Delta County Independent, Sept. 26, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST Mountain Harvest Festival celebrates all things local, B5-7

AN INSPIRATION

SPORTS

Volunteer cancer warriors raise funds for local beneficiaries, C2

DELTA COUNTY

RECORD-SETTING RUN Ethan Bartlett sets new mark for Paonia High School, B9

SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 39

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Sunset Mesa families share their grief BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Last Saturday afternoon over 125 people assembled at the pow wow arbor in Delta’s Confluence Park. They

gathered just southeast of the point where the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers flow together — a juncture that gives the park its name. The arbor is a collection of sturdy

Photo by Don Benjamin

Terri Reid lost her husband William in 2016. She learned from the FBI that the urn she was given does not contain her husband’s ashes. Instead, the bureau found paperwork indicating that his whole body was sold and shipped to a yet to be discovered location where it may have been harvested for research.

gnarled tree trunks standing on end in a rough circle. Above the trunks, loose weathered branches interlace to form a rustic outdoor meeting area. No roof, just a web of wood open to the bright September sun. In the past the arbor has hosted music concerts and Ute tribal ceremonies. Last Saturday, like the nearby juncture of two rivers, the arbor channeled two converging streams — one a growing stream of horrific facts and the other a tumbling stream of raw emotions. Many of the participants were meeting one another for the first time. They had “met” on social media, linked through a closed Facebook group, connected by a common thread of communal tragedy. For nearly two hours, people young and old walked to a microphone and shared memories of deceased friends, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and grandparents. They spoke as survivors who had already mourned a death and as continuing sufferers whose grief has been extended by what they allege are betrayals of their trust. They spoke of loved ones left in the care of Sunset Mesa — a funeral home, now closed, that once operated in Montrose. They spoke of loved ones allegedly abused after death and

of their anguish about the uncertain disposition of bodies and cremated ashes. It was hot — 88 degrees — as Debbie Schum of Hotchkiss, one of the organizers of the assemblage, took the microphone. She spoke in memory of her close friend, a woman first lost to death then caught up in a growing postmortem controversy. “People say don’t obsess over this,” Schum said as she addressed the group halfway through the informal meeting, “Obsession is a little tiny thing that you focus on. This isn’t a tiny thing. It’s an overwhelming and consuming thing. It’s horrifying. No one had our permission to do this. None of us would have agreed to these grotesque things.” She paused then, unable to find words. Finally she continued with help from other organizers who joined her in reading aloud the names of deceased persons whose families could not be present. During the afternoon meeting, more than two dozen friends and family members spoke of their loved ones. Another three dozen names were read from cards. And, according to event organizers, those 60 or so names represent just the tip of a very large iceberg. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now gathering evidence involving Sunset Mesa Directors and Donor

Services and the businesses’ owner/operator, Megan Hess. Without citing sources, the organizers of Saturday’s meeting allege that the bureau has recovered and is examining the remains of 850 decedents. According to organizers, 50 of the decedents are being studied at the U.S. Marine base in Quantico, Va., while another 800 are being housed at Colorado Mesa University. In February 2018 state regulators shut down Sunset Mesa and began a hearing on nine formal complaints lodged against the Montrose-based funeral operation. The complaints stretched as far back as 2014. Eventually regulators leveled 13 accusations against Sunset and Hess and forbade the business and its owner from ever reapplying to operate a funeral home or crematorium in the state. Some of the most serious accusations, which Hess denied, were that Sunset Mesa harvested and sold human body parts without the knowledge or permission of surviving families and that cremains (cremated ashes) returned to families were either non-human substances, such as cement, or possibly remains of someone other than the deceased. That same month, the FBI began asking families who believed they had been SUNSET MESA TO A3

Joint candidate forum scheduled Delta County Colorado Republican and Democratic County Committees will jointly present the 2018 Delta County election candidate forum at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Tuesday, Oct. 2, featuring candidates from both parties. The public is encouraged to attend this free event. In a totally bipartisan effort, this forum will bring together Delta County and state Legislature candidates from both parties to answer questions from the moderator regarding issues of interest to all citizens of Delta County, the Western Slope, and the state of Colorado. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the forum beginning promptly at 6:30. The moderator will be Eric Goold of KVNF Radio, Paonia. To give all candidates equal time, no questions will be allowed from the floor. Candidates will be available for questions from attending voters after the forum. Democratic committee chairman David Jacobson stated, “I hope this political forum can be an example to the rest of the country of what can be accomplished when Democrats and Republicans put aside their bias and simply see each other as people.” Republican committee chairman Roger Bentley said, “Many hours of arduous men-

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................. D10 Business .......................A10 Church ............................C7 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-8 North Fork Times ........B1-7 Obituaries .................. A7-8 School Zone ............... A5-6 Service Directory ........ D9 Sports ........................B8-10 Surface Creek News ...C1-6 TV Listings ..................C4-5

tal linguistics brought the Delta County Democrat and Republican Central Committees to conclusions regarding this voter information forum. Over 50 questions from the public were compiled for the contested offices that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. The intent of our work and this forum is to give interested voters an opportunity to learn about these candidates. We are excited about the format that we have assimilated, and we invite everyone to attend.” Candidates expected to attend the Oct. 2 forum include: House District 54 — Thea Chase, unaffiliated; Matt Soper, R. House District 61 — Mike Mason, R; Julie McCluskie, D. Senate District 5 — Olen Lund, R; Kerry Donovan, D. Delta County commissioner, District 1 — Dick Gilmore, D; Mike Lane, R. Delta County clerk and recorder — Stacy Lowe, D; Teri Stephenson, R. County offices of treasurer, assessor, coroner and sheriff will also be filled in the November election, but each of those races is uncontested. The hope is to wrap up questions and answers in about an hour and a half, leaving time for the candidates to discuss issues informally with interested voters.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Debbie Schum (center) uses a portable microphone to introduce mourners who came forward to address a gathering of families who allege they were victimized by Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors and Donor Services, a Montrose funeral home which was closed by state regulators earlier this year. Schum and others organized the meeting using Facebook contacts.

Two die of apparent gunshot wounds; no suspects sought BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Joshua George, 26, and Jonathan Alonzo, 27, both of Delta, have been identified as the two men found dead in the roadway near L and 3100 roads outside of Hotchkiss early Sunday morning. Delta County coroner Lance Boren provided identification, but the cause of death is pending

the results of autopsies. The two men were found lying in the road at 3 a.m. Sunday morning by a woman headed to work. Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee says the two individuals, described as friends, died of apparent gunshot wounds. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is assisting sheriff ’s investigators with the inci-

dent, which was initially reported on social media as an officer-involved shooting. No law enforcement personnel were involved in the incident, and the sheriff ’s office is not actively searching for any suspects, Sheriff McKee reports. A vehicle belonging to one of the deceased men was towed from the scene.

Party headquarters open

Food for Thought awarded $25,000

The Delta County Republican Party has established a campaign headquarters at 428 Main Street in Delta. September hours are 2 to 6 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. In October, hours will be expanded to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondayFriday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Those hours will be maintained through Election Day on Nov. 6. The Delta County Democrats have located their headquarters in Paonia, in the Harvester Building at 211 Grand Avenue. Volunteers will staff the office daily through Election Day. Local Democrats gather every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. for a potluck dinner, and every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. for call parties.

Willyn Webb, executive director of Vision Charter Academy, announced Tuesday morning that the Food For Thought program is the recipient of a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant. She expressed appreciation to all who voted for the program over a 10-day period. “Every vote made a difference; we were successful in a very tight competition.” “Thank you to State Farm Neighborhood Assist and our local agents for such an amazing opportunity and their support,” she added. Food for Thought will be sustainable, with other fundraising and food drive efforts, for two more years as a result of the $25,000. Webb said 100 percent of the money will be spent on food for kids. Vision Charter Academy Food for Thought currently serves the Delta and Cedaredge schools with an average of 300 bags of weekend food delivered to recipients each week. “We would like to also serve the other county schools and this grant makes that possible!” Webb said.

A2 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Which candidate will truly represent us? Dear Editor: On Sept. 9, the Crawford Area Indivisibles hosted what was hoped to be a debate between U.S. Congressional Candidate Diane Mitsch Bush and incumbent Scott Tipton. Crawford Area Indivisible believes citizens who are informed about candidates and issues are more likely to vote and, additionally, to vote with full knowledge of the political positions of the person for whom they are voting. All 60 people present at Hotchkiss High School that afternoon received a stunningly valuable education from

the dynamic, smart, experienced and wellinformed Diane Mitsch Bush. I don’t know of one person who left Hotchkiss High School that afternoon who felt that Mitsch Bush would not work for us: for our health care and for the protection of public lands with all her might. Diane Mitsch Bush would work for the repeal of the regressive provisions of the Trump Tax Bill that benefit only the wealthy and burden our children with punishing debt. She would invest in up to date infrastructure projects for clean water, broadband, tran-

Dear Editor: I attended one of DMEA’s local meetings regarding the upcoming vote in October and have read all of the documents provided by DMEA at the meeting. DMEA’s representatives spoke mostly about the positive aspects a “yes” vote would have on DMEA. But there was not much talk about the negative aspects. I’m not an expert in the electric co-op world, nor am I an accountant, so I decided to attempt to educate myself and weigh the pros and cons. In addition to the informational documents provided by DMEA, I also visited the websites from other electric co-ops who are studying their options for a Tri-State buyout. What I’ve learned is a “yes” vote will give the DMEA board more flexible financing options by letting the board issue up to 1,000,000 shares of capital stock to investors, including non-member investors, and will allow the board to set the terms and the amount of dividends that would be paid to those investors. DMEA states that with this new financing option it can consider additional investments, power supply alternatives and more local generation. Basically a “yes” vote will allow the DMEA board to find a third-party power supplier to finance a buyout of DMEA’s existing contract with Tri-State, without the approval of all DMEA members. The board believes this additional financing could stabilize or possibly reduce member electric rates in the long term, but there are unknown risks and there is NO guarantee that rates would not increase. Currently, DMEA raises capital by raising electric rates or through cooperative loans. DMEA says that “loans are classified as ‘liabilities’ while stock is classified as ‘equity,’ and this difference matters for DMEA’s finances.” Well, I’m not an accountant, but a loan is a loan, no matter whether you classify it as a “liability” or if you classify it as an “equity” on your financial statements. DMEA also states that they’re not aware of any electric cooperative that has issued capital stock to non-members, but like any other cutting edge transaction, issuing capital stock to non-mem-

DELTA COUNTY

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bers could pose unknown risks. Currently, both United Power (Brighton), and Poudre Valley REA (Fort Collins) are studying the issue of withdrawing from their contract with Tri-State. La Plata Electric (Durango), another Tri-State member, studied their withdrawal options and decided not to proceed with a buyout of their contract because “the buyout costs would be substantial and they projected that it could raise their members’ rates by 1.5 cents/KWh”. In 2016, Kit Carson Electric (New Mexico) bought out of their contract with Tri-State. Kit Carson found a third-party power provider (Guzman Energy) to finance their buyout. After the buyout, Kit Carson proceeded building and installing solar arrays, became an internet provider, lost their largest commercial customer (mine closed), and increased their members’ electric rates. Sadly they are now over $100 million in debt and are unable to meet their current mandatory financial obligations. Perhaps Kit Carson Electric’s buyout would be different than what DMEA is proposing, but there are many questions the DMEA board should answer or address prior to any “yes” vote. Therefore, I’ll be casting a “no” on my ballot because of the following uncertainties. The uncertainty of the unknown costs of a Tri-State buyout, the unknown costs associated with a thirdparty power provider, the unknown costs associated with transmission/distribution lines the thirdparty power provider would need, the unknown cost for the dividends that would be paid on the capital stock and where the money comes from to pay the dividends, the uncertainty of not being able to guarantee that our rates would stay the same, or go up or go down.

Voters, beware of Prop. 112 Dear Editor: Private property rights, good paying jobs, public education funding and our country’s energy independence are under attack yet again all because out-of-state activists are using Colorado as their guinea pig once again. Proposition 112 (formerly known as Initiative 97) is a 2,500 foot (that’s a half-mile) setback that will essentially ban oil and gas in our state — exactly the goal of these activists. This proposition will wipe out oil and gas production in 85 percent of our state and 99 percent of non-federal lands in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. Did you know the oil and gas industry provides an annual economic impact of $32 billion in our state? That translates to huge tax implications for

You can protect your families with your vote Dear Editor: As a frequent vacation visitor to Delta County and the North Fork Valley who comes most years to camp, visit your towns and enjoy the fresh air, water and natural beauty of your area, I have a deep interest in the outcome of the BLM land auction issue. I applaud the people of Delta County and Paonia in particular for doing the right things. The Delta County Board of Commissioners is being encouraged to say no to the BLM plans. The Paonia trustees are drafting a letter to the BLM point-

sit systems and renewable energy. It was disappointing that those present could not get a measure of Mr. Tipton’s positions on any of these issues. What was even more concerning than the no-show from Mr. Tipton, however, is that Mr. Tipton and his staff never even responded to the 11 attempts made to invite him to participate in the “debate.” It is more than ironic that Scott Tipton, Congressional District 3’s REPRESENTATIVE to Congress does not make an effort to truly Dear Editor: represent us. Your front page article Elena Goldstein (9/17) reported the disenCrawford franchisement expressed by North Fork residents at a recent meeting of the Delta County Commissioners. The comments I’ll also be casting a by the commissioners “no” on my ballot because themselves underscored of the following concerns. that disenfranchisement. I reviewed DMEA’s For example, Commisannual financial reports. sioner Atchley emphaUnfortunately, the 2018 sized twice that the BLM annual report has not parcels above the Paonia had been yet been made public. In Reservoir looking over the reports, pulled from the proposed the long term debt con- December sale. That is tinues to rise. In the 2017 not what a review of the report, the long term debt BLM document updated was $90.8 million vs. on 8/30/2018, reveals $71.0 million in the 2015 (http://eplanning.blm.gov report, a 27.8 percent - N040-2018). Those parincrease in two years. I cels are still included in also noted in the annual reports a net operating loss of over $4 million for DMEA Utilities Services (which I’m assumDear Editor: ing includes “Elevate”). Scott Schaible leaves In the April 24, 2018 out an interesting senboard minutes, the board tence in the Colorado approved an emergency School Safety Resource line of credit with CFC Center (CSSRC) docu(amount unknown). On ment that he references July 24, 2018, the board in his most recent letter approved a $25 million to the editor. loan facility with CFC Titled “What Parents (prior to approving this Need to Know,” the CSSRC loan, the board had a disfact sheet does indeed lay cussion about the flexibilout some alarming facts ity this loan would proabout the dangers of vide with respect to when underage marijuana confunds may be drawn). sumption. It also provides More debt ... I wonder best practices and useful what the long term debt tips for parents on how is for 2018. to talk to their kids about My final concern marijuana use. would be that if this balThe fact sheet then reflot passes, we the memerences a similar online bers, will have no say in resource that parents can any decision about withuse to address underage drawing from the Trialcohol consumption. The State contract, no say in report states, “The tool who the third-party procan be used to help previder would be, and no vent underage marijuana say in how much debt we, use in Colorado as well the members incur. The since it is a substance that board has the final say. is legal for adults but not The members will have no voice, and no vote on any of this. I can’t believe the Articles of Incorporation do not require a membership vote on Dear Editor: such an important issue. I am an unaffiliSo think long and hard ated voter and as such before you say “yes.” I I was pleased to see an think this ballot issue announcement in the DCI has been rushed and I some weeks ago about an think the DMEA board upcoming debate between owes it to the member- the candidates for the 3rd ship to provide us with a Congressional District: better understanding of Scott Tipton, incumbent; the issues and concerns, and Diane Mitsch Bush, which means also giving his opponent. The debate the members the worst was held Sept. 9 at the case scenarios. Hotchkiss High School. Nancy Kelly Even though this was Hotchkiss the opening day of the NFL season and I planned to watch my team, the Cleveland Browns play the Pittsburgh Steelers, I wasn’t going to miss Colorado. Teachers, first that debate. What betresponders, construction ter way to learn about workers, healthcare pro- the candidates than to viders and even restau- hear from them directly, rant and retail employees right? There was only one are all at risk of losing problem — Scott Tipton their jobs. The activists didn’t show up. Was he who are proposing this at a Broncos game or at law do not care, they a watch party? I was able don’t work here or live to tear myself away from here. It’s critical that we a tied Browns game, in the people of Colorado overtime, to get to the speak up and vote in the debate and he had much mid-term election to save more at stake than me. the Colorado economy, Our incumbent conto help keep our schools gressperson is hoping to funded, to keep parks and keep his job but he didn’t facilities like Las Colo- show up for his interview. I nias Park Amphitheatre viewed the debate as a job a reality, and to save jobs interview since I would be for industries far beyond selecting one of them for oil and gas. If passed, the position. The organizProposition 112 will have ers of the debate said their a huge ripple effect and multiple phone calls and will impact hardworking emails went unanswered. people like you and me. They contacted both canPlease vote no on Proposi- didates well in advance tion 112. of the debate (at least Keira Bresnahan one month in advance) Grand Junction so there was plenty of

Think carefully about your DMEA vote

Delta County Independent

ing out that letters from community groups such as Citizens for a Healthy Community, agricultural groups, the Western Slope Conservation Center and emergency responders have all been ignored. In addition to that, residents of the North Fork Valley and residents of the Roaring Fork Valley are gathering on Oct. 5 at the top of McClure Pass to have an organizing summit meeting! Impressive! I hope that stops the land auction. There is something else important that everyone can do. You can vote in the upcoming elec-

tion to protect everyone in Colorado from oil and gas encroaching on our homes, schools and hospitals. Currently fracking operations can be set up only 500 feet from an occupied building. Number 112 on the ballot if passed would require that oil and gas drilling must be at least 2,500 feet from an occupied building. This will go far to protect the oil and gas industry from drilling near our homes and communities statewide. Please vote yes on 112 to protect your families. Donna Bonetti Boulder

There’s a reason for North Fork disenfranchisement the proposal with a note about the withdrawal of the parcels above the Bowie mine. Commissioner Atchley must have confused the two sets of parcels. Commissioner Roeber, representing the North Fork Valley, acknowledged the opposing viewpoints expressed. However, he labeled citizen requests to hold off the process until the resource management plan is complete as a “dangerous path” and recommended moving ahead quickly to develop the land before community resource conflicts could be resolved. Commissioner Suppes feels that a request to

the BLM for “responsible development” is sufficient to protect a major source of agricultural water for the valley. All three commissioners voted to send a second letter to the BLM supporting the lease sales. Thank you for your reporting. Please continue shining a spotlight on our elected officials. There is an election fast approaching and we need to know when our representatives ignore or dismiss the concerns of their constituents and fail to educate themselves to consider anything outside their own narrow self-interests. Linda McCone Paonia

Don’t just ban marijuana; ban alcohol, too youth to use.” This underage alcohol website also lays out the similar dangers of underage drinking and provides similar tips for parents. This reference to underage drinking got me thinking. If opponents of marijuana want to be logically and philosophically consistent, then there is another cause they need to champion: ban all liquor stores and bars in Delta. Having these establishments in near proximity to our children is putting them at risk to the dangers of alcohol addiction. Furthermore, any tax revenue collected from these establishments is, simply put, “blood money.” So come on folks — let’s jump start the temperance movement all over again. Let’s fight to reinstate the 18th Amendment. Let’s bring back the good ol’ days of Pro-

hibition — that illustrious past of bathtub gin, moonshiners, and violent mobsters. The safety and well being of our children are depending on us to repeat history. Or, perhaps, we should realize that our double standards regarding alcohol and marijuana are ridiculous and hypocritical. All sarcasm aside, our children are only at risk if we don’t act like adults and teach them how to be responsible. The true issue at hand — and what City of Delta voters will decide on Nov. 6 — is whether we actually believe in a free marketplace or not. Marijuana prohibitionists apparently do not. Learn more and join the cause at www.facebook. com/FactsNotFearDelta. Jay Stooksberry Chair, Libertarian Party of Delta County

Diane Mitsch Bush is the clear choice for 3CD time for someone from his office to reply. How rude not to have the common courtesy to respond. This tells me that he doesn’t care about his constituents in Delta County and which is why I’ll be voting for Diane Mitsch Bush. Diane Mitsch Bush wants to move Delta County and all of the 3rd District forward; utilizing all of our natural resources responsibly and using the best available science to drive decisions. Diane wants to improve rural infrastructure: water,

transportation, energy and the internet. She supports keeping public lands public and recognizes the economic value that our public lands bring to the 3rd District. To learn more visit her website: www.DianeFor Colorado.com Thank you, Diane Mitsch Bush, for showing up to your job interview on Sept. 9. You gave an excellent interview and you made my selection very easy. Clare Hydock Delta

It’s time to replace Tipton Dear Editor: In the upcoming election for U.S. Congress, those of us on the Western Slope have the opportunity to replace Scott Tipton, who is one of Trump’s yes-men, who doubts that climate change is caused by humans, and who has reliably voted for the interests of the oil and gas companies that finance his campaigns. On the other hand, Diane Mitsch Bush does not accept corporate PAC money, relying instead on small donations from individuals. She will fight climate change by supporting jobs in renewable energy and she will help restore sanity and decency to our national leadership. She has experience working for rural

Colorado as a former two-term Routt County commissioner and former three-term state House representative where she was known for working across the aisle for evidence-based solutions. She was named Legislator of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and the Colorado Livestock Association in 2015 and by Conservation Colorado in 2017. When you meet her, you can sense her integrity, that she is one of those rare people running for office in order to be a public servant. I encourage you to do your own research, including Diane’s website: Dianefor Colorado. com. Robert Riggs Paonia

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Sunset Mesa FROM PAGE A1 victimized by Sunset Mesa to fill out a questionnaire. Most of those present at last Saturday’s Confluence Park meeting had completed the FBI questionnaire and many had been interviewed by

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the bureau. The FBI has yet to file charges against Sunset or owner/operator Hess. Following the emotional meeting, a few individuals agreed to be interviewed. These are their stories: Terri Reid of Cory lost her husband William on March 7, 2016. She found Sunset Mesa in the phone book and someone came to the trailer park where she lived to talk about services and expenses. The costs were prohibitive so she was uncertain what to do. She called Sunset to express her concern that the salesman was pressuring her and was told the funeral home could handle all the expenses for free if she agreed to a body donation. She was told they would harvest what they could, cremate the rest, and give her the ashes. When news came that the FBI was seeking input from families, she filled out the bureau’s questionnaire and was later interviewed by an agent. Reid said she was told the bureau had evidence that her husband’s body had not been cremated as promised. Paperwork indicated that his entire body had been sold and shipped out to an as yet undiscovered location. “Those are not your husband’s ashes,” the agent reportedly told her. As for the value of Saturday’s meeting at Confluence Park, Reid said, “I’m glad we could all get together and see each other’s faces. I got some comfort from hearing others’ stories. Stories are important to share when you’re hurting.” As for her hopes for the outcome of the investigation, she said, “I hope that some laws get changed. This industry is not policed well. It takes more regulations to run a restaurant than to operate one of these places.” Roy Engebretsen of Montrose died on April 3, 2016. His daughter, Ellie Young, bought a double urn from Sunset Mesa because her mother Julliette and her father had both agreed that their ashes would be joined together. “We’d been married 56 1⁄2 years,” said Julliette, “We spent our whole adult life together.” “They were literally Romeo and Julliette,” said daughter Ellie. When news stories began to surface about Sunset Mesa, the family grew concerned. Finally, they opened the urn and Ellie and her son took on the challenging task of sifting through the ashes. Among the ashes they

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Blake Field runway reconstruction begins Reconstruction of the main runway at Delta’s Blake Field began on Monday, September 10. The base of the 30-year old runway has experienced some failure that will be addressed during the construction process. Updates to the runway will include a new taxiway from the west end of the runway back to the main taxiway, as well as a new runway lighting system. The new lighting system will have high intensity edge lights and runway end identifier lights (REIL) so that Photo by Don Benjamin pilots will have better Ellie Young, whose father Roy Engebretsen died in 2016, discovered this bit of metal and a handful of other metal objects among the ashes in the urn which the family received from Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors and Donor Services. She and her mother now fear that the ashes are not Roy’s. discovered a handful of mysterious metal objects — none of which they associated with William who was, they recalled, wearing no watch or belt or jewelry and nothing with a zipper. They filled out the FBI questionnaire but have not been contacted. They have yet to have the ashes tested but both agree there is no way they’re going to consider mingling the ashes until they know for certain. The meeting organizers provided Ellie and Julliette with important contact numbers. They are grateful for these suggestions but they remain overwhelmed by the situation. “I’m astonished by what we heard today from others,” said Julliette. “I had no idea the investigation was so —.” She paused then, unable to find words to continue. “We’re just uncertain we can fulfill my parents’ wishes to be together,” said Ellie. Finally, one woman spoke on condition of anonymity. She is in touch with a lawyer regarding a legal suit and she has been cautioned not to speak to the press. Her husband died suddenly and when she was summoned to the scene, his body had already been removed. In addition to law enforcement, she found it odd that Megan Hess’ mother, Shirley Koch, was at the scene. Koch was at that time an employee of Sunset Mesa. She wanted to see her

husband but she was told that the body had been taken to the hospital and then to Sunset Mesa. When the body is ready to be presented, she was told, we’ll contact you. Eventually she met with Sunset Mesa staff, including Hess, who was very supportive and friendly. She paid for cremation and was presented with the ashes in an urn. She passed the urn on to her husband’s family and the remains were buried out of state. She had no reason to doubt Hess’ sincerity or question the services she had provided but when news began to surface regarding Sunset Mesa, she filled out the FBI questionnaire and was contacted by the bureau. She was informed that the FBI had records showing that his intact body had been frozen and shipped to Michigan. The bureau said the receiving agency had paperwork with a signature giving permission to harvest the body. The woman alleges that she never gave such permission and suspects her signature was forged. Reflecting on the Saturday meeting, the woman said she was amazed to learn that so many had been victimized. “First I heard it was a hundred people. Now I heard it’s over 800. To see this kind is pain is so sad. It hurts me that (Hess) is still out in the community. I want to tell her how much this hurts. It’s not just what she’s done to the bodies but also what she’s done to the families.”

visibility during foggy or poor weather conditions. Construction will close the main runway for approximately three months. In the meantime, Delta County Road & Bridge constructed a dirt crosswind runway this last summer that is open for use. A temporary taxiway was also constructed back to the main ramp, allowing pilots to refuel their planes or to access airplane hangars. For further information, please review airport NOTAMS or call the airport at (970) 874-5181.

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A4 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Operation Troop Bounty will wrap up Oct. 1

Operation Troop Bounty will be over Oct. 1. The operation to provide toiletries and snacks to deployed troops is jointly sponsored by Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 3571, Harry A. White American Legion Post and Auxiliary 65, and the Delta Library. The collection point is at the Delta Library, where travel size toiletries, non-chocolate snacks (such as jerky or individually wrapped crackers or cookies), non-religious books, individual drink packets (coffee, tea, koolaid, etc.) and other small items for the comfort and health of deployed servicemen and women can be dropped off. The local veterans organizations will

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package and ship these “goodies” to deployed troops serving in hazardous duty zones overseas. A travel size bottle of shampoo or stick deoderant is a common thing to the average resident of Delta, but a real luxury to the individual serving in harm’s way in the middle of nowhere. A package of instant drink mix helps mask the nasty taste of purified water, and a pack of gum helps get the taste of dust out of your mouth. The small dona-

tions from members of the community suddenly become huge treasures to the men and women of the armed service. Even a short note from home, although it may be written by a perfect stranger, can be a wonderful gift to the young troop thousands of miles away from home and family. The little things are greatly appreciated by the local veterans who pack and ship and by the troops in the field who receive such wondrous goodies.

BIRTHS Tying the knot

Christopher Bloom and Bethany Bravo of Delta are the parents of a son, Brycen Douglas Bloom, born Sept. 16, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19.25 inches in length.

Wesley and Michaela Yarnell of Crawford are the parents of a daughter, Clara Raelene Yarnell, born Sept. 18, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

Ivan and Aida Casillas of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Analeece Casillas, born Sept. 17, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 8.6 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

Byron Tyler and Nicole Hines of Delta are the parents of a son, Levi Tyler Hines, born Sept. 19, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Senior CommUnity He weighed 6 pounds, meals are served at four 7 ounces and was 19.5 dining sites in Delta inches in length. County — Cedaredge Community Center (Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday), Delta Senior Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 874-5302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through Oct. 31 follows: Monday, Oct. 1 — Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad, broccoli and cinnamon roll. Tuesday, Oct. 2 — Cheeseburger, lettuce/ onion/tomato, cucumber grape salad, baked beans and mixed fruit. Wednesday, Oct. 3 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, honeyglazed carrots, kidney bean salad, wheat roll and strawberry shortcake. Thursday, Oct. 4 — Potato-crusted cod, potato wedges, green bell pepper

Cedar Louise Wells and Jacob Henery Martin (on the left) were married July 28, 2018, at Blacktail Lodge in Kalispell, Mont. Alyssa Rose Wells and Heath Tanner Miller exchanged vows Oct. 7, 2017, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Cedar and Alyssa are the daughters of Tom Wells of Delta and Crystal McGinley and husband Ed of Burleson, Texas, and the granddaughters of LeRoy and Lillian Wells and Myra Church, all of Delta. They attended and graduated from school in Delta. The Martins live in Kalispell, Mont.; the Millers are residents of Rock Springs, Wyo.

Senior meals for October coleslaw, wheat roll and peaches. Friday, Oct. 5 — Roast pork loin, whipped sweet potatoes, capri vegetables, wheat roll and peach cobbler. Monday, Oct. 8 — Baked ham and swiss, cream of potato soup, tossed salad, green pepper, carrot and onion vegetable blend, and cherry crisp. Tuesday, Oct. 9 — Chicken enchilada casserole, black bean salad, Spanish rice, chuckwagon corn and pineapple tidbits. Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Oven-fried chicken breast, green beans, crunchy garden slaw, oven-roasted potatoes, wheat roll and honey bee ambrosia. Thursday, Oct. 11 — Roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green salad, California blend veggies, wheat roll and birthday cake. Friday, Oct. 12 — Southwest sausage and egg bake, potatoes O’Brien, peach crisp and half a fresh orange. Monday, Oct. 15 — Beef, cheese and rice burrito with green sauce, mandarin spinach salad, refried beans and churro. Tuesday, Oct. 16 — Pizza mac casserole, kidney bean salad, cranberry apple crisp and orange wedge. Wednesday, Oct. 17 — Barbecue chicken breast, baked beans, carrots and zucchini, oatmeal roll and Greek yogurt with berries. Thursday, Oct. 18 — Barbecue beef sandwich, macaroni calico salad, broccoli with cheese sauce and green sunset yogurt dessert. Friday, Oct. 19 —Lasagna, tossed salad, green beans, garlic breadstick and tropical fruit.

Monday, Oct. 22 — Italian chicken breast, fettuccine primavera, bacon ranch pea salad, garlic bread, orange wedge and chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookie. Tuesday, Oct. 23 — Beef tips with mushroom sauce over rice, tomato cucumber salad, broccoli, wheat roll and PBOK cookie. Wednesday, Oct. 24 — Sloppy joe on wheat bun, parmesan potato wedges, green bell pepper coleslaw, western corn and honey bee ambrosia. Thursday, Oct. 25 — Ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, Italian vegetable pasta salad, wheat roll, mandarin oranges and bananas. Friday, Oct. 26 — Pork and green chili stew, refried beans, Spanish rice and apple crisp. Monday, Oct. 29 — Pepperoni and beef pizza, tossed salad, zucchini, tomatoes and onions, and tropical fruit. Tuesday, Oct. 30 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, calico salad, breadstick and diced peaches. Wednesday, Oct. 31 — Ham and beans, cornbread, parsley carrots, cottage cheese and mandarin oranges, and oatmeal raisin cookie.

Check out free state parks passes Did you know that you can check out a state parks backpack with a free day use pass from your local library? Backpacks check out for one week on a first come, first served basis. Contact your local library for more information.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Holy Guardian Angels School celebrates 20th anniversary Holy Guardian Angels School is celebrating its 20-year anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. Come join the celebration at the school at 59350 Carnation Road, Olathe. Holy Guardian Angels School was founded in Delta in 1998 with two

classrooms and 14 students in kindergarten through fourth grades. Two sisters taught all subjects and grade levels. Currently, there are 38 students taught by three sisters and three teachers, along with many volunteers for grades K-12.

In 2002 the school moved to its present location in Olathe. In addition to the school, there is now a convent and a chapel. The school has always been affiliated with Saint Joseph’s Traditional Catholic Church. The guest of honor for

in the founding of Holy Guardian Angels School. She served as principal for nine years and is now mother superior of the Sisters Congregation of

this celebration is Reverend Mother Mary Agnes. She will be honored on her golden jubilee, 50 years of being a sister. She was instrumental

Mary Immaculate Queen in Spokane, Wash. Come for dinner, laughs and great memories. For more information, call 970-323-5057.

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Cache in, trash out

Holy Guardian Angels School was founded in Delta in 1998, and is now located in Olathe along with a convent and a chapel.

Cache in, trash out, a CITO event at the Fort on the Old Spanish Trail, was hosted by Karl and Katie Schwinn Sunday, Sept. 16. Geo Caching Colorado members and fort volunteers cleaned up trash alongside the walking trails and river banks around Fort Uncompahgre and picked up after Mexican Heritage Celebration at the fort. The Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center is open to the public Monday-Saturday 8-5. For more information please go to www.fortuncompahgre.org.

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL

HOMECOMING 2018 Thursday, September 27 Character Day Softball at Home vs. Montrose - 3:00 & 5:00 p.m. Soccer at Home vs. Roaring Fork - 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. Volleyball at Home vs. Aspen - 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.

Friday, September 28 Panther Pride Day - wear your Panther Colors! Cross Country at Home (Sweitzer Lake) - 10:00 a.m. Homecoming Games - 12:20-1:30 p.m. Assembly - 1:30-3:30 p.m. Football at Home vs. Aspen - 7:00 p.m. with FFA selling Desserts, Warm Drinks and Face Painting; Climbing Wall available and Marching Band Performance, Crowning of Royalty and Lighting of Torch during halftime

Saturday, September 29 Colo. West Marching Band Competition in Grand Junction at Stocker Stadium - All Day Homecoming Dance - 8:00-11:00 p.m.

! S R E H PANT

We are proud to support the Delta Panthers! ��

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency 270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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A6 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Voya Financial honors Delta teacher with $2,000 grant

Photo submitted

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Sept. 19. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are (back row, left to right) Evan Parker, Keagyn Sharkey (diligence), Noah Kehmeier (respect), Lisette Cansigno (service), Joseph Sanville (responsibility), Owen Beilfuss (honesty), Blu Wills (caring); (middle row) Isabella Lopez, Lupita De Anda (responsibility), Lily Lopez (perseverance), Morgan Cryer (diligence), Abbigayle Thomas (character), Otter Magtutu (respect); (front row) Victor Cota (responsibility), Ayden Tejeda (responsibility), Susan Nahuat (respect), Coalby Carney (kindness), Micah Beneteau (honesty), Yocelin Medina (respect), Willow Bond (character).

Veterans invite youth to flag retirement ceremony On Saturday, Sept. 29, Foreign Wars Lee Marts Legion Harry A. White members of Veterans of Post 3571, American Post 65, and their respective auxiliaries will be working with local Boy and Girl Scouts to retire damaged and worn flags. The veterans will be instructing the scouts on the proper folding of the United States flag �� and other flag etiquette �� information. A variety of �� information relating to �� the United States flag, �� including some history �� and the significance of �� the flag will be shared �� with the scouts. �� The veterans will then �� assist the scouts in the �� retirement of the dozens �� of flags that have been �� collected over the past �� year. �� This event will be held at Fort Uncompahgre, 440 N. Palmer Street in Delta, starting at 10 a.m. All area scouts or other interested youth are �� invited to be present.

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Voya Financial, Inc., a leading provider of workplace retirement solutions, including savings plans for K-12 educators, announces that Ben Graves, a teacher at Delta High School, has received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2018 Voya Unsung Heroes awards competition. Through the Voya Unsung Heroes program, Voya Financial awards grants to K-12 educators nationwide to honor their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to positively influence their students. For more than 20 years, the program has awarded over $5 million in grants to more than 2,000 educators across the United States. “Our Unsung Heroes program continues to recognize teachers who go above and beyond to inspire today’s students in the classroom,” said Heather Lavallee, president of Tax-Exempt Markets at Voya Financial. “We are proud to honor teachers like Ben Graves whose inspiring program is making a difference in the lives of young people. This commitment and passion for teaching closely aligns with our focus at Voya on helping

all Americans prepare for their unique financial futures.” innovative Graves’ teaching idea, “Delta High School Solar Lab,” focuses on generating community awareness and changing attitudes around the necessity of fossil fuels through hands-on technical training. Students involved in the project will design, install and monitor solar electricity using a diversity of demonstration equipment. Solar energy training is a unique vocational partnership with a local solar energy training center that prepares students for careers in alternative energy production, electrical engineering and environmental science. With the support of the Voya grant, the solar energy training program at Delta High School will provide opportunities for

Ben Graves

invaluable experiential learning. Graves hopes to engage students in all stages of construction from research to commissioning the system, to cultivate a real-world, holistic engineering experience. Selected from a group of more than 1,200 applicants, Graves is one of only 100 winners across the country who will receive this award to help fund and bring his program to life. In addition, he will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 from Voya Financial. To learn more about this year’s winning projects, as well as those from previous years, visit the Unsung Heroes website at Voya.com/Unsung Heroes. Applications for the 2019 Voya Unsung Heroes awards are currently being accepted through the website until April 30, 2019. Unsung Heroes is part of Voya’s broader efforts to empower teachers to become leaders by promoting their careers, recognizing high-achieving accomplishments, providing training opportunities and offering financial support to achieve their goals.

DHS lights up Homecoming Week with bonfire, pep rally BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An all-school pep rally was held Monday morning to build excitement for Homecoming activities that continue throughout this week. The day was designated Meme Monday, followed by Clone Tuesday, Decades Day Wednesday, Character Day Thursday and Panther Pride Day Friday. Participation in the

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dress-up days earned points that are being added to the points earned for class games and lunchtime activities. Monday also saw the return of capture the flag, which student council president Jenna Sutliff says was a big hit last year. The rousing game was held on the football field and pitted freshmen against sophomores, juniors against seniors. A pep rally and bonfire capped off the evening and built up enthusiasm for the home soccer and volleyball games on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the student council will be distributing Homecoming T-shirts in white, with green lettering, and urging students to wear them for “white outs” at the home soccer, softball and volleyball games. On Friday, classes will end at 11:30 a.m. and Homecoming activi-

ties will hit high gear. There will be games, class chants, Uno and corn hole tournaments, and the always popular Zumba competition. During an assembly scheduled Friday afternoon, Gold Cards will be awarded to students who demonstrated academic proficiency on CMAS or PSAT tests. The gold ID cards give students discounts at sponsoring businesses in the community. The cross-country team is hosting a meet at Sweitzer Lake State Park, and that evening the football team will face Aspen. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Halftime festivities include a marching band show, lighting of the “19” torch and presentation of the royalty. A formal dance, with a Roaring ‘20s theme, is planned Saturday night to wrap up a full week of Homecoming festivities.

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GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terrific Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured in the front row above are kindergarten and first grade students Gracie Lou Martinez, Brady Wells, Emilio Gallegos, Trey Sukle and Emma Lane. In the back row are first graders Cole Ballard, Kinley Anderson, La’NayaMarie Mora and Amihya Azevedo. Below are third graders (back row) Miray Horn, Kelcee Rusling, Karen Haro, Grayson Hunter, and in the front second graders Gabriel Nieto, Griffin Shean, Gabriella Montoya and Cole Neumiller.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Delta Library hosts traveling health exhibit BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

“A Look Inside the Brain,” “The Faces of Health Care,” a “Body Systems Touch Table,” and the “Human Body Report” are just a few of the interactive displays that make up Discover Health, a traveling exhibition of the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. Designed specifically for libraries, Discover Health engages children, teens, and adults in health science topics through multi-media displays and hands-on activities.

“We are so excited to host Discover Health at Delta Library,” says Adriana Chavira, Delta Library manager. “The exhibit is on display October through December.” The exhibit began its journey in Brighton in the fall of 2016, making its way to eight libraries throughout the state before arriving in Delta. Lea Hart, district director of Delta County Libraries, sees the exhibit as an opportunity to engage the entire county in healthrelated topics. “We are working with the school district to offer field trips for students throughout the county,” Hart

explains. “Students who are unable to make the trip to Delta are invited to their local libraries for a selection of healthrelated books, programs, and activities.” One of those programs is the “Passport to Health. “Aimed at engaging kids of all ages, the Passport to Health offers incentives for completing healthy activities, like being active, playing outdoor games, eating healthy, and learning about health-related topics. “Kids who complete the passport will be entered into a grand prize drawing,” says Chavira. “We

will draw one winner for each month of the exhibit. A new bike from SK Bikes in October, a youth pass to Bill Heddles Recreation Center in November and an outdoor games package sponsored by the Delta Family Center in December.” Delta County School District is assisting the libraries in handing out passports to students.

“We are collaborating with the school district to distribute 4,800 passport booklets to students throughout the district,” states Hart. “Parents, teachers and library staff can sign off on the activities in the booklet. Once ten activities in the passport are completed, the student can turn in the passport and be entered to win.”

“Library staff have been preparing for this exhibit and the associated programs for over a year,” says Hart. “Now we are ready to begin sharing our excitement with the community.” For more information and a calendar of events, please visit www.delta libraries.org or contact Delta Library at 970-8749630.

OBITUARIES Matthew Alire

Matthew John Alire of Olathe died Sept. 17, 2018, at his home. He was 53. Private family services will be held at a later date. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is handling the arrangements.

June Latta

June Marlene Latta of Cedaredge died Sept. 17, 2018, after battling Parkinson’s disease. She was 82. She was born in Newburgh, N.Y., Sept. 3, 1936, to Howard and Lillian Zillig. Mrs. Latta was known for her sense of humor, her cooking and her positive attitude. She is survived by two sons, Jim (DeEtta) Latta of Frisco and John (Nanette) Latta of Cedaredge; and four grandchildren, Samantha (Cody) Paiva, Rachael (Carter) Stoudt, Ryan Latta and Jake Latta. She was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Jarosak. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at New Hope Evangelical Free Church, 17464 Surface Creek Road, Cedaredge. Memorial contributions may be sent 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.

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Loyce Anderson

Loyce Anderson died Sept. 20, 2018. A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is handling the arrangements.

Ray Kennedy

Lifetime North Fork Valley resident Ray Kennedy died suddenly Sept. 13, 2018, at a friend’s home in Crawford. He was 40. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Zack’s BBQ pavilion in Leonard Hinman Hotchkiss. Taylor Funeral Service Paonia resident Leonard Hinman died Sept. and Crematory is han17, 2018, in Paonia. He dling the arrangements. was 93. Leonard Jackson Hinman was born Jan. 4, 1925, in Kansas to Charles and Anna (Ridenaur) Hinman. He spent some of his childhood in Kansas before moving to Greeley. On Sept. 9, 1943, he married Ferne Lee Parkerson in Greeley. They lived in Montrose for 34 years and spent winter months in Texas. A farmer, Mr. Hinman was involved with 4-H. He enjoyed horses and spending time outdoors hunting. He is survived by two children, Jack Hinman of Deerfield, Kan., and Judy (Jake) Jacobs of Paonia; two sisters, Juanita and Louise; and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ferne; brother, Bill; and sister, Charlene. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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A8 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

OBITUARIES

Louis J. “Bear” Helbert, Jr. March 19, 1928 ~ Sept. 22, 2018 Cedaredge, Colo. resident, Louis “Bear” John Helbert, Jr., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo. He was 90 years of age. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Cedaredge, Colo. Inurnment will take place in Sterling, Colo. Louis “Bear” John Helbert, Jr. was born on March 19, 1928 in Sterling, Colo., to Angela Mauer Helbert and Louis John Helbert, Sr. Louis was the oldest of eight children. Louis grew up in Sterling attending St. Anthony’s Catholic School and Church where he served as an altar boy. After graduating from Sterling High School with the Class of 1945, he joined the United States Navy serving in the Pacific (Guadalcanal). He was one of the first class of air traffic controllers during the war. Bear began his bricklaying apprenticeship in 1948 with Harvey Brothers Construction in his native town, Sterling, receiving his journeyman’s card in 1952. From then on, he worked as a foreman throughout Colorado for several years. Bear married Kathleen Register in 1950 and divorced in 1976. He then married Sharon Stuart in 1978 and divorced in 1987. Later, Bear married Karen Hillyard Jones in 1988. After moving to Fort

Collins in 1958, he started his own contracting company, Helbert Masonry, in 1960, specializing in large industrial and commercial construction along with schools. Some of his projects were the Maximum Security Prison in Florence, Moby Gym and Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, Larimer County Jail, the original court house on LaPorte Avenue in Fort Collins, The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, a large number of schools all along the Front Range and a number of major projects in Wyoming and New Mexico. He often piloted his own plane to many of his job sites. Bear was a member of the Fort Collins Elks Lodge where he served as an officer. He was also in the CMCA and served on its board for several years, and was a member of the MCAA as a board member assuming the presidency in 1980. After closing Helbert Masonry, he worked as an estimator for Mat Glover of Arvada and then Gallegos Corporation in Wolcott. Bear was always an active member of all

of the HOA communities that he lived in, as well as, the churches he attended and towns in which he lived. He was a member of the Home Rule Commission that wrote the Home Rule Charter for the Town of Cedaredge in 2008. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting (especially waterfowl), fly fishing, deep sea fishing, biking and golfing. Bear is survived by his wife, Karen Helbert of Cedaredge; his children: Jennifer of Fort Collins, Michelle of Berthoud, Shawn of Gold Beach, Ore., and Mary Jo of Loveland; four grandchildren: Dylan, Stevie, Derrick and Tye Taylor of Loveland; and a brother, James (Judy) Helbert. Bear was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Louella, Louise (William) Boyes; Carol (James) Kuchera; Jerome “Jerry”; Carl “Buddy”; and William “Billy”; and his son, Mark. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made in Bear’s memory to Willow Tree Care Center, 1150 S. Main St., Delta, Colorado 81416, where he was treated with love and respect for three years. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneral service.com. Paid obituary

Glenn M. Schlather Feb. 28, 1945 ~ Sept. 16, 2018 Cedaredge resident Glenn M. Schlather passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 16, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 73 years of age. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at the Eckert Presbyterian Church. Glenn was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 28, 1945, to Marvin and Marcella (Ludwig) Schlather. When Glenn was 13 years old, his father passed away. He helped the family by working as he could with school. He graduated from Texas Tech University on Aug. 24, 1968, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Exxon immediately hired him and gave him leave to fulfill his military commitment. After finishing his military training in 1969, he was deployed to Vietnam in June 1970. In October 1970, he assumed command of the 149th Light Maintenance Company. He was relieved from active duty in April 1971 and returned to Houston, Texas, to

resume employment at Exxon. He spent the next few years in the Army Reserve. On Nov. 26, 1977, he married the love of his life, Nancy Lauren Dunn. Glenn’s career at Exxon spanned 34 years. He helped design, build and commission the first production facility on the North Slope of Alaska, as well as the first tension leg facility, “Lena,” in the Gulf of Mexico. He was also the manager of the Monterey Pipeline in Louisiana. Glenn finished his career at Exxon as a Senior Technical Advisor in New Orleans. Glenn retired from Exxon in 2001. Upon retirement,

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Glenn and his wife Nancy moved to their “Grand Views Ranch” in Cedaredge which was purchased 25 years prior. He stayed very busy at their new home planting over 100 trees and bushes improving the wildlife habitation on the property. Glenn also was a very humble, honest, sincere man who was an excellent son, brother, husband and friend. Glenn is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy Schlather; two sisters, Virginia Prifogle and Nancy Thielman; and a nephew, Wade Thielman. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made in Glenn’s memory to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 or to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneral service.com. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

Zachary Holland March 2, 1941 ~ Sept. 17, 2018 Zachary Ward Holland, age 20, a resident of Willmar, Minn., former resident of Chillicothe, Mo., passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at CentreCare Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn. Zachary was born the son of Isaac and Leslie Clare (Flanagan) Holland on Oct. 22, 1997, in Jacksonville, Ala. He was raised primarily in Colorado until eighth grade where he attended school, participated in Boy Scouts, numerous camps and sporting teams. Snowboarding at Telluride and camping in Moab, Utah, were his favorite events. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 2016 where he participated in Cross Country, Track, Golf, Choir, Theatre, Band, and various clubs. He attended the University of Minnesota at Morris where

he studied science and was a member of the cross country and rugby teams. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and he participated in the local American Indian Engineering and Science Association events while attending college. He loved the community of Chillicothe where he worked for three summers as a lifeguard at Chilli Bay Water Park and he was a member of the St. Columban’s Catholic Church. Survivors include his parents, Isaac J. and Leslie C. Holland of Willmar, Minn.; two brothers who serve in the Army, John BaillyHolland of Englewood and Noah Holland currently serving a tour in South Korea; two sisters, Madison BaillyHolland of Waterloo, Iowa, and Monica Holland serving an Army

Dwayne Shearer

Dwayne Ray “Snuffy” Shearer died Aug. 31, 2018, at his home in Utah. He was 77. He was born in Paonia March 2, 1941, to Inelda (Ned) Shearer and Claria Cordray. He spent his childhood in Paonia and Price, Utah. He graduated from East Carbon High in 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy. Dwayne was an underground coal miner for 40 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his horses, fishing and hunting and pack trips. He is survived by his wife, Twila (Barkhoff); children, Travis (Debbie) of Dury, Miss., Jeffrey (Kim) of Grand Junction, Racquel (Richard) Mecham of Vernal, Utah, Justin of Vernal, Utah; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Wycoff of San Diego, Calif.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Glenna.

Marguerite Wilson

Marguerite A. Wilson died Aug. 31, 2018, in Delta, at the age of 92. She was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Morgan City, La., to Gaston and Bernice (Stephens) Ayo. She graduated from high school in Morgan City and attended Spencer’s College in Lafayette, La. On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946, she married David Wilson at the Sacred Heart Church. They lived in Louisiana and Colorado. Mrs. Wilson worked at her father’s machine shop as a bookkeeper and eventually moved to Idaho Springs where she focused on raising her family. She and her husband retired to the Western Slope in the late 1980s. She enjoyed spending time with her family, creating southern cuisine, and arts and crafts, including crocheting, sewing and ceramics. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta. She is survived by two brothers, Thomas Ayo of Louisiana and Richard Ayo of Missouri; two sons, Dale Wilson of Delta and Glenn Wilson of Austin; a granddaughter, April Wilson of Austin; and a great-granddaughter, Jordin Osburn of Austin. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the Delta City Cemetery.

tour at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vernie Lee and Georgia Ruth Holland and Margret (Nell) and William Patterson Flanagan, both grandparents of Coffeyville, Kan. Burial was held at St. Columban Catholic Cemetery, Chillicothe, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes are for memorial contributions to be made to the St. Columban Catholic Church and/or Bishop Hogan Memorial School and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lind leyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo. Paid obituary

ald; eight grandchildren; and two sisters, Phyllis Quick of Colorado Springs and Bonnie Savagion of Holiday, Fla. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Lundberg. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Shelter Shoppe in Cedaredge.

Virgil Page

Bill Lundberg

William “Bill” Lundberg died Aug. 21, 2018, at the age of 85. He was born in Denver to Alf and Vera (Edwards) Lundberg. He graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and three years of mathematics. In 1962, at the beginning of the space race, he was hired by RCA at Cape Canaveral to work as a data reduction mathematician. He and his family witnessed the launch of John Glenn’s historic first orbital mission. In 1965, the family moved to Lompoc, Calif., and he worked at the Western Space and Missile Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He was involved with the update of the ballistic missile early warning system. Mr. Lundberg retired in 1995, and he and his wife moved to Cedaredge. He enjoyed fishing, being involved with his wife in several organizations, boating with his grandchildren and going for daily drives with his dogs. He is survived by his children, Janice, Cheryl, Karen, Thane and Don-

Longtime Delta resident Virgil Page died Sept. 17, 2018, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta. He was 91. A memorial service was held Sept. 23 at Church of Christ in Delta. Virgil Lindy Page was born Nov. 14, 1926, to Mary (Gomer) and Ulysses Page in Delta. He spent his childhood in Delta and Naturita, and graduated from Nucla High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army. On Feb. 6, 1950, he married Shirley Buzzard in Delta. He was a collector who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of Delta Church of Christ and the VFW. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Page; three sons, Royce (Leslie Garrison) Page of Homer, Alaska, Darwin (Emily) Page of Edgewood, N.M., and Richard (Karen) Page of Ivanhoe, Texas; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

OBITUARY POLICY

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

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Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

�� Toastmasters hosts open house ��

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Leadership cannot be learned in a day. It takes practice. In Toastmasters, members learn leadership skills by organizing and conducting meetings and by completing projects in the leadership pathways. Projects address skills such as listening, planning, motivation and team building and give members the opportunity

Fly tyers gather monthly Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table (4T) will be seating Thursday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Warriors Resource Center/Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. The theme for this month’s gathering of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers (GGA) open tying night will be small fall/winter patterns. Come join fellow tyers and twist up your favorite tiny fly pattern, or whatever pattern you feel like tying or need to tye to fill your box. As always, a materials bag will be available to purchase for $5 with enough materials to tye five of the Fly du Jour for September, Pat Dorsey’s Mercury Baetis, on a size 20 hook, so bring a magnifier unless you have super vision. Refreshments will be served. Check out the GGA Facebook Page for more information and to RSVP. This is an open tying night, all experience levels, vets, non-vets, GGA members and non-members are welcome.

to practice them. Just as Toastmasters members learn to speak by speaking, they learn leadership by leading. Toastmasters creates and encourages leadership as an ongoing class meeting weekly or biweekly to practice their communication and leadership skills in a supportive setting with others. “Being in Toastmasters pushes you to take on challenges that you wouldn’t have taken on by yourself. You start stepping up more for a project and want to take on more responsibility and become a leader. That’s what makes our group truly what it is,” said Sven Dejean, procurement analyst, The Coca-Cola Company and past president of Coca-Cola Toastmasters. At work, employees face an endless exchange of ideas, messages and information as they deal with one another and customers day by day. How well they connect and share their ideas with customers, clients, and co-workers can determine whether a company grows into an industry

Square Dance Month wraps up The Delta Hub Wheelers will wrap up Square Dance Month with a dance at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. The fifth Saturday dance will feature area callers and cuers. The public is welcome.

leader or joins thousands of businesses mired in mediocrity. Toastmasters provides tools that enable employees to become effective presenters and leaders — all at a low cost within a supportive environment. Toastmasters training helps employees give better sales presentations; hone their management skills; work better with fellow employees; effectively develop and present ideas; offer constructive criticism and accept feedback more objectively. Is this training for you? Find out — explore becoming the speaker and leader you want to be at Black Canyon Voices Toastmasters Club open house on Thursday, Oct. 4, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the meeting room at First

Colorado National Bank, 150 Gunnison River Drive. Or, visit Montrose Toastmasters weekly on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. in the Centennial Plaza Meeting Room at 431 S. 1st Street. For more information, call 874-2840.

AARP offers drivers ed Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Preregistration is required by calling 970-399-3113.

Fort hosts ‘Mountain Men and the Stars’ Come and learn about the stars and what life was like in the 1830s on Friday, Sept. 28. Brenda Harvey, solar system ambassador with the NASA JPL, will be the key presenter. There will also be a special presentation by Thunder Mountain Colorado Living History Group. This year Black Canyon Astronomical Society will assist with stargazing. Weather permitting, the local experts will be on hand with telescopes. Learn about and see Saturn, the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies using the telescopes. A primitive camp and re-enactors in period clothing will be part of

the evening program, and there will be handson activities for kids and their families. The Fort on the Old Spanish Trail is located at 440 N. Palmer, Delta. Gates open at 5 p.m. For more information, call 970-874-8349.

Hear music from south of the border

Join the Montrose Community Band on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion for a free concert entitled Fiesta Musica. The band will be playing a variety of music from south of the border and Spain with selections of El Camino Real, Amparito Roca, The Mask of Zorro, Blue Tango and more. This concert is proudly sponsored by Flower Motor Co. For more information University. “It has been a long time visit www.montroseband. since we performed at the com or call 970-596-1188. old middle school auditorium and we are looking forward to performing there again,” said director Susanna Sorensen. They’ll be joined by the Delta High School show choir and the Black Canyon Chorus at the Delta venue. Stay tuned to more information comCertified instructors ing your way, and be sure Dave Brown and Christoto stop by the Applefest pher McMillan will lead a booth. “Handgun Safety” class at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class will be repeated Saturday, Oct. 6. Proper completion of tributions of individuals this class allows you to and churches and through apply for a concealed fundraisers like the one handgun permit in Colorado. Course consists of coming up on Oct. 5. The doors open at 5:30 safety and firing techp.m. Friday evening. niques of a semi-autoTickets are $35 each or matic pistol and revolver; $250 for a table of eight. laws related to owning a Reservations can be made handgun; and range safeor tickets purchased from ty. Lunch is on your own, Brad Kolman, 970-275- then individual firing 0006, or Chaplain Tim instruction is provided at Bergstrom at 253-678- a local firing range in the 1416. They would love afternoon. The class is $80. Please to have existing and new supporters join them for register by 5 p.m. three a wonderful night of food, days prior to the class of fellowship and fun, as your choice. To register, call Bill they try to keep the chaplain inside the walls for Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923. another year.

Del-Rose singers join sister chorus in Grand Junction The Del-Rose Chorus has joined a sister chorus in Grand Junction to become Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus. This means double the sound, more music and great shows. Fall means the Del-Rose Chorus — now Grand Mesa A Capella — is getting ready for two things. The first is Applefest in Cedaredge; the second is the chorus’ annual show. As every year chorus members will have an

Applefest booth selling fresh made cotton candy and tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle. You can also get more information about the chorus, upcoming events and how to join this fun-loving group. The Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus is looking forward to a great show on Nov. 17, 3 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center, and a second show Nov. 18, 3 p.m. in the Love Performance Center at Colorado Mesa

Handgun safety class held monthly

Prison ministry presents annual fall fundraising banquet The annual fall fundraising banquet for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry is scheduled Friday, Oct. 5, at Crossroads Victory Church in Montrose. This year’s theme is “Western Colorado Getaway.” There will be a great dinner of pulled pork or chicken, beans, cole slaw, rolls and dessert, then a program featuring some very special music, testimonies, and keynote speaker Tony Nelson, a former inmate at Delta Correctional Center and a graduate of Kairos Men’s Ministry #1.

The purpose of the banquet is to support Chaplain Tom Bergstrom as he teaches incarcerated men about Jesus Christ. Although the Department of Corrections provides a beautiful place for the chaplain to conduct his ministry, the Chapel of Hope, it does not provide any financial assistance or salary to the chaplains in their various institutions. The salaries and expenses of the chaplains in Colorado prisons are raised by the chaplains, much like missionaries, from donations and con-

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A10 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Peak to Peak motorists give generously BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Peak to Peak Rallye has come through Delta on three separate occasions, each time leaving the Abraham Connection with a generous donation to help cover operating costs of the homeless shelter. Individually and as a group, motorists in the Peak to Peak Rallye have opened their checkbooks and their hearts, first with a $10,000 check that provided seed money to build the homeless shelter at 5th and Silver. On the next visit, Cheryl Oeltjenbruns, Abraham Connection board member, was stunned with four checks

totaling $19,200. At the group’s most recent stop, on Wednesday, Sept. 19, tour organizer Mark Burgard handed over yet another check that brought the group’s donation to $49,000. In front of the gathering of Lamborghini, Porsche and Jaguar drivers, he lamented that the group fell short of the $50,000 mark. “Do you take cash?” one of the drivers asked Oeltjenbruns. Before she could formulate a response, he handed over $1,000 in cash. Again, Oeltjenbruns was stunned by the generosity of the group. She explained Abraham Connection will

Settling in

Photo submitted

Delta Police Officer Will Hammon has returned from training with the department’s new K9 officer, Racio (Ra-ko). Racio, a Belgian Malinois, will be Officer Hammon’s companion on and off duty. Once Racio feels comfortable in his new environment, he’ll be seen out and about in schools and the community.

begin its 11th season of shelter on Nov. 1. This year, the shelter will remain open for six months, through April. A working board of 10 is augmented by 300plus volunteers from the community who provide meals, launder the bedding, and cover the 6 p.m. to midnight shift. The only paid employees handle intake and supervision from midnight to 8 a.m. This year, Abraham Connection continued case management services through the sum-

mer, offering whatever resources the homeless needed to become more self-sufficient. In addition, the shelter was open every Monday for lunch, a shower or use of the washer and dryer. “We’re not just sheltering people, we’re helping them move beyond homelessness,” she told the drivers. The Peak to Peak Rallye is an annual charity sports car rallye touring the Rocky Mountain region, primarily in Colorado as the fall colors change. Burgard

explained that the donations to Abraham Connection are made possible through entry fees and the title sponsor, Porsche of Colorado Springs. While motorists enjoy

the scenery, the winding roads and the camaraderie of the event, “It’s what we do now that makes the difference,” said Burgard. “It’s a gift for us to be able to make this donation.”

West Nile numbers continue to increase West Nile Virus cases continue to be reported to the Delta County Health Department. There have been eight confirmed human cases so far this season in Delta County. All cases are residents from the North Fork region of Delta County. The latest case was reported on Sept. 20. This person is a 60- to 69-year-old who experienced an onset of symptoms on Sept. 8 and was diagnosed with West Nile Virus uncomplicated fever. “We want to continue to remind people that West Nile Virus can be a serious illness and it can be prevented by protecting oneself from mosquito bites,” said Delta County environmental health director Ken Nordstrom. “Mosquitoes are still active in September and human cases of West Nile virus continue to be reported. The threat of getting the disease remains high until the first hard killing frost. Don’t let your guard down and protect yourself from mosquito bites.” Health officials say most people bitten by a West Nile virus infected

mosquito show no symptoms of illness; however, some people may develop symptoms 3 to 15 days after being bit by an infected mosquito. About one in five infected persons will have mild illness with fever, and about one in 150 infected people will become severely ill. Physicians are urged to test patients for the West Nile virus if they show signs of fever, altered mental status, suspected meningitis or encephalitis, or sudden painless paralysis in the absence of stroke, in the summer months. Fight the bite! Take preventative measures against the virus. The 4Ds are: • Drain standing water on property. • Dusk and dawn — avoid being outdoors at this time when mosquito activity is high. • DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in bug repellent. • Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn and in areas where mosquitoes are active. For more information, visit www.fightthebite colorado.com.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Mark Burgard and Cheryl Oeltjenbruns are pictured with Don and Laurie Hicks, owners of Porsche of Colorado Springs, the title sponsor of the Peak to Peak Rallye.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers offered Powerful Tools for Caregivers, an educational series designed to provide caregivers with the resources they need to take care of themselves, is coming to Delta. Scheduled to start on Oct. 8, Powerful Tools will be held in the Grand Mesa Oncology Center classrooms on the campus of Delta County Memorial Hospital, 1501 E. 3rd Street. Presented by Region 10, The Area Agency on Aging, this program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. Classes consist of six 2.5 hour sessions held

once a week. The courses will be taught by experienced caregivers who have successfully applied the techniques they teach. Interactive lessons, discussions, and brainstorming will help caregivers develop the “tools” they need to maintain their peace of mind. Class participants will receive the book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class. A $25 donation is requested to help defray the cost of the book, but no one will be turned away based on the ability to pay. For more information or to register, contact Sandy Walker at (970) 765-3131 or sandy@region10.net. Class size is limited, and you must register to attend.

�� Know Your Neighbor ��

Visit Millennium Wellness for acupuncture, massage therapy, ozone injections and skin care

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Millennium Wellness offers a variety of health care alternatives to area residents looking to improve their well-being, such as: acupuncture, massage, facials, ozone therapy and �� prolozone injections. �� The business, which is housed in �� an iconic Victorian home in downtown �� Cedaredge, is owned by Christin Hawbaker and her husband Tim, a local nurse practitioner. �� Christin’s Traditional Chinese �� Medicine practice has been a welcome �� addition to the area. She discovered acupuncture when she was just 20 and one treatment cleared up a severe case of bronchitis that antibiotics couldn’t knock down. “I was amazed that acupuncture results could be that dramatic and I immediately started considering acupuncture schools after that,” she said. “I love working with people and I want them to know about the numerous benefits of this amazing medicine,” she added. “Most people think of using acupuncture for painful conditions such as chronic low back pain, sciatica, injuries, and arthritis. �� These conditions do respond well to �� acupuncture treatment but Traditional � �� Chinese Medicine can be useful in �� treating so much more!” �� Wellness recently � �� Millennium �� became the first practice in Delta County ozone �� therapy �� to��offer � �� and �� prolozone injections. Ozone has been used to successfully treat a variety �� allergies, �� heart of �� conditions such as ��

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disease, chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, auto-immune diseases, skin disorders, infections, viruses, fibromyalgia, cancer, diabetes, digestive disorders, inflammation, etc. Millennium Wellness offers several types of ozone therapy — ozone sauna, ozonated water, ozone insufflation bags and prolozone injections. Prolozone injections, offered by Tim Hawbaker on Fridays, are one of the most powerful forms of ozone therapy offered. This safe, non-surgical, regenerative therapy is used to reduce and

often cure chronic and acute joint pain. In addition, Millennium Wellness offers facials and a variety of vitamins, herbs, supplements and essential oils. “My hope is that my practice will continue to grow and that more and more people will discover the benefits of Chinese medicine,” Christin said. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www. deltacountyacupuncture.com or call 970-856-4729. Millennium Wellness is located at 175 East Main Street in Cedaredge.

Red Shed Produce

GRAND OPENING

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Full Service Computer Repair and Gadget Pro!

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Christin and Tim and their three children love living in Cedaredge, where they can enjoy camping, hiking, ﬁshing and skiing. “We think Cedaredge is a great place to raise a family, and it offers everything we love to do!” Christin said.

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COLOR LASER PRINTING ��

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NORTH FORK

September 26, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

North Fork voters asked to form ambulance district BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

The North Fork Ambulance finds itself at a crossroads. With only about a third of the residents actually supporting the ambulance service through membership, the organization’s board views the funding situation as unsustainable. This year NFA is asking voters in the North Fork to approve a ballot measure, 7E, to form a special taxing district to provide a steady and sustainable source of revenue through property tax. A second measure, 7F, would establish a property tax mill levy to fund the special district. During a presentation last week to Crawford Town Council, North Fork Ambulance director Kathy Steckel explained the need for a different structure for the ambulance, and for the mill levy to provide an adequate and sustainable funding source. Steckel noted the NFA board has been working toward a special district since 2017. It has received permission to ask voters to form a special district from the three counties it operates in — Delta, Gunnison and Montrose. About one in three households support the NFA through memberships. Steckel said that while that level of voluntary support is exceptional, it is not enough to fund the growing need for service. She explained that NFA has three stations — in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford. NFA utilizes on-call staffing to man its five ambulances. Steckel explained the actual demand for service does not justify the need for full time staffing. There may be days without a call, and then there are times like last month when in a period of 64 minutes it received five call-outs. The oncall staffing allows the flexibility to meet such a varying demand with trained personnel, who respond from home or work, handle the situation, and then go back to whatever they were doing before their pager sounded. One way NFA is able to do so is through its quick response vehicles, staffed by a person who has received advance care training. It allows NFA to respond to an emergency

with an ambulance manned by a driver and EMT and with a quick response vehicle with someone trained in advance care (ALS) to assess the situation, administer life-saving measures on scene and to set up the proper response to each situaton. The quick response vehicle goes home with the advanced responder when they are on call, allowing them to arrive on scene quickly. “It truly is a life-saving service,” said Steckel. She also explained NFA is not doing a membership drive this fall. However, members will receive a renewal notice and hopefully will renew. In the event the ballot measure fails, the membership is needed to keep the NFA funded. If the measure passes, the memberships will keep the service going through the transition time until the special district begins to receive tax revenue. (See the related release from the NFA.) In response to a question, Steckle also explained why NFA purchased a building in Hotchkiss. NFA needed more space and initially considered renting office space. The cost was considered too high, so NFA approached the property owners and were able to arrange favorable financing to make it possible to purchase the building. It now is leasing space to an organization providing mental health services, offseting about half the cost of the building. It also provides plenty of space for NFA to conduct training without having to rent classroom space. “Buying the real estate was a good deal,” said Steckel, “providing for our current needs while setting us up for the future.” She concluded by telling the Crawford trustees about a real situation where a collision between a car and a deer closed the highway. Dispatch called out the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the fire department and North Fork Ambulance. “Of all of the agencies to respond to this 2 a.m. call, the ambulance was the only non-publicly funded responder,” said Steckel. “Please, support the ambulance so we can be here to support you.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

The students of Paonia Elementary School celebrated their school’s winning of the Succeeds Prize during the Homecoming parade through downtown Paonia on Friday, Sept. 21. Earlier in the week PES was named the winner of the 2018 Colorado Succeeds Prize for transformational impact in an elementary school.

PES succeeds in winning Colorado Succeeds Prize BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The entire Paonia Elementary School staff and student body sat on pins and needles for months before learning last Tuesday night, Sept. 18, that that they won the Colorado Succeeds Prize for Transformational Impact in an Elementary School. The $15,000 cash prize is considered one of the highest honors for the state’s public schools and educators. PES learned last February that it was one of three elementary schools in the state to be named a Succeeds Prize finalist, and a long nomination process followed. What set them apart? “I think it was the sense of family and community we’ve established at the school,” said Principal Sam Cox. “Every adult knows every child, regardless of age or grade level, and they’re always looking out for them.” For the last 10 years the school also has had a constant “laser focus” on growth. Because they know each student, they can individualize that focus. “And when you focus on growth, achievement follows,” said Cox. Cox said the school is grate-

NFA urges members to renew this fall SPECIAL TO THE DCI

Each September, North Fork Ambulance has conducted an annual membership drive to ask residents and businesses to become members, but that will not take place this year. If you are a member, you will receive a renewal letter in the mail. At this time NFA will not be conducting a membership drive to attract new members this fall. This is because two funding questions for North Fork Ambulance will be on the ballot in November and NFA board members are hopeful both measures will pass. Voters will be asked to approve two questions; 7E asks for the formation of a Special District and establishes the initial Board of Directors. 7F asks for funding of the District. The formation and funding of a special district will provide the core financial support needed to maintain quality ambulance service in three communities, upgrade and replace aging equipment and ambulances and retain and attract on-call staff members and provide them with quality EMS training. If the district is formed, North Fork Ambulance will prorate memberships and refunds will be offered when the district starts providing ambulance service. In the event that the special district does not pass, memberships and ambulance benefits will remain in place for 365 days from when it was paid. Membership Drive would also take place imme-

diately. North Fork Ambulance has never received public funding, but has been funded by membership, grants, donations and fees for service. Calls for service have increased 22 percent over the past 10 years. Insurance industry standard caps by Medicare and private insurance cause write-offs of 50 percent of what is billed. The Colorado Medicaid program pays 12 cents on the dollar resulting in an 88 percent write off. The number of people who have been accepted by Medicaid in Delta County has increased from 1,172 in September 2013, to 10,221 by the end of 2016. The agency is also struggling with the rising cost of EMS equipment, vehicles, training and supplies. Only one out of three residents are currently members and while this reflects great support and community participation, these few cannot continue to carry 100 percent of the system! North Fork Ambulance board members have been researching options for financial sustainability since 2015. Through financial analysis, it is clear that for this service to continue and have the flexibility to meet the needs of the future, the current financial structure must evolve. It has been determined the best solution is the formation of a special district to sustain quality ambulance service now and into the future. Please visit www.North ForkAmbulance.com for more information.

Photo courtesy McLeod 9 Creative

The Succeeds Prize

Photo courtesy McCleod 9 Creative

Paonia Elementary School Principal Sam Cox speaks during the Succeeds Prize ceremony at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver last week. Also pictured are PES teacher Bob Bushta, school librarian Jeannette Homedew and teacher Emily Horn. Also on hand to accept the award were Delta County School District Superintendent Caryn Gibson, school board vice president Jan Tuin, Arts for All program director Neal Schweiterman and PES teachers Melissa Izey, Jodi Simpson, Eileen Stewart and Tammie Benson. ful to the entire community for its support throughout the nomination process. “It was definitely a community effort by staff, families, and the broader community,” said Cox. In accepting the award, Cox stated that not only does the school focus on student growth, “The community does as well.” The students also deserve credit, said Cox. “They’re the ones who do the work. And so does the staff that puts in the extra time and effort.” PES was one of two Western Slope finalists for the Succeeds Award. Carbondale Middle School won the $15,000 Transformational Impact in a Middle School prize. Seven staff members, Delta County School District Superintendent Caryn Gibson and district board vice president Jan Tuin attended the awards banquet at the Ellie Caulkins

Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which was streamed live. When they arrived at school the following morning, said Cox, students lined the halls to give them a standing ovation. PES was also honored at by the Delta County School District at the Sept. 19 board meeting, and the Town of Paonia and Mayor Charles Stewart also issued a proclamation at Tuesday night’s board meeting in honor of the Transformational Impact award. About that $15,000 prize? The school is just starting to consider what to do with it now, said Cox. When they found out about the nomination last spring, “We were so honored that we were finalists that we didn’t look into it. We will do some very strategic planning and we will do what most benefits the students.”

North Fork under the rainbow

Photo by Mary Jursinovic

Mary Jursinovic captured this amazing photo with her tablet. It was taken Sept. 22 on Bone Mesa.

B2 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Space to Create launches survey with downtown party Space to Create Paonia is moving into its second research phase and is seeking public input via an online survey. As part of the initiative to build low-cost housing

and work space for the area’s creative workforce, Space to Create (S2C), in partnership with Artspace, has created a short online survey on Paonia’s creative market needs.

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Rather than just asking the public to complete a survey, the S2C Paonia team is hosting a survey launch party from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at Poulos Park in downtown Paonia. For those wanting to take the survey at the event, computers and tablets will be available. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and assist people in completing the survey. Beginning with Thursday’s event, a link to the survey will be available on the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition website, northforkcreative. org. S2C invites everyone wanting to participate, regardless of age or occupation, to complete the survey. The goal is to collect 400 completed surveys by Nov. 7. Throughout the event, enjoy some Ollie’s Ice Cream, complete the survey and enter a drawing to win gift certificates from local businesses. For more information, visit northforkcreative.org/space-tocreate-paonia.

�� Reclamation �� issues Fire �� Mountain �� findings �� The Bureau of Reclamation has released a �� final Finding of No Sig�� nificant Impact and Envi-

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ronmental Assessment on the Fire Mountain Canal Salinity Reduction Piping Project located in Delta County. The project will replace approximately 3.67 miles of open irrigation ditch with buried pipe. The purpose of the project is to prevent seepage and reduce salinity loading in the Colorado River Basin. The final EA/FONSI was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available online at www.usbr.gov/uc/envdocs/index.html, or a copy can be requested by contacting Reclamation. Additionally, historical and photographic documentation on the Fire Mountain Canal is available at https://www.usbr. gov/uc/wcao/rm/cr/index. html. *** Autumn is really the best of the seasons; and I’m not sure that old age isn’t the best part of life. But of course, like autumn, it doesn’t last. —C.S. Lewis

World music in paradise

Photo by Tamie Meck

The 20-member Gamelan Tunas Mekar orchestra and traditional Balinese dancers from Denver perform last Friday for Paonia Elementary School students at the Paradise Theatre. The performance is part of the World Music in Paradise produced by David Alderdice with support from The Learning Council, Arts for All and individual sponsors. The Embodying Rhythm Marimba Ensemble will perform Saturday evening at the Paradise, followed by the classic Celtic world fusion band, FEAST, as part of the Mountain Harvest Festival.

Montessori students ‘Celebrate the Beat’ North Fork Montessori @ Crawford grades 1-6 participated in Celebrate the Beat (CTB) threeweek residency program. At the conclusion, kids performed for family and friends in the NFMC gym on Sept. 13. This year’s theme was Mexico! Celebrate The Beat (CTB) was founded in 2000, “using dance as the medium to teach children valuable life lessons: that energy, discipline, teamwork, commitment and trying your hardest can

lead to success.” Last year, CTB touched over 3,500 students in grades K-10 in communities throughout Colorado and Mexico. performance Past themes in the North Fork schools have included The Lorax, teaching about the environment; rivers of the world; body systems; and impressionism to abstract art. This school year elementary students from the North Fork Montessori at Crawford partici-

pated in CTB on Sept. 1-13. The program will be offered in Hotchkiss K8 Oct. 15-26 and Paonia Elementary School Nov. 5-16. Colorado Health Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Caryn Gibson and Delta County School District made the programming possible. For more information about CTB and the performance, visit www.ctbeat. org and nfmcdeltaschools. com or contact William. Eyler@deltaschools.com

Photo courtesy Nicole Reasonor

Parents and friends were treated to an energetic performance by students of the North Fork Montessori @ Crawford on Thursday, Sept. 13. With the theme of Mexico!, the program is the culmination of a three-week residency for Celebrate the Beat. Students in Hotchkiss and Paonia will also participate in the program later this fall.

Chili cook-off seeking entries The Mountain Harvest Festival is seeking cooks to participate in the 18th annual Chili Cook-Off from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at Paonia Town Park. Judging begins at 4:30

p.m. A signature event and one of the most anticipated by the community, the competition is open to individuals and organizations. With the exception of the Best in Town restaurant category, which

comes with a plaque, $50 prizes are awarded in four categories, with a $150 People’s Choice award. For complete details, visit mountainharvestfestival.org.

KPP dinner to benefit creative coalition

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CORN MAZE Straw Bale Maze Pumpkin Patch

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The Kids’ Past Project will hold a pasta dinner fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, for the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition and the Paonia Creative District Signage and Wayfinding Plan to create and install informational signage in and around Paonia. The dinner is $15 for kids, $8 for adults, and includes freshly-rolled lasagna with a choice of sauces,

green salad, locally-made bread and a fruit crisp for dessert. Reservations are required. Email kppreservations@gmail. com, visit kidspastaproject.org, or call Lenore at 970-985-9220. The coalition also seeks sponsors for the glass disks made at the North Fork Rim Glass Studio in Crawford to be used as decorative elements in the signs.

Learn more about oil and gas ballot measures Sara Loflin, executive director of the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans (LOGIC), will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Paonia Town Hall, about two “diametrically opposed” measures on the November ballot at a public. The event is sponsored by LOGIC and Citizens for a Healthy Community. The measures include the citizen-sponsored Proposition 112, calls for 2,500foot setbacks of oil and as operations from homes, schools, playgrounds and waterways, intended to protect public health and safety; and Amendment 74, a response from the industry under the guise

of protections for private property rights.

Book signing scheduled at Paonia Library Award-winning journalist Rebecca Clarren will present her book, “Kickdown,” on Friday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Paonia Library. Paul Larmer, executive director of High Country News, will moderate. This event is co-sponsored by High Country News and Mountain Harvest Festival.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Energy entrepreneurs engage in Spark Tank with innovative ideas BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS

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Contributing Writer

On Sept. 17 ENGAGE Delta County and DCED teamed up to present the first Spark Tank, a kickoff to the E2 conference on energy innovation. This event featured five startup pitches from Colorado companies working in the energy sector. Held at Paradise Theatre in Paonia, the evening began with in-house drinks and catering by Chick-a-Pea to encourage networking. Startup Colorado’s regional director Jamie Finney welcomed everyone as the group transitioned into the main event. The goal of Startup Colorado and events like these, he said, are to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial community. “Externship has a way of bringing community together,” Finney emphasized. “For every one percent increase in entrepreneurship there’s a two percent decrease in poverty.” Thea Chase, director of Southwest Innovation Corridor, emceed the event. She explained the appeal for encouraging startups to come pitch was the value proposition in creating connections. A common theme among all startups was looking for supporters and funding. P4P Energy presented first. As a “disruptive solar PV mountain technology” company, its focus is to challenge the way solar is implemented. Kenton Guilbert explained that this is achieved through synergistic design such as using steel cables instead of beams. Panels can be created over water, canals, farm land or in rough terrain. For example, the Carbondale based company’s nine-mile canal project in India helps gather solar power while reducing water loss and impact to the land. During the question

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

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Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

From left to right the startup companies: Lou Villaire and Matt Fowler with SunRabbit Transport, Maxwell Lewin with Hygge Power, Steven Conger, Kenton Guilbert and Kendra Joseph with P4P Energy, Chris Caskey with Delta Brick and Climate Company and Jay Hirshfeld with 41 North Food Supply. and answer segment, co-founder Steven Conger was asked about the design’s standability to hurricanes. He was able to give a supportive answer, explaining how cables offer more forgiveness, and that they’re working on aerodynamic designs which will withstand upwards of 160 mph winds. 41 North Supply, a food production company based in Steamboat Springs, pitched next. Jay Hirshfeld is working to solve the problem of taxed resources in food production. Essentially the company uses aquaponics to grow food through fish waste, passive solar and active solar. With this process they’re able to use 95 percent less water and zero pesticides or fertilizers. Basil, giant mustard, lettuce mixes and microgreens can be grown yearround with this setup. The tilapia fish used for creating waste are also marketable. The food production isn’t scaled yet, but that’s the goal. Several evaluators urged Hirshfeld to consider expanding, hinting at Delta County. Chris Caskey of Delta Brick and Climate Company presented his idea to utilize sediment clogging the Paonia reservoir

and heat from methane gas waste from the coal mines to create ceramics. This sediment, he said, is a valuable clay that can be heated to create products such as bricks, tiles, greenhouse gas offsets and even artistic pieces. As a pre-revenue company owner, he is currently working on permits and designing pilot plans for a brick kiln. Questions asked primarily focused on the realistic scope of a market for his products and challenges of logistics such as shipping and getting methane to a facility for use. SunRabbit Transport is a startup combining solar energy and electric vehicles. Currently SunRabbit focuses on education and sales of electric vehicles, EV supply equipment and solar charging integration solutions. Two existing solar sales centers exist in Montrose and Grand Junction. They’re hoping to expand and add EV sales center locations in Grand Junction and Delta. Their goal is to make decreasing CO2 emissions affordable and accessible to potential customers. Additionally, low interest finances are offered to make the process of clean power and transport possible to more people. Evaluators commented

on combining with other dealerships and other opportunities they might have to make this concept more widespread. Hygge Power pitched last. Maxwell Lewin emphasized how his company creates intelligent energy storage devices. These help minimize energy down time and decrease burden on grid systems by acting as “the outlet, perfected.” While small and large devices are already available on the market, Hygee Power’s design, called OPO, covers the middle ground with 4-8 hours of energy supply range. For example, OPO keeps devices on in a power outage, manages movement in the home, provides emergency light in a power outage and allows the user to turn electricity up or down. The evaluators questioned the reliability of 4-8 hours given certain megawatt loads. Additionally, they speculated whether this would make a difference for energy providers in taxed systems. Lewin answered confidently, showing his passion for the product.

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Delta County Libraries photos

Tomato Fest

Tomato-inspired models, dressed up tomatoes, tasty tomatoes, pretty tomatoes, and tomato haiku made the ﬁfth annual Tomato Fest in Hotchkiss a sweet celebration for tomato lovers. Ruth Pettigrew, Delta County Public Library District trustee, accepted an award on behalf of Zephyro’s Farm and Garden for prettiest tomato. Adam Smith won “bestdressed” tomato with his punk rock version of a green tomato. Over a dozen varieties of tomatoes were part of the people’s choice taste-testing, with the award for tastiest tomato going to Karen Erskine. The festival ended with a reading of the tomato haiku contest winners.

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Tomato haiku winners Over age 16:

Under age 16:

a cucumber pales green peppers don’t stand a chance tomato is queen Carol Anne Bosco

Hanging from the vine a ripe purple tomato the color of night.

Red glistening orb Slowly ripened on the vine Juice drips off your chin Gayla Michaud

Tangled between vines the pungent tomatoes tan thick skin, juicy heart Liza Eller

cheerful chubby orb how could we live without you essence of summer Carol Anne Bosco

Red round and juicy bright like berries in the sun the sweet taste fills me. Krimzin Black

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Saffire

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B4 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

PHS HOMECOMING

Delta County Independent

PHS Homecoming 2018

Freshmen participate in the tradition of running around the Homecoming bonﬁre. Anthony Felice and Poppy Lightfoot were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the football game. Felice is the son of Mitch Felice and Lightfoot the daughter of Nolan Lightfoot and Ali Lightfoot. Candidates included Jade Ellenberger, Sabrina Leighton and Jaquelin Mora; Ethan Bartlett, Elan Maulhardt and Jesse Burns. Attendants included freshmen Princessa Mora and Trenton Gaston, sophomores Tawny Roberts and Dominic Felice, and juniors Kiley Olson and Levi Peterson.

Photos by Tamie Meck At the Peach Fuzz boys volleyball tournament, junior class celebrates winning a championship match against the senior class. The seniors had the ﬁnal say, winning the set, 3-2.

Members of the American Legion WilsonHead Post 97 raise the ﬂag ahead of Paonia’s Homecoming football game.

The sophomore class team poses for a group photo at the annual girls Homecoming Capture the Flag tournament at Dan Lawrence Field.

Paonia Elementary School students celebrate winning the Succeeds Prize during the Homecoming parade through downtown Paonia Friday.

The junior ﬂoat played off a famous movie line from the 1975 thriller, “Jaws.”

Riding in a classic Mustang driven by Stan Park, John and Charlotte Morrell were selected by students as Homecoming parade grand Marshals. Big supporters of PES, they are 1965 graduates and the parents of choir director Dee Holt.

Football co-captains Anthony Felice (11), Jesse Burns, Sackett Chesnik and Grey Neal head onto the ﬁeld for the coin toss in their Homecoming game against Basalt.

The senior class enjoys a ride in the parade Friday.

Volleyball players give a speech during the annual Homecoming bonﬁre. In their Homecoming games, the team defeated Plateau Valley, 3-1.

Delta County Independent

MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Mountain Harvest Festival in 18th year of celebrating the North Fork’s bounty BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Born out of a CD release party and small street festival celebrating the bounty of the North Fork Valley, the 18th annual Mountain Harvest Festival opens this Thursday with the annual Paint Paonia painting contest, the “Harvest to Table Dinner” at the Living Farm Cafe, and the annual Harvest of Voices at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. From its earliest days the festival has grown and expanded. In 2008, the MHF board of directors shifted its mission “to celebrate and serve local communities by showcasing the bounty of the North Fork Valley.” The nonprofit Mountain Harvest Creative (MHC) was founded to provide education opportunities in the arts and agriculture through collaborations and fundraisers, and to guide the festival into the future. The event is now overseen by the seven-member MHC board including president Tom Backhus, secretary Ethel Garrett, treasurer Andee RoseSmall, and board members Marla Korpar, Melanie Jean, Teresa Shishim, and festival co-founder and board member emeritus, Rick Stockton. A 17member team of directors, coordinators, designers, artists, photographers and videographers, and numerous volunteers help make the festival a reality and support the mission. This year’s festival features four days of activities for kids and adults, fundraisers, contests, and a showcase of local tastes and talents including more than 25 musical acts, magic and magical performances, farm and winery tours, exquisite food and drink and community gatherings. “We have a great team,” said Backhus. The five women on the board each bring special talents and energy to the table. “I wouldn’t have accepted (the position) if those

ladies were not involved.” In 2016 the festival received the Governor’s Award for Excellence for “Best Event, Festival or Recurring Activity.” It’s surprising that a small town like Paonia can win such a big award, said festival director Josh Behrman, who joined the team last spring. “I was shocked.” Behrman replaces four-year festival director Heidi Hudek, who remains involved with the festival in other capacities. As founder and president of the Aspen-based Mountain Groove Productions, Berhman brings extensive experience to the team. He is the longtime event contractor for the Town of Snowmass, he has attracted world-class talents to the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and Ute Theater in Rifle, and produces the Palisade Bluegrass Festival — now in its 11th year, the Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brews Fest and other major events. “I love small-town, boutique festivals,” said Behrman. Of the many festivals he’s worked with, this one stands out for the dedication and pride in Paonia that everyone has. “It’s that passion and dedication that’s kept it going for 18 years,” he said. The festival is also unique in that there are so many moving parts, said Behrman. The biggest challenge has been getting to know each team coordinator and understand the history behind the more than 40 events happening throughout the festival. It’s also unique for its many coordinated events. “Festivals usually have three components; this one has 30.” Behrman said he had no plans to change anything, but as with any ongoing event, “You just want to keep things fresh,” he said. Still part of the festival are the Chili Cook-Off, live music, kids activities, the Harvest of Voices and Paint Paonia events, and downtown’s

Harvest of Voices kicks off Mountain Harvest Festival BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A tradition that predates the first Mountain Harvest Festival in 2001, the annual Harvest of Voices reading happens Saturday evening at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. A “grand buffet of tasty prose and poetry,” the event is a joint effort by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts and Delta County Libraries. It grew out of a poetry writing group, said local poet/artist Tara Miller. In spring the event was called the “Garden of Voices,” and in autumn, the “Harvest of Voices.” Early on it was all about poetry, said Miller. From the beginning, “There was always a packed house.” “The tradition of the spoken word in this valley goes way back,” said Miller. While she’s not positive about the year the Harvest of Voices began, based on the dates of some of her poetry, it goes back at least to 1994. Among members of the original group were Jane McGarry, Marian Stewart, Rita Clagett, Lucy Woods-Darby, who met weekly to share their work and hone their craft. Along the way some notable authors joined in, including Lisa Jones, author of the award-winning book, Broken: A Love Story, and fiction novelist Paolo Bacigalupi.

Writers knew each other so well, said Miller, that early readings were organized into topics: landscapes, wildlife, and erotica. “At one point we each read our own set.” Early venues included the former Casa Restaurant on Grand Avenue and the Paradise Theatre. Wherever they held it, “there was always a packed house,” said Miller. Over the years the Harvest of Voices has attracted nationally-recognized local authors including conservation writer and High Country News contributor Michelle Nijhuis, poet Art Goodtimes, and Craig Childs, author of numerous books including Crossing Paths: Uncommon Encounters with Animals in the World, Apocalyptic Planet: Field Guide to the Future of Earth, and Atlas of a Lost World: Travels in Ice Age America. Childs and High Country News copy editor/illustrator Diane Sylvain are among this year’s readers. Because the event sells out every year, the Blue Sage is again partnering with The Paradise Theatre to live-stream the reading. Tickets for the Blue Sage event are $15 and available at the Blue Sage; admission to the live-stream screening at the Paradise is $5 at the door and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Elevate Paonia Promenade on Friday. Friday night’s Pub Crawl and the Saturday Sundown Swing still feature numerous local musical acts spread across several downtown venues. Gone is the popular Grape Stomp due to reasons beyond the board’s control. Among the additions are more collaborations, said Behrman, including the MHF 5k Run to benefit Paonia Elementary School, and a reading in collaboration with the Paonia Library by award-winning journalist, author and former High Country News writer Rebecca Clarren. She will read from her debut novel, Kickdown, Friday afternoon at the Paonia Library. “It’s an exciting book,” said Behrman. “It’s got that wilderness vibe.” Also new is the Saturday night “Taste of the Ark,” a four-course farm-to-table fundraiser presented by Slow Food Western Slope at Edesia Community Kitchen. Chef Kyle Mendenhall will prepare the meal from the “Three Sisters seeds of beans, corn and squash” harvested from Mark Waltermire’s Thistle Whistle Farm in Hotchkiss. The festival takes to the sky at 10 a.m. Saturday with a flyover of Town Park and Dan Lawrence football field. The aerial exhibition was suggested by Larry and Ethel Garrett and was scheduled for the 2017 festival before being canceled by high winds. The flyover is not only a visual treat, it’s a reminder that Paonia has a “sweet little airport,” said Larry Garrett, a retired U.S. Air Force and commercial pilot and member of the all-volunteer West Elk Mountain Rescue. “It’s kind of a hidden asset that’s often overlooked because it’s

not in town.” Movement and magic are part of the festival. At 4:45 Saturday the Sopris Soarers from the Aerial Artistry Academy in Carbondale will bring the art of aerial dance to Town Park, and magician Ty Gallenbeck will perform mind-blowing magic at 11 a.m. Sunday. For the kids the Serendipity Kids’ activity area is open from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sponsored by the Kampe Foundation, kids can enjoy activities, workshops, art projects, a harvest relay, animal fashion show and more. Experience downtown from noon-4 p.m. Friday at the Elevate Paonia Promenade. Sponsored by Elevate Fiber and the Paonia Chamber of Com-

merce, visitors can discover what local businesses have to offer, win prizes, play Business Bingo and sample local products and services. Back for a third year, the Farmer’s Market will bring the harvest to Town Park on Saturday and Sunday. Teresa Shishim said she joined the board because the festival supports so many of the things that make the North Fork Valley a special place to live. A mother, wife and business owner, her talent is in marketing and promoting the festival. “I’m really interested in developing our economy,” said Shishim. Based on money generated by vendors, income raised for nonprofits other than the MHC, and

money spent on products, food, lodging and the evening in-town venues, the board estimates that the 2017 festival alone had an economic impact to Delta County of $164,600, said Shishim. It also generated $3,292 in local sales taxes. Calculate an economic multiplier — the number of times a dollar changes hands within the community before being spent elsewhere — of 1.5 percent and the impact was $246,900. “That’s really conservative,” said Shishim. “And remember that last year it was rainy.” While the festival happens rain or shine, everyone’s hoping the rain stays away during the festival. So far, said Shishim, “The forecast looks good.”

MOUNTAIN HARVEST

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B6 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL

Delta County Independent

‘Color-obsessed’ Lightfoot is featured festival artist BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

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When the adult coloring craze took off in 2015 after the New York Times featured its first coloring book on the best-seller list, Spencer Mahaffey Lightfoot was ahead of the curve. “I joke that I figured out that adult coloring is therapeutic way before The New York Times,” said the Paonia artist. “I figured out how to get a college degree in it.” Lightfoot was selected by the Mountain Harvest Creative board to provide the artwork for the 18th annual Mountain Harvest Festival poster and marketing material. “It came about as a complete surprise,” said Lightfoot. She worked closely with the board to include all of the elements reflected in the festival — the harvest, flowers, mountains, and music represented by musical notes floating across a blue Colorado sky. She also worked on the festival logo created by musician and self-taught painter Justin Hess for the first Mountain Harvest Festival in 2001. Lightfoot calls her unique style, “watercolor mosaic.” She grew up sur-

Photo by Randy Sunderland

Spencer Mahaffey-Lightfoot works on one of her signature “mosaic watercolors” at Second Story Studio in downtown Paonia. Lightfoot used the same process in making the artwork for this year’s Mountain Harvest Festival poster. The process “takes a long time,” said Lightfoot. For the piece she’s working on, “If I could sit on the ﬂoor and paint all day, this would take about a month.” rounded by artists including dad Merrill Mahaffey, a noted Grand Canyon and Southwestern landscape artist, mom Jeanne Mahaffey, also a painter, and two very creative grandmothers. All of them had a big influence on her life. “Everyone was always working on something,” and they always had a sketch pad and the best art supplies with them, she said. “I thought everybody had a sketch book growing up.” Her style began in high school as “doodles” drawn in sketch books with calligraphy pens. She started drawing animal and other shapes and filling them in with smaller shapes, then coloring them in with calligraphy ink. Like watercolors, the ink seemed to magically change colors. Lightfoot is obsessed with color. To bring more color to her drawings, she started using watercolors. Everyone who saw it

said her work looked like mosaics, “so I called it watercolor mosaics.” After surviving some not-so-nurturing art teachers and a rebellious period, she earned a bachelors degree in art studies at Arizona State University. She has painted professionally for more than 20 years. Lightfoot works at Second Story Studio above the Blue Sage Center, which she co-owns with painter Shannon Richardson and wildcrafter Kirby Wade with Wild Witch Medicinals. Each piece begins with pencil sketches of a main theme or shape — fish, feather, flower or other shape — on paper attached to a sheet of plywood laid out on the floor. Because it’s watercolor it has to lie flat, she said. She then pencils smaller shapes inside the main shapes. It’s basically a few shapes drawn over and over and over, she

says. She then begins a “super obsessive” coloring process, choosing a main color palette, then creating 10 different shades of each color by mixing in other colors. “Ten of these, 10 of these, 10 of these, 10 of these...” Each shade is represented within the color scheme of each shape. Then she turns on a book on tape and gets to work. “It’s super therapeutic,” she says. The original piece created for the festival has sold, with half the proceeds going to the nonprofit Mountain Harvest Creative. It will hang with her other works at Second Story Studio through the festival, and prints are available. Lightfoot said she’s happy to sign any posters at Second Story during the festival, except during Friday’s Chili Cook-Off, for which she’s the judges’ coordinator.

All-Star Band jam honors Mike Gwinn BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

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The Harvest Festival All-Star Band will close out the 18th annual Mountain Harvest Festival Sunday evening, Sept. 30. The tradition of closing the festival with an allstar jam dates back to the first festival in 2001, said festival co-founder Rick Stockton. The festival began as a three-day CD release party and celebration of the fall harvest. In its early days, the festival was held downtown, a portion of Grand Avenue was blocked off, and a stage was placed in the middle of the street. The idea was to gather local talent on the stage for a final jam session, said Stockton. Among this year’s allstars are singers Ellen Hutto and Gustavo Brett, drummer Justin Hess, guitarist Carrie Liz Williams, bass player John Keller, and Jim Veazey on keyboard (“he’s got some real chops,” said Stockton of Veazey). Stockton and wife Helen Highwater will also take the stage, along with a host of other talented musicians. All-star musicians are

Photo by Tamie Meck

The 2016 Mountain Harvest Festival All-Star Band dedicated its traditional festival-closing jam session to “Paonia’s beloved troubadour,” Howard Berkman. This year’s all-star jam will be dedicated to Mike Gwinn. true professionals, said Stockton. “They aren’t the ones sitting at home playing on their couch. They’re the ones living in or near Paonia who are out there playing music all of the time.” The session will be dedicated to Mike Gwinn, a long-time local and consummate lifelong musician who played or was otherwise involved in the festival since the beginning. A former Mountain Harvest Creative board member, Gwinn organized the 2017 festival and also organized the allstar band the last three or four years. “He was always willing to help,”

said Stockton. Gwinn passed away in December after a brief battle with cancer. He “was a great guitar player and singer,” said Stockton. “He knew a lot of songs.” The All-Star jam takes place from 4:30-6 p.m. Sunday, on the “Howard Berkman Memorial Stage” at Paonia Town Park. A perennial presence at the festival, Berkman died unexpectedly in October 2011. The stage was dedicated in his honor during the 2016 Festival All-Star Jam. “He’s still missed,” said Stockton. “If he was here he’d be on that all-star stage for sure.”

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MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Music line-up features an eclectic assortment

Since 2001, the annual Mountain Harvest Festival has brought to the stage an eclectic assortment of handpicked local and regional musicians. Harry Harpoon will get the party started during the Chili Cookoff Friday in Paonia Town Park. He performs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a local beverage and a sample of chili, topped off with a piece of pie from the “I Love Pie” contest. Slices of pie will be available for sale starting at 5 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the Lambert Junior Grange and the HHS/PHS Speech Club. The Friday night pub crawl will feature live music at Delicious Orchards, The Cirque, Louie’s and Paonia United Brewery, beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until midnight with The Scones. SATURDAY TOWN PARK Head back to the park Saturday for a contra dance with Fifth Reel from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Zumba/hip hop performances, Beth William and Friends, Turtle & the Heads, Sopris Soarers Aerial Airtistry and Dead Floyd keep the park hopping until 8 p.m. and the Saturday Sundown Swing. SATURDAY SUNDOWN SWING The Saturday Sundown Swing features 10 bands, seven venues and six hours of music. All-access tickets are general admission and priced at $25 until Friday, Sept. 28, when prices increase to $30. Get your tickets online at the Mountain Harvest Festival website, www., or pick them up in downtown Paonia at Lizzy’s Market, The Cirque, Back Country Bistro, The Blue Sage or the Paradise Theater. These are the amazing bands and venues you will experience:

Feast 10:15 p.m. to midnight Playing mainly Celtic-inspired music with their own original twist, FEAST mixes classical, traditional and modern techniques, tunes and instruments. Classically trained string instrumentalists and keyboardist play beautiful soaring traditional melodies on top of a backdrop of funky Afro-Cuban influenced world-beat drum set and bass grooves. It’s a feast for the ears and a musical experience to be remembered. FEAST band members appearing at this year’s MHF will include Alisha Bean (champion fiddler) on violin, Andrew Krimm (Altius Quartet) on viola, Stephanie Mientka (Colorado Symphony) on viola, Zachary Reaves (Altuis Quartet) on cello, Benjamin de Kock (El Sistema Colorado) on acoustic and electric bass, Katheryn Mientka (Western Slope Concert Series) on electric piano, and local percussionist and music educator, David Alderdice (Embodying Rhythm) on drumset and percussion. POULOS PARK (Next to Paradise) Codestar DJ 8 to 11 p.m. Growing up in Portland, Ore., CodeStar was exposed to all kinds of music, and experienced the magic of what a good DJ could do for the energy in a room. He was inspired to play music and got his own turntables at age 18. He has never looked back, having played countless house parties, special events, music venues, radio shows, weddings, concerts, festivals, yoga classes and dances.

mountain folk into a soulful tapestry of roots, rock, and raw improvisations. Their music reflects their home of Carbondale, which is nestled deep in the heart of the Elk Mountains where a confluence of culture — farmers, immigrants, naturalists, recreationalists, artisans and musicians — and free flowing rivers, big mountains, wildlife and migrating birds come together. BLUE SAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 228 Grand Avenue

Peach Street Revival 8 to 9:30 p.m. Peach Street Revival is a blues rock, psychedelic, sweet guitar and bass riffin’ mouth-full! Front woman Gonzales will croon you into psychedelia with the band’s original songs, and with their renditions of Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, Heart, Wolfmother, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the like! The all-star cast of Peach Street Revival is Gonzales (vocals), Cooper Shull (guitar), Jordan Will (bass), and Rob Labig (drums).

Niceness 10:15 to 11:45 p.m. Niceness is rooted in the traditional sounds of island reggae, seamlessly integrating elements of soul, funk, latin and hiphop while staying true to their authentic reggae vibes. With Michael Gomberg on drums, David Christeson on the keys, Stosch Dembitsky on bass, Dustin Wilson on guitar, Jonathan Barfield on percussion, Jeff Gutierrez on tenor sax, John White on alto sax and Jared Wright on trumpet, the musical sense and THE CIRQUE rhythm is solid allowing 232 Grand Avenue for the vocal melodies of Eclectic Alchemy Koral Delatierra to sweep 8 to 10 p.m. Singer/songwriter Car- you away into the nicerie Liz Williams began ness that surrounds us. popping up at open mic nights after relocating to Paonia from San Antonio. With songs that carry emotional baggage about breakups and life, CarSpace to Create rie possessed the uncanny ability to connect Paonia and Artspace are through these stories by conducting an arts marfinding a positive twist ket survey. The survey that reminds listeners in will launch Thursday, these similar situations Sept. 27, with a kicknot to lose hope. Carrie off event in Poulos Park and Ross Deardorff began from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you can’t make it to playing as a two-piece with acoustic guitar and our launch event, swing drums. Soon after, they were joined by lead guitarist Josh Livaudais, with vocalists Jeanne Carter and Jen Pietras rounding out the lineup.

PARADISE THEATRE 215 Grand Avenue NVF Marimba Band 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. The Embodying Rhythm Marimba Ensemble plays fun groovy polyphonic music perfect for movement on the dance floor as well as relaxing journeys of the ear and soul. At different times, the funky eightpiece marimba ensemble (including a really big bass marimba) will be joined by the sounds of trumpet, saxophone, flute, melodica, bass clarinet, percussion, hand Let Them Roar drums, drumset, voices 10 p.m. to midnight Let Them Roar weaves and more.

Niceness LOUIE’S 202 Grand Avenue John Michel and Michael Jude 8 to 11 p.m. Creating soulful sounds of Americana rock and roll, this dueling pair has toured with Hall and Oates and My Brother’s Keeper. Having played together for over 20 years, they have a polished and tight sound. Both are incredibly talented on guitar and vocals. CHRYSALIS BREWERY Hard Pressed 8 to 11 p.m. Hard Pressed is a marriage of two lives — of a fiddle and banjo, of mandolin and guitar, of rich, honest and pure harmonies, both in life and in song. Andrea Lecos and Cory Obert will be joined by Josh “Turtle” Hallenback on mandolin and guitar. Their material, both original and traditional, is transcended by the delivery of their rich, heartfelt vocals.

ows on guitar, vocals and songwriting, Maggie Meadows on keyboards, Justin Hess on drums, John Keller on bass and Dr. Noe on trombone. Mojo has performed on many stages on the Western Slope of Colorado from the Paradise Theatre, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts and Revolution Brewing in Paonia to O’Brien’s Pub in Ouray to Carbondale Beerworks, as well as several years playing the Mountain Harvest Festival and Gears & Beers Festival in Paonia.

SUNDAY PAONIA TOWN PARK For the final day of Mountain Harvest Festival entertainment, head back to Paonia Town Park, where Eric Vaughn takes the stage at noon, followed by the North Fork Valley Community Parade Band from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Jeanine Renee hosts an open mic session from 2 to 4 p.m. Your favorite artists come together in an alstar band from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to close out Mountain Harvest Festival in unforgettable fashion.

PAONIA UNITED BREWERY 325 Grand Avenue Mojo 7 to 10 p.m. Inspired by Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots & the Maytals, the Skatalites and the Slackers from NYC, mojo plays feel good music for good times and great days! Mojo is Michael Mead-

Take the survey by the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition booth at Mountain Harvest Festival on Saturday or Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Once you’ve filled out the survey, your name will be entered into a prize drawing.

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Michael Jude and Jean Michel

Invest $1.5 million dollars in solar energy in Delta County Install 60 solar electric systems totaling 400 kW of clean energy Reach over 6,000 K-8 students Educate over 1,500 community members Train 70 high school students

Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Invest in a clean energy future by supporting our local outreach eﬀorts today.

solarenergy.org/donate

B8 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS September 26, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

New Delta rotation works against Hotchkiss BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Delta celebrated a 3-0, 25-20, 25-12, 25-18 win against Hotchkiss Thursday night, Sept. 20. While they were favored to win, they were also trying out a new rotation. Game three was the Bulldogs best effort for the night. After starting the game with an 8-0 deficit, Hotchkiss trailed by four points throughout much of the latter half of the game. The Panthers have made a few changes since their 3-0 loss to Paonia on Sept. 11. “I’m pretty proud of the girls,” said head coach Beth Nelson. “They are working extremely hard.” With three players returning from last year’s 16-9 varsity roster, “It’s a young team.” Junior Madi Gieck had four kills, four serving aces and 12 errorless serve receives and was named Player of the Game. Senior setter Abby Carlson had 13 assists and freshman Jillian Carlson 10 assists for the game. Senior Sara Geddes had 11 kills in

23 attacks, and Lauren Davey put away five kills in 19 attacks. The Panthers were also facing Bulldogs senior Carson Collins, currently ranked second in state in hitting and third in blocks. The Bulldogs also have power hitters Amelia Hickham and Aubrey Harward, and senior Elsie Vasquez, who averages 2.3 digs per set. It was a valuable experience for the team, said Nelson. “We’re at a point right now where we’re taking our season one game at a time. Every varsity team we play has been a challenge for us.” But their main focus is on “our side of the net and taking care of the ball,” said Nelson. Against Paonia, “We made a lot of errors... Yeah, we want to play against those big hitters, but we’ve got to take care of it on our side.” The Panthers also have 5-10 junior opposite/middle blocker Julia Mewhinney and 5-11 freshman Erika Kuta in the rotation. Nelson said the team is trying different lineups “...until we

find something that we like and that is working.” This week, Davey moved to the right side after two years of playing at middle hitter, giving the team a bigger front line for when they come up against teams with good outside hitters. “This is the first game that we’ve tried that,” said Nelson. “We like it.” The Panthers also made 90 percent of their serves including 11 aces — four by Carlson and four by Gieck. The team is averaging just shy of 90 percent in serves this season. “Anymore, with rally scoring, they have to get the serve over the net,” said Nelson. “You want to be aggressive with your serves” while limiting the misses. For Delta, the win came on the heels of a 3-2 conference loss to Cedaredge. They ended the week at 6-4 overall and ninth in 3A RPI rankings; At 81, Cedaredge comes in at No. 6. The Panthers faced Palisade Tuesday

DCI Sports Writer

Delta High School Football edged out a tough Bennett team on Friday, Sept. 21. The game was expected to be difficult, as the Tigers bumped the Paonia Eagles from the state playoffs last season. Friday’s game ended with the unusual score of 7-6. Even though the game was low scoring, the contest ran high. To understand the gist Photo by Tamie Meck of the game we must first Bulldogs senior Carson Collins defends against recall a little geography Hannah Sterns of Delta. In Class 2A Collins is cur- lesson. The city of Benrently ranked third in blocks and second in hitting. nett sits out on the plains, about 30 miles due east of Denver. Meaning that the prevailing climate is windy with a chance of wind. The night of the 21st was no exception. Great gusts battered both sets of players for the duration of the game. The Bennett Tigers

Bruins softball picks up big conference win DCI Sports Writer

Bruins softball had a good showing last week with two fine wins and a loss to a very tough Delta squad. Cedaredge started the week on Monday, Sept. 17, by traveling to Basalt to take on a strong Longhorns team. The Bruins, however, went to win and came away with a 14-6 conference game victory. Cedaredge scored in each of the first five innings, Basalt scored all six of their runs in the third. The next game came the very next day, Sept. 18, as Cedaredge traveled to local rivals Delta. This game proved to be more of a challenge for the Bruins as they came up against a Panthers

team that was more than a match. The Bruins were forced to take a bitter loss 1-8. If losing can teach you more than winning, the Bruins learned loads from their game in the lower valley, because they came back to winning form in a big way. The Bruins’ next game took place at home against Gunnison on Saturday, Sept. 22, and Cedaredge held nothing back. Shutting out the Cowboys 19-0 in a commanding performance brought the Bruins’ record back to .500. Cedaredge went to Aspen on Sept. 25 with high hopes of continuing the season with a win against the Skiers, who currently have an overall record of 1-11.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Cedaredge’s Jamie Myer slides safely into second base during competition against Delta Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Field of Dreams.

night. The 4A Bulldogs were 8-3 overall and 15th in RPI standings heading into the game. Tuesday night the Panthers host No. 17 Aspen (8-2). “That’s going to be

a big challenge for us,” said Nelson of the match against Palisade. We’re gonna go with the same line-up. That’s why we practiced it tonight.” In Friday’s conference

match against De Beque (11-0, 6-0, 2A/1A Western Slope League), Hotchkiss dropped to 4-7, 1-4 on a 3-0, 25-19, 25-10, 2522 loss. They travel to Paonia Friday night.

Panthers fought elements, Tigers in eastern plains battle BY NATHAN CLAY

BY NATHAN CLAY

Photo by Tamie Meck

Julia Mewhinney goes up against Elsie Vasquez and Carson Collins Thursday night in Delta’s 3-0 non-conference win over Hotchkiss. The Panthers tried a new line-up against Hotchkiss that adds to the size of its forward players.

have adapted to their environment by crafting their offense into an almost exclusively run based attack. Combined, both teams successfully passed for a grand total of 12 yards. Nine yards from one completed pass for Panther quarterback Gauge Lockhart, and three yards from a single throw from the Tigers. The lack of any pass offense put the onus heavily on the run, and run they did. Delta had five players involved in the ground attack. Lockhart, Brandon Butler, Ku Moo, Nathan Workman and Cody Sauve (all juniors at DHS) worked together to rack up 225 rushing yards for the Panthers. 185 yards were contributed by Sauve alone from 22 carries. Butler punched into the end zone for Del-

ta’s only touchdown of the night. A successful extra point from Ku Moo was the margin the Panthers needed to scrape by after Bennett failed on a twopoint conversion after the Tigers only touchdown. Needless to say, in a game with such offensive woes, a strong defense is critical in the battle to retain control. Turnovers were a frustrating reality as both teams struggled against the elements. As the number of turnovers mounted, the ability of the Panthers to maintain focus and be first to cover loose balls was integral to the win. Caleb Miramontes, in particular, was a standout at shutting down the Bennett Tigers. A senior, Miramontes nearly doubled the number of tackles put up by any of the rest of his team. Miramon-

tes found the Tigers’ ball carrier again and again with a total of 18 tackles. 12 of those takedowns being recorded as solo efforts. Senior lineman Aiden Barrios chipped in with a strong showing of 12 tackles and Sauve was active in defense as well, registering eight solo stops from the safety slot. This win on the road brings Delta’s record to 3-1, a statistic they hope to improve upon this week against Aspen. The Panthers will surely work hard to turn around decreasing point totals over their last three games if they are going to achieve victory over the Skiers on Friday, Sept. 28. The Skiers are also 3-1 on the season. The conference game begins at 7 p.m. at Delta Panther Stadium.

Delta softball relies on team play to win big Panthers remain undefeated in league play with 8-0 big victories BY NATHAN CLAY DCI Sports Writer

The games came thick and fast for the women of Delta High School’s varsity softball team last week. The Panthers had five games over four days beginning against Cedaredge on the evening of Sept. 18, followed by a double header of double headers, with two games against Aspen on Sept. 21 and another two games against Meeker on Sept. 22. The girls seemed not to notice the intensity of the schedule however, as they won all five games, seemingly without breaking much of a sweat. Over the course of the five games the Panthers rounded the bases a total of 67 times, allowing their opponents to touch home only six times. Away to Cedaredge the score ended at 8-1. Against Aspen at home in the conference, Delta won the two games 18-0 and 20-0. The next day,

still on their home field, Delta beat Meeker in two non-conference games 9-0 and 12-5. There could be no denying that the Panthers came to play. These wins bring their record for the season to 8-0. Head coach Jerry Sandoval credits the impressive run of form to the teams very strong defensive focus. At one point against Meeker turning a triple play. Sandoval called the victories “a total team effort.” When pressed for any standout performance, he hesitates, then says that every single player had a hand in their winning ways. The stats from the games back this up. No single player is head and shoulders above the rest, and each and every one had a strong showing. The Panther softball team plays against Basalt on Tuesday, Sept. 25, where they no doubt hope to continue their exceptional team play and smash into the winners column again. Also on the schedule this week for the Panthers are home games with Montrose on ThursPhoto by Pat Sunderland day, Sept. 27, and Gunnison on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Pitcher Amanda Cotten and the Delta Panthers These games begin at 3 came away with an 8-1 victory when they took on the Cedaredge Bruins Tuesday, Sept. 18. p.m.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Paonia nets Homecoming volleyball win BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Paonia Eagles are now 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the 2A Western Slope League following their Homecoming volleyball win over Plateau Valley on Friday, Sept. 21. The final score was 3-1 (2515, 25-21, 10-25, 25-23). Carly Horn handled

the ball 106 times for 25 assists. Poppy Lightfoot completed 11 kills and made eight errors in 39 attacks. Lyla HayutanBaril tied her best game of the season with eight kills, and Jessica Deaton scored a season-high eight kills. Paonia had five aces and a serving percentage of 93.5 per-

cent. Sadie Miller led in serve receives with one error in 16 receptions; Lightfoot had 11 receptions and one error and Deaton and defensive specialist Jaquelin Mora each had 11 serve receives with three errors. Paonia is now 5-4 overall, 3-1 in the 2A/1A

Photo by Tamie Meck

Jessica Deaton (10) keeps her eye on the ball in anticipation of Carly Horn’s set in Paonia’ 3-1 conference win over Plateau Valley. Western Slope conference and 15th in RPI standings. It hosts rival Hotchkiss Friday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m. The 4-7 Bulldogs will be hungry for a win after losing their last five games, including a 3-0 non-conference loss to Photo by Tamie Meck Delta last Thursday and Defensive specialist Jaquelin Mora makes one of her eight serve receives for a 3-0 conference loss Frithe night in Paonia’s 3-1 Homecoming win over Plateau Valley. Paonia is now day to the 11-0 De Beque 3-1 in conference play. It hosts Hotchkiss at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Dragons.

Ethan Bartlett’s sub 17-minute run sets new school record the Reservoir cross-country meet at Ridgway State Park. Egging finished seventh overall with a time of 27 minutes, 36.14 seconds. Mariah Griffith placed 26th with a time of 29:35.3, Grace Hathaway was 31st (31:02.62), and Ela Adair placed 37th (32:35.41). The girls placed fifth overall with 56 points. In the boys division, Tevin Keller finished 17th overall with a time of 22:28.92, and Will Ela placed 25th in 23:44.79. Pablo Camacho and Ben Rodriguez placed 50th and 51st, respectively, in 29:20.33 and 29:22.69. Hotchkiss scored 66 points to finish sixth overall.

BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett broke the 17minute barrier to place fifth Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Anna Banana Invitational cross-country race at Snooks Bottom in Fruita. Bartlett’s time of 16 minutes, 52.55 seconds also broke the 2013 school record of 17:08.68 set by Jason Sturgis at the 2A Region 4 meet in Delta. Bartlett was the first Class 2A runner to cross the line at Anna Banana, coming in 46100ths of a second behind Delta senior John Ames. In what was their Homecoming week race, the Paonia boys finished fifth overall with 128 points. Harley Ewert ran a season-best time of 19:01.07 to place 24th. Freshman Alyster Birk finished in 34th place with a time of 19:52.07 and classmate Alejandro Garcia placed 39th in 20:07.45. Senior Calvin Reese ran a season- and personal-best time of 21:10.93 to place 48th, and freshmen Jose Mojarro and Aidan Zerr ran personal-best times to finish 54th and 65th. The Paonia girls scored 89 points to place third at Anna Banana. Katya Schwieterman placed ninth in 21:11.39 and Tawny Roberts placed 11th in 21:38.47. All seven varsity girls set season-best (SB) or personal-best times. Alex Eaton placed 22nd (SB 23:03.2), Sofia Gonzales placed 25th (PB 23:38.04), Jade Ellenberger 29th (SB 23:52.77), Cristina Rankin 31st (PB 24:16.94), and Abby Reedy placed 47th (SB 26:05.07).

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett broke the 17-minute barrier to place ﬁfth at the Anna Banana Invitational cross-country race in Fruita last Saturday, setting a new record for Paonia High School. Now in its 15th year, the Anna Banana meet is held in memory of Anna Janowitz, a member of the Fruita Monument High School cross-country team who was tragically killed in a vehicle accident on her way to practice. The Delta boys scored 138 points to place seventh overall at Anna Banana. John Ames ran a season-best time of 16 minutes, 52.09 seconds to place fourth, and Shad Lewis set his fastest Anna Banana course time of 17:37.78 to finish 11th. Sophomore Doyle Young finished 45th in a season-best (SB) time of 20:37.75, Andrew Toole placed 47th (SB 21:07.59), sophomore Enrique Gonzalez placed

55th (SB 21:54.33), and junior Jack Jones placed 64th (SB 23:48.45). The Panther girls placed sixth overall at Anna Banana with 148 points. Beki Atchley finished 23rd in 23:21.38 and Grace Hall placed 28th in a season-best 23:46.46. Five Panther girls set season-best or personal-best (PB) times. Emma Corbasson placed 34th (PB 24:28.73), Abby Williams 35th ( SB 24:34.75), Hanna Hollenbeck 44th (SB 25:44.50), and Shoshanna Vigil (PB 27:07.75). Egging 7th, Keller 17th at Ridgway Ramble Freshman Karlie Egging was the top finisher for the Hotchkiss girls Friday at the Ramble at

Olathe CC teams 3rd at Ramble Both Olathe cross country teams had top-10 finishers to place third Friday at the Ramble at the Reservoir crosscountry meet at Ridgway State Park. On the boys’ side, Alecxis Hernandez led the Pirates with a fourthplace time of 21 minutes, 1.61 seconds, with Layton McLaughlin placing eighth in 21:43.01. Angel Sanchez placed 18th in 22:31.13, Kael Mattics and Miguel Silva Almanza placed 21st and 22nd, respectively (22:56.86, 23:06.85), and Emmanuel Ledsma placed 27th in 23:49.02. Lupita Garcia finished fourth at the Ramble with a time of 24:37.72. Angela Alcaraz and Jaden Valdez placed 15th and 16th, respectively, in 26:11.22 and 27:35.52. Cheyanne Germann placed 24th in 29:15.87, and Bailey Harris finished 35th in 31:29.87.

Photo submitted

Delta’s John Ames and Paonia’s Ethan Bartlett, fourth and fifth from left, finished fourth and fifth Saturday at the Anna Banana memorial cross country race in Fruita. Bartlett’s time of 15:52.55 broke the 2013 team record.

Hotchkiss falls to Steamboat Springs BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Turnovers proved costly for the Hotchkiss Bulldogs as they traveled to Steamboat Springs Friday night. The loss puts them at 3-2 going into the big rivalry game against Paonia this Friday. The Sailors scored three times in the first quarter, including a 39yard interception run by Jameson Tracy. Tanner Raper tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter, both resulting from passes from quarterback Drew Bowers. Finn Russell’s final kick of the half was no good, and the first half ended with Steamboat holding a comfortable 34-0 lead. Steamboat scored one more time, with a oneyard run in the third quarter. The Bulldogs finally got on the scoreboard with a 24-yard pass from Yahir Chavez, his longest of the game, to Jacob Palecki. Kayia

Firor’s kick added a point and the clock wound down with the final score of 7-40. For the game, quarterback Yahir Chavez went six for 13 and a total of 88 passing yards. Jace Peebles led the rushing game with 70 yards, followed by Chavez with 60. Despite the three turnovers, Coach Curtis Hintz said the kids kept playing hard, which was a positive. “Coming up we start conference play vs. Paonia,” the coach said. “They are a tough, well coached team and of course it’s a rivalry game. Every week in our conference is going to be a battle. Paonia brings some experienced kids into the game that they will rely on. Our kids will work hard this week and get prepared for Friday night.” The game will be held in Paonia; kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

Photo by Matt Hall

Running back Jace Peebles fends off a Steamboat Springs player during the Bulldogs’ Friday night road trip. Peebles led the team with 70 rushing yards on 15 carries.

B10 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Eagles’ loss to Basalt boosts RPI ranking BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In high school football, it’s a rare game that ends in a good loss. But in Friday night’s 16-0 loss, their second loss of the season after two shutout wins and a season-opening 38-0 loss to Centauri, the Paonia Eagles received nothing but praise from the coaching staff. “Obviously I don’t like losing, I hate losing more than anything,” said head coach Blaine Escher. “But the style in which we lost this game, versus our Centauri game, was night and day. No one gave up, no one was pointing fingers. It was that we simply got outplayed by a team that was a little better than us.” For a few minutes it looked like the Eagles

could be in for another blowout loss. Ranked first in the state in Class 2A, the visiting Longhorns were leading 9-0 after a first-quarter touchdown and late first half field goal. They were bigger, had twice the players on their roster, and were moving the ball. But the Eagles weren’t going to stand down. Instead, they held the No. 1-ranked 2A team in the state to its lowest scoring game of the season, allowing just two touchdowns and a field goal. In the first two plays of the game running backs Jesse Burns and Anthony Felice each gained 15 yards, giving the team a needed blast of confidence. Quarterback Grey Neal completed four of 12 passes for 34 yards

Photo by Randy Sunderland

Bruin touchdown

Junior Dusty Emig tumbles into the end zone during the second quarter of Friday night’s non-conference game between Cedaredge and Salida. Teammate Taj VanderLinde (60) helped seal a lane for the run. Unfortunately, it was the only time Cedaredge would ﬁnd the end zone. The Spartans exploded for 22 points in the third quarter and went on to win 42-7, improving their record to 5-0. Cedaredge (1-3) will host Olathe (2-2) Friday, Sept. 28, in conference play. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia running back Anthony Felice gains 15 yards on the opening play against Basalt Friday night at Dan Lawrence Field in Paonia. and two interceptions for the game. On the ground, Felice had 51 yards in 10 carries, and Burns ended the game with 18 yards in three carries. With 10 carries for 31 yards and a 12-yard reception, Sackett Chesnik was named offensive player of the game. Chesnik also had 12 total tackles at safety. A senior team cocaptain, Chesnik said that despite the loss, he knew the team was playing a good game. It was a tougher game than last year’s loss to Bennett, but they didn’t give up. “Number one in 2A, and 2A’s tough,” he said. Since that seasonopening loss to Centauri, “We’re a whole different team.” With just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, Basalt was deep inside Eagles territory. Penalties pushed them back to the 27-yard line. The Eagles took possession on downs at the 3-yard line with 3:25 remaining in the period. With Paonia unable to capitalize on the situation, the Longhorns took possession at the Paonia 35. On the first

play of the fourth period, Longhorns QB Trevor Reuss shoveled the ball to Henry Twitchell, who punched through the front line and dove over the goal line for an 11yard TD. The PAT left Paonia trailing 13-0 with 7:31 remaining. A couple of scuffles flared up on the field, but everyone settled down right away “and said we have to get this done,” said Chesnik. “We need to finish strong.” Late in the quarter, in a fourth-and-long situation, Basalt called a time out and went to the air, with Eagles safety Landon Thliveris tipping the ball out of reach of receiver Zachary Pagan. Paonia took possession on their own 30. With the blitz on, Grey Neal connected with Chesnik for a first down. Under pressure again, Neal’s pass was intercepted by Pagan, setting up the field goal. “We had our opportunities to punch it in,” said Escher. “A good team like that, you cannot have any mistakes. One mistake in a drive is gonna cost you.” The game also came at

the end of Homecoming week. “It’s a long week,” said Escher. “Sometimes our heads aren’t in it. But I’ll say that, my second year here, this group’s heads were a little more in it than last year” during Homecoming. Because the Longhorns rolled every team in its first three games, the loss will help with the Eagles’ Ratings Percentage Index, the formula used by the Colorado High School Activities Association to measure a team’s performance relative to other teams in determining post-season qualification. After the loss, Paonia moved up from 12th to 11th; the Longhorns dropped from first to third in 2A RPI standings. “Wins and losses are a dime a dozen and just how the outside views you, but what we did out there is much more than just a loss on a piece of paper,” said Escher. “I think we grew as a team, definitely. There were

some negative things about the game, and some positive things, but I feel like our positive things kind of swept the negative things under the rug.” Paonia is now 2-2. They open conference play Friday against 2-2 rival Hotchkiss. The Bulldogs are coming off of a brutal 40-7 loss against 3A Steamboat Springs. Jace Peebles had 15 carries for 70 yards, quarterback Yahir Chaviz had 13 carries for 60 yards, and Will Scarlett gained 12 yards on two carries. Chavez connected on six of 13 passes for three interceptions and a fourth-quarter, 24-yard TD pass play to Jacob Palecki, with Kaiya Firor kicking the PAT. Escher said he’s confident the team will do well the remainder of the season if they can play like they did Friday night. It’s conference time, he said. “The chips are down, and now we’re playing.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Eagles’ line defends quarterback Grey Neal in Paonia’s 16-0 loss Friday night to the visiting Basalt Longhorns. Head coach Blaine Escher wasn’t disappointed in his team’s effort against the No. 1 ranked 2A team in the state. Before the loss, they’d outscored their ﬁrst three opponents 106-6.

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SURFACE CREEK September 26, 2018

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Changes made to CHS Homecoming schedule BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

It’s Homecoming Week at Cedaredge High School, with dress-up days scheduled each day. There will also be lots of opportunities to cheer on the Bruins’ varsity/junior varsity softball, volleyball and football teams. Competition will be just as keen when classmates face off in peach fuzz volleyball Wednesday at 7 p.m., and

4B’s Brewery to close John and Barbara Breitnauer, owners of 4B’s Brewery in Cedaredge, announce that the brewery will close its doors on Sunday, Oct 8. John and Barb have operated the brewery for 3 1/2 years. “It’s been a wonderful experience and we are grateful for the love and support from our friends and neighbors during the past 3 1/2 years,” Barb said. “This has been an incredibly difficult decision.” The Breitnauers will continue to operate Cedaredge Pharmacy in the same location. They are exploring options for leasing the brewery and the business to other interested brewers or restaurateurs. 4B’s is located at 215 W. Main Street in Cedaredge. The brewery will be open Fridays and Saturdays for lunch and dinner through Applefest, concluding business on the last day of the festival on Oct. 8.

powder puff football Thursday at 8 p.m. The schedule will include a parade along Main Street at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. That same day, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. the CHS Future Farmers of America “Taste of Ag” tailgate party will be held at the high school. The all-you-can-eat menu includes beef brisket, leg of lamb, roast pork, baked beans, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, fresh fruit and ice cream. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for elementary students. The varsity football faces the Olathe Pirates at 7 p.m. Friday night. Halftime festivities will include coronation of Homecoming royalty and a marching band field show. The traditional bonfire celebration has been rescheduled from Thursday, Sept. 27, to Friday night following the football game. The Homecoming dance will take place as scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Clean-up day is Saturday Cedaredge community clean-up day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29. Dumpsters will be available that day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to receive yard and household garbage. No appliances, electronics, wet paint, tires, concrete, rocks, dirt, furniture, hazardous material, or motor oil will be accepted. The dumpster site is the town public works building at 160 SE High Country Avenue.

Dramatic sunset

Smoke from the Bull Draw Fire on Uncompahgre Plateau has resulted in some dramatic sunsets, as evidenced by this photo submitted by Cedaredge resident Sue Morris. According to a Sept. 23 update from the U.S. Forest Service, the large column of smoke visible over the weekend was due to aerial ignitions. A Type 2 helicopter dropped plastic balls, similar in size to ping pong balls. The plastic balls ignite on the ground, and are used to reduce fuels (vegetation) between the main fire and contingency lines already in place to help limit fire spread and strengthen control features. The combination of aerial and hand ignitions account for approximately four miles of improved control measures along Divide Road, and the subsequent re-opening of Divide Road. The closure had affected a 17-mile stretch from NFSR 600 (Windy Point Junction) to NFSR 408 (Dominguez Road). No additional firing operations are planned but smoke may still be visible from fuels burning within the interior of the fire perimeter.

Cedaredge trustees hear water concerns BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Last week’s regular meeting of the Town of Cedaredge board of trustees got off to a spirited start when con-

World War II vet honored BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

To honor his military service, World War II veteran Art Lindsey of Cedaredge received an eagle-head cane last week. Lindsey served in the U.S. Army-Air Force from 1943-45 and obtained the rank of staff sergeant. As several dozen veterans applauded Lindsey’s service, Mike Trickey, executive director of the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAV), presented the cane. The occasion was the WHAV coffee for Delta County veterans held in downtown Cedaredge. The Pondy hosts the event and joins with Stacy’s on Main to provide free refreshments. The veterans’ coffee is held on the third Tuesday of every month with the next event scheduled for Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. The tradition of presenting canes to veterans dates back to the Civil War. Each cane is hand-fashioned by members of the Black Canyon Wood

Carvers, the Montrose Area Wood Turners, and the Woodworkers Guild of Western Colorado. To date over 500 canes have been presented to honor

Photo by Sue Morris

the service of area veterans. Those wishing to nominate a veteran to receive a cane can contact WHAV at 970765-2210.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Art Lindsey (right) was honored last week for his military service. Mike Trickey, executive director of the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAV), presented an eagle-head cane to the World War II veteran.

stituent John Steighner — a frequent critic of the board — outlined a series of complaints. In his remarks, Steighner declared that he suspects the town of operating a “shell game” by imposing “excruciating” water rates on citizens, providing conflicting information regarding the percentage of water reserves needed to guard against future water shortages, making a monetary profit in the name of water conservation, and “killing the golf course” in the process. Following trustee remarks defending the town’s actions, Mayor Gene Welch indicated that town staff will be in touch with Steighner to address his concerns. As the meeting continued, trustee Al Smith read a statement honoring the work of Ronn Brewer who recently retired after serving several years on the town’s Historic Preservation Board. Smith presented Brewer with a plaque commemorating his service noting that, in addition to his tireless dedication to researching and documenting town history, the honoree also served as town mayor from 1980-84. Addressing the trustees, Mitchell Gronenthal, president of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that preparations for Applefest are well underway.

Two-hundred and forty booths have been reserved so far. The giant town celebration will take place Oct. 4-7. Gronenthal also previewed upcoming chamber events: the downtown Trick-or-Treat Trail in late October, a small business event in November, and the annual Parade of Lights celebration in December. Concluding his report, Gronenthal reported that the chamber is partnering with Cedaredge’s Pioneer Town to establish a charging station for electric cars on the grounds of the historic village. The partners are hoping for grant funds to help with the cost. Trustee and board treasurer, Patti Michael, reported that town sales tax collections are up by 5.96 percent over the previous year-to-date. Public works co-director Scott Lock reported that the town’s waterline project is progressing with work entering the process of disinfecting and pressure-testing new lines. Parking lines along Main Street and SW 2nd Street have been painted and re-painted and town staff completed the sealing of aggregate downtown sidewalks in preparation for Applefest traffic. All historical preservation plaques have been installed on historic buildings. Potholes are being resurfaced as the CEDAREDGE TO C2

Magic, music on tap for Arts Center BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Beginning this Friday, the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) will host a variety of performers in a series of entertaining autumn events. Tickets for all events can be obtained at Starr’s Guitars, 250 West Main

Local magician Ty Gallenbeck will perform in Cedaredge on Sept. 28.

Street, Cedaredge, by calling 970 856-2331, online at www. starrsguitars.com, or at the GMAEC’s new website: www. grandmesaartscenter.com First up is local magician, Ty Gallenbeck, who will thrill audiences with his “Mind Blown” feats of wonder from 7-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 28. Ty lives in Delta where his wife teaches at Garnet Mesa Elementary School. Ty grew up in Colorado living in Montrose, Olathe, and finally Delta where he graduated from high school. The young magician has been performing for 15 years, wowing audiences around the nation. He’s just coming off a summer tour at The Madeline Luxury Hotel in Telluride. And he’s looking forward to appearing at the Cedaredge venue where he promises to give his September audience a first look at his new illusions. “I love the opportunity to perform in front of all my friends and family in Delta County,” he said. “They’ve been supporting this crazy dream and it’s a great chance

to include new things that are in the works.” For a preview of Ty’s amazing magic, visit his website at www.white tieentertainment.com. On Saturday, Oct. 6 from 710 p.m., GMAEC will host an Applefest Community Dance featuring the popular Paoniabased foursome The Scones. The group is well-known to Western Slope audiences for their nostalgic harmonies and danceable music. They have performed at the Chapel of the Cross and made a memorable appearance in March 2018 at Cedaredge’s Cabin Fever Dance. To preview their talents, visit their website at sconesmusiccom.wordpress. com. On Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., the Arts Center will host the Spirit of the American Cowboy, an evening of Americana music and comedy presented by Gordy Pratt and Dalyce Sellers. After pursuing separate musical careers, the South Dakota-based duo has been performing their unique brand of western humor since February 2017. Both studied

music in college and both are creatures of western America. Dalyce (it’s pronounced “Dallas”) has lived in South Dakota, Texas, and Montana plus a stint in Iowa which earned her an induction into the Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Her great love is church music and she continues to play and sing hymns. She recorded two CDs with the Christian praise band “Forgiven.” She’s been singing and performing since kindergarten when she received a ukulele for Christmas. Gordy has specialized in music and theater. After college he created the Deadwood Production Company which produced thousands of historical shows. He was due to perform on ABC’s Good Morning America when it looked like his appearance might be preempted as coverage shifted to the untimely death of Frank Sinatra. He got to perform anyway and he still feels it was an honor to share any spotlight with the legendary singer. He has ties to western Colorado where his great

grandfather owned an orchard in 1913. His first performance was in a gymnasium at Grand Valley. For a preview of the duo’s entertaining style, visit their website at www.gordypratt. com

Gordy Pratt and Dalyce Sellers present the music and comedy revue, “The Spirit of the American Cowboy,” on Oct. 12.

C2 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge offers low-cost dog vaccination clinic the Town of Cedaredge clinic will be held at the will offer an outdoor clin- town park’s Lions PavilOn Saturday, Sept. 29, ic to vaccinate dogs. The ion from 1-4 p.m. The clinic is open to all residents of Delta County. Dogs must be on a leash and no puppies under four months of age will be vaccinated. This is not a spay/neu�� ter clinic. Rabies shots and DHPP shots are �� available for $10 each. �� DHPP vaccinations cover distemper, hepatitis, par�� vovirus, and parainflu�� enza. Town of Cedaredge �� 2019 animal licenses will �� also be available for pur�� chase at the clinic. For information, call �� 970-856-4301.

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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Applefest volunteers are needed BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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The 41st annual Applefest is fast approaching and the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help the giant event run smoothly. Those wishing to assist should contact the chamber as soon as possible by calling 970596-6961 or sending an email to Cedaredgearea chamber@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts to help with the following: Friday, Oct. 5 — Vendor check-in between noon-4 p.m.; rodeo concessions between 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 — Cedaredge Elementary parking attendant between 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; chamber booth between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 — Cedaredge Elementary parking attendant between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; chamber booth between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chili Cook-off Volunteers are also needed to provide chili to serve the crowd at the 17th annual Five Alarm Chili Cook-off fundraiser to benefit the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department. Bring donated chili in its own heating unit to the fire house between 2:30 and 4 p.m. on Thursday. The fire station is located at the intersection of SW 2nd Avenue and South Grand Mesa Drive.

Photo submitted

Some of Cedaredge’s 2018 cancer warriors gathered recently at The Pondy to celebrate their successful fundraising efforts: (front row, left to right) Paityn Hogan, Jessie Hogan, Brooklin Hogan, and Debba Peterson. Middle row, left to right: Dianne Nichols, Barbara Hladik, and Linda Burgess; (back row) Amy Burget, Kelsi Anderson, Shawn Adams, Tracy Chevalier, and Wanda McManus.

Pondy Cancer Warriors reach fundraising goal BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

This summer a host of volunteer cancer warriors worked with a downtown Cedaredge tavern to inspire their community to help six-year-old Quinten Christian in his battle with cancer. Guided by DJ and Barb Hladik, owners of The Pondy, the dedicated team raised over $14,500. “Everybody was very generous this year as they always are,” said Barb. This marks the third year in a row that she and her husband have spearheaded cancer

fundraisers. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our volunteers, the unconditional support of our Pondy people, and charitable contributions from the community,” she said. Added to funds raised in 2016 and 2017, this year’s contributions bring the total raised by the group to over $34,000. Each year a new individual with local connections is selected to be the beneficiary of fundraising efforts. Contributions are used to help the patient with cancer treatments and related expenses.

Planning for next year will begin in February 2019 with an eye toward scheduling fundraising events in June, July and August. As with years past, the Hladiks will be counting on a core group of good people to help them make next year a success but additional volunteers are always needed. Anyone interested in helping with next year’s events is invited to call The Pondy at 970-856-3464 or stop by the bar at 220 West Main Street during business hours. The Pondy is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

with winter fill. By April 2019 the town will have an idea of how much water will be available for municipal use. In a written report, Erik Hansen, golf clubhouse operations director, reported that gross revenues for the golf course are currently at 85 percent of 2017 revenues. Drought response measures have stressed the grounds and Hansen is considering the possibility of establishing set closing and opening dates. A proposed closing date of Dec. 1 and opening date of Feb. 1 (weather permitting) will, Hansen hopes, better prepare the course for winter months and reduce traffic to protect the grounds. Police chief Dan Sanders reported that the department’s K-9 is now available for public demonstrations and visits sponsored by service groups. Anyone interested in scheduling a K-9 visit should contact the Cedaredge Police Department at 140 NW 2nd Street or call 970856-4301. On Nov. 17 the department will sponsor a 5k “Back to Blue” run, a fundraiser to support local police. The fire department’s chili cook-off on Oct. 4 will similarly raise funds to support local firefighters. The local school district and Cedaredge PD have been teaming up to provide school safety presentations. Requests by citizens for exceptions to town

animal ordinances were discussed and approved by the trustees. Karen Rivard will be allowed to keep a rooster within the town limits and Karen Barwick will be allowed to keep four dogs. In granting these exceptions, the trustees reminded the citizens that their animals would still be subject to the town’s noise and dog ordinances and enforceable violations would lead to the revocation of exceptions. An ordinance allowing the town clerk to approve routine applications for special events liquor licenses and liquor license renewals was approved by the trustees with the stipulation that the board receive a report of all such actions. Trustees will continue to review and approve new liquor license applications. Following a public hearing and operating under existing ordinances, the trustees approved a request by the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) for special event liquor licenses for upcoming activities. GMAEC is reportedly considering applying for a regular liquor license to avoid the need to have special licenses approved on a case-by-case basis. In other business, requests for lease agreements requested by townspeople desiring easements to construct fences were granted by the trustees as part of their consent agenda.

Cedaredge FROM PAGE C1 need for filling is reported to town hall by the public. Lock joined with Greg Brinck, town administrator, to provide an update on the town’s drought response. Thanks to conservation efforts on the part of citizens, the town anticipates that it will be able to carry sufficient minimum reserves forward in order to insure future drinking water will be available in case the region has another dry winter. The reserves consist of what remains in town reservoirs as of Nov. 1. Between that date and March 31 snowfall will hopefully recharge the reservoirs and springs

Make the most of cell phone photography ImpressionZ Gal- Cedaredge, is hosting a lery, 105 Main Street in free cell phone photography presentation by Black Canyon Camera Club member Kaylee Dunham Saturday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. Everyone takes photos with their phones, but there is life beyond trying to find them again to show them to our friends! The camera club’s younger members have taken amazing photos which they print and show in competition. Come learn more at this free presentation. Contact Rae Ann Simmons at 970-856-7809 for more information.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Get moving with the Applefest 5k run/walk Sign up for the Boy Scouts’ 10th annual Applefest 5k Run/Fitness Walk. This event kicks off the two-day Applefest street fair and festival. Take a relaxing fitness walk, or challenge yourself to run the entire course. The event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Cedaredge Town Park. Register at www. active.com or www.

Photo by Jude Kieca

Working on Mel’s trail

Twenty-three hikers showed up on Wednesday, Sept. 19, to help complete the work on the Rim View Trail leading from Anderson Reservoir #2 and continuing on the Glacier Springs cut-off to the trailhead near Mesa Lakes Lodge. The hikers have adopted this trail in the honor of Mel Edmunds and have worked with the Forest Service to make these trails safe and easy to follow. The work began this spring, continued through the summer and is nearing completion as new sign posts have been set, blazed and painted, rock cairns added to the path and deadfall removed. The group has agreed to hike the trail yearly, clearing branches, etc. and alerting the Forest Service of any dangerous situations. This is a beautiful trail that crosses open meadows as it skirts around Anderson #2 Reservoir and then drops down off the rim with a spectacular overlook into the valley below. A few more signs will be added before the snow ﬂies to bring this group effort to a satisfactory conclusion.

Cedar Mesa Club will be cookin’ at car show

Once again this year the women of the Cedar Mesa Community Club will be serving up their popular breakfast burritos, baked goods, burgers and brats at the Pioneer Town Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 6, during Cedaredge’s Applefest celebration. The club ladies are famous for their delicious muffins, brownies, turnovers, cookies, pies, and breads, not to mention their breakfast burritos. All of these, plus hot coffee, will be avail-

able beginning at 7:30 a.m. adjacent to the Indian Museum in Pioneer Town. The hot and yummy and ever-popular breakfast burritos will be available all morning, or until they’re gone. At 11:30 they’ll fire up the grill to offer lunch of hamburgers or bratwurst and all the fixin’s, along with pop, water, chips, and cookies. Lunch will be served from 11:30 until 1:30. The baked goods, coffee, pop and water will be for sale all day until the car show closes down

Photo by Don Benjamin

Historian honored

Ronn Brewer (right) who has served the Cedaredge community as mayor and active member of the town’s Historic Preservation Board was honored with a ceremony and commemorative plaque at last week’s trustee meeting. Trustee Al Smith presented the award.

for the awards program at 2:30. The proceeds from sales at the Pioneer Town booth will help with the club’s nonprofit activities as a 501(c) 3 organization. Throughout the year the club supports and donates to Surface Creek Community Services (local food bank), Friends of the Cedaredge Animal Shelter, Hilltop Domestic Violence Services, holiday food baskets, angel giving tree, community Christmas dinner, and other worthy charities, plus giving generous scholarships each spring to graduating high school students. This year the club members are also raising money to renovate their little clubhouse on Peach Road. It was built in 1949 and has served its members and the Cedar Mesa community well, but is in sore need of some updating to better serve as a community gathering place. Members are in the process of searching for grants and benefactors to help with this project. At present there is a $100 match challenge on the table from one of the club’s generous supporters, who is hoping that this will motivate others to step up to add to the building fund coffers. Donations may be sent to Cedar Mesa Community Club, PO Box 433, Cedaredge, CO 81413, and will be gratefully receipted.

Fire station is site for five-alarm chili cook-off BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Autumn is just around the corner, nights and mornings are growing colder — which means it’s a perfect time for another “Five Alarm Chili CookOff.” The Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with the

town’s volunteer fire department to launch the firefighter’s 17th annual fundraising event. It all begins on Thursday, Oct. 4, with judging from 4-5 p.m. and serving from 5-8 p.m. at the Cedaredge Fire Station at the intersection of SW 2nd Avenue and South

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Grand Mesa Drive (Hwy 65). The event will mark the start of the town’s giant Applefest celebration and chili enthusiasts are urged to enter their creations in the cookoff. There is no entry fee and rules and application forms are available from the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce at 245 West Main Street or Cedaredge Food Town at 210 SE Independence Avenue. In addition to those who choose to enter the cook-off, anyone wishing to otherwise share their chili recipe is encouraged to donate their handiwork to help feed the crowd expected to attend the popular event. Those wishing to donate are asked to bring their chili in its own heating unit to the fire house on the day of the event from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Those who can’t make it to the chili fundraiser can still support the fire department with cash donations. Send checks to the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 804, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

Check out the DCI Print Shop. Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

applefest5k.com. You can also drop registration form and payment off at the Cedaredge Area Chamber offices Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come enjoy some great fall foliage as your walk or run takes you by local orchards as it loops back to the finish line at the park. For more information, email applefest5k@gmail. com.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

C6 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Water quality advisory issued for section of Blue Mesa Reservoir

The National Park Service has sampled, analyzed, and determined the presence of cyanotoxins in the Iola Basin section of Blue Mesa Reservoir in concentrations that exceed safe exposure levels. Certain types of algae blooms can produce toxins called cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. The National Park Service recommends

Photo by Don Benjamin

Final notes for an unpainted piano

Cedaredge resident Noah LaVau took a moment last week to play the town’s outdoor ‘porch piano.’ He may be the last to tickle the ivories on the unpainted instrument. The Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce has been seeking someone to add a decorative exterior to the vintage piano and last week chamber executive director, Alisha Komives, announced that an artist has accepted the challenge. Spencer Mahaffey Lightfoot, a Paonia artist noted for her abstract watercolors, hopes to complete the make-over by the end of September.

avoiding any contact with shallow and nearshore waters of the Iola Basin. Use caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to reservoir water if fishing, boating or recreating. Other areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir may also contain these toxins. Avoid areas with suspected algal mats. Boating and fishing remains open throughout Blue Mesa. Clean harvested fish in treated

water. As always, remember to clean, drain, and dry all boats and fishing gear. Do not let dogs or other animals drink water from any portion of the Iola Basin. Until further notice, the park recommends that dogs not swim in or drink reservoir waters. Contact medical care (doctor or veterinarian) if, after exposure to the water, individuals or pets exhibit nausea, vomiting, digestive distress, breathing problems, seizure, or unexplained illness. Harmful algae, also known as blue-green algae, is common and natural to our waters and found throughout Colorado. The algae can multiply rapidly to form blooms and scums, particularly in areas of shallow, warm water. Water quality staff are sampling and monitoring the situation. Visit Blue Mesa’s Facebook page NPS photo or www.nps.gov/cure for Algal blooms on Blue Mesa Reservoir updates and advisories.

Cedaredge Homecoming 2018 Wednesday, September 26 Peach Fuzz Volleyball at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 27 Dress: Hero/Villain Day Softball vs. Riﬂe at 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. Volleyball vs Gunnison at 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00 p.m. Powder Puff Football at 8:00 p.m.

Friday, September 28

Dress: Bruins Day: Freshmen–White, Sophomores–Gray, Juniors–Blue, Seniors–Black Homecoming Parade at 1:00 p.m. FFA Taste of Ag Tailgate Party from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Football vs. Olathe at 7:00 p.m. Pep Assembly & Bonﬁre following the game

GO ! S N I U BR

Saturday, September 29 Softball vs. Meeker at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Volleyball vs. Basalt at 11:00, Noon & 1:00 p.m. Homecoming Dance from 8:00-11:00 p.m.

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency

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270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

AWANA meets weekly at First Baptist Church of Cedaredge AWANA in Cedaredge meets at the First Baptist Church, 370 W. Main Street every Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8 p.m. The First Baptist Church of Cedaredge, 370 W. Main Street, extends an invitation to a very exciting program for kids between the ages of 3 and sixth grade. AWANA meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. during the school year, except for school breaks and holidays. The acronym, A-W-AN-A, comes from a Bible verse that says that Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. Founded in 1950, the AWANA min-

istry is an international, nondenominational, Bible centered ministry committed to the evangelism and discipleship of children and youth. The content of the AWANA curriculum is God’s Word, the Bible. The goal of AWANA is to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and train them to serve Him. God has given First Baptist great facilities for AWANA meetings. Over 20 adult volunteers come excited about working with these kids every week. From age 3 to sixth grade, kids have fun playing games, memorizing Bible verses, and participating in large group

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singing and teaching. Because of generous contributions no enrollment fee will be charged but a small fee is charged to cover the costs of books, uniforms, and materials; but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Scholarship funds are available. The First Baptist Church of Cedaredge is located at 370 W. Main Street. Most of the AWANA activities are held in Wick Hall on the alley behind the sanctuary. For information please call the church office, 856-3830, Pastor Abbott, 856-3005, or the AWANA commander, Kevin, at 835-8490.

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Last week’s photo of Cedaredge volunteers honored for their cooperation in ﬁghting hunger misidentiﬁed one of the participants. Pictured left to right are: Maria Nakai, Bill Welch, Dea Jacobson, Cindy Starr, Bruce Predmore, Donna and Ken Christenson, and Mary Bauer. Welch is a member of the Western Colorado Community Foundation which awarded grants to Cedaredge’s community garden and the Surface Creek Community Services food bank. Jacobson, Starr and Predmore are members of the community garden. Nakai and Bauer are food bank volunteers. Ken Christenson is president of the food bank and Donna is treasurer.

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Volunteers honored

Photo by Sue Beachman

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C8 Wednesday, September 26, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Program provides debt relief for rural veterinarians At least one-third of Colorado’s 64 counties — encompassing vast stretches of ranchland on the state’s Eastern Plains and Western Slope — lack veterinarians needed to care for sheep, hogs, dairy cattle, and beef cattle that are essential to food production and to the well-being of rural economies and communities. The dearth of rural veterinarians is a growing concern, not only in Colorado but in livestockproducing regions nationwide. It means animal welfare worries and economic losses from livestock illness and death. The veterinary shortage also weakens a critical front line for public health because vets detect and monitor diseases that can spread from animals to people, such as salmonella infections, West Nile virus, rabies, and plague. But a new state program, administered with staff support from CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, seeks to curtail the problem by helping repay college debt for veterinarians who pledge to practice livestock medi-

cine in underserved agricultural communities. Addressing the issue at its financial roots is expected to beef up the ranks of rural veterinarians. The Colorado Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program, like similar programs for medical doctors, tackles a core problem: Many rising veterinarians want to practice large-animal medicine in rural communities but cannot afford to do so. Indeed, many regions that lack veterinarians also lack doctors — for similar reasons, Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, said. That’s largely because the average educational debt for veterinary school graduates is nearly $144,000, according to the latest estimates from the American Veterinary Medical Association. And more than 20 percent of recent veterinary graduates have college debt surpassing $200,000, the association reports. Bottom line: Many veterinarians simply cannot repay college loans with the relatively low salaries

offered for livestock practitioners in rural communities. They have been priced out of the field. The debt-to-income ratio among recent veterinary graduates is a leading industry concern and is closely tied to rising nationwide tuition costs, among other factors. The Colorado Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program will provide $70,000 over four years for each awardee. The program is accepting its first round of applications through Oct. 31; the first two recipients will be named in early December. “Much of rural Colorado is a long way from a practicing veterinarian. It’s a real problem,” said Scott Johnson, chair of the recently established council that runs the Colorado Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program. “This program is a real win for new veterinary graduates who want to practice in rural Colorado, and it’s a real win for production agriculture.” Johnson oversees his family’s sixth-generation cattle operation, Flying Diamond Ranch, near

Reclamation releases draft EA for piping project The Bureau of Reclamation has released a draft Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment on the East Side Lateral Piping Project, Phase 9 in Delta and Montrose counties. The project would replace approximately 20.4 miles of open irrigation ditch with buried pipe. The purpose of the project is to prevent seepage and reduce salinity loading in the Colorado River Basin. The draft FONSI and EA is available online at www.usbr.gov/uc/env

docs/index.html or a copy can be requested by contacting Reclamation. Reclamation will consider all comments received by Wednesday, Oct. 24. Submit

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awardees: Henderson is a 2012 CSU veterinary graduate and a thirdgeneration cattle rancher who returned to Monte Vista, her hometown, to provide medical care for cattle, horses, and other animals. She would have been hard-pressed to fulfill that girlhood dream, Henderson said, without support from a federal loan-repayment program that serves as a model for the new state program. Her typical work day includes handling difficult births, performing cesarean sections, caring for uterine prolapses, pregnancy checking, testing bulls for breeding soundness, treating bloat and colic, medicating pneumonia and other infections, performing castrations, and providing lameness evaluations and treatments. “What I’m really excited about is we want to help people financially, specifically people who will stay in these rural places,” Henderson said. Program directors will look for applicants who want to build careers working with livestock and ranchers in agricultural settings — those who “have grit and can stick,” she said. Officials anticipate that many awardees will be young veterinarians, like Henderson, who

grew up in rural Colorado and want to return home. “I’m confident we can provide this funding to veterinarians who will have a positive impact on their communities,” said Dr. Keith Roehr, state veterinarian with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, who also serves on the program council. The Colorado Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program was established in June 2017, when Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, a Republican of Sterling, and state Rep. Joann Ginal, a Democrat of Fort Collins. The law establishes a council composed of five governor-appointed members representing agriculture, education, and veterinary medicine. This council, with staff support supplied by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, will accept and review applications, and will name awardees according to criteria outlined in the state statute. In the program’s first cycle, the council will select two awardees; that number may rise if the state allocates additional funds to the program, officials said.

comments by email to lmcwhirter@usbr.gov or to: Ed Warner, Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison Citations: Seven tickets From the Delta Police $2,250 total bond. William D. Cook, 52, of were issued this week for variAve., Suite 221, Grand Department (edited for Delta was arrested on a Delta ous traffic violations. length): Junction, CO 81501.

Law enforcement blotter

Paper Clover event helps 4-H members Tractor Supply Company, in partnership with National 4-H Council, is gearing up for its Paper Clover event, a semiannual fundraising campaign that provides mil-

Kit Carson on the state’s Eastern Plains. The ranch is in a federally designated veterinary shortage area, and Johnson sees the effects firsthand. Like most ranchers, Johnson and his crew do lots of basic doctoring themselves. But “we’ve had some life-threatening situations that are pretty critical” — and the severity is heightened without a nearby veterinarian to call upon, Johnson said. His animals with medical emergencies must be hauled by trailer at least 60 minutes for treatment, Johnson said. That’s the case when a cow has a calf with an abnormal birth presentation, or when a ranch horse suffers a potentially fatal bout of the intestinal condition known as colic. Lack of veterinary access can be the difference between life and death, said Johnson, a CSU alumnus and past member of the University’s Board of Governors. Dr. Kayla Henderson, a 32-year-old veterinarian in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley, views the loan-repayment program from the perspective of a young practitioner. “It’s huge,” she said of the program’s importance. Henderson is vice chair of the program council. She also typifies future

lions of dollars in scholarships for 4-H youth. From Oct. 3 to Oct. 14, Tractor Supply customers can participate in the Paper Clover fundraiser by purchasing a paper clover — the signature emblem of 4-H — for a donation during checkout at their local store or by making a purchase online at TractorSupply.com. Fundraising efforts from Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover event fund scholarships for numerous state level 4-H programs nationwide, and every Colorado donation benefits Colorado youth. Scholarships are used for camps and leaderships conferences, where attendees learn everything from animal care and woodworking to networking practices and civic responsibility.

Sept. 16: At 1:55 a.m., officers contacted a pedestrian in the alley of the 300 block of Palmer and Main streets. Jonathan J. Banister, 32, of Delta was arrested on a warrant out of Arizona. Stephanie L. Duran, 26, of Eckert was issued a summons for shoplifting at City Market. Tonya M. Pacheco, 40, of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting at City Market. Officers responded to Riverwood Trailer Park for a non-suspicious death investigation. Sept. 17: Lionel Pizano, 18, of Delta was issued a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia. Aarron L. Fresquez, 31, of Delta was arrested on charges of theft and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Officers responded to 1501 East 3rd Street, Delta County Memorial Hospital, for the report of an assault. Justin D. Rundle, 34, of Hotchkiss was arrested on charges of second degree assault and possession of schedule II (methamphetamine). Jesse A. McAfee, 35, of Delta was arrested on a Delta County felony warrant. Sept. 18: Molly R. Grimes, 26, of Norwood was arrested for protection order violation (possession of weapon). Officers responded to Delta High School for a report of a 15-year-old female juvenile runaway. Officers received a Safe2Tell report of a juvenile operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. Officers responded to Delta High School for the report of juveniles smoking marijuana on campus. As a result, three 14-year-old females were issued summons for charges of minor in possession of marijuana. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Meeker Street for criminal mischief. Officers responded to Alta Vista De La Montana for a report of criminal mischief. Officers responded to Walmart for a report of a first degree criminal trespass and theft from auto. Sept. 19: Officers responded to the 600 block of Columbia Street for a theft. Officers responded to the 600 block of Columbia Street for a burglary. Joann A. Abeyta, 48, of Montrose was arrested on a Delta County misdemeanor warrant with a $500 bond. Officers responded to the 300 block of Main Street for a minor traffic accident. Officers responded to the 1700 block of Highway 92, for a report of a traffic accident involving a deer. Officers responded to Lions Pavilion, Confluence Park, for a report of an intoxicated male. Jeffrey D. Nutter, 63, homeless of Delta was issued a summons for unlawful acts (alcohol). Officers responded to the 100 block of Dodge Street in reference to a vicious dog. Officers responded to the 1500 block of Guadalupe Street in reference to a wanted person. Lisa A. Mack, 50, of Delta was arrested on two misdemeanor warrants with a

County warrant. Sept. 20: Officers responded to Highway 92 and Crawford Avenue, for a traffic accident. Alexa R. Booth, 19, of Cedaredge was issued a summons for failed to yield right of way at stop sign. Alan S. Hawk Jr., 34, of Cedaredge was arrested on a Delta County misdemeanor warrant with a $500 bond. Shae E. Gero, 26, of Gunnison was issued a summons for shoplifting at Walmart. Gero was also arrested on a misdemeanor warrant with a $1500 bond. Officers took a lobby report in reference to a theft of prescription medication. Officers responded to the 700 block of 1550 Road for a report of a protection order violation and criminal mischief. As a result, Deborah J. Cook, 47, of Paonia was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, violation of bail bond conditions, complicity and violation of a protection order. A warrant for William D. Cook, 52, of Delta has been requested. Sept. 21: Officers responded to 802 Main Street, Tacos Garcia, for a report of theft and criminal mischief. A warrant for the arrest of Aaron L. Fresquez, 31, of Delta has been requested. Officers responded to 239 East 6th Street, St. Michael’s School, for a report of trespass. Officers made contact with a male party in the parking lot located at the 400 block of Meeker Street. As a result, a warrant has been requested for Lloyd C. Lampton, 35, homeless of Delta for obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. Officers responded to the 600 block of Columbia Street for a report of a female with possible alcohol poisoning. Jessica L. Forsythe, 33, of Delta was arrested on violation of a protection order (alcohol stipulation). Officers met with a Montrose Police officer to transfer custody of a wanted suspect. Wayne L. Rocha, 36, of Montrose was arrested on a Delta City warrant with a $300 bond. Sept. 22: Officers responded to the intersection of Crawford Avenue and Highway 92 for a report of third degree arson. Officers utilized their fire extinguishers and put out the fire. Officers responded to 741 West 5th Street, Homestead Meats, for criminal mischief (broken window). Officers responded to the 1700 block of Hillcrest Drive for a report of irrigation ditch flooding. Officers responded to 750 Highway 92, Hellman Ford, for the report of a suspicious person. Officers responded to 145 Gunnison River Drive, Tractor Supply, for a report of shoplifting. Thomas W.Z. Foster, 22, of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting at City Market and was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Christina A. Steele, 34, of Montrose was issued a summons for shoplifting at City Market.

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. 17: A burglary was reported at an unoccupied home on North Road, Hotchkiss. The homeowner, who has been doing some repairs at the house, reported a garage door was forced open and several items were stolen, including a new 2018 Polaris four-wheeler (red), tools, a television, bedding and curtains. The theft is under investigation. An Austin resident who purchased a truck online reported the vehicle stolen when it failed to be delivered to his home. The truck finally showed up nearly seven months after the date of purchase. Sept. 17: Courthouse security called an ambulance for a 47-year-old woman who fell on the stairs in the courthouse. She was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Sept. 18: A Paonia resident reported that an irrigation ditch that delivers water to his property was being diverted by an adjoining property owner. Sept. 19: An Austin resident reported that a neighbor’s dog had killed two of his ewes. Two large dogs described as aggressive were reported on the school playground in Crawford. Town officials had spoken with the dog’s owners, who pledged to keep them contained, but they were back out. Marcus Wieben, 58, of Cedaredege escaped serious injury when he was involved in a motorcycle accident on D and 1900 roads near Delta at about 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20: A Delta area resident asked for assistance with claiming nine firearms his 87-year-old father had entrusted to an acquaintance. Sept. 22: A Delta area woman reported that ongoing differences with a neighbor had escalated, and he told her he would see her in the ground. A case of telephone harassment was investigated in the Crawford area. Sept. 23: Marilyn Anderson, 74, of Hotchkiss escaped injury when she was involved in a single-car accident on North Road at about 1:22 a.m. The accident caused minor property damage. Alcohol is not a factor. Deputies investigated a report of trespassing, stalking and harassment at an Eckert address. A single-vehicle accident was reported at 2200 Road and Highway 92 in Austin. The accident had occurred earlier in the day, and the driver had left the scene. At about 8:30 p.m., deputies contacted the owner, who was attempting to move the Chevy Silverado pickup out of the ditch. He said an adult son or daughter may have taken the vehicle; deputies are working to determine the identity of the driver.

Classifieds

September 26, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Don’t Shell Out a Lot of Cash; Use the Classifieds. Smart shoppers know about the bargains hidden within the Classified pages. You can track down deals from tickets to trailers. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want.

8.00

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Go with your instincts and use the DCI Classifieds today. ��

�� 401 Meeker St. Delta • 874-4421

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Card Of Thanks I WISH TO THANK ALL my friends who provided me with such peace - for all your prayers, calls, cards and well wishes during my recent surgery & recovery. God bless you all. Rose Dittmer. (1x39)

Wanted

Autos

Help Wanted

2017 TOYOTA HIGHlander-$31,000. Towing package, 3rd row seating, custom floor and trunk mats, trunk shelf, lane departure sensors, GPS, Sirius, only 11,200 miles! 702-767-2659. (4x39)

Yard Sales

PERMISSION TO HUNT YARD SALE - SAT. 9/29, or farm crop damage tag 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sun. deer but prefer elk. Kevin 9/30, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. - 415 Bradshaw. 765-5880. (4x39) SE Birdie Circle, Cedaredge. Furniture, household items, VALUABLE HEIRLOOMS dishes, clothes and snow stolen from storage shed blower. (1x39 at Hwy. 65 & 92 — 6x5 right turn bull elk mount; 4-pt. deer head (hide coming apart on back of neck); misc. Craftsman tools/ drill bit set; Dewalt hand tools, pin guages; box end wrench set; set of China dishes; two antique high chairs destined for Pine Ridge Indian Res. Please call Delta County Sheriff's Dept. at 970-874-2000 if you see it. If you took it, please bring it back! (1x39)

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GET QUICK RESULTS, advertise in the DCI Classifieds. Call today 874-4421.

Help Wanted

Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

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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) CRISTEE-MEADE BUILDing Company is looking for quality, experienced and skilled carpenters who want long-term employment. We value our employees and offer competitive wages as well as matching IRA and life insurance benefits. We display our craftsmanship on many of the finest projects in the Cedaredge and Hotchkiss area. Must have own transportation and be open to learning our process. Applications available at 735 S Grand Mesa Dr., in Cedaredge. (2x38) DELTA COUNTY LIBraries—Library Assistants – Hotchkiss or Paonia. Delta County Libraries is seeking library assistants for the Hotchkiss Library and the Paonia Library. Applications and complete job descriptions are available at www.deltalibraries. org. Application deadlines are October 15, 2018. (3x39) NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent 10 days prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-8744421. SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421.

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CLASSIFIEDS

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DCI DEADLINES Space Reservation for ALL Display Advertising Fridays (5 p.m.) Copy for Display Advertising Mondays (noon) Legal Notices Mondays (10 a.m.) Classified Ads Mondays (10 a.m.) Too Late To Classify Mondays (noon) Calendar Of Events Items Tuesdays (10 a.m.)

Thank you for your cooperation

The Classifieds Are the Cat’s Meow. Area shoppers know the Classifieds are the purr-fect place to find a bargain. You can track down deals on collectibles to cuddly kittens. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want.

8.00

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Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today. ��

�� 401 Meeker St. Delta • 874-4421

Miscellaneous

Public Service HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X39) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub” ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067.

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.

Miscellaneous

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

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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.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive drivHOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS ing techniques. For details Wanted! Delta County and schedule contact John Memorial Hospital needs Loring (970) 856-6924 or hospital volunteers. Days (970) 424-1778. and hours are flexible. There are currently openings HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD in the ER, Oncology, Gift Historical Museum. Winter Shop and some additional hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. areas. If you are interested, $3 admission or free to please contact Volunteer members. Come see our Coordinator, Barbara Hall at museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss 250-2105 for an application. Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 CHECK OUT THE BOOK a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal store at the Delta Library. Church, 5th & Palmer (back You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable door). prices. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant PARENTS FREE! INFORMwomen in Delta County can ation and referrals to now get help to quit smok- licensed child care providing and get something they ers, call Bright Futures Child can really use after their Care Resource and Referral, baby arrives — free diapers. 1-877-728-5613. Healthy moms have healthy NARCOTICS ANONYbabies. Enroll in the Baby & mous meets at 9th and Me Tobacco Free program Palmer, Delta, Mondays and today. Contact the Delta Fridays at 8 p.m. County Health Department at 874-2165 or your local DELTA FOOD PANTRY physician. needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily SUPPORT THE DELTA in need. Donations of nonLibrary. Give a gently used perishable food may be book in the Downstairs brought to 628 Meeker. Book Store. THERE IS A VFW MEETING AL-ANON: HOPE AND on the first Monday of each help for families and month. At 6 p.m. there is a friends of alcoholics meets potluck and the meeting is in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., behind First Baptist Church, Delta. For further infor370 W. Main St., contact mation, call 874-8172 Jim Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Baker, Quartermaster. Jim 970-874-7855.

Public Service 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: Al-Anon, Mondays at Noon, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210-8090 or Marjorie 970-433-1856. CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV regular meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Building, 15th & Howard, Delta. For further information, call Paul Carter 874-5150. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO change a child's life! Children are waiting for senior partners in Delta County right now! Can you spare 3 hours a week? We need your help! Call today for more information. Please volunteer to spend time with a child in our community. Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray, 874-4661, www. partners-west.org. or www. deltayouth@montrose.net. PAONIA AMERICAN Legion runs a year round non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252. SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, Delta, CO 81416.

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.

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B A C K P A G E

Delta County Independent

Garlic and grains

Mike Chamas (left) and Jan Hoffman (right) own and manage J&M Farm Co. This Crawford farm specializes in hardneck and softneck garlic varieties for use in their spice blends. Additionally, they grow raspberries and heritage varieties of grains like wheat and barley.

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

oday, garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste. Throughout history, however, this herb’s main use was for health and medicinal purposes. For Mike Chamas and Jan Hoffman of J&M Farm Company, however, this crop is the backbone to their livelihood. Focusing predominantly on this small bulb for a living might seem odd, but for this

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

J&M Farm Co.’s garlic salts and grinders are their most popular products. In addition to these pictured they also sell a dill blend and an Italian herb blend.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

This year J&M Farm Co. grew three different varieties of mustard as a trial. “Homemade mustard is so good,” said Mike Chamas.

Crawford couple it made sense considering the economics. “Not a lot of people grow it and we knew seed garlic sells for a high price,” said Hoffman. Getting into Garlic Ten years ago Chamas and Hoffman purchased their current 15 acres of land but didn’t move onto it until six years ago. “This used to be a junkyard,” said Chamas. Once they fixed the irrigation and added the necessary structures and living amenities they started planting. “We weren’t sure what we were gonna plant down here but we knew we wanted to grow more,” said Chamas. Coming from Eagle, both were excited for a longer growing season. Eagle, they both agreed, was growing too quickly, too. Wanting some quiet, privacy and affordable land they began looking. “We spent a couple years before moving just driving around, looking,” said Hoffman. Crawford stuck out as having all three qualities and they started developing the farm. However, they soon realized the ground wasn’t ideal. Both have worked tirelessly to improve the soil through cover crops and amendments. Currently six acres are used in total for their farming. And, they’ve managed to keep everything certified naturally grown. “We’re often weeding till dark,” said Hoffman referring to the demanding attention of garlic. “We sharpen our hoes every day.” Getting into Grains The less than ideal soil is one of the reasons the couple started to grow pre-GMO heirloom grains. Another was water. “We wanted our water to go farther so we started dry landing some grains,” said Hoffman. Later, they started semiirrigating as their systems improved. Five years ago

Chamas started with about 20-50 seeds of his heirloom grains. Now pounds of jet barley, old rye, mustard, hulless oats and bolero wheat sit in white tubs. “There’s a movement to get those grains back to the forefront,” said Hoffman. Both agree they need to narrow down their selections but are trying to figure out where the market will lead them. Interest in the grains is evident. Last summer they held a clinic with Thistle Whistle Farm showing attendees how to grow, hand harvest and process grains. Within 20 minutes Chamas took grain from the field and, after threshing and grinding, made the flour into a pancake. Looking at Chamas and Hoffman now, one wouldn’t know they weren’t farmers before settling into Crawford. Chamas grew up in agriculture and managed an 11,000acre ranch prior, but didn’t do much laborious soil turning. “We’ve found something we both enjoy,” said Chamas. “Growing is rewarding.” Currently J&M Farm Co. sells at the markets in Crawford, Ridgway and Crested Butte. The two also plan to have a booth at Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia. In addition, Chamas and Hoffman grow a large garden. They sell shallots at market and occasionally, excess produce like eggplant. Their garden contains a reasonable number of raspberry plants. Excess nursery crops get sold in the spring. “We’ve become more than just a garlic operation,” added Chamas with a chuckle. The Labors of Farming Chamas and Hoffman originally thought garlic could be a stand-alone crop supporting the farm. Due to its labor intensity, their profit mostly comes from the value-added garlic spice products. The garlic process starts in the fall with planting. After the plants sprout in the spring, Hoffman and Chamas will weed, water and then harvest at the end of June. After 3-4 weeks of curing they’ll sort, cut roots and hold back seed to plant for next year. Large cloves go to market while small garlic cloves get used in their salts and grinders. Hoffman puts the small

pieces in a solar dehydrator. By keeping the temperature under 115 degrees, it remains a raw food but will store for winter. To complete the process they craft their signature blends. “At first we were just doing smoked garlic and regular garlic salt but then we got the idea to use grinder jars and other herbs,” said Hoffman. Then they work to sell at markets, which often takes a full day to prepare and work. In between the garlic growing, Hoffman and Chamas plant cover crops, rotate the garlic fields, plant and harvest grains, plant and harvest their own garden, can their harvests, process various products at a commercial kitchen and build more on the land. “We’re not trying to get rich, but we want to create a sustainable lifestyle,” said Chamas. Looking Ahead Overall, both feel the farm is doing well. Last summer Chamas was the only full-time person while Hoffman worked part-time. They both agreed the work was too much. Ideally they’d like to hire someone to help part-time at the farm. “There are just not enough hours in the day to get to everything,” said Hoffman. The next step will be to create an internet presence through a website where they can potentially sell product online. Chamas believes they’re at

the tipping point. The key, he said, will be to narrow down their crops and polish the process. “Sometimes I have to really remind myself that I love garlic,” he joked. “But I enjoy being part of the food movement.” Hoffman agreed, “The North Fork is a great place for growing.” To talk with Chamas and Hoffman about their endeavors or purchase a salt or grinder, stop by the J&M Farm Co. booth at the Mountain Harvest Festival. Additionally, Hoffman is available via email at janetmarie15@yahoo. com.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

After harvest in late June it takes about three weeks for the garlic to hang and cure.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

“The views weren’t originally why we bought the property but one day we looked up and realized, hey, the views are nice,” said Mike Chamas. To the left sits their combine “The Beast.”

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Jan puts garlic in the back of this solar dehydrator. Air will pass through ﬁve layers of screen, concentrate the heat inside and dehydrate the garlic using convection current. By being kept out of the sun, UV rays don’t degrade the nutritional value.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Jan also enjoys gardening. In addition to raspberries she enjoys growing peppers, beans, various vegetables, and blackberries. These are mostly harvested for personal use, with some excess being sold. Hoffman hopes to expand the garden even more in the future.