Delta County Independent, Oct. 10, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

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2019 BUDGET

Water, sewer rate increases eyed for Crawford residents, B1

SPORTS

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Against all odds, Applefest survives gloomy forecast, C1-3

DELTA MAKES HISTORY Cedaredge, Delta softball teams

DELTA COUNTY

OCTOBER 10, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 41

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Clerk, commissioner candidates face off BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

The Republican and Democratic Central Committees of Delta County jointly hosted a candidate forum at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Oct. 2. Invitations were extended to 10 local and state candidates in five races. To keep the event moving, representatives from both parties sat down to brainstorm questions which were provided to the candidates in advance of the event. Over 50 questions from the public were compiled for the contested offices that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. The format was a departure from traditional candidate forums, but served the same purpose — to allow candidates to introduce themselves and for voters to learn more about their priorities for office. The conference room at Bill Heddles Recreation Center was filled to capacity as Stacy Lowe (D) and Teri Stephenson (R) opened the dialogue. They are running for county clerk and recorder. Based on a coin toss, Lowe began with her introduction. A Delta County resident for 10 years, she has owned a Paonia business for six and worked in health care prior to that for 13 years. Stephenson is an incumbent who is completing her first four-year term as clerk and recorder. Lowe was asked about protection of personal information. Her answer focused on how the current policies are satisfactory, but she would assess and make changes as needed to maintain privacy. Stephenson was asked about increasing access to services for people who work 8-5 weekdays. Stephenson responded with services that are offered outside of the office such as a marriage and license kiosk, online docu-

ments and registration, mail ballots, extended voting hours and 24-hour dropboxes. Asked about the best manner to publish the minutes of county meetings, Lowe said the most current online minutes are from August. With the technology available she wants to use Civic Clerk to simplify and automate meetings and keep constituents more informed. Stephenson vowed to keep the public informed and educated, and expressed a desire for more outreach. Lowe said she has a “vision of progressive change” involving a more digitized office offering a web-based citizen portal. She also wants to increase transparency by having audio or video streaming of commissioner meetings. She would like to see extended hours twice a week to make the office more accessible. On the county level, the only other contested race is for Delta County commissioner, District #1. Mike Lane, R, began with his introduction. He was born and raised in Delta and has an agriculture and banking background. Dick Gilmore, D, said he “quit a good job to move [to Delta]” and couldn’t be happier. Asked about the Master Plan, Lane acknowledged how much time and effort has been put into the plan and said the vision will be useful. However, he would like to see it shortened with more user-friendly language. Gilmore was asked about the county’s budget reserve. Additionally, the question asked, “At what point should unused money be given back to the taxpayers?” Gilmore said he would have more roads paved or libraries funded, but only if there was certain to be no more economic troubles. He likes that Delta County plays it safe. Reserve

Traffic stop yields meth and heroin

An Oct. 3 traffic stop resulted in the seizure of a large amount of suspected methamphetamine and heroin. According to Delta County Undersheriff Mark Taylor, a sheriff ’s deputy stopped a 2014 Toyota Tundra in the parking lot of 1410 Valley View Drive, Delta, after observing the driver make several traffic violations. During the contact the deputy learned the driver, Lonny Hilbers, 42, was on parole from the Colorado Department of Corrections. The deputy contacted Hilbers’ Lonny parole officer, who

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A8 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-6 TV Listings ..................C3-4

responded to the scene. A search of Hilbers’ vehicle and contents was conducted by the deputy and parole officer. Approximately 8 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 37 grams of suspected methamphetamine were seized, along with cash and other evidence. Hilbers was booked into the Delta County jail on charges of unlawful distribution (possession with intent to distribunlawful ute), possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and unlawful possession of a controlled substance Hilbers (heroin).

funds, he explained, are also mandated by the state. Lane was then asked what pet peeves he has about government at his level, but couldn’t cite any. Gilmore was asked about priorities. One is to see more diversity in the courthouse. Economic growth is also a pri-

ority. Lane was asked his opinion on leasing public lands for oil and gas development. “Oil and gas provides revenue but needs to be done correctly,” he said. For example, working closely and monitoring the companies would be a priority, as would working with those

who are opposed. In response to a question about climate change, Gilmore said climate change is real, and is in fact the gravest threat facing the human race today. He said it’s important to make changes now because “soon it will be past the point CANDIDATE FORUM TO A3

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Ten candidates for state and local ofﬁce, including Senate District 5 candidates Olen Lund and Kerry Donovan (pictured above), answered questions at a joint Republican-Democrat forum held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

Bicycle Tour of Colorado leaves nonprofits hanging BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

“We have no funds. We are not sure when we will have funds.” That’s the response the Delta Band Parents received from organizers of Bicycle Tour of Colorado, which made an overnight stop in Delta in June. Early in the year, organizers reached out to the community, looking for service organizations willing to provide meals for the event’s 1,500 cyclists. Welcoming an opportunity to raise funds, the band parents agreed to provide breakfast. They spent $700 for food with the understanding they would be reimbursed, plus come away with a profit of about $1,100. Unfortunately, the $1,800 check from Bicycle Tour of Colorado bounced. The Kiwanis Club of Delta, which provided dinner, and chamber ambassadors, who served lunch, also came up short. “That’s almost $5,000 Bicycle Tour of Colorado owes the community of Delta,” said Darnell Place-Wise, who was executive director of the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce during the planning stages of the tour. In addition, Place-Wise made arrangements for a beer garden and live music, and facilitated use of Bill Heddles Recreation Center with city

staff. Nancy Doerer, the facilities coordinator for the City of Delta, confirms the city received payment in full. Jill Jurca, Delta Band Parents treasurer, reached out to the media as soon as she realized the band’s check had bounced. “As treasurer, I deposited the check they gave me and didn’t think much about it until I was balancing our books this past weekend. The check bounced; they have no money. So now the band and others (Kiwanis, chamber, city) are out money,” she said. “This money was going towards our 2018 marching season to help defray costs for students as well as pay for much-needed improvements to our front ensemble carts and for backdrops for the field. We are saddened by this occurrence and now are scrambling to make up the funds to keep a healthy reserve for future years and get the much-needed equipment. “The Bicycle Tour of Colorado should be held accountable.” Place-Wise explains the cyclists not only paid to participate in the ride, they also had the option of pre-purchasing meal tickets at each of the stops. She said 110 meal tickets were sold for lunch, 105 for dinner and 180 for breakfast. “Bicycle Tour of Colorado got

paid for those meals,” she said. Extra meals were prepared for cyclists who opted for payas-you-go meals. After the story hit Front Range media, Place-Wise said a Denver woman called with a $1,000 donation to the band. And despite the fact they’re out $1,365, the Kiwanis Club of Delta voted Tuesday to make a $500 donation to the band. “The club won’t fall apart because we didn’t get our $1,365,” said club president Al Formicola. “But the band is different.” “That’s what’s great about living in a small town,” said Place-Wise. In an email to Jurca, the mother-daughter tour organizers explain that some sponsors did not come through with money promised to the Bicycle Tour of Colorado. “If we had the funds right now, we would pay you immediately. We do not have the funds. We are doing what we can to resolve the issue.” On behalf of both the chamber and the band parents, Place-Wise said she’s outraged over the turn of events. “We have regionals coming up and we have a good chance to qualify for state. Since state competition is in Pueblo, that will mean meals and two overnight stays in a hotel. “It’s a lot of money, and that $1,800 would have helped.”

Sample ballots are available online

DMEA ballots due

Voters in Delta County will be receiving ballots that are three to four pages in length. If you want to get a head start on deciding how to vote, you can check out the sample ballot on the county website, www.deltacounty.com. Colorado has a number of open seats and will elect a new governor, attorney general, state treasurer and at-large member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. The secretary of state’s race is the only constitutional office featuring an incumbent. Coloradans will vote to retain or reject judges, from the Colorado Supreme Court to the county court level. All seven seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, as are all 65 seats in the state House. In the state Senate, 17 of 35 state Senate seats are on the ballot. Voters will consider 13 statewide ballot measures — six put on by the Colorado General Assembly and seven by citizens. In addition, local governments will have their own issues on the ballot. Clerks will begin mailing ballots to in-state voters Oct. 15. Please go to GoVote Colorado.com to see if your mailing address is correct. Ballots do not forward.

Members of Delta-Montrose Electric Association are considering a proposal from DMEA to amend the co-op’s Articles of Incorporation. Mail-in ballots were mailed in late September and must be returned by Oct. 12. Members may also drop off ballots or vote in person at a special meeting to be held Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 8 to 10 a.m. at DMEA headquarters, 11925 6300 Road, Montrose. Visit www.dmea.com/voteyes to read a full copy of the proposed Articles of Incorporation and review the frequently asked questions.

A2 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS It’s time to clean house in Washington Dear Editor: After eight years warming a bench in Washington D.C., that followed years in the Colorado State House, to hear Rep. Scott Tipton’s campaign attack his opponent, Diane Mitsch Bush, as a “career politician” reeks of the most rank pile of desperation. One would think that after nearly a decade drawing pay from the taxpayers in Colorado’s Third Congressional District, which he has been privileged to represent

for so many years, Tipton would have some accomplishments to run on. After all, he has drawn well over a million dollars in public pay. He has also raked in lots of outof-state cash for this campaigns — from Texas oil companies and the Koch Brothers among others, whose interests may not align with western Coloradans. Here we are more worried about spiking health care costs, water shortages, and protecting our great outdoors. We wonder what Mr. Tipton

Are you also guilty of a crime? Dear Editor: There is a new crime wave. I just learned about it, and also that I was guilty of being one of those criminals. I feel it is my duty to let you all know too in case you are also guilty like me. Birdfeeders. I had birdfeeders until yesterdy, and seeds dropped to the ground from them and deer ate those seeds. It is illegal to feed deer. Mr. Andrew Taylor, district wildlife manager of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, doing his duty well, came to my house the other day. He showed me birdseed on the ground below my feeder and told me that I had to take down my birdfeeders or he would give me a citation. I did enjoy feeding

and watching the beautiful local variety of birds, but I didn’t realize my birdfeeders were feeding deer and illegal. Now I’ve taken down my feeders and the ropes and pulleys I used to keep them out of reach. But I wonder about the stores that sell bird seed and feeders. They are aiding and abetting this crime that I was also committing. And also, you too maybe? Are you guilty and have a birdfeeder that perhaps spills bird seed that could be eaten by a deer? Please take this as a warning that you too could be committing a crime, and that you had better take down any offending birdfeeders. Steve Smith Paonia

will do to address these issues and to support our viable economic future, not simply tag along with the anti-environmental caucus to stump for boondoggles like “oil shale.” Despite all that dark money and special interest cash propping him up, Tipton isn’t telling voters what he has done. What has all that tax-funded pay Tipton has lived off of these many years as a politician brought to western Colorado? And what does Tipton plan to do to continue having we-the-people sign his checks? All I see from the Tipton campaign are shrill and unhinged attacks. In one mailer he even calls his opponent a “socialist” for her support of a well-established magazine. Tipton comes across not as a leader but as desperate and entitled. He’s spent so much time among DC-insiders and lobbyists that he has lost touch with the Western Slope. We have a remedy for that in the United States, and Tipton should not just expect to keep skating by. It’s time to clean house. We deserve to have someone in Congress who will fight for us, not just kowtow to party “leadership” and service his campaign donors. Let’s bring Scott back to Colorado. I’m voting for Diane Mitsch Bush. Pete Kolbenschlag Paonia

Grateful for opportunity to hear from the candidates Dear Editor: I want to thank the Delta County Democratic and Republican parties as well as anyone else involved in hosting the candidate forum at the rec center on Oct. 2. Before the forum I didn’t know who anyone other than Kerry Donovan was. Everyone else was just a name I’ve seen in the DCI, on yard signs or in mailings. It was time for this five-year resident of Delta to get more involved with my community! I found it interesting that the announcement of the forum in DCI and the welcome by each party’s representative mentioned how amazing it was that people with differing viewpoints could come together civilly to hear from all sides. Really? Is this what it’s been like here? Does Delta County have a history of being a community so divided that it surprises everyone that a group of people can come together without a riot or scream-

lance is eventually going to need to be replaced. Another expense, although not exorbitant, is requiring two people per area as an EMT and driver. These people are paid to be on call for a 12hour shift and another two people for the second shift for the remaining 12 hours. Since no one knows when a call comes through, they have to be ready for emergencies. The North Fork has tried to stay afloat by sending annual letters asking for donations as follows: Senior citizens individual, $40; couple, $60; family, $75. Out of 5,600 mailers sent, only 1,800 people responded! I was informed that there are people who are here for only the summer and do not usually contribute since they are not permanent residents. So then, I asked what age group called the most often for an ambulance. I was told that people over the age of 50. Under the age of 50 resulted in approximately 30 percent of calls. I had to push further. How many of these calls were really necessary? I was told probably around 60 percent. Since most people are usually not medically informed and educated as to the legitimacy of a medical emergency, they may panic and call 911. The proposed property tax is expected at 5.75 mills. A “mill” is calculated at $1 for every $1,000. So, on a $10,000 assessment, one mill would be $10.00. At 5.75 mills, the tax would be $50.75. This could be an exponential cost for some people depending on their assessed value. I was told that the necessary budget for the North Fork Ambulance

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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ing match breaking out? I thought Williams, Ariz., where I moved from, was pretty polarized but they have nothing on Delta if all of the above is true! No riots or screaming matches broke out and I wasn’t at all surprised that people were respectful. That’s been my experience of the fine folks of Delta County; everyone has been really nice, helpful and welcoming. It was nice to see the candidates in person and to hear their voices rather than just reading about them or seeing their picture somewhere. I was surprised that the candidates weren’t asked the same set of questions though. It made taking notes almost impossible because I couldn’t write the question down fast enough before Candidate A started answering. It was hard to capture their response before Candidate B was asked a different question. Good thing KVNF was there to record it! Hopefully that’s available online to

go back and listen to or perhaps get a transcript of. The candidates for county clerk and recorder were given the questions ahead of time because they shuffled through papers before reading their answers. This seemed odd to me; it did make for a more efficient forum given the time limits but it certainly didn’t allow for much spontaneity. I didn’t notice the other candidates reading their answers so I’m not sure if they were given the questions ahead of time or not. In any case, if that was how the forum was to be run, the DCI article and the moderators should have told us that. All in all it was a positive experience for me. Again, I’m thankful for the opportunity to see these folks in person and to hear from them directly. Hopefully this is one of many forums or debates to come. Clare Hydock Delta

League of Women Voters clarifies its role

Dear Editor: As president of The League of Women Voters of Montrose County, and in response to Ms. Loretta Molitor’s letter to the editor (Oct. 3), I wanted to clarify the League’s role in the candidate forum hosted on Tuesday night. The League of Women Voters’ mission, as a nonpartisan political organization, is to encourage informed and active participation in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy. As volunteers for The League of Service is one million Women Voters, we spend dollars! So even if every- hours planning and exeone of the 5,600 mailers paid the minimum of $40 that would only bring in $224,000 — far short of the necessary funding! Dear Editor: So what is the solution As a registered Repubto this economic fiasco? lican, I have gotten nine I told the director that I different “Olen Lund for felt there are too many State Senate” mailers people who do not con- to persuade me to vote tribute to society and for Lund. Statements in drain the resources from these mailers bring up others. Delta County is many questions. Such as: known to be a poor area. 1. Why would Lund, The question is why? Are a non-politician, be supthere not enough jobs ported by three differor people who just don’t ent “dark money” PACs? want to work. I was told Americans for Prosperity, by Home Depot when I Colorado Economic Leadcomplained about not ership Fund, Business being able to get help on Opportunity Fund IEC. repairs for my home that 2. Statement 1: “We he heard that complaint can count on Olen to often from contractors stand up against the who couldn’t get people special interests in Dento show up for work. So ver.” My question — How there are jobs available can we count on Olen if people want to and are to stand up when he is able to work. being supported by three The North Fork Ambu- “dark money” PACs all lance is a worthwhile with Denver addresses? cause, but I am tired of being expected to pay for a service that others take advantage of and don’t contribute. So what’s the answer? What is fair for Dear Editor: Take the opportunity all? Linda Petersen to elect a great candidate Paonia from Delta County to rep-

Tax question may be justified, but it’s hardly fair Dear Editor: When it was brought to my attention that the ambulance service in the North Fork area was proposing a property tax to help fund their services, I was not happy. Who wants their property taxes increased for whatever reason? However, I came to the point of fury when I read how these taxes would be assessed! It was the same old story, take it from the people who have the highest property assessments, because, obviously, they are the ones who have money. A very large assumption of which smacks of socialism. Well, I was not going to let this go without my comments. First, those who have lived here for a number of years and are retired and possibly have their house paid off doesn’t mean they can absorb higher taxes. I live in an area of custom homes, and though I have a nice piece of property, I’m struggling. My house is not paid off and for that matter not even completed inside. Secondly, why is this country always having to increase taxes to help the irresponsible people who don’t want to work? When is enough, enough? When do people reap what they sow? Frustrated and angry I started making some phone calls to understand the problems facing the N.F. Ambulance Service. The North Fork Ambulance has five ambulances for all three areas: Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia. The most recent ambulance is 2009. The oldest is 1998. The cost of a new ambulance is $135,000. This is one problem facing this service as the oldest ambu-

Delta County Independent

cuting bipartisan voter awareness events, such as registering young voters at local high schools and colleges, printing and distributing bipartisan information pamphlets about the ballot issues, as well as offering informational programs on topics ranging from election reform to education to the criminal justice system. It is true that the League was initially involved in planning and hosting the event, but we stepped aside when it became clear that the Republican Party and the Democratic Party were successfully working together to decide upon mutually satisfactory for-

mat for the event. I was encouraged to see the two parties work together efficiently and respectfully to host an informative and successful event. During a time of such divisiveness in our country, we are happy that the representatives of both parties worked together to plan the successful forum held on Tuesday. A note of correction: Representative Tipton and Diane Mitsch Bush were not invited to this forum. This decision was made due to their busy schedules. Jan Edwards President, League of Voters of Montrose and Delta Counties

Kerry Donovan has demonstrated her commitment 3. Statement 2: “Local leaders agree Olen Lund has the right stuff to fight for western Colorado.” Note in really small print the mailer states “First Edition” from Rural Colorado News. A web search shows that RCN doesn’t exist. 4. Statement 3: “Olen is NOT a politician.” Lund was a Delta County commissioner from 2004 to 2012. What is a term limited county commissioner if not a politician? 5. “Olen has experience working with both sides of the aisle to get results...” Where did Olen get experience working with both sides of the aisle? It wasn’t when he was a county commissioner working with two other Republican commis-

sioners. Also, Lund vows to use his experience in local government to fight for the senate district’s rural values at “a state capitol dominated by the Denver-Boulder crowd.” Gee that is what Kerry Donovan has done successfully for us in District 5 since her election. Kerry has established relationships in the Senate and the House. She is on the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee, which is extremely important to District 5. Why would anyone want to change from an established, proven successful senator that has demonstrated support for rural western Colorado? Mike Drake Paonia

Olen Lund will represent Delta County well

Vote yes for land swap Dear Editor: In one week we will be receiving our November ballots in the mail and there is a City of Delta ballot issue we have not really spoken of. This would be ballot issue 2-C and 2-D. City charter states for any sale or transfer of city parks a vote of the people must be taken. The city owns two pieces of property on the north side of the river. This is the old Cottonwood Golf Course and the Riverbend Park (the old Corn gravel pit). Riverbend has never been used as a park; it was purchased for future use. The city would like to sell-trade these two pieces of property for a piece of property of almost exact same size on the south side of the river to make a sports complex that would be safer and much more eas-

ily and safely accessible for everyone. If you have ever traveled through North Delta to get to the old Cottonwood you are aware of rough narrow roads with no shoulders. Travel to these fields can only be by car. The new complex would have bike trails and street access with stop lights. This deal would be win-win but needs a yes vote on both 2C and 2D — 2C to divest the city property and 2D to complete the swap. I hope I have explained this properly, if you have any questions ask Wilma at the rec center or Tony at the parks department or most any city hall employee. I encourage a YES vote on 2C, 2D, and also 2B to support our parks and recreation in Delta. Mary Cooper Delta

resent us in Senate District 5. In support of my friend Olen Lund please consider: Olen Lund • has a Colorado School of Mines metallurgical engineering B.S. degree, a master of science degree in welding engineering from Ohio State University. • served as president of the DMEA board also as secretary/treasurer of the DMEA board and as a director on the Colorado Rural Electric Association (the Colorado “statewide REA”). • served as a founding member of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable, established by Colorado State Statute to represent interests of water users in the Gunnison Basin. • represented the Gunnison Basin on the InterBasin Compact Committee, advisory committee on water issues to the Colorado Water Conservation Board and to the governor of Colorado. • served as president of the Delta County Farm and Livestock Bureau & chairman of Colorado

Farm Bureau Water Advisory Committee. • served as a Delta County Commissioner for eight years and vice chair of the Agriculture, Wildlife, and Rural Affairs Committee of Colorado Counties, Inc., the statewide county commissioner’s association. Olen is exceptionally qualified to deal with issues facing District 5. We need someone with his dedication to represent us. Olen has said, “We value our wideopen spaces. We value our wildlife. We value ... industries that provide jobs for us and our families... I’m ready to put my experience to work for you. I am ready to be an advocate for our rural values in a state capitol dominated by Denver and Boulder. I am ready to stand and fight for us, to fight to have our voice heard over the noise of the Front Range.” Don’t let misleading negative claims confuse you. Join me in supporting our candidate. Susan Keiser Cedaredge

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

HD 54: Chase, Soper Thea Chase, unaffiliated/independent, and Matt Soper, Republican, are vying for the House District 54 seat. Chase is from Palisade, where she serves on the town council. She believes in sustainable economies and is involved in service through initiatives such as ENGAGE. Republican Matt Soper was born and raised Delta County and is trying to be the first person in 54 years elected out of Delta to serve in state legislature. He has several law degrees, including one in British law. Chase was asked about regulating immigration. She said rural areas rely on immigrant labor and she wants to help influence federal legislators streamline processes for visas and access to work in the U.S. Soper was asked about his position on coal mining in Delta County. He acknowledged that coal production has declined, but that’s created other

County. He wants to focus on agriculture and associated industries. When asked who is funding her campaign, Chase responded that the money comes from individuals. Soper was then asked if he is in support or opposition of net neutrality. “I see this as a federal issue,” he said. He thinks the internet should reflect the free market. Businesss should have equal access to the speed they need. Chase was asked about the greatest opportunity/ challenges facing the district. “Education funding is clearly a disgrace,” she said. Opportunities need to be provided for workforce training, too, she said. Soper was asked if he supports broadband in Colorado. “Looking toward the future it’s going to take a new mechanism to support rural Colorado,” he said. Chase was asked her opinion regarding leasing public lands for oil and

in support, but wants to make sure it’s done safely. “We have an opportunity to not only focus on oil and gas ... but also to move forward and get into the next thing,” she said, referring to alternative energy. “Funding the Colorado water plan is my number one priority,” said Soper in response to his next question. Second, he wants to fight for a statewide transportation plan to revitalize the ability to move goods and services. Chase’s final question focused on what the state should do to address the opioid crisis. She thinks too many opioids are being prescribed, first, and that the problem has many facets. More counseling and resources beforehand to high-stress and at-risk people are needed, she said. Soper’s final question was, “What can the state do to help local communities prepare for drought?” He said the number one way is to fund the water plan.

SD 5: Donovan, Lund BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS lenge is if the topic isn’t will you do to make sure Contributing Writer

Senate District 5 candidates Olen Lund, R, and Kerry Donovan, D, wrapped up the candidate forum on Oct. 2. Incumbent Donovan is an educator and rancher, hoping to continue fighting for health care and education. Lund’s introduction focused on thanking firefighters, veterans and others providing public service. Donovan’s first question: “Would you support a convention of states?” She responded that she would need to first know the parameters of the convention. “The chal-

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narrowly defined it can go quickly off topic and have negative consequences,” she said. Lund was asked, “How would you improve water policy in Colorado?” “Water is my forte,” he said. He responded that our current water law is good. For improvements, there’s a need to maintain the laws and keep control. Donovan was asked about her position on hemp. She acknowledged it’s an emerging and remarkable crop. If it’s the right fit for your property then I’ll continue to advocate for it, she said. Lund was asked, “Should Colorado become a sanctuary state for illegal aliens?” He responded no, but that there is a need for a good system. Donovan was asked if she is in support of Proposition 112. She said she will implement citizen policy and not comment. To a question about energy, Lund responded that he embraces “all of the above,” and does not favor subsidizing certain types of energy over another. Donovan’s final two questions were, “What

CDOT wants to talk

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Join the transportation commissioners and representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) at the “Let’s Talk Colorado Transportation” in-person meetings and telephone town halls held statewide. An in-person meeting is scheduled in Grand Junction Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Grand Junction City Hall, 250 N. 5th Street, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to these in-person meetings, the public is invited to learn more from the comfort of their own home during one of these region-specific telephone town hall calls. For each call, CDOT will be calling area residents at random. Anyone who wants to participate can also join the call tollfree by calling, 1-877-2298493, PIN 112034.

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Candidate forum

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS opportunities for Delta gas development. She is FROM PAGE A1 Contributing Writer

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

right-to-farm laws actually work?” and “Do you support single payer government health care and how would you pay for it?” “Being the voice of agriculture is a role I cherish,” she said. She’s working on preserving the legacy of agriculture and making new opportunities for the next generation. In conclusion, she said she has concerns that if single payer was implemented as an isolated state it would be difficult to implement. Health care is a big issue and she plans to continue fighting for legislation to help lower costs. To his question on Medicaid, Lund answered that he isn’t in favor of its expansion because he does not see where the funds would come from. Concluding the question session, Lund voiced his support for school choice and the spending of per-student funding for alternative forms of education chosen by parents with vouchers. Specifically, the vouchers would encourage competition and provide more options.

in Delta County?” Lane was asked. He said the trade-offs of revenue would need to be examined and put to a vote before having it in the county. However, he said that when stores enter, crime goes up and the standard of living decreases. “Do you support tax dollars being used for broadband in Delta County?” Gilmore was asked. He explained that in today’s age, broadband is

necessary. “I think it was a brilliant move and a big step forward for this county,” he said. In response to a question about the local economy, Lane said thanks to broadband, many home-based businesses are helping bring in revenue. Delta County Economic Development is also working with three companies on coming to the area. “Things are happening to help our economy,” he said. Gilmore was asked, “How will you let the

public know what you are working on as county commissioner?” He responded saying his background in counseling and pharmacy helps him be a “communication specialist.” In addition to what’s already being done formally, he wants to have a simple letter to the editor or column once a month to help clarify what he does. The six candidates seeking state office are profiled in separate articles on this page.

HD 61: Mason, McCluskie BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

During the Oct. 2 debate, House District District 61 candidates answered five questions each. Mike Mason, R, introduced himself by saying he wants to “empower people” by stopping “so much spending.” He believes in cutting taxes and regulations. Julie McCluskie, D, is a Colorado native who wants to make sure we tackle a “broken health care system.” Additionally, she wants to focus on education. Mason was asked if climate change is real. “No,” he said, referencing his physics background for helping him understand data. “The use of climate change to stop fossil fuel development is wrong,” he said. McCluskie was asked how the state can help keep small local hospitals functioning. “We have to do more to protect them but also grow our own health care providers,” she said. Mason was asked, “How would you tax electric cars to support road infrastructure?” He responded that it’s difficult, but one way might be to look at the odometer and adjust ownership tax by the miles driven. McCluskie was asked if she would make it illegal to purchase gas emission vehicles after 2020. “I would not,” she said. She believes in alternative energies, but wants to keep the community in mind. Mason was asked if it should be mandatory that all new homes have rooftop solar panels. The answer was a firm “no.”

McCluskie: “What do you propose to do to help special districts seeing revenue for real estate taxes decline?” First, she acknowledged how the amendment the question referred to is “putting a stranglehold” on many communities. However, she sees the amendment as a pathway forward. Mason was asked “Has TABOR served Colorado well? If not, why?” He says he advocates for the ballot box. Remote areas of Colorado are not best served by legislation pointed at high population areas. McCluskie emphasized the need for collaboration and outreach. “I am proud to say I have received the endorsement of the Rural Alliance of Colorado,” she said.

Mason was asked, “Should pensions or health care insurance for government employees be paid for by the taxpayers?” “That’s a hard one,” he responded. The government needs to be reasonable with it, he explained. McCluskie’s final question focused on lobbyists. “There are a number of organizations that advocate for policy and in turn they work with lobbyists,” she said. Essentially, McCluskie sees the value in having advocates to meet the needs of those they’re serving.

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A Tale of Whoa an original musical mellow-drama

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A4 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Jewelry, craft sale benefits Africans Don’t forget to check out the African Team Ministry sale of artifacts at St. Luke’s Church at 5th and Palmer in Delta. The sale runs from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and finishes Saturday, Oct. 20, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find a fantastic assortment of jewelry, stone and

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wood carvings, decorative scarves, and musical instruments made from natural woods, fibers, and semi-precious stones. Everything is very reasonably priced making them perfect Christmas and anytime gifts. All proceeds go to African Team Ministries (www.african teamministries.org) which continues to support the African artisans as well as clean water projects for drought-torn parts of East Africa. For more information, contact Elizabeth Wilcox at 970-874-9832.

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Photo submitted

Charter members

Members of Altrusa International of Delta celebrated 33 years of service on Sept. 5, the date the club was ofﬁcially chartered in 1985. For more than a quarter century, members have strived to help make the community a better place through leadership, partnership and service. Pictured are charter members Phyllis Goad, Lucky Cox, Vivian Gibson and Laura Morris; a ﬁfth charter member, Liz Quintana, was not available for the photo.

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Sign up for Turkey Bowl Classic It’s time for the City of Delta’s adult flag football Turkey Bowl Classic, to be held Saturday, Nov. 17. The team fee is $75 which includes a twogame guarantee. Teams must provide a volunteer to assist with officiating. Registration deadline is Nov. 7. For more information, contact Tyler Schumacher at 874-0923 or tyler@cityofdelta.net.

Plant, tree sale planned Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. You don’t want to miss the CSU Extension Tri-River Area Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale and tree auction Saturday, Oct. 13. This event will take place at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, behind the CSU building. Bidder registration starts at 9 a.m.

BIRTHS

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Once upon a time

Giant papier maché teacups dangling from the ceiling complemented the individually decorated tables that make the annual Sugar Plum Festival such a delightful event. Altrusa International of Delta is preparing for another enchanted experience Oct. 19 and 20 at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Hors d’oeuvres and table viewing are scheduled Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. A luncheon and fashion show will take place on Saturday. Both days will feature a book sale and artisan shopping at the Little Side Street Market. Tickets are available in Delta at Heirlooms for Hospice, 532 Main Street, and Ruby’s Floral, 755 Main Street. Tickets for Friday may be purchased at the door.

Christopher and Samantha Prosser of Hotchkiss are the parents of a daughter, Serenity Ann Prosser, born Oct. 4, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She Are you Mensa smart? weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches Find out by taking the half-price American in length. Mensa admission test Friday, Oct. 19, in Classroom A of Delta County Memorial Hospital, 1501 East 3rd Street. Registration begins at 1 p.m. The test will start at 1:30 p.m. and take about two hours to complete. Test takers will be required to show a photo ID. The cost is $30. Register online and pre-purchase your test voucher at www.us.mensa.org.

Half-price Mensa testing offered American Mensa is an organization open to anyone who scores in the top 2 percent on an accepted, standardized intelligence test. Mensa has more than 56,000 members in the United States and more than 110,000 members globally. For more information about Mensa, visit us.mensa. org/join. For information on the Oct. 19 test, contact Bonnie Horn Koehler at 970-260-4081 or koehler1762@q.com.

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4-H WEEK

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Judicial performance evaluations can be found online, in Blue Book

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Local government at work

Delta City Council members Kevin Carlson and Nathan Clay were among the community leaders invited to discuss the workings of local government with the third graders at Lincoln Elementary School. Through a series of questions posed by the students, law enforcement, a firefighter, school district officials, the county court judge, a political candidate and city administrators explained their roles in our community. The Colorado state standards for social studies require a unit on local government. Teachers were delighted to have 100 percent participation from their invited guests.

Life Lessons Learned through 4-H, Priceless ��

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Performance evaluations of Colorado appellate and trial court judges standing for retention in the 2018 general election are available at www.ojpe.org. The performance evaluations are also included in the “Colorado Voter Information Guide,” commonly referred to as the Blue Book, mailed to every active registered voter household in Colorado. The evaluations were conducted by the State Commission on Judicial Performance and 22 local judicial district performance commissions. These volunteer commissions are charged with providing voters fair, responsible and constructive evaluations of individual judges seeking retention. Judicial performance

4-H empowers young people Join over 102,000 young people in Colorado in celebrating the 4-H program during National 4-H Week slated for Oct. 7-13. 4-H is in all Colorado counties, in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries worldwide. The 4-H program reaches seven million young people throughout the world. 4-H follows the philosophy of learning by doing. Youth develop life skills through projects that range from citizenship to expressive arts, communication to foods and nutrition, livestock to wildlife and forestry, and leadership to science and

technology. Young people are the drivers of change. All you have to do is look at your local 4-H program to find youth taking the lead and addressing today’s challenges. 4-H is where young people explore, learn and discover in a safe environment. In 4-H, youth find their true passions, gain confidence and give back to their community. This week, celebrate 4-H and the members who are stepping up and taking responsibility for their future and ours. To learn more about local programs and offerings, call CSU Extension at 874-2195.

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commissions evaluate judges’ integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, and administrative performance. Commissions consider responses to surveys on judicial performance, a judge’s self-evaluation, decisions authored by the judge, courtroom observations, case information, and any information received. The commissions then produced a narrative for each judge with a statement of whether the judge “meets performance stan-

dards,” or “does not meet performance standards.” This citizen-involved process helps ensure that Colorado judges are highly qualified, fair, and impartial. Commissions on Judicial Performance were created in 1988 by the Colorado General Assembly to provide voters with fair, responsible and constructive evaluations of judges and justices seeking retention. The results also provide judges with information to help improve their professional skills as judicial officers.

4-H Builds Leaders for the Future ��

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A6 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Gustave Weber Jr.

Gustave A. Weber Jr. died Sept. 24, 2018, in Glenwood Springs. He was born May 20, 1934, in Newark, N.J., to Gustave A. and Edna (Hedding) Weber Sr. He was a journalism major and graduated from University of Illinois before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy for 22 years, retiring as a submarine commander and then working in Washington, D.C., for five years on the Trident project. He worked for Rockwell International in California for 17 years as a systems engineer, which included working with the Israeli and Australian navies. After retirement, he

OBITUARIES

and his wife traveled in their motor home to all of the states except Alaska. They came through Cedaredge 18 years ago and have called it home ever since. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Jenny; stepchildren, Sheri Zaccaro, Don Brown and Sandy Mendoza; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melisa. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Oct. 18 at Eckert Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Eckert Presbyterian Church, PO Box 7, Eckert, CO 81418 or to Gideons, c/o Walt Sebring, 792 1525 Road, Delta, CO 81416.

Viola Hoos Jan. 31, 1924 ~ Oct. 6, 2018

Mario Sanchez

Mario Ignacio Sancez, a longtime resident of Delta, died Sept. 26, 2018, in Chihuahua, Mexico. He was 67. He was born July 31, 1951. He married Beatrice Herrera and worked on a dairy farm in Delta for most of his life. He is survived by eight sisters and brothers, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. Roxie Fillipi Services were held in Roxie D. Fillipi died Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at Chihuahua, Mexico. her home. She was 82. Funeral services will Stephen Saruwatari be held at 11 a.m. SaturLifetime Delta residay, Oct. 13, at Mountain dent Stephen G. SaruwaView Bible Church, 8733 tari died Sept. 25, 2018, 3100 Road, Lazear. at HopeWest Hospice Memorial donations Care Center in Grand may be made to Moun- Junction. He was 62. tain View Bible Church A memorial service Women’s Ministries. will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at First Baptist Church in Delta, with Pastor James Conley officiating. Mr. Saruwatari is survived by his brother, David (Susan) Saruwatari of Grand Junction; three sisters, Terry (John) Hall of Centennial, Janice (Kraig) Meyer and Sharon (Fredrick) Parker, both of Grand Junction; and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N. 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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Delta County Independent

Drew Cotten

Longtime area resident Drew Wayne Cotten died Aug. 23, 2018, due to complications from cancer. He was 52. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town.

Lee Stilley

Lee Stilley, former longtime resident of Paonia, died Oct. 3, 2018, in Grand Junction. He was 84. He was born Oct. 26, 1933, in Fairland, Okla. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and family activities. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia; two sons, Mark (Myrna) Stilley of Montrose and Kevin (Becky) Stilley of Cimarron; two daughters, Carol (Craig) Tullio of Cheyenne and Lorna (Bill) Hughes of Paonia; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. No services are planned at this time.

Viola Mae Hoos was born Jan. 31, 1924, to John William Hanlon and Katie Marjorie (Casebier) Hanlon on California Mesa in Delta, Colo. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Oct. 6, 2018, in Brighton, Colo., at the age of 94. A graveside service will be held at Delta City Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. She grew up in Delta and spoke fondly of her childhood in the big stone house on Garnet Mesa. She married Merle Peter Hoos on Sept. 18, 1941. From this union were born Merle Douglas and Jeanne Caroline. Merle and Viola spent much of their marriage moving to many places throughout the United States due to his work as a foreman for Stearns Rogers. From these experiences she had many stories and fond memories of the places and people

she met. In 1958, Merle passed away. She remarried and in November of 1962 Kelly Sue was born. When Kelly was a toddler, the family moved to Benghazi, Libya in Africa for a couple of years. While there, they toured Egypt, the Greek Islands, and upon their return to the United States toured Europe. For many of her years she resided in Grand Junction until she moved to Brighton, Colo., in 2010 to be close to her son and family. Viola had many hobbies. She loved to go to garage sales, find old furniture and repurpose it. Sewing, crocheting and baking took up

much of her time. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and took pride in her gorgeous poppies. She enjoyed eating out and loved to brag about her professional shopping expertise. Her last years were spent shopping, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by son, Merle Douglas and Letha Hoos of Brighton, daughter Jeanne Hoos of Denver, and daughter Kelly and John Michel of Grand Junction. She was lovingly known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Merle, Andee, and Lola Hoos of Brighton, Colo.; Curtis, Melissa, Walter and Wyatt of Keenesburg, Colo.; Katie, Jake, Madilyn and Carter Pollert of Grand Junction, Colo.; Amy, Eric, and Maeve Los of Fruita, Colo., and Keaton Michel of Windsor, Colo. Paid obituary

Joseph Silva April 24, 1974 ~ Oct. 1, 2018 Joseph’s family would like you to know — without his permission — his work on earth was done on Oct. 1, 2018. He has gone for his epic ride in Heaven. Joseph loved brunettes, potatoes and well done steak, horror movies, camping, stars, explosives, fighting, shooting pool, the color black, chess, music and any motorsports. Not necessarily in that order. Joseph died due to miscalculated landings, knack-knacks gone wrong, not dodging fast enough and sudden stops — Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Joseph despised funerals, narcissists, team sports and purple. Memorial service will be held on Nov. 3 at First Presbyterian Church,

Grand Junction. Time to be determined. Joseph was born on April 24, 1974, to John R. Silva and Sandra D. Townsend Silva in Westminster, Colo. At the age of 2, the family moved to Delta where Joe attended school and graduated from Delta High School with the Class of 1992. Later he received his degree from the School of Hard Knocks. On Aug. 14, 2004, Joe

married Jessica Beth Lovato in Delta. Joe is survived by his wife, Jessica Silva of Grand Junction; his mother, Sandy (Paul) Cross; his father, John Silva; his grandmother, Jackie Townsend; sister, Monique (David) Salido; nephews, Tyler Salido, Anthony (Akayla) Salido, Zachery Lovato; sister-in-law, Sara Lovato; and many other relatives and friends. 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. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to www. braintrauma.org. Paid obituary

Clive Tanner Jackson March 20, 1923 ~ Oct. 2, 2018 Clive Tanner Jackson was born at home on the family ranch in Randolph, Utah, on March 20, 1923, to Orin and Orielle Jackson. He grew up there until the age of 9 when the ranch was lost due to the great depression. The family then moved to the Ogden area and lived with various family members. When he was 12 his parents suddenly divorced and his dad left. He continued in school in Utah until he and his mother moved to southern California in 1939 and there he graduated high school in June 1941. He then found work and attended Long Beach Junior College. With WW II in full force and facing the draft he enrolled in the Navy which had a V12 program which sent him to the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena to continue his studies. He graduated Cal Tech in June 1945 with a Civil Engineering degree. He was then ordered to Midshipman School in Rhode Island where he received his commission to Ensign, he then was shipped out overseas to Okinawa where he helped to rebuild the country until his honorable discharge in 1946. He then worked and traveled until he met the love of his life, Iris Peterson, in Dove Creek, Colo., in August 1949. They were subsequently married in Grand Junction, Colo., Dec. 31, 1949.

They stayed in the area and in August 1951 had their first child Ponda. Clive then took a job which sent the young couple overseas to French Morocco. They returned to Colorado just in time for the birth of their second daughter Rosetta in October 1952. Clive then worked in New Mexico and California until 1955 when he and Iris decided to take the two young girls and go overseas again so he accepted a job in Spain. While in Spain they had their first son JayCee. They enjoyed the two years in Spain and returned to the U.S. in May of 1957. The next job took them back to Colorado and in 1960 their last child, Kevin, was born. Clive’s construction career then took the family to Murray, Utah, Farmington, Utah, Columbia, Mo., Dallas, Texas and then back to Monte Vista, Colo. In 1974 they made the decision to leave the construction industry and try something a little more settled. The couple moved to Paonia, Colo., to farm and opened up a health food store. The store was sold some years later and Clive went into the home heating business in 1988 with family members. The store served the Aspen, Colo., area until it closed in 1998. Clive continued to farm in the Paonia area and traveled to visit his children and many other extensive family

members. In 2004 Iris was reading on a Church website and saw missionary opportunities for civil engineers and surveyors. Clive said, “I can do that” (he said that about everything) and in 2004 they moved to Salt Lake City and Clive began his church mission at the age of 81 and served for two years in the Property Management Office in downtown SLC. They continued to live in SLC for quite a few more years working on his love of family history and traveling to see his many descendants from coast to coast. In 2011 Clive and Iris left the city for a quieter life and went to live with their daughter Rose and son-in-law Bob in Vernal, Utah. There Clive worked full time to continue his family history research and completed the writing of his own life story. Clive was always one to stay fit, exercise and loved hiking and even on his 95th birthday went for his mile walk with his sons. He passed on to return to his Heavenly Father’s Kingdom on Oct. 2, 2018, at 95 1⁄2 years of age. He is survived by his ever loving and caring wife of 69 years, Iris, by his four children Ponda, Rose, JayCee and Kevin. He has 11 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Donald Hamilton

Donald Ray Hamilton died Sept. 24, 2018. He was 86. He was born May 7, 1932, in Hoehne, to Robert and Gladys (Hawkins) Hamilton. He lived in Olathe, Cedaredge and Paonia. He joined the Navy and learned building skills in the SeaBees. After he was discharged, he farmed on Minnesota Creek. On Nov. 10, 1956, he married Elizabeth Ashmore. They lived in Denver for a short time, then moved to Minturn where he was a carpenter for many years. After her retirement they moved to Cañon City where he continued to practice his trade. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling through the western U.S. with his wife, gardening and working in his shop. Health issues made it necessary for Mr. Hamilton to move to Colorado Springs to be closer to his daughter. He is survived by his children, Susan Bergquist of Woodland Park and Steven of Gunnison; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, in 2007; and two sisters, Betty Jean Moyer and Barbara Pasic. A memorial service will be held Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Serenity Room at Brookdale Skyline, 2365 Patriot Heights, Colorado Springs. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookdale Hospice, 7222 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. A complete online obituary can be viewed at www.cappadonafh.com.

Virginia Sisnroy

Virginia Sisnroy of Eliza, Ill., died Oct. 2, 2018, at her home. She was 86. She was born Nov. 12, 1931, in Pueblo, to Carl and Grace Murrish Schultz. On March 31, 1950, she married Edward Sisnroy in Pueblo. After his death in 1988, she moved to Hotchkiss for 15 years. She moved to Eliza, Ill, to live with her son Joey. She enjoyed ranching and farming with her husband’s family in Walsenburg. She was an artist and had her own business called “Virginia’s Arts and Crafts” where she sold paintings, sculptures and ceramics. She raised flowers for the Colorado State Fair. When she moved to Eliza Township, she enjoyed working on the farm and taking care of the animals with her son. She is survived by her children, Wanda Sisnroy (Steve Pearl) of Boulder Creek, Calif., Edward Jr. “Joey” (Amber) of Eliza, Ill., Nancy (Scott) Schuster of Pueblo and Thomas (Julie) Sisnroy of Powder Springs, Ga.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Threadgill of Pueblo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; two brothers, Raymond and Frank; her mother-in-law, Dora Sisnroy; and extended family.

Lillie Farrell

Delta resident Lillie Farrell died Sept. 25, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 92. At her request, no services will be held. Lillie Lee Peters was born Nov. 11, 1925, to Edward and Lillie (Brown) Peters in Oakland, Calif. She spent her childhood and attended school in Flagstaff, Ariz. She graduated from high school there in 1942.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

On Aug. 18, 1945, she married Robert Farrell in Flagstaff. They resided in Brawley, Calif., and were married 56 years when Mr. Farrell died in October 2001. Mrs. Farrell moved to Midland, Texas, to be close to her daughter, Norma Kelly. She moved to Delta 16 years later, in October 2017. She was a member of Midland First United

Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bingo, poker, gambling in Las Vegas, jewelry, shopping, traveling and most of all spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her son, Charlie Farrell and wife Jan Blue of Cedaredge; six grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild due in April.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Ronnie Farrell; and a daughter, Norma Kelly. 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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Police blotter

Police pursuing charges. A Delta area resident reported that a bullet had been fired at his door by a Sept. 30: Delfina P. Delacruz, 32, of neighbor who was engaged Delta was arrested and jailed in target practice. for alleged failed to drive in Oct. 2: Lorinda Jordan, 54, of a single lane (weaving), driving under the Influence, DUI Delta was transported to the per se and failed to present hospital after a single vehicle rollover near the intersecevidence of insurance. At about 2:30 a.m., an tion of D Road and Highway officer patrolling Main Street 50. The accident occurred at observed a vehicle station- about 7:30 a.m.; the investiary in the middle of the road. gation was handled by the Jose R. Rincon-Valverde, Colorado State Patrol. At about 1:15 p.m., depu59, of Nevada was arrested and jailed for alleged failed ties were dispatched to mile to maintain a single lane of marker 52 on Highway 50, travel (weaving) and driving north of Delta, for a trailer that had flipped. The trailer under the influence. Officers responded to a was being towed by Donna two-vehicle crash at the inter- Lucas, 68, of Tonkawa, Okla. section of North Palmer and Westbound lanes of the highConfluence Drive. Rene N. way were blocked while the Severson, 45, of Austin was Colorado State Patrol conissued a ticket for failure to ducted its investigation. At about 7 p.m., an apartyield right of way. As a result of a traffic ment fire was reported at stop, River M.J. Glimpse, 31, 12648 Highway 65, Eckert. of Austin was arrested and There was minor damage jailed for alleged possession to the apartment, but the of a Schedule 2 controlled occupant, Douglas Thatcher, substance and possession of 58, was transported to the hospital with facial injuries. drug paraphernalia. Cedaredge firefighters extinOct. 1: Cade Kurtz, 21, of Delta guished the blaze. Initial indiwas issued a ticket for alleged cations the fire was caused by smoking near an oxygen disorderly conduct. tank. Oct. 2: A 13-year-old Delta Middle Oct. 3: An unoccupied car was School student was issued a ticket for alleged underage reported parked in the roadway on Fairview Road west possession of marijuana. Officers responded to of Tongue Creek. Deputies Walmart for a theft report. determined the vehicle was Deborah J. Cook, 47, of Paonia registered to Nelson Scott, 77, was arrested and jailed for but were unable to locate him alleged theft and violation of in the area or at his home in Austin. At 10 a.m., a caretaker bail bond conditions. called to report Scott missOct. 3: Officers responded to ing. Search and rescue crews the area of E. 9th Street and were mobilized. Hotchkiss Meeker Street for a two-vehi- Fire District responded with cle crash. Rosalinda Serrano, a drone and the Delta Police 18, of Gunnison was issued a Department provided a K-9 ticket for alleged disregard of officer team. They searched a stop sign and drove motor for Scott unsuccessfully until vehicle without a valid driver’s dark. Early the next morning, Scott showed up at the hoslicense. Officers responded to Bluff pital. He was dehydrated but Street at Highway 50 for a uninjured. Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash. Frances N. Zarret, 83, of Cedaredge was physical altercation between issued a ticket for alleged fol- a mother and adult son in the Delta area. lowing too closely. Tex Piele, 41, of Delta was Oct. 4: At about 1:30 a.m., neigharrested and jailed for alleged possession of Schedule 2 bors reported that Robert controlled substance. Martin Stover, 76, had not returned A. Martinez, 41, of Delta was from Jumbo Mountain where arrested and jailed for alleged he was doing some ranch possession of Schedule 2 con- work. They searched the area trolled substance and viola- themselves before contacting tion of bail bond conditions. authorities. Search and rescue This incident involved the use crews were being mobilized of Delta PD’s K-9 services in when Stover showed up on the detection of illegal drugs. his own, tired and with some Please remember: All crim- bruises and scratches. His inal charges are merely an four-wheeler had gotten stuck accusation and the defendant and he got turned around is presumed innocent until or when he tried to walk out. Oct. 5: unless proven guilty. A Delta area resident From the Delta County reported that sometime during the previous night, someSheriff’s Office: one had stolen 61 hemp plants from his field and destroyed Oct. 1: Deputies investigated sus- some of the drip irrigation picious activity reported by system. Some plants were a property owner outside torn out by their roots, othof Crawford. The property ers were cut off. The case is owner was not interested in under investigation. From the Department:

Delta

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A8 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Art students get creative Vision Charter Academy High School art class did a tessellation project where they worked with geometric shapes to create a piece of art. They

learned about the work of MC Escher, a graphic artist who played with architecture, perspective and impossible spaces. The students were taught two

different types of tessellations then were given the freedom to create a final project utilizing one or both of the tessellation forms they were taught.

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In this Art II project, Melissa Lundy interpreted the word “ancestry” in art form. She chose to do the bust of an unidentified ancestor with a family tree growing out of the back. The tree contains the names of family members.

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DELTA FFA OYSTER FRY MEMBER AUCTION

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Thursday, November 1 Starts at 6:30 p.m. Delta High School Cafeteria

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The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) were: (back row, left to right) Shea Ryan (kindness), Cooper Martinez (diligence), Claire Butler (kindness), Elli Megal (leadership), Alexis Luna (trustworthiness), Josue Ramirez (Perseverance), Sophie Harris (respect), Connor McCain (respect), Brooke Garrison (compassion); (middle row) Olivia Priestley (self discipline), Mariah Bellew (leadership), Zeke Lopez (leadership), Maylin Hernandez (diligence), Arlo Sheets (respect); (front row) Forest Reeves (diligence), Brodie Kirkman (self discipline), Adrian Dix (kindness), Maribelle Meraz (respect), Mason Roberts (responsibility), Lesly Saenz (kindness) and Landriee Bonnell (perseverance).

The DHS Marching Band will present its field show at a community exhibition Friday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. at Panther Stadium. Admission is free.

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Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

DHS band presents exhibition

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Vision Charter Academy art students applied the concept of tessellation to their projects.

Advertise in the DCI. 874-4421.

Daddy, daughter dance is Nov. 10 Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host “Once Upon A Time,” a special evening for dads, daughters, granddads and granddaughters on Saturday, Nov. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dancing begins at 7 p.m. The fee is $15 for those who register before Nov. 9, or $25 at the door. Bring a snack to share. Photos will be available for a fee. This event is great for ages 3-12. For more information or to register, call 874-0923.

Photos submitted

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 above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students (front row) Adan Nava Marin, Brixon Thomas, Bristol Carney, Brailyn Anderson-Oban; (back row) Chase Burwell, Mason Ferris, Mairany Corral and Valeria Campos. Below are second graders (front row) Colton Johnson, William Esplin, Adalynn Hannegrefs, Vince Floyd; and third graders (back row) Bella Barry, Zayla Lawrence and Vanessa Campos.

Photo submitted

Students of the Month

Garnet Mesa Elementary School recognizes the fourth and ﬁfth grade Students of the Month for September. Pictured in the front row are fourth graders Paola Solis-Martinez, Josh Hatton, Addison Weaver and Parker Tatum. In the back row are ﬁfth graders Hunter Simineo, Chloe Sharpe, Danika Windemaker and Olivia Hines.

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AC/DC (ARTS COALITION ��

OF DELTA

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COUNTY ART FAIR

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Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

Author will share historic adventures on Colorado Plateau Bob Silbernagel, author of “Historic Adventures on the Colorado Plateau,” will give a program and have a book signing Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. Chris Miller, executive director of the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado, states that Silbernagel will share stories about the explorers and traders that once trekked across this rugged terrain and the development of a trail that was to become a commercial highway known as the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail. History tells us that before the Spanish exploration of western Colorado, the native inhabitants had a variety of routes for traveling on the Western Slope. With Spanish exploration, those routes were utilized as native guides brought explorers from colonial outposts such as Santa Fe into our region. Juan Rivera, exploring in the summer and fall of 1765, was the first to travel along the western San Juan Mountains north into the Delta area. These explorations would lay the foundation for individuals like Antione Robidoux who built Fort Uncompahgre in the late 1820s to trap furs,

host trappers and trade with the Utes prior to the Mexican War in 1846. The Colorado Plateau is home to nearly 30 national parks, monuments and recreational areas. The unique geology, stunning rock formations, powerful rivers and numerous scenic canyons that compose such a striking region also made navigation difficult. Yet daring explorers like Juan Rivera came calling in 1765 followed by Dominguez and Escalante in 1776 seeking information on the native populace, religious converts and trade routes. Supported by years of research, Bob Silbernagel traces the Colorado Plateau’s intrepid inhabitants throughout history. Silbernagel was the editorial page editor for the Daily Sentinel newspaper in Grand Junction for 19 years. Now retired, he continues to write a regional history column for the Sentinel. Silbernagel is the author of the book “Troubled Trails: The Meeker Affair and the Expulsion of Utes from Colorado,” published by the University

BY TRACY IHNOT

Afterschool program offered Bill Heddles Recreation Center is offering an after-school program with activities ranging from swimming and rock climbing to sports and outdoor games. Snacks are provided and there will be time for homework. Three monthly sessions are offered Monday-Thursday from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. each day (program will not operate during holidays and school breaks). A designated school bus will transport students from school to the rec center. Students must be at least 8 years of age to register. The registration deadlines for upcoming monthly sessions are Oct. 25 and Nov. 29. For more information, contact Tyler Schumacher at 874-0923 or tyler@cityofdelta.net.

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of Utah Press in 2011. He also wrote “Dinosaur Stalkers: Tracking Dinosaur Discoveries of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah,” published by Dinamation International, the Bureau of Land Management and the Museums of Western Colorado in 1996. Copies of “Historic Adventures on the Colorado Plateau” will be available for $15. For additional information please call 970-8748349.

Learn CPR and first aid Bill Heddles Recreation Center is hosting an American Red Cross community CPR/AED and first aid class Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must register and pay the $85 fee three days prior to the start of the class. For more information, call 874-0923.

Art Fair to be held at tech college The Arts Coalition of Delta County and the Technical College of the Rockies announce the first annual Delta County Art Fair to be held on Friday, Oct 19, and Saturday Oct. 20, at the technical college just south of Delta on Hwy. 50. This Art Fair will show the work of Delta County artists and is open to the public free of charge from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The public is invited to come see and perhaps purchase a great piece of art for your home and meet many artists from Delta County who create the art on exhibit. Make a day of it by visiting galleries in Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia. Artists from Delta County who haven’t reserved their spot for the Art Fair should call 640-6520 to arrange their exhibit area ASAP.

Library program provides incentives for healthy choices Delta County Libraries

“Passport to Health,” a library program, gives Delta County kids an opportunity to win a new bike, a youth pass to the recreation center in Delta, and an outdoor games package, as incentives for making healthy choices. “Kids complete the healthy activities listed in a passport booklet in order to be entered to win a grand prize,” says Adriana Chavira, Delta Library manager. “Parents, teachers, library staff, or other adults who can verify an activity has been completed can sign off on the passport.” SK Bikes in Paonia is sponsoring the grand prize for October — a new bike with a retail value of up to $300. Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta is providing a youth pass for the November drawing and Delta Family Center is sponsoring an outdoor games package in December. “The passport program is running in conjunction with the exhibit

currently on display at Delta Library,” Chavira explains. Discover Health is a traveling exhibition developed by the University of Colorado specifically for libraries and is on display through December 2018. “The passport program is a great collaboration with the school district and A Kidz Clinic in Delta,” Chavira explains. “School staff are assisting in distributing passport booklets to students and booklets are available at A Kidz Clinic.” Angela Flores, health and wellness grant coordinator for Delta County School District, has been working closely with library staff to coordinate field trips to the Discover Health exhibit and distribute passport booklets to students. “The passport program is a fantastic way for communities to promote health and wellness,” Flores says. “It encourages our kids to get out in the communities, experience healthy

living, and get excited about being healthy.” Some of the activities in the passport include interviewing an adult about what they do to stay healthy, finding a healthy recipe that includes all five food groups, and organizing a group of friends to play an outside game. “We think that kids will enjoy completing the activities in the passport while also learning about how to make healthy choices,” Chavira says. “And, the prizes are a good motivator!” To learn more about the Passport to Health program or the Discover Health exhibit visit your local library or www. deltalibraries org. Passport booklets are available at all five libraries in Delta County. Discover Health/Descubre la Salud is a program of the University of Colorado/ Anschutz Medical Campus. Funding is provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Archaeologist presents research from Belize

Have you ever wondered what the regular folks were doing when the important kings and priests were building pyramids and carving stelae in ancient MesoAmerica? On Oct. 17, the public is invited to hear archaeologist David Hyde share insights about the nonurban, non-elite Maya culture at the Colorado Archaeological Society, Chipeta Chapter meeting. He will present an overview of excavations

and research based on his ongoing research in a study area at Medicinal Trails, Belize. Dr. Hyde has been a professor of archaeology at Western State Colorado since 2011 and has conducted studies across the western U.S. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Street, Montrose. For more information contact Leigh Ann Hunt, 970-835-5228.

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

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“Passport to Health” is one of many health-related programs being offered by Delta County Libraries in conjunction with the exhibit. Discover Health is on display through December 2018.

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A10 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Physician assistants celebrated Oct. 6-12 Receiving medical care can be stressful. Whether you’re nervous about a procedure, frustrated at the wait time for an appointment, or visiting a new medical practice for the first time, navigating the health care world can be understandably unnerving. But PAs, or physician assistants, are here to help. PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and can serve as your primary health care provider. PAs improve health care

access and quality, making it easier for you to get the care you need. PA Week is celebrated Oct. 6-12, to recognize the profession and its contributions to the nation’s health. During PA Week, take the opportunity to talk to a PA about what it is they do, and why they’re proud to do it. Even if you haven’t been treated by a PA before, there’s a good chance you will in the near future. There are more than 123,000 PAs working across the country, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is

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Red Shed Produce

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expected to grow 37 percent between 2016 and 2036. Here in Colorado, there are over 2,000 PAs providing high quality care. There’s a good chance there are PAs working in some of the medical offices you visit, and you may even know some students planning to pursue careers in the PA profession. There are more than 250 PA programs, which educate students at the master’s degree level. These programs are an average of 27 months long and require students to complete rigorous classroom coursework. Additionally, PA students complete 2,000 hours of clinical rotations in a broad spectrum of specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, general surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. Trained as medical generalists, PAs perform many of the same tasks as physicians, and know how to treat the “whole patient.” PAs are well-positioned to treat our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including those in rural and underserved communities. Here in Colorado, we are in the midst of an unprecedented physician shortage and a complex opioid crisis — and PAs are on the front lines. Always innovative and always flexible, PAs are the solution to some of our system’s biggest problems. In every state, PAs, their state organizations, and the American Academy of PAs are working together with the legislature to modernize laws and regulations in an effort to remove unnecessary and antiquated barriers to care for patients. When red tape and paperwork make it difficult for PAs to practice,

it’s patients who suffer — and PAs always put their patients first. The PA profession is committed to improving

access to quality care for all patients, including you and your loved ones. The health care system can be complicated and

at times, frustrating, but through it all, you can be confident that whatever you need, your PA can handle it.

Photo submitted

River Valley Family Health Center recognizes some of its physician assistants, pictured in front of groundbreaking equipment in Montrose on Oct. 4. From left to right are Melanie Hanley, Karie Long, Rachel Stranathan, Jeannie Mueller, Shawna McElroy and Josh Enevoldson. River Valley Family Health Center has three locations — 5 Hillcrest Plaza in Montrose, 308 Main Street in Olathe and 107 W. 11th Street in Delta. These physician assistants and other team members provide quality health care for every member of the family.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

No one ﬁghts alone

With October comes the Delta County Ambulance District’s annual effort to raise funds for cancer support and education. The nonprofit is selling T-shirts for a suggested donation of $20 each with the proceeds going to the Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center. T-shirts can be purchased at the Delta office at 60 Heinz Street, or from any EMT, including (pictured) Charles Hufman, Troy Stumpf, Kirby Clock, Ben Mulhausen, Josh Pietak and Bryan Kinser. This year’s T-shirt contains the slogan, “In this family, no one fights alone” on the back.

Know Your Neighbor

Celebrate family, agriculture with a visit to the corn maze at Red Shed Produce

The corn maze at Red Shed Produce is now open daily! In addition to the corn maze, the Red Shed has weekend hayrides, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch and a petting zoo. This fall, several fun events are scheduled: Sunday, Oct. 14: Ice Cream Social, 5 p.m. Bring a freezer of ice cream in place of payment for two tickets

Full Service Computer Repair and Gadget Pro!

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to the maze. Otherwise, just pay maze admission and enjoy homemade ice cream! Friday, Oct. 26: Hunter’s Moon Dinner. Come enjoy a wonderful dinner under the full Hunter’s Moon. Seating is limited, so RSVP now at (970) 874-8888. Saturday, Oct. 27: Haunted Maze beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31: Red Shed is partnering with Young Life to host a Zombie Run. Don’t forget — Red Shed Produce also has an amazing

bakery. Rose Kennell started Kennell’s Valley View Bakery in 2003. You can now enjoy her cookies, cinnamon rolls, pies and breads at Red Shed Produce. If you are hungry for cookies like grandma used to make, come on in! In years past, Red Shed Produce was open from July through November. This year, the business won’t close until Dec. 21. Until then, you can sample some amazing barbeque from Holy Smokin’ Barbeque. Pork and brisket are served on a homemade roll. Located at Highway 92

and 1800 Road, Red Shed Produce has been providing fantastic fruits and veggies to customers since 2004. They grow a huge garden and have a peach and apple orchard to help supplement the variety. They also purchase produce from about 25 different farmers. In fact, one customer can remember buying cantaloupe there in 1964! Of course, then it was just a little tent in a field. The store has expanded a lot since then, but still clings to its roots of family and agriculture.

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Jannifer and Robert Conley, owners of Red Shed Produce, have some fun events lined up for the month of October. ��

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Robert Conley starts up the tractor for a weekend hayride.

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NORTH FORK October 10, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Crawford eyes rate hikes as it develops budget BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

The Crawford Town Council reviewed a draft of the town’s 2019 budget during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 3. In connection with reviewing the draft budget, the trustees discussed the need to raise water and sewer fees to offset growing expenses and to build reserves to a reasonable level. By each fund, the town is anticipating $87,570 in revenue for its General Fund, with expenditures of $85,154; Water Fund revenue of $79,400 and expenditures of $75,823; and Sewer Fund revenue of $84,100 and expenditures of $93,823. In the Conservation Trust Fund (Lottery), the town anticipates $1,800 revenue and $10,000 in expenses for park improvements. The town is hoping for help from the county on this project. As the trustees talked about the General Fund, it was disclosed that there will be a surplus of revenue in 2018, estimated at some $17,000. Trustee Chris Johnson asked how a surplus is carried forward into the 2019 budget. During the discussion that followed, it was noted that a surplus is reflected in the cash balance of the town, but is not reflected in the next year’s budget. The real issue facing the trustees is the need to increase revenue to cover an expected shortfall in the

Sewer Fund budget and to continue building a reserve in its Water Fund. The town is considering an increase of $1 in the monthly water rate. With a projected shortfall of nearly $10,000 in the Sewer Fund, the town is considering a more significant monthly hike, with $2.00 to $2.50 for the Capital Improvement Fee and $4.50 in the sewer fee. Combined, residents could see around $6 more in water and sewer fees. This discussion will continue as the trustees work through the budget process. Mayor Wanda Gofforth said there would be a public hearing to discuss any changes in water and sewer fees, possibly at the November meeting. The 2019 budget must be set and approved by Dec. 15. Gofforth said the hearing to approve the budget is scheduled for the Dec. 5 meeting. In other business, the trustees approved a special events liquor license for the Festival of Trees at Crawford Town Hall in late November. The trustees also heard an update from public works director Bruce Bair on locating a tower for TDS near the town’s water tank. Bair said the original location was not workable, and the new location places it in front of the tower. He pointed out it may block the star which is lighted during the Christmas season. The tower is to provide improved services to TDS customers farther up the valley from Crawford.

Photo by Tamie Meck

You know it’s fall when...

A herd of Angus cattle owned by Dixie and Dion Luke of Hotchkiss is driven over the West Muddy Creek bridge on Highway 133 from the Ragged Mountain area on Oct. 1. The herd is heading to winter pasture on McClure Pass. Dixie Luke’s family has ranched in the Hotchkiss and McClure Pass areas for 100 years.

Hotchkiss seeks voter approval for sale of shop BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Registered electors in the Town of Hotchkiss are looking at a couple of ballot questions that could impact their property taxes and a third that won’t hit them in the pocketbook — at least initially. The Town of Hotchkiss is seeking voter approval to sell the public works building at 222 W. Bridge Street for an amount not less than $168,500. “As a statutory town, we can not sell town property without voter approval,” said Mayor Larry Wilkening. He explains the minimum sales amount of $168,500 was determined by an appraisal of the building conducted in 2014. At that time, the town wanted to move the public works building out of the middle of town, but couldn’t make the numbers work. The goal remains the same — to move public works to a larger, more efficient building to be erected at the old sewer lagoon area close to town. The town owns the property and utilities are already in place. A planning grant has been obtained from DOLA/Region 10, and if voters approve the sale of the building, the town would apply for a grant for

construction of a steel building similar to one erected recently in Olathe, which town staff has toured. Wilkening says the building at 222 W. Bridge Street was initially built as a county shop around 1950. In 1985, the county traded the shop for town property on Hotchkiss Avenue, where the Delta County Annex was built. “The public works building has now outgrown its usefulness,” said Wilkening. It’s so small, some equipment is stored in a lean-to behind the main building, leaving supplies and equipment exposed to the weather. Workers lose productivity shuffling vehicles around to get to the piece of equipment they need. The

garage doors are not wide enough for the town’s snowplow, so it has to be jockeyed in and out. But above all, backing equipment out onto Bridge Street — which sees 8,500 vehicles a day — is downright unsafe. Wilkening says the new building will go up pretty quickly, and will be much more energy efficient than the current shop. There will be some cost to the taxpayers, in the form of matching funds for the construction grant. “But if we don’t sell the building, we’re going to have to spend some money anyway, to add insulation and extend the life of the shop,” Wilkening said.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The master plan for the Town of Hotchkiss has long envisioned replacing the public works building at 222 W. Bridge Street with a larger, more energy efﬁcient structure located away from the busy downtown area.

Photo by Tamie Meck

A sports car on tour with the Colorado Grand Classic Car Tour is parked in front of 90-year-old Paradise Theatre in Paonia. The theatre recently launched “How Do You Improve Paradise?” a capital campaign to upgrade the theatre for the next 90 years.

Paradise launches capital campaign BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Since 1928, Paonia’s downtown movie theater has been an integral part of the town and the North Fork Valley community. Originally built after the Gayety theater burned down, the Paonia Theater opened Oct. 5, 1928. Now known as the Paradise Theatre, the community recently celebrated the 90th anniversary with a showing of the Paonia Theater’s original premiere film, Charlie Chaplins’ 1918 silent film, “A Dog’s Life.” An original musical score was written and performed by David Alderdice and friends. The celebration also kicked off “How Do You Improve Paradise?” a capital campaign to upgrade the theatre. New seats? Better acoustics? A bigger dance floor? Yes, yes, and yes! The eight-member board of directors for the nonprofit Friends of the Paradise Theatre wants the theater to

remain an integral part of the community for the next 90 years. Paradise is more than just a movie theater. It’s where community collaborations come together; a venue for concerts, theater and fashion shows; a fundraising space for nonprofits; a place of learning; and a cozy spot to ease the symptoms of cabin fever in the dead of winter. It also shows great movies, from first-runs to classics, and hosts three matinees a week. “We just finished our historical assessment and the results are that we have some very immediate issues,” said Paradise executive director Sunshine Knight. While it’s structurally sound, repairs to the theatre’s back wall are a top priority. “You wouldn’t have to be an architect or an engineer to walk down that alley and look at the wall and know that it needs a lot of work,” said board president Philip Salembier. The “grand plan” for the PARADISE CAMPAIGN TO B2

Fire destroys Hotchkiss home

Photo by Bruce Kebbekus

An early morning fire destroyed a house located at 10771 3200 Road on Rogers Mesa, east of Hotchkiss. The house was occupied by a man and woman, unidentified by officials, who were renting the house from owner Michael Leroux of Windsor. County dispatch received a call at 2:30 a.m., reporting the home was fully engulfed. The Hotchkiss Fire District responded, and Fire Chief Doug Fritz said crews were on scene nearly eight hours, to around 10:30 a.m. According to Fritz, the fire apparently originated at the fireplace, where the couple had started a fire. A supply of wood near the fireplace apparently was ignited and the fire spread into the attic. The house, built in 2000, had a complex roofline, with lots of angles and peaks, which caused problems in trying to battle the fire. Fire crews worked hard to try to contain the blaze but it spread throughout the attic and ultimately destroyed the house. Fritz noted this house fire was one of the largest the department has faced in years and was probably the most difficult to fight. There were no injuries. Fritz credited working smoke detectors with probably saving the lives of the two renters and provided them with plenty of time to safely evacuate the structure and call 911.

B2 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paradise campaign FROM PAGE B1 non-load-bearing wall is to move it back 20 feet to accommodate a larger performance and dance floor, “because people in Paonia love to dance.” Because virtually everything has been replaced over the decades, “There’s nothing historic about the inside of the building,” said Salembier. However, the Friends want to restore the theatre front to its original classic movie theater look. FOPT has already invested in upgrades including closed movie captioning and headphones for the hearing impaired and a new stage curtain. Early this year the electrical system and lighting were partially upgraded. Sound acoustics, lighting systems, new seats and a more efficient cooling system are the next priorities. In the next two to three years, the roof will also need replacing, added Salembier. To complete these projects and more, the theatre needs both money and community investment. The Paradise is able to

support its daily operating expenses through admissions, grants, sponsorships and concessions. With up to 65 percent of admission going to movie studio licensing fees, the concession stand is an important part of supporting the theatre. “Concessions is what keeps staff employed,” said Knight. While it has some capital funds, the Paradise doesn’t get enough for all the major improvements it needs and wants, said treasurer Judy Martin. “We need community investment,” said Martin. “It’s a community theater and we want to keep it that way and improve it so that people really enjoy the experience.” Community investment is why the Paradise is open today. In 2013, the Paonia Theater and thousands of theaters across the country were facing the high cost of converting from film to digital cinema technology and in jeopardy of closing. Through the “Take a Seat at Paradise” fundraising campaign, FOPT purchased the theater and upgraded to digital.

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In 2015 the Delta County Board of County Commissioners declared The Paradise a Historic Landmark for the building’s cultural and historical heritage. Some theaters that converted have since closed, said Knight. “We are very fortunate, very fortunate, that the community is so supportive of the Paradise. Without that, we would have the same fate as those other theaters.” Last April, FOPT obtained a long-term fixed-rate mortgage backed by collateral support from Community Development funds and paid those investors back, with interest. “We had wonderful investors,” said Martin. “Now we can focus on the theater.” There are several ways to support the Paradise, including tax-deductible one-time and monthly donations, on-screen advertising, theater rental, by online purchases through Amazon Smile (amazonsmile.com), and event sponsorships. A $25 membership fee to Club Paradiso includes a movie punch card, two bring-a-friend passes, and a movie poster. While the Paradise doesn’t focus on fundraisers, each January it raises some money through the Cabin Fever Film Series. This year’s feature film, as selected by the all-volunteer eight-member movie committee, is “Green Book” (see trailer at www.tiff.net/tiff/greenbook/), winner of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival’s Grolsch People’s Choice Award. For more information, visit ParadiseofPaonia. com.

Fantastic book sale set for Oct. 12-13

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The Friends of Paonia Library will hold the “Fantastic Book Sale” from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in the Paonia Library Community Room. All DVDs, CDs and audio books are free, and books are $5 a bag or box. Boxes are provided; please bring a bag and fill with as many books as you can carry. The library is located at 2 Third Street, Paonia.

Photos courtesy Tabitha Mark

Honoring a friend

Family members and friends gathered at Paonia Town Park Saturday to remember Ryan Redifer, who was the victim of a violent shooting on Jan. 12 in Paonia and spent his ﬁnal months in the hospital. He passed away on Aug. 25. Everyone had a story to share about his generosity, compassion, and loving nature. One of his biggest gifts, he donated his one remaining kidney to save another person’s life. During the memorial, members of the American Legion Post 97 honored Redifer, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1983-2003 and retired as a veteran 1st Class Petty Ofﬁcer. GoFundMe campaigns are under way to pay for Redifer’s medical and endof-life expenses.

Gears and Beers set for Oct. 20 The 10th annual family friendly Gears and Beers Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 20, in Paonia. Join in the fun by jumping on your bike and raising a glass to celebrate the North Fork Valley. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Western Slope

Conservation Center. There will be group bicycle ride, including a youth ride (8-12 years) at 10 a.m. and a road ride and a mountain bike ride at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. join the e-bike ride. A bike parade and fashion show from Paonia

Town Hall to the alley at Cirque Cyclery and Remedy Cafe is scheduled at 2 p.m. with contests for best costumes and decorated bikes. There will be live music by J Mo Morley and Friends, beer tasting, kids’ activities and more.

North Fork Ambulance gains support of Healthier Colorado Committed to supporting innovative pro-health policies throughout the state, Healthier Colorado last week released a statement of strong support for ballot questions 7E and 7F and is proud to work for its passage with the Yes for North Fork Ambulance committee. In the North Fork Ambulance service area, requests for ambulance service have increased while the combined revenue from insurance reimbursements, grants, and membership fees have proved insufficient to meet the rising costs of this vital service. The North Fork Ambulance was formed in 1969 and has never received public funds, despite its role as an essential public service. The North Fork Ambulance is the only

911 ambulance response for 1,550 square miles over portions of Gunnison, Montrose, and Delta counties. “Right now, the North Fork Ambulance is facing such a drastic funding shortfall in part because only one-third of area residents in the region voluntarily pay membership fees. The status quo is flatly unsustainable,” said Kate Stigberg, Healthier Colorado director of activism. “Questions 7E and 7F will create a Health Services District to provide a longterm and reliable funding source for a vital community service for the entire valley.” Healthier Colorado is committing substantial monetary and staff resources for voter education and persuasion to

help pass Questions 7E and 7F. This marginal property tax increase will improve and sustain an absolute necessity — a fast-responding, professionally staffed, 24-hour response ambulance program — for years to come in the North Fork region. Healthier Colorado is a statewide organization dedicated to finding and advocating for the policy solutions that give all Coloradans a better chance at a healthy life. The organization works across party lines and with every tool possible, from grassroots organizing and lobbying to ballot initiatives and elections, to connect Coloradans with the policies that affect their health. Visit http://healthiercolorado. org for more information.

Rotary forms satellite club Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley is forming a satellite club and will hold a kick-off meeting for interested members at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Remedy Juice Bar Cafe, 232 Grand Avenue, Paonia. Rotary club president Barb Heck said the satellite club is perfect for people who want to be involved with Rotary, but who can’t make the weekly “knife and fork club” lunch meetings. “It’s for those who want to be a part of a local and global

network of service.” Many Rotary clubs around the world are sponsoring satellite clubs, said Heck. More than 70 percent of Rotarians are over the age of 50, and now they’re playing catch-up in getting younger members to join. Satellite club members would pay a membership fee of $15 to cover all international and district dues, with about $1.50 going to the local club. Satellite members also have voting rights and other perks, meet month-

ly, decide on their own meeting schedule and projects, and can work with the sponsor club to create bylaws. They also have the option of attending the weekly lunches, which are generally followed by a program or guest speaker. Membership can also be a pathway to joining Rotary. A lot of people aren’t aware of all that Rotary International and its members are active on both a local and global level, said Heck. Over the last 110 years Rotarians have partnered with other organizations to reduce diseases like polio, provide clean water, support education and literacy programs and grow economies throughout the world. Locally, since 1987, Rotary has awarded more than $210,000 in scholarships to about 160 graduating high school students in the North Fork area. They also provide scholarships for EMT training and Technical College of the Rockies. They also award annual scholarships to high school students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, an intensive experience for students to hone their leadership skills. Students “come back with a greater sense of service,” said Heck.

The local club also holds regular trash pickup events on Highway 133, and for well over a decade has made numerous improvements to Poulos Park. They also helped build the Inge Lange Pavilion at Paonia Library, and installed the bench at the Paonia Post Office. Rotary meets the first four Thursdays of the month at noon at Paonia Town Hall for lunch and a guest speaker. In months with a fifth Thursday, they meet for a potluck dinner. Contact Heck or visit PaoniaRotary.org for more information. Ducky Derby Winner Joyce Stanway of Hotchkiss was the lucky winner of the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley’s third annual Ducky Derby. Stanway was delighted at winning the $500 grand prize, but insisted on donating half of her winnings back to the club. “We, too, are delighted and appreciate her generous support of our programs,” said club treasurer Sarah Bishop. Club members thank everyone who purchased a Ducky Derby ticket. The club raised more than $4,100, which will help fund scholarships for 2019.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

KPP dinner to benefit The Nature Connection

Photo by Tamie Meck

First snow

A dusting of snow covers 12,719-foot high Mount Gunnison the morning of Oct. 6. Snowfall at elevations above 7,000-8,000 is forecast throughout the West Elks and surrounding area through Thursday of this week, according to the National Weather Service.

The next Kids Pasta Project fundraising dinner will be held Monday, Oct. 22, to benefit The Nature Connection. It will be held at Delicious Orchards, 39126 Highway 133, Hotchkiss, beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $14 for adults, $8 for kids, which includes salad, lasagna (vegetarian or meat) and dessert. Reservations are required. Email kppreservations@gmail. com or call Lenore at 985-9220. Vegetarian and gluten-free options must be requested when you make the reservations. This is an opportunity to help The Nature Connection, meet the TNC staff and enjoy a great meal.

Staff Writer

With renovation of the Miner’s Statue Plaza at Paonia Town Park completed this summer, the committee overseeing the project is hoping to begin installing granite plaques on the two memorial walls installed as part of the project. The walls are intended to commemorate miners and those who contributed to development of the North Fork Valley, the community, industries and Paonia Town Park. According to Paonia resident David Bradford, who is leading the effort, the committee of miners and community members formed to complete the project is looking to begin purchasing the granite at a cost of $8,000 for

both walls. The next step, engraving and installation of plaques on the north wall, is estimated at $11,100, and engraving and installation of the east wall is estimated at $6,500, for a total cost of $25,600. Thus far, 20 individuals and entities have purchased space on the wall and two others have donated money for a total collection of $5,750. If the committee is unable to collect enough funds, the goals will be revised, said Bradford. The walls have enough surface space to generate more than $40,000. Additional funds raised will go toward replacement of the name plaque at the base of the statue, said Bradford. The plaque would correct misspelled

Photo by Tamie Meck

People can still purchase space for memorials along the granite walls bordering the newly refurbished Miner’s Statue Plaza at Paonia Town Park. Contact Paonia Town Hall for more information.

names and standardize the font type, with all remaining funds going toward maintenance of the area and additional park benches. Granite panels are available in three sizes: small 4X8-, medium 8X8and large 12X12-inches, with costs ranging from $100 to $300 per panel. Small spaces can accommodate up to four lines at 20 characters per line (80 characters total) and cost $100; 8X8 panels can be engraved with eight lines of 20 characters (160 total) for $200; and the large 12X12 plaques can accommodate 12 lines with 25 characters per line (300 total) for $250. Memorials should commemorate those who contributed to or supported development of the North Fork Valley, the community, industry, and Paonia Town Park. Only the names of individual or entities will be allowed on the wall and all submissions must be approved by the Town of Paonia. For an additional $50, a symbol can be engraved on either the medium or large panels, and reduce the amount of space available for lettering. Symbols were selected by the committee to represent the coal mining industry, mine rescue, the fruit orchard industry, the ranching industry, Mount Lamborn and Landsend, and a spruce tree.

Bank of Colorado to sponsor Annie’s Project in Paonia Register now for workshop set for Nov. 1-3 Farm and ranch women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. Bank of Colorado is proud to support this new growth in our communities by sponsoring Annie’s Project in Paonia Nov. 1-3. Annie’s Project is a three-day course at the Wisehart Inn that is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. There’s plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It’s a relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other farm and ranch women. The cost for the course is $75 per person, which includes a workbook, support materials for all

sessions, and six meals. Course size is limited to 20 participants, so please register soon. “Bank of Colorado is passionate about serving and giving back to our communities. We know that leadership is key to the future of agriculture and helping our community get the training necessary to pursue a career in agriculture is impor-

tant to us,” said Mitch Swanda, president of Hotchkiss Bank of Colorado. For more information about the Paonia program contact Jenny Beiermann at 970-241-3346 or jenny. beiermann@colostate. edu. This educational program is made available through Colorado State University Extension.

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DCMH Laboratory Now Offering Phlebotomy (Blood Draw) Services at the

DCMH West Elk Clinic – Hotchkiss 230 E. Hotchkiss Avenue Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Memorial space available still in Miner’s Statue Plaza BY TAMIE MECK

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Links to the statue’s history, names of the miners memorialized and the year they lost their lives, a flyer and plaque application, images of symbols and examples of memorial plaques are available at www.Townof Paonia.com/town-parkminer-statue-revitaliza tion-project/ Application forms and flyers are also available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Town Hall, 214 Grand Avenue.

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

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B4 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

HHS HOMECOMING

Delta County Independent

HHS Homecoming

Rain may have soaked the wood but the bonﬁre still burned brightly Thursday night.

HHS students created a lot of memories during Spirit Days.

The Bulldogs’ cheerleaders didn’t let the rain dampen their spirit as they kept their faithful fans cheering.

Photo by Nathan Clay

Hotchkiss Homecoming royalty braved the elements and put on winning smiles despite the cold and wet weather. The royal court included seniors Carson Collins, Jesus Macias, Elijah Shaw, Amber Mattler, Kimber Hendrix, Presley Pene, Tyrel Chamberlain and Taylor DeLuzio; juniors Dana Neil and Brian Gonzalez; sophomores Robert Cochran and Isabella Spano; and freshmen Drayden Taylor and Julia Pinon. Elijah Shaw was crowned king and Amber Mattler was queen.

There’s nothing “uniform” about the uniforms worn for the peach fuzz volleyball game.

Powderpuff football referees sported unique attire. Photo by Nathan Clay

Photos by Nathan Clay Pat Sunderland Hotchkiss High

In keeping with the theme of “Haunted Homecoming,” the senior class parade entry was titled “Creepy Circus.”

“Cheerleader” Boston Sommer exhibited more enthusiasm than grace at the powderpuff football game.

Hotchkiss’ dance team members were consummate professionals in the face of Friday night’s downpour, executing their routine as if they were on a stage.

Looking sharp in red and white, the HHS band marches down Bridge Street during the Homecoming parade, followed by middle school musicians.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS October 10, 2018

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta softball team 11-0, 19-2 in 2018 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s 2018 softball team made history this season. The Panthers were the 3A District 5 champions with a league record of 11-0 and finished 19-2 for the season. For the first time in the history of Delta softball, the Panthers were among the state’s top RPI teams after finishing second in the polls with a 0.623 and posting the state’s top 3A record of 19-2. Delta was rated first a week ago but was overtaken by Eaton’s Reds in the final poll. Eaton finished with a 0.624 and was 18-5 on the season. University, a team Delta lost to early in the season, finished fourth in the RPI poll with Lamar, Delta’s only other loss, coming in at the number seven spot with a 0.577 and a season record of 16-7. Meeker finished ninth followed by Cortez in 14th place, Basalt at number 15 and Cedaredge 20th. Another first for the Panthers is their firstever hosting of a regional playoff site, which will be announced sometime this week. “The team has worked hard to get to this point,” stated Delta head softball coach Jerry Sandoval. “Our defense has played well and we’ve put the ball in play to score runs.” Delta finished its regular season this past week with a hard-earned 3-0 victory over close rival Cedaredge. The game was a defensive battle for much of the way with Delta notching a single run in the second inning for the game’s only run until the fifth frame. A two-run bottom of the fifth started with smallball to get runners to second base for scoring opportunities. The two runs proved to be enough to post the conference win and close out an undefeated league schedule for Delta. Sophomore Hailee Ruble and senior Reagan Clay collected two hits apiece for the Panthers. Ruble had a pair of doubles and Clay another two-bagger to generate an RBI each in the win. Senior Jenna Sutliff and sophomore Keely

Porter also had doubles for the Panthers with Sutliff driving in one of Delta’s three runs. The Panthers had seven hits in the game with no errors. Ruble picked up her league-leading 13th win on seven innings of work while allowing just two hits and striking out 12 Bruin batters. Ruble is ranked second in Class 3A among pitchers. The Bruins’ defense was able to stymie Delta’s offense for most of the afternoon with Bruins’ pitcher Summer Young picking up six strikeouts along the way. Cedaredge coach Terry Montoya, in his first year at the helm of the Bruins’ softball program, was proud of the way his team battled. Though his team did not finish in the top three of league play, Montoya believes the Bruins will be able to make the playoffs. Cedaredge finished 21st in RPI standings and will know its playoff destiny after an early week league meeting and state pairing committee has finished its tournament bracketing. 3A Regional Softball A release of 2018 Class 3A regional softball pairings features five WSL teams. As anticipated, though not the top seed, Delta’s Panthers came into regional play as the number three team with their 19-2 record (the best in Class 3A). The Panthers have a bye to the title game to be played at 12:15

Photo by Wayne Crick

Sophomore Hailee Ruble was the winning pitcher and in this photo gets one of her two hits.

p.m on Oct. 13. A preliminary game between No. 14 Montezuma-Cortez (12-8) and No. 19 Peak to Peak (13-10) will be played at 10 a.m., as will all first round games on the 13th. Other 3A WSL teams playing on the 13th include No. 15 Basalt (99) versus No. 18 La Junta (9-14) in Region 2 where Eaton (18-5) is the host team. Faith Christian (185) will host Region 5 where No. 12 Fort Lupton (14-8) takes on No. 21 Cedaredge (9-13) and in Region 8, Limon (15-8) is the host school where No. 9 Meeker (13-9) and No. 24 Sheridan (9-13) battle to see who will face Limon for a state playoff berth at 12:15 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta senior Makayla Kortz just missed making the tag of a Cedaredge Bruin at ﬁrst on a throw from sophomore catcher Keely Porter during game action last Thursday in Delta. The Panthers completed their season with a 3-0 win over Cedaredge and earned an undefeated 3A WSL title (11-0 and 19-2 overall). The Panthers will host Region 3 in this weekend’s regional tournament play.

Paonia moves up in grid poll with win over Olathe with David Lozano’s PAT putting the Eagles ahead, 21-0. Paonia’s three senior Paonia received the running backs combined second-half kickoff, then for three offensive touchcapped a 72-yard drive downs and a touchdown on a touchdown run by on special teams in the Felice. With four minutes Eagles’ 41-0 win over to go in the third, Neal Olathe Friday night at scored on first and goal, Dan Lawrence Field. The and Lozano’s PAT put win came despite four Paonia up, 34-0. On the ensuing kickoff, Pirate Cesar Suarez ran the ball back for a touchdown, but the play was negated by a holding penalty at midfield. Neal scored the final touchdown on a secondand-goal play to start the running clock with 4:30 remaining in the game. The win was Paonia’s fourth shut-out of the season and its third 41-0 shutout. Both of Paonia’s losses were also by shutout. The win bumped the Eagles up to No. 8 in Class 1A RPI rankings. Paonia is also in first place in 1A Western Slope conference standings. The Eagles face Meeker this Friday. The Cowboys are 3-2 overall, undefeated in conference play, and 13th in RPI rankings. On Friday the Cowboys mowed over Photo by Tamie Meck Cedaredge, 34-0, and a Under rainy skies, the Paonia Eagles’ ﬁercesome foursome of Levi Peterson, week earlier opened conJustin Holt, Anthony Miller and Shane Odom helped clear the way for a 41-0 ference play with a 36-7 win over Grand Valley. conference win against Olathe last Friday night in Paonia.

BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

turnovers. A first-possession, 48yard touchdown run by Anthony Felice set the tone for the game. A 51yard run by Felice also set up the first of two touchdowns by Jesse Burns, a two-yard carry with 8:31 remaining in the first half.

On the ensuing kickoff, David Lozano sent the ball deep into Olathe territory. Pirate Elias Ramirez grabbed the ball from inside the 5-yard line and lost possession on a hard hit by Alex Lozano. Sackett Chesnik recovered the ball and scored the touchdown,

Dogs battle elements in loss to Grand Valley BY NATHAN CLAY DCI Sports Writer

Homecoming football was played in Hotchkiss on Friday, October 5 against the Grand Valley Cardinals. The Bulldogs were beaten in a game that was largely defined by the rainy weather. Playing on a greasy field that had been drenched for two days, both sets of players found it very hard to maintain control of the ball. Many penalties and incomplete passes were caused by the water belting down. The game lurched along, moving in fits and starts as both teams ground out the hard yards. Hotchkiss started very brightly and scored on the first snap of the game. Jace Peebles ran 70 yards for a touchdown that set a positive tone for the Bulldogs, in spite of the rain. In the second quarter, Jacob Palecki scored the only other

touchdown for the Dogs when he recovered a fumble and returned it for six points. Halftime arrived and the rain stayed. Coming down in sheets, the water could not break the spirit of the Hotchkiss faithful, and the students were as tenacious as their namesake. The Bulldogs went on with their halftime festivities, despite the chill air and soaked clothes. The homecoming royalty stood regally under umbrellas as they were announced and the king and queen received their crowns. The cheerleading girls kicked and jumped and lead the cheers of the supporters sitting under ponchos and rain gear. The dance team did a very nice routine in its not weatherproof costumes. The third quarter came and went, and saw neither team score, or even make many posi-

tive gains. The fourth quarter, however, proved to be the undoing of the mighty Bulldogs. Grand Valley scored twice and, crucially, scored both extra points. The Cardinals turned the game around and defeated the Bulldogs 14-12. “We had a couple of negative plays for lost yards and they capitalized on good field position. They had the good fortune to make a couple of really big plays late in the game and come back on us.” Head coach Curtis Hintz says, “I gotta give credit where credit is due. Grand Valley has some good players and really good coaching.” Hintz continues, “The life lessons that the team got from this are very valuable. Don’t let a setback ruin the rest of your weekend. It’s the 24 hour Photo by Nathan Clay rule. Soak it in for 24 hours, then go and enjoy Hotchkiss sophomore Christian Matus, on ground, brings down a Grand Valley HOTCHKISS FB TO B6 running back just before halftime of last Friday’s 14-12 loss to the Cardinals.

B6 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Bruins volleyball on verge of leading WSL BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Heather Dunbar’s Bruins are enjoying a stellar season on the volleyball court. Though Cedaredge is listed second in 3A WSL standings, 6-0 and 13-1, the Bruins have a better record and higher RPI than Coal Ridge, 6-0 and 10-4. The Bruins are ranked third in state 3A standings while Coal Ridge is sitting in the 15th spot. Cedaredge, while ranked third, has the state’s top RPI numbers at 0.634. Coal Ridge is shown in the 18th spot in RPI (0.557). A win against Coal Ridge Oct. 13 will put the Bruins in the driver’s seat in 3A WSL play. Cedaredge’s lone loss of the season came to

powerful Meeker on Sept. 1. The Cowboys own a 9-0 2A/1A league mark with a 15-0 overall record. The Bruins are poised and confident with an athleticism that’s deceiving. Cedaredge controlled set one against the match in De Beque on Oct. 2 for a 25-17 win. Set two was a little closer, but still a Bruin win, 25-19. De Beque spoiled the shutout in set three with a 25-23 decision and the Bruins closed out the match with a 25-18 win in set four. The same brand of play was exhibited against Rangley last Saturday with the Bruins earning a 3-1 victory. The only loss was a 25-23 setback in set two against the Panthers. On the season, senior

Courtney Freeman leads the Bruins in kills (120), digs (125) and service receptions with 143. Sophomore Kammie Henderson holds the top number of blocks for the Bruins at 18 with junior Makayla Kehmeier leading in service aces with 26 and sophomore Baylee Harris leading in assists with 276. Coach Dunbar is thrilled to be in the position she and the Bruins find themselves in following weekend play. Cedaredge, in addition to facing Coal Ridge Oct. 13, will play in Hotchkiss on Oct. 19, and at home against Grand Valley on Oct. 23 with the regular season finale at home against Delta’s Panthers on Oct. 27.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge sophomores Baylee Harris (7) and Kammie Henderson (6) set a double block against Rangely’s Makenzie Cochrane (12). Harris got her left hand on the ball and blocked the ball down for a point in the Bruins’ 3-1 win on Saturday.

Paonia plays well in volleyball loss to Bruins BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

A strong focus in defense was apparent in Cedaredge’s Oct. 2 win over Paonia. The match was highlighted by long rallies and big hits. When it was over, Cedaredge had won in three sets and by an 11-point margin. Eagles head coach Ce’rra Carsten wasn’t disappointed in her team’s performance against the Bruins. At 13-1, Cedaredge ended the week in fifth place in Class 3A RPI rankings. “They played super well,” said Carsten. “I’m okay with a loss like that, any day... I tell the girls I’d rather have them play great volleyball and lose than play poorly and win.” “You can tell that a Photo by Tamie Meck Paonia-Cedaredge volleyPaonia setter/middle hitter Poppy Lightfoot attacks against Bruins Makayla ball game is going to be Kehmeier (12) and Baylee Harris. Lightfoot had 13 kills in 47 attacks for the a fun one,” said Bruins match last week. head coach Heather Dun-

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�� Volunteers of all ages �� and abilities are invited to make a difference in someone’s life at the Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter.

BY TAMIE MECK

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia’s Sadie Miller makes one of her three kills in Paonia’s 3-0 win over North Park on Friday.

Hotchkiss FB CONTINUED FROM B6 the dance and have fun with your friends and let the loss go. Learn from it, and move on to the next one.” A fantastic attitude that illustrates that even in defeat, some kind of

victory is always to be had. The Hotchkiss Bulldogs football team will travel to Olathe for a conference game against the Pirates on October 12 at 6 p.m.

ship role, said Dunbar. In her 12 years of coaching, “I’ve never seen anything like it. But it takes other kids who are talented and willing to get on board.” On Thursday the Bruins handed the De Beque Dragons (13-2, 1A WSL) their first loss of the season, winning the fourset match, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18. On Friday De Beque experienced its second loss to ninthranked Vail Mountain. “De Beque is looking really good this year,” said Dunbar. In looking ahead to the game, she wanted Cedaredge to control what happens on its side of the court, “and that’s with our serves and our passes and not having any little drops in our momentum,” like they did with Paonia at the end of game three. “We’re trying to eliminate those,” she said.

Paonia scores volleyball wins over NP, Soroco DCI Sports Writer

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bar. The Bruins experienced one lag in their momentum in game 3 when they allowed Paonia to rally back from a seven-point, 23-16 deficit before finishing with a 25-22 win. Against a well-oiled Bruins defense, Paonia had one block, by middle hitter Jessica Deaton, and made four errors and scored one ace in 66 serve attempts. Defense, and specifically first touches, is what the Bruins focus on first at every practice, said Dunbar. “We have the showy attacks and all kinds of stuff, but we focus hours on just keeping the ball off the floor.” The Bruins are led by their sole senior, fourthyear varsity player Courtney Freeman. She has seen some adversity and has turned that experience into a leader-

Paonia is now 8-6 overall and 6-2 in the 2A Western Slope League following conference wins over North Park and Soroco. The wins came on the heels of a hard-fought, 3-0 loss to Cedaredge, which Paonia lost by a total of 11 points. The Eagles also played to an “ugly” 3-2 loss at Rangely that saw small mistakes and missed serves at key points in the games. Their best game of the series, a 25-15 win, was how the entire match should have gone, said Carsten. On Friday, the Eagles scored 10 points on serve aces and 28 kills on 80 attacks in their 25-16, 25-19, 25-7 home conference win over North Park (4-9, 3-9, 1A WSL). Sadie Miller served six aces and scored six kills in 14 attacks. Senior Poppy Lightfoot scored 13 kills, and setter Carly Horn had 25 assists. North Park scored 13 kills in 97 attacks, with Jessica Deaton leading the defense with 11 of the team’s 40 digs. Carsten

said that in the last month, Deaton has shown measurable growth. “I think Jess is one of the most consistent players. She doesn’t stand out, but she does her job. She’s a rock star.” In the last two weeks, first-year varsity outside hitter Sadie Miller has moved away from the JV mentality and has come on with her hitting game, said Carsten. “She’s figured it out and she’s doing a darn good job on the outside.” On Saturday, Paonia played to a 3-2 conference win over Soroco (8-9, 4-5). The Eagles will bring a 6-2 record in the 2A Western Slope League into Tuesday night’s game against Olathe (4-11, 2-6, 3A WSL). The Eagles have a tough weekend ahead. They face 15-0 Meeker Friday at Meeker, and on Saturday face 13-3 Vail Mountain. Meeker and Vail Mountain are in first and second place in 2A/1A WSL standings; Paonia is fourth in WSL team standings behind De Beque.

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SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Ames sets Delta cross country mark on cool day BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

John Ames knew heading into last Friday’s Pantherfest Cross Country meet that it could be his

last chance to break the Delta High School record. Rather than focus on his split times at the end of each mile, he took off his watch. “I told myself, I’m

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta senior John Ames raises his arms in celebration after breaking the school cross country record held by brother Jacob Ames Friday at the Pantherfest Invitational. With the 3A Region 1 meet moving to Aspen this year, it was Ames’ last home meet.

just going to run fast,” he said. He got the record with a time of 16 minutes, 10.13 seconds. The 16:19.6 record he broke was set in 2011 by older brother, Jacob Ames. “I already called him,” said Ames. “Sorry, Jake.” Ames finished seventh out of a field of 112 runners. He tried for the record last week on the Sweitzer Lake course, but was off by almost a half minute. Ames said he started running because of his brother, a Daniels Scholar who played basketball at Colorado Mesa University. He ran to get in shape for basketball. They’ve always been competitive, said John Ames. “My brother was so good at everything and I just wanted to be like Jake.” In middle school he decided he’d run to get in

Panthers’ volleyball team splits matches BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s volleyball team has had its ups and downs in 2018, but they continue to battle and play well at times. The Panthers traveled to Carbondale early last week and scored a 3-1 victory over the Roaring Fork Rams. Delta is sitting in fifth place in the 3A WSL with an overall record of 10-6 and 4-2 in league play following Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Montrose. Against Roaring Fork, senior Lauren Davey and junior Sara Geddes hammered 11 and 10 kills respectively to pace the Panthers to a 3-1 match win. Delta lost the opening set 25-20, then reeled off three straight wins of 25-15, 25-19 and 25-10 for the victory. Geddes and freshman Jillian Carlson provided four and two aces on the evening while Delta got 16 digs from junior Haylin McCulloch and 15 from Geddes. Senior Abby Carlson dished out 30 assists in the WSL contest. Top service receptions

were recorded by Geddes (17), junior Madi Gieck (14), McCulloch (11) and senior Mimi Lousignont (10). On Thursday, Montrose controlled play for three straight wins of 25-19, 25-16 and 25-21. Geddes knocked down 12 kills with Gieck and Kuta serving up three aces each. Double-digit digs went to Geddes (16), Gieck (12) and McCulloch (10). Abby Carlson was the Panthers assists leader with 23 and Geddes was on the end of 25 service receptions to pace the Panthers in that category. As the season wears on, Delta has several athletes in the top 10 in several categories for the WSL. Geddes is listed third in kills for the season with 120, Davey is fourth with 101 and Erika Kuta has 78 so far this season. Abby Carlson is second in the league with 279 assists with sister Jillian 10 with 46. Delta’s top 10 leaders for aces include number four Geddes (25) and number eight Kuta (21). Davey and Kuta are

fourth and fifth in blocks with 37 and 35, respectively, and McCulloch leads in digs with 197 for the season. Delta coach Beth Nelson commented on last week’s Montrose game saying, “The Montrose match was tough because we played with them in each set but just couldn’t finish. Our unforced errors are what we continue to focus on and I believe the girls will have this figured out by playoffs.” Nelson also noted there were some big position changes on the team recently with (Lauren) Davey moving to the outside. “We like her there and like the line up we have now and hope to get in rhythm in the next few weeks. We are 15th in RPI rankings now and hope to finish the season strong and go into the playoffs with mental toughness.” The Panthers faced league foe Basalt (08 league and 3-10) Oct. 8 with their next court action on Oct. 16 at Coal Ridge at 6:30 p.m. Olathe is in town Oct. 17 for a 6 p.m. contest.

shape for basketball, too, and discovered he was pretty good. “I work hard, but I’m not going to say it’s all work,” he said. His good friend, Montrose runner Evan Graff said it best, he said. “It’s 99 percent God and 1 percent hard work.” Other Delta boys in the running were Shad Lewis, who wanted desperately to get a low 17minute run, finished 36th with a time of 17:39.87. Lewis had his best time a week ago and was looking for another PR on Friday. Andrew Toole finished 88th, Enrique Gonzales was 94th and Doyle Young was 95th. Delta Girls On the girls side, Beki Atchley was Delta’s first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 21:23.35 to place 47th. Other top five Delta girls were Abby Williams (61st), Emma Corbasson (65th), Hana Hollenbeck (71st) and Shoshana Vigil (80th). Battle Mountain won the girls’ title with 32 points and Delta was 11th with 268. Delta is set to compete in Rifle this Thursday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. The Panthers are also scheduled to run in Montrose Saturday (11 a.m.) with regionals set for Aspen Oct. 19 at a new venue beginning at 11 a.m.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta senior setter Abby Carlson sweeps the ball over the net for a point against Montrose.

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BY TAMIE MECK The Hotchkiss volleyball team dropped to 4-11 overall this week on losses to Soroco and North Park. On Friday, Oct. 5, Hotchkiss took Soroco to five games but fell short in a 3-2, 20-25, 25-18, 2521, 18-25, 10-15 conference loss. On Saturday, the Bulldogs finished the week with a 1-8 record in the 2A/1A Western Slope League on a three-game, 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 conference loss to North Park. The Bulldogs host Vail Mountain (13-3, 9-1, 2A WSL) Friday at 6 p.m., and travel to Edwards Photo by Tamie Meck Saturday to face the 4-9 Shay Glaser makes a save in Hotchkiss’ 3-0 loss Saturday to North Park. Vail Christian Saints.

Bartlett re-shatters mark Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett shattered his own school cross country record at the Pantherfest Invitational Cross Country meet with a time of 16 minutes, 27.84 seconds. His time gave him a ninth-place finish out of a field of 112 runners. A fourth-year cross

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DCI Sports Writer

BY TAMIE MECK

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Hotchkiss volleyball wins get elusive

DCI Sports Writer

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country runner for Paonia, Bartlett broke the 2013 school record of 17:08.68 at the Sept. 22 Anna Banana meet with a time of 16:52.55. Friday’s cool weather seemed to provide perfect conditions for a cross country meet. Every Paonia runner ran his fastest race of the season and several set new per-

sonal records at the Pantherfest, said head coach Brandi Sparks. Harley Ewert placed 45th with a season-best time of 18:1033, Alyster Birk placed 58th (18:32.11), Logan Green placed 62nd (18:35.48, and Alejandro Garcia placed 72nd (18:57.06. Calvin Reese, Jose Mojarro, Aiden Zerr and Zeb

Etter also ran their best time of the season. Paonia Girls The Paonia girls placed seventh overall and were the highest-placing 2A team at the 21-team meet. Katya Schwieterman was the first Class 2A runner to finish the 5,000-meter course with a season- and personalBARTLETT TO B8

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B8 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Corral notches rare hattrick in soccer triumph BY NATHAN CLAY DCI Sports Writer

Delta Panther varsity soccer has improved its overall record to eight wins, two draws and a lone loss with a convincing defeat of the Telluride Miners on October 6. The non-conference game took place at Delta’s home, Panther Stadium. The game was played on a very slick, sloppy pitch. Rain was sparse during the game itself,

but after being soaked for 24 hours prior, the conditions were very soggy indeed. The ball ran fast over the water and the players struggled for their footing on the wet grass. The weather did not stop the Panthers from putting in a hard working performance against the Miners. Nathan Downey and Jose Pantoja bossed the midfield and showed real strength to shut

CORN MAZE

Straw Bale Maze Pumpkin Patch

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down Telluride’s efforts to control the center. Goalkeeper Felipe Bedoy had a fine showing with four stops, keeping his hands firmly on the greasy ball. One of the most lauded feats in soccer is the hattrick. Striker Martin Corral accomplished this feat in the first half alone. Corral put two shots smack onto the postage stamp in the upper 90 of the frame early on in the half. Telluride answered with a goal of its own when some slippery defending let one of the Miners through to score. Corral added his third late in the half with an outstanding solo effort when he managed to get one on one with the ‘keeper. The advancing goalie rushed out toward Corral who briefly dribbled backwards before looping a deft chip up, over the flummoxed ‘keeper and into the net to wrap up his first half hat-trick. The second half was controlled much like the first. Delta scored two in the second 45. One each from Jarrett Hernandez and Fernando Poce. The Miners scored a single goal in the second, which came from a spot kick following a dubious penalty decision. Hernandez, Corral, Pantoja and Sergio Campos all chalked up valuable assists in the match. Delta soccer next plays when it travels up to Vail Mountain on Tuesday, October 9. A win in Vail will boost the Panthers’ league record to 3-1. Vail currently sits at 0-2 in league play, making a positive result for the Panthers all the more likely.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta defensive end Gauge Lockhart (7) applies pressure as Riﬂe quarterback Holden Stutsman prepares to throw the football in a 2A WSL showdown between the Panthers and Bears last Friday. Riﬂe’s ground game took over in the second half of this game and carried the Bears to a 34-7 win.

Weather detours Delta gridiron play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s shot at knocking off a perennial power football team went by the wayside in the second half of a penalty-plagued and miscue-riddled contest. Mother Nature played the biggest part in the game with a steady downpour for the first half of play. Rifle had the ball to start the game but stalled out to give the Panthers their first possession in Bears’ territory. Several passing plays kept Rifle off guard as the Panthers connected on

BY TAMIE MECK Alzbeta Hofmanova and Kateryna Ivlieva are making the best of their school year at Delta High School. Hofmanova is from Prague, Czech Republic, and Ivlieva is from Kiev, Ukraine. For both students, their stay through international student exchange programs marks their first time in the United States. They entered the country through New York City, where they began their stay with visits to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the World Trade Center and other major landmarks. Delta chose them, they said last Friday after finishing their 5k run at the Pantherfest Invitational cross country meet at Confluence Park. But they both chose to run cross country. Ivlieva said

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A stout Meeker football team showed an unbreak-

her family is friends with the family of teammate, Emma Roithmayr. In the Czech Republic, Ivlieva said, sports include dance gymnastics. When she asked Roithmayer what sports she likes, “She said cross country.” After trying it, she joined the team. Ivlieva started running cross country midseason and ran her first competitive race Friday. She and Hofmanova ran the course together, and for the first time, Ivlieva ran the entire course without stopping. “It felt wonderful,” she said. When asked what they like most about their school year, both said they love their host families. “I love my family so much,” said Ivlieva. “I like everything,” added Hofmanova. “The teachers here are so friendly.”

able defense and added to the evening’s rain-soaked misery with a shower of its own to the tune of 340 decision over the Bruins last Friday night. With the loss, Cedaredge slipped to 0-2 in the 2A WSL and finished the week with a 2-4 overall record for 2018. Meeker (1A WSL) upped its overall season record to 3-2 with the win and sits in second place behind league-leading Paonia (2-0 and 4-2). The Cowboys are also 2-0 in league play and will host the Eagles this Friday in Meeker with starting time set for 7 p.m. Meeker had a passing game which accounted for 241 yards of offense

The 2018 state golf tournament at Boulder Country Golf Club was intimidating for many competitors last week. The chance to play at the

Photo by Tamie Meck

Bartlett (23:34.47), Abby Reedy 69th (24:11.64), and Mikayla Wiley finished in 30:26.79 — 2 minutes, 22 seconds faster than her prior best time set a week earlier at Sweitzer Lake. Paonia will run this Saturday at the Montrose Relays, a fun day of running traditionally held the week before regional competition.

on a 15 of 18 day from quarterback Ryan Phelan accounting for three touchdowns for the visiting Cowboys. In the rushing department, the Cowboys added another 147 yards of offense and two touchdowns in the shutout win. Meeker lost one fumble during the rainy encounter while the Bruins coughed the ball up three times. Cedaredge travels to Parachute this week where it takes on Grand Valley in a 7 p.m. contest. The Cardinals are currently in fourth place with a 1-1 league mark and 2-4 overall.

Delta County golfers compete at state meet

Alzbeta “Bethany” Hofmanova, left, and Kateryna Ivlieva are exchange students at Delta High School and members of the Panthers cross country team.

CONTINUED FROM B6 best time of 20:08.95 to place 23rd; Tawny Roberts placed 28th in 20:19.7 and freshman Sofia Gonzalez had her best time of the year to place 59th with a personal best time of 22:34.4, a full 63 seconds ahead of her previous best time. Christina Rankin placed 60th (23:05.36), Jade Ellenberger 64th

halftime seemed to sap Delta’s resolve and opened the doors to Tanner Vines and the Bears offense for a string of 23 unanswered points and a 34-7 win for Rifle. The Bears, 6-0 overall and 2-0 in 2A WSL play, keep Rifle in a tie for the league lead with Basalt with identical records matching Rifle. Delta slipped to 4-2 and 1-1 on the season and sits in third place. Delta will test the Longhorns this Friday with a road trip to Basalt and a starting time of 7 p.m.

Bruins blanked 34-0 by Meeker grid team

Delta exchange students enjoy school, running DCI Sports Writer

strikes to Skyler Kraai, Nate Workman and Hunter Hughes. A fingertip catch by Kraai in the long drive gave Delta a first down at Rifle’s 8yard line. Nolan Bynum finished the drive with a 6-yard pass to Kraai for the game’s first score. Felipe Bedoy booted the extra point to give the Panthers their only lead of the game. A bruising ground game was Rifle’s answer to the rain and was enough to keep the Panthers on their heels the rest of the way. A score just before

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett broke his own cross country record at last week’s Pantherfest with a time of 16:27.84.

state’s highest level of competition was the ultimate goal for those who played the course. According to Delta golf coach Jeff Reiher, “The facility was very nice and the staff and members made everyone feel welcome.” That welcoming gesture may have alleviated some anxiety. Delta senior Rowyn Carmichael carried Delta’s colors to a two-day total of 169 and finished 46th overall. Junior Atley Harris shot a twoday total of 190 to tie for 78th. “I was proud of these young men. They represented our golf team well,” quoted Reiher. Aspen was the team titlist for 3A with Kent Denver claiming individual medalist honors with a two-day total of 139, which was one under par. The course was in great shape for the state tournament championships. Coach Reiher did pass along one other note concerning play. “The greens were tough with lots of undulations with tough pin placements. But that’s expected for high level tournaments.” Cedaredge’s Czech Republic female foreign exchange student, Lucie Sachova, finished with a two-day total of 187 to place 75th.

SURFACE CREEK October 10, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Applefest survives gloomy forecast BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Rain clouds were attacking — from the south and the north — and radar outlined a swirling cauldron of dragonshaped storm patterns surrounding Cedaredge. It was less than 48 hours before the start of Applefest 2018 and it was beginning to look like this year’s festival was about to open smack-dab in the middle of a gloomy forecast. The Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department’s five-alarm chili cook-off drew a record crowd on Thursday evening but those folks were dining indoors. As vendors checked in on Friday, the weather was an unpromising mixture of weak sunshine tempered with wind and rain. When Saturday, Oct. 6, opened with a cloudy dawn, organizers got their raincoats ready and held their collective breaths. But, as Saturday advanced, periodic showers were chased away by sufficient sunshine to keep the crowd coming and soon sidewalks, roadways, and town park were overflowing with visitors. The weather held until closing time when a chilly drizzle began and thoughts turned toward Sunday. Throughout Saturday evening a steady rain drummed down on Applefest — until the tempo-

rary village of tarps and tents was thoroughly soaked. Next morning came another bleak dawn. But soon clouds dissolved and, like magic, the final hours of Applefest blossomed into a very mild and mostly sunny autumn day. At last 4 p.m. arrived and it was official. Against all odds, and with weather threatening at every point of the compass, the festival had survived. The Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce is the organization responsible for coordinating the town’s yearly extravaganza which is traditionally held on the first full weekend in October. That timetable places it within the opening weeks of Colorado’s fickle autumn season when Western weather can range from unbearably hot to pleasantly mild to uncomfortably icy. Attendance estimates for last week’s event are still being compiled. But, even if this year’s figure turns out to be smaller than past crowds, organizers and vendors seem content to look on the bright side. Given the magnitude of ominous predictions, most would likely agree that — for all this weekend’s changeable climate — Applefest 2018 managed to weather the storm.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Despite last weekend’s changeable weather, large crowds continued to ﬁll Cedaredge streets and town park to celebrate the 41st annual Applefest.

Applefest by the numbers BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Covering Cedaredge’s sprawling Applefest event is a challenge. The festival can be overwhelming with its multiple booths, its ever-changing array of events, and its surging crowds of apple-enthusiasts. So, if Applefest is a gigantic apple pie, here are a few manageable slices to comprehend the extravaganza: 2,500: number of books sold on Saturday at the Friends of the Cedaredge Library sale; 900: number of visitors who viewed the Saturday version of the classic car/tractor show

at Pioneer Town; 750: number of weekend meals served by the Surface Creek Lions Club; 600: number of slices of apple pie served by the Cedaredge Rotary Club; 400: number of meals served at the Cedaredge Future Farmers of America’s all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast; 19: number of musicians who performed on town park stage during the festival; 17: number of years the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department has been hosting its popular five-alarm chili

cook-off; 16: number of locallygrown apple varieties for sale at Applefest; 15: number of people necessary to win The Pondy’s outhouse stuffing contest; 14: number of entrants in the first annual stein holding competition; 8: number of stein holders who were women; 1: number of Applefest events cancelled due to weather (first annual junior rodeo); Less than 1: number of seconds separating the fastest man and fastest woman in the Applefest 5k race.

Orchard City working on tiny home regulations BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

Photo by Don Benjamin

Despite predictions of dampening rain, the organizers of this year’s Applefest remained optimistic that the weather would be mild enough to encourage crowds to attend the annual festival. Left to right, in carts, are volunteer John Komives and Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce member Trey Gronenthal. Standing left to right are chamber president Mitchell Gronenthal; chamber executive director and Applefest coordinator, Alisha Komives; and Scott Lock, the town’s co-director of public works.

The Orchard City Board of Trustees had a full agenda to cover at tits work session on Oct. 3. To start, it discussed briefly the marijuana ordinance which will allow 12 plants per resident. The first reading will be at the regular meeting Oct. 10. After several months, trustees wrapped up Steve Kehmeier’s tap relocation proposal. The town does not plan to take over his pipe, as he proposed previously. Several trustees also wanted to

Notes of festival harmony BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Whether sitting on a blanket or in a lawn chair or watching from beneath the arching folds of the town park canopy, those who experi-

Photo by Don Benjamin

Dan Morgan of Cedaredge was the ﬁrst musician who appeared on the town park stage during Applefest.

enced the music of Applefest 2018 were treated to a nonstop array of talent. All weekend, musicians from Delta County, Nashville, Texas, and California graced the outdoor stage in Cedaredge’s town park. And their collective performances provided a harmonious musical soundtrack for thousands of festival visitors. Organizer David Starr enlisted a host of entertainers to perform at the annual festival including local favorites Dan Morgan, Shelley Rae, and the Dawson Springs Band — all from Cedaredge. Regional artists Ellen Stapenhorst from Paonia and Mary Kleinsorge from Delta also performed. Michael Teague journeyed from California. Out of Texas came back-to-back performances by Brian Kalinec and Kirby Kelley. From Nashville came Victoria Woodworth, Irene Kelly, and Eric Stucky. And Bittersweet Highway from Jaroso and Ordinary

Photo by Don Benjamin

Ellen Stapenhorst of Paonia sang at Applefest.

“put a timeline” on finishing the relocation project. Town administrator Melissa Oelke reminded the board that since Kehmeier is paying for the relocation he needs to initiate the process. They finally settled on approving his proposal at the regular meeting and suggested he have the relocation complete by June 30, 2019. Bruce Stanley, building inspector, then made a presentation on tiny home regulations and building permit fees for fencing. Currently the town has no regulations regarding tiny homes. Current codes from 2006 have certain requirements that may limit many tiny home designs. One relates to stairwells. Essentially, the town is looking at adopting 2018 regulations that have an appendix regarding tiny homes. Another hot topic was whether to allow tiny homes on wheels, or THOW. Stanley proposed to not allow THOW because it “starts to look like a gypsy camp.” Instead, he prefers regulations on tiny homes built on foundation. Several trustees had concerns, such as whether tiny homes degrade property value, and wanted to know

the history of other towns with handling tiny homes. Stanley plans to do more research and the discussion will continue at the next work session in November. Next, Stanley presented several ways to determine a building permit fee for eight foot or higher fences. Various methods include estimating the materials, doubling that and then using a sliding scale, using a predetermined chart or just charging a flat fee. The town mainly needs to cover the time for Stanley to inspect the fence. Thus, discussion leaned more toward a flat fee. The biggest agenda item was the discussion on municipal code changes. Current codes are from 2005. Essentially, Oelke plans to go through the codes and present them to the board, versus the committee going through line by line. From the overall discussion, the need to visit RV regulations, specifically on single RVs parked on a property, became clear. This topic will be on the next work session. The next regular meeting will be Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. All meetings are held at the Orchard City Town Hall at 9661 2100 Road in Austin.

Elephant (a traveling duo who makes their home on the road) made return appearances after successful local shows performed, respectively, at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center and Stacy’s on Main. For variety and quality, it will be difficult to top this year’s line-up of Applefest talent.

Photo submitted

StoryWalk installation ®

Photo by Don Benjamin

Victoria Woodworth (on stage, left) journeyed from Nashville to join Cedaredge resident David Starr as the two performed at Applefest 2018.

Cedaredge Library staff member Sam Nowell installs the October StoryWalk®, “Little Apple Goat,” on the Surface Creek Trail. The community is invited to walk the trail in October and discover the story of a goat that is ordinary in every way — except for one. Instead of munching on oats or grass or laundry left on the line, she prefers to eat fruit from the orchard. But one stormy night, all of the fruit trees in the orchard are destroyed. Time passes, and then something mysterious begins to happen on the farm. Find out how the story goes on the Surface Creek Trail in October. Then, visit the Cedaredge Library for a take-home craft related to the story.

C2 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Rose Garden Club announces programs BY SONJA MARSTAD Rose Garden Club

Regular meetings of the Rose Garden Club are held on the third Friday of each month, usually in members’ homes and always followed by refreshments. Our club plants and helps maintain flowers in the gardens at Horizons Care Center and Pioneer Town plus con-

tributes to the Cedaredge Community Garden. Members love their gardens, share information and explore other topics of interest at meetings. We have an exciting lineup of programs for the next 11 months. Oct. 19 — 2 p.m. Steve Ward of S & E Ward Landscaping will advise us on how to save our

trees, bushes and lawns in drought conditions. Nov. 16 — noon. Thanksgiving potluck, sharing Thanksgiving traditions and memories. Dec. 7 — 11:30 a.m. Christmas lunch. Jan. 18 — 2 p.m. Program on “Birds in our Backyard.” Feb. 15 — 10:30 a.m. Tour Grand Mesa Performing Arts Center, lunch at a local restaurant. March 15 — 2 p.m. Travel program. April 19 — 2 p.m. Self defense demonstration. May 17 — 10 a.m. Plant flowers at Horizons Memorial Garden, lunch at Bakeria. June 21 — 10 a.m. Tour of Creamery Art Gallery in Hotchkiss, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. July 19 — 10 a.m. Wildflower tour on Grand Mesa. Aug. 16 — 2 p.m. Installation of new officers and program planning. We hope you will join us for gardening tips, fun, friendship and informative meetings. Contact Mary at 3997388 or Debba at 2015455 for more information.

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Photo submitted

Connecting senior citizens with community volunteers of all ages allows older neighbors to continue living in their homes. The “A Little Help” organization recruits and coordinates volunteers to help seniors complete household and yardwork tasks. A Service Saturday event scheduled for Oct. 27 will help seniors and also recruit volunteers in the Surface Creek area.

Service Saturday scheduled BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

A Little Help of Delta County will sponsor its second “Service Saturday” on Oct. 27. The immediate goal of the Saturday morning event is to help local senior citizens with home and yard tasks. But the event is also designed to recruit volunteers to establish ongoing services

for seniors. The nonprofit organization is already wellestablished in Denver, in Chaffee County, and in Paonia. The Oct. 27 event will help the organization expand its service into the Surface Creek and Delta areas. Volunteers are asked to gather at 9 a.m. at Cedaredge Town Park on

W. Main Street. Volunteers will then disperse to work at seniors’ homes until noon when they will gather for a luncheon at the Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church, 210 NW 3rd Street. Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the Oct. 27 event can call 970-527-3482 for more information.

Growing season winding down for garden club BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

What fun it is to share the bounty of our gardening labors. That is exactly what the members of the Plant & Dig Garden Club did for their September meeting. We gathered at the old pavilion in Cedaredge Park, enjoying a beautiful autumn day while we had our lunch and talked, laughed and exchanged ideas on gardening and other subjects. After a short meeting, we all contributed some money into the “pot” and perused the many items that were on display for us to choose from. And a lovely variety there was! One of the tables held perennial plants of all types, some house plants, preserves, vegetables grown by members, freshcut herbs, crafts and even a bouquet of cut flowers. Everyone went home with numerous delectables. This was a perfect way to celebrate our individual gardening expertise as the season begins to wind

down. Sharing our enjoyment in this way makes gardening special for all of us. Our October activity will be a new experience for us. The club is heading to Montrose, first to visit an organic farm and milking facility to learn about modern-day farming practices, then to Remington’s restaurant for lunch, and to top off the day, an autumn tour through the Montrose Botanic Gardens. It will be a full day of fun, learning and friendship — what our club is all about. Our responsibilities at both Pioneer Town and Horizons Care Center will also wind down with cleanup sessions at both facilities. Our final cleanup at Horizons will be later in the month since the courtyard there is very protected and we want to leave the flowers blooming in the courtyard pots for as long as possible so that residents can continue to enjoy them during the crisp, beautiful autumn days ahead.

As much as we all enjoy our gardening activities, we also look forward to the quiet respite of the coming season changes to rest up, read the plethora of gardening catalogs that will swamp our mailboxes in the next few months, and — rather quickly — start planning for “next season.” Gardening is fun, keeps us in tune with Mother Nature, gives us outlets for our creative abilities, and most of all, gives us the opportunity to share our enthusiasm for what we enjoy with others who feel as we do. We meet every third Friday of every month, share ideas, resources and tips with each other, and have great fun doing all of this as a club. We encourage you to visit a meeting, join us if you are so inclined, and share in our love of getting dirt under our fingernails. Learn more about our club and its activities by calling 856-7077 or 8563897.

Musical ‘mellow drama’ comes to Cedar Berry “A Tale of Whoa,” a mellow drama set at the Inn of Persistent Living where you can check in, but you can never check out, has two performances scheduled in October at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge. This presentation has villians and heroines, lively musical numbers you will want to sing along with and a cast of characters that could only reside in Cedarberry. The sets have been designed by Cedaredge artist Dale Russell Smith and you will swear you can walk right into “The Puddle,” the bar at the Inn or Dealin’ Dougs

Lada car dealership. The script was written by Cedaredge residents Gary and Nancy Sturgill and they swear all characters and events are strictly fiction. The program “Cedarberry Chronicles” can be found around town to give you an idea of the who, what and where. Performances are Saturday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 14, with high tea to be served prior to the performance at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center, Cedaredge Golf Course and online at grand mesaartscenter.com.

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

APPLEFEST

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Ed Conner of Conner Orchards was one of a dozen vendors who set up shop along Apple Lane during last weekend’s Applefest. The orchard is located in Hotchkiss.

And they’re off ... 14 contestants hoisted glasses filled with apple cider in the first annual Applefest stein holding challenge. Six men and eight women competed in the heavy-handed yet light-hearted event. The national record for holding a stein parallel is just over 21 minutes. The Applefest winners were Luke Raffaelli from Grand Junction who lasted 5 minutes, 21 seconds, and Shawna Petree of Rifle whose time was 3 minutes, 1 second.

Delaney Signs (978) and her younger sisters Everlee (980) and Harlee (979) ran as a family in the Applefest 5k run. Delaney won the girls’ race in the 12 and under category.

Photos by Don Benjamin

Winners of Saturday’s 10th annual Applefest 5k run were Charles Leech of Steamboat Springs with a time of 21 minutes, 28 seconds, and Allison Martin of Olathe with a time of 22:23.

As part of Applefest 2018, The Old Slaughterhouse in Cedaredge hosted “Coolest Ride” and “Pin Up Girl’’contests. Among the pin up entrants were (left to right) Tonya Piele, Samantha Johnson, and DeRhonda McCullough. And Ishmael Angulo entered his golden bike. All contestants are residents of Delta.

Michael Kindig visited a fellow vendor for an afternoon snack at Applefest. Michael and Ellen Kindig’s booth featured the Grand Junction couple’s unique jewelry and other creations under the banner of Twisted Crafts.

How many people can you stuff in an outhouse? The answer is 15 and the winners of this year’s Applefest contest represented The Pondy, the downtown Cedaredge tavern which also hosted the event. Second place went to ‘Wanda’s Independents’ with 14 hastily assembled stuffers, Double-J was third with 13, and Creekside Cafe forfeited when they could not ﬁeld a team exceeding 15.

Applefest 2018 opened on Thursday, Oct. 4, with the Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department’s annual five-alarm chili cook-off. Before competition began, firefighter Billy van Houten and his daughter Haven found time for a moment together. The family lives in Eckert. A record crowd attended this year’s cook-off and trophies were awarded to Diana Houghton (red chili), Ken Sodowski (green chili & people’s choice), and Roger VanAtzinen (hot chili).

Seven-year-old Emma Wells of Grand Junction sits patiently as Linda Zimmerman owner of Marshmallows & Clouds puts the ﬁnishing touches on a face painting masterpiece.

A family of Applefest shoppers braved intermittent rain last week to discover bargains at the Friends of the Cedaredge Library book sale. Josie Simenson (center) and her brother Dylan were all smiles as their aunt Bonnie Schmidt (left) and their grandmother Paula Simenson got in line to purchase their selections. Aunt Bonnie, who lives in Parker, and the Simenson children from Arvada were all visiting Paula who lives in Cedaredge.

C6 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Blessing of animals includes trip to horse farm Cedaredge United Methodist Church invites children and their families and friends to listen to what the animals can teach us and to join in a service of blessing of the animals Saturday, Oct. 20. Those attending the church’s third Just

Kids/Just Kids Plus event will visit Vicki Mangano’s horse farm in Cedaredge where they will meet three local horses — Bliss, Lady Bug and Patti — and their family, Mara Erwin and Richard Udale. Transportation to and from the stable will be

provided from the church, which is at 210 NW 3rd Street in Cedaredge. Children ages kindergarten through fifth grade may attend alone or with parents, grandparents, extended family and friends. Younger children are welcome if accompa-

Country store returns to Eckert Presbyterian Church Oct. 12 Members of the Eckert Presbyterian Women’s Group are preparing for their annual country store and craft sale. This event will be held Friday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A soup lunch will be

served Friday, Oct. 12, from 11 to 1. Lunch includes soup, bread, dessert and a beverage and will cost $5. Saturday’s lunch, also served from 11 to 1 for $5, will feature a sloppy joe sandwich, chips, dessert and a beverage.

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The craft sale includes handmade items that will be perfect for gifts or for fall and holiday decor. Baked goods will also be offered. For more information, call Bobbie Jones at 8358112 or Marilyn Colbaugh at 874-3792.

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nied by adults and all youth and adults are welcome. The morning will begin with registration from 8:45 to 9 a.m. followed by drama, singing and Bible study. The day will focus the Scripture passage from Job 12:7-8, which says: “Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ... and the fish of the sea will declare to you.” After the stable visit, there will be games and crafts, and a free home-cooked lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. followed by the blessing of the animals at 12:15 p.m. Adults with or without children are encouraged to bring their pets for the service.

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Just Kids/Just Kids Plus is the church’s outreach program for children, their families and others in the community to get to know each as they learn how God calls them to make a difference in the world by caring for others and for our planet. To register, contact Pamela Grubkin at the church at pgrubkin@cedaredge cumc.com or 970-8563696; check the church’s website, www.cedaredge cumc.com; or stop by the United Methodist Thrift Store on Main Street. For information, contact Dana Jones, danaellenjones@gmail or 720-346-3952, or Pastor Joe Agne, revagne@gmail. com or 720-891-5233.

Rosary crusade scheduled in Delta Everyone is invited to join the 2018 Public Square Rosary Crusade Saturday, Oct. 13, in the grassy field north of Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. Please gather at 11:45 a.m.; recitation of the Holy Rosary is scheduled at noon. This event is coordinated nationally by Tradition, Family and Property and its America Needs Fatima campaign. For details, call Bonnie Baier at 970497-6719.

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Classifieds

October 10, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Have a house for sale? Advertise it the DCI. 874-4421.

Help Wanted

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Rentals

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�� Wanted PERMISSION TO HUNT or farm crop damage tag deer but prefer elk. Kevin Bradshaw. 765-5880. (4x39)

Autos 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)

Have an item you want to buy? Advertise for it!

874-4421.

Help Wanted HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer. Position is full-time with an excellent benefit package, starting salary is $19.45/hr DOE. Under direct supervision of the Community Development Director, patrols City streets and performs work in the enforcement of ordinances relating to animal control, public nuisances, property maintenance, signs and parking; makes site inspections; issues violations, warnings or summons notices; maintains records including computerized files on the status of complaints and violations; collects fees and arranges for the release of animals; prepares evidence and provides testimony for violations in municipal court; testifies in court and conducts follow-up inspections for compliance. Job requirements include any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation of high school with some experience in public speaking and experience handling animals. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Submit completed City of Delta employment application to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416 by deadline date of October 19, 2018 by 4:30PM. Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www. cityofdelta.net. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE (3x40) WANT TO MAKE A QUICK sale, advertise in the Delta County Independent's Classifieds. Call 874-4421

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Classified Line Ad Rates $8.00 for first issue (25 words or less) 12¢ per additional word 1/2 off each consecutive issue. Customers must pay when they drop off the ad, mail in a check so it arrives at least by Wednesday, put the ad on their debit or credit card, or charge the ad to their established account. Deadlines:

10:00 a.m. Monday for Wednesday edition. Noon Monday for "Too Late to Classify."

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HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Municipal Service Worker I in the Public Works Department. Position is fulltime with benefits, starting salary is $17.24/hr. Under direct supervision performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled manual labor in the construction and maintenance of roadways, water and sewer systems, drainage facilities, buildings, other public facilities, and in refuse collection; drives truck and operates light equipment incidental to the work; will provide proper security of offenders while supervising and instructing offender labor performing community service tasks; Must possess or be able to acquire a Class B commercial driver license within first six months of employment; possess both valid Colorado Class 1 Collection and Distribution Certifications or able to obtain within first 24 months of employment; any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation of high school with some experience as a laborer. Will be required to successfully pass a preemployment drug screen and background check. Submit completed City of Delta employment application to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416 by deadline date of October 19, 2018 by 4:30 p.m. Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www. cityofdelta.net. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE (2x41)

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 two Night Shift positions, working from midnight to 6 a.m. 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.deltaabrahamconnection.org. (2x40) 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) NOW HIRING EXPERIenced coal miners!!!! Hiring coal miners in Carbon County, Price Utah area. Offering competitive wages, benefits and per diem for the probationary period of 30-90 days. Please email current resume to cbueno@zookssolutions. com or call 1-505-330-6038. (4x41) THE GALLEGOS CORPoration seeks experienced Tile Setters to work with us in the Roaring Fork Valley/ Aspen Area. 3-5 years experience. $25-30/Hr BOE. Full Benefits, Housing Stipend and/or Per Diem. Please visit careers.gallegoscorp. com or call Paula at (970)471-2168. (4x41) SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421

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D2 Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Miscellaneous

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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Public Service 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)

Public Service

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in the ER, Oncology, Gift Support Group for Adults Shop and some additional and Children: Every areas. If you are interested, Wednesday in Delta from please contact Volunteer 5-7 p.m. there will be a free Coordinator, Barbara Hall at support group for adults 250-2105 for an application. whose lives have been impacted by domestic vio- WOMEN ONLY AA MEETTHE DELTA COUNTY lence and a separate group ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 Independent runs these for children at the same a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal items as a public service time. Please call 970-874- Church, 5th & Palmer (back door). free of charge for non-profit 4941 to sign up. organizations, if no fees are FREE DIAPERS FOR UP WANNA PLAY A ROUND? charged. However, each group is asked to please Golf with a fun group of to one year! Pregnant keep them current by call- ladies. Two membership women in Delta County can options available. Sign up now get help to quit smoking 874-4421. at www.cedaredgeladies ing and get something they golf.com. Get to know us can really use after their on Facebook at “cedar baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy edgeladiesgolfclub” babies. Enroll in the Baby & ALCOHOLICS ANONY- Me Tobacco Free program mous meets Thursdays at 7 today. Contact the Delta p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. County Health Department 897 Palmer Street, Delta. at 874-2165 or your local CO FATHER’S NETWORK- physician.

Quality Color Printing Business Cards Brochures Letterhead Posters Flyers Calendars Greeting Cards Announcements Invitations

Public Service

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

dedicated 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

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Delta County Independent

Communicate in color with our high-quality and highly affordable, four-color printing services. Whether it’s a business presentation or a personal project, our friendly, helpful staff gets your job done quickly and easily.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING DIVISION 401 Meeker St. • Delta

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DELTA COUNTY

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

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in proAL-ANON AND ALATEEN: moting patriotism and Hope and help for families assisting veterans, contact and friends of alcoholics Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250meets in Delta: Al-Anon and 1180. Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal AARP DRIVER SAFETY Church, 145 W. 5th St., con- Course. Save on insurance, tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 keep up on newer traffic or Shirley 970-323-5067. laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details CARING FOR CARE- and schedule contact John givers, C4C - support- Loring (970) 856-6924 or ing hearts that care. Open (970) 424-1778. to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd AL-ANON: HOPE AND Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. help for families and 10th St, Delta. friends of alcoholics meets in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, DELTA HAS A BOOK- Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall store in the basement of behind First Baptist Church, the library featuring gently 370 W. Main St., contact used books and magazines. Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Come check it out! Jim 970-874-7855.

INDEPENDENT

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.

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

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? IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, We need your help! Call you will love the Downstairs today for more informaBookstore in the basement tion. Please volunteer to of the Delta Library. spend time with a child in NARCOTICS ANONY- our community. Partners mous meets at 9th and of Delta, Montrose and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Ouray, 874-4661, www. partners-west.org. or www. Fridays at 8 p.m. deltayouth@montrose.net. DELTA FOOD PANTRY AMERICAN needs meals for Delta fami- PAONIA lies who are temporarily Legion runs a year round in need. Donations of non- non-perishable emergency perishable food may be food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For inforbrought to 628 Meeker. mation, call 527-6252. HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD control, and SAVE an ani- jewelry and silver or bits of mal's life. Adopt your new gold and silver scraps. The cat or dog from the Delta Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is County Humane Society. sending them to: New Eyes Adoption fee is minimal. for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 Call 874-2149. or send them to: Gale THERE IS A VFW MEETING Conger, Secretary of IOOF on the first Monday of each Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, month. At 6 p.m. there is a Delta, CO 81416. potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist AL-ANON: HOPE AND Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., help for families and of alcoholics Delta. For further infor- friends mation, call 874-8172 Jim meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, Wednesdays at 7 pm, Baker, Quartermaster. United Methodist Church, HILLTOP COMMUNITY 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa Resources offers free ser- 949-395-3608, Chris 970vices and support to vic- 527-3366 or Marjorie 970tims of Domestic Violence 433-1856 and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support THE AMERICAN RED groups. Please call our office Cross needs you. Become at 970-773-2251 for more one of the Red Cross volinformation or if you are in unteers who says, “We’ll Be crisis please call our 24 hour There, Because Help Can’t crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-242YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW help. Colorado Tobacco for information on the difQuitline offers free, confi- ference you can make in dential assistance. Call 1- someone’s life as a disaster volunteer. 800-QUIT-NOW.

401 Meeker St. • Delta 970-874-4421 www.deltacountyindependent.com

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

Public Service

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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D4 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Discover Health Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to embark on a scavenger hunt and learn some fun health facts along the way! During the month of October during library hours. Surface Creek Trail StoryWalk®. The October StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “Little Apple Goat” by Caroline Jayne Church. Little Apple Goat is ordinary in every way — except for one. Instead of

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

munching on oats or grass or laundry left on the line, she prefers to eat fruit from the orchard. But one stormy night, all of the fruit trees in the orchard are destroyed. Time passes, and then something mysterious begins to happen on the farm. Find out how the story goes on the Surface Creek Trail in October. Then, visit the Cedaredge Library for a take-home craft related to the story. Preserve America. Patrons are invited to Cedaredge Library for a presentation of “Preserve America” with guest speaker Hunter Voss. Hunter Voss is a seventh grade student at the Cedaredge Middle School who is also a Next Generation Steward through Preserve America. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports efforts to preserve and enjoy the priceless cultural and natural heritage of each community. Hunter will talk about the variety of things he has learned during his time with the organization. Light refreshments will be provided. Friday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. at Cedaredge Library. Just a Spoonful of Sugar. Bring the entire family to Cedaredge Library for a discussion and demonstration about

help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Friends of the Delta Library Meeting. Support Delta Library ... be a friend! The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m. Cooking Matters. Teens and adults are invited to Delta Library for a demonstration on healthy cooking. Following the demonstration, teens are invited to stay for healthy eating tips from a dietitian. Thursday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. Dance and Move with Linda Dysart. Kids are invited to Delta Library to experience how muscles and bones work through dance and movement. Thursday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. Build a Skeleton Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Delta Library to search for hidden bones in the children’s area and build a moving skeleton. Create a Hand Maker Space. Kids are invited

sugar in our food and drinks. Participants will make a healthy snack to take home. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! Staff at Cedaredge Library will help you clear up your confusion with technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and computers, our resident techies will do their best to get you going. The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Genealogy. Who’s who in Whoville? The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to

to Delta Library to create a movable hand using straws and colored string. Participants will see how tendons and ligaments work. All supplies provided. In the children’s area during library hours. Council of Teens. Calling all teens! Do you want to have a say in what goes on in the library? Do you want to help choose the books we purchase? Join the Delta Library Council of Teens! The Council of Teens will help plan programs and activities as well as come up with books to add to the teen collection. Meets every Monday at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onone. The Delta genealogy group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Eating Healthy Mediterranean Style. Adults are invited to Hotchkiss Library for a healthy cooking class! Chef Anthony Reichen-

bach will be presenting a culinary class encompassing light, healthy cooking, with a focus on traditional Italian food. Thursday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. Hotchkiss Book Club. This month, the Hotchkiss Book Club will be discussing “The Little Paris Bookshop” by Nina George. Thursday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. Discover Health Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Hotchkiss Library for a healththemed scavenger hunt. During library hours in October. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Halloween BOOmark Maker Space. Teens are invited to Paonia Library Oct. 2331 during library hours to make a Halloweenthemed bookmark. Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Paonia Library for a Halloween themed scavenger hunt. In October during library hours. Tech Café. Paonia Library will have an open tech café in the community room for all ages and skill levels to seek tech assistance. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, October 10, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

Helping children thrive

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

sing an innovative program to mentor and provide longterm support, Families Plus is changing lives and helping children thrive. This month, it’s celebrating 20 years of serving Delta County. Sometimes, life is difficult. Essential needs can be a challenge to cover. High demands overwhelm. Some families have low resources and high needs. That’s where FAM+ can fill in. Its website, www.families plus.net, explains how this organization is “dedicated to walking beside the family to make sure each child grows up to become healthy, educated, and productive young adults.” Dr. Brenda Holland, executive director, said, “If a child is given the right and sustained resources, they can do well.” The organization began with the birth of a familymentoring concept from Dr. Holland in 1998. While she was a practicing clinical psychologist, Dr. Holland saw the need to provide long-term support for families. Many reliable short-term programs existed, but they didn’t give consistent support. At first, she was nervous because using families to mentor had never been done. Her goal? Connect children to families who could serve as strong role models and provide stability. Unsure but determined, she gathered other community members and created this communitybased program to serve youth in the county. It didn’t take long for the family mentoring concept to catch on. “We’re continually blown away by the community’s support,” said Dr. Holland. “Our signature piece is still providing children with a family that mentors.” Essentially, this concept means a family volunteers to bring a child into their home to simply participate in normal family life. The idea

Mentoring families celebrate at a high-school graduation. is to provide a safe space and model stability. Jami Taylor, owner of Tayshen Automotive, describes the experience as “rewarding” but also cautions that mentoring is something a family needs to feel called to do. “Watching the child come out of their shell, seeing them change, is the best thing,” she said. “Many children don’t realize how much is truly out there and mentoring families can show them there’s a different life available than what they’re used to.” She and her husband, Rob Shenold, volunteered as a mentoring family earlier this year and enjoy being positive role models. “Our mentored child loves getting to just hang out in our shop,” said Taylor. “And, my employees get to be positive role models. They’re good fathers and husbands.” Building a Support Network Over the last 20 years, the nonprofit has also created other services families need. Each family decides what would benefit their child. These services are divided into two components: health care and community. The health care component has a behavioral focus. FAM+ operates as a mental health specialty clinic working under the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health. Each child is assigned a licensed mental health care professional and receives a complete annual mental health evaluation. Counseling is available to mitigate behavioral problems or emotional distress. The child also receives assistance to access dental/ wellness check-ups and substance use prevention. Like the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” the community component focuses on empowering families through community partnerships. While the input varies, the services include: a whole family volunteering to be a permanent mentor to a child; tutors and grade monitor-

ing to ensure completion of homework; enrollment fees assistance for sports, youth clubs, lessons or summer camps; goods or services (i.e. rides, washers, beds); and assistance when in crisis. On Mother’s and Father’s Day, FAM+ children even receive gifts to give parents to learn appreciation. “Our program has survived because our community cares about kids,” said Dr. Holland. “People are willing to fill in and add to what families provide for their kids.” For example, business and development director Kristi Hensley noted that when a 15-year-old mentioned she wanted to do dance, Families Plus was able to make this happen through donations. “Every youth in the program has the ability to participate in activities they want,” she explained. Hensley’s job is to do outreach and education. In addition, the community component encourages people to become involved through mentoring, tutoring, assisting with repairs, help with moving, support in the office, baking for events and volunteering for fundraisers. All volunteers are screened and trained to ensure the best care. A Program of Innovation The last three years FAM+ led a major federal grant along with the hospital, a private clinic and a safety net clinic. As this grant was completed, FAM+ was named a Champion Program in Innovation by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy from a set of 100 programs. As a result, their work will be featured on the Rural Health Information Hub. This grant helped FAM+ integrate behavioral health professionals into five clinics, add 60 children to the FAM+ program and created a behavioral health committee for local agency leaders. “We ultimately want to see other communities provide for their children in a

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similar way to our program,” said Dr. Holland. Now that this grant is ended, FAM+ is working diligently to fundraise. This plan includes looking at more ways to involve the community in addition to the usual spaghetti dinners or back to school/holiday drives. Recently, FAM+ did a version of Dancing with the Stars for Delta. And, it’s now providing individual and family therapy at the Families Plus building for any resident of Delta County. All insurance is accepted. Families Plus also provides behavioral professionals at Delta Health and Wellness Center and Stoney Mesa Family Practice. Giving a Hand Up Most of the children who’ve partnered with FAM+ do well in school and have built strong social skills. One big event FAM+ holds each year is a school supplies

drive to support each child’s education. Often families with multiple children and limited resources see this time of year as stressful. At this year’s picnic, 93 children received new backpacks with needed school supplies. “Seeing everybody dancing, hanging out and feeling comfortable was priceless,” said Hensley. “We stay with our most vulnerable youth and they do finally develop into healthy adults. Investing in FAM+ is investing in the health of youth who are struggling,” said Dr. Holland. “If they can experience family strength, they can do it.” Thanks to FAM+, over 170 children have benefited from the long-term and community support offered. There are three youth in particular many would have guessed wouldn’t graduate high school. One is now a sophomore in college studying nursing. Another is in the military reserves starting college. The third worked for her mentoring family while looking for permanent work after graduation. “Our program is voluntary, so families come in because they want to,” said Dr. Holland. “We provide a network of support to help the children thrive.” “We strive to lift families up,” said Hensley. She joined FAM+ after deciding to give back through mentoring. “I didn’t realize how big the community investment was when I joined,” she said. One time Hensley was pulled over while hauling some Christmas trees. After the officer learned she was collecting toys for children in Delta County, he donated 300 Matchbox cars. “I was amazed, but it’s really just one example of the overwhelming response this community has to help Delta County’s children,” she said. To become involved with FAM+ visit its website, email familiespluscolorado@gmail. com or call 970-874-0464. Stay connected by following on Facebook under Delta County Families Plus.

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The Congressional Record from the U.S. House of Representatives paying tribute to FAM+ for “providing exceptional health care to those living in Third District’s rural communities.” Families Plus was named a Champion of Innovation in Health Care Delivery for 2018.

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The staff of Families Plus

Downtown DeltaFest provided a fun community connection for FAM+.