Delta County Independent, Sept. 12, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

BLM SALE APPROACHES

Town of Paonia outlines concerns with BLM’s oil/gas lease sale, B1

SPORTS

CLASSICS TOUR COLORADO

RUNNERS GO THE DISTANCE

Colorado Grand cruises through Delta County this Friday, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Paonia girls pick up first team win at Hotchkiss cross-country meet, B5 SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 37

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta voters will consider four marijuana questions BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Pat Sunderland

9/11 remembrance

Lee Marts VFW Post #3571 observed Patriot Day 2018 with the long-standing tradition of planting a tree to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. This year, an evergreen was placed on city property at the intersection of Highway 50 and Conﬂuence Drive. Since the ﬁrst anniversary of 9/11 in 2002, the VFW has planted trees throughout the city, including the cemetery and every school in Delta.

An unprecedented number of area residents addressed Delta City Council on the issue of marijuana, input that was welcomed by council members who said they wished citizens were equally outspoken on a broader range of topics. The issue of marijuana came to the forefront of the Sept. 4 meeting, where council members considered four marijuana questions for the November ballot. The first asks voters if retail marijuana sales should be allowed in the City of Delta. The second addresses medical marijuana sales. The third concerns marijuana cultivation facilities, marijuana product manufacturing facilities, marijuana testing facilities and marijuana transport. The fourth question would allow those same endeavors only for medical marijuana. Each of the four questions was approved 3-2, with Ron Austin and Gerald Roberts casting “no” votes four consecutive times. Of the 14 individuals who spoke, five supported marijuana sales in the City of Delta; the other nine expressed con-

cerns about the impacts on the city and its children. Hartland Clubb Jr. said marijuana establishments would reflect poorly on the family values for which Delta is known. Orval Proctor said the city’s voters were “tricked” in April when they were asked to consider taxing the sale of marijuana. Some council members point to the 61 percent of the city’s voters who supported that measure, saying that indicates support for marijuana sales. “The passing of the taxation initiative was not nor should it be considered by this council as a mandate for marijuana in our community,” Mayor Ron Austin said in a prepared statement he read at the meeting. A majority of the individuals who addressed council are not residents of the city, and so will not be able to vote on the four questions, but said they, their children and their grandchildren, will all be impacted. Opponents again brought children into the conversation with direct references to the families of the three council members — Kevin Carlson,

North Fork speakers appeal to BoCC regarding BLM leases BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

During constituent time at the Sept. 4 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners three people from the North

Fork appealed to the county commissioners to take additional action on the Bureau of Land Management leases up for sale in December. Mariah Whoolilurie said

Locals take part in Club 20 debates BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Despite the early hour, an estimated 150 voters attended the Club 20 debate Saturday morning between House District 54 candidates Matt Soper and Thea Chase, an independent candidate from Palisade. They led off a series of debates that continued throughout the day and featured two other Republican candidates from Delta County — Mike Mason, House District 61, and Olen Lund, Senate District 5. In his opening remarks, Soper said he would like to be the first person in 54 years elected from Delta County to serve in the state Legislature. He listed his priorities as water, transportation, jobs and the economy. Thea Chase described herself as a problem solver with a proven ability to work across the aisle. She said she is committed to fiscal responsibility and to using taxpayer dollars wisely. As an independent, she said she will be “100 percent focused on constituents and their needs,” not what

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................. D10 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................C7 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-8 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ...................C6-7 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ........ D9 Sports ..........................B5-7 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ..................C4-5

any political party is telling her to do. Each debate followed the same format, with opening comments followed by four questions posed by Club 20 panelists. The first question for Soper and Chase addressed the biggest issues facing the state of Colorado. Soper again pointed to water, transportation, jobs and the economy. “My goal is to find a way to fund the Colorado Water Plan. We can not conserve our way out of a drought.” He cited the need to increase the volume of reservoirs, and fix old and outdated water delivery systems. As for the economy, he said the rest of the state is booming, but western Colorado is lagging behind. It’s important to get projects like Jordan Cove off the ground, he said. In addition to protecting our water, funding transportation and boosting the economy, Chase pointed to education and the need for workforce training. Education is key to keeping our economy moving forward, she said. The second question dealt with a skills gap identified

Nathan Clay and Christopher Ryan — who voted to take the issue to the voters. Ryan said he does not support the use of marijuana, and he is raising his children with that viewpoint. “However, I do not stand behind this B.S. that government shall mandate what we may or may not do individually,” he said. “I think that each and every one of you in this room is able to go out and do the research to determine what is appropriate for you, and for your family and for your community. “Please quit underestimating yourselves and your neighbors. Educate yourselves and do what’s right for you.” If voters approve any of the four marijuana ballot questions, city attorney David McConaughy said marijuana establishments will not be “springing up overnight.” Council will have to implement licensing requirements similar to those in place for the sale of alcohol. Council may also consider a cap on the number of establishments that would be allowed to operate in the city, and define where those establishments may be located.

during a survey of employers. Chase said it is important to work with industry, to ensure our students are receiving the education employers are looking for. Soper said high school graduates should be prepared to go either direction, to college or directly to the workforce. Concerning the state budget, Soper said that with a general fund of $13 billion, it’s hard to imagine we can’t accomplish everything we as a society want to accomplish. Without an additional source of revenue, Chase said it’s critical to look for efficiencies in state government, and that’s an area where she has gained a lot of experience over the years. During cross-examination, Chase pointed to Soper’s lack of experience and asked how he planned to be effective in a Democrat-controlled House. Soper insisted he has built coalitions across the aisle; the first step is a simple handshake. It’s one thing to shake hands, Chase said, reiterating that Soper has no practical experience in bipartisanship.

Soper countered with the fact that Chase, formerly a Democrat, has thrown her support only behind Democrat candidates, which is hardly indicative of bipartisanship. Chase said she remains an independent, very much in favor of small government and the efficient use of taxpayer resources. “Having observed your campaign finance account, I beg to differ with how well you manage your money. I’ve seen a lot of waste,” Soper told Chase. He continued on the offensive when he asked Chase about her switch from Democrat to unaffiliated. “What were the issues that made you realize the Democrats are wrong and misguided?” “Well, that’s going to get you really far in working across the aisle,” Chase said. Mason-McCluskie Mike Mason faced Julie McCluskie, a Summit County resident who has worked in public education. She also worked at the state capitol as director of communications for former Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia. CLUB 20 DEBATES TO A3

City contracts with real estate appraiser The City of Delta has contracted with Arnie Butler & Company to conduct real estate appraisals on a number of city-owned properties, including three that will be on the November ballot. The City of Delta will be asking voters for permission to sell, transfer or convey Cottonwood and Riverbend parks — a total of 115.2 acres — for a sale price of not less than $4,575 per acre. If the sale or exchange of property is approved, the city has announced its intention to pursue a swap for the St. James property on the south side of the Gunnison River. The appraiser will also be evaluating those parcels to determine if the swap is equitable. Voters are also asked to consider the sale or transfer of the non-operational municipal, light and power plant at 1133 Main Street. At their Sept. 4 meeting, Delta council members amended the sale price of that property to “not less than $100,000 or the fair market value” as determined by the appraiser. The appraiser will also be establishing value for smaller city-owned properties, including a house on E. 7th Street and parcels left over from construction of the alternate truck route. Arnie Butler & Company was one of two firms to bid on the service. The cost is not to exceed $20,250.

she arrived in the North Fork last November, battling health conditions, to heal and find fresh air. She fell in love with the area. Whoolilurie’s concerns about the BLM leasing the oil and gas locations in the North Fork are related to impact on the watershed, air, organic agriculture, human health, spills, potential seismic occurrences and transportation accidents. She said she was most concerned about harm to human health and harm to animals. She said to the commissioners, “Your responsibility as county commissioners is to listen to your constituents. Remove the North Fork parcels from the BLM December sale, the parcels around the Paonia reservoir. You have the capacity to remove these parcels. Please consider your constituents.” Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson with Citizens for a Healthy Community said he has concerns about the same issues as Whoolilurie. He said the Town of Paonia worked hard incorporating the community’s thoughts in a five-page scoping letter. It apparently disappeared and was omitted from the BLM’s preliminary environmental assessment. Forkes-Gudmundson asked the BoCC to withdraw the parcels in the North Fork from the BLM sale of leases and demand that the BLM NORTH FORK TO A3

County officials serve on CCI The Delta County Commissioners have appointed Commissioner Don Suppes as the county’s representative on the Legislative Priorities Committee for Colorado Counties, Inc., beginning with the Oct. 12 meeting of CCI. It was noted that Commissioner Mark Roeber is president-elect for Colorado Counties, Inc.

A2 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Cedaredge observes Colorado Cities & Towns Week Dear Editor: The Town of Cedaredge will join communities across the state Sept. 1016 to celebrate Colorado Cities & Towns Week, a week set aside by the Colorado Municipal League to recognize town employees and volunteers, and to highlight the services those employees, and the town, offers to our citizens every day. Municipal government is truly government of, by, and for the people of Cedaredge — the people who are making decisions about our community are your neighbors, local business owners and community leaders. Like all municipal governments in the State of Colorado, the Town of

Cedaredge is administered for and by its citizens, and is dependent upon public commitment to carry out its responsibilities. Colorado Cities & Towns Week 2018 is a chance for us to share a little of the inner workings of our local government. During the week, we want to recognize the role town government plays in our lives, from public safety to promoting the area’s culture and recreation. We will highlight some of our staff members on the town’s Facebook page. If you are curious who is patrolling your neighborhood, plowing your streets or taking care of all the administrative tasks

that keep Cedaredge running, please take a peek on Facebook. Our page is also a great way to keep in touch with what is happening in the community! To help celebrate, we also want to hear from you! What do you love about Cedaredge? What makes living here, working here and playing here better than anywhere else? Tell us! Post on our Facebook page, email manager@cedaredgecolor ado.com, or give us a call at 856-3123. We will be collecting responses and sharing them with the community. We’d love to hear from you! Greg Brinck Town Administrator Cedaredge

Our kids need Kerry Donovan Dear Editor: As a retired educator of Delta County, I put my full support behind Democratic Senator Kerry Donovan in her run for re-election in Senate District 5. Sen. Donovan has showed time and again that she is committed to rural Colorado’s best interests — the best interests of the people of rural Colorado, to be clear, and not the corporate and political interests. Sen. Kerry Donovan recognizes that our children will inherit our towns as well

as our policies, and that responsible stewardship of our communities is paramount. In today’s polarized political climate it is comforting to see elected leaders willing to work across the aisle. Particularly in such a diverse district as SD5 which spans across seven rural counties. Kerry Donovan, a Colorado native and rancher, is the right voice for our communities, and a dedicated proponent for our values and our children’s futures. Since 2014, Sen. Donovan has

sponsored many bills related to the betterment of Colorado education, at both the K-12 and college levels. With experience as an educator herself, Sen. Donovan knows the struggles teachers and students face. She has worked to increase funding and better spending for our education system. This November, I will be casting my ballot for Kerry Donovan and I hope you’ll join me – our kids need Kerry. Carol Phelps Delta

HD61 candidate committed to climate plan Dear Editor: Colorado is the only home I’ve ever known. I grew up spending summers catching crawdads with the neighborhood kids at the lake, visiting friends at their mountain cabin and testing my horseback riding skills at Girl Scout camp. I’m a skier, biker and hiker. I’m a Colorado girl ready to protect what makes Colorado the best place in the world to live and raise a family. That’s why, in part, I am running for the Colorado House of Representatives, HD61. Climate change is the greatest threat to Colorado’s natural environment, healthy ecosystems and outdoor recreation and tourism economy. Numerous empirical, peer-reviewed, scientific studies confirm the existence of climate change and the difficult truth — human activity is part of the cause. I support our state’s initial efforts to work collaboratively with

local communities in creating plans for reducing greenhouse gases at the grassroots-level and fulfilling the tenets of the Colorado Climate Plan. I will continue to support and promote local climate action leadership efforts, such as The Compact of Colorado Communities. I strongly support the numerous efforts underway by local communities and state government to reduce greenhouse gases by promoting alternative energy consumption and transition away from fossil fuels in favor of renewables. Additionally, I’m ready to invest in the electrification of our transportation system and expand multi-modal alternatives. A transition to clean energy must happen in collaboration with community stakeholders. Retiring coal plants, for example, has a direct impact on our working families and the state must support workforce

Candidate questions invited Dear Editor: Wouldn’t it be nice to learn about the candidates involved in the upcoming election that could have direct impact on the residents of Delta County? David Jacobson, Democrat chair, and Roger Bentley, Republican chair, met and talked about an information forum to let the voters hear from all the candidates in one meeting. We agreed to invite questions from you the voters in advance of the forum, so you may submit questions pertinent to the offices that are being filled through this mid-term election. Send your questions to either Betty, Republi-

can Party secretary at bsoglesby13@reagan. com or David, Democrat Party chair at davidjjacobson55@gmail. com. Submitted questions will be considered by a screening committee. Our efforts in this forum have been joined by the League of Women Voters, and we three entities are working together to make this a positive and informative public event. Everyone is invited to Bill Heddles Recreation Center on Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and we hope to see you there! Roger W. Bentley Delta County Republican Chair

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

retraining and the expansion of career opportunities. Protecting Colorado from climate change can and should happen with local impacts in mind. I’m committed to helping working people and families succeed and protecting the Colorado I’ve come to know and love. Julie McCluskie Dillon (Editor’s note: While the DCI does not normally publish letters to the editor from candidates, McCluskie’s opponent, Mike Mason, has made his stance on climate change clear. Although he did so as a citizen of Cedaredge, and not as a candidate, McCluskie asked for an opportunity to share her views on the issue.)

A question on climate change Dear Editor: Mr. Wills seems to have a significant quantity of knowledge on climate change. I would like to ask if he can tell all readers what started the mini ice age in 1350 and what brought it to an end in 1950, which was before the Industrial Age. Lon Kugler Cedaredge

An apology for candidate mix-up Dear Editor: In rereading my own letter of last week taking Mike Mason to task for getting climate science wrong, I found that while I may know the science I was totally misinformed about Mr. Mason’s political race. Mr. Mason is running for state representative and not the state senate. His opponent is Julie McCluskie (not Senator Kerry Donovan). I am deeply embarrassed by my error and apologize for my lack of close attention to the regional state-level races. Thomas Wills Hotchkiss

Delta County Independent

N. Fork parcels should be removed from BLM sale Dear Editor: We, the undersigned, are writing to express our displeasure with the level of engagement from the Delta County Commissioners on issues related to the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed December 2018 lease sale, and to ask that they request that the North Fork parcels be withdrawn. The scoping letter our county commissioners sent completely failed to address the concerns that residents of Delta County have been raising for over a decade on oil and gas development in our headwaters and across our valley. For years, Delta County residents have expressed strong opposition to the industrialization of the North Fork Valley through oil and gas development. Oil and gas development threatens our lives and livelihoods. Hydraulic fracturing requires pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of contaminated, poisonous water underground and threatens our water supply. The water used and produced during this process is forever removed from the water cycle. Given the trend towards decreased water availability in the North Fork of the Gunnison and beyond, this is completely unacceptable. An unknown number of miles of pipelines crisscross our public lands, ranches, fields and streams. These pipelines are exempt from virtually all safety and reporting requirements, and could be leaking hazardous chemicals into the soil, water and air that make this valley so abundant. Non-exempt pipelines fail with alarming regularity in Colorado and across the country, but because the pipelines in

Delta County are exempt from these regulations, we have no idea what the true incident rate is in our watershed. Several of the proposed parcels abut existing roadless areas, and several others are on the shores of the Paonia Reservoir. The development of these parcels poses a significant threat to any recreationists who rely on these areas to hunt, fish, hike, backpack or ski. Highway 133 is the gateway to the North Fork — drill rigs and frack tracks are not the first impression we want visitors to our valley to have. In addition to turning away visitors, the parcels threaten the safety of anyone downstream of the Paonia Reservoir, and anyone who travels along the West Elk Scenic Byway. This is one of the most geologically unstable regions in Colorado. Hydraulic fracturing has been shown to have a direct link to seismic activity, and there is no stipulation the BLM could attach to these leases to effectively mitigate the danger they pose to residents. They must be withdrawn. Even if nothing goes wrong during the development and operation of the parcels offered in this lease, the use of the resulting natural gas will contribute directly to the ongoing aridification of the Western Slope — threatening the future viability of our farms and ranches, and potentially our lives. The North Fork Valley is the organic breadbasket of Colorado. The diverse, resilient, and sustainable economy we are building here is dependent on clean air, water, and soil. While the commissioners speak in their scoping letter of protecting the values that are important

The smear campaign begins

and his qualifications to serve our area of Colorado. He is a big man, not just in stature but in generosity and heart as well. Mike and his wife, Judy, have hosted numerous foreign high school and college students over the years. Furthermore, Mike is a successful businessman who has also been active in local politics fighting for property rights — especially those of farmers and ranchers. He empathizes with the many who have lost jobs over needless coal mine closures. Mike knows well the things that will make our community thrive. As for Mike “wistfully,” “aging gracefully,” on his “300-acre farm,” Mr. Gilmore might be interested to learn what that actually entailed. Both Mike and Judy worked long hours before retiring. When they purchased a rundown, 300-acre farm some 20 odd years ago, they did so knowing that the fields would Dear Editor: have to be replanted, Several weeks ago I fertilized, refenced, and had lunch at Delicious Orchards where I noted a sign that warned of West Nile which Ed Marston apparently contracted. It could have been any of Dear Editor: Fear! A word used in us but it was Ed. Over many years Ed Marston one of last week’s letters, and I had become person- warning us not to fear al friends though sharing voting for the marijuana different ideologies. I am business to be allowed in deeply saddened by Ed’s Delta. First, I applaud unexpected passing and Delta for holding out so will miss the intelligent long. I have yet to hear of conversations we had on a metropolis telling how happy they are that they just about everything. I want to express allowed marijuana into to Betsy my sorrow at their society. The finanher husband’s passing. cial benefits will not outWords can not express weigh the negatives. Second, the only fear I how much of a loss this is to me. I mean that. have is an awe inspiring I admired all Ed’s con- fear of God. I’ll vote for tributions from the High no marijuana business to Country News to so many be incorporated in Delta other things he lent his for the reasons Scott energy to including the Schaible mentioned. To hours of email and con- use money for improveversations we had. I am ment of any kind derived a better person having from marijuana is wrong. known Ed. So so sorry, Blood money as he put it. Betsy. All my love and We just had a bunch of drug dealers routed out hope for the best. Mike Mason of my neighborhood and Cedaredge it feels too good to be rid Dear Editor: Dick Gilmore’s letter (DCI 9/5/18) purportedly about climate change was nothing more than a personal attack on Mike Mason, a hopeful candidate for House District 61. Mr. Gilmore’s assertion that “it’s one thing to muse wistfully on one’s fanciful ideology while aging gracefully on one’s 300-acre ranch...” struck me as ludicrous. I do believe he has read one Jane Austen novel too many. Aside from that problem, Mr. Gilmore might do well to learn a bit about the real Mike Mason. As a longtime friend and neighbor, I can attest to some facts about Mike

Ed Marston will be sorely missed

to us, they say nothing of how they expect the BLM to do so. They also state in your scoping letter that they recognize the “importance and value of exploration and development of energy resources to the local and state economies,” but they provide no proof for that statement. Study after study shows that oil and gas development, especially in rural counties is much more economic burden than boon. We encourage the commissioners to think critically, and do their due diligence before offering support for an action that could negatively impact Delta County residents for decades to come. Do not simply rely on the unsubstantiated assertions of an industry that has spent millions of dollars to ensure their continued exemption from regulations that protect the values you profess to protect: public health, safety, and welfare and clean air, water and soil. The Uncompahgre Field Office, in which we reside, is currently revising its Resource Management Plan. The scoping letter alludes to “stipulations” from this revision process being included, but how can we know those will be effective if the BLM hasn’t completed its analysis? We ask that the commissioners listen to us, their constituents, and request that the North Fork parcels be removed from this lease sale, as they are wholly inappropriate for this area. Moriah Whoolilurie North Fork Valley (Editor’s note: This letter was presented to the Delta County Commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 4, with the signatures of 242 North Fork Valley residents and constituents.)

maintained. This they have done. Also, Mike and Judy have remodeled their small, modest, 100-year-old farmhouse where they reside to this day. Along with harvesting their hayfields, they have successfully grown and marketed farm produce including grapes from the vineyard they planted and carefully nurtured. In the meantime, Mike, “while aging gracefully” has also battled and won his fight against cancer. The 9/5/18 issue of the DCI had on page one, an article entitled “Hemp acreage grows by leaps and bounds” which mentions Mike with his latest venture, that of raising hemp and the altruistic reason for doing so. Mr. Gilmore might want to take a peek at the article. Ironically, the article happened to be published the same day as Mr. Gilmore’s purportedly apologetic, but definitely emotional, letter to the editor. Rita Trninich Cedaredge

Take a stand, Delta voters of them. There was action any time of day, cars and trucks roaring away and many girls coming and going. For this I commend our police force. They were diligent to say the least in helping to make us safer in our own neighborhood Asinine was a word used last week and I agree. It is asinine to allow a substance that has been proven harmful to our youth to be allowed to come into Delta legally. It will not bring greatness as some feel. We have a golden opportunity here. We can take a stand or we can join the rest of society and be like sheep in a field, waiting for their shepherd to guide them. My shepherd is Jesus so let Him guide us. Gary Herby Delta

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Rocky Mountain Health Plans is not leaving Delta County BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Despite a notice recently mailed to local participants in Rocky Mountain Health Plans, the health insurance plan will remain active in Delta County in 2019. According to an email received from Nicole Konkoly, RAE network

��

�

��

�

��

al, we will be initiating an outreach campaign in the next couple of days to ensure our members, brokers, providers and communities have the correct information about our 2019 Medicare service area.” The email from Konkoly was dated Sept. 6, so by now those who received erroneous notice should have received the corrected information. Anyone with questions, should contact RMHP customer service at 970-254-5771 or 1-800-667-6434 (tollfree), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals can use TTY equipment by dialing 711 for Relay Colorado, MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo by Pat Sunderland There is also an email Olen Lund takes the stage with moderator Cindy Dozier, chairman of Club form on the organization’s 20, coalition of 22 counties, communities, businesses and individuals on the Western Slope. Lund is facing Kerry Donovan for the state Senate District 5 seat. The district includes Chaffee, Delta, Eagle, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Lake and Advanced Pitkin counties. relations manager for Rocky Mountain Health Plans, “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a notice informing all RMHP (Rocky Mountain

Health Plans) Medicare Members that their Medicare Cost Plan would not be available in 2019. The notice was intended for approximately 250 members in Elbert and

Clear Creek counties on the Front Range. Unfortunately, the notice was sent in error to our entire Medicare membership throughout our service area... With CMS’ approv-

Club 20 debates Mason is a veteran with a degree in physics and 30 years of experience as an engineer. He and his wife Judy live on a 300-acre farm near Cedaredge where they raise alfalfa, wine grapes and hemp. Mason said he is running for state representative because he wants to empower people. “I want people to have every opputunity to achieve all they can be.” He cited the need for limited government, saying the more government, the more regulations, and the more difficult it is for people to achieve their dreams. McCluskie said she is running for office to help every working family realize their Colorado dream. She said she supports strong, robust local economies through investing in a highly educated, well-skilled workforce. Making sure families can secure jobs that pay a living wage also means tackling the challenges of a broken health care system, so everyone has access to reasonably priced health care, she said. In response to the panelists’ first question, which was about health care in rural areas, McCluskie outlined several short-term solutions and voiced support for ongoing exploration of public options. Mason said he sympathizes with people who have health issues, but questioned where the $33 trillion would come from to support a single payer system. “I just don’t know how we can afford it.” McCluskie said she is also skeptical of the single payer option, but believes more can be done locally to improve access and affordability. Both agreed on the importance of reliable, high-speed broadband service to our local and state economies, but differed on education. Mason is a proponent of choice and competition; McCluskie wants to ensure our public schools. During cross-examination, Mason introduced the topic of climate change. Each cited data on global warming, with Mason telling McCluskie it’s important to know the facts “if you’re going to go out there and wreck the economy by eliminating fossil fuels.” “I’m not about eliminating fossil fuels,” McCluskie said, adding that smart energy development means mov-

��

ing forward on several fronts. McCluskie asked Mason about comments he’s made about putting guns in the hands of teachers, even though most teachers are opposed to that idea, for themselves or their colleagues. Yes, Mason confirmed, he is in favor of teachers being certified by local law enforcement — if they’re willing to take that step. Otherwise, anyone with a gun has free rein within a school, a gun-free zone, for at least five minutes and that’s “insanity.” Lund-Donovan Olen Lund, a resident of Paonia and former Delta County commissioner, had the stage to himself for the 2 p.m. debate against his Democratic challenger. He opened his comments with a jab at Kerry Donovan, saying her decision to forego the Club 20 event makes him question where her loyalties lie. Lund vowed to be the “rural voice for a rural district” in the state Senate. He then responded to four questions posed by Club 20 panelists Kathy Welt and Rachel Richards. When asked how he would balance the diverse interests of the Senate district, he said he would not be a pawn to anyone, including the state Republican officials who view the November election as an opportunity to “flip” the Senate seat from Democrat to Republican. In response to a question about the “moral and economic imperative” to assure the best education possible to students in western Colorado, Lund said the topic is one often addressed in the home he shares with his wife, a school teacher. He stressed the need for local involvement and local control for our schools.

North Fork

perform a proper analysis. Mike Drake said there is a need to regulate for wildlife, particularly hunting. He is concerned about grazing rights and polluted water. Drake said that, from attending the oil and gas working group, it seems a lot of people don’t think there will be a lot of oil and gas development in the North Fork. He said, “If you lease, you have to go and drill a hole, and no one knows how much development there will be. “You guys have to stand up for us,” he told the commissioners. The leases to be offered for leasing in December are on Bureau of Land Management land. The Paonia Board of Trustees held a special meeting Monday, Sept. 10, to consider comments to the BLM regarding the oil and gas lease sales.

The third question addressed the energy portfolio of the future, which Lund said should contain “all of the above,” meaning coal and natural gas as well as renewable sources. In a follow-up email, he said, “I think renewables are a great idea, but other than large scale hydro we, as a society, are not there yet. Even with the government subsidies, the amount of solar and wind energy available to us is very small. And that is to say nothing about the fact that the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow! We are still in the position where stopping the production of proven energy would stall our development of the future we all want.” As for his top issues, he reitered that he wants to be the voice of the rural residents of Senate District 5. Second, it’s important to keep balanced representation in the state House.

care planning seminar to be offered

Learn the difference between a living will and an advanced directive at an advanced care planning for a one hour seminar on Friday, Sept. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Mesa Lake classroom in the Oncology Building, Delta County Memorial Hospital campus. The speaker is Regina M. Fink, PhD, associate professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and the School of Medicine. Seating is limited; please RSVP to Paula Carter at 8742298.

website where interested parties can submit questions: http://www.rmhp community.org/contact. Although RMHP will continue to be available in Western Slope communities, Colorado’s Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) will not offer the RMHP Medicare HMO plan in 2019. Alternative plans are available and individual retirees affected by the changes have also received a personalized letter outlining their options for continuing coverage. Open enrollment meetings will be held throughout the state to assist new and continuing retirees in making health plan decisions. Regional meetings will be held on Oct. 2 in Grand Junction at the Double Tree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Drive and on Oct. 3 in Montrose at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1391 South Townsend Avenue. Those with questions prior to the open enrollment meetings can contact PERA’s customer service center at 1-800759-7372 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every weekday but Wednesdays when phone hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

��

A4 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

ACCENT

BIRTHS Cassandra Waters of Delta is the parent of a daughter, Makayah Elizabeth Waters, born Aug. 31, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 2.8 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

Mable Livingston

��

�� Sponsored by:

Notes of Grace concert benefits homeless shelter

Latonya Ahasteen and Steve Valdez of Delta are the parents of a son, Nathan Antonio Steven Valdez, born Sept. 6, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 6.6 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

�� of ��

Mable Livingston to celebrate 99th birthday

Friends and relatives are invited to a 99th birthday celebration honoring Mable Livingston, to be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at The Homestead, 1819 Pavilion Drive, Montrose. �� No gifts please.

��

Delta County Independent

��

It’s time for some toetapping tunes underneath the sunshine and trees, and volunteers with The Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter have a full slate of amazing bands ready to accommodate your outdoor concert wishes for the inaugural Notes of Grace fundraiser benefit concert. Under the Pow Wow Arbor at Confluence Park in Delta, Ghost River, Fast Eddie & The Lugnuts and The Scones will each take the stage on Saturday, Sept. 15, beginning at 3 p.m. “We invite you to join us for the Notes of Grace concert, which will raise important operational funds for the shelter,” said Ed Boiani, a board member of the organization — and one of the musicians who’ll be keeping your toes tapping! First up, the Ghost River band will take the stage at 3 p.m. Ghost River is the go to country band for special events, rodeos, big dances and fundraisers on the Western Slope. Their popularity over the past 36 years has them returning again and again to their fans’ dancing and listening delight. Featuring Russel Austin on lead vocals, guitar and fiddle, the band is completed with Mike Bush on vocals, lead guitar, keyboards and harmonica; Bob Becker on bass; and Boiani on vocals and drums. If you like dancing and country music, you’ll love the Ghost River band! Fast Eddie & The Lugnuts are a four-piece band from the Montrose/Delta area playing classic rock, R&B, funk and country, and they will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Members Boiani, Paul Frazier, Kurt Isgreen and Bob Becker bring over 200 years of extensive musical experiences collectively touring, playing and recording in clubs, concerts, private parties and studios all across the U.S. and parts of Europe and Asia. Their sweet, three part harmonies combined with Frazier’s and Isgreen’s intricate guitar blending is a pleasure to hear. Add in Boiani’s and Becker’s rhythmic dynamics and you got a sound that just gets you up and begging for more! From George Strait, James Brown,

Delbert McClinton and Clapton to the Subdudes, Merle Haggard and more, these guys are all about making you “dance your pants off!” as they claim to do! Playing at 6 p.m. and bringing the concert to a close will be The Scones. Best known for their big harmonies, fun stage show, and acoustic guitar gymnastics, western Colorado troubadours The Scones bring a fresh new sound to the music scene. Greatly influenced by the music of the 1960s, the band has penned awardwinning songs that are reminiscent of the songs from that era with a modern twist. Incorporating guitar, flute, banjo, bass, and drums, the band dubs its sound rockin’ and rollin’ Americana. The Notes of Grace concert takes place in the pow wow arbor at Confluence Park. “Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and kick back and enjoy an amazing afternoon of

music, all a great way to benefit your hungry and homeless neighbors right here at home,” Boiani said. Tickets are just $15 at the gate for everyone 21 and older; those under 21 are free! As you enjoy the tunes, you can also enjoy a beer and wine garden and a barbecue. Credit/debit cards will be accepted, as will cash and checks. All proceeds will directly benefit homeless and hungry men, women and families in Delta County served by the seasonal homeless shelter. The Abraham Connection is gearing up for its 10th season, offering emergency food and overnight shelter to those in need by offering a hand up, not a hand out. Can’t make the event but want to help serve those most in need? Donate anytime online at www.DeltaAbraham Connection.org or call/text 970-773-8290 for more ways to get involved.

Fast Eddie & the Lugnuts

The Scones

Open house planned for Barbara Van Tassel’s 90th The family of Barbara Van Tassel will host an open house for friends and family to celebrate her 90th birthday on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road, Delta. She was married to the late Eursel Van Tassel. Her family includes son Douglas Van Tassel of Delta, and daughters Sharon Briscoe and husband Lane of Patoka, Ill., and Sandy Tolka and husband Jerry of Corona, Calif. She also has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. No gifts, please, but

cards would be appreciated. They can be brought to the celebration or mailed to her at 560 Labor St., Delta, CO 81416.

Barbara Van Tassel

��

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Cole Lahoe’s spirit lives on BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

Vision Charter Academy dedicated a basketball court to Cole Lahoe, “a very, very special boy” who attended kindergarten at VCA last year.

“He blessed our entire town with his spirit and his heart and his love for sports, and I thought there was nothing more appropriate to honor his memory than to have something to do with

sports,” said VCA executive director Willyn Webb at a back-to-school event where the dedication took place. In April, Cole lost his battle to leukemia at the age of 6.

Photo submitted

VCA learners spell out Cole Lahoe’s ﬁrst name on a basketball court that’s dedicated to his heart and spirit.

Cowboy at the Cross plans new building, camp facilities Anonymous donor commits $100,000 in matching funds

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

After years of prayer and planning, Cowboy at the Cross is building a church. Thanks to an anonymous donor, the nonprofit ministry will receive $100,000 via a matching gift — if it can raise $100,000 by October. Currently, $37,000 has been raised. Cowboy at the Cross started as a youth ministry focused on one Rodeo Bible Camp over 18 years ago. Now services are held every Sunday morning, and during the summer, Cowboy at the Cross hosts Rodeo Bible Camp, Horse Training Camp, Pony Camp and the last two years, a popup Rodeo Bible Camp at Fort Apache, Ariz. “We’ve really developed over the years and have outgrown our current facilities,” said Shane Kier, church pastor. Both camp and church started out on the Kiers’ property. The camps currently average 60 kids. The Sunday service following camp showcases the campers and what they’ve learned. Upwards of 300 family and friends fill the property. Cars line up half a mile down the road. While several campers come from Louisiana, Texas, and other parts of the U.S., Kier estimated 85 percent are local. These camps are why they now have a church. “Kids from the camps would accept Christ and then share with their families,” explained Kier. “We tried plugging them into existing churches in the area, but they kept coming back.” Services were held in a coverall church until last November when they had to move worship to the Delta Sales Yard. The setup at the Kiers’ could only hold 70 and the last

Photo submitted

Pastor Kier’s daughter, Shanda, is one of many volunteers helping with the church’s ministry and rodeo camps.

several years attendance reached 160-180 people each week. However, meeting in the sale barn isn’t ideal. “You can’t really make an altar call in an arena,” said Kier. When the donor approached them last spring Kier knew this was their start to expansion. Financially, they’ll be able to put more down on land to start building from the ground up. The group looked at existing churches for rent or purchase but ultimately decided building will work best to maintain the cowboy atmosphere. The sawdust floors, rustic look and relaxed environment help welcome those from the ranching community who might not otherwise attend. “We invite everyone as they are. We don’t want people to feel they can’t come straight from the ranch to worship,” he said. Another benefit will be heating and air conditioning. Previous lack didn’t stop the church from growing but Kier believes it will encourage more to come. For example, the youth group still meets on Thursday evenings in the coverall. They average 10-30 youth — even in February with only propane space heaters. “Andrew and his wife Sarah have had a pivotal role in helping lead and serve the youth,” said Kier. “We want the youth to have a set building they can meet in.” Having both the camp and church services on the same premises will also provide consistency. To meet all the church’s needs, Kier estimates they’ll need about 20 acres. They have many buildings, like bunkhouses, and equipment that will be moved from the Kiers’ to the new location. At least three outdoor arenas are planned, and they hope to build an indoor arena to tie directly to the church. Members are there three to four nights a week riding, roping, and just hanging out. An indoor arena will allow them to invite more people to practices, and to host events throughout the week, even into the winter. The worship building will accommodate around 350 people. “We don’t want to build and run into not having enough space, even if we never reach that number,” said Kier. With only a few weeks left to go till October, Kier and his family are excited to see how God provides the remaining donations needed to meet the matching fund. They believe this is the next step in helping their ministry grow. Donations for the Cowboy at the Cross building fund can be made by mailing a check to PO Box

7534, Delta, CO 81416. Checks can be made out to “Cowboy at the Cross” and marked for “Building Fund.” Donations can also can be made at www. cowboyatthecross.com or through Go Fund Me at www.gofundme.com/ raising-a-church. “This process is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Kier’s wife, Amanda. “But we’re excited to keep moving forward in faith and are so thankful for our community who’s been supporting the ministry.”

A sign that will be hung by the road recognizes the many contributors to the project — All American Concrete, United Companies, B&H Sports, Kissner GC, Mesa Rentals, Rocky Mountain Rebar, Yost Family Dentistry, Vision Charter Academy and Alpine Fencing & Supplies. Webb also expressed appreciation to the neighboring Cassel family, and to the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber ambassadors provided the ribbon and scissors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, plus a dozen basketballs for use by VCA learners. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a drone was sent into the sky to photograph VCA learners as they formed the letters C-O-L-E. “This is what it would look like to Cole looking down from heaven,” Webb said. Awards were presented for academic growth, achievement and an essay contest. Reve Portraits took school pictures and learners had an opportunity to sign up for clubs and for VCA’s annual readathon. Webb displayed a photo of Cole Lahoe with the bicycle he won last year for raising the most money. This year’s fundraising goal of $7,000 helps learners develop the habit of reading and supports VCA clubs, Webb said. Workshops, learning tools, and homeschool tips and tricks were also offered at the Sept. 6 event, which was held on the Delta Campus.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Awana Club starts at First Baptist Church Awana Club, a ministry that teaches the word of God to children from 3 years old through middle school, is set to kick off at Delta First Baptist Church this month. The Awana Club for ages 3 through the sixth grade will be starting on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. weekly. Awana Club teaches scripture to children and principles for daily living straight from the Bible. For over 60 years Awana has taught the Bible to children all over the world. Awana is not just for the kids either; adult leaders are encouraged to memorize and review the scripture

each week. Young people enjoy challenging their leaders in memorizing the Bible! The leaders are role models and help children and youth in understanding the truth given in God’s Word. Come check out the Awana Club in Delta at First Baptist Church, located at 1250 Pioneer Road, and see how your kids respond to the Bible, the chapel lessons and fun through games that build teamwork and character. Contact the church for more information at 970-874-3847 and also check out the Awana website at awana. org or the church website at deltafirst baptistchurch.com.

��

A6 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Law enforcement blotter

Traffic tip By Trooper Evan Hilling highway. While Colorado law does not outline a specific distance for following, the “three second rule” is a good measuring stick. As the rear end of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object such as a sign or reflective post, begin counting “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If the front of your car reaches the same fixed object before “one thousand three,” you are too close! Add an additional second for each adverse condition; snow, darkness, rain, etc. Following too closely is a contributing factor in a large amount of crashes across the Western Slope. If you find yourself rear ending another car, you will likely be paying the $113 fine and losing points off your license. The Colorado State Patrol thanks you for keeping your distance and driving safe!

Following too closely How fast can you react? If you’re following too closely to the vehicle in front of you, your ability to react and avoid a collision decreases as your speed increases. The average person has a perception reaction time of 1.6 seconds given no distractions or impairment are present. Traveling at 65 mph, your vehicle will travel around 152’ before you even react and move your foot from the gas to the brake. Add this distance to your vehicle’s braking ability and you have a dangerous combination. Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1008(1) states: The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the

County supports Foreign Trade Zone merce plans to apply to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zones Board for authority to serve sites located within these counties based on their businesses’ trade-related needs. The Foreign Trade Zone would enable a U.S. Customs Office and custom officials to be located in Grand Junction. Commissioner Suppes said that customs officers in Grand Junction would help local businesses trading out of the country and save those businesses money.

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Delta County Commissioners Doug Atchley, Mark Roeber and Don Suppes signed a letter giving Delta County’s support for the Foreign Trade Zone proposed for the region by Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. Montrose County and Garfield County have also joined with Mesa County in support for the Foreign Trade Zone. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Com-

nile male. Sept. 3: Ariann M. Ebell, 19, of Cedaredge was issued a summons for minor on possession of marijuana. Officers were conducting business door checks in the 400 block of Main Street when they observed a damaged window at one of the businesses. The owner was contacted and a criminal mischief report was filed. Officers responded to 1491 Highway 50, Wide Acres, for a report of an adult male making suicidal threats. He was transported to the hospital. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a possible menacing incident. Gianna G. Santistevan, 48, of Delta was arrested on a Weld County warrant with a $1,000 bond. Officers responded to the 500 block of Grand Avenue for an adult male making suicidal threats. He was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Officers received several phone calls in regard to an animal control issue. Yvonne T. Phillips, 40, of Delta was issued a summons for dog running at large prohibited. Officers responded to the 800 block of Garnet Avenue for a possible domestic violence incident. Officers responded to 1491 Highway 50, Wide Acres, for a report of a disturbance. Haley J. Rhode, 41, of Delta was arrested on charges of menacing, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, duty to report an accident and failing to remain on scene of an accident as an act of domestic violence. Sept. 4: Officers responded to 795 1600 Road, Delta Christian Church, for a report of theft of a license plate. Officers responded to 640 Highway 92, D&I Auto, for a report of theft of a license plate. Officers responded to 443 Main Street, Main Street Pawn, for a report of lost and found property. Officers took a phone call in regard to an incident that took place at McDonald’s. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Grand Avenue for a dog bite. Officers responded to Quality Inn for possible harassment. Sept. 5: Officers received information of a possible sex assault on a child. Officers�� responded to Walmart for�� a theft. A warrant for the arrest of Justin D. �� Rundle, 34, of Delta has been �� requested. ��

From the Delta Police Aug. 29: Department (edited for Officers responded to Safelength): way where Justin D. Rundle, 34, of Delta was trespassed Aug. 26: from the store. Officers responded to the A warrant was issued for Aaron T. Kuretich, 26, of 1200 block of Pioneer Road Hotchkiss for a protection for a theft. Officers responded to Delta order violation. Officers responded to the County Sheriff’s Office for a 200 block of West 11th Street protection order violation. for a possible home inva- A warrant has been issued sion. Zachariah J. Harding, for Jessica A. Gallob, 34, of 38, homeless of Delta, was Crawford. arrested on charges of first Aug. 30: degree criminal trespass. JenOfficers responded to nifer D. Harding, 38, home- 1280 Highway 50, AA Insurless of Delta, was arrested ance Auctions, for a report of on charges of second degree found property. As a result, criminal trespass. 275.8 grams of cocaine were Joe Florez, 21, homeless removed and placed into eviof Montrose was issued a dence for destruction. Officers responded to summons for shoplifting at Walmart. Mr. Florez was also Walmart in reference to counissued a summons for theft in terfeit bills. a separate incident and tresA warrant for Richard A. passed from Walmart. Earl, 34, of Delta for a protecOfficers responded to an tion order violation has been address on H39 Road where requested. Merrill W. Brandon, 62, of Officers responded to the Delta was arrested on charges intersection of Meeker Street of third degree assault as an and East 2nd Street for a twoact of domestic violence. vehicle accident. Darwin A. Daniel J. Winter, 39, of Raschke, 79, of Pipestone, Delta was arrested for posses- Minn., was issued a summons sion of schedule II controlled for failing to yield right of substance. way. Officers conducted a traffic Officers responded to the 300 block of Main Street stop on Highway 50 and G96 for a report of a distraught Lane. Donald C. Abeyta Jr., male. Francisco J. Cruz, 31, 27, of Delta was arrested on of Montrose was arrested for charges of chop shop activpossession of a controlled ity (altered VIN plate/misssubstance (schedule I), pro- ing), when lighted lamps are tection order violation, and a required (inoperable headDelta municipal warrant. light) and drove while cancel/ Aug. 27: denied. Officers responded to the Aug. 26: 1700 block of Pioneer Circle Officers took a lobby report for burglary. of a possible burglary in the Officers took a lobby report 300 block of Kellogg Street. of a bicycle theft. Sean L. Metheny, 33, of Officers responded to the Delta was arrested on a Delta 1000 block of East 5th Street County felony warrant and a for two-vehicle accident. Delta County misdemeanor Officers responded to the warrant. 2000 block of Pioneer Road Sept. 1: Officers responded to 7108 for an assault on a 13-year-old juvenile female. Highway 50, Alta Vista De Officers responded to the La Montana, for a possible 900 block of Meeker Street for assault. Officers responded to an a welfare check. An 18-yearold female was transported to empty lot in the 900 block of the hospital. Palmer Street for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Carrie G. Aug. 28: Aaron L. Fresquez, 31, of Rose, 38, of Cedarege had her Delta was issued a summons driver’s license confiscated for shoplifting at Maverik. Mr. and she was issued a proof of Fresquez was also arrested on service for driving privileges being revoked. a Montrose County warrant. Officers took a lobby Sept. 2: Jacob S. Pierce, 24, of Ausreport of a theft that occurred in the 700 block of Crawford tin was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled Avenue. (methamphetOfficers responded to the substance area of East 7th Street for the amine) and driving under report of a two-vehicle acci- restraint. dent. Joanna Velasquez, 29, of Officers responded to the Delta was issued a summons 1400 block of Highway 50 for for careless driving. a report ��of a stolen vehicle Officers responded to 155 (motorcycle). �� Stafford Lane, Urgent Care, for Officers provided a medi�� a dog bite that had occurred cal transport to Delta County �� the previous day. Memorial �� Hospital for a juve-

Officers responded to Delta High School for a drug violation. A 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old female were issued a summons for minor in possession/consumption. Officers responded to the 800 block of Garnet Avenue for a protection order violation. A warrant for Adam A. Kasamis, 29, of Delta has been requested. Sept. 6: Christian J. Duran, 26, of Eckert was issued a summons for shoplifting at Walmart. Officers responded to Highway 50, mile marker 69, for a traffic accident involving a deer. Officers responded to an address on G96 Lane for a second degree burglary. Sept. 7: Officers took a lobby report of possible fraud of an at-risk-adult. Officers to an address on H50 Road for a burglary. Francisco J. Cruz, 31 of Montrose, was arrested on a Gunnison County felony warrant with a $2,500 bond and a Delta County felony warrant with a $7,500 bond. Mr. Cruz was also arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), violation of bail bond conditions and violation of a protection order x 2. Sept. 8: Officers responded to the 800 block of B Street for possible domestic violence. James B. Williams Jr., 52, of Delta was arrested on two outstanding warrants. Officers made contact with a vehicle in the area of Highway 92 and Crawford Avenue. Elizabeth A. Webster, 56, of Delta was arrested on charges of second degree burglary, criminal mischief, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a controlled substance, driving under the influence and violation of bail bond conditions. Citations: 20 tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.

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

��

Sept. 3: An Orchard City resident asked to speak with deputies about an ongoing issue with someone throwing rocks at her house. A rural Delta resident �� reported that a neighbor’s �� dogs severely injured a �� goat �� that was inside a fence. Both �� dogs were shot. �� A man living along High�� a way 50, Delta, reported that �� car battery was missing from �� his residence. � �� Deputies responded to �� Delta County Memorial Hos�� pital where a Delta resident �� was being treated for a dog �� bite. �� Sept. 4: �� At about 2:30 a.m., depu- �� ties and Cedaredge firefight�� to a vehicle ��fire�� ers responded �� at 13139 Highway 65, Eckert. � �� A yellow Dodge Dakota pickup �� was severely burned. It was �� determined the fire started in �� the bed of the pickup, but� �� the cause is unknown. The �� driver had parked the vehicle �� about 10 minutes prior to the �� incident. �� A vehicle driven by Jake �� Takiff, 29, of Hotchkiss was �� reportedly totaled when it �� went off the side��of Highway �� 92 near Austin at about 4:30 �� a.m. Takiff, who�� may have �� fallen asleep, was not injured. �� is �� The Colorado State Patrol �� handling the investigation. �� At about 5 a.m., a 32-year�� old Montrose man showed up �� at the hospital with an arrow �� through his arm. The incident �� reportedly occurred on For� �� of est Service lands northwest � �� Paonia the night before, when � �� he was unloading his bow. �� A man living on 2200 Road �� made his third call to dispatch, �� reporting a sixth sheep had �� been killed on his property. A �� suspect has been identified. �� A woman living on Rim- �� rock Road, Hotchkiss, discov�� ered an unknown male living �� in a camper on her property. �� Deputies determined an adult �� son �� had �given his permission �� for the man to occupy the �� camper. �� A Grand Junction woman �� a�� possible case of �� reported �� elder abuse involving her �� father and another family �� member. �� Sept. 6: �� A resident of Ridge Road, Delta, reported his wallet �� was �� stolen from his unlocked �� vehicle. �� Sept. 7: � �� At about 8:45 a.m., dis�� patch received numerous �� calls about an assault in prog�� at 13139 Highway 65, �� ress �� Eckert.�� When deputies arrived �� on the scene, they observed � �� a female lying on the ground. � �� The Cedaredge Police Depart�� ment also responded. Investi�� gation revealed that Michael �� Lancaster allegedly picked up �� a rock measuring 3 to 4 inch�� es in diameter and threw it at �� the 35-year-old Delta female. �� She was transported to the hospital with a possible skull �� fracture. Lancaster is charged with second degree assault, �� causing serious bodily injury with the use of a deadly �� weapon, a class 3 felony. He is also being held on violation �� of bond conditions. Deputies responded to �� an assault on German Creek �� Drive, Paonia, at about 12:20 �� p.m. A warrant was issued for August Stahly, for menacing �� and third degree assault.

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

� �

� ��

��

� � ��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

Delta County Independent

��

ACTIVITIES

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. 15 and 29, with dances at 7 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The public is welcome.

Joe Milich slated to present at DFA meeting The September Delta Fine Arts Guild meeting will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Road, Austin. Joe Milich presents the after-meeting program. Milich is known for his airplane art and shows his art in many airports around the United States. His preferred medium is oils and he paints on location when he does landscapes. Guests are welcome. Call 970-8743088 for additional information.

��

Join the clean-up effort

Lindsey Lewis and Richard Weldon will present their second concert of 2018 at the Delta Center for the Performing Arts, 822 Grand Avenue, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16. Tickets will be available at the door and cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors

Fort Uncompahgre gears up for Mexican Heritage Celebration 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 horsedrawn wagon rides, live music featuring mariachi singer Alberto Mejia and Las Cruces family band A Lifetime to Overcome, a cumbia dance contest, a

and students. The concert will begin with smooth jazz hits, then move into music themes from the movies, television and Broadway. Lindsey studied with Richard as a student when Weldon was the band director at Delta

Specialist discusses Puebloan turkeys The Colorado Archaeological Society presents “The Flocks of Houck,” a discussion of ancient Puebloan turkey raising in Northern Arizona. Blythe Morrison of Durango will present her research into the presence of turkeys in archaeological collections from Northern Arizona Puebloan sites dating to AD 800-1250, before and during the transitional

period when turkeys became an important food for Pueblo people. Morrison currently serves as a collections and consultation specialist at the Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies. The talk will be Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Street. The public is invited; there is no charge.

Learn about the exploration of Mars Join Park Ranger Julianne Renner as she discusses “Life Beyond Earth: Exploration and Colonization of Mars” at the meeting of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS) on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Partners’ Community Room, 511 East 10th Street, Delta. Traveling through space is no small feat.

It requires a massive amount of time, preparation, money and most importantly, determination and grit. After landing on the moon, we humans have set our sights on a loftier goal: traveling to Mars. Learn some of the ins and outs of Martian exploration and colonization as we move closer to the possibility of multiplanetary life.

��

Photo submitted

Karl and Katie Schwinn, Geo Caching Colorado and fort volunteers will host, “Cache In, Trash Out” at Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail. Volunteers of all ages and physical abilities are invited to pitch in and help clean up trash alongside the walking trails and river banks in and around Fort Uncompahgre and adjacent park. Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center is located at 440 N. Palmer Street. Plan to arrive about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, for intake, welcome and instructions. The event concludes with a drawing for door prizes at 5:30 p.m. The fort hopes to have one of the coveted GCCO (GeoCaching Colorado) Gold GeoCoins. Bottled water will be available, and restrooms are nearby. Please bring your own refreshments.

children’s folkloric dress contest, piñatas, crafts and games for kids, heritage portraits, vendors, and a wide variety of traditional 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. In addition to some great norteño music, dancing and a beer garden, the evening will feature

Lewis, Weldon showcase versatility of the trumpet

��

Celebrate Square Dance Month

��

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

��

High School from 1967 to 1978, and then again from 1988 through 1991. “Lindsey and I have been working together for months and really believe this concert will be appealing to all ages,” Weldon said. “We hope that many of the people who know us will attend. All should be prepared for a lot of fun and to again hear the versatility of the trumpet.”

Mexico’s Sept. 15 tradition known as “El Grito,” when Delta will join millions of revelers in plazas throughout Mexico and the United States in remembrance of “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. Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail is a replica of a fur-trading post established in 1828 by Anthony Rubidoux in what was then Mexico. The fort remained in operation until the mid-1840s when it was attacked by a band of Ute Indians. The fort’s annual celebration honors the Mexican trappers and laborers who worked at the fort during that period, and those who ultimately died defending the post against an Indian attack. For more information, visit www.mexican heritagedeltaco.com or call 874-8349.

BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair planned The BEACON Senior Newspaper is having a party, and you’re invited. The eighth annual Montrose-Delta BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair will be from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. BeaconFest, the area’s largest expo for boomers and seniors, is free to attend. This year’s show features an exciting lineup of entertainment, free food, lively seminars and informational booths from more than 60 local vendors displaying their senior-related products and services. “BeaconFest is a one-of-a-kind event for seniors in the area to get together, learn and be entertained,” BEACON publisher Kevin VanGundy said. “It’s also a fun way for the BEACON to

��

celebrate our readers and our community.” Haven’t had your flu shot yet? Walgreens’ certified staff members will be administering FREE flu shots on a first-come, first-served basis. A ceremony at 12:45 p.m. honors several outstanding community volunteers and reveals the Volunteer of the Year, selected by BEACON readers. Vote for your favorite volunteer at www.BeaconSeniorNews. com through Sept. 16. Thousands of dollars worth of door prizes will be given away every halfhour. Enjoy high-energy music throughout the day from local favorites such as Morgan Crouse and Fiddle Power. For more information, call 970-243-8829 or visit www.BeaconSeniorNews. com.

��

A8 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Local water expert retires after 39-year law career BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Longtime attorney Aaron Clay will be honored at a retirement reception Friday, Sept. 14. The open house will take place at Needle Rock Brewing Company, 820 Highway 92, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friends, colleagues and former clients are invited to bring cards and share stories as Clay wraps up his 39year legal career. A 1971 graduate of Hotchkiss High School, he received a Boettcher scholarship and attended Western State for one year. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and education from the University of Colorado Boulder. During his final year of college, he married Gayla, his high school sweetheart. As they began looking for jobs in the physics field, they realized opportunities were limited. An opening for an astrophysist in Houston, Texas, didn’t appeal to either of them, so they decided to return to Delta and Aaron used his major in education and his minor in math to land a teaching position. “I taught one year of eighth grade math and got an ulcer,” he commented. “I realized I did not have the personality to be a teacher.” While in Boulder, he had taken the law school admission test, or LSAT, and he knew he scored high enough to get into law school. He also realized that if he had a law degree, he could work just about anywhere. Like most law school students, Clay said he had no clue what a lawyer really did but he and Gayla headed back to Boulder for three years. During the summers, Aaron worked at Jim Briscoe’s office in

Hotchkiss. When he graduated from law school in 1979, Jim offered him a job. He marked his 39th year of professional practice on Sept. 1. Briscoe’s practice grew to include five attorneys — Briscoe, Stanway, Clay, Dodson and Harper — and multiple offices throughout the county. By mutual agreement, Clay and Mike Dodson took over the Delta office with a two-man partnership in 1981. Dodson continues to practice law with Julie Huffman, who joined the firm a year and a half ago. Clay said she is sharp, outgoing and personable, and has proven to be a really good fit for the law firm. She has taken on many of Clay’s clients, handling civil cases, contracts and estate work while Dodson focuses on divorces and criminal defense. Clay says he and Dodson had an amicable partnership for 37 years largely because they share the same philosophy when it comes to practicing law and treating people fairly, whether they’re staff, clients or opposing counsel. In 1982, Judge Robert Brown recruited Clay as water referee. During his interview for the parttime job, he pledged his services for three to four years. That stretched to 26 years and a wealth of knowledge that earned

Aaron Clay

Clay a reputation as one of the top experts in water law. He also served as school district attorney for 39 years and hospital attorney for about 10. For about 30 years, he’s taught a class titled “Water Law in a Nutshell.” The eight-hour class is offered annually at the Technical College of the Rockies, plus in Rifle, Montrose, Grand Lake and other Western Slope communities. Although Colorado’s water law is firmly established, Clay said each class is a little different because discussion reflects the interests of the individuals in the classroom, but all are fairly intense. “It’s really critical in Colorado to understand how water works because there’s just not enough for everybody,” Clay said. “I teach the rules of the game.” He will still teach that class, and will continue to represent Tri-County Water Conservancy District and some of the water companies in Delta for another year or so. But mostly he plans to take it easy. He gives freely of his time to his church and to Abraham Connection homeless shelter, and while he’s been asked to consider other volunteer roles, he said it’s too soon to take on any other responsibilities. He and Gayla want to do some traveling and spend time with their children and grandchildren. He also wants to play more pickleball, which he jokes is no longer a hobby, but a habit. He also enjoys playing tennis, but said pickleball can be played indoors year-round, whereas weather can hamper tennis. Clay’s retirement party is open to all. Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.

Photo submitted

DHS students are invited to learn about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program at an informational meeting Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Students invited to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange Program Delta High School freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program are invited to bring their parents or guardians to an informational meeting Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in the Delta High School commons.

Delta Rotarians Sam Kevan and Todd Laws will talk about the incredible opportunity to live and study abroad for a year through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. The Delta Rotary Club is eager and ready to help make this life-changing experience possible. You’ll get

helpful information and learn the steps necessary to become an outbound student for 2019-20. This meeting is timely, as Part 1 of student applications are due Sept. 30. For more information, call Dr. Kevan at 970-2505937 or Laws at 970-2090099.

CDOT begins upgrading curb ramps in the city

On Monday, the Colorado Deparment of Transporation began a project to bring curb ramps into alignment with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and public right-of-way accessibility guidelines. In CDOT’s Region 3, about 1,000 curb ramps may be deficient. CDOT has chosen the City of Delta as the lead project. Betsy Suerth, utilities/public works director for the City of Delta, said CDOT will replace up to 45 curb ramps on Highway 50 between 1550 Road and 5th Street, and on Highway 92 from the intersection with Highway 50 to Stafford Lane. Phase II of the project will follow in the summer of 2019, replacing approx-

imately 45 ramps in not yet finalized locations. In several locations, the CDOT contractor will need to work within the city’s right-of-way. Public works will also relocate three existing street lights and pull boxes to make way for new curb

ramps. Parks staff will assist with moving flower pots as needed. “We encourage pedestrians and motorists to be aware of detours, as routing will be changing throughout the project based on work sequencing,” Suerth said.

Grants available for health care initiatives The Western Colorado Community Foundation is currently accepting applications to the Western Colorado Health Fund. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are available to clinics, hospitals and other nonprofit organizations to address access to health care and

to improve health care delivery in smaller, rural communities. Applications are available online at wc-cf.org/nonprofits/ grantmaking and must be received by Monday, Oct. 1. For more information, contact Tedi Gillespie at 970-243-3767.

NORTH FORK

September 12, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

World music coming to ‘Paradise’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

For more than a decade, David Alderdice has been the face of World Music in the North Fork Valley. The percussionist and former host of KVNF’s Global Express show, he played music from all over the world. “But I would always try to play a couple of American pieces just to show that we are all one world,” he said. Alderdice is producing “World Music in Paradise,” a series of four world-class World Music concerts presented at The Paradise Theatre in Paonia. The series opens Friday, Sept. 21 with Gamelan Tunas Mekor, a 20-person Balinese orchestra, with traditional dancers accompanied by bamboo flutes and hand drums. “Balinese music and culture is just underrepresented in this valley,” said Alderdice The series is produced with support from The Learning Council, Arts for All and individual sponsors, and in cooperation with local schools. The former artistic director of World Music for the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, Alderdice presented the idea to Paradise general manager Sunshine Knight. She is also the former assistant director for the Blue Sage. With the

theater focusing its mission more on community collaborations, “Of course I jumped on the idea,” said Knight. On Sept. 22, Gamelan Tunas Mekar will host a music workshop beginning at 10 a.m., which will include an opportunity to try their instruments. Admission is $15 adults, $5 for children 18 and under, and children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. In addition, they will perform two in-theater concerts for area students. The series grew out of Alderdice’s strong desire to bring World Music and its culture to the valley. In producing concerts for the Blue Sage Center, he discovered the desire for World Music, especially in the schools, but few opportunities and little funding. He also wanted to focus on outreach for the schools and to attract teachers of non-traditional, non-Western music who could share about the cultures each performance represents. As a result, all of the performers agree to provide outreach education to local schools through workshops and performances, and to put on all-ages public workshops at the Paradise. “There was a hole in what’s available to students in the area,” he said. “To me that was

Colorado Grand tours Delta County Friday Every fall for more than 30 years, classic car enthusiasts from around the world have taken to the highways and byways of Colorado to enjoy the beautiful fall colors for the Colorado Grand. The charity event pairs drivers with classic cars for a multi-day, 1,000 mile route that includes Delta County. This year as around 85 beautiful classic cars will wind their way over Grand Mesa and through the North Fork Valley on Friday, Sept. 14. The drivers will briefly stop for coffee in Cedaredge before arriving in Hotchkiss for lunch around 11:30 a.m. at the Delta County Fairgrounds.

Lunch will be served by Hotchkiss chamber volunteers: Zack’s BBQ, High Wire Ranch, Big B’s, Rogers Mesa Fruit and Pat’s Bar and Grill. Cost of lunch to the public will be $10. Everyone is encouraged to attend to see the nearly 100 pre-1960 vintage sports cars of distinction, and listen to a great local band. To be a volunteer, call Nathan at 970-589-2903. From Hotchkiss, the rally proceeds along Highway 133 to Paonia, where a dessert stop is scheduled around 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Paradise Theatre in downtown Paonia. The drivers then head over McClure Pass for their return to Vail.

a big push for bringing these musicians.” In describing World Music, Alderdice said it’s anything “not western music... That’s a very ‘western centric’ view of it, because it’s not ours,” he said. “But really it’s the term for music from around the world... It’s a melting pot of all these traditions.” On Oct. 19 the international guitar duo Goran Ivonavic & Fareed Haque will perform. Considered the finest players of their respective generations, their music is inspired by the flamenco rhythm, American jazz, classical, rock, and traditional music of the Balkan region. On Dec. 15 the series goes local with the eight-piece, North Fork Valley-based Embodying Rhythm Marimba Ensemble. They will be joined by trombone, saxophones, flute, melodica, percussion, congas, drum set and voices. The show is also a release party for a CD the ensemble recorded last spring. It features 13 songs, 11 of them original, and two traditional tunes. The series wraps up Jan. 12 with the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet. Alderdice describes the theatrical allfemale group as “super talented.” The musicians play other instruments, have gimmicks and perform comedic shticks. During their stay they will do six outreach projects in the schools. “To me they’re the icing on the cake,” he said. Alderdice sees another benefit to the series. By bringing these musicians in and allow-

Photo by Tamie Meck

The face of World Music in the North Fork Valley, David Alderdice is producing ‘World Music in Paradise.’ The four-concert World Music series opens Sept. 21 at The Paradise Theatre in Paonia. ing others to learn from them helps grow the World Music scene in the valley. For Alderdice to bring these musicians to the valley is “invaluable,” said Knight. “It’s so important for the community to be able to see and experience different cultures, ideas, and styles of music. Who knows what it will inspire a

Paonia town meetings heading to the ‘cloud’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia residents will soon be able to access town meeting agendas and other documents and data in “the cloud.” At the Aug. 28 board meeting, trustees approved the purchase of a cloud-based meeting and agenda management software system and related

contract services from Municode. The system will allow the town clerk and staff to prepare and publish paperless agendas and meeting packets. Once the agenda and related documents are approved, it’s posted to the Cloud for all to see. The $2,200-per-year subscription cost of the software

Paonia trustees approve BLM comment letter at special meeting BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In a special meeting held Monday evening, the Town of Paonia Board of Trustees voted to authorize Town Administrator Ken Knight to execute and submit a draft letter to the Bureau of Land Management regarding the Preliminary Environment Assessment for proposed oil and gas lease sales in the upper North Fork Valley. The letter is signed on behalf of mayor, the board, and town citizens. The preliminary EA was issued Aug. 27 and the comment period closed Sept. 11. The BLM announced earlier that it pulled more than 5,000 acres from the original lease sale proposal. Five parcels and approximately 2,800 acres are still being considered. Two parcels are located around the Paonia Reservoir and three are located in the Muddy and Hubbard Creek watersheds. The seven-page letter addresses numerous points of concern, most of them included in the town’s original scoping letter. When the preliminary EA was released it was discovered that the town’s five pages of scoping comments were omitted from consideration. The letter questions how the BLM failed to account for the comments, which included more than 100 petition signatories. Citizens for a Healthy Community, a 500-plus member “grassroots nonprofit organization” formed to address the impacts of oil and gas development in the North Fork Valley, submitted comments to the town after reviewing the 157-page preliminary EA. Knight, in part, relied on those

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia Mayor Charles Stewart and Mayor Pro Tempore Chelsea Bookout consider trustee comments at Monday night’s special meeting to consider a draft comment letter to the BLM regarding proposed oil and gas lease sales in the North Fork Valley. comments, an analysis of the town’s scoping comments and information specific to the lease sale to draft the letter, as well as the town’s original scoping comment letter. Speaking before the board, CHC associate program director Andrew Forkes-Gudmondson said comments submitted by the North Fork-based Colorado Food and Farm Alliance on behalf of the Valley Organic Growers Association, West Elk AVA, and Slow Food Western Slope, 30 local farms and business and about 125 petition signatories were also excluded from the EA. ForkesGudmondson said he knew “at least six individuals that I know personally” whose comments were excluded. While CHC comments including 133 individually signed letters were considered in the preliminary EA, those submitted by the Paoniabased Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) and

kid to do.” Concert tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the concert, and $15 for students. Season and single concert tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets (brownpaper tickets.com/event/3598327), Lizzy’s Market, The Cirque Cyclery, and at the Paradise Theatre box office.

signed by more than 100 of its members were also excluded. Excluded comments represent “hundreds, at a minimum, and possibly even more” North Fork Valley citizens, said Forkes-Gudmondson. Trustee Bill Bear questioned why comments referencing emergency management services provided by the North Fork Ambulance, Paonia Fire Department and state Highway Road Safety are included in the letter, since those organizations “don’t fall under town purview?” “The effective implementation” of EMS services “will impact both the town as an entity and the residences of that town, said Forkes-Gudmondson. “If there’s a bad hazmat management plan, then residents of the town could stand to be impacted if a truck crashes into the Muddy.” Calling it a “huge gap as far as emergency response

and hazmat rapid response,” WSCC executive director Alex Johnson said they are working on that question with Delta County and the Delta County oil and gas working group, a diverse group formed to address the county’s draft Master Plan, of which Johnson is a member. The final draft Environmental Impact Statement on the current proposed sales as well as some 224,000 additional acres of BLM-administered lands, is scheduled for late October, followed by a 10-day protest period. A final decision is expected on Dec. 6. Town comments reflect a strong disagreement with the BLM’s scheduling of the lease sale prior to completion of the Uncompahgre Field Office Draft Resource Management Plan. They urge the BLM to defer a decision on the lease sales until a final record of decision on the draft plan is issued next spring. That plan would replace the existing 1989 RMP the town’s comments describe as “woefully outdated.” “The BLM does have the authority to defer or cancel leases at any point in this... analyses process,” and can defer them until after the record of decision is issued, said Johnson. Trustees also voted to authorize Knight to submit a copy of the comment letter to the Delta County Board of County Commissioners, with a letter attached suggesting that the BoCC incorporate the town’s comments in any comments submitted to the BLM. The motions passed on a 41 vote, with Trustee Bill Bear voting nay; Trustee Samira Hart was unable to attend the meeting.

is expected to more than pay for itself in savings of staff time and copy paper. An estimated $8,000-$10,000 is spent annually on staff time to prepare packets, paper and ink, said Trustee Barry Pennell. Town Administrator Ken Knight noted that packets for the Aug. 28 meeting alone required five reams — 2,500 sheets — of copy paper. “Right now we do everything the old-fashioned way,” said Town Clerk Corinne Ferguson. For each meeting the town holds, minutes are typed into a Word document, packets are prepared piecemeal, incoming information arrives in various formats, and everything is Xeroxed. “Basically we re-create that wheel every single meeting,” said Ferguson. Trustees considered proposals from two other companies, TownCloud, Inc., iCompass Technologies, Inc. and all three gave demonstrations to town staff. While all offered similar packages, Municode was recommended by staff because town already contracts its codification services with them, staff is familiar, and it can be incorporated into the current system, said Ferguson. It’s also accessible via all web browsers on the town website through all web browsers and on all Macs, PCs, and all mobile devices. Municode’s package is “also the most financially beneficial to the town,” said Ferguson. Once the packet is ready, it’s accessible by the board, the media and the public, said Knight. If everything goes smoothly, packets will be accessible via the Cloud within 30-60 days, said Ferguson. Trustees also approved an expense of $13,939.39 to contract with Fruita-based Phonz Plus to purchase sound system and recording equipment for the community/meeting room. The contract includes updating of meeting room sound system, and a video camera to record all public meetings. PhonzPlus was among several companies contacted for the system and the only one to provide a written quote, said Knight. The town approved up to $15,000 for the system in the fiscal year 2018 budget. Initially, the plan is to post PAONIA IN THE CLOUD TO B2

B2 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paonia in the cloud FROM PAGE B1 raw meeting video on a designated town Youtube channel as early as the day after the meeting, said Knight. The system can also be used to record noticed public meetings and monthly Municipal Court proceedings. If enough bandwidth exists, meetings can be streamed live. Once time-stamped by Municode, each agenda item can be accessed with a click. Trustees also voted to contract with Municode for $1,000 annually to time-stamp video recordings allowing instant access of individual agenda item recordings with a click of the item. The cost includes customer support and represents a discount, since the town already contracts with Municode for its codification services, said Knight. In addition to making it easier on staff, said trustee Sam Hart, it demonstrates the town’s commitment to transparency. “Not everyone can get to meetings,” said Hart. During the last election, she said, transparency

was a big issue. If citizens can read the packets and see for themselves the entire process, that can help build trust. “I think it’s worth it just for that,” said Hart. Trustees also approved the purchase of iPads or tablets for board members who need one. The equipment will only be for town use, said Knight. Equipment will be the property of the town, should be inexpensive, and contain only the software required for meetings, said Knight. Also approved were three contracts with Carbondale-based Village Green Painting, LLC., for painting of interior walls and ceilings in Town Hall, including the conference room, kitchen, restrooms and the Police Department, not to exceed a cost of $15,000. The improvements are considered more than cosmetic. Employees were being exposed to mold and other toxins from aging equipment and venting from the crawl space linked directly into the administrator’s office. Those issues have

been addressed through upgrading of the cooling and heating systems and other measures and have made the building “much more livable,” said Knight. Painting is expected to begin in November. Replacement of carpet, which was installed on or before 1993, is expected to be on a future agenda.

Matinee benefits libraries Support your neighborhood library AND enjoy a great movie at the same time! Half of the box office of the 3 p.m. Sept. 16 matinee of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” at The Paradise Theatre will benefit Delta County Libraries. Tickets are $10 at the door or buy in advance online at https://squareup.com/ store/the-paradise-the atre. Call the Paradise Theatre at 527-6610 for more information.

Benefit dinner for Art For All The Kids’ Pasta Project will be serving up a dinner to benefit Arts For All on Monday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at Delicious Orchards, 39126 Highway 133, Paonia. Reservations are required. Email kppreservations@gmail. com or call Lenore Cambria at 985-9220.

Celebration of life

Photo by Tamie Meck

Maude Lehmann speaks to the more than 300 of her grandfather’s friends, colleagues and family members attending a celebration of life for Ed Marston at Delicious Orchards on Friday, Sept. 7. She is joined by Marston’s grandson Bruno Lehmann, daughter Wendy Lehmann, and son David Marston. A ‘physicist turned environmental journalist and political organizer’ and long-time leader at High Country News, Ed Marston passed away on Aug. 31 from complications of West Nile disease. His wife Betsy told the crowd that if Ed were there, he’d ask everyone to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

Earl Bennett says road building conviction is based on ‘untruths’ BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Earl Bennett, a longtime Delta County resident who recently pled guilty to constructing an unauthorized road on national forest lands, stopped by the DCI office to share his side of the story. He confirms that he was president of the Cathedral Peaks Ranch Landowners’ Association, and in 2014 did operate a bulldozer to clear the road, as detailed in a press release published in the Sept. 5 edition of the DCI. But the road had been in use until 1990, when

a portion of the hill slid and covered it up. In 2014, Bennett said he and several other individuals cleaned up the road, staying within legal easements and continuing up the original roadway. The U.S. Forest Service claims the “newly constructed” road was built without proper authorization, and created a dangerous risk of mudslide that could endanger a home below the “damaged” area. The house, Bennett says, is 1/4 to 3/8 mile north of the road work and about 250 feet higher in elevation, so there’s lit-

tle risk from a mudslide. Bennett hired an attorney, and showed him a certified map with the road clearly marked, but in the end decided to avoid the possibility of a felony conviction and enter a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor charge. An avid hunter, Bennett said he didn’t want to lose his right to own firearms with a felony conviction. Bennett says the case against him is based totally on misrepresentation. “There was no ill intent on my part or any of the board members on my crew,” he said.

FFA members make memories at D.C. leadership conference BY SYDNIE WEST Hotchkiss FFA Chapter

��

The week of July 1722, four of us from our chapter had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for a national leadership conference. There were 340 of us from all over the country, even Alaska! Some states had a few dozen students and others had very few. Upon arrival, we were very quickly separated from each other and were on our own for most of the week. At the time we were definitely freaking out a little bit but looking back now, that was the best possible thing that could have happened! It forced us to stop relying on being around people that we are familiar and comfortable with. On the first day, we arrived late afternoon. This was the day that the facilitators outlined the schedule and rules for the week. On day two, the theme was OUR PURPOSE. That morning, we traveled outside the hotel to Arlington National Cemetery. At the cemetery, we saw Kennedy’s Eternal Flame and also happened to see a military funeral procession. This day was special because we had the chance to honor the valiant men and women who found their greater “purpose” and chose to leave a legacy of service. When we got back to the hotel, our session was about identifying and combining our strengths and passions to develop OUR purpose. We witnessed the chang-

ing of the guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Leading up to that, every person was complaining about walking, the heat, their hair, being tired, and all manner of other things but when we got there, we were totally silent. We were all in awe at what we were seeing before us. For the rest of the day, there was hardly any complaints at all. It was a truly humbling experience for many. Thursday was about DIVERSITY. On this day, the facilitators inspired us all to believe that diversity is about SO much more than skin color. True diversity is about every detail that makes a person who they are. That morning we took an anonymous poll about ourselves. They asked about parents marital status, if we have ever been outside the country, if we have ever lost someone to drug abuse, if we have ever been homeless, if we have ever been bullied, along with several other things. Later that day, they showed the results on the big screen. The facilitators went on to explain that 1) you might have more in common with the person sitting next you than you would think and 2) diversity is about recognizing those differences and making them strengths. On Friday, the theme was ADVOCACY. That morning we went to the Newseum, where we saw the dedication of journalists from all over. The

Photo submitted

Will Ela, Amber Mattler, Sydnie West and JD Miller represented the Hotchkiss FFA Chapter at the national leadership conference.

facilitators emphasized that these reporters made it their life’s PURPOSE to ADVOCATE for what they believed in and we should too! That evening we took part in an interactive dinner session that brought many people to tears. Normally for dinner we all go to the ballroom and are dismissed by table to go to the buffet line but that night they let us into the room one by one, giving each of us special instructions. The facilitators told us to either go sit at one of the few tables, the floor, or in the corner. Once everyone was in the room and settled, the facilitators started to explain some things. They told us that the 15 percent of the room that were at the tables were the people of the world who could afford to eat three times a day. The 80 percent of us on the floor represented the people of the world living off of less than two dollars per day. The last 5 percent of the students that were in the corner representing those in the world affected by natural disasters in the world. The people at the tables got food and ate like normal. The people on the floor were in groups of 10 Photo submitted and got one small plate of A total of 340 FFA students attended the Washing- rice to share. The people ton, D.C., Leadership Conference in July. in the corner got nothing.

If you weren’t at a table, you also weren’t allowed to be on your phone because if you can’t afford to eat then you obviously couldn’t afford a fancy new iPhone. They made a point that it is up to us to ADVOCATE for the needs in the world. Saturday’s theme was SERVE. On this day we did just that! All 340 of us participated in packing over 50,000 meals for those in poverty in the D.C. area. At first some of us were unsure about what exactly needed to be done but after seeing how the adults did it, we quickly got the hang of it. “If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you.” Also on Saturday, we had five hours of free time in the city. Everyone traveled to the White House and met back there later. When Sunday came around, we were all so sad to leave our new friends. We went from strangers to family in just a few short days. I am so grateful I have had this opportunity to make lifelong friendships, memories, and lessons. This has, without a doubt, been our favorite trip in FFA. We strongly encourage any FFA members who are thinking about going on this trip. You won’t regret it, we promise.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

18th annual Mountain Harvest Festival set for Sept. 27-30

Photo courtesy Dea Jacobson

Diane Mitsch Bush, Democrat candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, came to Hotchkiss Sunday, Sept. 9, to participate in an event organized by Crawford Area Indivisible. She answered questions from the audience and spoke of her position on a number of topics.

Debate turns into town meeting for Mitsch Bush BY DAVID CANO Contributing Writer

After facing off Rep. Scott Tipton the night before at the Club 20 debates in Grand Junction, Democrat congressional candidate Diane Mitsch Bush was in Hotchkiss Sunday, Sept. 9, for another debate. This one, organized by Crawford Area Indivisible, turned into a town meeting. Rep. Tipton did not respond to the group’s invitation, leaving Mitsch Bush on stage before about 60 people for a simple Q and A session. The candidate addressed topics on replacing infrastructure, health care, climate

change and public lands use. “Most of our water infrastructure was built in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s,” she commented. “Even if our population hadn’t grown we would need a retrofit.” Throughout the event she was adamant that western Colorado needs to see reinvestment in public services. “We used to invest in infrastructure and people, and that made us strong,” she said. She also addressed the Affordable Care Act and medicare saying, “The reason the ACA has so many problems is because insurance companies play

Crawford okays late fee update BY DAVID CANO Contributing Writer

The Sept. 1 meeting of the Crawford town council opened with the mayor reminding residents that school is back in session, so please watch for children and drive carefully. On the agenda for old business was a franchise tax agreement with TDS Telecom and an update to the water and sewage shutoff ordinance 32018. The franchise tax ordinance allows TDS Telecom to provide telecommunications services within the town of Crawford. The ordinance has been open to public comment online for a month, and received only one resident response, which was in support. The terms of service stipulate a period of 10 years wherein TDS will be responsible for providing service, as well as maintaining all necessary transmission infrastructure. The update to ordinance 3-2018 was simply in regard to timing of delinqueny notices. Water and sewage bills will be due on the 20th of each month, and will be marked delinquent if unpaid by the 30th and be charged a $5 late fee for each service. If service is disconnected, the bill total must be paid in full with an additional $50 re-connection fee before service will be restored. Representatives from The North Fork Park and Recreation District also presented an update. Thanks to several major grants, small donations, and in-kind efforts totaling almost one million dollars construction on the ball field complex at Crossroads Park adjacent to Hotchkiss High School is set to begin in the fall. The district is responsible for more than just the pool at Hotchkiss. It also administers the tennis/pickle-ball courts, the Paonia skate park, soccer fields, and the bike trails at Crossroads Park. Unfortunately, due to declining revenue from residential property tax the district has lost almost $15,000 in funding in the last five years. That, combined with increasing wage and equipment costs, has

started to put a pinch on the district budget. In November voters in the district will be asked to increase the mill levy, proposing to increase it from .893 to 2.5.

such a big role in it ... I think the only solution is universal single payer healthcare.” She took an optimistic view of it, declaring that she thinks “it would take five years to get set up, if we win the presidency and the house and the senate,” projecting a 2023-2025 timeline. Mitsch Bush is challenging incumbent Rep. Scott Tipton for Colorado’s Congressional District 3. Statewide the Democrats have fielded a candidate for every congressional district.

Mark your calendar to be in Paonia Sept. 2730 for the 18th annual Mountain Harvest Festival. This is our time to celebrate every local harvest that blesses our town and the river valley beyond. The festival begins with Harvest of Voices on Thursday at the Blue Sage. Paonia Town Park gets hopping on Friday with the chili cook-off, pie contest and live music, but don’t miss the Pub Crawl downtown. Lots of activities on Saturday for all — yoga, kids’ events, festival market, hoola hoop contest, and music. Tour the wineries and organic farms or do a free range ride with the bicycle club. Saturday night features 10 bands in concert at seven venues. Tickets are $25 (in advance). One ticket lets you partake in as much music as you can fit between 7 p.m. and midnight. You will hear a great variety of musical styles from Americana to zydeco. The fun continues on Sunday with the harvest market, farmers’ market, kids’ activities and the North Fork showcase of local musicians. The festival celebrates every aspect of creativity — music, artistic expression, literature and more.

The focus is on all things local — food, wine, beer, juice, art and crafts. The festival is a major fundraiser for Mountain Harvest Creative, a charitable organization whose mission is to celebrate and serve our communities. Service includes supporting agriculture and the arts, collaborating with

Call for artists for Paint Paonia Paint Paonia is a plein air competition happening on Saturday, Sept. 22. Painters will need to sign in at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts at 226 Grand Avenue, Paonia, starting at 7 a.m. Artists have until 7 p.m. Sept. 22 to submit their art at the Blue Sage. Thanks for a generous

donation from the Kempe Foundation, $600 in prize money will be given. The cost to participate is $20 early registration and $25 the day of the event, $10 for youth participants. For more information please contact the Blue Sage at info@bluesage. org, online at bluesage. org or call 970-527-7243.

other local nonprofits and providing educational opportunities, especially for young people. Check out www. mountainharvest festival.org for the list of all festival events and to order tickets online. For more info, call joshbehrman@comcast. net or 970-618-8032.

��

Photo by Tamie Meck

Of wildﬂowers and pollinators

Dr. David Inouye spoke on “Wildflowers and Pollinators,” a research project he did while working at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colo., over the past 48 years. The talk covered the relationship between pollinators and the wildflowers they pollinate in the Gothic area, and effects of climate change on both. More than 50 people filled the library conference room to hear Inouye’s presentation.

��

EDUCATION

��

B4 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paonia rally shines spotlight on climate change tors, warns that climate change has already started to effect the local plants and animals. “The average temperature in Cedaredge is five degrees higher than it was in the ‘70s,” he said. “We’re seeing earlier stream flow peaks; we’re seeing lower stream flow peaks.” Alex Johnson, director at the Western Slope Conservation Center reaffirmed this. “The Yampa river had a call for the first time in

BY DAVID CANO Contributing Writer

The sounds of music floated through Paonia Park on Saturday. Guitar, flute, even trumpets and trombones interspersed speeches and poems on climate change and the ecological concerns of North Fork residents. Guest speakers like David Inouye, a research ecologist who’s been studying the Rocky Mountains for decades specializing in pollina-

��

recorded history!” A call on the river means that senior water right holders withhold water from junior right holders that are upstream. He warns that if trends continue more rivers will be called, maybe even districts or the entire state. It’s not all bad news. Many local groups have started to take action. The Citizen’s Climate Lobby has formed a chapter here and is calling for a fee on carbon at points of entry and extraction of $15 per ton (increasing by $10 per year). They offer this as a “free market solution,” instead of a tax paid to the government. The fee gets redistributed among citizens. They claim that the stipend would more than cover any potential gas and oil price increases, encouraging energy companies to invest in alternative energy sources without harming consumers. Another group, the Paonia bike club, encourages members to be environmentally friendly by, well, riding their bikes.

Photo by David Cano

As part of the craft activities, people gathered to make rally signs which were then displayed during an enthusiastic parade around Paonia Town Park to conclude the event. They arrange group rides during the summer and organize rides for kids to get them out and active. The North Fork Valley Community Rights Advocates have gone a step further. They’ve created a “Community Bill of

��

Photo by David Cano

It was a festive affair in Paonia Saturday, Sept. 8, where live music, activities and speakers rallied folks to “Rise the Climate.” Hosted by Crawford Area Indivisible, the event was part of the worldwide Rise the Climate! day.

��

the oil and gas lease by the Bureau of Land Management. They proposed to lease 7,800 acres of public lands for oil and gas development. Thanks to the actions of residents 2,800 acres were pulled from the ballot, but many of the 5,000 remaining acres are butted up against the Paonia Reservoir. According to Patrick Dooling of the Western Slope Conservation Center the reservoir already has a major sedimentation issue, with buildup having significantly reduced its capacity. “More development would release more sediment into the reservoir,” exacerbating an already significant problem.” Despite major push back from locals, the BLM is on track to go forward with the leasing. The Paonia event closed with a march around the park to the tune of classic New Orleans jazz. As the crowd dispersed smiles and laughs were shared between all present, hopeful that they would be able to make a difference in their community and the world.

Photo submitted

The Tomato Fest in Hotchkiss has become an annual event — 2018 marks the ﬁfth year of a festival that includes tomato taste testing, tomato “best of” contests, a tomato haiku reading, and a tomato-inspired fashion show. Have your entries on hand by noon for the taste testing.

��

Rights” aimed at “keeping out unwanted corporate development.” The bill lays out proposed rights of the community, including the “Right to a healthy climate ... capable of sustaining human activities” and “Right to clean air, water, and soil.” It also affirms the right of any resident “to intervene in any action concerning this law in order to enforce or defend it.” Many communities across the nation have started to look into similar ordinances. Grant Township in Indiana County, Pa., has already adopted their version, and so far it has held up to lawsuits by oil and gas companies. Closer to home, Lafayette on the Front Range adopted its own back in 2013, and despite a lawsuit by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, is still pressing forward. “People are burned out on writing letters ... we want action” declared a spokeswoman for the NFVCRA. “We are going to change the law.” One of the major sparks for this action is

��

You say tomato, I say Tomato Fest! BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Despite being a drought year, tomatoes are ripening in gardens across the county. Staff at Delta County Libraries are once again aiming to harness some of the excitement about homegrown tomatoes with the fifth annual Tomato Fest in Hotchkiss. “Tomato Fest is a great opportunity to bring the community together in celebration of the fall harvest, with a particular focus on delicious tomatoes!” explains Sarah Smith, Hotchkiss Library staff member. The festival takes place at the Creamery Arts Center and features tomato taste testing, a tomato “best of” contest, a tomato-inspired fashion show, and a tomato haiku reading. The taste tasting is a people’s choice award and a panel of judges decides the “best of” awards. Growers of the tastiest, smallest, biggest, prettiest, ugliest, and best-dressed tomatoes receive awards during the festival. “We also announce the winners of our tomato haiku contest and invite them to read their haiku at the festival,” says

Smith. “It has become a highlight of the day.” For several years now, the festival has included a tomato-inspired fashion show sponsored by The Rose, a thrift store in Hotchkiss. Former owner of The Rose, Robbie Winne, was a key organizer of the fashion show in previous years. “I am thrilled that the new owner, Amber Yates, is willing to continue with the fashion show this year,” says Winne. “And I am excited to be invited back again as the announcer for the show.” “The Rose is located across the street from the Creamery and is a great staging area for the fashion show,” Smith explains. The fashion show is in two rounds, one at 12:30 p.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. For the first time this year, Pat’s Bar & Grill, also across the street from the Creamery Arts Center, is offering tomatocentric specials. “There really is something for everyone at this festival,” says Smith. The Tomato Fest is on Saturday, Sept. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. alongside the regular Saturday farmers’ market.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS September 12, 2018

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta stumbles on gridiron field goal in the third quarter one of the game’s highlights for Delta. Salida tacked on a touchdown, however, and led 22-9 heading to the fourth

period. Delta had a chance to win the game late in the After digging themfourth quarter with 1:30 selves into a first-half left and possession of hole, Delta’s Panthers the ball at the Spartan’s won the second half but three-yard line. Running back Cody Suave got the call and on his run into the line disaster struck for the Panthers when Suave was separated from the ball upon being knocked unconscious on the play and fumbling the ball to the Spartans. Sophomore Nolan Bynum performed well and had another outstanding game at quarterback for the Panthers with 15 completions on 26 attempts and 216 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Panthers needed more offense in the late stages to pull off the win. Bynum’s main target was junior Skyler Kraai who hauled in six Bynum aerials for 93 yards and a touchdown. Junior Gauge Lockhart had three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown and Hunter Hughes picked up 40 yards on two catches. On the ground, Suave led Delta rushers with Photo courtesy Danielle Bynum 36 yards on seven carDelta tight end Gauge Lockhart, number 7, blocks as junior running back Ku ries with Lockhart toting Moo (14) rushes during last week’s Friday night loss to Salida, 28-22. Sopho- the pigskin once for one yard and a touchdown, more quarterback Nolan Bynum (2) watches the play unfold.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

had too much to overcome in a 28-22 loss in Salida last Friday night. The Panthers trailed 15-6 at halftime with a Felipe Bedoy’s 40-yard

accounting for the Panthers’ third touchdown. Junior Brandon Butler was in on 11 tackles for Delta with senior teammate Caleb Miramontes finishing with 10 tackles. Lockhart was involved in nine tackles. Delta will play in the friendly confines of Pan-

ther Stadium this Friday when Montezuma-Cortez comes to town for a 7 p.m. non-conference matchup. Basalt, Rifle and Moffat County are leading the 2A WSL with 2-0 overall records. Delta, Coal Ridge and Aspen are tied with 1-1 marks heading into week three.

Photo courtesy Danielle Bynum

Delta junior Cody Suave (1) picks his way through the line for positive yards during game action in Salida last Friday night. The Panthers missed an opportunity to score late in the game, and had other miscues that thwarted their chances to win.

Schwieterman, Paonia girls win Hotchkiss XC BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

At Saturday’s Hotchkiss Invitational meet, the Paonia girls owned the course. Three Eagles finished in the top 10 to win the meet with 12 points. Junior Katya Schwieterman was the overall wnner, crossing the finish line in 22 minutes, 15.95 seconds, more than three minutes faster than her freshman year time, and a minute, 20 seconds ahead of last year’s fourth-place finish. “First win in cross country ever,” said Schwieterman. Tawny Roberts placed fourth in 23:215.57, and Alexandra Eaton finished seventh in 24:16.40. “One, four, seven,” said Schwieterman. “Pretty powerful.” Montrose, last year’s team winner, placed second with 21 points, and Olathe finished third with 27 points led by a ninth-place finish by Angela Alcaraz. The individual win

was also a first for Schwieterman, a two-time state qualifying junior. Schwiterman finished fourth last year and knew from the field heading into the race that she’d have to compete with last year’s third place runner, Kelsey Rycenga of Montrose. “I just tried to hang on to her in the first mile,” said Schwieterman. “When we got to the big downhill, I just tried to loosen up and go, and she never caught me again.” Rycenga placed second, crossing the finish line 28 seconds behind Schwieterman. Schwieterman said the win followed a hard week of practice, and happened on a course the team knows well. “It’s a hard course, but we were ready for it,” she said. “It’s hilly and it’s tough, but knew we can get through it.” Eaton also took advantage of gravity on a course known for its steep ascents and descents, shaving almost a minute off of last year’s 10th-place finish. “I’m

really proud of that,” she said. “Downhill you kind of gotta fly a little bit.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Katya Schwieterman, Tawny Roberts, Alexandra Eaton, Abby Reedy, Jade Ellenberger and Sophia Gonzalez celebrate winning the Hotchkiss Invitational cross country meet last Saturday. It was the team’s ﬁrst win at Hotchkiss since the program was established in 2012. Schwieterman also picked up her ﬁrst cross country individual title.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Junior Katya Schwieterman ﬁnishes strong last Saturday to win the 16th running of the Hotchkiss Invitational Meet.

Bartlett takes second at Hotchkiss meet BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia senior cross country runner Ethan Bartlett continues to shatter his own records. Bartlett took second Saturday at the annual Hotchkiss Invitational, behind Montrose junior Sean Graff. Bartlett’s time of 18 minutes, 48.06 seconds was well ahead of his freshman year 98th-place time, and last year’s 18th place time of 20:39. The team placed third overall with 35 points. Junior Elijah Evans and senior Harley Ewert finished 21st and 22nd and freshmen Alejandro Garcia and Alyster Birk placed 24th and 26th. Bartlett said that he and Delta’s Shad Lewis led the pack for about the

first mile. Both knew that Graff, who was favored to win and is known to start races behind the pack, would eventually catch up. When he did, Bartlett said he paced with Graff until about the second mile, with Graff making his move at the steep incline on the back side of the course. From there, Bartlett said he ran his own race, with Lewis holding third place but never challenging him. Bartlett said he started seeing big improvements in his times last spring during the track season. At the state championships he anchored the bronze-winning 3200meter relay with PHS alum Caden Meilner and teammates Ewert and Logan Green. In the 3200 open he was ranked 15th

and placed 10th. After track, he said, he pushed himself all summer and attended running camps. “It’s good to see some results,” he laughed. In his first two races Bartlett finished second in Class 2A at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede — ran on the same course as the state championships, and finished 16th at the 26-team Battle Mountain meet. Bartlett said he sees a good season ahead. Garcia and Birk are part of a strong freshman class of seven, and Ewert and Evans and the rest of the team are picking up the pace. “I can’t really ask for much better,” said Bartlett. “It’s going good.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta’s Shad Lewis (66), and Paonia’s Ethan Bartlett (304), Harley Ewert (308) and Elijah Evans (307) lead the pack early at the Hotchkiss Invitational cross country meet. Bartlett and Lewis both improved over last year to ﬁnish second and third, respectively.

B6 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Lewis leads Delta boys at Hotchkiss XC BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Hard work is paying off for Shad Lewis. The Delta junior ran the best cross country race of his career Saturday, on one of the toughest courses on the Western Slope, placing third at the Hotchkiss Invitational. His time of 19 minutes, 17.35 seconds bested last year’s eighth-place time by a full 27 seconds. “I’m excited about that,” said Lewis. He credits the improvement on putting more miles behind him in this year, and to a change in practices. “We started working on hills a little more,” he said. In tackling the Hotchkiss course’s “really steep hills... I think that helped me a lot.” Lewis and Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett led the pack for about a mile. “Everything felt really good and smooth,” said Lewis. At that point, he

said, Montrose lead runner Sean Graff caught up with them. Bartlett kept pace with Graff for about a mile, before Graff broke away to win the race. Lewis said he got close to Bartlett around mile two, with both runners finishing the race at their own pace. Lewis said he was happy with third place and his course-best time of 19:44. Delta scored 48 points to place fourth overall. Panther Garrison Paniagua finished in the top 30 with a time of 22:17.25, and Doyle Young finished 32nd in 22:57.94. Panthers lead runner John Ames missed the race to attend a family event, said coach JB Lopez. Ames placed second at Hotchkiss last season and likely would have been a top-two finisher. Lewis said Ames’ absence was noticed. “It’s really different without

him here,” said Lewis, who paces himself off of Ames in practices and races. “Usually I like to stay with him the first mile-ish and then we just kind of split up.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Hana Hollenbeck, Abby Williams, Remi Baldwin and Grace Hall tackle the first of many hills Saturday at the Hotchkiss Invitational Cross Country Meet. The Panthers finished fifth overall, one point behind Rangely. Photo by Tamie Meck

Junior Shad Lewis ﬁnished third and was 27 seconds faster this year.

Atchley leads Delta girls in Hotchkiss race BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Beki Atchley led the Delta girls to place eighth at Hotchkiss with a time of 24 minutes, 48.66 seconds. It was Atchley’s third consecutive top-10 finish at Hotchkiss. “I love this race,” she said. “It’s fun.” A senior, Atchley is a fourth-year cross country runner and threetime state qualifier in track. Asked what she likes about running, she replied that there are “so many things... I like the competition, I like feeling in shape, and I think it’s just fun.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Montrose Middle School eighth-grader Jonas Graff, front, re-set his middle school course record with a time of 9 minutes and 9.992 seconds Saturday at the Hotchkiss Invitational cross country meet. Last year Graff broke the course record of 9:45.82 held by brother Sean Graff, who won the men’s division Saturday. Brother Evan won the Hotchkiss meet in 2017.

Bulldogs wear down, fall to Coal Ridge BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A near-packed house enjoyed an absolutely beautiful evening for football last Friday. The Hotchkiss Bulldogs were bidding for a second straight win in the 2018 football season against the visiting Coal Ridge Titans. Coal Ridge put the first points on the scoreboard with 6:06 left in the first period after a 10-play drive covering 64 yards culminated on a four-yard run by senior Jan Hernandez. Oscar Salazar booted the extra point to send the Titans in the lead, 7-0. The Titans didn’t get to bask in the light of that lead for long as Hotchkiss’ Jace Peebles took the ensuing kickoff

at the Bulldogs’ sevenyard line and scooted down the right sideline for 93 yards and paydirt with 5:52 left in the opening quarter. Senior Kaiya Firor kicked the extra point to tie the game at 7-7. In essence, that touchdown run was the biggest highlight of the evening for Hotchkiss as Coal Ridge went on to score 38 unanswered points to post a 45-7 non-conference victory. Coal Ridge scored two more times in the second quarter on runs of 15 yards by Moises Contreras and a six-yard pass from Salazar to Adrian Garcia for a 21-7 lead at halftime after Salazar’s extra-point kicks. The Bulldogs held Coal Ridge to a single

Saturday’s race came at the end of a long week of battling a cold, she said. “I’m kind of recovering from that.” Atchley said she was happy with her performance, with one exception. In the second mile, on the south-facing back stretch of the course where the heat rises, she lost a couple of places. Her finish boosted the girls team to a fifth place finish, one point behind Rangely. Aubree Andre and Grace Hall placed 11th (25:53.53) and 12th (26:05.22), respectively; and Abby Williams and Hana Hollenbeck placed 20 and 21st.

“They’re real troopers,” said Atchley. “I’m really proud of them.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta senior Beki Atchley ﬁnished seventh at Hotchkiss meet.

Keller, Egging lead Bulldog XC runners BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Tevin Keller led the Hotchkiss boys at the team’s home invitational meet Saturday. Keller placed 17th with a time of 21:10.08. The Hotchkiss boys placed eighth with 84 points.

Will Ela finished the 5,000-meter course in 24:12.30, freshman Ben Rodriquez finished 60th in 28:21.69, and in his first cross country race of the season, freshman Pablo Camacho placed 65th in 29:24.20. The Hotchkiss girls

scored 67 points to place sixth. Freshman Karlie Egging led the team, placing 19th with a time of 27:36.74. Mariah Griffith placed 22nd with a time of 28:13.23, Grace Hatheway finished 29th (30:44.99), and Adair Ela placed 31st (30:57.88).

score in the third quarter but gave up 17 points in the fourth frame on two touchdowns and a 28-yard field goal from Salazar to make the final tally, 45-7. Hotchkiss head coach Curtis Hintz was disappointed with the loss but accepted the fact his team is so young and is learning everyday. “The experience was with Coal Ridge. I’m proud of the kids and how they played. We shot ourselves in the foot to start the second half with two turnovers and gave them momentum. We’re young. I know the kids will come back and respond to make the changes that need to be made. Hats off to Coal Ridge for having a good game plan and executing well for the win.” Photo by Tamie Meck

Freshman Karlie Egging (138) posted the fastest time for Hotchkiss for the girls at Saturday’s 16th annual Hotchkiss Invitational cross country meet.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Tevin Keller sprints to a 17th-place ﬁnish at Hotchkiss. A second-year runner, and a junior, Keller is one of three Hotchkiss cross country runners from Cedaredge.

Photo by Tamie Meck Photo by Wayne Crick Hotchkiss’Jace Peebles (5) pops through a hole in the line of scrimmage cre-

Hotchkiss freshman, Coulson Hollembeak (66) makes ﬁrst contact with Coal Ridge’s Moises Contreras on a running play last Friday evening in Hotchkiss. The Titans ﬂexed their muscles, and experience, to wear down the young Hotchkiss team for a 45-7 non-conference win.

ated, in part, by Will Scarlett (22) and Malykai Klasseen (52). Peebles electrifed the home crowd with a 93-yard kickoff return near the end of the ﬁrst quarter to tie the score at 7-7. The Bulldogs’ offense stalled after that and Coal Ridge went on a 38-0 scoring spree for a 45-7 victory.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Delta races past Palisade in softball BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School dominated a visiting Palisade Bulldogs’ softball team in a doubleheader sweep Sept. 4 by scores of 13-3 and 14-4. Sophomore Hailee Ruble went the distance for Delta and improved her season record to 4-1 with the win. Ruble had plenty of help behind her with a 14-hit attack and paced the Panthers offense with a triple and three RBIs of her own. Senior Jenna Sutliff hit her third home run of the season and had a double to go with her two RBIs in the win. Other two-hit performers for Delta included

senior Makayla Kortz with a pair of doubles and an RBI and sophomore Keely Porter with two RBIs. Senior Ashley Lahoe had one hit and two RBIs. Sutliff provided stellar play at shortstop with a diving stop to throw out a Bulldogs’ runner and turned in the game’s only double play (unassisted). Sutliff hit her home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to end the game via the 10-run rule with her walk-off homer. Game two had a similar format as the opener. In game one the Panthers jumped on top with a 12run explosion and cruised to the victory. Game two’s beginning had a 4-1 start after one inning but blos-

somed to 8-1 after two innings with a four-run fifth closing out the game, 14-4. Porter and Lahoe finished the game with three hits each and four and three RBIs, respectively. Senior Desiree Garcia picked up her second win against one loss for the Panthers, scattering five hits and four runs over five innings of work. A doubleheader day with Basalt was rained out (Sept. 5) and will be played at a later time. Delta plays in Gypsum against Eagle Valley Sept. 15 with an 11 a.m. game time and begins the following week (Sept. 18) at Cedaredge with a 3 p.m. start. Photo by Wayne Crick

Senior Jenna Sutliff steps on the bag for one out then prepares to make the throw to ﬁrst for the second out of a double play. Second baseman Sami Lane backs up the play.

Bruins lose to Meeker, split DH with Cortez BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Hailee Ruble lines a ball foul down the third-base line during play in the Palisade/Delta contest last week. Ruble extended the inning with numerous foul balls during the at-bat and eventually got a base hit. Delta won the opening game 13-3 then picked up a 14-4 win in game two. The Panthers had 14 hits in game one and 18 safeties in game two.

Cedaredge falls to Buena Vista, 41-27 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A high-scoring first quarter ended with Buena Vista holding a touchdown lead, 14-21, heading to the second quarter. Each team scored in the second quarter leaving the Bruins trailing by seven, 28-21 at halftime. The Bruins failed to score in the third frame with the Demons tacking

on seven points to make the difference 35-21 with one period left to play. Each team scored six points over the final eight minutes of play for a final score of 41-27. Junior Dusty Emig rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns for the Bruins with Wade Barnard collecting 100 yards and a touchdown and senior Jared Reynolds carrying the ball 16 times for 98 yards and a score.

Buena Vista’s Parker Johnson crossed the goal four times with 172 yards rushing on 15 carries and teammate Drew Martin toting the pigskin nine times for 178 yards and two touchdowns. The Bruins finished with 350 yards of offense and Buena Vista racked up 384 yards. The Bruins (1-1, 1A WSL) are in Aspen (11, 2A WSL) this Friday with kickoff at 7 p.m.

Cedaredge’s softball team found last week’s diamond opponents to be stout competitors with the Bruins falling 11-1 in Meeker on Sept. 4 and splitting a doubleheader with Cortez at the Field of Dreams Sept. 8, losing the opener 11-8 and claiming a 10-9 win in game two. In game one Cortez jumped out to an early 9-2 lead but had to hold on for an 11-8 win. Game two was closer with the Bruins pulling off the 10-9 victory to split the doubleheader. No game stats were available but Cedaredge coach Terry Montoya offered some insight on the two games. “Meeker is a good team. They play good defense and their pitchers dictate at-bats. They are solid offensively. We have to play our best against teams like that and not make little mistakes. Unfortunately, we did not play our best and the score showed that.” After coming back against Cortez in the later innings last Saturday in game one, the Bruins made the Panthers regroup in the later stages to preserve the 11-

8 win. Game two showed improvements. “We are getting better every time we get on the field and we are realizing that we need to take care of the little things. I’m proud of how they (team players) continue to show up

with great attitude and work every day. We will get there,” quoted Montoya. Cedaredge will play Faith Christian on Sept. 15 and then face Basalt later in the day. Both contests are slated to be played in Basalt.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge center fielder Jazmyn Hart catches a fly ball to record an out against Cortez last Saturday at the Field of Dreams. Cortez won the first game of a doubleheader 11-8 with the Bruins winning game two 10-9.

Delta splits soccer road games last week BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s soccer team had its express train slowed down this past week with tough games against Crested Butte and Roaring Fork. Both matches were on the road and proved to be difficult contests. Crested Butte and Delta finished their Sept. 6 game in a tie, 2-2, and Roaring Fork put together a 4-1 victory in Carbondale.

The Titans of Crested Butte scored once in each of the regular halves while Delta managed two goals in the second half for a 2-2 tie. After two overtime periods were played, neither team could find the net with a goal and the game ended in a tie, 2-2. Martin Corral netted his eighth goal of the season and Jose Pantoja picked up his second score of the season for the

Panthers. Saturday’s (Sept. 8) match in Carbondale had the Panthers playing catch-up from the start with the Rams taking a 2-0 lead to halftime. Pantajo scored Delta’s lone goal in the second half while Roaring Fork tallied another two goals for the 4-1 victory. The Panthers (3-1-1 overall) begin league play Sept. 13 at home against Aspen (2-1).

Eagles rout Monte Vista 41-0 in football BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After a season-opening loss, the Paonia Eagles gave Monte Vista a drubbing on its own turf Friday for a 41-0 win. The Pirates (0-2, 1A Southern Peaks League) were coming off of a 24-0 seasonopening loss to 2A Alamosa. The Eagles had 393 yards on the ground, led by Anthony Felice with 18 carries for 176 yards and three touchdowns. Felice was named overall Player of the Game. With two sacks and six solo tackles, O-line/D-line specialist Levi Peterson

was named outstanding defensive player of the game; and with 19 yards on two punt returns, Soul Connolly was recognized as outstanding player on special teams. Jesse Burns had 12 carries for 82 yards and one TD; on defense Burns completed four solo and two assisted tackles. Sackett Chesnik had eight carries for 52 yards and two TDs, and on defense made seven solo and two assisted tackles. Grey Neal averaged 7.5 yards in 10 carries, and Logan Green picked up eight yards on one carry and was 5-for-6 in PATs.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Senior Alecxis Hernandez sprints to Olathe’s Lupita Garca placed fifth at a fifth-place finish at Hotchkiss Sat- the Hotchkiss Invitational. In team urday. The Pirates finished second competition, Olathe placed third overall. David Lozano had two overall in the boys division. 50-yard kickoffs; Austin Norris had five solo tackles, one sack and two assisted tackles; and Felice had eight solo and two assisted tackles. The Eagles led, 14-0, at halftime and scored Carter had 12 assists to 2A Mile High League two TDs in both the third BY TAMIE MECK against the Dragons and teams Union Colony Prep and fourth quarters. DCI Sports Writer The win came on the The Paonia Eagles vol- Taralee Mautz had one (5-1, 1-0), 2-0, and 2-0 heels of Paonia’s season- leyball team is 3-3 overall error and six aces in 24 (25-15, 25-22) to Lyons (3-4). Their one win of the opening 38-0 loss to Cen- after three straight losses serve attempts. Dragons’ senior mid- tournament came against tauri. and a win. Paonia opened This Friday the Eagles at De Beque (6-0 overall, dle/outside hitter Faith the Twin Peaks Charter face another big challenge 4-0 2A/1A Western Slope Novess made 17 kills and Academy (2-4, 0-1). Class 2A teams Union in Coal Ridge at 7 p.m. League) with a 3-2, 23- six solo blocks. At the Sept. 8 Daw- Colony Prep (Greeley), The Titans (1-1, 2A WSL) 25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-13, son Invitational tourna- Denver Academy and Libdominated Hotchkiss last 14-16 conference loss. Friday night for a 45-7 Poppy Lightfoot comment at Dawson School erty Commons also comwin. pleted 12 kills, Ceylon in Lafayette, Paonia fell peted at the tournament.

Eagles volleyball goes 1-3 for the week

B8 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

HOPEWEST

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK September 12, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Colorado Grand cruises through Delta County BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Get ready for the Colorado Grand because a host of classic automobiles are headed our way. As many as 85 vehicles will pass through Delta County on the final leg of their multiple-day 1,000mile route through the Rocky Mountains. The schedule with approximate times will be as follows: • On Friday, Sept. 14, the vintage vehicles will leave Grand Junction between 8 and 9:30 a.m. • The cars will cross over Grand Mesa on Highway 65 and arrive in Cedaredge for a coffee break around 9-9:15 a.m. • Leaving Cedaredge, they will pass through Eckert and Austin en route to a lunch stop in Hotchkiss around 11:30 a.m. (A few drivers may cruise through Cory but organizers expect the majority will travel south on Highway 65 and turn left on 1200 Road, then follow that Orchard City road until they reach Austin Road where they will again turn left to reach Highway 92.) • After leaving Hotchkiss, cars will travel east on Highway 133 and are expected to stop at the Paradise Theater in Paonia for dessert around 12:30-1 p.m. • After leaving Paonia, cars will proceed over McClure Pass for the return trip to Vail. The foregoing times are approximate. Vintage sports cars and race cars will drift in and out of communities for most of Friday morning and will be visible at several spots along Surface Creek and in the North Fork Valley. Observant residents should be able to spot them at various locations between 9 a.m. and noon. However the vehicles won’t be coming all at once and that’s intentional because,

according to Colorado Grand spokesperson Eddie O’Brien, “It’s not a parade. There is no set schedule, no timing, and no competition.” Drivers will be marching to their own drummers as they traverse the mountains in their final salute to summer. The only real certainty is that the road tour will start and finish in Vail. Colorado Grand is an annual charity tour that was founded decades ago by Englewood automotive enthusiast Bob Sutherland. For 30 years entrants from around the world have gathered to put their classic 1960 and earlier cars through their paces. It is not uncommon to see several vehicles from the 1920s and 1930s. Typical makes include Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and Aston Martin. Last year the Colorado Grand charity generated approximately $500,000 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Western Slope towns included on the tour. The charity also contributes to the Colorado State Patrol to provide support and scholarships to families and children of injured and fallen officers. Over the years, Colorado Grand has generated over $6 million to support communities and the state patrol. Several state troopers will accompany the touring cars to provide support and security. In addition to turning out to cheer on drivers and view and photograph these classic automobiles, the public can contribute to the Colorado Grand charity. To make a donation, log on to its website at co1000.com and click on the “Charity” link. Communities interested in being considered for grant funds can also get in touch with the organization through its website and “Charity” link.

Church volunteers support Applefest as security patrol BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

This year’s Applefest, scheduled for Oct. 4-7, is only weeks away and local organizations are gearing up to do their part to make the annual event a success. For 12 years, the congregation of the Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church has worked with the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce and town police to provide security for Applefest. Working in three shifts, church volunteers patrol the event grounds from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. ensuring that vendor tents and other temporary structures are protected from theft or vandalism. The Cedaredge Police Department is also on hand throughout the night. In the early morning hours, officers relieve the patrolling church members and provide additional security from 2 a.m. until opening. Dale Lindstrom, a member of the Baptist congregation who participates in the patrol, has been helping with security over the years. He reports that church members used to walk but now they also use golf carts to patrol the ever-expanding venue. “In the early days,” he recalled, “I was patrolling by myself on foot sometimes but I had a little poodle dog along

who was my eyes and ears.” Over a decade ago when Applefest security was a problem, the church responded to a request for assistance from town law enforcement. Calling the church’s citizen patrol service a blessing, Lindstrom noted that since they have been providing security there has only been one break-in and that was foiled during the act. As many as 15 church members share the security duties during the October event at no cost to the chamber or vendors.

Eckert School reunion is Sept. 19 The annual Eckert School reunion luncheon for anyone who ever attended the Eckert School is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, starting at 12 noon at the Eckert Presbyterian Church, 13025 Highway 65. Please bring a side dish to share along with your stories, memories or pictures. Beverages and table service are provided. For more information, call Pat Moore at 874-0126.

Ag producers invited to join marketing conversation The Delta County Tourism Cabinet and the Town of Cedaredge invite those businesses in the agriculture industry working specifically within the Surface Creek Valley to a meeting on Monday, Sept. 17, at 1 p.m. in the Centennial Room at the Civic Center to talk about enhanc-

ing agricultural and agritoursim marketing as a community. All Surface Creek farmers, ranchers and other producers are invited to join the conversation so all can work collaboratively on better marketing our valley and our agritourism industry as a whole.

Photo by John Waugh, Photographic Images

This image of a 1959 Ferrari Testarosa was photographed on Grand Mesa last year by John Waugh of Boulder. Waugh serves as ofﬁcial photographer for the Colorado Grand automobile tour, a 1,000-mile mountain drive that will pass through Delta County on Sept. 14. This classic Ferrari was brand new when it raced in the 24-hour endurance contest at Le Mans, France, in 1959.

Saddle club ends the season on a high note Tractor, wall still on club’s wish list

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

By all accounts, the Surface Creek Saddle Club had a successful summer this year. Competition was keen in the 2018 Saddle and Buckle Series gymkhana. Horses and riders were impressive and spectators were plentiful. It was almost perfect — almost. Now comes the hard part as the nonprofit group’s volunteer board meets this month to decide the best way to manage its scarce resources. There’s a lot to be done to continue the club’s efforts to provide a safe and competitive environment for horse enthusiasts of all ages and the community is already stepping up to help. Tate Locke of Cedaredge’s Cristee-Meade Building Company donated the materials and labor to erect a sturdy frame for a new steel arena sign. The sign itself was fabricated by Paul and Tracy Dill of TP Services who donated their labor to create a beautiful work of art at the entry to the arena grounds. Andrew Biszant of APB Tree Services brought his “cherry picker” to the arena to help several other volunteers hang the sturdy metal sign. There are plans to add a bulletin board below the sign to post notices and recognize the saddle club’s generous sponsors and amazing group of volunteers. And finally, after years of running an extension cord to the contestant sign-in booth, West Elk Electric, a long-time patron of the Saddle Club,

Photo by Don Benjamin

Tate Locke of Cedaredge’s Cristee-Meade Building Company donated the materials and labor to build a wooden framework at the Surface Creek Saddle Club. Last month a team of volunteers, including Alan Katchur (left) and Mitch Larson, helped hang a metal sign on the sturdy frame. donated the labor to install Then there’s the wall. permanent electrical lines The saddle club grounds and added new outlets and consist of two performance interior lights as well as a areas: a race track and an motion sensor light to the rear arena. The track is on higher of the building. ground and the wall separatSo what’s left? ing it from the main arena The saddle club needs needs to be replaced. The club a tractor with more horse- is seeking a contractor who power and four-wheel drive can construct a stem-wall and to work the arena grounds. frame to which existing fencThey’re hoping to replace ing panels can be attached. their ancient machine with a The ideal wall will also include donated one but, if not, they’ll plumbing for sprinkler heads. sell their current tractor and The club will be seeking at use their limited resources least three bids from contracto purchase a used off-brand tors and they are hoping for tractor. They’ve identified a a bargain price. The selected possible replacement and the contractor will receive lots of price looks affordable. It will benefits. The company will be be a challenge to repair but promoted on the club’s webVarner Equipment in Delta page and Facebook page and has pledged to make sure their company name will be parts are available. prominently displayed as a corporate sponsor on a permanent arena sign. Other needs which the club hopes a donor will step forward to provide are: • Roofing for the grand stands to protect spectators from sun and rain. • Remodeling of the arena bathrooms. • A reel for the fire hose used to wet down the arena. • Two laptop computers to make the best use of event timing and recording software. The club’s volunteer officers will meet in September to discuss ongoing arena maintenance and begin planning for next year’s events. The saddle club is a nonprofit organization which is operated entirely by volunteers. Any individual or business desiring to contribute time, materials, services, or funds to the club’s efforts is urged to contact Keith Stillings, president of the Surface Creek Saddle Club, at keith. stillings@yahoo.com or MelinPhoto by Don Benjamin Andrew Biszant of APB Tree Services brought his “cherry da Katchur, secretary/treasurpicker” to the saddle club arena to help a team of volunteers er, at MelindaKatchur@gmail. com. hang the club’s new sign.

C2 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

��

Budget workshops continue BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge board of trustees will continue to discuss the 2019 town budget during a work session on Thursday, Sept. 13. The budget work session will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a regular town work session. A week later, on Sept. 20, the trustees will meet at 5 p.m. for a regular meeting. All the town meetings including budget sessions are open to the public. Town meetings take place in the Cedaredge Civic Center, Grand Mesa Room, 140 -NW 2nd Street. The public is encouraged to attend town meetings and budget sessions. Those wishing to learn more about the town’s preliminary budget can view the document on the town website: cedaredge colorado.com (type “document center” in the search

��

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

Delta County Independent

Quinten Christian

Christian family says thank you The Christian family would like to thank everyone for their support and fundraising that has been done for our family. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness that has been shown. A special thank you to DJ and Barbara Hladik and the Pondy Cancer Warriors for your hard work and making all of this happen. God Bless, The Christian family

��

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 970856-3123 or manager@ cedaredgecolorado.com Following the trustees’ September meetings, future budget planning sessions and other town meetings will be held as follows: • Oct. 11 — 5 p.m. budget work session followed by trustees’ general work session. • Oct. 18 — 5 p.m. regular trustee meeting featuring action regarding resolutions, ordinances, and items affecting the 2019 budget. • Nov. 1 — the final 2019 draft budget will be submitted to the trustees and will be available to the public.

• Nov. 8 — 5 p.m. trustee work session. • Nov. 15 — 5 p.m. regular trustee meeting. • Nov. 29 — 5 p.m.

public hearing on the 2019 budget • Dec. 13 — 5 p.m. scheduled trustee action on the 2019 budget.

Veterans coffee set for Sept. 18 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Delta County veterans will next gather for a meet-and-greet coffee on Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at The Pondy in downtown Cedaredge at 220 West Main Street. Veterans are invited to drop in anytime to meet comrades and interact with veterans’ service officials. The event is sponsored by the Montrose-based Wel-

come Home Alliance for Veterans. Veterans who have not already done so should bring their DD-214 discharge papers to be registered for alliance services. The Pondy provides free coffee and Stacy’s on Main serves up free treats. The group meets in Cedaredge on the third Tuesday of every month. For questions, contact the alliance at 970-7652210.

Cedaredge UMC initiates once-a-month Festival Sundays Cedaredge United Methodist Church is initiating a new once-amonth Festival Sunday on Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. According to Pastor Joe Agne, “Some people are able to participate every Sunday. Some cannot because work schedules and family schedules make it impossible. These are people who come regularly, about once a month. So we are wanting to say to people, ‘We understand, please come when you can.’ ” The church is encour-

aging people who need to limit their Sundays to try to schedule to come on third Sundays. A Festival Sunday will include gospel music from the church choir, special music from singers from the community beyond the congregation, a message from Pastor Joe and a shared meal after worship. On Sept. 16, the singers from the community will be Dr. Mary Kleinsorge and Larry Claxton singing early music. Pastor Joe’s message will connect Jesus’ parable about

yeast and a question from the congregation, “How can Christians respond to depression and suicide?” The meal will be provided by members. New worshippers are welcome guests. For more information about the Sept. 16 Festival Sunday contact Pamela Gubkin, pgubkin@ cedaredgecumc.org or 970-856-3696. No need for reservations — just come. Cedaredge UMC is the rock church on the corner of Aspen and 3rd.

Garden club learns about flower pounding BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

For its August meeting the Plant & Dig Garden Club was privileged to once again draw from a talented member of our club for an outstanding program. Patt Jones hosted and directed us in “FlowerPounding 101.” She cut boards of plywood to just the right size, treated and cut squares of muslin fabric for us, as well. Member brought flowers and greenery from their own garden for all to choose from. Patt explained the process by which color could be transferred from our choices of flowers and foliage and we all pounded away with hammers that we had brought for the occasion. Patt had set up tables in her lovely great room for this purpose, and some gathered on the deck, as well, enjoying its beautiful view as we worked. It was pretty astounding to see the results of this unique way to use the fruits of our gardens to create beautiful art suitable for framing. We also decided that it was a great way to expend excess energy and, if need be, to rid oneself of pent-up emotions, hostilities or anger in a productive way. Thank you, Patt, for sharing your knowledge and expertise, for your preparation of the needed supplies, and for open-

ing your home to us for this noisy, fun, productive program. The Story Walk program that club members have been working on for the past three months is in place for all to enjoy along the upper portion of the Surface Creek Trail in Cedaredge. “Tracking Treasures of the Trail” is its theme. Each panel encourages walkers of all ages to stop, look up, look around, look down — observe and enjoy all the wonders that can be enjoyed as we walk this lovely path along Surface Creek. A big thanks goes to club member Lisa Joss for her many hours of work putting the panels together, to the Delta County Library Association for its sponsorship of the Story Walk, and to Sarah Smith of the Cedaredge library for her help in the production of the final story boards. Our maintenance efforts continue at both Pioneer Town and Horizons Care Center. Members monitored both sites during August, weeding, watering, deadheading and performing general maintenance at these two facilities. The flower bed at Pioneer Town continues to draw many favorable comments from visitors. And at Horizons, the large containers in the courtyard, the side planters along the buildings, and the roses and shrubs

in the center of the area, all look beautiful. We are privileged to have these two facilities within our community and enjoy our role in helping to keep them ship-shape for all who view them. Our upcoming September meeting is one of our favorites. Members will gather at the old pavilion in Cedaredge Town Park, have a picnic lunch, then partake in our annual plant sale. Everyone brings excess potted plants from their gardens, homemade jams and jellies, fruit and vegetables — whatever they have to share — and for $5.00 we can each take home with us what we wish from the goodies that have been brought. The proceeds from this help to fund our philanthropic contributions during the holidays and our scholarship fund. And we have great fun, besides! This club gives to its members a unique blend of learning, camaraderie, community service, enjoyment of all things pertaining to our gardens, and advice and support for anyone who has encountered a gardening problem. Our programs are garden-oriented and informative. We also enjoy making new friends. We invite you to join us. You may find out more about our club by calling 856-7077 or 856-3897.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Tiny houses and marijuana regs on Orchard City radar Trustees will visit with building inspector about tiny houses and tall fences BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

The trustees present at the Sept. 5 workshop for Orchard City were eager to tackle the agenda and get to work on various matters. First, they reviewed the ordinance for regulating the cultivation and possession of marijuana. This ordinance would allow citizens to possess 12 marijuana plants per resident, instead of many. In addition it has other regulations surrounding marijuana cultivation in Orchard City. This ordinance has been in the works for

quite some time. Melissa Oelke, town clerk, clarified that because the trustees decided they wanted to be more in depth in the ordinance they took more time to review and add to it. The ordinance is set to be sent to the town’s attorney and be finalized next month. Following, the group approved a softball lease agreement. The last few seasons Orchard City has rented out the park’s Field of Dreams for the high school teams from Cedaredge, Hotchkiss and Paonia. Trustee Doug Keller asked about raising the rental price. After some discussion it was decided that since the ladies are already into their season and using the field it would be best to not raise the price this year. However, the trustees may look at overall rental pricings for the Orchard City Park at

their upcoming budget retreat. Tiny home regulations were discussed next. Currently the town’s codes are from 2006. Oelke suggested that the town look at adding more formal regulations through an appendix. Since the group agreed, the building inspector will be present at the next work session. He will also answer several questions from the trustees. “We’re starting to get a lot more inquiries about tiny homes on a regular basis,” said Oelke. Next, trustee Jan Gage directed the discussion toward the following agenda item by asking, “Why would we allow eight-foot fences?” Major Ken Volgamore gave examples of people requesting them for privacy, their gardens, or to keep out deer. Gage’s comment was in reference to the build-

PACE welcomes new chaplain Justin Williams Volunteers of America and Senior CommUnity Care PACE (SCC-PACE) is pleased to announce Justin Williams as the program’s new full-time chaplain. Williams will share his time between the program’s two day center sites in Montrose and Eckert, serving the spiritual needs of the program participants. “My faith in Jesus and my calling to be a pastor is what connects me most to the mission of PACE and Volunteers of America. I want to bring people to the knowledge and active service of God,” Williams said. His responsibilities will include leading devotions, worship services, celebration of life services, one-on-one meetings with participants and staff, counseling and end of life and bereavement support. Williams holds a master of theological studies and is halfway through completing a master of divinity. He earned a bachelor of arts in humanities from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He heard about the PACE program while volunteering at The Homestead at Montrose, the organization’s assisted living community. “I was attracted to the position because it allows me to continue my pastoral duties on the weekends (in Norwood). Chaplain ministry and pastoral ministry both work with people to help them grow in their faith,” he said. Williams is a pastor at Christ in FOCUS Church, formerly Norwood Southern Baptist Church. FOCUS stands for family, outreach, community, unity and service. Williams has several goals for his new position: he desires to be an encouragement to the

Photo courtesy Volunteers of America

Chaplain Justin Williams

ing permit fees for fences eight feet or taller. Since fences of this height require a building permit, the group discussed why there is a need to have a fee. Ultimately they decided to continue this discussion with the building inspector at the next work session. Elevate is wanting to provide video streaming (television) services to the area. Thus, they are wishing to create a franchise agreement with Orchard City. Oelke proposed a letter of engagement for legal council. Because their current attorney is a conflict of interest in the matter, it was suggested that Bo Nerlin advise them. He is also advising other Delta County towns with their Elevate franchise agreements. Ultimately they decided to put the letter of engagement on the agenda for approval at the town hall meeting Sept. 12. Before concluding with various comments the trustees evaluated the prospect of investing with COLOTRUST. After discussing why this would be a safe and good option, the group decided to go with the investment. The amount will be determined after discussion with the financial committee. Oelke said the town will keep some investments with their current accounts for future security. Barring special meetings or holidays, the Orchard City board of trustees meets for a work session on the first Wednesday of each month and for a regular meeting on the second Wednesday. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at 9661 2100 Road in Austin. The public is encouraged to attend.

program participants and staff, build relation- from PACE are able to ships with local minis- remain in their home and tries and ministers in connected to their comorder to involve them in the lives of the participants, and to utilize � program staff who desire �� to be more involved with �� spiritual care and create � � � �� opportunities for them � � � to provide that service to �� participants. � �� Williams grew up in � � � � � Grand Junction and �Col�� orado Springs. He cur�� rently lives in Norwood �� with his wife Kristin. A�� baby boy is due Oct. 24. �� He enjoys many things � �� about life in western Col�� orado. “I love the mountains and fresh air,” he said. “I like to play guitar, sing, “jeep” in the mountains and dabble in photography,” he said. His parents are Tobey and Lisa Williams of Delta. His mother is the therapeutic recreation coordinator for SCCPACE in Eckert and his father is a bi-vocational pastor and businessman. The PACE model uses a comprehensive interdisciplinary team approach, providing services and care to individuals, age 55 and over, who otherwise might require nursing home level of care, but with the services

��

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

��

C4 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

� ��

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

��

� ��

Delta County Independent

��

Delta County Independent

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

C6 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Daniel Van Den Berg

Robert Pearce

Daniel Arthur Van Den Berg died Aug. 9, 2018, at Lake District Hospital in Lakeview, Ore. He was 78. He was born to John and Susan (Blankenship) Van Den Berg on Aug. 22, 1939. He attended school in Crawford and Hotchkiss. He moved to Lakeview, Ore., as a young man and worked as a hay boss on the MC Ranch. He managed the Lakeview Safeway, Sears store and The Yogurt Station, and for 30 years, owned Van Den Berg Painting. On June 10, 1958, he married Rhea Garrett. He enjoyed coffee with his friends, his grandchildren’s school events, woodworking, playing golf and watching sports. He is survived by his children, Vicki (Harvey) Childress of Bend, Ore., Pam (Lee) Cody of Hood River, Ore., and Kevin Van Den Berg of Lakeview, Ore.; siblings, Ed (Jill) Van Den Berg of Hotchkiss, Gary (Cathy) Van Den Berg of Spokane Valley, Wash., John (Sandy) Van Den Berg of Cedaredge and Nancy Selby of Delta; six grandchildren, Jessica Childress, Garrett (Carly) Childress, Levi Van Den Berg, Katlin Cody, Kylie (Shawn) Draper, all of Oregon, and Makenzie (Carter) Briscoe of Longview, Wash.; two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Gracie Childress; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rhea. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Wayne Toombs

OBITUARIES

Wayne Troy Toombs, longtime Delta resident, died Sept. 30, 2017, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 69. A celebration of life will be held at Cleland Park Saturday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Robert Eugene Pearce died Aug. 25, 2018, at the age of 73. He was born Jan. 24, 1945, in Denver to Orpha (Kauffman) and Dale Pearce. He grew up in eastern Colorado and moved with his family to Hotchkiss in 1956. On Aug. 12, 1967, he married Margaret Pennington Rule in La Junta and gained two sons. The Pearces made their home in Crawford when not traveling the U.S. building microwave tower systems. Mr. Pearce served on the Crawford Water Conservancy Board and was a member of Hotchkiss BPOE #1807 for 47 years, serving in many capacities. He was active in the North Fork Snowmobile Club and was an avid Broncos and NASCAR fan. He is survived by two sons, Slide (Trezjna) of Austin and Kyle (Jodi) of Grand Junction; grandsons, Ryan (Leah) and Justin (Jackie); greatgrandchildren, Urban, Bricklynn and Nicholas; brothers, Richard (Carolyn) and Russell Pearce; and a sister, Susan (Ayer) and Ed Rozman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; sister, Mary Ann; and brothers, Gordon, Guy and Ron. Funeral services were held Sept. 8 at Hotchkiss Elementary School, followed by a reception at the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Fork Ambulance Association, PO Box 127, Hotchkiss, CO 81419, or to the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge #1807, PO Box 81, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

��

Karey Ann Wagler

Karey Ann Wagler died Aug. 30, 2018, at the age of 48. She was laid to rest in the Paradox Cemetery on Sept. 8. She was born in Grand Junction Aug. 23, 1970, to Jim and Tibby (Swain) Hiett. She attended Nucla High School and Delta High School. On July 1, 2001, she married Blake Wagler in Paradox. She was primarily a homemaker who also worked in sales and as a waitress and school cook. She rode on ranches punching cows and rehabilitating race horses. She was a rock collector and an artist in many mediums, including the food she cooked. Her husband was a pastor and she supported him and her church with faithful devotion. She is survived by her husband, Blake; three children, Madeline, Jubal and Katherine; her mother, Tibby Davis; two stepchildren, Tiffany and Aaron; four half brothers and sisters; and extended family. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jerry Seale

Longtime Surface Creek area resident Gerald D. “Jerry” Seale died Sept. 4, 2018, at Community Hospital in Grand Junction. He was 82. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Mr. Seale was born May 12, 1936, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Mae (Daniels) and Jack Seale. He spent his childhood in Wyoming and Colorado. He graduated from East High School. On Feb. 18, 1962, he married Betty Stalnecker in Las Vegas, Nev. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of Ute Trails Car Club, Delta Street Rodders, Black Canyon Car Club of Montrose, Wilson Head American Legion Post #97 in Paonia and NSRA. He was a lifetime member of NRA and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He enjoyed classic cars, gun shows, fishing and four-wheeling. He is survived by his wife, Betty Seale of Grand

Junction; daughter, Bonnie (Jeff) Curtis of Delta; sister, Geraldine Johnson of Portland, Ore.; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by twin sons, Bryan in 2007 and Bruce in 2012. Memorial contributions may be made to Ute Trails Car Club, 61272 Hillsdale Drive, Montrose, CO 81401. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Darlene Keeton

Darlene Yvonne Keeton died Sept. 7, 2018. She was 62. She was born in Olathe to Clyde and Lorraine Lewis on Feb. 27, 1956. She spent her childhood and attended school in Olathe. On April 7, 1969, she was baptized by her grandfather into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn; she remained a lifelong and faithful member. On Nov. 3, 1972, she married Mark Branham at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn of Delta. They had three children and shared 32 years of marriage before his death on April 8, 2005. On March 24, 2007, she married David Keeton of Vici, Okla. They enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles and four-wheeling in the mountains. Mrs. Keeton was a very proud mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and designed her own cookbook titled, “From the Kitchen of Grandma Darlene.” She also enjoyed sewing; for Christmas 2015, she made 19 handmade quilts for her family. She also enjoyed planning special family events, sharing her faith with others and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 11 years, David Keeton of Montrose; daughter, Angie (Joe) Chapman of Montrose; son, Shawn Branham of Vici, Okla; 16 grandchildren; two sisters; two brothers; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Mark Branham; and one son, Jeremiah. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at The General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Delta, with interment to follow at Pea Green Cemetery. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Victor Hansford

��

Victor Eugene (Bruderer) Hansford died Sept. 2, 2018, under hospice care. He was 75. He was born in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 1943, to Victor and Betty Joe Bruderer. After his mother remarried, his last name became Hansford. He spent his childhood and attended school in Fairfield, Calif., where he graduated from Armijo High School. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a sonar technician on the USS Blueback 581

Delta County Independent

submarine. After receiving a medical discharge, he returned to Fairfield, Calif., and married Roberta Mogel. They had three children and divorced. He moved to Manassas, Va., to work for IBM and married his second wife, Bobbi Watson. They had three children together. Mr. Hansford retired to Cedaredge where he enjoyed playing golf and working in his wood shop making unique crafts that he sold locally. He is survived by his wife, Bobbi; sons, Christopher, Gregory, Robert, Nathan, Matthew and Anthony; and 16 grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Mesa VFW Post #9221, PO Box 302, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

On April 18, 1947, he married Elaine Maki in Rock Springs, Wyo. They shared 63 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Feb. 26, 2010, in Delta. Mr. Caresia worked for the U.S. Forrest Service as a mechanic. After retiring, he drove a school bus for the Delta School District 50J for many years. He was a former member of the Durango Elks Lodge. He enjoyed everything and helping people. For the past 35 years, his church was his main interest and he had served a mission for it. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Miller of Delta; brother-in-law, Richard Maki (whom he raised); brother, Jack Caresia of Burley, Idaho; and one granddaughter, Natasha Miller. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Patricia Brown

Patricia A. Brown of Paonia died Sept. 7, 2018, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 77. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Paonia Christian Fellowship. Patricia Ann Corry was born Aug. 19, 1941, to Edward and Augusta (Holsconn) Corry in Chicago, Ill. She spent her childhood and attended schools in Chicago and Fullerton, Calif., graduating from Fullerton High School in 1958. She obtained her cosmetology degree from Riverside College in 1960. On Aug. 29, 1959, she married William Brown Jr. in Anaheim, Calif. The Browns moved to Paonia 19 years ago from Lake Montezuma, Ariz. Mrs. Brown enjoyed sewing, decorating, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William “Bill” Brown Jr. of Paonia; son, Steven (Deena) Brown of Prescott, Ariz.; daughter, Janet Wiens of Fruita; brothers, Thomas Corry of Las Vegas, Nev., and Donny (Kathy) Corry of Reno, Nev.; sister, Sandra (Jack) Day of Las Vegas, Nev.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Dawn Brown. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com.

Eugene Caresia

Eugene William Caresia of Delta died Sept. 2, 2018, at his home. He was 92. Funeral services were held Sept. 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ Latterday Saints in Delta, with Bishop Christian Johnson officiating. He was born on April 7, 1926, in Rock Springs, Wyo., to Constanta Guido and Victoria (Crump) Caresia. He went to school in Reliance, Wyo. and graduated high school there in 1944.

Ida May Bailey

Ida May Halbrooks Bailey died Sept. 6, 2018. She was 93. She was born in Lark, Texas, on July 17, 1925, and is preceded in death by her brother and five sisters. The family moved to Hotchkiss to escape the Dust Bowl in Texas. She was married to Ernest Bailey for 73 years. They had a daughter, Donna; and three sons, Gary, Randy and Danny; nine grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.

Irene Morris

Cedaredge resident Irene Morris died Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at the HopeWest Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 75. A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. Please bring any art of Irene’s that you would like to display. Potluck and wine will be served in the auditorium. Irene A. Lozano was born Oct. 2, 1942, to Henry and Mary (Hernandez) Lozano in Pittsburg, Calif. She spent her childhood in Pittsburg and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1960. On June 23, 1961, she married Donald Morris in Pittsburg. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before his death on Feb. 5, 2018. They were residents of Cedaredge for the past 25 years. The owner of Designs of the IAM, Mrs. Morris was an artist who worked with beads and wire wrap. She enjoyed cats and all animals. She is survived by two sons, Steven Morris of Washington, D.C., and James Morris of Redmond, Ore.; a brother, Emil Lozano of Los Angeles, Calif.; two grandchildren, Jeena Morris of Cedaredge and Justin Morris of Seattle, Wash.; and a great-grandson, Zaydin Schantz of Cedaredge. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

further information, please call Grace at 303654-0807 or Henry at 970-749-0641.

Laurie Stahly

Mary Woodruff

A celebration of life service will be held for Mary Woodruff on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Hotchkiss Senior Citizens Center, 276 Main Street, Hotchkiss. Mary Woodruff was a longtime resident of Hotchkiss and a former high school teacher. For

Laurie Arlene Etter Clauson Stahly died July 16, 2018, at San Juan Living Center in Montrose. She was 55. She was born May 6, 1963, to Larry and Arlene (Burh) Etter in Colorado Springs. She spent most of her childhood in Rifle and graduated from Rifle High School. She attended Delta-Montrose Vocational Technical School (Technical College of the Rockies), and earned an associate degree in nursing. She worked as an LPN for many years on the Western Slope. She married Bobby

��

Clauson, who preceded her in death. On Aug. 4, 2002, she married Norman Stahly. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Norman Stahly of Montrose; son, Wesley Clauson of Montrose; daughters, Stacie Brown and Victoria Stahly, both of Montrose; brothers, Doran Etter of Eckert, Fred Etter of Eagle and Greg Etter of Grand Junction; sister, Evelyn Monckton of Denver; and four grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 22, at Cedaredge Town Park. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory in Montrose is handling the arrangements.

��

Diaper run to benefit Pregnancy Resource Center

Car show planned Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1290 A Street in Delta, will host its eighth annual car show Sunday, Sept. 23, from noon to 3 p.m. Registration will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $20, with trophies to be awarded for the best cars in seven categories. The event will also include live music, a bounce house and a $5 pulled pork lunch. All proceeds go to youth camp. To register, call the church at 874-9497.

��

The Christian Motorcycle Association is sponsoring a diaper run to benefit the Pregnancy Resource Center Saturday, Sept. 22. Riders will start at TJ Cycles & Offroads, 1520 Bluff Street in Delta, then make a few more stops before ending up at the Pregnancy Resource Center, 523 Dodge Street, around 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Families are invited to join the fun and have their photos taken with costumed Marvel characters. Milk shakes will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to support the new and expectant mothers served by the Pregnancy

Resource Center. Look for more details in next week’s issue of the DCI or call the Pregnancy Resource Center at 874-5733.

Sunset Mesa families plan gathering Those affected by the investigation into the operation of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors are invited to a gathering at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Confluence Park in Delta. For more information, call Debbie Schum at 970-234-8056.

��

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

��

�

��

C8 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

PEOPLE

Members to vote on change to DMEA articles of incorporation Members of DeltaMontrose Electric Association have an important decision to make this fall: the co-op has asked them to approve amended and restated Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation together form the founding document of DMEA. The DMEA board is proposing important changes to these articles that will allow the co-op to operate under Article 56, also called the Colorado Cooperative Act. This newer Colorado cooperative law gives DMEA more flexibility, including with financing options. DMEA turns 80 years old this year, and the board believes these proposed articles prepare

the co-op for the next 80 years. “DMEA is a forwardthinking and innovative cooperative,” explained Jason Bronec, DMEA CEO. “Our goal with these changes is to make sure our governing document, the articles, lets us pursue those forward-thinking and innovative ideas. The proposed articles are modernized, streamlined, and would take advantage of Article 56, giving co-ops the ability to issue capital stock to investors. So, rather than relying on traditional loans or member equity (rates) to finance our projects, DMEA would also be able to secure funds by issuing stock. “But even under the new articles, members — and only members — will be able to vote in DMEA elections. And only members will be able to sit on the DMEA board.” Members are encouraged to read the information statement that will arrive with their ballot There will be a low cost and visit www.dmea.com/ dog vaccination clinic in Cedaredge on Saturday, Sept. 29. It will be held in Cedaredge Town Park from 1 to 4 p.m. This is not a spay/neuter clinic. Dog owners can receive There are limited venrabies vaccination for dor spots available for $10; DHPP for $10. the 2018 Applefest being Get the Cedaredge held Oct. 6-7. Town License for your “We listened to feeddog for $10 for spayed/ back from our communeutered animals, or $50 nity and are happy to for intact animals. announce this year we are Call the Cedaredge offering different rates Police Department at 970- for vendors,” said Alisha 856-4301 for information. Komives, executive direcThis will be the eighth tor of the Cedaredge Area semi-annual clinic hosted Chamber of Commerce. by the police department “We have a few rate since the program began options for Cedaredge in 2014. Area Chamber of Com-

Low cost vaccination clinic set for Sept. 29

voteyes to read a full copy of the proposed Articles of Incorporation and review the frequently asked questions. DMEA will also hold a set of informational town hall meetings in September, including: Sept. 12 — at Delicious Orchard, 39126 Highway 133, Hotchkiss. Presentation starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 — at Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Road. Presentation starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 14 — at DMEA Headquarters, 11925 6300 Road, Montrose. Presentation starts at 5 p.m. Members will be asked to cast their votes on the proposed changes this fall. Mail-in ballots will arrive in late September. Mail-in ballots must be received by Oct. 12, or members may drop off ballots or vote in person at the special meeting of members on Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at DMEA headquarters, 11925 6300 Road, Montrose. “This is a complex

Vendor applications available for Applefest merce members, youth organizations, and local Delta County residents and businesses.” Vendors can locate the applications at www. CedaredgeChamber.com; on Facebook at Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce; or by stopping by the chamber office at 245 W. Main Street, Cedaredge. Please feel free to contact the office at 970-8566961 with any questions.

topic. I encourage our members to reach out and ask questions so they can make informed votes. If these changes pass, DMEA remains your member-owned coop. We’re still accountable to you. But, in order to remain a competitive, reliable, and cost-effective co-op, we ask you to vote yes,” said Bronec. DMEA is a rural electric cooperative serving approximately 33,000 residential, commercial and industrial meters, on more than 3,000 miles of power lines. DMEA has been powering the lives of its members since 1938 with the mission to energize and serve our communities. Learn more about the value of cooperative membership at www.dmea.com or by calling 877-687-3632.

Police agent Christopher Bacon of the Lakewood Police Department was honored as Officer of the Year by the Colorado Association of Robbery Investigators at its recent annual conference in Vail. Agent Bacon was instrumental in identifying and apprehending two suspects who had committed a string of armed robberies at King Soopers grocery stores in the metro Denver area. On his own initiative, Bacon spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used by the suspects and developed probable cause for a traffic stop, during which he was able to identify the two men, both of whom had lengthy felony records. During the traffic stop, he observed items inside the vehicle matching the description of items used

IN THE NEWS

by the suspects in the store robberies. Without alerting the suspects to his suspicions, he cited them for the traffic violations and allowed them to depart. He provided the information developed during the traffic stop to Lakewood PD detectives, who were able to secure a search warrant for the suspects’ residence, resulting in their arrest. The suspects remain in jail awaiting trial on 11 counts each of armed robbery. Agent Bacon was also recognized with the Chief ’s Commendation at the Lakewood PD’s annual awards program for his efforts in the case. Bacon is a graduate of Cedaredge High School and the University of Northern Colorado. He is the son of George and Starla Bacon of Cedaredge.

Author to sign life-changing book at Cedaredge Library Lauren Archibeque will sign copies of her book, “Be Nice and Get What You Really Want,” at the Cedaredge Library Thursday, Sept. 13, at 4:30 p.m. At a time when more and more people seem to be willing to be confrontational, this book arrives to encourage civil behavior in all circumstances. Not for the reasons you think, but to move yourself forward to the things you say you want and to achieve what you know you deserve. There is a common belief that nice guys finish last. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nice guys finish

first with a ton of cheerleaders celebrating with you. Lauren Archibeque has been on a journey of self-discovery and personal development for decades. Her passion is moving people forward, toward what it is they really want. She is an accomplished personal growth advisor working with both private clients and groups. In addition to her many coaching certifications, she is also a Richard Bandler certified master NLP practitioner and trainer. Western Colorado stole her heart many years ago and she is excited to be

back for a short tour. She lived in Palisade and DeBeque before relocating to Arizona. Copies of “Be Nice and Get What You Really Want” will be available at the Cedaredge Library.

Olathe High School

HOMECOMING 2018 Members of the Class of 2020 proudly wave the Jolly Roger, the ﬂag traditionally ﬂown to identify a pirate ship about to attack.

A parade wouldn’t be a parade without a marching band.

Crowned king and queen during halftime festivities were Dominique Gonzalez and Myrisa Mitchell.

The seniors create Homecoming memories.

The signature FFA colors of blue and gold mirror Olathe’s school colors.

Dominating defense propelled the Olathe Pirates to a convincing 49-0 Homecoming win over the Center Vikings.

Classifieds

September 12, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

��

Help Wanted

��

Help Wanted

��

Help Wanted BESTCELLULAR.COM is growing nationwide & adding more team members to its Grand Junction and Hotchkiss locations. Must be able to multi-task in a fast paced environment, be punctual, & have reliable transportation to both locations. No prior experience necessary but basic computer skills, a willingness to learn & an attention to detail are required. Must be able to pass random drug testing. Best Cellular is an American owned & operated prepaid wireless phone company. Our goal is not only to provide the Best phone service & the Best customer service but also the Best employment experience as well. Part/ Full-time available. Bring in a resume to the Hotchkiss Store and introduce yourself! For any questions, please call Best Cellular Customer Service at 970-549-2378. (3x36)

� �� TODAY

Help Wanted BOLINGER AND QUEEN is now accepting employment application in Hotchkiss for a full-time inside sales position. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and be able to work and communicate with a wide range of people. Applications can be picked up at 32874 J Rd. in Hotchkiss. For questions call 970-872-3371. (2x36)

THE DELTA AREA CHAMber of Commerce (DACC) is seeking a dynamic, energetic, charismatic individual with office and event planning experience. DACC strives to represent, advocate and encourage the development of businesses, as well as the community of Delta. This position is part-time and may move to full time. This position will require some evening and weekend work depending on events and Director scheduling. Wage: $14.00 – 15.00 HUNTING GUIDE WANT- / per hour DOE. To apply ed for 1st rifle season pos- please pick up application / sible more. Contract help 6 detailed job description at days work $200 a day for the DACC Office at 301 Main experienced guides. NFS Street, Delta. Please submit permit. Call 970-739-0888. your cover letter, application (2x36) and resume by 5:00 p.m. on 9/26/2018. DACC is an LOOKING FOR QUALITY equal opportunity employemployees? Advertise here er. (2x37) in the DCI Classifieds. 8744421. SUBSCRIBE 874-4421.

��

�

��

� ��

��

Classified Ads can fit any budget.

Call 874-4421

for one of our ad representatives to help with your advertising needs.

D2 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Help Wanted ��

FULL-TIME JOB OPENings for laborers installing prefabricated water tanks and dry storage silos nationwide - travel is required. No experience necessary. Must be able to pass a drug screen. Per diem and lodging provided. Please email inquiries and resumes to: MCTSpagosa@outlook. com or contact Luis at 970417-6432. (4x35)

Miscellaneous

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted THE ABRAHAM CONnection Homeless Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the needs of hungry and homeless men, women and families in Delta County, is hiring three positions: intake coordinator and two night shift positions. All positions are part time, seasonal and temporary, running from 11/1/18 - 4/30/19. Full job descriptions and an employment application can be found online at www.deltaabrahamconnec tion.org. (3x37)

Auctions

��

TYPES OF ITEMS FOR SALE: Shipping Containers Bobcat 225 Miller Welder ’75 Ford Truck ’95 F-250 Powerstroke Quality Steel Work Benches Air Compressors Water Pumps Generators Fence Panels Chain Saws Craftsman 12” Band Saw 3 ½ Ton Floor Jacks Lumber Banding Set Tools Water Cannons & Irrigation Frost Free Hydrants Water Heaters Saddles & Tack Indoor Single Stall Stable Livestock Feeders Water Tanks Vintage Triumph Motorcycle Engines & Parts AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

Yard Sales THURSDAY, FRIDAY SATurday, Sept. 13-14-15, 8 to 3. Delta wood lathe, cherry wood twin beds with mattress and bedding, antique rolltop desk, end of season pricing on lots of stuff. Offers welcome. 19850 2325 Road, Cedaredge. (1x37) GIANT MOVING SALE, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15 and 16. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 315 Leon Street, Delta. Something for everyone. (1x37)

Auctioneer: Earl Reynolds

Public Service

Questions? Call Mitch Hart (970) 201-3347

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: 874- THE DELTA COUNTY 2165. Delta County Health Independent runs these items as a public service Department. (4x34) free of charge for non-profit THE KINGS TABLE SOUP organizations, if no fees are Kitchen needs egg cartons. charged. However, each If you have any to give group is asked to please please call 250-6637 and we keep them current by calling 874-4421. will pick up.

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.

��

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

Auctions

��

2005 BORN FREE 26RSB Class C motor home for sale by owner. Sleeps 4, generator, satellite, kitchen, dinette, bathroom/shower, super clean, many improvements. $26,900. Call 970596-8193. (3x36)

Miscellaneous

Auctions

��

Recreational Vehicles

Colorado Statewide �� Network

��

Auctions

Delta County Independent

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.

www.facebook.com/events/ 3805562324811000 ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org

AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Church, 145 W. 5th St., conGolf with a fun group of tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 ladies. Two membership or Shirley 970-323-5067. options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies SUPPORT THE DELTA golf.com. Get to know us Library. Give a gently used on Facebook at “cedar book in the Downstairs edgeladiesgolfclub” Book Store.

��

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

FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant women in Delta County can now get help to quit smoking and get something they can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta County Health Department at 874-2165 or your local physician.

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. 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. CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the Delta Library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Library. NARCOTICS ANONYmous meets at 9th and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker. HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support groups. Please call our office at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: AlAnon, Mondays at Noon, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-2108090 or Marjorie 970-4331856.

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 AARP DRIVER SAFETY areas. If you are interested, Course. Save on insurance, please contact Volunteer keep up on newer traffic Coordinator, Barbara Hall at laws, learn defensive driv- 250-2105 for an application. ing techniques. For details and schedule contact John WOMEN ONLY AA MEETLoring (970) 856-6924 or ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal (970) 424-1778. Church, 5th & Palmer (back CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV door). regular meetings on the AMERICAN second Monday of each PAONIA month at 7 p.m. at the Legion runs a year round Veterans Building, 15th & non-perishable emergency Howard, Delta. For further food pantry. This is for the information, call Paul Carter North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252. 874-5150.

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

��

PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

�� !�"�#�� !" #!$% &� �!! '()(��$��%�� &��%��'��(�$��!)�� %��&*+ �� ,�� ,-.�* �./0)��*�� %��'��%�� %�� %��+��),)�)�-./��/��-0��1�� )�� &��%��&�%��2��)��3'*(453(��67�683,�(693�� :*''�6��36,�� ,��;,33�� (�3�5�*<3�:33=�)��( � �3'3�* (� ��(693��:*''�>3�96�3)�� " �� 1�� 2��( ��

��

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

��

D4 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

��

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

��

Delta County Independent ��

��

PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent ��

��

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

��

D6 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

PUBLIC NOTICES

��

Delta County Independent ��

��

PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent ��

��

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

��

D8 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 ��

��

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

��

Delta County Independent

��

�

��

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

� ��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

BENCHMARK ROOFING ��

970-778-9574 LICENSED • INSURED ALEX MEHDER HOTCHKISS, CO

��

Wendel’s Custom Tree Service ��

��

D10 Wednesday, September 12, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

96 years and counting! Photos by Annette Brand

Earlier this summer members and guests of the Orchard City Women’s Club gathered under the town park pavilion to ﬁll plates from a richly laden picnic table at the annual June potluck picnic. The organization has a long and rich heritage and is going strong.

BY ANNETTE BRAND

Staff Writer

omen, and several husbands, continued the legacy of Orchard City Women’s Club’s first Friday of the month meeting on Friday, Sept. 7. They met in the community room of Orchard City Town Hall where speaker Jason Cleckler, CEO of Delta County Memorial Hospital, talked with his audience about new services and new staffing at DCMH, and nationwide recognition the hospital has received over the past three years. He spoke about new collaborative agreements with other hospitals which will insure availability of a wide range of specialized services to each hospital’s community. Cleckler’s audience was attentive to all the information he provided and engaged in a lively discussion after his presentations, asking questions about specific needs, and giving compliments about personal experiences at DCMH and expressing appreciation for staff, services and Cleckler’s leadership of DCMH. After Mr. Cleckler left, those present gathered at the refreshment table and enjoyed delightful treats prepared by members of the OCWC. President Jan Gage conducted the business meeting following refreshments. The current OCWC has around 45 members. Some of the women can trace their family connections to Orchard City back five and six generations. Some recently moved in or around Orchard City. OCWC gathers for regular meetings — first Friday — at the Orchard City Town Hall, which has displayed on its walls photos and plaques relating to the history of Orchard City. Among the plaques is one for OCWC. There is a lot to learn about the history of the area on the walls of town hall. And there are small replicas of school

President Jan Gage conducts the business meeting at the September OCWC meeting. buildings where Orchard City children once attended. For regular meetings OCWC usually has a speaker. Sheriff Fred McKee has spoken to the group. And they have had presentations from the Surface Creek Ambulance District, HopeWest, and a speaker talking about longterm health insurance. There are four special meetings each year. There is a summer picnic in June and husbands are invited and attend this meeting. There is an auction in the summertime, a fundraiser. Jan Gage said, “We all clean out our closets, attics and basements, and then we buy each other’s stuff.” The public buys a lot of the stuff, also. The OCWC also uses the auction as an opportunity to encourage those coming to the auction to bring items for Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control: paper towels, bleach, a specified dog food, a specified cat food, non-clumping litter, cleaning supplies, Dawn soap, detergent, hand towels. Some of the OCWC members quilt beds for dogs and cats. OCWC holds a Thanksgiving dinner, on the first Friday of November, with turkey and all the trimmings, at Eckert Presbyterian Church in

Jason Cleckler, Delta County Memorial Hospital CE0, spoke of new programs and services, new stafﬁng and collaborative agreements with other hospitals to an interested and appreciative OCWC audience.

Hunsicker Hall. Husbands and guests are invited to this special dinner. At Christmas all the members meet at a restaurant for dinner and exchange small gifts. OCWC reaches out to several organizations to help meet their needs. The members prepared Christmas gifts for youngsters at House of Promise; made quilts for the Valor for Veterans program; and contributed to HopeWest and the Shelter Shoppe in Cedaredge. They collect and donate books to Horizons Nursing Home, Crossroads, Willow Tree, Cedaredge Library, and add books to the small sidewalk libraries in residential areas. Anyone wishing additional information about OCWC is invited to call Nome Boyd, OCWC secretary, at 8353097. OCWC through the years: In April 2002 Verna Barr, DCI staff writer, wrote a Back Page entitled Orchard City Women’s Club: 89 Years of Doing!” The following are excerpts from that feature story. Initially a group of women from Austin, Eckert and Cory met as an embroidery club. Those women decided to do more. The minutes from April 1922 note, “30 ladies met at the home of Mrs. Will Grow of Cory to form Orchard City Women’s Club with the aim to broaden culture and to improve civic and community welfare.” Within the first year they formed a committee to visit the sick, started a scholarship fund, collected and delivered canned fruit to the Delta hospital, started a “penny march” for a flower fund, and held a box-social fund raiser, “to provide a drinking fountain erected in Austin in memory of the soldier boys of the community.” Signs of the times: In 1926 Icilers refrigerators were demonstrated by the Delta County Extension Service — in 1927 some of the members attended a Singer sewing machine demonstration — members learned about Certo for jam and jelly making in 1928. We’re talking depression years here. The club provided funds to purchase food and coal to needy families. They purchased fabric and made gowns and pillowcases and

At the OCWC June picnic Scharee Atchison, left, brought a birthday cake to celebrate the birthday of her mother, Jene McPhaul, right. bought sheets, pillowcases, bath towels, washcloths, and hot water bottles for the Delta hospital. Members backed a school hot lunch program beginning in 1925. The 1940s brought a change at club meetings, as it did across the nation. ... Women knitted army sweaters. Twelve soldier kits were sent to Camp Hale. Cigarettes and stationary were collected and sent to local boys serving in the armed forces. When thank you notes were read, members noted that some letters had been censored. In the late ‘40s the club was concentrating on supporting local causes again. They helped support a Cub Scout Pack, a Boy Scout troop, donated to the Cedaredge Fire department, made more pillow cases and gowns for the hospital. Other programs were: “Aims and Purpose of Civil Defense in This Area,” “The History of the Telephone in Delta County,” including the introduction of the Eckert Coop Telephone Exchange, and “Colorado Women,” such as Baby Doe, Silver Heels and Chipeta were portrayed by

members for another educational entertaining program. 1955 was the first year that Miriam Hartig led members in a “door-to-door” campaign soliciting for the American Cancer Society. That year the women raised $108.34 in Austin, Cory Mesa, and Tongue Creek. The project grew and grew, raising thousands of dollars over the years. Their final campaign in 1995 brought $1,865.75 with an additional $1,408.00 collected by volunteers in Cedaredge. $1,000.00 from the sale of Mound school clubhouse was placed in savings at National Bank of Delta at 4 percent interest in 1964. Taken out to purchase a CD in 1974, the money was now drawing 7.5 percent interest. Adjustments were made again when that interest rate rose to 10.8 percent. All interest received was donated to Cory Cemetery. The proceeds of the sale were held for 33 years. When cashed out in 1995, $300 was donated to the Surface Creek Historical Society to enhance Pioneer Town and $1,268.81 given to Cory Cemetery to help fund the drilling of an irrigation well.

OCWC’s ofﬁcers are, from the left, Jan Gage, president; Barbara Murdock, information ofﬁcer; Adrienne Bruni, vice president; and Nome Boyd, secretary. Treasurer Darlene Johnson is not pictured.