meets in Delta, and finally at the Rifle Invitational.

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Delta Barracudas - 2018

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Hotchkiss volleyball squad looks to improve in 2018 BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss head volleyball coach Peter Nethington understands that his players attend a small school of 200 students (officially 197) in rural western Colorado. “The chance that one of these players will go on to be an elite athlete is pretty small,” said Nethington. “And there’s nothing wrong with that.” But he expects his players to work hard and support each other. “If we can go out and be the best at who we are, I can’t ask for anything else from them.” Now in his second year at Hotchkiss, Nethington took the Bulldogs the farthest they’d been since 2009, posting an 11-10 record and making their first district tournament showing. At the end of the season Nethington said the team met all of its goals. “We have a really good core group,” said Nethington. “We’re right at a point where I think we can move on ... and be better next year than we were this year. We want to look beyond the goals that we set and go completely higher.” It’s next year, and they’re off to a good start. Hotchkiss opened the season at Ouray last Thursday with a 3-1 win, with the offense completing 25 kills in 46 attacks. On Friday, they dropped the first set, 25-21, before defeating Caprock Academy, 3-1 — 25-19, 25-16, 25-15, and without two key players. These early-season games are “a great way to start and figure out where the team is and what they need to work on,” said Nethington. While he’s happy with the opening wins, he believes the team still has some growing to do. “I think we have enough talent” to

improve on last season, said Nethington. Among this year’s leaders are Carson Collins, a fourth-year varsity player and middle hitter/blocker; senior middle blocker and strong outside hitter Aubree Harward; and junior right setter Elsie Vasquez. Collins has been a team leader since her freshman year, said Nethington. “As Carson goes, everybody goes.” There are 24 players out for the team, up from last year’s 16 players. The high numbers will allow Hotchkiss to field a “C” team, which it couldn’t do last year. With a big class of freshmen, “we have enough people and enough disparity in skill level” to warrant a “C” team, said Nethington. Of last year’s three freshmen, one moved away and the other, 5foot-10 Amelia Hickham, made the varsity roster.

After two games she has six kills and one solo block. Senior Ruby Shiflet returns to the court, and seniors Katie Powers and Lexi Wrich, who played as freshmen, rejoin the team. Rounding out the junior class are Tycee Taylor, Nadia Hill, Allyson Regelman, Sidney West and Shay Glaser. With 12 upper-classmen, “there should be very little stressing about injuries or players missing games,” said Nethington. “ We have enough upper classmen that we can hold the team together.” Joining the coaching staff is Amy (Miller) Johnson, a 2010 graduate of HHS and Hotchkiss K-8 teacher. She was also a player on the 2009 team. Nethington grew up playing volleyball in southern California, played at the col-

lege level, coached high school boys teams, and has traveled the world playing volleyball. He’s always thinking ahead. This summer he took two teams to skills camp at Western State Colorado University. The varsity team placed fourth despite being short several players. They also took an all-freshman team. “It was a really good eyeopening experience to see the level of intensity they will need as varsity players,” he said. A team of six also competed at the annual summer tournament at Grand Valley High School. Hickham tweaked her ankle on day one, so they played two days with a five-member team, said Nethington. “I think it was good for everybody.” Hotchkiss plays at Paonia on Sept. 28, and its next home game is a Sept. 29 encounter against Meeker.

DCI Sports Editor

Heather Dunbar returns for the eighth season as Cedaredge High School’s head volleyball coach and she has an 11-year coaching stint overall in Cedaredge. The Bruins numbers are average with 26 athlete for three levels of competition in 2018. Coutney Freeman will be the Bruins’ lone senior on this year’s roster with three juniors, 11 sophomores and 11 freshmen filling out the remainder of the team members. Cedaredge was 15-9 overall last season and 63 in a tough 3A WSL division. The Bruins extended its season in 2017 with a regional win over Bennett but lost a tie-breaker game and missed going on to state. As the Bruins prepare for the coming 2018 season, coach Dunbar is high

Check out the DCI print shop for fast, reliable service. Call Randy Crespin for a quote at 874-4421or stop in at 401 Meeker Street, Delta.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss senior Aubrey Harward makes one of her 19 attacks in the Bulldogs’ 3-1 win Friday over Caprock Academy. The 2017 season marked the best year for Hotchkiss since 2009, and second-year coach Peter Nethington sees a lot of promise in this year’s players.

Bruins expect optimum in VB BY WAYNE CRICK

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on her team’s chances each time it plays. “We are very young this year and looking to make each game a chance to learn and get better. So far we have great chemistry and work ethic. I expect big things for these kids.” Dunbar will rely on the play of several key players to keep momentum and competition keen in 2018. Freeman’s experience will be well suited to an outside hitter’s position with junior Makayla Kehmeier controlling the net from her middle and outside hitter’s spot. Sophomore Baylee Harris and Kammie Henderson will be solid performers at setter and middle hitter respectively for the Bruins as well. Cedaredge begins its 2018 season with tournament play in West Grand on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

This Cedaredge High School volleyball player catches a served ball during a drill known as “Around the World” during a recent practice session. Servers on one side of the net practice their serves with the drill’s intention for a service to be caught by a sitting player (on the opposite side of the net) at various spots on the ﬂoor.

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C8 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta netters contenders in 3A WSL, post-season BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Panthers were 169 last season with an 8-1 record in the 3A WSL. Delta finished second to Coal Ridge in the league race and went on to play two Class 3A Region 8 matches before ending their season. Thirty athletes are listed on three rosters for the Panthers in 2018. The largest number of players out this season is represented by 13 freshmen. There are three seniors, seven juniors and seven sophomores in the top three grades. Head coach Beth Nelson is looking for another successful campaign and selected seniors Lauren Davey (MH) and Abby Carlson (S) as keys to the coming season. Juniors Sara Geddes (OH) and Madison Gieck (OH) were also noted as two top players who will lead other talented classmates

when play begins. Nelson will rely on returning staff members to work with all three levels this season. Those valuable coaches are Jessica Carlson, Holly Crowder and Lisa Crowder. Nelson does not worry about teams to beat in the 3A WSL. The Panthers are “working hard towards a league title ... so we’ll focus on one game at a time.” This year’s outlook is good for the Panthers. Nelson knows the road to success is built upon belief in one another and respect for everyone involved in preparation for the season. “We are young and energetic this season. We are working on our fundamentals improving every practice. I am confident that all three levels will be competitive and our varsity hopes to return to state again.”

Montrose 3, Delta 0 Delta was at Montrose Aug. 23 with a much anticipated match between the two rival teams. All the preparation and waiting was for naught for Delta’s Panthers’ opening night on the volleyball court in Montrose. In an earlier preseason scrimmage session in Montrose coach Nelson noted some ups and downs in her team’s performance. “We had moments when we were doing things right and struggled at other times.” Last Thursday’s opening night for both teams was anything but what Nelson had hoped for as the Panthers were stopped 3-0 by Montrose. Delta fell behind early in both the first and second sets of the match and trailed two sets to none going to the third set. The Panthers seemed to be confused in several situations as the younger

players, and seasoned returners, worked to correct mistakes brought about by inexperience amongst newly-formed team chemistry. The Panthers put together a solid third set where they sustained a strong offensive effort and were leading for most of the set before dropping a 26-24 decision to the Indians. There were numerous errors on kill attempts by the Panthers in the match. Senior Lauren Davey had the most kills for Delta with six followed by junior Madi Gieck (4), freshman Erika Kuta (3) and junior Sara Geddes (2). The Panthers recorded just four blocks in the match with 24 digs for the contest. Senior Abby Carlson finished with 14 assists and Gieck had 20 service receptions for the match in Montrose.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta freshman Erika Kuta uses some touch on a scoring shot against Montrose last week. The Panthers fell to Montrose 3-0 but are poised to be a strong contender in 3A ranks this season.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Julia Mewhinney (13) gets a good swing on the ball during third- Sara Geddes’ (12) focus on the ball is key while playing the net in volleyball. set play in Montrose last week. The Panthers did not fare well in a 3-0 loss to Delta played well in the third set but eventually lost a 26-24 heartbreaker. the Indians.

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2018 Volleyball Action

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DELTA COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

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Classifieds

August 29, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

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for the rates in your area.

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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 northHelp Wanted forkrecreation.com/jobs. Send to Lenore Cambria at nfpool@tds.net or P.O. Box ACCOUNTING CLERK. 2093, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Accounts Payable, Full description at north phones, typing. Quick- forkrecreation.com/jobs. books experience re- (2x34) quired. Email Resume: r o c k y m t n s t e e l 0 3 @ LOOKING FOR QUALITY employees? Advertise here yahoo.com. (1x35) in the DCI Classifieds. 874YOUR LISTING HERE! 4421. call now... 874-4421

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For Sale

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DELTA COUNTY LIBRARies—Cedaredge/Delta Library Assistant. Do you dream of mountain towns, piles of books, and creative projects with interesting people? It all comes together at Cedaredge and Delta libraries. If you listen well, think quickly, enjoy variety, and stay calm under pressure, please send us your application for this library assistant position. Applications and complete job description available at: www.deltalibraries.org. (3x33) CHOIR DIRECTOR: ECKert Presbyterian Church is looking for a choir director for our talented choir. If you have experience directing a choir and are wanting to create a little income, please call the church office at 970-835-3441 and leave your name and phone number so we can get back with you. (2x34)

D2 Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Help Wanted

CLASSIFIEDS

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) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up.

WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of POSITION ANNOUNCE- ladies. Two membership ment—Delta County options available. Sign up Libraries Bookkeeper/ at www.cedaredgeladies Administrative Assistant. golf.com. Get to know us Delta County Libraries on Facebook at “cedar Administration-Hotchkiss. edgeladiesgolfclub” 30 hours/week, $16 - $25/ ALCOHOLICS ANONYhour. Application Deadline: mous meets Thursdays at 7 August 31, 2018, 5:00 p.m. p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. Applications and complete 897 Palmer Street, Delta. job description available at: www.deltalibraries.org/ CO FATHER’S NETWORKbookkeeper-administrative- dedicated to providing community and education to assistant/ (4x32) fathers of special needs kids. FULL-TIME JOB OPEN- Meets twice monthly on the ings for laborers installing 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and prefabricated water tanks the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. and dry storage silos nation- - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See wide - travel is required. our website for more details: No experience necessary. www.codads.org Must be able to pass a drug screen. Per diem and lodg- AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: ing provided. Please email Hope and help for families inquiries and resumes to: and friends of alcoholics MCTSpagosa@outlook. meets in Delta: Al-Anon and com or contact Luis at 970- Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal 417-6432. (4x35) Church, 145 W. 5th St., conHUNTING GUIDE WANT- tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 ed for 1st rifle season pos- or Shirley 970-323-5067. sible more. Contract help 6 days work $200 a day for IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, experienced guides. NFS you will love the Downstairs permit. Call 970-739-0888. Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Library. (2x35)

Miscellaneous

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta AbrahamConnection. org.

Public Service 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

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

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

Classified Ads are where people look for jobs! Call 874-4421 to place your ad now.

Public Service

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

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact FREE DIAPERS FOR UP Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250to one year! Pregnant 1180. women in Delta County can now get help to quit smok- AARP DRIVER SAFETY ing and get something they Course. Save on insurance, can really use after their keep up on newer traffic baby arrives — free diapers. laws, learn defensive drivHealthy moms have healthy ing techniques. For details babies. Enroll in the Baby & and schedule contact John Me Tobacco Free program Loring (970) 856-6924 or today. Contact the Delta (970) 424-1778.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 County Health Department ANONYa.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal at 874-2165 or your local NARCOTICS mous meets at 9th and Church, 5th & Palmer (back physician. Palmer, Delta, Mondays and door). Fridays at 8 p.m.

Public Service

AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall behind First Baptist Church, 370 W. Main St., contact Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Jim 970-874-7855.

AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: AlAnon, Mondays at Noon, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-2108090 or Marjorie 970-4331856.

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780.

KEEP THE HELP!!! animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149.

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

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., SUPPORT THE DELTA Delta. For further inforPublic Library. Give a gently mation, call 874-8172 Jim used book in the Downstairs Baker, Quartermaster. Book Store.

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Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Financial Peace University provides hope 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 register. 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 subscrip-

tion 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 lasting legacy.

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Librar-

Tomato haiku contest returns The Delta County Libraries’ tomato haiku contest is back! 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. 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.

ies website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Genealogy. The Cedaredge genealogy group meets on the first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meetings resume Friday, Sept. 7. Book Talk and Signing. Author Lauren Archibeque will be speaking about and available to sign her book “Be Nice and Get What You Really Want!” She will talk about how being nice can move you forward quickly and make your life work in miraculous ways. Thursday, Sept. 13, at 4:30 p.m. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! Staff at Cedaredge Library will help you clear up your confusion with technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and computers, our resident techies will do their best to get you going. The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas

and show and tell. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Quilt Display. The Basket Case Quilters Guild has an educational display on quilting at Crawford Library during the month of August. The display includes information on quilting methods and construction for beginners through experienced quilters. The display also includes examples of traditional, modern, and art quilts. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library

at 874-9630 for details. Delta Book Club. This month we will be discussing “The Churchills: In Love and War” by Mary S. Lovell. Saturday, Sept. 1, at 1 p.m. Tech Information Station. Delta Library offers an open tech information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tablets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online classes. Monday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onone. The Delta genealogy group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Master Builder Club. Explore your creativity as a master builder with

LEGO and other materials! Join us for monthly design themes and free building time. All ages welcome, children under 7 should bring an adult. Meets the first Tuesday of every month through April. The first meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 4 p.m. Piñata Tomato Party. Teens are invited to Hotchkiss Library for a tomato-themed party with a piñata. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. News from Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. David Inouye will talk about the research he has done on wildflowers and pollinators over the past 48 years, working at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic. Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. Sign Handmade Painting. Teens are invited to Paonia Library to escape their computers and learn the old skill of sign painting! Paint a wood sign for your bedroom or college dorm,

learn about calligraphy, and share your opinion in a discussion about the handmade revival. Friday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. Tech Café. Paonia Library will have an open tech café in the community room for all ages and skill levels to seek tech assistance. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Writers sought for Harvest of Voices 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 livestreamed 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.deltalibraries.org.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

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BENCHMARK ROOFING 970-778-9574

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D8 Wednesday, August 29, 2018

B A C K

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Delta County Independent

Fun-loving mountain bikers get serious about trails

P A G E

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

ason Love, president of the Delta Area Mountain Bikers, loves the Facebook description of the DAMBikers as “a group of closely disorganized mountain bikers and hops connoisseurs from Delta County.” “That definitely captures the flavor of the group,” he said. The group of mountain bike enthusiasts, which numbers about 300, grew from a few “slow riders” and is now one of several Western Slope branches of COPMOBA, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association. “For the first several years that I was part of the group, it was a purely social group. We had a lot of fun on our group rides ... that was entirely what the group was about,” Love said. But they were also willing to pitch in and help build trails for other mountain biking groups. It wasn’t long before members began to recognize the opportunities for new trails in their own back yard. About four years ago,

DAMB began discussions with BLM about developing multiuse trails in Delta County, an effort that continues today. DAMB moved from a group of fun-loving mountain bikers to an advocate for sustainable singletrack trails in Delta County. To gain more “clout” with the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, DAMB affiliated with COPMOBA, which had established itself as a respected voice for mountain bikers with the community, area businesses, and local and state agencies. About the same time, a trails committee was formed. This committee was made up of the folks who were willing to sit through hours of planning sessions and sort through all the red tape that comes with working with the administrators of public lands. Understandably, there are many DAMB members who don’t want anything to do with this time-consuming process, so DAMB continues to organize fun group activities. Thursday night group rides are very popular, although there are fewer weekend “destina-

Photo submitted

Mountain bikers try out the new trail near the North Fork Pool, just outside of Hotchkiss. DAMB member Sven Edstrom led a Nature Connection trail crew consisting of Sam Gibb, Sam Rodriguez, Antonio Gonzalez, Dah Wah, George Arroyo, Will Ela, Elan Maulhardt and Ethan Bartlett to put in a new trail. The crew also installed a pumptrack between the pool and The Nature Connection’s building.

Photo submitted

DAMB member Ace Brown explores the Mesa Top Trail on Grand Mesa. tion” rides. Trying to move in two directions has been a challenge for the group, Love said. “It’s been a challenge for our group to stay cohesive on the whole front,” Love said. “The biggest challenge for us right now is coming up with the energy and the people to get the trail building stuff we want to do off the ground.” Sven Edstrom, chairman of the trails committee, leads a small core of DAMBers committed to trail building. Those trails not only benefit mountain bikers, hikers and other “quiet” trail users, they can also make a tremendous impact on the local economy, said Tim Gallegos, a longtime member. Delta is well-positioned geographically to reap the economic benefit of all types of recreation, not just mountain biking. The mild climate, varying terrain and easy access are icing on the cake. “Here, you’re just 15 minutes away from a bike ride,” he said. Gallegos said he is seeing positive results from a lengthy effort to help govern-

ment officials and city fathers recognize that mountain biking is not just good for our own citizens, but can help spur the economy. “We now have a public presence,” Edstrom said. “The BLM knows we exist, the county knows we exist, the city knows we exist. If DAMB didn’t exist as an organized group, I don’t think those conversations would be happening.” “We’re getting to the end of the red tape phase,” said Love, “and will soon be into the fun part of building trails.” Edstrom points to a project that’s unfolding in Hotchkiss — a pump track near the swimming pool, within the North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District. This summer, he supervised a youth crew hired by the Nature Connection to get the project off the ground. DAMB volunteers plan to continue some trail work around Hotchkiss High School and begin building a trail in Confluence

Park. They are also involved in trail maintenance, and in the past have worked on the Mesa Top and County Line trails on Grand Mesa. Jumbo Mountain outside of Paonia is another area of emphasis. “We really want to create opportunities for everybody — trail runners, hikers, horseback riders,” Edstrom said. To make those trails a reality, DAMBers say they need the support of municipal and county officials. “We hope they will use their influence with the USFS and BLM to help spur the economy through the responsible development of multi-use trails,” Gallegos said. They also invite the public to support the creation of new multi-use bike trails in Delta County. Join the DAMBikers Facebook page to learn of upcoming events, including fun and rewarding trail building opportunities. “We have a few coming up, and can always use the help of volunteers,” Edstrom said.

Photo submitted

DAMBers gather for a group photo during an outing on the Kokopelli Trail. Group rides are posted on the Delta Area Mountain Bikers’ Facebook page; new members are welcome.

Just east of Delta, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area offers trails and roads for bikers of all ages and abilities. One of the more difﬁcult options is the 22-mile Sidewinder Trail, an epic single-track that’s been getting a lot of press lately.