Delta County Independent, Oct. 24, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

SPOOKY FUN

Rocky Horror shadow cast kicks off Halloween activities, B1

SPORTS

A LITTLE HELP

SPRINTING TO THE END

Volunteers help senior citizens with yard, household tasks, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Cross-country runners set their sights on state competition, B5-8

OCTOBER 24, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 43

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Soper’s residency raises questions BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A recent news article has raised questions about Matt Soper’s residency, but the questions do not appear to affect his eligibility to run for state representative from District 54. Soper responded to those questions via a short email to the DCI: “Typical October surprise. The fact is I was born and raised in Delta, graduated from Delta High School, and live in Delta. They don’t talk about the issues, but I do.” The Daily Sentinel article also raises the specter of voter fraud, by pointing out that Soper’s ballot is mailed to his family home, but not his current place of residence, which is also in the City of Delta and well within the boundaries of District 54. Teri Stephenson, Delta County clerk and recorder, clarified the issue with the Colorado secretary of state on Monday morning, and confirmed Soper’s registration for 10 Hartig, his family home, is in compliance. She cited a state statute that outlines the rules to be used to determine the residence of a person intending to register or to vote in any precinct in this state: “The residence of a person is the principal or primary home or place of abode of a person. A principal or primary home or place of abode is that home or place in which a person’s habitation is fixed and to which that person, whenever absent, has the present intention of

Large quantity of meth located Just after midnight on Oct. 16, officers from the Delta Police Department arrested Nathaniel Michael Hammond, 24, of Montrose. He was jailed after officers found approximately 74.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine and items relating to the distribution of drugs in his possession. He is charged with alleged possession of controlled substance, a Class 4 drug felony, and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, a Class 2 drug felony. Hammond was also arrested on six warrants with a total of $19,750 in bonds. Officer Will Hammon and K9 Raico assisted with the arrest, providing specialized K9 drug detecHammond tion skills.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ......................A11 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A12 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ....................A10 School Zone ............... A6-7 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

returning after a departure or absence, regardless of the duration of the absence.” “When you register, there’s an intent clause, that if you intend on moving back or at some point making that your residence, you can do so,” Stephenson explained. On Monday, the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office confirmed receipt of a complaint alleging improper voter registration, and said it is under investigation. The complaint itself will not be released. According to the DA’s office, “An investigation regarding allegations of unlawful residency for voter registration are typically very involved and lengthy.” A second complaint challenges Soper’s eligibility for candidacy. That complaint, Stephenson said, was not filed in a timely manner. “The complaint would have needed to be filed within five days after ballot certification, and that was not done,” Stephenson said. She added, “What can SOPER TO A3

Runway project takes off

Photos submitted

Blake Field is swarming with construction vehicles, as reconstruction of the main runway takes place. Updates to the 30-year-old runway will include a new taxiway from the west end of the runway back to the main taxiway, as well as a new runway lighting system. Construction will close the main runway for approximately three months. In the meantime, Delta County Road & Bridge constructed a dirt crosswind runway that is open for use. Scott Woodrow of Armstrong Consultants and Cheryl Husmann of Smiling Aviation, the ﬁxed base operator at Blake Field, provided these photos of United Construction crews at work on the project. The aerial shot illustrates partial removal of the pavement, as seen from the darker area. The new crosswind runway is pictured on the left side of the photo.

Planning commission restructuring, land use code update are in the works BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

County commissioners Doug Atchley, Don Suppes and Mark Roeber met with members of the Delta County Planning Commission Oct. 17 at the Maloney House in Hotchkiss in preparation for the land use code update and restructuring of the planning commission. County planning commission members are: from District 1, Angela Mackey, vice chair, Steve Schrock and Steve Shea; from District 2, Layne Brones, Tate Locke, Lucinda Stanley; from District 3, Tony Prendergast, Kim Shay, Bob Stechert, chair. In regard to the land use code update, Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director, reported that the two working groups formed after adoption of the Master Plan will be presenting their reports in the near future. The Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) working group has completed its meetings and its report is being compiled. The Oil and Gas Working Group will have its final formal meeting on Nov. 29. Both working groups will participate in a joint meeting with county commissioners and planning commission members soon, at which time the land use process will begin. Casselberry said the Master Plan and working group processes have provided tremendous GIS data. The county has not evaluated land use regulations since the 1970s.

The consultant RPI took the lead role in outreach and gathering data during the Master Plan process. Commissioner Atchley said the county is very confident in having the current county staff lead the land use planning process, although the consultant attorney will play a major role. Commissioner Suppes noted the commissioners and staff had an hour long conversation with the consultant attorney that morning and he has the needed base of knowledge and experience in drawing up land use regulations in counties similar to Delta County.

Tony Prendergast asked if the public will be involved in the process of drawing up the land use regulations. The commissioners and Casselberry said the public will be involved. The need for a water working group was discussed by all present, including the complexity of identifying how many sources and providers of water are currently part of Delta County’s efforts. Atchley said that was part of the discussion between the county and the consultant held that day. Suppes said it may come down to a regional map for water sources. Regarding restructuring

of the planning commission, area planning committees will no longer be part of the planning process. Instead, the planning commission will be restructured to include nine members and three associate members, beginning in January. Associate members will not vote except in the absence of a member. Bob Stechert, planning commission chairman, noted benefits of having associate members: there will always be a quorum present, and the associate members will provide better continuity for the planning commission. All three county commissioners agreed.

DMEA membership votes yes on Articles of Incorporation changes At a special meeting Oct. 16 and through mail-in ballots, the Delta-Montrose Electric Association membership voted 2,677-1,248 to approve amended and restated Articles of Incorporation, giving the co-op the authority to operate under Article 56 of the Colorado Cooperative Act. In doing so, Jasen Bronec, CEO, said the membership has positioned DMEA for its next 80 years and has helped ensure that the cooperative remain competitive, reliable, and costeffective. One of the most significant changes under Article 56 is that it allows DMEA to issue capital stock as a way to raise capital for important projects.

The value of water: A collaboration As we close out an extremely dry water year, water users in the Colorado River Basin grapple with how to react to looming shortages. Join Audubon Rockies, Black Canyon Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, the Business for Water Stewardship, Mayfly Outdoors, and the Colorado River District for an evening of community, food and discussion about charting Colorado’s water future. The evening will include a conversation about water by a diverse panel of participants with backgrounds in wildlife biology, water management, law, policy and planning, and outdoor recreation with ample opportunity for questions and public engagement. Topics will cover drought impacts, risk reduction, and the economic and ecological benefits of healthy rivers. The discussion will take place Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose.

“I’d like to personally thank the membership for the trust you have placed in DMEA’s board and staff. Our revised Articles of Incorporation will allow us to operate under more modern standards and give us flexibility when pursuing a variety of member-driven projects,” stated Bronec. Some of the key changes to the articles are related to DMEA’s wholesale power supplier, Tri-State. DMEA’s board and management have looked to address Tri-State’s increasing costs. One option that DMEA has been considering is buying out of its Tri-State contract. The yes vote on the Articles of Incorporation gives DMEA the financial flexibil-

ity to raise money by issuing capital stock, which could be used to fund the potential buyout. “We believe addressing our power supply costs is essential for long-term rate stabilization for our members. This was the primary driver behind our recommendation to amend and restate the Articles of Incorporation. We recognize that some of our members were not proponents of the initiative. Their ability to make their voice heard through this vote represents what I hold most dear about cooperatives. Our membership, has given us direction — it’s the best example of local control I can think of,” stated Bronec.

Voter center opens

On Monday, Oct. 22, a voter service and polling center opened in the Delta County Courthouse, where residents can vote in person, drop off a ballot and register to vote. The center will be open through Election Day. All voters who vote in person must provide identification. The courthouse, North Fork Annex and Cedaredge Library also have 24-hour drop boxes, for those who wish to avoid paying 71¢ in postage to return their ballots by mail. Voters can still get a mail ballot sent to them by registering or updating their address at www.GoVoteColorado.com or by texting “CO” to “28683” (2VOTE). Voters can also check the status of their ballot at the same site. Oct. 22 was also the first day that county clerks could begin counting ballots, although no results may be disclosed until after 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 6.

A2 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Voters urged to pass ambulance measures Dear Editor: Delta County Ambulance District No. 1 supports a property tax increase to adequately fund the North Fork Ambulance nonprofit subscription service to create a second tax based district in Delta and adjoining counties. We encourage the residents of the Crawford, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Somerset to pass this ballot measure for the safety and well-being of their community. Accidents do happen. Accidents happen in all kinds of weather and at all times of the day and night. An immediate

response by professionally trained staff often makes life saving differences. The revenue from billing Medicare and Medicaid is not keeping up with the cost of medical equipment and training. Unlike a retail store which can close when business is slow, ambulances services must remain completely open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year! The North Fork Ambulance has done an admirable job of providing service for many years. However, the reduction in reimbursements are

making it highly unlikely to continue to provide and improve service if voters do not approve the creation of the district and imposing the property tax. On Nov. 6, the board of directors of Delta County Ambulance District No. 1 are encouraging a vote YES on Ballot Measures 7E and 7F to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the entire county! Thomas H. Huerkamp President, Board of Directors Delta County Ambulance District No. 1 Delta

Vote yes on 7E and 7F Dear Editor: Accesses to critical, timely, emergency health care service in the North Fork Valley is threatened. The current funding model of the NFA is not sustainable. Regulatory demands, oversight and the ever-increasing cost of live saving equipment and training are undermining NFA’s financial viability. The unique mountainous geography and the sparsely populated demographics of the North Fork Valley and surrounding area make the delivery of critical, timely emergency services efficiently, at a reasonable cost is incredibly challenging. Our neighbors and partner, the Delta Coun-

ty Ambulance District is partially funded by 5.7 percent mill levy, allowing them to deliver quality emergency medical services. A full-time staffing model works because of the population density of the service area. A similar staffing model basing full-time crews in Crawford, Hotchkiss, and Paonia would be cost prohibitive and consolidation would be likely. A no vote will/could have the same impact. Losing stationed crews in any of the cities will negatively impact access to timely, critical emergency services. The current community-based solution of part-time, oncall emergency responders, pre-positioned in the communities of Crawford,

Hotchkiss, and Paonia is highly effective in delivering timely, emergency services to the North Fork and surrounding area. Unfortunately, our current funding model cannot keep up with exponential growth in the cost of delivering of health care. We need your help. The North Fork Ambulance is your ambulance. You know us, you see us, we are your friends, we are your neighbors. A YES vote on 7E and 7F will help us to continue delivering the effective, timely, emergency medical response at that moment when you are most in need. Marcus A. Roeder Board of Directors North Fork Ambulance

Churches appeal to voters in Delta and the child’s struggle Pastor William S. in life increases exponenBishop (Retired) tially. It is irresponsible James Conley, for us to pass this ordiFirst Baptist Church nance to boost our own John Copper, economy at a price where Surface Creek some will suffer because Community Church of their addiction. As Gary Culp, pastors and ministers Grand Mesa of our local churches we Bible Church are encouraging you to Terry Hedrick, stand for what is moral Gunnison Valley and socially responsible. Church of the Nazarene Please vote NO on City Jerry Hilterbrand II, of Delta Referred MeaGarnet Mesa sure 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H. Baptist Church Take a stand for healthy Shane Kier, families! Cowboy at the Cross Let’s think about our Pastor Mel Mertens community and how we Pastors David and can support our families, Michele Murphy, our children, and our World Win Ministries city without making it Jason Neely, easier to access drugs. Rivers Church Let’s find other measures Eliezer Roque-Cisneros, that will benefit both the Delta Seventh-day citizens and economic Adventist development apart from Paul Rosin, opening our community All Saints Lutheran to the marijuana indusDennis Scroggins, try. Again, thank you for Grand Mesa reading and considering Southern Baptist your vote on these imporTom Seibert, tant issues. St. Luke’s Episcopal Bob Aubery, Mark Thompson, First Church of God Rivers Church Dave Williams, New Hope Church Todd Laws, Young Life Small Town Director Bill and Karen Wadley, vice to keep up with the Dear Editor: Delta Praise Center As president of the demands of emergency Hotchkiss Fire Board medicine. Our tax dolI get to see how public lars will help maintain a funding is important to vital ambulance service, maintain a group of first help attract and retain responders. The North on-call crew members, Dear Editor: Fork Ambulance is the and provide a high level Re: Oct. 10 letter from only ambulance service of training required for in the North Fork Val- all responders. It will Steve Smith in Paonia, ley. It is responsible for help replace and update “Are you also guilty of a 1,500 square miles over aging and obsolete equip- crime?” British, I Being three counties. They also ment and an aging ambuassumed it was illegal maintain three stations lance fleet. In conclusion in the region. Unfortu- I encourage North Fork to feed deer because it is nately funding through voters to vote yes on bal- unsportsmanlike to lure game to their deaths. I memberships, and lot measure 7E and 7F. Sean Cantrell learn at cpw.state.co.us grants isn’t a reliable President that the 1992 law has to way for a small community ambulance ser- Hotchkiss Fire Board do with avoiding possible future adverse encounters between wildlife and ourselves. Last summer I paid $30 for a “deer resistant” rose bush. I left it under my deck overnight before planting, right beside the house, and in the mornDELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage ing it was a $30 stump. I paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA thought this was a crime COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 perpetrated by a deer, but might the district wild401 Meeker St. • (970) 874-4421 life manager have made editor@deltacountyindependent.com me the criminal? What ads@deltacountyindependent.com

Dear Editor: This November, citizens of Delta are being asked by our city council to vote on four ballot measures to allow the presence of commercial marijuana shops and growing facilities in the City of Delta to boost the local economy. There is no doubt that medical marijuana does have some effect on controlling seizures and pain if it is initiated through a medical professional. Our concern with marijuana shops is that it opens the door to many people with addictive personalities. We have been informed that smoking marijuana for any length of time can cause damage (especially in teenagers) to the brain. Marijuana smoked for recreational purposes can be a gateway to other drugs such as meth. For example, if a woman is addicted to marijuana, meth or alcohol the infant is born with the same addiction,

Yes for North Fork Ambulance

Lund overstates his role on Hartland project Dear Editor: The Delta County Independent ran an article about Olen Lund’s bid for Senate District 5. Lund stated he was chairman of the Painted Sky Resource Conservation and Development Council (PS) and he built a farmers’, environmentalists’, ranchers’ and recreationalists’ consensus to modify the Hartland Dam on the Gunnison River to facilitate passage of endangered fish and recreations boaters along the river. Olen’s Hartland statement is incorrect and demonstrates his lack of understanding of the project and PS. The redesigned Hartland dam enabled two sucker species and the round tail chub to reconnect fish populations above and below the dam. Although not endangered, these fish were species of concern to USFWS. USFWS told PS to never say “endangered species!” Olen didn’t help build the required consensus for this project.

INDEPENDENT

At an early meeting Olen, a landowner on the North Fork, stated landowners on the river wouldn’t want increased boating. As Delta County commissioner he stopped river-based economic development. After he left, a launch/pullout boat site for the NFR was approved at the fairgrounds. The $3 million Hartland Project was funded through proposals I led to federal, Colorado and private funding sources. Most of the money was contracted to local western Colorado businesses. Lund chose to kill PS at the Hartland Project completion. Lund said PS wasn’t needed and NRCS ended their RC&D program. However, PS could have stood on its own. There were RC&D organizations in every state, many of them are still in existence today. Killing PS doesn’t demonstrate support for rural western Colorado farms and businesses. PS helped small rural businesses in its seven-

county west central area. Projects were funded through competitive federal programs. Projects ranged from an economic viability evaluation of a new farm income stream to a small business energy efficiency project revolving loan fund. PS won a NRCS/CCIP national competition. The award was for the Uncompahgre Valley Soil Health Program (UVSHP). UVSHP brought $1+ million funds supporting farmers implementing projects. This happened while Lund was killing Painted Sky. Lund’s total lack of understanding of federal procurement process almost lost this important program for western Colorado. The contract transfer to DCED only happened because of the strong support from the local farmers and NRCS offices (Delta and Montrose), and Senator Bennet. I urge you to vote for Senator Kerry Donovan. Mike Drake Paonia

Amendment 74 is disastrous for local government Dear Editor: Delta County and its residents should be 100 percent opposed to Amendment 74. This proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution is a direct attack on local control and self-governance masquerading as protections for private property. Delta County is working hard to be a leader in protecting clean air and water, and the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. It has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and nearly two years of work revising its master plan, and has brought together two separate working groups to evaluate new ways to protect its residents’ health and safety. More than that, Delta County prioritizes agriculture and ag lands as

the basis of its economy and rural lifestyle. Amendment 74 is a direct threat to all the work the county has put in over the last few years, and a direct threat to the rural, agricultural lifestyle we pride ourselves on. Amendment 74 is so broadly worded that any land use planning efforts the county engages in, any land use regulation, will be met with lawsuit after lawsuit. And what’s worse, the county will lose. And lose, and lose, and lose. Millions of tax dollars are at stake. In fact, in Oregon, where a similarly broad resolution was passed, the state racked up $20 BILLION in claims in just three short years, before voters rescinded it. Amendment 74 will also give wealthy outside

developers a loophole into building anything they want, while threatening lawsuits if the county tries to wield its regulatory authority. Colorado already has strong protections for private property rights in place. If a government seizes private lands, or if a regulation devalues a property, eminent domain rules and a hundred years of takings laws require that the property owner be compensated. Amendment 74 is being pushed by wealthy corporations to hamstring local governments. If Delta County, and we as residents, really care about protecting health, safety, and welfare, we must opppose it. Andrew ForkesGudmundson Paonia

There’s more to Amendment 73 than meets the eye Dear Editor: There are many amendments and propositions on this year’s ballot – 107 pages in the Blue Book. It is much to digest. I am writing to ask that you look beyond the first sentence in Amendment 73 – Funding for Public Schools. A $1.6 billion increase in taxes is large and may cause your “no” reflex to kick in. Importantly, 92 percent of taxpayers in Colorado (97 percent in Delta County) will see no increase in their income tax. If your household income is below $150,000, your state income tax will remain the same. This amendment would generate its revenue from an increased tax on higher wage earners and “C” corporations. The revenues would boost funding for education. Decisions on how to use them would be made by local school

CPW encourages bird feeders

DELTA COUNTY

Delta County Independent

about all the deer-sculpted bushes in our yards and cemeteries? We all of us here in western Colorado feed the deer, however inadvertently. Also in cpw.state.co.us I read, “Colorado Parks and Wildlife supports and encourages using backyard bird feeders to supplement natural food for song birds ...” They go on to encourage us to feed clean seed and even fruit throughout the winter and spring so “the birds that become dependent on the feeder will still have a source of food.” I think the district wildlife manager should help Mr. Smith replace his backyard bird feeders. Wendy Harrah Cedaredge

districts. There would be a small decrease from this year’s property tax rate, 7.2 percent to 7 percent. More notably, small business owners, ranchers, and farmers will see a 5 percent drop in their business property rate, from 29 to 24 percent. These property tax decreases apply only to funding for education, so other special districts will not see a decrease in their revenues. Please visit the tax impact calculator located on the Colorado School Finance Project website at www.cosfp.org. Click on the calculator and enter your household income, property value,

and address. It will tell you within a couple of dollars how you will be personally impacted. Your address serves to show you how your local school district will benefit from the amendment, should it pass. Once you know how you will be affected, you can make a more informed decision. You can find more information about the amendment at www. yesonamendment73. com. Arguments against the amendment can be found on www.noamend ment73.com. Thank you for your time and consideration. Richard Hypio Hotchkiss

You can count on Olen Lund Dear Editor: By now we have received our election ballots and are making our decisions on which candidates to support. I urge you to support Olen Lund in Senate District 5 as the candidate who will represent us, the citizens of the forgotten Western Slope, as our voice in Denver. Olen has deep roots in the North Fork and has been serving our communities for decades on the Gunnison Basin Roundtable, County Commissioner, DMEA board, and Farm Bureau. He is vested in Western Slope with his family farm and agriculture: “For over 50 years I’ve been scattering water over the fields to irrigate thirsty crops. I started learning how to handle irrigation when, as an elementary school kid, I had my own garden where I grew vegetables to sell to the neighbors. Irrigation is a practice that is ever evolving as crops and methods improve. I know our government should do the

same.” We can depend on Olen to represent the Western Slope economy and rural schools: “I will stand up for the men and women who earn their living in agriculture, energy, tourism, and recreation. Agriculture, energy, tourism, and recreation are all important employers in Senate District 5. And each of them needs a well-educated work force to keep going. Making sure we support and fund elementary and high schools in rural Colorado is crucial to employers that want to make Senate District 5 their home. Educating our children must be a priority.” We can count on Olen to work hard as state senator with a no nonsense bipartisan work ethic. Look at your ballot and vote for Olen Lund, the candidate that works and lives here with us, who will best represent us and the Western Slope. Wendell Koontz Hotchkiss

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Trick-or-treat downtown Delta Oct. 31

Laughing Goat ��

Downtown Delta merchants are gearing up for throngs of costumed kids Wednesday, Oct. 31. Trick-or-treating begins shortly after 3 p.m. and continues until about 5 p.m. — or supplies of candy give out.

Correction

A quote from hospital CEO Jason Cleckler in the Oct. 17 edition of the Delta County Independent. In the page one article, “DCMH expands, updates services to meet changing environment,” Cleckler is quoted as saying opioid abuse is the leading cause of death in the U.S. That quote is incomplete. Cleckler stated, “Overdoses from opioids is becoming one of the leading causes of death in America for people under the age of 50.”

Soper be done, once a winner is declared after the election, there’s a 10-day window a complaint can be filed with the secretary of state’s office. Because this is a state race, it really is out of my hands. It goes directly to the secretary of state.” Again, Stephenson confirmed that Soper is an eligible candidate if he lives anywhere within the City of Delta.

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Getting out the vote

Photo by Pat Sunderland

U.S. Representative Scott Tipton and fellow Republicans gathered at the GOP headquarters on Delta’s Main Street last week. While Tipton discussed some of the issues he’s raised during his campaign for re-election, he also wanted to thank the Delta County Republicans for their help and support, and to encourage participation from all voters. The future of Colorado is at stake, he stressed. After Tipton’s visit, GOP candidates walked downtown Delta waving campaign signs.

ELECT ��

Electric vehicle charging station proposed for Delta BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The City of Delta is the recipient of a Blueprint 2.0 award to determine how to better market the city. While the community explores ways to transform Delta into a destination, Atlasta Solar says one tool might be an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Atlasta is applying for the next round of grants from the Charge Ahead Colorado EV program. Atlasta proposes to buy and maintain the EV charger, and purchase the power from the city. Lou Villaire, co-owner of Atlasta Solar Center, explained the charging stations are a destination for the owners of electric vehicles, who use an app on their smart phones to locate a power source. He says locating the recharging station in a city-owned parking lot downtown would benefit Main Street businesses, as EV owners have about an hour to kill while their vehicles are recharging. In 2012 there were only 50 EV charging stations in Colorado, he said. As of May, there were over 600 charging stations in Colorado.

Nathan Clay provided an update on CRAFT 201, which is the name given to the Blueprint 2.0 initiative focusing on tourism. “It boils down to marketing,” he said. “First, to our own residents, then to the outside.” Several events are in the planning stages, beginning with a launch party in early 2019. During the council’s regular meeting, a contract for structural engineering services was awarded to the sole bidder, TH Engineering. The firm will assist with the three project phases of the West Home Center project. The three phases — asbestos abatement, building demolition and pocket park construction — are being funded by a DOLA blight remediation award of $234,402. The city’s match is $38,158. At the recommendation of the city attorney, council members approved a resolution authorizing him to file the paperwork necessary to maintain water rights the city decreed for hydroelectric generating uses. Council members also declared support for Amendment 73, a ballot initiative to increase funding for public education in Colorado, and a grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado for an OHV trail preparing its 2019 bud- that would connect Delta get, said TCR’s request to Whitewater, through will be reviewed during Escalante Canyon. Delta the budget process. County is the applicant.

He provided a copy of an electric vehicle charging station map which illustrates a gap between Grand Junction, Montrose and Paonia. “We hope this project can fill that gap,” he told Delta City Council members at a recent work session. Council directed staff to work with Atlasta to determine an appropriate location and help finalize the grant application, which is due at the end of the month. Villaire said the grant is funded through the Volkswagen emissions settlement. “Colorado is using that settlement to build out this infrastructure,” he said. Also during the work session, council members received a threering binder detailing city-owned properties including parks, parking lots, DURA parcels, city facilities, cemetery, golf course, vacant land and parcels of land obtained through right-of-way exchanges for railroad relocation and the alternate truck route. The inventory will be the subject of a work session on Nov. 6. Council member

Tech college requests funding for scholarships BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Jessica Carlson from Technical College of the Rockies requested funding from Delta County Commissioners at their Oct. 15 meeting for the college’s Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The scholarships are needed for area high school students who take classes at TCR to equip the student to achieve certification for employment, or for students who are taking college classes to enter college with credits toward their degree. Carlson said the scholarships provide the funding for materials needed by the students in their TCR classes, sometimes for transportation costs to get to classes at TCR, and for other financial needs. The scholarships are income based. Carlson said TCR also works with businesses and service organizations to help the students raise their own money. In some cases a business, such as an automotive repair facility, will fund the costs for the materials the student needs to successfully complete the classes needed for state certification. Commissioner Doug Atchley, noting that the county is in the process of

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�� I WILL BRING SOME DIVERSITY TO THE COURTHOUSE AND IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC. I BELIEVE WE CAN IMPROVE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY WHILE PRESERVING THE RURAL QUALITY OF LIFE WE ALL CHERISH. Paid for by Dick Gilmore for County Commissioner

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Punkin Chunkin Festival & Haunted Night Maze ��

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Events:

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A4 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

ACCENT

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BIRTHS

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Delta County Independent

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Brian and Lindsey Balderston are the parents of a daughter, Carley Kaye, born at St. Mary’s Hospital on Oct. 1, 2018. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 18 inches in length. Her grandparents are Doug and Pam Balderston and Cindy and Eddie Fresquez, all of Delta, and the late Jim Whitefield of Eckert.

Learn canning techniques for meat

�� Sharon Peterson, �� Delta County resident �� and author of “Simply

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Photo submitted

Street Rodders support PRC

Proceeds from the Delta Street Rodders’ car show, held annually during Deltarado Days, were shared with the Pregnancy Resource Center and the Delta Food Pantry. Above, PRC board members Ruth Grass, Suzanne Michaelis, Bill Miller, Bill Schmidt, Dewey Blair and Sheri Fisher, director, gratefully accept a $500 donation. Representing the Delta Street Rodders are Sam Vasicko, club president; Larry Rhine, vice president; Stan Clark, treasurer; and Mary Jane Place. The Pregnancy Resource Center assists women with unplanned pregnancies, providing support for mothers to carry their children to term and plan for their care.

Jack and Mary Blair celebrate 65th anniversary

Canning,” will be at Delta Ace Hardware on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., discussing canAn open house is ning techniques for meat, planned Saturday, Nov. just in time for the hunt- 3, to celebrate the 65th ing season. She will be available to answer any canning question.

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

SAV E E AT TH E D

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bring the kids in to decorate FREE pumpkins with nails, nuts, bolts, screws and more. IT’S FREE AND IT’S SURE TO BE FUN!

Just in time for Hunting Season!

�� SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

Mary and Jack Blair

wedding anniversary of grandchildren. Friends and neighbors John “Jack” and Mary Blair. The celebration will are invited to stop by for be held at their home at cake and beverages. 1740 Mink Street, Delta, from 2 to 4 p.m. The Blairs were married in Van Wert, Iowa, on Nov. 1, 1953. Jack is a retired independent insurance agent; Mary is a homemaker. They have two childen, Jennifer and Chad Roeber of Carbondale and John Blair of Paonia. They also have three Jack and Mary Blair

Delta veterans perform POW/MIA ceremony On Friday, Oct. 19, members of Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3571 and Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 performed a prisoner of war/missing in action ceremony and established a POW/MIA table at the Confluence Cafe at 440 Main Street, Delta. The table stands as a remembrance of the thousands of United States servicemen and

women who are still considered to be prisoners of war or missing in action. The somber ceremony explaining and setting up the table is an important remembrance to many veterans, who have

vowed to never forget their missing comrades, and the family members of the missing who wait for the identification and return of the remains of those veterans for proper burial.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sharon Peterson, Delta County resident and author of Simply Canning will be at Delta Hardware discussing how to safely can meat. Sharon will also be available to answer other questions on canning techniques. ��

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The POW/MIA table prepared for the ceremony and ﬁnal setting of the table.

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A certificate of appreciation is presented to Mona Jensen, owner of the Confluence Cafe after the setting of the POW/MIA table. From left to right: Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 Commander Louis “Corky” Ware, Lee Marts VFW Auxiliary 3571 President Della Ware (reading certificate), Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 Commander Greg Jackson, Mona Jensen, and Harry A. White American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 65 President Debra Jackson.

Open house planned for Lee Martinson’s 80th The family of Lee Martinson is hosting an open house in celebration of his 80th birthday Saturday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church. Martinson, a registered pharmacist, moved from Iowa to Delta in 1981, when he bought Comet Drug Store from Bill Heddles and Don Cooper. He retired and sold the pharmacy files to Safeway in 2002. He married Carol (Beck) Martinson in 1999 and has four daughters, Nancy Grebenc, Wendy Tomaschow, Amy Martinson and Heidi Martinson Reasoner.; two stepsons, Brian and Justin Beck; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He enjoys photography, cribbage, hunting, fishing, and used to love playing volleyball, including mud volleyball. The family will provide snacks and some special Norwegian food, in a nod to Martinson’s Norwegian roots. They request no gifts, but would appreciate cards.

Lee Martinson

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Harry A. White American Legion Auxiliary chartered

Food pantry donation

Photo submitted

Delta Food Pantry representatives Camilla Cox and Mary Pfalzgraff gratefully accept a $1,000 donation from the Delta Street Rodders. The funds represent the proceeds from the club’s car show, held annually during Deltarado Days. Representing the Delta Street Rodders are Sam Vasicko, club president; Larry Rhine, vice president; Stan Clark, treasurer; and Mary Jane Place.

Pertussis disease alert During 2017 Colorado reported 680 cases of pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious illness, passed to others by respiratory droplets (usually through coughing). Pertussis can cause severe illness especially in infants and young children. Pertussis begins with a mild cough that progressively becomes more severe until the person develops coughing fits (that can last for weeks). Vomiting, breathlessness, a change in facial color, and/or a whooping sound may follow the coughing fits. Pertussis may be very severe in infants and young children (especially those without 3 doses of pertussis vaccine), and may result in hospitalization, seizures, long-term neurological problems, and even death. Pertussis can also occur in immunized individuals, because the immunity gained from childhood vaccination typically wanes by adolescence.

Persons with a persistent cough should inform their physician of their symptoms and if your physician suspects pertussis, you should be tested. Delta County Health Department (DCHD) staff recommends that you review immunization records of all children, adolescents, and adults in your household to ensure they are upto-date on their DTaP/ Tdap shots. Caregivers of young children should also ensure that they are up-to-date on their Tdap vaccinations. In summary, DCHD staff recommends the following: • Contact your health care provider if you have a persistent cough. • If diagnosed with pertussis, complete a course of an appropriate antibiotic for pertussis. • Individuals diagnosed with pertussis will be excluded from school/ child care until they have completed five days of an appropriate antibiotic. • Review the DTaP/

Tdap immunization records of all members of your household and arrange for vaccination if not up to date. If you have any questions please contact Delta County Health Department at 970-874-2165.

At the American Legion District 11 Fall Conference hosted by American Legion Post 190 in Crawford on Sunday, Oct. 21, the ladies of the newly formed Harry A. White Ladies Auxiliary 65 of Delta received their official charter and list of charter members. Members of each American Legion post and auxiliary in District 11 were present to witness the charter awarded by American Legion Ladies Auxiliary President Laurie Kuntz. Also present for the presentation were American Legion Department of Colorado Commander Robb Smith, Department Adjutant Charles “Pat” Smith, Department Junior Vice Commander Greg Jackson, Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander Ron Noakes and District 11 American Legion Commander Jimmy Davidson. The new auxiliary has 12 charter members and is looking forward

to recruiting additional members to assist the Post in advocating for veterans, educating our citizens, mentoring youth, and promoting patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. Mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaugh-

ters, great granddaughters, and grandmothers of American Legion members or of deceased veterans who served in time of war may be eligible to join the new auxiliary. Call Debra Jackson at 399-3027 for additional information.

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Caryl Rowland and historian Sandy Baker hold the charter member document, while Department Auxiliary President Laurie Kuntz and Auxiliary 65 President Debra Jackson display the new charter for the Harry A. White Auxiliary 65 in Delta.

A6 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Latimer House to hold open house

Traffic tip

Hilltop’s Latimer House in Montrose is holding an open house on Thursday, Oct. 25. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at 540 South 1st Street, Montrose. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Oct. 25 is Purple Thursday, where everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show support for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. The open house is a great opportunity to learn about Latimer House in Montrose and the domestic violence and sexual assault services it offers. Staff will be available to answer questions, and refreshments will be served. Latimer House serves women, children and men in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. For more information visit www.htop.org.

Halloween Halloween is quickly approaching us, which means our streets and roadways will soon be crowded with tiny costume wearing pedestrians. Halloween presents many challenges to drivers and parents alike. Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-802(1) outlines pedestrians right-of-way in crosswalks: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway which the vehicle is traveling.” What if there is no crosswalk? 42-4-803(1) explains state law when a pedestrian crosses the roadway at any other point other than a marked crosswalk: “Every pedestrian cross-

By Trooper Evan Hilling

Photo by Pat Sunderland

National Fire Prevention Week

Bryce Atchley (with helmet) and Tyler Valdez demonstrate the tools used by volunteer firefighters when they respond to structure fires or traffic accidents. In their classrooms, kindergarten and first grade students at both Garnet Mesa Elementary and Lincoln Elementary were given fire safety tips to take home and share with their families. The educational outreach took place during Fire Prevention Week, which is observed across the nation. The 2018 theme was “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

ing a roadway at any other point than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.” This statute also specifically states that when traffic control signals and crosswalks are in operation, they must be utilized by pedestrians. Responsible and respectful behavior from both pedestrians and motorists alike keeps everybody safe. The Colorado State Patrol thanks you for your awareness and safety to protect our little superheroes and princesses this Halloween! Questions or suggestions for future tips? Feel free to email Trooper Hilling at donald. hilling@state.co.us.

Good Luck to Cedaredge and Delta High School Marching Bands at the

STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 at CSU-Pueblo Stadium CEDAREDGE performs at 12:30 p.m. DELTA performs at 2:45 p.m.

Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

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

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SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Daddy, daughter dance is Nov. 10 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 (back row) Bailey Marin, Adyson Cox, Scarlett Parrish, Katie Bascue; (front row) Vincent Abeyta, Rassalee Beaumier, Jacob Duty, Sofia Cortez, Jaxson Crick. Below are second and third graders (back row) Sam Yost, Landen Taylor, Lizzy Wrich, Cody Brack; (front row) Esmeralda Ramirez, Emma St. Clair, and Jordin Salas.

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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.

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.

CenturyLink grants support technology As part of its ongoing commitment to the communities it serves, CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) is accepting applications for the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program. With education at the forefront of the foundation’s focus, the program is designed to help teachers bring technology into their respective classrooms to increase student achievement. To apply, teachers should visit www.cen turylink.com/teachersand technology and complete an online application before midnight (Eastern) Jan. 12, 2019. Eligibility for grants extends to all pre-K through 12th grade teachers in public, private and/ or charter schools located in a CenturyLink residential service area. Applicants have the chance to receive grants of up to $5,000 to implement innovative technology solutions in their classrooms. “CenturyLink understands how important it

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is to have technology in today’s classrooms,” said Sondra Smith, CenturyLink corporate social responsibility director. “More than ever, our students need to be exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts, and our teachers need the right tools to be able to reach them. We are proud to offer these grants to help deserving teachers enhance students’ learning experience in the classroom.” Launched in 2008, the CenturyLink Teachers and Technology program has awarded nearly $11 million in grants. For the 2017-2018 school year, nearly 2,000 grant applications were submitted and more than 300 grants were awarded based on each project’s overall innovation and anticipated positive impact on student achievement in the classroom. CenturyLink service is neither required nor considered in the review of applications.

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

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A8 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

KERRY DONOVAN

Delta County Independent

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Phaelen French represents U.S. in military pentathlon letes around the world, create new experiences, and facilitate new friendPhaelen French, a ships. 2008 graduate of Delta French, the daughter High School and a capof Don and Beth French tain in the U.S. Air Force, of Austin, was one of two participated in the 46th female military particiWorld Military Modern pants qualifying for the Pentathlon Championevent from the U.S. ship in Hungary Sept. Results were posted 24-30. The event was to United States Armed hosted by the Hungarian Forces Sports Facebook Defence Forces. page on Sept. 27: The pentathlon was For the first event of introduced at the 18th the day, the 200m swim, Olympiad in 708 BC, French, in her first interand in 1911, during the national competition, International Olympic finished 35th. Teammate Committee in Budapest, Samantha Achterburg the modern pentathlon finished 29th. was re-introduced as an Next up was fencing — 2 and 1⁄2 hours of sheer mettle. French finished with four victories and 33 defeats (38th) while Achterburg finished with 12 victories/25 defeats and one bonus point (35th for this event). The ladies rode fantastically in the horse jumping event, scoring 290 (10 second time penalty) and 300 points each for Achterburg and French, respectively. (Max score: 300 points). Going into the final event, laser/run Achterburg was in the 32nd starting position and French in 35th. The ladies ran hard, with Achterberg finishing third fastest overall and 19th for the entire day. French shot well, includPhoto submitted ing a perfect 5/5 on her The modern pentathlon consists of military skills third round of shooting, such as fencing, swimming, horse riding, shooting and running.

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Olympic sport created from military skills as fencing, swimming, horse riding, shooting and running. The founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, believed that the modern pentathlon tested a man’s moral qualities as much as his physical resources and skills, producing thereby the ideal, complete athlete. Competition drew an elite group of 38 athletes from 19 countries. The event is intended to strengthen the military community of ath-

finishing 35th overall on the day. The U.S. team also had one male competitor who finished last in the men’s competition but when he and Achterburg competed together in the mixed relays, they came in fourth. French attended the Air Force Academy, where she competed in track and field, including the track heptathlon, a contest made up of seven events. For the past three years, she has been a member of the U.S. military triathlon team. Men and women from all branches of the military compete annually at Point Magu near Oxnard, Calif., to determine who will respresent the U.S.

at international competition. Based on her performance at that event, French was selected to participate in the pentathlon championship. The two events have running and swimming in common, and French grew up around horses, so she feels very comfortable with those events. She is paying for and taking fencing lessons on her own. Her husband Mike designs workouts to keep her in top physical shape. To free up more time, Phaelen and Mike recently moved closer to base to cut down on her commute. “Training is a huge challenge because she works 40-plus hours a

week,” said her mother, Beth. “She’s training on her own time and she has to put in way ahead of time to get leave for competition.” According to Beth, Phaelen hopes to be selected for a world class athlete program where the military continues to pay her at her current rate, but her full-time job is to train for the Olympics. “She has two opportunities to qualify that will lead to the World Cup competition, a citizen event,” Beth said. “The first is tentatively scheduled for the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in midDecember; another will be held in mid-January.”

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The three modern pentathlon competitors are pictured with an Army coach and a physical therapist/trainer from the U.S. Air Force. Phaelen French, fourth from the left, is active duty; her male and female teammates are in the reserves.

Daoism workshops offered in Delta Dr. Bob Sikora recently retired to Delta and is offering a special gift to the community, a way of extending the blessings of being here. He explains, “My dear friend Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang has honored my wishes to grace us with a visit from Oct. 22 to Oct. 31. He will be presenting ancient practices of Daoism. He was trained in the old traditional manner in the caves and mountains of western China beginning at the age of three. He was trained in secret to preserve this exceptional wisdom and practices as during that period the old sages of the region were being assassinated by Mao. He was given this wisdom by many masters to carry forward to our time. He is a lineage

Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang

holder going back 150 generations to the Yellow Emperor about 5,000 years ago. He now travels the world to present and share this heritage in workshops, classes and other formats. He will be here for a week for those wishing to partake. “Master Zhang is the director of the Palace of the Celestial Dragon on Qing Cheng Mountain in the Province of Cheng Du in China. Qing Cheng Mountain is known as one of the five holy mountains in the tradition of Daoism, places of pilgramage (Wudan, Ermei, Shaolin, and Tibet are the other four).” The first presentation will be at the Center for Spiritual Life, 658 Howard Street, Delta, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. This will be followed by a presentation/workshop at the same location on Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m., by donation. A full day of activities with two sessions is scheduled at Bill Heddles Recreation Center on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. ($60 per session, $100 for all day). All presentations and workshops are very interactive but accessible to all. Individual consultation, training, and healing sessions are also available. All proceeds benefit the Palace of the Celestial Dragon and Master Zhang’s teaching. For further information contact Dr. Bob Sikora at 817-590-2211.

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Colorow Care Center Invites the Community to stop by for

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A10 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Peter Kasper

Peter Kasper died Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Fowler. He was 68. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel

OBITUARIES

in Delta. Mr. Kasper was born Feb. 2, 1950, to Peter and Aldona (Badaukus) Kasper in Chicago Heights, Ill. He spent his childhood in Lowell, Ind., and graduated from Lowell High School in 1968. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Valparaiso University. Mr. Kasper was a resident of Delta County for 24 years and a special education teacher at Delta High School. He

Ira Edwards March 13, 1917 ~ Oct. 7, 2018 Ira Chamberlain Edwards passed away at his home in Cedaredge on Oct. 7, 2018, at the age of 101. He was born in Emmiton, Kan., to Eber and Leta (Chamberlain) Edwards on March 13, 1917. He was the middle child of seven, all of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were daughter, Joyce and infant daughter, Aleta. He eventually settled in Delta and retired in Cedaredge. He is survived by his wife, Marie, daughter and son-in-law

Marleta and Bob Hayes of Globe, Ariz., daughter Marie Garrett of Farmers Branch, Texas, stepchildren Cheri Moore of Littleton and Bud Cummings of Caloocan, the Philippines, and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was a kind, gentle and loving man and he will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m. at the Delta Church of Christ. Paid obituary

OBITUARY POLICY

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

CORN MAZE

Straw Bale Maze Pumpkin Patch

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was a former water commissioner and a former board member for Colorado River Water Conservation District. On Dec. 31, 2010, he married Gwen Brown in Pagosa Springs. They lived in Fowler for the past five years. He enjoyed farming, horseback riding, refurbishing tractors and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Kasper of Fowler; his two sons, Andy (Laurel) Kasper and Josh (Victoria) Kasper, all of Hotchkiss; two stepsons, Brandon (Christian) Cox and Logan (Sierra) Cox; a sister, Pam (Gene) Schilling of Florida; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Pat Bryant. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Delta County Independent

day Adventist Church in Delta. She enjoyed painting, cooking, crocheting, gardening, canning, her three fur babies, Duke, Sugar and Pretty Girl, and music, especially listening to her husband Bill playing the steel guitar. She is survived by her husband, Bill of Delta; daughters, Candace Geist of Manzanola and Julie Tenorio of Rocky Ford; son, Frank (Charmane) Norris of Ulysses, Kan., Terry (Marjie) Norris of Peyton and Wayne Norris of Delta; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and extended family. Also surviving are Bill’s children, daughters Marlina (Stan) Mattingly, Desiree (Irvine) Dittemore and Roseanne Murphy; son, William Deihl; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Weigel. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

He was a skilled farmer and a member of the Delta Trap Club, Grand Junction Trap Club and Amateur Trapshooting Association. He won numerous tournaments over his 35year shooting career. He enjoyed trap shooting, fishing and animals. Mr. Saruwatari is survived by his brother, David (Susan) Saruwatari of Grand Junction; three sisters, Terry (John) Hall of Centennial, Janice (Kraig) Meyer of Grand Junction and Sharon (Fredrick) Parker of Grand Junction; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Saruwatari. contribuMemorial tions may be made to HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Stephen Saruwatari

Lifetime Delta resident Stephen G. Saruwatari died Sept. 25, 2018, at HopeWest Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 62. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at First Baptist Church with Pastor James Conley officiating. Mr. Saruwatari was born April 17, 1956, to Tommy and Yoneko (Matsubara) Saruwatari in Delta. He spent his childhood and attended school in Delta, graduating from Delta High School in 1974.

Arthur Glaser April 18, 1929 ~ Oct. 21, 2018 Jacquelyn Manguso

Delta resident Jacquelyn Dee Manguso died Oct. 14, 2018, at Willow Tree Care Center from progressive supranuclear palsy. She was 76. She was born on Sept. 20, 1942, to Harold and Virginia Miller in Denver. She attended school in Denver. Mrs. Manguso was one of the first female meat cutters for King Soopers, where she worked for most of her adult life. She moved to Delta after retirement. She is survived by her three daughters, Susan Aldrich of Lakewood, Sharon (Jim) Black of Delta and Grace Aldrich of Lakewood; and three grandchildren, Jeffrey Aldrich, Tasha Black and Jacob Black. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 27 at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery in Wheatridge. Flowers may be sent to Olinger Crown Hill or memorial contributions may be made in her name to Wounded Warriors.

Edna Deihl

Longtime Delta resident Edna Deihl died Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. She was 87. A memorial service was held Oct. 19 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Delta. Inurnment will take place at a later date in La Junta. Edna M. Smith was born in La Junta on May 4, 1931, to Theodore and Gladys (Gowing) Smith. She spent her childhood in La Junta and graduated from La Junta High School in 1949. She married William “Bill” Deihl on July 5, 1976, in Manzanola. They have lived in Delta the past 43 years. Mrs. Deihl was a member of the Seventh-

Arthur C. Glaser of Cedaredge, age 89, passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2018. He was born April 18, 1929, in Bellevue, Pa., to Arthur Jacob and Elizabeth Mary Muchow Glaser. During his youth, Art enjoyed training and working with horses. He was drafted as a soldier in the Army infantry during the Korean War. He served 19511953. After his military service, he returned to Pennsylvania for a time before moving to Payson, Ariz. He liked being able to drive down the mountain to Phoenix and “be back in summertime.” However, the mountains of Colorado called his name. He moved to Colorado, settling in the Cedaredge area. Art worked in construction, building many homes all over the area. He also had a love for ranching and farming, which he did all his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, square dancing, country music, reading old west magazines, and being

outdoors. Sure to make him smile were black licorice and homemade apple pie. He taught his children how to work hard, and also how to love and be thankful for the sweet, simple things in life. He would notice a glorious summer morning, a freshcut hayfield, the laughter of a small child, and the scent of the apricot blossoms in the spring. Art was a man of integrity and honor, which he taught his children through example. He was a strong father, a best friend and the one who lit up the room with his mischievous, sparkly eyes and contagious

smile. As his children would say, he was the Greatest Man we ever knew. Arthur is survived by two sons, Art Jr. (Fadra) Glaser and Jacob (Julie) Glaser; seven daughters, Sharon (Don) Hillis, Donna Rhode, Georgia Kasinger (Darrin Morrison), Lenda (Kelly) Webb, Susie (Tony) Mautz, Jenny (Dan) Prescott and Rochelle (Michael) Somers; one sister, Shirley Hatfield; 34 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren (with two on the way), and one great-greatgrandchild (with one on the way). Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glen and David Glaser, sister Joyce Munsch, and grandsons Quinton Hillis and Dustin Mautz. Taylor Funeral Services and Creamatory is handling the arrangements. Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home in Delta. Paid obituary

Helen Barton May 25, 1932 ~ Oct. 14, 2018 Helen Barton of Cedaredge died Oct. 14, 2018, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 86 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Wilford J. Barton. A memorial service will be held this Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Cedaredge United Methodist Church at 10 a.m., where Helen was a member for many, many years. Helen was born in Alameda, Calif., on May 25, 1932. She married Wilford J. Barton on Oct. 11, 1952. She is survived by her six children: Tom (Tess) Barton; Kathy (Bob) Marrocco-Smith; Robert (Robin) Barton; Russ (Anh) Barton; Karen (Robert) McCune; and Cindy Barton. Helen had 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Helen was in the United States Marine Corps for 19 months in 1951-1952 and she retired as a Sergeant. Helen spent over 40 years of her life volunteering in a wide variety of ways in Cedaredge. She was involved with the local chapter of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Auxiliary Post 9221 where she was past President, Trustee, and Guard. She is the Post’s first female veteran to receive the unique Eagle Head Cane for her many years of faith-

ful service to families of local veterans. This rich tradition dates back to the American Civil War. She was also a Gold Circle member. And for a time, she held office at the Grand Junction VFW in District 11. She was heavily involved in the local Rebekahs #106; she was initiated in June 1978. In 1996 she received the Decoration of Chivalry award. Helen was awarded numerous times for her faithful service within the organization. She held the office of Noble Grand in 1993, 1997, and again in 2005. She was a regular at the Senior Center, where she served lunches on a regular basis. She was also the coordinator for the local RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and was awarded numerous times for her faithful service. Helen worked at the Cedaredge Cemetery for 14 years as Bookkeeper and was on the

Board of Directors. In her many years of working in Cedaredge she also worked for Dr. Frey as his Bookkeeper, she also worked at the local Thrift Store for many years, and at the town Library. One of her favorite hobbies was baking and canning. She made untold number of apple dumplings, pies and cakes for numerous community events and local celebrations. She also enjoyed camping, fishing, and hanging out with her friends. Helen Barton was a true servant of God! She never asked for glory; she never complained about anyone or anything. She never sought notoriety or awards. She was selfless and tireless in her desire to serve the needs of others in her local community. She was also known by many as their taxi driver, taking her fellow seniors to the appointments and shopping as often as she could. Former Cedaredge Mayor Bill Miller said of Helen: “She has been involved with everything in town: VFW, Rebekahs, American Legion, and many others. She has done many, many acts of kindness.” All who knew her loved her. Helen requested that any memorials be sent to Rebekahs #106 in Cedaredge. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

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Register for youth basketball Little hoopsters, lace up your high tops and dribble on down to Bill Heddles Recreation Center to register for another season of Little League basketball. This program is for boys and girls in grades 3-6. The fee is $40 and the registration deadline is Nov. 10. There will be a late fee of $10 for any registrations after the deadline, if room is available. Practices will start in December and games will begin Jan. 12 on Saturdays in Delta and surrounding communities. For more information, call Bill Heddles Recreation Center at 874-0923.

Fly tyers gather monthly Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table (4T) will be seating Thursday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Warriors Resource Center/Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. This is the final monthly gathering of Gunnison Gorge Anglers (GGA) fly tying group before the holidays. All experience/ability levels are welcome. Membership in GGA is not required. As always, there will be a materials bag available to purchase for $5 with enough materials to tye five of the fly du jour for October, Greg Garcia’s Rojo Midge.

Valley Symphony presents masterpieces from 1700 to today The Valley Symphony Association (VSA) presents its fall concert, “Masterpieces from 1700 to Today,” on Sunday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. The VSA is an all-volunteer arts organization now in its 48th season. The fall concert celebrates four centuries of great music and features selections highlighting masterworks of the baroque period (Bach), the classical era (Mozart), romanticism (Schubert and Massenet), and the 20th (Copland) and 21st centuries (Harbinson). “This concert will be interesting to hear how the selections across centuries are alike and different from era to era,” said orchestra director Mike Kern. He explained that the pieces will be recognizable and enjoyable for any age. “Figuratively, we’ll be turning the entire orchestra into a pipe organ with Bach’s famous ‘Toccata and Fugue,’ which you’ll be familiar with from Dis-

ney’s ‘Fantasia’ or from a more contemporary perspective, ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ” he said. “We’ll also be playing a piece by Copeland, one of America’s best-loved composers, and, of course everyone loves Mozart, so his ‘Marriage of Figaro’ will get the party started.” The instantly recognizable violin solo from Meditation from “Thaïs” is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. “This will be a particularly meaningful and important concert for me for two reasons,” Concertmaster Debra TenNapel said. “First, I will perform the solo in this incredibly lovely and moving piece of music. Second, my parents will be visiting from California and hearing me play with the VSA for the first time since I became concertmaster in 2005.” Kern explained that the VSA is comprised of “your friends, family,

neighbors, coworkers, and fellow citizens who volunteer their time and talent to produce concerts we are truly proud to present,” he said. “It’s so rare and special that we as a region have access to classical music through the VSA, and we look to the regional community for support through attendance and sponsorship.” “This concert offers such variety,” TenNapel said. “The selections will paint a whole range of pictures and provoke a whole spectrum of emotions — you’ll be glad you spent the afternoon with us.” For information, upcoming concerts, the audition process, and tickets, visit the VSA on Facebook @ValleySymphonyAssociation and at ValleySymphony.net. Tickets are also available in Delta at Clubb’s and in Montrose at Montrose Music and the Montrose Pavilion.

Dr. Dave Noe leads family fossil hunt

Dr. Dave Noe will lead a family fossil hunt Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. For all of you who have kids who are curious

PRC to hold egg roll class The Pregnancy Resource Center is offering a unique opportunity to learn how to make egg rolls. This event will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Westminster Hall, 135 E. 4th Street in Delta. Egg rolls will also be offered for sale, as a fundraiser to purchase training, curriculum and baby essentials for the women served by the PRC. The Pregnancy Resource Center provides many forms of support for women with unplanned pregnancies, helping them carry their children to term and plan constructively for their care. To learn how you can get involved with this ministry, call 874-5733 or email Pregnancyrc2013@gmail. com. For more information about the egg roll class, call Suzanne Michaelis at 970-314-4241.

about geology and fossils, this event is for you! It’s a fossil hunt especially for the young ‘uns. Dr. Dave Noe, local legend and geologist, leads this fun experience in the adobe badlands near Hotchkiss, where participants will become paleontologists, find fossils of sea creatures who lived underwater, and imagine what they looked like and how they might have lived. Meet in the main parking lot at Hotchkiss High School and then walk a few hundred yards to a bare hillside on “H Hill,” where the fossils can be found. After a while, everyone will show what they’ve collected and draw pictures of the creatures. It will be like science and art. This fun event is for kids who are accompanied by an adult. Only one registration form is required per group/family. The fossil hunt is limited to 15 registrants. Be sure to bring a sun hat, outdoor shoes, water, and snacks. If it rains, the event will be rescheduled. Questions? Call the Paonia Library at 970-399-7881. This family fossil hunt is sponsored by Delta County Libraries and Western Slope Conservation Center.

IAWC photo

William Bailey and friends retraced the Old Spanish Trail in 2017.

Old Spanish Trail field trip planned The Interpretive Association of Western Colorado and Fort Uncompahgre will host an Old Spanish Trail field trip, Thursday, Oct. 25. Jon Horn with Alpine Archeological Group, Montrose, will be the tour guide. Horn will retrace the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail west of Delta to the Delta County line. Chris Miller, executive director of the Interpretive Association, states that this will be an opportunity to share the designated trail alignment with the public. Please plan to meet up at Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail, 440 North Palmer Street in Delta no later than 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25. Transportation will be provided by the

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Interpretive Association. RSVP is required please call 970-874-8349 or 970640-7065. This field trip is limited to the first 45 registrations.

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.

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A12 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Hospital foundation adds executive director Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of a full-time executive director, Kaitlyn Jones, 2012 alumni of Hotchkiss High School and a 2015 graduate of West Texas A&M University. “We are delighted that

the foundation will have a full-time executive director for the first time in a number of years,” stated board president Thelma Starner. The DCMH Foundation, formed in 2001, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mission of the Delta

County Memorial Hospital: To be the people’s first choice for accessible, high-quality health services, and to enhance the well-being of those we serve. The foundation raises and administers funds for Delta County Memorial Hospital for projects, equipment purchases, and support for employees to continue their education in healthcare related fields. So far in 2018, the foundation has donated more than $5,000 in scholarships and $8,000 in equipment purchases to the hospital. The necessity for an executive director has been discussed between the two organizations for more than a year, so it was with great enthusiasm the foundation board approved the position and could accept applications. “This giant step forward was the result of a great collaboration with DCMH CEO Jason Cleckler and his senior staff. It reinforces the mission of the foundation and to the hospital itself,” Starner

said. Jones, who began her employment at DCMH in the marketing department in 2017, looks forward to transitioning to the full-time job of executive director reporting to the DCMH Foundation board president, as well as the hospital CEO. It was through her employment with DCMH that her involvement with the foundation first began in May. Jones attended West Texas A&M University graduating cum laude in just three years with her bachelor of science in mass communications - advertising/public relations. Post-graduation, she remained in the Amarillo area gaining employment with a business development firm that focused on businesses in the transitional phase of growth. While there, Jones was involved in marketing, growing social media campaigns, producing monthly enewsletters, and organizing in-house and community sponsorships and events for clients in

Safe operators

COLOR LASER PRINTING ��

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Kaitlyn Jones

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preparing for the certified financial planner exam. Isaacson is active in the Montrose community serving as secretary of the Montrose Women’s Club and treasurer of the Montrose Summer Music Series. She also serves on the HopeWest Planned Giving Council.

Lisa Isaacson

Know Your Neighbor

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“Know your Neighbor,” a weekly feature of � the DCI, is an excellent marketing tool for your �� products and/or services. This highly effective �� advertising campaign promotes your business �� over a six-week period at a cost that averages �� just $33.33 per week. The total package of $200 includes an advertising message viewed by DCI readers for six consecutive weeks, WITH FREE COLOR! You �� have the option of changing the ad each week �� or repeating the same ad. �� The bonus of this advertising package is that once during the six-week period your business will be featured in a news article and accompanying photo. This article can be provided by you, or will be written by the DCI based on information you provide. Any information you wish to emphasize to our readers can be included in the article. The six-week repetition of your ad along with �� the news article and photo will attract reader �� attention to give your business unbeatable �� exposure to about 6,000 homes. Other busi- �� nesses that have participated in this program have been extremely pleased with the response they get with "Know Your Neighbor.” They report that with just one sale, they’ve been able to recoup the expense of advertising. A new six-week series of Know Your Neighbor articles/advertising will be launched soon. Please call Annie Sunderland at 874-4421 to reserve space for “Know Your Neighbor.” Annie will be glad to assist you in designing your ad and answering any questions you might have. ��

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forward to working with long-time board members that have accomplished so much over the years and learning from their experiences.” In the first six months of her involvement with the foundation, she cochaired a committee with fellow DCMH co-worker Heather Cannell, manager of Premier Women’s Healthcare, to organize the foundation’s annual fundraiser Pea Green Pedal and Fun Run. In their volunteer roles, they were able to help the foundation raise more than $24,000, which is the most the event has generated. By adding a full-time executive director, the foundation board hopes to continue this growth pattern, which will allow them to provide more opportunities for Delta County Memorial Hospital and the community as a whole.

Lisa Isaacson joins Alpine Bank staff Lisa Isaacson has joined the staff of Alpine Bank Wealth Management as vice president and client executive. She serves clients in Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray and Delta. Isaacson spent over 25 years in the accounting field working in a variety of industries. She expanded her focus by transitioning into financial planning/wealth management three years ago and combined her CPA experience with financial planning to help individuals and businesses achieve their goals. Isaacson is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Colorado Society of CPAs. Isaacson earned a bachelor of science in accounting from Mankato State University. She is

Delta County Road and Bridge crusher operators were recognized by the county commissioners for achievement and safety. Richard Mewhinney, Paul McDaniel and Luke Shock served 4,714 hours with no loss of time due to injury.

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various industries including health care and notfor-profit. After a couple years in the Texas Panhandle, Kaitlyn returned to Delta County where she is active in the local roping and barrel racing community, enjoys access to the surrounding mountain ranges, and spends time with family. “I am excited to be a part of this organization that plays such an integral role in the success of health care in our community,” Jones said. “I look

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NORTH FORK October 24, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia’s draft 2019 budget tops $3 million BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Following several work sessions beginning on Aug. 28, the Town of Paonia is looking at passing a balanced budget of just over $3 million. The draft budget estimates total revenues for 2019 of $3,037,022 and total expenses of $3,076,071. The difference of $39,049 will come from Space to Create fund passthrough grant reserves. The estimated General Fund budget is set at $1,191,732, with a reserve fund balance of $481,293. Broken into funds, the budget is as follows: Administration — $197,347; Building — $56,925; Public Safety — $319,400; Parks — $84,556; Streets — $133,129; Street capital — $64,975; Bridge — $300,000; Sidewalk — $35,400. The board has a few decisions to make before passing a final budget. Some items on the staff wish list include up to $18,000 in Town Hall upgrades, including a fire alarm system, which the building currently lacks; $58,000 for two vehicles for the Police Department; and $174,000 for a sewer/water line locator capable of detecting PVC and other materials the current locator is unable to detect, and skid steer for the Public Works Department. The board still has “a very definitive decision” to make regarding its Building Department services, said Mayor Charles Stewart. Until last December, services — building code compliance, inspections, issuing of permits, etc. — were historically provided in-house by a building inspector. The town is currently contracting its building department services to Code Company (CCC) on a month-to-month basis. The town estimates 2018 year-end expenses for the department of $29,800, some of which, said town finance officer Cindy Jones, was “clean-up” from the previous building inspector, who was terminated by the town last December. “Those costs won’t occur again,” said Jones. The estimated 2019 Building Fund budget is $56,925, $50,000 of which would go to contract services with CCC or another company, and $2,500 for legal services. Those numbers are based

on an analysis of the Building fund by Town Administrator Ken Knight covering the period between mid-March and the end of August. Once inspections and other costs associated with outstanding permits are complete, the fund should come close to breaking even. Knight said that 2019 “possibly will have dramatically less activity and income,” hence lower costs, due to the completion of the Silver Leaf co-housing development on Third Street. The town has approved two minor subdivisions, and one major subdivision is currently in the works, said Knight. Revenues of $56,925 would come from building permits, which would require an increase in fees. To reach that amount, the board will consider increasing the base permit fee from $35 to $70. Adding new fees, including a fence fee, could also be considered, said Knight. “It seems to me that contracting (service) out may have significant advantage in giving us some continuity and some reliability,” said Mayor Charles Stewart. A major benefit would be the town’s ability to track building costs. Because CCC tracks its costs and bills the town by the hour, “We know what it’s costing the town,” which simplifies the task of setting fees, said Stewart. Contracting also fixes the issue of how to provide services when the building inspector is sick or goes on vacation, or when the town has to scramble to find a qualified employee when the current inspector quits or is terminated, added Stewart. Contracting also puts services “in the hands of a third party who might be a little more neutral in some of the decisions that have to be made.” “We need a qualified building inspector at all times,” especially if the town continues to grow, said Stewart. It’s also “terribly important,” he said, “to be able to predict costs and set fees accordingly.” The board will also consider public comment in finalizing the budget. The public will be able to formally weigh in at a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 13.

Bikes on parade

The 10th annual Gears and Beers Festival, held over the weekend in Paonia, included a bike parade that attracted about 40 riders and several interesting two-, three- and fourwheeled contraptions, road and mountain bike tours. The event also featured beer tasting, live entertainment and a Sunday farm-to-table brunch.

Hotchkiss ordinance targets marijuana, minors in possession BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A draft of the 2019 budget is in the hands of Hotchkiss trustees, who will review the numbers individually, then meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, for a work session. They will also review revisions to the mobile home regulations at that work session. An ordinance concerning the growing of marijuana in the Town of Hotchkiss passed unanimously after previous discussion and revisions. No more than 12 marijuana plants may be grown, cultivated or processed on residential property within the Town of Hotchkiss, which matches the number of plants allowed

Staff Writer

When it comes to the popular beverage known as hard cider, Big B’s put the North Fork Valley on the map. Big B’s has been making hard ciders for more than a decade. Company founder Jeff Schwartz describes hard cider as “light and crisp and dry and not very sweet.” It also doesn’t contain sulfites, he said. “People really like that. It’s nice, easy drinking.” This Saturday, Big B’s will celebrate the alcoholic drink made from fermented crushed fruit at the seventh annual Hard Cider Festival. The event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Delicious Orchards, 39126 Hwy. 133. The festival began, said Schwartz, as a way to draw attention to a beverage that was quickly growing in popularity. Big B’s added hard cider to its repertoire as a value-added product to its famous Big B’s apple, pear and other juices. Soon after, hard cider began to get a lot of attention. With so many craft breweries and beer festivals popping up, and so few cideries, “We wanted to show off this new product that was getting popular,” said Schwartz. Three cideries were featured at that first festival. This year, 10 cideries from Colorado and other

states, all located along the Rocky Mountains will be represented. Among them, Talbott’s Cider Co. in Palisade; Denver-based Colorado Cider Company, C Squared Ciders and Stem Cider; Snow Capped Cider in Cedaredge, Fenceline Cider in Mancos, and cideries in Texas and Washington. This year Big B’s expects between 800-1,000 festivalgoers. And while that’s not comparatively a big crowd, cidery owners tell Schwartz that this is their favorite festival of the year. “I think it’s because the location is so special,” he said of Delicious Orchards and the agriculture-rich North Fork Valley. “People really appreciate the authenticity and feel of it.” The festival opens at 11 a.m. with VIP tasting. The Grand Tasting runs from noon to 4 p.m., with all-youcan-drink tickets available. The Solar Brothers will open the festival and close out the 2018 season starting at 11 a.m. Pure Weed, a Paoniabased chill country/punkrock smash-up band follows. Boulder-based Intuit will bring the sounds of many cultures including reggae, blues, African poly-rhythm, folk, funk and jazz to the state. This year’s headliner, Jyemo Club, plays at 2 p.m. This world music band out of Denver features musicians

in unincorporated areas of the county. If a violation is alleged, the town marshal’s office can ask to inspect the premises to confirm that those growing marijuana meet the provisions of the town code and state law. Trustee Mary Hockenbery emphasized that the compliance checks are complaint driven and entirely voluntary. State law requires marijuana grows to be covered and screened from view. The ordinance also addresses the sale to and possession of marijuana by minors. It is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume marijuana, or to possess drug paraphernalia (unless

they have a prescription for medical marijuana). Finally, the ordinance sets the penalties for the first, second and third offenses. Hockenbery said the ordinance gives Hotchkiss the ability to handle offenses in municipal court. Two letters of interest were received for the vacancy created by the death of council member Jim Roberts. The two applicants, Patrick Webb and Matthew Kottenstette, were not available for the Oct. 11 meeting, co council members agreed to delay a decision until their Nov. 8 meeting, when hopefully both can be present. HOTCHKISS COUNCIL TO B2

Rocky Horror shadow cast kicks off lots of Halloween fun The Rocky Horror Picture Show live shadow cast performance returns to The Paradise Theatre Oct. 26 and 27. The low-budget R-rated 1975 cult classic about the misadventures of Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) takes

Big B’s Cider Fest celebrates seven years BY TAMIE MECK

Photo by Tamie Meck

from five different countries, each serving their own flavor to spice up the vibes. Free on-site parking is available, and a free shuttle will run from the Paonia High School parking lot and downtown Paonia to Delicious Orchards throughout the event. Camping is also available. VIP Cider Enthusiast and Unlimited Tasting tickets are available at the door and online at hardcider fest.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit bigbs.com.

them to a strange mansion on a rainy night where they meet mad scientist Dr. Frank-NFurter (Tim Burton) and a long list of shadowy characters. Shadow cast performers add a third dimension to the show, as does audience participation. The entire experience runs from 10 p.m-1 a.m. nightly. Tickets are $12 at the Paradise box office or online at Brown Paper Tickets. The first 50 tickets sold each night receives a free prop bag (or bring your own, no food items, please). Don your best Time Warp garb, transfer yourself to Transylvania, and enjoy the ride. You’ll never see anything like it. Other Halloween happenings in the North Fork include: • Orchard Valley Farms, 15836 Black Bridge Road, Paonia, hosts the Pumpkin Express and U-Pick Pumpkins from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27 and 28. Cost to ride the train is $2 per child.

• Elsewhere Studios in Paonia is holding an All Hallows’ Eve Bash from 8 p.m. to midnight on Halloween, Oct. 31. Enjoy Halloween-themed games of divination including astrology; costumes, costumes and more costumes; fall-inspired food and drink; and a DJ dance party. Entry is a sliding scale donation. • Dust off your best bell bottoms and prepare to shake your bones! Peach Street Revival and the North Fork Allstars will perform at the North Fork Halloween Bustup Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss. $15 cover benefits the Creamery; tickets and information at BrownPaperTickets.com/ event/3743625. • Bank of Colorado in Hotchkiss is hosting “Trick or Treat Street” from noon to 5 p.m. on Halloween Day. There will be trick or treating within the bank as well as face painting and other fun things, so be sure to stop by 394 E. Bridge Street for some spooky fun.

Home Plate haunted house in Hotchkiss on Halloween If you like alien landings and clowns, then the annual Hotchkiss Home Plate Baseball Haunted House is for you. The haunted house is open from 7:30-9 p.m. Halloween night, at 476 Willow Drive. Admission (if you dare) is a donation to the Hotchkiss Home Plate, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing softball and baseball to the youth of Hotchkiss and Crawford. The event is held outdoors and will be canceled in the event of heavy snow or rain.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cooper Woods-Darby returns to the Paradise Theatre stage for the shadow cast performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show this Friday and Saturday. This is Halloween at its craziest.

B2 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

New sales tax rule will Hotchkiss council add to Paonia’s revenue

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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to state and local sales and use tax licensing and collection requirements under state law. If a retailer delivers taxable goods to a purchaser’s address outside of the retailer’s jurisdiction, a sales tax must be collected based on the purchaser’s address” rather than collecting the common taxes between the purchaser’s address and the seller’s location. Products received at the retailer’s business will be taxed at the rate of the retailer’s location. Based on data showing that average mail delivery of purchased goods to each household in Paonia is between $800/$850, or $680,000 in delivered goods annually. Based on a household count of 800, the town estimates the new rule will bring approximately $20,400 in additional tax revenues to the General Fund, based on the town’s 3 percent sales tax, according to town finance officer Cindy Jones. That revenue is included in the town’s draft 2019 budget in the Administration General Fund. The budget will be presented at a public hearing at the Nov. 13 meeting of the board of trustees.

ernments for their transportation projects. “Get out and vote regardless of how you feel about these issues,” urged town attorney Bo Nerlin, to the complete agreement of all attending the meeting. Mayor Larry Wilkening commented on recent precipitation. “The rain has been wonderful, but we need to stay in a conservation mode,” he said. Council member John Marta said the Colorado Grand had awarded $10,000 to the Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce. The Hotchkiss Elks Lodge served as the pass-through agency for the funds, since the chamber does not yet have nonprofit status.

Swing dance party planned at the Blue Sage The Blue Sage Concert Series is pleased to present “Steppin’ Out At the Sage,” a swing dance party for the season with vintage jazz band Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles on Saturday, Nov. 3. Front Range professional swing dancers Ceth Stifel and Addie Smith will teach a swing dance lesson from 6-7:30 followed by dancing with the band from 8-10:30. Enjoy dancing with the Spicy Pickles band in Curtis Hall along with refreshments from the bar. Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band is a Denver-based band dedicated to revitalizingswing music and dance. This small group style swing band packs a punch of power, personality and wit into each show, intriguing generations new and old with the beloved charm of big band swing from the late ‘30s and early ‘40s. The Pickles bring it all — high energy, quality musicianship and a true big band sound and look that celebrates the unique Ameri-

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Vintage jazz band Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles performs at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 3. can spirit of swing. The band fuses musical influences from the sounds of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw with the showmanship of Louis Armstrong, Lucky Millinder, and Jimmy Lunceford. With a smart respect for the preservation of vintage jazz music and entertainment, the Pickles are constantly adding new and original tunes to their repertoire. They bring a unique visual flair

to each performance with gimmicks, tricks, horn movements, and hat work inspired to captivate audiences all night long. General admission tickets ($25) are on sale now at the Blue Sage Gallery located at 226 Grand Avenue in Paonia, open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m., by calling 970-527-7243, or online at bluesage.org. Inquire in the gallery for free student scholarship tickets to our events.

Search is on for WSCC executive director The Western Slope Conservation Center is accepting applications for a full-time executive director. Founded in 1977, the Paonia-based grassroots environmental organization is focused on watershed stewardship, public lands advocacy, and environmental

education. Application deadline is Oct. 26 or until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. For a list of required and preferred qualifications and position responsibilities, or to submit an application, visit west ernslopeconservation.org.

Montessori Color Run set for Nov. 3 North Fork Montessori at Crawford is sponsoring a family-friendly Color Run 2k/5k run-walk on Saturday, Nov. 3. The run is a benefit for Montessori’s end-ofyear field trips and professional development for staff and begins at 51 Fir Street in Crawford. Start time for the run is 10 a.m. Participants should wear clothing suitable for rain or shine that can be colored with food-grade pigment mixed with corn starch. Colors can be blown off at the end of

the race; bring a towel to protect your car interior for the drive home. Swim goggles and mask for the celebration photo are optional. Registration is $25 adults, $15 for ages 13-18, and free for students 12 and under. Tshirts are sold separately for $15/$10. To register online, visit active. com and search “Color Run-Crawford.” Email Heidi_nikole@yahoo.com for more information. A Color Run FAQ is also available at https://the colorrun.com/faq/

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The Town of Paonia expects to see more tax revenue when a new state tax rule goes into effect this December. According to a Sept. 26 letter from the Colorado Department of Revenue, effective Dec. 1, a new state rule will take effect that allows collection of sales tax on taxable goods delivered to a Colorado address outside of retailers’ jurisdictions (see the Sept. 20 DCI, “Colorado

to require online retailers to collect sales tax”). Under existing law, items ordered through Amazon, for example, that are delivered to another address are not subject to state, county or local sales taxes. Under emergency rules adopted on Sept. 11 by the Department of Revenue, based on a U.S. Supreme Court case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., retailers with no physical presence in the state “may be subject

Fork Ambulance, provided information about the two questions the ambulance district has on the November ballot. Since those are the last two questions on a very long ballot, she urges everyone to vote to the end. The Town of Hotchkiss also has a question on the ballot, concerning the sale of the town shop, which led to a brief discussion about “electioneering.” It was pointed out the town could receive a “piece of the pie” if voters approve Proposition 110, which would authorize sales tax and bonds for transportation projects. Forty percent of the additional tax revenue would be dedicated to local gov-

Staff Writer

CEL

BY TAMIE MECK

FROM PAGE B1 Noting he is making good progress, council members granted an extension of time for Tim Reed to remove the final trailer at 495 E. Bridge Street. The nine-month extension will allow six months for the occupants to find a new home and three months for removal and cleanup. Marshal Dan Miller reported that Glenn Steil, a resident of Montrose and a former employee of the San Miguel County Sheriff ’s Office, has joined the Hotchkiss Marshal’s reserve program. He is expected to go through about 180 hours of field training. Kathy Steckel, executive director of the North

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Gears and Beers tradition

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kaspar Keil with the North Fork Trail Advocacy Group presents the Gears and Beers medallion to Kelly McCann, shown above with his ‘Porta-Party’ mobile DJ cycle. Keil said the medallion was ﬁrst presented at the inaugural festival to the winner of the bike fashion show. “I anticipate Gears and Beers is going to continue to grow and be a part of the community,” he added. To the right is Jodi Peterson, assistant executive director for The Nature Connection, who rode her Kona Ute bicycle in the 10th annual Gears & Beers Festival bike parade on Saturday, Oct. 20. Peterson uses the carry-everything utility bike’s rear wooden platform and panniers for trips to the post ofﬁce, to pick up her CSA boxes, and for commuting. The Nature Connection was a festival sponsor.

For all your advertising needs call the DCI. 874-4421.

Groups demand full review as fracking exploration starts without approval Conservation groups are calling for a halt to unauthorized frackingexploration activities in North Fork Valley to protect public health, safety and the environment until federal officials complete a full environmental review and two counties approve the operation. Elk hunters recently alerted conservation groups that survey crews had begun working on Gunnison Energy’s plans for dynamite-based seismic exploration across 28,000 acres of public land in Delta and Gunnison counties, north of Paonia. The surveys, which caused the elk hunters to leave the area, did not receive Forest Service or county approval. “Our best window for an archery elk hunt was ruined when survey crews walked right onto our chosen hunting area,” said Chuck Raleigh. “It’s beautiful country and great wildlife habitat — one of our favorite places to hunt. Ruining it with fracking industrialization would be shortsighted and tragic. This land is public, and the Forest Service needs to get control of this situation.” The U.S. Forest Service plans to categorically exclude Gunnison Energy’s seismic operations plan from detailed public and environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. That’s despite the possibility that dynamite explosions could trigger landslides in a histori-

cally unstable area and damage vital irrigation infrastructure and domestic water supplies. The project could also harm roadless forests, winter range for elk and deer, and threatened and endangered species. “That the operator is trying to sneak this by the public without even informing the counties is a big problem,” said Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson with Citizens for a Healthy Community. “It sets a dangerous precedent if they’re allowed to disregard regulations and ask for permission later.” In comments submitted to the Forest Service on the seismic operations plan, conservation groups said the agency should prohibit any survey work pending completion of a full environmental and public review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Conservation groups have alerted Delta and Gunnison counties about Gunnison Energy’s survey work and urged them to participate in the Forest Service planning process. The groups also encourage the counties to require county-specific oil and gas permitting. “Once again, our land stewardship agencies are attempting to exclude the public from our public lands,” said Lisa Niermann of North Fork Valley Community Rights Advocates. “We strongly encourage Delta and Gunnison County residents to contact their county

A Little Help is preparing for two Service Saturdays A Little Help is having a Service Saturday! on Saturday, Oct. 27, in Cedaredge and Saturday, Nov. 3, in Paonia. If you are a member of A Little Help or even think you might want to try it out, call the office, 970527-3482, to sign up. Volunteers will come help you with raking leaves, window cleaning, fall cleaning and spruce-up, whatever that might be. There is no charge for this service. If you are interested and like the concept of “Connecting Neighbors to Help Seniors Thrive,” call the same number (527-3482) to sign up to participate as a volunteer.

This is a very rewarding experience for all involved, and volunteers have a lot of fun doing it. In Paonia, meet at Apple Valley Park pavilion at 8 a.m. to get organized over coffee and pastries. Lunch will be provided. Cedaredge volunteers will meet at the gazebo at the southeast corner of Cedaredge Town Park at 8 a.m. Call Tanya Mathis for further details at 970527-3482. If you have any questions about A Little Help or about how a Service Saturday! works, Paonia volunteers contact Randy Campbell at 970-2600106 or Dave Knutson 970-260-3260.

commissioners and the Forest Service to demand that this project undergo the proper county permitting process.” The Forest Service’s plan to skip public and environmental review comes only weeks after the Bureau of Land Management renewed oil and gas leasing efforts in the area under new Trump administration policies that curtail public and environmental review. “Dynamite and endangered fish don’t mix,” said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity. “If Forest Service officials don’t understand the law, we’re happy to remind them. The Forest Service is a public agency managing public lands on the public’s behalf, and it’s time they started acting like it.”

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B4 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Hotchkiss FFA members headed to Indianapolis for nationals

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The Hotchkiss FFA Chapter was recently selected to compete for national recognition in a career development event at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 24-27. Members will vie for national honors in agricultural technology and mechanical systems area. Caterpillar Inc. and Firestone Agricultural Solutions sponsor the event. FFA members who will represent the chapter include Will Ela, Karsen Sommer, Teagan Sommer and Nathaniel Mattler. Coley Wondra is the chapter advisor and Jason Wrich is the coach. Agricultural technology and mechanical system is one of 25 career/

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Delta County Independent

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

leadership development event areas, covering jobs skills in everything from communications to mechanics. The participants take a written test and demonstrate their skills through hands-on activities in the following system areas: machinery and equipment systems, electrical systems, energy systems, environmental and natural resources systems and structural systems. CDEs and LDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market. The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through

�� Mensa admission �� test set � ��

for Oct. 28

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The American Mensa admission test will be administered Saturday, Oct. 28, at Horizon Towers, 1111 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. Registration begins at 1:15 p.m., followed by the test at 1:30. The test will take about two hours to complete. Test takers will be required to show a photo ID. The test is open to anyone 14 and older (parental permission is required for ages 14-17). The cost is $30. Register online and pre-purchase your test voucher at www.us.mensa.org. For more information, contact Bonnie Horn Koehler at 970-260-4081 or koehler1762@q.com. For more information about Mensa, visit us.mensa.org/join or call (800) 66-MENSA.

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agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the

U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

Photo submitted

Students recognized

On Sept. 24, the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge recognized two outstanding students for their achievement in academics and sports with a dinner and awards. Pictured are district deputy grand exalted ruler Willie Gordon, Harley Ewert of Paonia High School and Carson Collins of Hotchkiss High School.

Deadline nears for Elks scholarship The deadline is Nov. 15 to apply for the 2019 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications

are signed. Permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Visit elks.org for more information and application.

Cooking class culminates with beef cook-off The Black Mesa CattleWomen assisted the quarter one cooking class over the past six weeks. The Hotchkiss K-8 students learned about beef, basic nutrition, safe food preparation and presentation. The culminating activity is a beef cook off competition. The students are administered an individual written test over the materials presented. Then the students are provided a pound of hamburger from a member of the Black Mesa CattleWomen, and the group chooses a recipe, menu and table setting. The students work as a team to cook, present the dish and cleanup

within a time allotment. During this time they are observed and scored by volunteers from the Black Mesa CattleWomen. The possible total score is 100 points. The first place team, Buffalo Turkey Turtles, scored an 84.5, cooking its Greek beef gyros. Team members were Lillian Jardon, Annika Knehs, Brenna Beall and Landon Brown. The second place team was the Bulldog Chefs scoring 83 points, with tacos. The third place team, Mexican Mambas, scored 80.5 points, beef tacos. The fourth place team, 4 Stooges, scored 73 points with chili.

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First place

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Second place

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Third place

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Fourth place

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS October 24, 2018

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Semi-final loss ends Delta softball season BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The 2018 softball season for Delta High School’s Panthers will be one not soon to be forgotten. After years of earning respect from around the state, Delta notched several memorable firsts for a program which battled its way to the top of the 3A WSL standings the past few seasons. Getting past the first round of playoffs hasn’t always been an easy task for Delta coach Jerry Sandoval and his team. “It’s not easy getting to the top without hard work and sacrifice,” noted Sandoval prior to last week’s state softball tournament in Denver. “These girls have worked their cans off to get where they were this year.” Delta was a solid performer in the 3A WSL, again in 2018, winning another league title with an 11-0 record and entering this year’s state tournament with a 3A best record 20-2 coming into tournament play. The Panthers were first in RPI rankings entering their final week of regulation play but slipped to second when Eaton crawled on top by 1-1000th of a point to take over first place. Eventually, Strasburg would become the top seed with Eaton second and Delta third to begin tournament play. One of the major accomplishments for Delta was its first-ever chance to host a regional playoff. Delta won that regional and went on to win its first two games of this year’s state tournament before falling to No. 2 Eaton in last Saturday’s semi-final round in Aurora, 15-0. The loss ended a storybook season for nine dedicated senior athletes. Delta finished the year with a programbest 22-3 record. Delta began its title

chase Oct. 19 against No. 14 Sterling and was on the verge of coming home early when the Panthers trailed Sterling 9-7 in the bottom of the seventh inning. A two-run inning for Delta tied the game at 9-9 sending the game to extra innings. Neither team could mount a scoring effort until the bottom of the ninth. With one out Reagan Clay reached base on an error with Amanda Cotten batting for Makayla Kortz up next. Cotten doubled to drive Clay to third. Desiree Garcia drew a walk to load the bases and Sami Lane was also walked with Clay coming home with the winning run. Senior Jenna Sutliff provided major support with a home run and three RBIs in the game. Also picking up RBIs for the Panthers were Alyssa Trujillo, Keely Porter, Clay, and Lane. Hailee Ruble picked up her 15th win against one loss after working nine innings and striking out 11 Tiger batters. Friday’s second game against Meeker was the third time the two teams had faced each other this season. Delta had swept the Cowboys 12-5 and 92 on Sept. 22 in Meeker. Friday’s encounter was another nail-biter for both teams, and their fans. Meeker, the No. 11 seed in the tournament, reached the quarterfinal round against Delta after dumping No. 6 seed Lamar 10-8 earlier in the day. Delta eased its way to a 4-0 lead against the Cowboys when disaster struck. All-conference player Jenna Sutliff twisted her left knee on a play at second base and had to be taken out of the game. Sutliff would later learn her season was over and would miss the Eaton game as well.

A couple of batters later, on a passed ball, Ruble was covering the plate on a throw from Delta catcher Keely Porter when she was injured by a sliding Meeker player. Ruble was able to get up but was not the same after that. Delta found itself down, again, in the bottom of the seventh inning, 9-7, with Lane at the plate with two runners on, two outs and two strikes. The Panthers pulled another rabbit out of the hat on Lane’s walkoff threerun home run to win the game, 10-9. Clay was one of the runners on base after hitting a single and Garcia reached base on an error. Ruble was, again, in the circle for her 16th win of the season for Delta. It is unfortunate injuries may have played a role in the Panthers semifinal round game against Eaton. The Reds were not deterred by Delta’s plight and raced around the base paths for 11 runs in the first inning on their way to a 15-0 victory. Delta was limited to just five hits in the game with Porter leading the way with two hits, including a double. Senior Shianne Valdez, Trujillo and Ruble accounted for the other three hits. Garcia was given the loss making her season record 4-2. Melanie Fye earned the victory and picked up her 10th win against two losses for Eaton. Last year’s 2A state champion, Strasburg, worked its magic to win its second straight state title with a 3-0 win over Eaton in the title game. Fye finished 10-3 for the season. Strasburg’s Alexis Rayburn finished her season with another state title and a 12-2 record on the mound. Delta coach Jerry San-

Ames fourth at region CC meet; state bound BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Heading into his senior year at Delta High School, John Ames set a goal: he would get a second opportunity to compete at the state cross country championships. On Friday, Ames made that goal, running to an impressive fourth-place finish at the 3A Region 1 meet at Aspen with a time of 17 minutes, 20.60 seconds. It was a beautiful, cool

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta senior John Ames runs to a fourth-place ﬁnish at the 3A Region 1 CC meet in Aspen last Friday.

morning. The race course wound through the Aspen City Golf Course, an 18hole course dotted with mature trees, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and covered by a clear blue sky. “I just kind of took it all in today,” said Ames. “I was running and at about mile two and a half I just kind of took a deep breath, I looked around, and I just started smiling.” There’s nothing like that feeling, he said. “You don’t feel tired, you’re kind of on you’re runner’s high. You just kind of look around and you say, wow!” Early in the race the top four runners separated themselves from the pack. Ames kept sight of Gunnison senior Colton Stice. Stice didn’t have the overall best time. That was held by Ames. But Stice, a senior, did have the best average time, won this year’s aptlynamed Devil’s Thumb Hill Climb at Delta (Ames ran at Battle Mountain that week), and despite not having the fastest time, was ranked first in the region. “I figured he was going to win,” said Ames. Ames said he didn’t much like the course. The wet grass was slippery and tough to stretch his pace on. And while he’ll go all out at state,

he wasn’t about to risk getting hurt in the statequalifying race. The first mile, he said, “my legs were just super dead.” The two other topranked runners, Alex Baca of Gunnison and Wyatt Mortenson, were also sticking close to Stice. Ames said he stuck with them for a while until they went after Stice. At that point, Ames said it was pretty clear that the four runners were going to be evenly spaced out on the course. “My legs were tired, but I was feeling pretty good,” he said. He was well on his way to making that goal. He finished 40 seconds behind Stice, and 10 seconds behind Mortenson, who placed third. “I’m good with it,” said Ames. “I’m just looking forward to the state race at this point. It’s what I’m focused on.” Gunnison won the regional title with 50 points, Moffat County placed second with eight points, and Aspen was third with 118 points. With the exception of a few runners used to the altitude, including five Gunnison boys and six Gunnison girls who all set season-best times. Delta placed eighth out of 14 teams with 238 points. AMES TO B6

doval praised Sami Lane for taking Jenna Sufliff ’s spot at shortstop and Reagan Clay took over at second, where Lane had played all season. “Both did a great job stepping up in Jenna’s absence,” noted Sandoval. Trips to state competition are not every year occurrences for most teams. The Panthers have been frequent qualifiers in recent years and the experience of being there is one not easily forgotten. “It was an amazing experience making it to the Final Four. The girls showed amazing heart and character. If you could have seen their faces after that second game, they said it all.”

Photo courtesy Terry Miller

One of the most honored and cherished possessions for Delta High School’s softball team will be the above Final Four Softball 2018 Colorado Class 3A plaque. The plaque will be placed in a promiinent place for all to view.

Photo courtesy Terry Miller

Delta High School’s softball team poses with its Final Four Softball 2018 Colorado Class 3A plaque following last weekend’s state tournament in Aurora. The Panthers lost to Eaton in the semifinal round and were eliminated from the tournament. Delta finished the season with a spectacular 22-3 record and finished in the top four of Class 3A softball teams.

3A WSL honors top 2018 softball athletes The 2018 3A WSL softball awards were released recently. Cedaredge and Delta had exciting seasons in 2018 and coaches from around the league selected the top players for this past season. Delta, the league champion, and Region 3 state qualifier, landed six players on the First Team and Honorable Mention Teams combined.

Cedaredge had two players represent the Bruins. Earning First Team selections from Delta were seniors Jenna Sutliff (SS) and Sami Lane (2B, INF). Sophomores Keely Porter (C) and Hailee Ruble (P) shared First Team honors. Delta’s Honorable Mention selections were seniors Ashley Lahoe (3B) and Alyssa Trujillo

(OF). First Cedaredge’s Team selection was junior pitcher Summer Young. Honorable Mention honors were earned by sophomore Jazmyn Hart (C). The 2018 Player of the Year was Meeker senior Megan Shelton. Delta’s Jerry Sandoval was chosen the 2018 Coach of the Year for 3A WSL in softball.

Paonia cross country teams bound for state BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia seniors Ethan Bartlett and Harley Ewert set new personalbest times to finish second and eighth at Friday’s 2A Region 4 cross country meet. With Telluride runners placing first and seventh, freshman Alyster Birk’s strong finish sealed Paonia’s first ever regional team win. Birk’s 21st-place time of 18 minutes, 32.35 seconds gave Paonia 30 points to edge out Telluride by two points for the win. Ewert’s time of 17:47.10 broke the 18-minute barrier for the second time in his three-year career. Freshman Alejandro Garcia placed 23rd overall with a personal best time of 18:40.80. In his first race since Sept. 8, Elijah Evans ran a season-best time of 19:40.92 to place 39th. Calvin Reese placed 59th in 21:24.9, and Jose

Mojarro placed 63rd in 22:12.42. This is the second state qualification for Bartlett, Ewert and Evans. Bartlett’s time of

Photo courtesy Tacy Sturgis

Paonia senior Ethan Bartlett sprints to a second-place ﬁnish at the 2A Region 4 CC meet in Delta.

16:14.94 re-set the school record for the third time this season. A fourth-year cross country runner, he first broke the 2012 record of 17:08.68 held by Jason Sturgis on Sept. 22 at the Anna Banana Invitational at Fruita, then re-set the record again at the Oct. 5 Pantherfest invitational at Confluence Park. Telluride senior Jaden Evans, currently first in Class 2A state rankings, won the individual title in 15:50.42. The unofficial course record of 15:26.29 was set by Ian Meek of Montrose in 2017. Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale placed third with 33 points. The Paonia girls finished second with 28 points. Sophomore Tawny Roberts and junior Katya Schwieterman placed fourth and seventh, respectively, and PAONIA CC TO B6

B6 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta soccer seeded sixth BY NATHAN CLAY Staff Writer

Delta High School’s soccer team played three games in the span of four days and claimed wins in all three. The Panthers played at home against Coal Ridge on Tuesday the 16th, again at home on the 18th versus Basalt, and finally, the very next day, the 19th, away to Moffat County. With their schedule packed so full, the Panthers would have been forgiven a dip in performance but no such slump occurred. All three games ended with Delta claiming victory by a comfortable margin.

The first game of three was played against the Coal Ridge Titans, kicking off the Panthers winning week with a final score of 4-2. Coal Ridge has a league record of 4-3. The standout performance on this night was turned in by junior striker, Jarett Hernandez. Hernandez scored a hat-trick of goals against the Titans. Hernandez’s three goals bring his season total to an impressive 10 goals in 15 games played, which equates to 0.7 goals per game, a healthy return to be sure. Delta’s other goal

was tallied by its number 10, Martin Corral. Assists in the game were provided by sophomore midfielder Sean Maulhardt and senior captain Jose Pantoja. The Titans managed to sneak two goals past ‘keeper Felipe Bedoy, (who also handles kicking duty for DHS football) but were ultimately undone by Delta’s impressive attack. The second game of the week was again at home. This time Delta went up against the Basalt Longhorns. Basalt currently has a decent league record of 5-2. The Longhorns turned out to

be a tasty meal for the Panthers, as the game ended with a second Panther victory and a scoreline of 4-1. A slow first half, which contained a single goal, was followed up by an open and exciting second in which the Panthers scored three and Basalt got its one. The game saw three different goal scorers for Delta. Senior midfielder Dah Wah netted once, Hernandez got on the

BY TAMIE MECK

Photo by Tamie Meck

the match against the Panthers. Sadly for Moffat County, its fortunes would not turn in the game against Delta. The Panthers finished the game winners with a score of 5-2. Freshman Matt Kasper and Hernandez netted one goal each. Hernandez also provided two assists. Another assist was made by goalie Bedoy. The other three goals were provided by none other than Martin SOCCER TO B7

Olathe’s McLaughlin qualifies for state CC DCI Sports Writer

Layton McLaughlin (203) and Elco Garcia of Bayfield sprint the final meters of the 3A Region 1 CC race in Aspen. McLaughlin finished 11th and qualified for this week’s state meet.

scoresheet again with a goal and an assist, and rounding out the scoring with a brace of goals and an assist for himself was Corral again. Another assist was notched by Pantoja who has now created 10 goals for his teammates this season. The next day Delta traveled north to Moffat County for its third match of the week. The Moffat County Bulldogs had a dismal league record of 1-6 heading into

Olathe junior Layton McLaughlin will compete this Saturday at the State Cross Country Championship after finishing 11th at the 3A Region 1 meet in Aspen Saturday. The top four teams and top 15 individual placers qualify for state competition, McLaughlin competed at state in 2017 as part of the qualifying team. This year, he said, “The goal was to qualify for state individually.” McLaughlin’s time of 18 minutes, 14.40 seconds was his second fastest this season. At the Oct. 5 Pantherfest in Delta he ran a personal-best time of 17:28.04. McLaughlin said the altitude — the Aspen Golf Photo by Tamie Meck Course is located at 7,900 Olathe’s Lupita Garcia was the highest regional placer for Olathe last week in Aspen ... 16th and one place away from qualifying for this week’s state cross country meet.

feet — factored in his performance. McLaughlin, who started running cross country in eighth grade, prepared for the race by running trails above Gunnison. This is the first year Aspen has hosted the state-qualifying meet, which for the past five years has been held at Confluence Park in Delta, where Olathe runners competed two weeks earlier. McLaughlin said he welcomed the change and the opportunity to run on a soft surface. “It’s a different atmosphere,” he said. “That’s kind of what I wanted this year.” Olathe finished sixth in the region with 150 points. Senior Alecxis Hernandez placed 26th overall with a time of 18:45.5, sophomore

Miguel Almanza Silva finished 30th, and senior Angel Sanchez placed 39th. Of the nine runners competing for Olathe, three are seniors. The Olathe girls also placed sixth overall. Third-year senior Lupita Garcia was one place and three seconds away from a state qualification, finishing 16th with a time of 21 minutes, 27.20 seconds. Senior Angela Alcaraz placed 31st (22:45.70), and freshman Cheyanne German placed 36th in 23:00.1. Sophomore Jaden Valdez placed 38th (23:01.7), freshman Olivia Taylor finished 69th in 25:35.20, senior Bailey Harris finished in 25:47.60, and freshman Raquel Lovato finished in 33:39.70.

Hotchkiss freshman Karlie Egging to state BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Karlie Egging will represent Hotchkiss High School this Saturday at the Class 2A State Cross Country Championships at Colorado Springs after finishing ninth at the 2A Region 4 meet in Delta Friday. Egging’s time of 21 minutes, 3.21 seconds was also her best time

of the 2018 cross country season for the Bulldogs team. finished Hotchkiss eighth out of 15 teams with 83 points. Grace Hatheway, a junior from Cedaredge High School, scored 37 points with a season-best time of 24:11.50. Senior Mariah Griffith scored 38 points with a time of 24:42.94, and sophomore Adair

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Ela scored 40 points and ended the season with a personal-best time of 25:09.35. The boys team finished 11th out of 15 teams. Tevin Keller placed 24th overall with a time of 18:43.52. Senior Will Ela ran a season-best time of 19:50.53, freshman Ben Rodriquez also ran a season-best time of 23:45.35, and freshman Pablo Camacho placed 68th with a time of 24:05.41.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta runners, from left, Grace Hall, Emma Corbasson, Abby Williams and Remi Baldwin competed in last Friday’s 3A Regional Cross Country Meet on Aspen’s golf course, a change from the previous years of qualifying at Conﬂuence Park in Delta. Delta’s girls placed eighth overall with no runners qualifying for this year’s state meet in Colorado Springs.

Ames CONTINUED FROM B5 The worst part of the day, said Ames, is that teammate Shad Lewis finished 18th. Individuals must place in the top 15 to qualify. “That breaks my heart,” he said. Senior Andrew Toole,

sophomores Doyle Young and Enrique Gonzalez, and junior Jack Jones also ran for Delta. Senior Beki Atchley, a fourth-year runner, was the highest placer for the Delta girls, finishing 41st in 23:11.

The girls entered the maximum nine runners allowed, and placed ninth out of 12 teams. Grace Hall and Emma Corbasson finished in 24:55.7 and 24:57.7, respectively; Aubree Andre had a time of

25:11.8, followed by Abby Williams (25:27.4), Hana Hollenbeck (26:23.4), and Remi Baldwin with her time of 26:28.3. Shoshanna Vigil (27:15.4), and Emma Roithmayr (28:37.10) completed the list of Delta runners.

qualification for Schwieterman and Eaton, who last year placed 11th and 27th, respectively, out of 106 runners, and the second for Roberts, who placed 13th in last season’s state race.

With three top-15 placers, including No. 1 ranked 2A runner Chloe Veilleux with a time of 18:53.87, Soroco’s Rams scored 15 points to win the 2018 2A Region 4 regional title.

Paonia CC CONTINUED FROM B5 senior Alexandra Eaton finished 19th in a seasonbest time of 22:08.17. Also qualifying for state are freshmen Sofia Gonzalez, who placed 24th with a time of 22:46.10,

and Abby Reedy, who placed 36th with a season-best time of 23:32.86; senior Jade Ellenberger (38th, 23:43.22), and junior Mikayla Wiley (57th, 31:04.19). This is the third state

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Photo courtesy Tracy Sturgis/IHS Photography

Both Paonia cross country teams qualiﬁed for the week’s 2A cross country state championships in Colorado Springs. Runner heading for state are, from left, Katya Schwieterman, Cristina Rankin, Jade Ellenberger, Tawny Roberts, Soﬁa Gonzalez, Abby Reedy, Elijah Evans, Harley Ewert, Ethan Bartlett, Alyster Birk, Alejandro Garcia and Calvin Reese.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Bruins dominant in grid tilt

lead. After having a touchdown called back in the first half, Sackett Chesnik scored the final touchdown of the night, giving Paonia a 40-point lead and triggering the running clock. It was a welcome win for the Eagles. They remain in second place in 1A Western Slope League standings behind Meeker. A week earlier Meeker secured the league title on a 32-0 win over Paonia. Meeker held the Eagles to 202 all-purpose yards. “We weren’t prepared; we weren’t ready,” said David Lozano. “We had our heads down.” “We took a hard blow against Meeker,” said Neal. This game, he said, “was not about what happened last week. We came in today and we stepped up.” Since it was the last scheduled home game, the team also recognized seniors Anthony Felice, David Lozano, Jesse Burns, Sackett Chesnik, Gavin Weiss, Faith Esquivel, and Soul Connolly, who was sidelined after getting injured at Meeker. “They’re a very unselfish bunch,” said head coach Blaine Escher. “You can tell that they’ve been involved in a lot of athletics throughout their whole lives, and it showed on the field tonight.” Lozano said the game was a good one to go out on. He kicked six PATs for the night. His first of seven attempt likely

would have done the same, but he missed the opportunity due to a high snap. Lozano was named special teams player of the game. Including his six PATs scored in Friday’s win. It’s also his first year kicking, and it’s been a good one. With one game remaining, he’s 17-for-20 in PATs. “I don’t play soccer or anything,” he said. “I just decided to try it this year and it turned out really well.” Neal had two interceptions and two TDs for the game. Going into the game, his team-high three interceptions for the season was tied with Connolly. “It’s just a big friendly banter that we have between each other,” said Neal. “That’s what makes a team. Even when they’re hurt, you can still have a great time.” The Eagles are now 53 overall. They have outscored opponents, 18386. All eight games have ended in shutouts. As for it being the fourth 410 win of the conference season, “It’s the strangest thing we’ve ever seen,” said Lozano. Against Grand Valley, “We were fired up, ready to go. We just played our game, and whenever we play our game, the outcome is another 41 win.” The Eagles finish the conference season this Friday at Cedaredge. The Bruins are 2-2 in conference play following last Friday’s (wait for it...) 41-0 conference win over Hotchkiss.

od. Brody Wagner’s try for the extra point failed leaving the score at 6-0. Another three-and-out by the Bulldogs set up Cedaredge’s next drive from the Bruins’ 46-yard line. Dusty Cedaredge’s Emig cashed in on the Bruins’ good field position with a 20-yard counter play for another six points with 2:34 left in the opening quarter. Reynolds used a bootleg run to his left to get to the edge of Hotchkiss’ defense and a two-point conversion and a 14-0 lead. Hotchkiss’ offense could not find any flaws in the Bruins’ armor and punted the ball back to Cedaredge on a fourthand eight situation. Cedaredge began its next drive as the first period was winding down. The Bruins moved the ball from its own 20-yard line to their 41-yard line as the quarter ended. On the second play of the second quarter Emig scored on another counter play from eight yards out to make the score 200 after Wagner missed the PAT. Cedaredge got the ball back after three plays and began an 11-play drive which started on its own 47. Wade Barnard bulled over from two yards out for the Bruins and Wagner booted the extra point to make the halftime score 27-0. The Bruins tacked on 14 more points in the second half, one each in the third and fourth quarters, and had a running clock in the latter stages of the game. Cedaredge did most of its damage on the ground with play calling which set up a potent counter series which served Emig well. The Bruins racked up 333 yards in the ground game with Emig’s 76 yards on seven carries leading the way. Reynolds was next in line with 75 yards followed by Barnard (69) Joshua Jenkins (66) and Ryan Imhoff ’s 10 yards. Everyone, except Imhoff, scored a touchdown for the Bruins. Peebles was Hotchkiss’ leading ground-gainer with 62 yards on eight carries. Hunter Bryant and Jacob Palecki caught two passes for 32 yards each. Sophomore Adam Smith led the Bulldogs in tackles with eight solo and 11 assists. Reynolds and Jenkins paced Cedaredge’s defensive tacklers with five stops each. Hotchkiss coach Curtis Hintz has been nothing but positive the entire campaign so far this season for his very inexperienced and young Bulldogs. “The kids are in good spirits. We are young and battling some injuries. But, hats off to CHS ... their kids played hard and their staff had them ready to go.” Hotchkiss concludes its regular season schedule with a gridiron battle against 1A WSL leader Meeker, whose Cowboys stand alone atop the league with, a 4-0 and 5-2 slate, this Friday at 7 p.m. in Hotchkiss. Cedaredge (2-2 and 35) also has a stout test this Friday with second place Paonia (3-1 and 53) visiting the Bruins for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

sive results, and seem to approach the game with a “we’ll score more than you do” tactic, rarely keeping a clean sheet, but routinely outscoring their opposition by constantly pressing and harrying their opponent into turnovers which then turn into counter attacking opportunities for the men in green. After finishing the regular season and being seeded sixth in RPI rankings, the Panthers will

go to Denver this week to participate in the 2018 CHSAA boys soccer state tournament. They enter the tournament ranked 10th in the state. Delta’s first game takes place on October 25 and is against No. 27 KIPP Denver Collegiate’s White Tigers who will come to the match in Delta with an overall record of 8-7. The White Tigers have a goal differential of +2, while Delta has a

differential of +19. The Panthers will certainly continue to try and press and outscore their opponents and will no doubt have high hopes of progressing deep into the tournament. Winners in the first round play again on Oct. 30 with those sites to be determined by records of winners. For complete 3A tournament pairings and future game dates, visit chsaanow.com.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Hotchkiss quarterback Jace Peebles is hemmed in by a pack of Bruins on a keeper run last Friday night in Hotchkiss. Peebles and the Bulldogs were held scoreless in a 41-0 shutout in 1A WSL play.

A near-perfect night for football was executed well for the Cedarege Bruins but was not so favorable for host Hotchkiss High School. The Bulldogs received the opening kickoff and were forced to punt the ball away after just three plays and four yards to their credit. Cedaredge had a big return on the Jace Peebles punt and were ready to set up its first drive at Hotchkiss’ 27-yard line. A holding penalty pushed the ball back to the 37. Four plays later the Bruins owned a 6-0 lead following senior Jared Reynold’s nine-yard run with 7:28 left in the peri-

Photo by Tamie Meck

With help from a block by Anthony Felice, Sackett Chesnik gains yardage in Paonia’s 41-0 conference win Friday against Grand Valley. The Eagles remain in second place in the 1A WSL. They ﬁnish the conference season Friday at Cedaredge before heading into post-season play.

Eagles blank Grand Valley in 1A WSL play BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Forty-one to zero. Paonia has won three conference football games and one non-conference game this fall by a score of 41-0. “Forty-one’s just our lucky number,” said Grey Neal after quarterbacking Paonia to a 41-0 conference win over Grand Valley Friday night at Dan Lawrence Field. Neal completed seven of 10 passes for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, and rushed for one touchdown. Anthony Felice rushed for 46 yards in seven carries and had three receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown. Jesse Burns was named Player of the Game. Burns led the Eagles in rushing with 85 yards and one touchdown in eight carries, including a 46-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Five minutes into the game, Neal put Paonia on the board on a short sneak up the middle. In the opening play of the second quarter Neal found Felice in the end zone for a 13-0 lead. With 6:29 remaining in the half, Paonia took a 20-0 lead on a 16-yard pass to Carlos Lozano deep in the right corner of the end zone. Grand Valley threatened to score late in the half when Neal intercepted a pass off of quarterback and ran it back almost 80 yards. A PAT by David Lozano gave the Eagles a 27-0 halftime

Soccer CONTINUED FROM B6 Corral. This prolific display marks his third hattrick of the season — a hat-trick of hat-tricks! Corral has been in blistering form this campaign scoring six goals over the week’s three games, and now boasts a total of 24 goals and four assists in 15 games. This translates into a team leading 1.6 goals per game. The Panthers keep rolling along with game after game of impres-

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Dusty Emig ﬁnds plenty of empty space on this counter play and scoots 20 yards to the end zone for one of his two scores off the counter.

B8 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta grid crew uses second half for win BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

It certainly wasn’t pretty in Craig for Delta High School’s football team in the first half last Friday. Moffat County’s Bulldogs had the momentum and execution to keep Delta’s visiting Panthers on the ugly side of a 20-7 score at halfime. Miscues and a lackluster performance gave Panthers’ coach Ben Johnson plenty of things to talk about at halftime. Moffat County’s firsthalf effort wasn’t quite enough, however, as the Panthers roared back in the second half for a 3420 2A WSL win. Delta was a different football team in the second half and used better execution on offense to score a quick seven points to begin third quarter play. Defense was more than up to the challenge as the Panthers thwarted several starting drives from the Bulldogs to keep Moffat County’s offense silent in the third quarter. Delta hit a calm stretch with its own offense in the third period after showing signs of brilliance to score its early score in the quarter.

When Delta did get its offense and defense synched, the results were devastating to Moffat County’s cause. The Panthers cinched their belts up a notch and controlled the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball to finish second half play with a 27-0 run and a huge 34-20 victory. The win keeps Delta in the running for post-season play and pushes the Panther’s overall record to 5-3 with a 2-2 mark in league play. Delta is fourth behind Aspen (3-1, 6-2), Rifle (3-1, 7-1) and Basalt (3-1, 7-1). Sophomore Nolan Bynum threw for 133 yards on 13 attempts in the game with junior Skyler Kraai hauling in four passes for 59 yards. Junior Nate Workman also grabbed four passes and finished the game with 52 yards. Bynum had scoring strikes to juniors Hunter Hughes and Gauge Lockhart. Junior Cody Suave was stellar for the Panthers’ running game with 151 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Lockhart added his second score of the game with

a rushing touchdown and had a game-total 27 yards on seven carries. Junior kicker Felipe Bedoy scored the point after on four of five touchdowns to make Delta’s final point total 34. Moffat County used three passers to accumulate 113 yards through the air on 13 of 35 passing attempts. The Bulldogs finished with 89 rushing yards making their total offensive number 202 yards. Delta finished the game with a total of 331 yards of offense for the game. Defensively, senior Aiden Barrios finished the game with 14 total tackles followed by junior Caleb Miramontes (10), Workman’s nine and sophomore Colton Johnson’s eight tackles. Junior Brandon Butler finished the game with two sacks and junior Colby Wilson had an interception for the Panthers. Delta closes out its regular season football schedule this Friday with Coal Ridge’s Titans coming to town for an Oct. 26 Friday Night Lights 2A WSL contest kicking off at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy Danielle Bynum

Delta quarterback Nolan Bynum (2) pitches the ball to his running back, Cody Suave (1) on a play last Friday night in Craig against Moffat County’s Bulldogs. The Panthers, down 20-7 at halftime, rallied for 27 unanswered points in the second half to earn a 34-20 3A WSL victory.

Paonia third heading into district volleyball BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After closing the conference season with two wins, Paonia is third in team standings heading into the 2A Western Slope League volleyball tournament, which opens Friday at Meeker. Paonia edged out the Tigers Friday at Hayden for a 3-1, 27-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-23 win. Poppy Lightfoot made a seasonhigh 20 kills and Sadie

Miller and Lyla Hayutin-Baril combined for 15 kills. The Eagles missed six of 101 serves and scored on 11 aces. On defense, Lightfoot also had one error in 24 serve receives and libero Jaquelin Mora three errors in 25 serve receives. On Saturday the Eagles played to a 25-12, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17 win at West Grand (6-13, 5-7). At 12-0, Meeker wins

the district title and is hosting the tournament. The Cowboys also automatically qualified for regional competition. At 11-1, Vail Mountain is second in league standings heading into the tournament. The top three placers in each district advance to regional competition Nov. 2-3. Those teams seeded first through 12th will host a tournament site when regionals start.

Delta gears for playoffs BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

It’s the time of the year when volleyball teams on the bubble need to find that winning combination to secure a post-season playoff berth. The top 32 are the teams that generally make the playoff pairings and Delta’s Panthers are resting in 25th place in Class 3A volleyball rankings. Delta split a pair of 3A WSL games last week, falling to league leading Coal Ridge 3-1 and defeating Olathe 3-0. The Panthers are fourth in

the 3A WSL race with a 6-3 league mark and 127 overall showing. Coal Ridge is 9-0 and 13-6 with Cedaredge second at 9-1 and 16-2. Aspen’s Skiers are third with records of 6-1 and 15-5. Delta traveled to New Castle last week in hopes of possibly moving up in league standings. The Titans had little sympathy for the Panthers and played their way to a 3-1 win with scores of 21-25, 25-14, 25-13 and 25-14. Junior Sara Geddes played well at the net and accounted for 14 of

Delta’s points with kill shots. Geddes figured high in digs with 10 and service receptions with 19. Junior Haylin McCulloch led the way in digs for the Panthers with 11 and senior Lauren Davey finished with nine. McCulloch was the service reception leader with 25 and junior Madi Gieck had 12. Senior Abby Carlson had 20 assists for the Panthers while freshman Erika Kuta had three of the Panthers’ seven blocks on the evening. Olathe’s Pirates were

in town on Oct. 17 and failed to win a set in a 3-0 loss to Delta. Davey and Geddes had 12 and 11 kills, respectively, in the win for Delta with McCulloch and Geddes posting 14 and 11 digs respectively. Abby Carlson dished out 25 assists and McCulloch had 10 service receptions for the winners. The Panthers end regular season play with Palisade Oct. 26 (12 noon), Valley the same day (5 p.m.) and Cedaredge Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. at Coal Ridge.

Photo by Tamie Meck

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Paonia setter Ceylon Carter attacks against Vail Mountain on Oct. 13. Carter is one of two varsity sophomores playing for the Eagles. Paonia is 8-4 in conference play and seeded third heading into this week’s league tournament at Meeker.

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Hotchkiss sophomore Amelia Hickham blocks an attack by the Bruins’ Kammie Henderson in Cedaredge’s 3-0 win over the Bulldogs last Friday in Hotchkiss.

Hotchkiss falls in volleyball BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

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In its final home game of the season, the Hotchkiss volleyball team played to a 3-0 nonconference loss against Cedaredge. The Bulldogs had momentum early in the games, but the tenacious 16-2 Bruins easily swept the match, 25-16, 25-15, 25-10. Hotchkiss ended conference play Saturday with a 3-1 (25-16, 2125, 12-25, 17-25) loss at Rangely. The Bull-

dogs end conference play with a 4-15 overall, 1-11 record. Cedaredge (16-2, 9-1) is in second place in 3A WSL standings. Its one conference loss was on Oct. 13 to Coal Ridge, which at 9-0 currently leads the league in standings. Hotchkiss, West Grand, Soroco and Hayden will compete at a league tournament in Plateau Valley on Friday with the Bulldogs playing their first game at 10 a.m.

SURFACE CREEK October 24, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Trick-or-treaters have a lot of options on Oct. 31 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Families looking for alternatives to traditional after dark trick-or-treating will have plenty of choices this year. As Cedaredge Elementary School students are dismissed

on the afternoon of Oct. 31, students and parents can begin their Halloween adventures by visiting a “Trunk or Treat” event and by taking part in the town’s “Trickor-Treat Trail.” The “trunk” event takes place in the parking lot of the Cedaredge Com-

Photo by Don Benjamin

Last year, Town of Cedaredge employees joined with downtown merchants to hand out treats along the ‘Trick-or-Treat Trail.’ Left to right are town ﬁnance director, Tammy Francis; former town clerk, William Warner; and Greg Brinck, then an intern and now the town’s administrator. Trick-or-treaters are Kimbry and Hudson Herbert of Cedaredge.

munity United Methodist Church at 210 NW 3rd Street and the “trail” winds through downtown Cedaredge. Both events start at 3 p.m. and the downtown activity continues until 5 p.m. Church members in costumes will host the Methodist event and local business employees will dress up and distribute treats as part of the downtown trail. That same afternoon, children in costume can visit Reve Portraits anytime from 1-5 p.m. to pose for a portrait photograph. Canned food or a $5 donation will be collected in exchange for a 4x6 portrait. (No donations in glass containers will be accepted and there is a limit of one print per family.) Canned goods and cash donations will benefit the Surface Creek Food Bank. Reve Portraits is located at 110 SE Frontier Avenue, Suite C, just off Highway 65 in the Leisure Time Sports & Video shopping complex. And finally, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. children and families can enjoy a special opportunity to trick-or-treat with residents of the Horizons Care Center. The facility is located at 11411 Highway 65 in Eckert and can be reached at 970835-2600.

A joyful day

Photo by Don Benjamin

Bettie Stivers and her dog “Z” received a prayer from Pastor Joe Agne during a blessing of the animals last Saturday. The Cedaredge United Methodist Church sponsored the ceremony which included a trip to a horse farm where other four-legged friends were also blessed.

Drought restrictions lifted in Cedaredge BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

During an Oct. 18 regular meeting the Cedaredge Board of Trustees approved a variety of measures. In an action closely anticipated by town residents, the

trustees approved a resolution rescinding the special drought rates that have been charged to town water users as well as the watering restrictions imposed over the past few months. The rates and restrictions were set to expire on

Nov. 1 but the rates will actually end earlier with the Oct. 22-23 meter reading in order to accommodate the town’s billing cycle. The trustees approved a resolution setting revised rates for employee health

Local senior citizens need ‘A Little Help’ BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

A Little Help of Delta County will sponsor its “Service Saturday” event 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. Here, with names changed to protect privacy, are three examples of Surface Creek seniors who received services during an earlier Saturday event in June of this year: Carol is in her 80s and she lives alone in a double-wide trailer not far from school grounds. She loves to hear the students at recess. She used to take pride in her yard and flowers but taking care of them is too much for her these days. A Little Help volunteers spent the morning weeding her gardens and washing windows. “I can’t thank you enough,” she said. Leonard is 83 years old. He shares a rural home with his partner. Both try to stay active but the weeds have taken over

their once lush garden and Leonard has forgotten how to operate his lawn equipment. A Little Help volunteers used Leonard’s weed-eater and wheelbarrow to clear away a jungle of unwanted plants. “Please come again,” Leonard said. Annie is 75. She has mobility issues and is confined to her urban home. She has helpers who come daily but they are not allowed to work outside the house. She loves to sit and look out her windows but her view is blocked by her storm screens and the window panes are murky with grime. A Little Help volunteers spent the morning removing, cleaning, and storing her screens and washing all her windows. As they were preparing to leave for their next assignment, the volunteers learned it was Annie’s birthday so they went inside and sang “Happy Birthday” to her. “A blessing,” said Annie. A Little Help is a nonprofit organization which is already well-established in Denver, in Chaffee County, and in Paonia. The organiza-

tion’s goal is to help seniors by providing services that allow them to continue living in their homes. The localized Service Saturday event will help the organization expand its services into the Surface Creek and Delta area. On Oct. 27, volunteers are asked to gather at 8 a.m. at Cedaredge town park on West Main Street. Volunteers will then disperse to work at seniors’ homes from 9 a.m. 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 are urged to register for the event at this link: https://www.alittle help.org/ServiceSaturdays. Or call 970-527-3482 for more information.

insurance. The new rate schedule will increase the percentage of health insurance premiums paid by the town in order to make the costs paid by employees more equitable. The old system favored single employees; the new system makes the rates more uniformly fair for employees with families. The total cost to the town will increase but the trustees voted to approve the measure to be fair to all employees and because, as the resolution states, “competitive wages and benefits are a vital component in keeping high quality employees.” Although the adjusted health plan will be part of next year’s budget, the town’s new health plan was approved prior to official adoption of the 2019 budget in order that employees can make decisions during the current insurance enrollment period. The trustees also approved a franchise agreement between the town and the Elevate Fiber service which is affiliated with the DeltaMontrose Electric Association (DMEA). As part of its regional utilities services, DMEA has proposed to deliver video programming and other cable TV services to subscribers within the town of Cedaredge. To cover such services, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a franchise agreement and the

Cedaredge home-rule charter requires that franchise agreements be established in the form of publicly enacted ordinances. As a consideration for the town’s adoption, DMEA will — according to ordinance language — pay the town “a sum equal to three percent of the Cable Gross Revenue.” The franchise will be in force for ten years with an effective day which is set at thirty days after publication of a public notice of the franchise agreement. In practice, Elevate has announced Nov. 5 as the target date to begin offering TV services. This timing will precede the franchise effective date but administrator Brinck indicated that a previously approved memo of understanding with Elevate Fiber will cover TV activities initiated during the interim. In other action, the trustees approved a resolution strongly urging a “no” vote on Amendment 74 known as “the compensation to owners for decreased property value due to state regulation” initiative. According to the resolution, the proposed amendment is so broadly written that it would give individual property owners the option to sue government — including small municipalities — over a wide range of legitimate governmental actions. The resolution states that in CEDAREDGE TO C2

Photo by Randy Sunderland

Hoping to perform under the lights

Photo submitted

A Little Help connects seniors with volunteers. The goal is to provide services that allow seniors to continue living in their homes. The group is recruiting volunteers for an Oct. 27 event.

The Cedaredge Bruins Marching Band is hoping to be performing under the lights Monday, Oct. 29, in the finals of the Colorado Bandmasters Association state championship in Pueblo. Nine 1A bands, including Cedaredge, will march Monday afternoon in the semifinals and the top five advance to the finals Monday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. Over the past decade, the Bruins have amassed an amazing record of being in the top three nine of the past 10 years including a four-year run (2011-2014) as 1A champions. The Bruins’ first performance of the day is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Delta High School will perform at 2:45 p.m. in the 2A competition. The competition will be held at DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium at 2200 Bonforte Boulevard on the CSU/Pueblo campus. Admission to the semifinals is $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors 60 and older; to the finals is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, children 9 and younger are free.

C2 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Cedaredge FROM PAGE C1 Washington and Oregon where similar amendments were enacted then later defeated, billions of dollars of claims were filed requiring state and local governments — and ultimately taxpayers — to address those claims. According to the resolu-

tion, the amendment is not only dangerously broad, it is also unnecessary because “under the current Colorado Constitution, a property owner already has the right to seek compensation from state or local governments.” The trustees approved

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a resolution to grant the Cedaredge Community Garden’s request for a new water tap. Under the resolution, the town will waive the tap fee, establish a new tap on the new water line, and retain ownership of the arrangement. Going forward, the garden will pay a base fee and also be billed for water usage. The trustees approved a resolution setting fees for sex offender registration. The primary cost associated with registration is fingerprinting. The resolution approved by the trustees takes into account the fees which neighboring communities charge and therefore it calls for a $25 initial registration fee and a $10 fee for continuing registration.

Delta County Independent

OC fixes leak, installs meter to find missing water BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS with Contributing Writer

Orchard City’s water committee meeting on Oct. 10 was short, with not many agenda items. After discussing progress on some unfinished projects, the committee reviewed the water audit. Last month system input read 17.5 million gallons. This is about six million less than last year. Due to citizens’ conservation efforts it seems there should be enough water for 2018-2019 with normal usage. However, there still seems to be 2.6 million gallons missing between system input and what was billed. Three leaks were listed last month

one leak being fixed. A new water recording meter being installed on the west line will hopefully give insight into the losses. “We think some of the losses is in our recording equipment,” said trustee Dick Kirkpatrick. This believed error comes from there being less pressure several months of the year causing a misreading. Trustee Kirkpatrick then reported that the Orsatti Water Consultants Regulatory Assessment Memorandum went well. Essentially, OC has clean water and nothing unexpected was found. The only concern focused on the use of

forest fire foams. “How would we treat that?” asked trustee Doug Keller. Town administrator Melissa Oelke explained that water is typically used on fires on Grand Mesa and that upcoming EPA regulations will further restrict foam use. Should they ever be used, however, the town would likely let it bypass the treatment plant to dilute and thin out downstream. To finish the agenda, the committee reviewed the basic rod maintenance and repairs to be done for Little Gem Reservoir. This will help ensure accurate measurements of water level.

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

Nothing like a few days of rain to help us forget how dry and hot our summer was this year. My rain gauge has collected over 2.5 inches in the first ten days of October. And total rainfall this year is now equal to last year. But, and this is a big but, our drought conditions this year have been tough on our trees and it is apparent that many trees are struggling. Because of our earlier

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Tickets available at: Starr’s Guitars or by calling (970) 856-2331

dry conditions and progressive water rates in some communities designed to discourage excessive water use, many trees have suffered with branch dieback. This is especially true of maples, ash and aspen trees. I’ve been queried by some folks as to why the dieback in situations where they followed their normal watering practices. Well it may be as simple as your watering regimen was marginal and with the increased drought pressure, that was enough to put your trees over the edge. In more average precipitation years you got away with your regular watering schedule. There are some watering practices that are just plain harmful to trees. With newly planted trees, we apply water near the tree trunk to keep the root ball moist. We do this by either running a hose near the trunk, watering in a basin we have created around the trunk or by placing irrigation emitters close to the tree trunk. That is all well and good the first year but in following years you need to be watering out away from the tree trunk where the feeder roots are growing.

Another bad tree irrigation practice is to water frequently for short periods of time. This encourages roots to stay close to the soil surface where the soil dies out rapidly. Instead, water less frequently for longer periods of time. I water my trees about once a month for one hour, covering the area under the tree canopy as well as out a little ways from the drip line. While on the subject of irrigation I must also warn about too much water, keeping the root zone saturated all of the time. This suffocates the roots and they die of oxygen deprivation. So deep watering less frequently should solve both of the above problems. Now let’s focus on aspens. First, planting aspens in areas below 8,000 feet elevation is asking for trouble. Especially in the more southern areas of their range such as where we live. Oh, you can find examples of older, flourishing aspens at lower elevations but they are exceptions rather than the rule. Also, aspens are generally short lived trees. An old low elevation aspen tree would be about 20 years of age. And aspens grown where they struggle are constantly under stress, opening them up to all kinds of maladies such as diseases, insect infestations, off target herbicide injury, de-icing chemical injury, soil compaction,

improper pruning practices and even improper planting. This year has been especially tough on aspens as evidenced by branches dying on what were thought to be healthy, thriving trees. Not so this year. What you are seeing is the effects of insufficient water. What can you do to save these trees? Wait until spring to prune out those dead branches making proper pruning cuts. Rake up and dispose of all fallen aspen leaves. They provide an overwintering site for diseases such as marssonina blight. And consider spraying a fungicide on the developing leaf buds next spring. You may need to apply a second and even a third spray 7-10 days apart. And also spray the ground under the trees to suppress the overwintering blight that infects leaves when water splashes up into the tree. You should also water all your trees a couple of times this winter and every winter. I know I’ve put a lot on your plate this time but trees are a long term investment and some of you have not been serious enough to properly care for your trees. Until next time, stay dry and pray for more rain and snow. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

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Delta County Independent

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Arts Center highlights fall events BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

As autumn colors begin to illuminate the Surface Creek area, the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) has scheduled a full slate of activities.

Next up is a High Altitude Cabaret featuring a variety of music and dance. The choreographer and director is Gena Rose. This family-friendly variety show will include musical performances by several artists and dance

numbers, including jazz, tap and couples style dancing. The entertainment is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27. A matinee performance begins at 2 p.m. and the evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the front desk

Trustees hear constituent concerns, multiple reports BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees met for a public hearing and a busy regular session on Oct. 18. The public hearing was held to consider a special events liquor permit requested by the Surface Creek Animal Shelter for a fundraising concert scheduled for Nov. 9. Bruce Joss, vice president of the shelter board, made a presentation regarding the shelter’s activities and the intent of the fundraiser. He told the trustees he would make certain that volunteers dispensing drinks were aware of the town’s regulations. Town administrator Greg Brinck spoke in favor of the permit. Trustees indicated their support for the work of the shelter. No one spoke in opposition. The permit was subsequently approved during the regular meeting. During constituent time, Tony Sarver of Austin, addressed the board. He owns a commercial property in Cedaredge and a few months ago he was approached by a party who wished to open an automobile detailing business on the site. He reported to the trustees that the prospective business was discouraged by the town’s requirement to obtain a conditional use permit which included a 60-day waiting period. He suggested that the town change its policy to allow the town administrator to exercise discretion so as not to discourage business development. At the close of the regular meeting, during the trustee comments period, trustee Al Smith said he hoped the town’s planning and zoning commission would follow-up on Sarver’s suggestion. Trustee Bob Michaels, who serves on the planning commission, and Mayor Gene Welch assured Smith that the matter will be considered. Dottie Whitlock, who serves as board treasurer of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, reported on chamber activities. In addition to hosting monthly “business after hours” events as mixers for chamber members, the chamber is promoting its Trick-orTreat Trail. Trustee and board treasurer Patti Michael reported that the town has moved most of its

investment funds from a C-Safe investment pool into the town’s COLOTRUST account in order to realize a higher interest rate and also obtain training and support for town staff offered by COLOTRUST. Following the transfer of funds, the town’s investment pools show balances of $1.1 million in a general account and nearly $285,000 in a major street improvement fund. In addition to yielding interest, these investments are managed to ensure liquidity so that cash is available to the town as needed. Trustee Michael also reported that the town’s September sales tax receipts are up from the previous year-to-date by 5.74 percent. Administrator Brinck informed the trustees of three financial matters which will impact the current town budget and the 2019 draft budget: 1) A total of $30,000 will be allocated from the Conservation Trust Fund to augment the golf course superintendent’s labor costs. 2) An allocation of $31,122 will be spent annually from 2018 to 2020 to install Neptune water meters throughout the town. The Neptune meters can be read by radio signal cutting down on staff time required to physically locate and read older meters. Jerry Young, town co-director of public works, estimated that, when all new meters are installed, staff time and costs associated with meter reading will be reduced from three days to a single day and from as many as three employees involved to one person. 3) Funds will be expended to satisfy a contractual obligation between the town and the Grand Mesa Water Conservancy. A total payment of $8,000 — representing a 2017 and 2018 payment of $4,000 for each year — will be made to settle the terms of a contract which covers work at Doughty Reservoir. Once the contract is settled, the town will move from owning a half-share of Doughty water to owning a full single share. To the extent that these financial matters impact the proposed 2019 budget, no action was required by the trustees at the Oct. 18 meeting. Instead the

Halloween Dog Jog set for Oct. 27 The annual Dog Jog will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Cedaredge Town Park. Hosted by the Surface Creek Veterinary Center, the event includes a fun run/walk and a doggy Halloween costume contest. There will also be games and prizes. This is the seventh year that the veterinary center has sponsored the pet and kid friendly event. Anyone is welcome to attend, but registration — along with the payment of a $25 sign-up fee — is required to take part in the run and the costume contest. Those who register and pay the fee will also receive a T-shirt, a bandana, and a goody bag. Participants can register online and receive payment instructions by visiting the website: www.surfacecreekveteri narycenter.com Proceeds will benefit community pet and animal related

projects. In addition to hosting the Dog Jog, center owners and veterinarians Jeff and Susie Hirsch support Cedaredge’s semi-annual low-cost dog vaccination clinics by offering their services free of charge. According to Cedaredge Police Chief Dan Sander, 77 dogs were vaccinated at the September 2018 clinic. The next vaccination clinic will take place in March or early April 2019. A specific date will be announced in the DCI and the town newsletter. For questions about the Dog Jog call the Surface Creek Veterinary Center at 970-8564474 or visit the center at 17800 Hanson Road in Cedaredge. For questions about future lowcost dog vaccination clinics or dog licensing, contact Michelle Anderson, Cedaredge animal control and enforcement officer at 970-856-4301.

board will consider these and other budgetary matters as part of its continuing budgetary review that will eventually lead to a public hearing on the proposed 2019 budget which is scheduled for Nov. 29. Public works co-director Young reported that the town is nearly finished with its water line replacement project. After hooking up water lines on several streets and avenues intersecting Highway 65, it appears that all leaks have been resolved. Young anticipates that the work will be completed in approximately two weeks. Trustee Myers suggested that barricade signs associated with the project block the view of oncoming highway traffic for vehicles exiting the Go-Fer Foods convenience store at 915 South Grand Mesa Drive. Young will investigate and adjust the signage as needed.

of the GMAEC building at 195 West Main Street in downtown Cedaredge. Call 970-856-9195 for more information. A Halloween costume party and dance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, from 7-9 p.m. The featured performers will be the Cup-A-Jo band. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Starr’s Guitars, 250 West Main Street, in downtown Cedaredge or through the business’ website: www. starrsguitars.com. Call 970-856-2331 for information. Nov. 15 marks the beginning of “Voices of the Western Slope” a series of informative and entertaining event which the arts center declares will focus on area “history, geography, geology, and mythology.” The mid-November event is presented in conjunction with the Delta County Libraries and it will feature Alma Evans, PhD, who will share her knowledge of the Ute Indians. The event begins at 6 p.m. and a $10 recommended donation will be welcomed at the door. The Rudl Mergleman exhibit of western art continues at the GMAEC’s Starr Family Gallery through Nov. 29. On that date, at 2 p.m. the artist will host an afternoon forum to discuss his work. There is no charge to view the exhibit or attend the forum.

Meth, heroin seized in traffic stop Cedaredge residents passing by the Pioneer Town parking lot last Thursday may have noticed the presence of several law enforcement vehicles with lights flashing. On the afternoon of Oct. 19, the Cedaredge Police Department posted the following explanation on its Facebook page: “On Oct. 18, Cedaredge Police Department (CPD) conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of South Grand Mesa Drive. Upon contact with the occupants of the vehicle the officer established that there was reasonable suspicion that there may have been illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Due to this the CPD K9 Unit was utilized. The K9 sniff proved positive and upon

probable cause search of the vehicle, approximately four grams of methamphetamine and 11 grams of heroin were found with numerous other narcotic related paraphernalia. One female occupant was arrested for outstanding warrants and felony possession of class II controlled substance, one male occupant was arrested for restraining order and bond violations, and the male driver was summoned for felony possession of class II controlled substance.” According to records provided by the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, the three individuals involved in the arrest were Michael Sexton, Nicole McCollough and Shane Rose.

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

C6 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Tables available for UMC craft fair All Saints plans The Cedaredge United tables. Cost is $25. Entry urday at the Methodist ing JoAnn Price at 835Church locat- forms may be picked up Thrift Store, 205 Main 3065. craft and bake sale Methodist ed at 3rd and Aspen, is Wednesday through Sat- in Cedaredge, or by callAll Saints Lutheran Church in Cory will be holding its popular and annual craft and bake sale on Friday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch will be served on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for $8. This will include a chicken salad with a cup of creamy wild rice soup or a bowl of soup with chicken. Both menus include bread and a beverage. Also available are

all-season and Christmas gifts, quilts, handmade cards, knit and crocheted items, placemats, etc. The bake sale table is always a popular place to buy delicious homemade items to take home, stock up for the holidays and/or buy dessert to go with your lunch! All Saints Lutheran is located on Highway 65, one mile north of the Cory General Store. The church’s phone number is 8353667.

Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

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hosting a fall festival and craft fair in its fellowship hall on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The craft show opens at 9 a.m. along with breakfast of biscuits and gravy or all-you-can-eat pancakes. A churchwide bake sale offers a wide selection of goodies for all to enjoy. A Taste of Italy is the theme of the lunch, which begins at 11 a.m. Spaghetti in a special meat sauce, salad, Texas toast and dessert will fill any size appetite. There are still several spaces available for crafts, antiques or flea market/white elephant

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Delta County Women’s Connection presents ‘Twice Loved Clothing’

Delta County Women’s Connection invites women of all ages to share in a girls’ night out complete with catered dinner, free child care, an activity, door prizes, a guest speaker, and live entertainment. On Thursday, Nov. 8, DCWC presents “Twice Loved Clothing,” a thrift store fashion show and presentation. The event will be held at the Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road,

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from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Focusing on providing a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, the DCWC event is a great place to unwind, laugh, learn, share, and re-charge in the company of other women. Because this is a catered event, reservations are appreciated. Reservations for children will be needed as well, and moms are asked to bring a sack dinner for each child. This month guest speaker Linda

Roush will share her presentation, “A Humorous Look at Life.” A $12 cover charge includes all of the above plus a dinner catered by Daveto’s. Please RSVP by Nov. 5 by phone to Cindy at 970-921-5412, email to dcwcreservations@gmail. com, text to 919-795-8968, or visit the events link on our Facebook page and reserve on the event. Delta County Women’s Connection is an outreach of Stonecroft.

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Classifieds

October 24, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

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Services ARBORMEN-ARBORscapes: Tree Work Arborist Licensed 1983.12 - City Fed. contracts performed. Disease diagnosis, pruning, removals. Landscaping maintenance with general building contractor. Bonded 970-628-6777 or 970-5890865. (4x43)

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

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Help Wanted JOB OPENING FOR THE Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office: Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office is looking to employ an officer. To apply please contact the Hotchkiss Town Clerk (970) 872-3663 or go online (townofhotchkiss.com) and download an application for employment. Closing for applications will be on November 15, 2018. Job brief: We are looking for a responsible Deputy Marshal to maintain law and order, protect members of the public and their properties, prevent crime and improve citizens’ quality of life. The goal is to achieve community safety and crime reduction. Minimum Qualifications: Must be U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, and having no felony convictions. Misdemeanors are handled on a case-by-case basis. Have a valid Colorado Driver’s License, and be POST Certified. Must be able to pass our hiring process as well as interviews, a background check, written exam, drug test, and psychological evaluation. Education & Training: Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or a GED, BS degree in police science or related field is desirable and you must have Colorado POST certification. The Town of Hotchkiss is an EOE. (2x43)

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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 WANTED OFFICE ADMIN(970)471-2168. (4x41) istrator - Requires some SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421. AR QuickBooks knowledge, great people skills, answering phone, route work orders, ordering of materials, drug testing pre-requisite required. Apply in person at Doughty Steel, 685 Hwy. 92, Delta, CO 81416 or mail application to PO for one of our ad representatives to Box 690, Delta, CO 81416. (2x42) help with your advertising needs.

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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) ADVERTISE! 874-4421.

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D2 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

Delta County Independent

Help Wanted

Miscellaneous

Public Service

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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. �� SPORTING GOODS �� October 27-28 �� 3960 Palmer Park �� 800-756-4788 ��

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WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x43) AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778.

Support your community newspaper by advertising or subscribing.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta.

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

AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067.

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

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

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

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DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker.

HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an aniCHECK OUT THE BOOK mal's life. Adopt your new store at the Delta Library. cat or dog from the Delta You'll find a great selection County Humane Society. of paperbacks at reasonable Adoption fee is minimal. prices. Call 874-2149.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 NARCOTICS ANONY- IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal mous meets at 9th and you will love the Downstairs Church, 5th & Palmer (back Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Bookstore in the basement door). Fridays at 8 p.m. of the Delta Library.

DELTA COUNTY

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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D4 Wednesday, October 24, 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. Just a Spoonful of Sugar. Bring the entire family to Cedaredge Library for a discussion and demonstration about sugar in our food and drinks. Participants will make a healthy snack to take home. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. Cedaredge Friends of the Library Meeting. Support your library. Be a friend! Thursday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at Cedaredge Library. 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 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. 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. Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group. If you have a nagging curiosity about your family’s beginning or a family legend you have always wanted to prove, then join the “Digging Your Roots” genealogy group at Cedaredge Library. We can help you get a start on research and assist you in tracking down that family legend! The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month through June 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 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. Tech Information Station. Delta Library offers an open tech information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tablets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online classes. Thursday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.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. Discover Health at Delta Library. Through December, Delta Library is hosting a traveling, interactive exhibit for

Community concerts are off to a great start BY BOB BROWN Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association

Last Saturday evening, the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association (DMCCA) opened its five-concert season for 2018-19 with an excellent program featuring 7th Ave at the Delta County Performing Arts Center. 7th Ave is a group formed and led by Chris Rupp of Mankato, Minn. Chris performed here in 2009 with his country vocal band, Home Free. Home Free enjoys a national reputation for presenting its unique a cappella talent with cordial audience rapport. It won Season 4 on The Sing-Off on NBC in 2013. 7th Ave is building a similar reputation to forge its identity in the music world. The group features four very gifted singers: its leader, Chris, is a multi-talented musician, accomplished pianist, composer and vocalist; his sister, Tristin Rupp, a poised and very natural vocalist with her BFA degree in musical theatre from the University of Minnesota; Marie Nicole is an equally talented singer, who graduated magna cum laude from High Point University in North Carolina where she studied performance theatre and vocal music; and Jeff Grider, another Minnesotan, who stepped in for the group’s regular fourth member, Tyler Formson, who was unable to join the group that evening. The audience will certainly remember Jeff, not only for his vocal ability, but also for his ad lib humor

and for doing his part to fit in seamlessly with every song. All of the performers exhibited a wide range of talents, including Chris’ improvisation on the piano of “feelings” suggested by the audience; Tristin and Marie Nicole’s individual powerful solos and their superb tap dancing, and Jeff ’s unique vocal ability to mimic instrumental accompaniment. One memorable portion of the program was Tristin’s lovely rendition of “Amazing Grace” which held the audience’s rapt attention before it burst into appreciative applause for her expression of the deep meaning of that familiar hymn. Showing their impish sense of humor, however, Craig and Jeff followed, changing the mood, with their irreverent song, “Drink with Me.” Throughout the evening the four singers provided a great variety of songs for the span of generations present — including seniors and millennials and several youngsters. To name a few, these songs included: “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Route 66,” “Disney Medley,” “Hallelujah,” and “Genie in A Bottle.” Contributing to the audience’s enjoyment was the lighting and staging which the troupe provided with its own equipment to create atmosphere and moods appropriate to the music presented. At the conclusion of the concert, many attendees commented on how impressed they were with the professional talent of these four performers. One patron observed that

the concert was of the caliber one would expect of a show on a cruise ship. Many found the professional trained voices of the singers outstanding. Others remarked how grateful they were that the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association arranges for such quality programs to be brought to our rural area. All four of the association’s remaining concerts are of the professional quality witnessed at last Saturday’s performance. The next one, just in time for Christmas, is “Leon Sings Noel.” The artist, Leon Williams, a classically trained baritone, will present a program of traditional and popular carols. His concert is set for Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue in Delta. Single admission tickets ($20 for adults) will be available only at the door. “Leon Sings Noel” will be a wonderful, uplifting opportunity to celebrate the holiday season. Don’t miss it! If you are not already a member of the DMCCA, we invite you to join by purchasing a season ticket for only $45. To secure a membership form and to obtain details about the remaining concerts, go online at www. deltamontroseconcerts. com. There you can print out a membership form, complete it and send it in with your payment — or you can call Bob Brown at 835-4480 for more details. We hope you will join us for our special Christmas concert on Dec. 10.

all ages. Discover Health makes learning about health science topics FUN through hands-on, multimedia activities in both English and Spanish and a series of events and programs to engage children, teens and adults. Visit deltalibraries.org or call 970-874-9630 for details and a schedule of events. Create a Hand Maker Space. Kids are invited 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? 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. Master Builder Club.

Explore your creativity as a master builder with LEGO and other materials! Join us for monthly design themes and free building time. All ages welcome; children under 7 should bring an adult. Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. at Hotchkiss Library. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second Thursday of every month October through May at 10:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to join! Discover Health Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Hotchkiss Library for a healththemed scavenger hunt. 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. Physical Therapy for Pets. Barbara Guse, an experienced animal physical therapist, will discuss “Managing Osteoarthritis in Pets.” Learn techniques for managing pain and improving the quality of life — for you and your pet! Thursday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at Paonia Library.

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police Department (edited for length): The police blotter was not available by the time this page went to the press. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Oct. 15: A break-in was reported at a camper trailer parked at a storage facility on 1600 Road. An Orchard City resident reported that someone had gone through his vehicle sometime during the night. Nothing of value was reported missing. Two separate fraud attempts were reported by Hotchkiss area residents. Oct. 16: A rancher reported that a heifer was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on a USFS grazing allotment off 3100 Road. At about 7 p.m., deputies responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital where a 35-year-old male was being treated following an ATV accident on Alkali Basin Road. The driver was reportedly not familiar with the three-wheeler and tipped it into a gully. He was treated for facial injuries, including a cut on his eye. Oct. 17: A REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) report that originated in the Town of Hotchkiss ended in an accident east of Delta. Travis Carpenter, 43, of Hotchkiss was arrested after he rolled

his vehicle onto its side in a field at 2200 and F roads. He was charged with vehicular eluding, reckless driving, DUI, failure to drive in a single lane and violation of a protection order that prohibits the use of alcohol. Oct. 18: At about 2:45 a.m., deputies responded to the hospital emergency room where a 31-year-old Delta female was being treated for facial injuries arising from a domestic incident. A warrant is being sought for her boyfriend, Joseph Sikkenga. Deputies investigated a disturbance between neighbors on 25 Mesa Road. A theft was reported from a shed on F Road in Peach Valley. Two individuals had stored items in the shed. The first reported the theft of a table saw, circular saw and tree saw, with a total value of $480. The second said 12 sheets of particle board, a 1,000-gallon water tank, large fuel tank, four rolls of wire and a 16’ roll of weed barrier were taken. Total value was $850. The case is under investigation. Oct. 19: A woman living on 1900 Road, Delta, asked for additional patrol in an attempt to catch a driver who regularly reaches speeds in excess of 70 mph on that road. At about 7:30 p.m., a vehicle was reported to be parked facing the wrong direction on Highway 50 near B50 Road south of Delta. Dale Sharr, 61, of Mancos was arrested and

charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving in the wrong lane of a divided highway. Oct. 20: At about midnight, dispatch received a report of gunshots being fired from a vehicle headed toward Delta High School at a high rate of speed. A short time later, deputies stopped the vehicle at F and Pioneer roads. A substance believed to be methamphetamine was in plain view, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed suspected LSD, Oxycodone and other unidentified pills which had not been prescribed to any of the vehicle’s three occupants. There were no firearms. Joshua Cross, 31, of Grand Junction and Kelly Haselhorst, 25, of Collbran, the driver, were arrested on multiple drug charges, including possession with intent to distribute narcotics. The third individual in the vehicle was determined to be a witness and was not arrested. Deputies assisted the Delta Police Department with a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Pioneer Road and Highway 50 that occurred at about 7 p.m. Both drivers, Laurie Hyde and Harold Connett, were transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Oct. 21: Deputies assisted the North Fork Ambulance with a medical emergency involving a 35-year-old male who was injured in a skateboarding accident.

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, October 24, 2018

B A C K

BACK PAGE

Worth the journey

P A G E

Delta County Independent

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

rom Delta, Highway 50 meanders toward Grand Junction. It’s a winding road with sweeping curves that closely mirror the path of the nearby Gunnison River. The river, which flows west of the roadway, is not visible from the pavement. It is just one of the region’s hidden features. Driving the highway, an uninitiated traveler may consider the area unremarkable. But a few miles from this ordinary roadway sit the scenic treasures known as the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Both the conservation area and the wilderness are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The conservation area encompasses 209,610 acres (about 327 square miles) including the 66,000-acre wilderness which is one of the state’s largest road-free regions. In other words, the place is huge, about a third the size of Rhode Island. In 1776, two Franciscan priests — Fathers Dominguez and Escalante — set out to explore New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona. Although their route did not include the sites that would eventually bear their names, their detailed journal describes topography similar to that included in the present-day conservation area: semi-arid land, large and small rivers, colorful vistas, and deep canyons. A more contemporary observer is Hotchkiss resident Joe Colwell, who is the con-

Photo by Bob Wick

During warmer months, collared lizards are active in Dominguez-Escalante. The lizards average 10 inches in length from nose to tail. Carlson Vineyards in Palisade uses this image on the label of its new Terra wine and a portion of the sales price goes to the Colorado Canyons Association.

A drive along Escalante Canyon Road reveals narrow river canyon and towering red cliffs. servation area’s first ever artist-in-residence. In this role Colwell recently published a book of original essays entitled “Echoes of Time: Reflections on the Mesas and Canyons of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area.” He emphasizes that his book is not a travelogue but rather a series of reflections on the area. Colwell has written extensively on nature and the spirit of western America. For him, Dominguez-Escalante is more than a place. It is a sanctuary where a visitor can find solitude to contemplate the vast passage of geologic time as well as the more recent presence of humanity. “Echoes” celebrates the area’s diversity from prehistoric ocean sediments to dinosaur footprints, from Native American petroglyphs to signs left by early settlers. Colwell’s essays give a reader who has never visited the conservation area a feel for the land’s visible features as well as a sense of the immense time and titanic forces involved in their formation. His writing also inspires visitors who have experienced the area’s striking vistas to reflect on what they have felt and seen. Where does he suggest starting? A map is an essential resource. Visitors can obtain an area brochure which includes a map at the Fort Uncompahgre/U.S. Forest Service office in Delta’s Confluence Park, or online by searching using the phrase: link to dominguez escalante brochure pdf. And, if a visitor is willing to take on the subscription cost of a smart-phone application, a detailed GPSlinked map can be obtained through Avenza Systems, Inc. With map in hand, Colwell suggests that a hike through Big Dominguez Canyon will give the first-time visitor an immediate sense of the place. The full journey is over 16 miles one way and requires a full day to hike in and back again, but explorers can shorten the distance as they wish and still encounter spectacular scenery. Start at the Bridgeport Trailhead which can be reached by taking Bridgeport Road on the west side of Highway 50 near mile marker 52. Collin Ewing, who serves as area BLM manager for the national conservation area, agrees that the hike to Big Dominguez Canyon is a spectacular introduction to the region. He also points out that first-time visitors can access

a scenic portion of the area by car. Take the Escalante Canyon Road on the west side of Highway 50 between mile markers 59-60. Barring heavy rain or snow, the dirt road is passable year-round with a passenger car but a fourwheel drive is recommended beyond the first 17 miles where the roadway reaches Escalante Forks. Although the road passes through several miles of private property which are not accessible for hiking, there are viewpoints all along the road including historic cabins, spectacular red rocks, and occasional herds of desert bighorn sheep. And the Potholes Recreation Site area (12 miles in) offers camping, picnicking, hiking and seasonal swimming with the precautions of wearing a life jacket and refraining from diving into a watery cauldron which has claimed eight lives from 1976-2017. Regarding other means of access, Ewing is optimistic about the future of the Escalante Triangle Mountain Bike Trail System which is still in the planning stages. His agency is working closely with the Delta Area Mountain Bikers and other local entities to design a trail system that he hopes will eventually become a national model. Ewing added that rivers of the Dominguez-Escalante area are prized by whitewater kayakers as well as those who paddle canoes and rafts. Joe Neuhof, executive director of the Colorado Canyons Association (CCA), echoed Ewing’s sentiments regarding the area’s appeal to river-runners. He added that the Cactus Park region on the northwestern edge of the conservation area includes roads for motorized recreation along with horseback riding, mountain biking and traditional hiking. Portions of Escalante Canyon Road are also open to all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. The CCA provides a wide variety of educational activities to involve community members of all ages in the conservation area. Association activities include overnight adventures which feature rafting and camping. Often working with the Hotchkiss-based Nature Connection, the association also sponsors educational and interpretive hikes. CCA just finished a series of October adventures but its programs continue year-round. For a schedule of events visit their website at coloradocanyons association.org.

Photo by Joe Colwell

A southeastern viewpoint overlooking Escalante Forks gives the visitor a sense of the immense size of the sprawling conservation area.

Those wishing to learn more about the DominguezEscalante area are invited to attend the Delta Library’s book club review of Joe Colwell’s “Echoes of Time” Saturday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. at the Delta Library at 211 West 6th

Photo by Don Benjamin

Street. Colwell’s other nature essays and his two novels are available at Tada Your Art Space, Fort Uncompahgre, and the Delta County Historical Society, all in Delta, and at the Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum in Hotchkiss.

BLM photo

The Gunnison River ﬂows through the Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area drawing rafters and other river runners.

Photo by Katherine Colwell

Author Joe Colwell prepares to hike across a vintage bridge as he traverses the trail which leads to the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Clusters of desert bighorn sheep inhabit the DominguezEscalante area.

BLM photo

Early inhabitants adorned the canyon walls with dramatic petroglyphs.