Delta County Independent, Oct. 31, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Paonia shifts to contract building services, B1

SPORTS

COMPLAINTS INCREASE Orchard City’s “Live and let live,” approach debated, C1

DELTA COUNTY

RAISING THE STAKES

High school soccer, volleyball, football teams enter playoffs, B6-8 OCTOBER 31, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 44

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

County supports seismic operations BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Delta County Commissioners Doug Atchley, Don Suppes and Mark Roeber met in work session with representatives from Gunnison Energy in regard to Gunnison Energy’s proposed Iron Point Seismic Project. Gunnison Energy has proposed conducting a 3-D seismic operation on approximately 28,000 acres of public lands north of Paonia to determine if there is oil and gas potential, determine the best locations for exploratory drilling, and to identify subsurface features that could impede development of existing oil and gas leases. Several constituents attended the work session. Since it was a work session, constituent comments were not taken, but conservation groups in the North Fork allege survey crews have already begun exploration. In a press release issued earlier this month, Andrew Forks-Gudmundson with Citizens for a Healthy Community commented, “That the operator is trying to sneak this by the public without even informing the counties is a big problem. It sets a dangerous precedent if they’re allowed to disregard regulations and ask for permission later.” The commissioners and county staff did not comment on those allegations, focusing

on the required specific development application. Gunnison Energy has been asked to address access by Delta County’s local government designee; emergency response requirements; fire protection; flood plain; federal, state and local regulations; impact on agriculture; insurance; offsite staging areas; roads and access (applicable to roads within Delta County’s jurisdiction); exchange of information; and trash and waste removal. The commissioners held a special meeting on Oct. 25 to finalize a comment letter to District Ranger Levi Broyles, noting their understanding that the project is on a combination of private and federal land. On the private land located Photo by Pat Sunderland in Delta County, the county is requiring Gunnison Energy to submit a specific developJonni Kendrick, co-owner of Delta Ace Hardware, makes sure kids have enough nuts, ment application to include a bolts, screws, chenille sticks and other items to adorn their pumpkins at the free kids’ detailed plan for fuel storage decorating event hosted annually by the store. Kids went through over 200 pumpkins and containment. grown locally by Bill and Kathy English. In regard to federal land included in the project, the commissioners acknowledged their lack of regulatory authority for that portion of the project; however, they requested that information gained from this project be shared with the county. The commissioners stated in their comment letter, The Grand Mesa, forest supervisor Scott Armen- of the Western Slope and I “Delta County believes that Uncompahgre and Gunnison trout. He departs the GMUG know the spirit of working seismic operations are a (GMUG) National Forests having accepted a position for together will help to solve any IRON POINT TO A3 announces the departure of the Department of Energy in future challenges.” Portland, Ore. His last day of Deputy forest supervisor work was Oct. 22. Chad Stewart will be the actArmentrout assumed ing forest supervisor for the duties as the GMUG forest GMUG. He joined the GMUG supervisor in the fall of 2012 in June and is thoroughly and has been with the Forest familiar with the issues and Service for 31 years. He spent management of the forest. His extensive time in leadership knowledge and experience will that very clear,” he said, “but finance the nonprofit. Council member Gerald positions including time as a provide the forest, its partners at some point we won’t be getRoberts commented on salary district ranger for the Medi- and surrounding communities ting by any longer.” Betsy Suerth, public works/ increases across all depart- cine Bow-Routt National with continuity of manageutilities director, said every ments. Most employees will Forest and Thunder Basin ment, providing for a smooth employee in her department receive a 3.5 percent cost of National Grassland, the assis- transition. Prior to the GMUG, Stewis involved in operations; living raise, but part-time tant national wildlife program an administrative assistant employees will see a much manager for the U.S. Forest art worked on the Medicine could help track data, answer larger increase when mini- Service in Washington, D.C., Bow-Routt National Forest phones and take care of “basic mum wage jumps to $11.20 and the forest supervisor for and Thunder Basin National Grassland where he served as office stuff.” She said even in 2019. The minimum wage the Sierra National Forest. “I will really miss work- the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears part-time help would be ben- mandate hits parks and receficial. reation the hardest. The pool ing here and am grateful to District Ranger in Steamboat City council believes mar- alone requires 18,367 man- all of communities for work- Springs since 2013. He has keting is key to increasing hours per year, which equates ing together to solve some over 20 years of experience in sales tax revenues for the city, to an additional expense of significant challenges,” said public land management. He so is considering either hir- $16,530, noted Wilma Erven, Armentrout. “People here holds a B.S. in biology from ing someone dedicated to that director of parks, recreation work together to find mutu- the University of Oregon, an ally agreeable solutions and M.S. in forest ecology from effort, or contracting with a and golf. Roberts also commented that’s what made my work the University of Minnesota, firm that would provide that service. The City of Fruita on the transfers to the golf gratifying. I feel privileged to and an MBA from Touro Unirecently engaged a market- course, which total $495,000 have worked for the residents versity. ing consultant and council for 2019. Those could be elimimembers expressed interest nated with approval of the in hearing more about the ser- half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot. That vices provided by that firm. “The bottom line is, we’re sales tax increase would help not keeping up with increas- cover operations and maining expenses,” said Mayor Ron tenance, but the city would Austin. “That makes the mar- still have to come up with keting position really, really $145,000 for debt service of important.” Devil’s Thumb. To cover that expense, Council agreed to continue council is debating a reduc- the budget discussion after tion in the $50,000 allocated the Nov. 6 election, when to Delta County Economic they’ll know whether they can Development in 2018. Council expect an additional $900,000 members agree the city should to $1 million in revenue for Scott Armentrout Chad Stewart support DCED, but shouldn’t parks, golf and recreation.

No sharp instruments required

Forest supervisor leaves GMUG for Oregon position

City budget discussion focuses on marketing, law enforcement, DCED BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Delta City Council has held a series of work sessions to discuss the city’s budget for 2019. Council members have heard presentations from all department heads and city manager David Torgler as they tweak expenditures for the coming year. During the most recent work session, they addressed the addition of personnel, including police officers, a public works administrative assistant and a marketing position. Police chief Luke Fedler has requested three additional officers, which would add $231,141 to his department’s budget. A pledge of $50,000 from Delta County Joint School District would help offset the annual salary of a school resource officer. The chief would also like an additional patrol officer and an investigator who would target illegal drugs. “It’s a huge ask,” he said, while citing the increased calls for service and FBI statistics that recommend 24 to 31 officers for a city of Delta’s size. The department currently has 17 officers. “We’re managing, I’ll make

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ......................A11 Back Page ................... D6 Bruin Tracks ............. C3-6 Business .......................A12 Church ............................C8 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ................. A2, A10 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries .................. A6-7 School Zone .................. A8 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-7 TV Listings ..................B4-5

Shelter opens Nov. 1

Voter turnout is strong

Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter opens for its 11th season Thursday, Nov. 1. Last winter, the shelter provided 1,940 bed nights to 120 different individuals with the help of 300-plus volunteers. The homeless shelter also provides case management services. “Our goal is to help individuals get back on their feet — in whatever way that looks like for them,” said board president Cheryl Oeltjenbruns. To volunteer in any capacity, call 970-773-8290.

The Delta County clerk and recorder’s office reports strong voter turnout for the Nov. 6 election. As of Tuesday morning, over 6,000 ballots had been cast, including 3,092 by Republicans, 1,688 unaffiliated and 1,278 by Democrats. A reminder: the county clerk must receive your ballot no later than 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 for it to be counted. Postmarks do not count, so it’s advisable to use a 24-hour drop-off box in Cedaredge, Hotchkiss or Delta, or vote at the polling center in the county courthouse. To check your mail ballot status, or find an in-person voting location or ballot drop-off location, visit www.govotecolorado.com.

Bands compete

The marching bands from Delta and Cedaredge high schools traveled to Pueblo Monday, Oct. 29, to compete in the state championships sponsored by the Colorado Bandmasters Association. All bands compete in the semifinals, with the top marching units moving on to the finals later in the day. In Class 1A, Cedaredge was one of five bands qualifying for the final round of competition. The band placed fifth, with Estes Park garnering the most points for first. Competing in Class 2A, Delta failed to make the cut. Classical Academy was named state champion.

A2 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS The true intent of Amendment 74 Dear Editor: I am finally getting my head wrapped around the true intent of Amendment 74. I’ve had to read it over and over again because it is so cleverly written as to create a false narrative, one which states that rights of property owners trumps the rights of citizens. If these usually wealthy folks have oil or gas under their land, they want to be compensated for that source of

income, if lost, at the expense of taxpayers. And they want to write it into the state Constitution. There’s logic to this while there is also another side of the story which largely gets ignored by media. Oil and energy companies have normally preferred to take their dirty business to Third World countries where people have no say in what gets dumped in their neighborhoods. Think of the

Learn more about Mike Mason Dear Editor: Who is Mike Mason? I have known Mike over the past 4-5 years. Since he is on the ballot for HD51 I wanted more information about him than I had. So, I asked Mike: 1) What are the five things you value most? Health (Mike survived stage 4 cancer through determination, research, common sense and grit!); relationship with his wife Judy; economic viability; live in a beautiful place; help other people achieve what they want in life. 2) What are the issues you want to work on the most? Individuals should have the liberty to use their land as they want;

Coloradans should not be forced to kneel before unnecessary government regulations; parents need to have the right to make the best choices about where their children attend school; responsible use of public lands; I will act to protect Colorado’s water rights; all energy sources should be sought including fossil without subsidy or government’s hand on the till; affordable housing; gun rights. If any of the above are your concerns please consider voting for Mike Mason HD51. For more information, check out mikemasonforcolorado. com. Rosemary Anderson Delta

indigenous people who have been kicked off their land and whose forests were clear cut to make way for logging roads and palm oil plantations. Take out the weakest first is their decades long strategy and has created lots of billionaires. And the strategy has been taken worldwide, in my back yard and in yours yet not in back yards of those who benefit the most from this. I would just like to ask, who compensates the people who have been injured by the voracious appetite of the energy companies. The folks who can: light a match to their water faucets, those who once lived by pristine rivers that are now spoiled due to incessant spills, those near drilling sites who have children coming down with cancer at a rate several times higher than the norm. This bill was written by the energy companies and the Farm Bureau. Think their main motive is wanting to bless Colorado with those thousands of jobs they promise while shipping their spoils to Asia? Think about this when you vote yes on 112 and no on 74. Rand Kokernot Hotchkiss

Democratic candidates offer fresh ideas Dear Editor: It is time to VOTE and I believe it is crucial to vote for those who will move us forward with fresh ideas and motivation. I believe that the Democrat candidates will provide that representation. Kerry Donovan, Diane Mitsch Bush and Jared Polis all support expanding our use of alternative energy. While oil and gas are still needed it is necessary to diversify and include alternative fuels as part of our energy plan. Doing so will create jobs, help tech innovations and reduce environmental costs produced by our dependence on oil and gas. With more people moving to the west we need to

More letters can be found on page A10 DELTA COUNTY

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

Dear Editor: Tipton or his dark money or 501c4 is attempting to label Diane Mitsch-Bush a “Socialist.” She is not a Socialist or a Social Democrat. She is a Democrat, an educator with a PhD, is a former county commissioner and hard working state legislator from Steamboat running for representative of the Third Congressional District. Diane does not receive Political Action Committee (PAC) money as does Tipton who has 315 PACs. According to the Denver Post, there may now be a “Super PAC” that would give Tipton way over a million. Because MitschBush does not take PAC money she will truly represent Colorado citizens, our issues. She will make the U.S. better than it has ever been. Consider the following: 1. Tipton voted against post traumatic stress and suicide funding for veter-

ans. PTS affects veterans for many years. Diane Mitsch-Bush supports this funding. 2. Protecting our school children. Diane Mitsch-Bush supports universal background gun checks and banning assault weapons in the U.S., while Tipton advocates gun rights over the right of our children in schools to live. 3. Tipton voted to cut $487 billion from Medicare which has supported and benefited millions of U.S. citizens. It is our money and we paid into it. Diane will work to improve access to health care. She will support Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and rural health clinics. 4. Diane Mitsch-Bush respects the indigenous nations and supports the efforts to save and restore Bears Ears National Monument while Tipton does not. Our native nations

had tried everything over decades to save the area which is awesome, full of cliff dwellings and is a tapestry of ancient cultural history. Thousands of people rallied in Salt Lake in support of the Bears Ears Monument. A huge yearly outdoor industry show pulled out of Utah and the Bears Ears issue has been presented at the United Nations! 5. Tipton voted against total citizen support for the San Juan Wilderness Bill. While every single entity including county commissioners, citizens and businesses supported the San Juan Wilderness Bill and while geologists also weighed in and agreements with stakeholders were reached, Tipton voted against. Vote for Diane MitschBush for a government which represents the will of the people. Penny Heuscher Cedaredge

Marijuana sales will benefit Delta’s economy Dear Editor: While I don’t live in the City of Delta, I am a resident of Delta County with a deep ongoing interest in our local economy. According to state law, marijuana is already legal to use within our communities. Anyone who wants marijuana within Delta County is already able to legally obtain or grow it. And many of your friends, neighbors and constituents are already using it for a variety of reasons. If given a choice, many of the residents of Delta County would certainly rather spend their money locally to purchase marijuana from a legal and regulated dispensary, than make a round trip of approximately two hours to spend the money elsewhere. Imagine what this money might do if it were kept in our local economy. To say that legalizing marijuana in Delta will somehow increase its use, or its abuse by minors, has no reference to fact. Statistically, marijuana use has declined among teenagers since it was legalized in Colorado

(thedenverchannel.com, www.samhsa.gov). And in my opinion, anyone who is providing marijuana to minors should be prosecuted, just as is done with alcohol. A scare tactic often forwarded by opponents is that marijuana is some sort of gateway to stronger drugs. Although that’s been a popular talking point, it is also largely unsubstantiated. In fact, America is beginning to realize that one of the most significant gateways to illegal drugs is by doctors over prescribing, and by promotion of pain killers from pharmaceutical companies (cnn.com). There are even recent statistics that suggest marijuana has led to lower dependence on opioids where it’s been legalized. And that marijuana might lead to a large overall savings in Medicaid prescriptions of much stronger pain killers. I think it’s possible that with the legalization of marijuana our local emergency services could even see a reduction in addiction and crime related incidents (forbes.com). It was mentioned at a

City of Delta work session a few weeks ago that, judging by the tax revenue, the several liquor stores in town seem to be doing very well. Yet alcohol can be linked to far higher incidents of violent crime than you’d ever be able to pin to marijuana use. By some estimates, alcohol is a factor in 40 percent of all violent crime in the U.S. (washingtonpost.com). Yet regardless of those alcohol related crime statistics, published in the police blotters every month as DWIs or domestic violence, alcohol remains legal with little objection. Given all of the reasons from opposition for cannabis to remain illegal in the City of Delta, I can only answer with one response. If this fails, absolutely nothing changes. The cannabis will still be here, but the communitywide benefits will go to other communities who were smart enough to take advantage of the economic opportunity. Please vote YES on 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H. Scott Thomassen Orchard City

It’s time to vote Tipton out

A strong voice for us all Dear Editor: I am writing to urge your readers to support Jena Griswold for our state attorney general. Her experience as a voting rights attorney makes her extremely qualified to fulfill her promise to make every voice heard and every vote count. She began working for the good of all at the age of 14, helping out at her local food bank. She clearly sees the need for working together to make us all more safe and productive and involved. She promises strong support for small businesses and entrepreneurs — so important to our economy here on the Western Slope. More widely, she will also work to pass laws to stop secret political spending and to prevent foreign interference in our state’s elections, such as happened in our last election cycle. She will be a strong voice for

Mitsch-Bush will truly represent the citizens

own decisions and to be in control of her own body. It seems abusive to say otherwise. Private health care worked great for those who could afford it but was also the most expensive health care in the world. We need new solutions that provide health care for all at reasonable costs rather than go back to what we had before. Again, Jared Polis has tabled an amazing number of ideas that are available online or from his office. Diane Mitsch Bush sponsored a bipartisan effort in Colorado focused on health care problems and solutions. She supports improvements to the ACA rather than scrapping and starting over. These are just a few of the issues and ideas out there. Be INFORMED and vote according to your values and beliefs. Your Dear Editor: According to a survey voice and vote matter. us all! Dian Torphy conducted by People’s Mary Smith Cedaredge Action, a multiracial Hotchkiss grassroots coalition, these are the top five issues in 10 swing states: 1. Health care that won’t bankrupt you if lawyer or the pro-bono you get sick. However, Dear Editor: The Grand Junction attorney for the “dis- our U.S. representative, Daily Sentinel thought abled” tenants at the Scott Tipton, supports they had a blockbuster Hartig drive home have repealing the Affordable story of deceit and fraud read Colorado Revised Care Act, which would in the candidacy of Matt Statutes 1-2-102. But remove protections for Soper running for the then, that obviously was people having pre-existHouse District 54. Sorry, not the Sentinel’s intent, ing conditions and remove folks: Matt Soper lives either. It was easier to millions from access to in House District 54, and smear a highly qualified health care. has for over a year. As candidate, just because 2. Fair wages. Scott much as they would like he represents a party Tipton supports reducing to deceive the voter by with ethics and sound regulations on corporasuggesting otherwise, ideas. Shameful! The tions. He is a party line both the Hartig Drive Sentinel has proven to voter and the Republican home and his girlfriend’s their readers that their Party is notoriously antihome are solidly in House main interest is in inac- worker. District 54, AND THEY curate sensationalism, 3. Free access to educaKNOW IT! Matt Soper NOT the truth. tion. Scott Tipton doesn’t James Wetzel support applying federal has done nothing illeHotchkiss standards to education. It gal nor has he committed voter fraud, as they would like to suggest. His residence is in HD 54, he receives his mail on Hartig Drive, is registered to president of Western Colvote there, and considers Dear Editor: This year the voters in orado Area Health Eduthat his “home address.” There is nothing in the our area will be choosing cation Center (AHEC) for law which defines “res- between three candidates 13 counties here in westidence” as stating that for the University of Col- ern Colorado. His supthe party has to actu- orado Board of Regents. port for AHEC here and ally sleep there or have There should be no ques- throughout the state is personal effects there. tion that incumbent Glen without parallel in any The law is clear: Kudos Gallegos should be our of the six regions of the to the DCI for fact-check- choice. He is a proven state. I urge everyone to ing with the clerk and leader in education, busirecorder’s office and ness and life. Most impor- check out his resume at the Colorado secretary tantly, Regent Gallegos glengallegosforcuregent. of state’s office, both of has been the most vocal com and then do us all whom have verified the and successful voice for a favor and vote for Glen legality of Soper’s can- the university in promot- Gallegos to continue to be didacy and of his voter ing programs that benefit our regent. Thomas H. Huerkamp registration. Too bad the the Western Slope. President, Board My firsthand observaGJ Sentinel never considof Directors tion of Regent Gallegos ered checking there! W. Colorado AHEC comes in my role as board Perhaps neither their

keep lands open for habitat, conservation, recreation and science. Kerry Donovan initiated a Public Lands Day in Colorado which was first celebrated May 2017. Diane Mitsch Bush worked to formulate our current Colorado water plan and has shown staunch support of public lands and recreation interests. Jared Polis authored a plan this past January to “Keep Colorado Wild.” The Democrats support non-discriminatory law for all. We are a country founded on differences and freedoms. All people regardless of race or persuasion have the right to pursue happiness. Each woman needs the freedom to make her

Delta County Independent

Soper is a legal candidate

Glen Gallegos is a proven leader

is hard to imagine him supporting any plan for free higher education or lower interest loans for students. Currently many students graduate from college with huge debt that has high interest rates that they escape by any form of bankruptcy. 4. Clean water (environment). Scott Tipton supports renewable energy. He doesn’t support federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. He supports all form of energy development including fracking. 5. Government uncorrupted by big money. Scott Tipton has said, “We have a problem with reckless spending across the board at the federal level.” Yet he just voted to give trillions of tax breaks to the very richest Americans guaranteeing budget deficits for years to come. The Republican Party is against budget deficits when the Democrats are in control, but when Republicans are in power, they are responsible, over the years, for creating most of the bud-

get deficits. Somehow the public doesn’t notice this deceit. Not addressed in the study but of concern is Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. There are acknowledged plans by Republicans to cut all three of these in the upcoming Congress. Do we the people want to cut these safety net programs? Republicans and Democrats have collaborated to increase the mess we have now. Many citizens are disappointed with government. We know what we can expect from Scott Tipton. The alternative is Diane Mitsch Bush who supports living wages, supports Medicare for all, supports public education pre-K through college or technical training and supports a sustainable energy policy. She takes no corporate PAC money or fossil fuel money. Her campaign is supported by small donations. Bernie and Adrianna Heideman Hotchkiss

KUDOS Food drive fills pantry shelves Dear Editor: Thank you to all our generous contributors during our food drive at the Cedaredge Food Town on Saturday, Oct. 13. Your continued support in stocking the shelves and your monetary assistance at the food bank is greatly appreciated. Surface Creek Community Services Food Pantry

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Delta Police Department introduces newest officer

North Delta rollover

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

An 80-year-old female was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital following a single vehicle rollover accident in the 1400 block of Highway 50. The accident occurred Oct. 24 at about 4:30 p.m. Because the incident remains under investigation, the Delta Police Department has not released the name of the driver, who suffered unknown injuries. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Don’t let a Halloween DUI haunt you Through Nov. 1, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and law enforcement throughout the state will increase DUI enforcement, arresting drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other

��

�

drugs as part of CDOT’s The Heat Is On campaign. The enforcement aims to eliminate drunk driving related injuries and fatalities over Halloween weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night between 2012-2016 involved a drunk driving related crash, while 14 percent of all pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involved a drunk driver. In 2016, 21to 34-year-olds accounted for the most fatalities (46 percent) in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween. “We have zero tolerance for those who choose to drive impaired and we are committed to keeping all Coloradans safe,” said Darrell Lingk, director of

CDBG grant supports businesses in Region 10 BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Oct. 15 meeting, Delta County Commissioners Doug Atchley, Don Suppes and Mark Roeber supported a grant request presented by Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director, and Robbie LeValley, county administrator. The applicant for the Community Development Block Grant is Montrose County for Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. The service area includes 18 municipalities in these counties. The sub-grantee is Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning. As part of an Economic Development Administration designated and funded district, the Business Loan Fund maintains communication with local economic development organizations such as the Montrose Economic

Iron Point ��

��

�

��

the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Thousands of children and families will be out and about trick-or-treating and enjoying other festivities this Halloween. Drunk drivers selfishly put themselves and others at risk.” “There will be more pedestrians out on Halloween evening, so we’re asking motorists to drive alert and without distractions. If you do plan to drive, do so sober,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s a matter of personal accountability. There are many alternative options to driving under the influence, including public transportation and ridehailing services. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different.”

FROM PAGE A1 proactive step in addressing size and scope of future exploration and development projects. Delta County Board of Commissioners supports the Iron Point 3D Seismic Project as this is a temporary project and the impact to resources will be minimal. Delta County requests that the USFS process include all conditions of acceptance, acknowledge county specific development performance standards and specific project concerns of surrounding landowners.”

��

Development Corporation, Delta County Economic Development and Small Business Development Center. In the last two years, Region 10 Business Loan Fund has served as a funding and technical assistance resource for ENGAGE, EGunnison Ice Lab and the Telluride Venture Accelerator. Funds requested in the CDBG grant are $350,000, with $294,000 for assistance to businesses and $56,000 for administration.

For the first time in nearly a year, the Delta Police Department is fully staffed. Officer Jarrod Lang took the oath of office at the Oct. 2 meeting of the Delta City Council. Officer Lang was born and raised in Olathe and began his career with the Olathe Police Department in 1997. He was most recently employed by the Rio Blanco County Sheriff ’s Office. Officer Lang brings an extensive list of experience and certifications to the Delta Police Department. He is an NRA certified firearms instructor in handgun, shotgun and patrol rifle and a certified driving instructor. He completed extensive training in FEMA National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and has completed ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, IC 700, IC 706 and IC 800. Officer Lang has wildland fire training and holds an active wildland fire red card. He is certi-

fied in the San Jose model of FTO (field training officer) and was previously certified in the Reno FTO model as well. Officer Lang has taken numerous courses in first line supervision and leadership with the most recent being MAGNA leadership course. He also has training in drug interdiction,

� �

�

� � � �

�

hazardous materials emergency response and identification, Reid interview and interrogations, SWAT, active shooter and DARE. “Please join us in welcoming Officer Lang to the City of Delta and the Delta Police Department,” said Chief Luke Fedler.

��

�

� �� Photo by Pat Sunderland

Mayor Ron Austin administered the oath of ofﬁce to DPD Ofﬁcer Jarod Lang at the city council’s Oct. 2 meeting.

�

��

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

��

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

��

A4 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

BIRTHS Jose and Tristanne Barajas of Cedaredge are the parents of a daughter, Milena Barajas, born Oct. 16, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 12.6 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Brian and Amber Sunderland are the parents of a son, Luke Joshua Sunderland, born Oct. 24, 2018, in Fairbanks, Alaska. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches in length. He has three older siblings, Kyle, Caleb and Lily. His grandparents are Pat and Randy Sunderland of Delta and Steve and Loann Ross of Montrose. His greatgrandparents are Elma Ross of Montrose and Norm and Gladys Sunderland of Delta. Ben Graves and Sam Staley of Paonia are the parents of a daughter, Eddy Lou Graves, born Oct. 25, 2018, at

Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19.75 inches in length. Gottie Hernandez and Jazmine Wallace of Delta are the parents of a son, Jevonii Lee’Angelo Hernandez, born Oct. 26, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Janelle Eaton and Steven Hack of Paonia are the parents of a son, Willim Grey Hack, born Oct. 26, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21.5 inches in length. Mariah Perez and Joseph Gomez of Delta are the parents of a daughter, EvaLynn Rose Gomez Perez, born Oct. 27, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 8.6 ounces aned was 18.75 inches in length.

�� of ��

��

Fit for life

Participants demonstrate their balance on the ﬁnal day of a Tai Chi class taught by Linda Bull and Brooke Loucks from the DCMH Rehabilitation Department. A new class begins in January. Tai Chi is recommended for balance, stress relief and overall ﬁtness, which has been linked to longer lives.

Senior meals for November Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Community Center (Tuesday-WednesdayThursday), Delta Senior Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (MondayWednesday-Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 8745302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through Nov. 30 follows: Thursday, Nov. 1 — Beef tips with mushroom sauce over brown rice, broccoli, breadstick, sugar cookie and peaches. Friday, Nov. 2 — Potato-crusted cod, green bell pepper coleslaw, potato wedges, whole wheat roll and peaches. Monday, Nov. 5 — Beef burrito, refried beans, Spanish rice, pineapple

�� Sponsored by:

��

25th Annual

Photo submitted

��

Holiday

Open House ��

��

mandarin mix and creamfilled churro. Tuesday, Nov. 6 — Oven-fried chicken, baked beans, western corn, potato salad, tossed salad and strawberry shortcake. Wednesday, Nov. 7 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, cauliflower, pickled beets, wheat roll, frosted cake and orange wedge. Thursday, Nov. 8 — Chili con carne with cheese and diced onion, tossed garden salad, fiesta veggie blend, cornbread and tapioca. Friday, Nov. 9 — Meat loaf, garlic potatoes, broccoli, waldorf salad, wheat roll and cherry crisp. Monday, Nov. 12 — Dijon chicken, baked potato, parmesan pea salad, candied bacon Brussels sprouts and peach cobbler. Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Liver or beef patty and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, three bean salad, California blend veggies, onion-rye roll and honey fruit dessert. Wednesday, Nov. 14 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, calico vegetable salad, green beans, garlic breadstick and Emerald Isle dessert. Thursday, Nov. 15 — Baked ham, kidney bean salad, whipped sweet potatoes, peas and onions, wheat roll and frosted cake. Friday, Nov. 16 — Ham and beans, cornbread, cottage cheese and mandarin oranges, parsley carrots and oatmeal raisin cookie. Monday, Nov. 19 — Sloppy joes on a whole wheat bun, potato wedges, three-bean salad, corn

and lemon pie cookie bar with orange wedge. Tuesday, Nov. 20 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, broccoli, garlic breadstick and fruit cup. Wednesday, Nov. 21 — Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, wheat roll and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22 and 23 — Thanksgiving. Senior CommUnity meals closed. Monday, Nov. 26 — Herb breaded chicken, rice pilaf, green pepper coleslaw, peas and carrots, pineapple tidbits and cinnamon knot.

Tuesday, Nov. 27 — Barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, cottage cheese and peaches, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat roll and glazed chocolate squares. Wednesday, Nov. 28 — Beef and pork lasagna, mandarin spinach salad, mixed vegetables, Italian bread and strawberry gelatin dessert. Thursday, Nov. 29 — Pizza mac casserole, tossed salad, winter blend veggies, French bread and tropical fruit cup. Friday, Nov. 30 — Roasted chicken breast, fettuccine primavera, mandarin spinach salad, Italian vegetable blend and applesauce cake.

Tuesday, Thursday Delta meals listed On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Delta Senior Citizens prepares lunch at the Delta Community Center, 427 Meeker Street, beginning at 12 noon. Here is the menu for November:

Nov. 1 — Cheesy vegetable soup, tossed salad, homemade roll, vanilla pudding. Nov. 6 — Taco Tuesday, refried beans, peach cobbler. Nov. 8 — Meatloaf, mac and cheese, mixed vegetables, homemade roll, pears. Nov. 13 — Stuffed peppers, scalloped potatoes, peas, homemade roll, chocolate pudding. Nov. 15 — Lasagna, green beans, French bread, oatmeal cookies. Nov. 20 — Ham and beans, cornbread, tossed salad, peanut butter

cookie. Nov. 22 — Happy Thanksgiving! The center is closed. Nov. 27 — Homemade tomato soup, toasted cheese sandwich, peanut butter cookie. Nov. 29 — Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, California vegetables, pineapple upside down cake. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Senior CommUnity Meals serves lunch at a cost of $3.50 for those 60 years and older. Delta Senior Citizens serves lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays at a cost of $3. The Thrift Shop in the Hanson House portion of the center is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The revenue generated from the Thrift Shop helps underwrite the costs of the program for Delta seniors.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Open health insurance enrollment begins Nov. 1 For the more than 1,100 Delta County residents who purchase their health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, open enrollment

for 2019 begins on Nov. 1. This is the one time all year when customers can change their health insurance coverage, unless they experience a

life-changing event. Customers will need to select a plan by Dec. 15 to have it in effect on Jan. 1, 2019. Certified brokers are available in Delta

Get rid of unwanted medications at permanent disposal sites Region 10 is partnering with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention to pilot a new Colorado effort to educate seniors about safely using, storing, and disposing of prescription medication. Sixty-five percent of U.S. seniors use three or more prescription medications, according to AARP. Securely storing this medication and dis-

posing of any unused or expired medication reduces the potential for it to be accidentally misused or end up in someone else’s hands. “As we age, prescription medication can become increasingly important to our quality of life,” said Eva Veitch, Region 10. “Our hope is to provide seniors with additional peace of mind,

Back to work

Photo submitted

Come rain or shine, Applefest once again was a great success. The Sweet Adelines had a great time advertising the upcoming show, visiting with old friends and making new friends. The chorus is back to working on its annual show, “Home for the Holidays.” The performance again features the Delta High School Show Choir under the direction of Julia Nichols, the Black Canyon Chorus and Sweet Adelines’ 2018-2019 CMU scholarship recipient Kathryn Jordan. Get your tickets at Heirlooms for Hospice in Delta and Montrose or Gazebo Florist in Cedaredge. The show will take place Saturday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 970-3145910 or 970-523-3464.

not only about safely taking medications, but also keeping medications in their home, and being able to safely get rid of expired or unused medication.” Particularly important is safe use, storage and disposal of opioids. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 30 percent of Delta patients ages 55 and older received five or more opioid prescriptions in 2016. The prevalence of these habit-forming medications creates greater potential for them to be stolen from homes, and increases concerns about interactions with other medications. Nationally, one in four senior overdoses involved a bad interaction between prescription pain and antianxiety medications. The You’re the Solution campaign is providing informational materials to Delta seniors that cover topics like what to ask doctors and pharmacists when prescribed medications and listing locations of permanent medication disposal sites in Delta. These sites are located at: • Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, 555 Palmer Street, Delta. • Cedaredge Pharmacy, 215 W. Main Street. • Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office, 276 West Main Street. For more information on safe use, storage and disposal can be found on the consortium’s public awareness website, Take MedsSeriously.org.

County to help. This year, more than ever, it pays to shop! An independent analysis of 2019 plans found that if consumers switch to the lowest-cost plan available in their current coverage level (or metal tier), they could reduce their premium by an average of 50 percent. Yet many Coloradans don’t check to see if they qualify, wrongly assuming they make too much money. Consumers who purchase on the individual market are encouraged to check out their options at www.Connect ForHealthCO.com. Connect for Health Colorado is the only place to get financial help to reduce health insurance premiums. On average, that reduction takes 80 percent off the sticker price. Of note: • Three out of four customers who bought their health insurance with financial help this year will have an option for health insurance with a net premium less than $50 per month in 2019. • Two out of three of customers who qualify for financial help will be able to find a bronze level plan for $0 net premium. • Three out of four customers not receiving financial help can reduce their premium if they move to the lowest cost plan available in their current metal tier. The savings range from 4 percent to 10 percent. While customers can’t enroll in a 2019 plan until Nov. 1, they can get a jump on the process. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, make sure you are still getting the best plan at the best value for your health and financial needs. Check out the anonymous online tool — https://planfinder.

connectforhealthco.com/ home — that helps estimate total out-of-pocket costs. This tool will allow you to quickly check your eligibility for monthly savings, factoring in your healthcare needs, doctors and medications. A top priority for Connect for Health Colorado is community engagement. If you are a member of the health care provid-

er community, consider serving on Connect for Colorado’s board advisory group. The board advisory group meets once a month and was created to make high-level policy recommendations to the Connect for Health Colorado board of directors. For more information on this opportunity, please email board@Connectfor HealthCO.com.

Get your Medicare questions answered A Medicare Expo will be held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 Palmer Street, Delta, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Experts will discuss Medicare A, B, C and D, premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Learn how you can get help with the

cost of Part B and Part D, and comparison shop for a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. To reserve a seat, call 1-866-294-3971.

ELECT ��

�� 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

A6 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

M. Hazel Hamilton

Longtime Delta County resident Hazel Hamilton died Oct. 25, 2018, at her home in Cedaredge. She was 89. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at Delta Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Eckert Cemetery. Mary Hazel Hicks was born on Feb. 19, 1929, to Harvey and Ellen (Lynch) Hicks in Sargents. When she was 10, the family moved to Gunnison where she graduated from Gunnison High School. She went to cosmetology school in Denver. On Jan. 7, 1951, she married Leonard Hamilton in Gunnison. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Hamilton lived in Cedaredge from 1951 to 1989, when she moved to Paonia. She just moved back to Cedaredge last week to be nearer to family. She was a cosmetologist until a few years ago and was a member of Delta Church of Christ, Grand Mesa Cowbelles and the hairdressers association. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Rodney (Tammy) Hamilton of Cedaredge; two brothers, Jack Hicks of Cedaredge and Elmer (Merna) Hicks of Bridgeport, Texas; two sistersin-law, Helen Hicks of Hotchkiss and Margaret Hicks of Silt; five grandchildren, Twyla (Matt) Driskill, Vickie (Ben) Miller, Kimberly (Dustin) Kelleher, Leonard (Bregan) Hamilton, and Reba (Jake) Sadler; 12 great-grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Hamilton; three brothers, Lloyd, Jimmy and Ed Hicks; and two sisters, Dorothy Sollenberger and Bonnie Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory, 682 1725 Road, Delta, CO 81416, to help cover funeral expenses. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

OBITUARIES

She was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel C. Thresher. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Center Church, 1117 3rd Street, Paonia, CO 81428 or HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online Jerry Crawford Jr. guest registry at www. Jerry Glen Crawford taylorfuneralservice.com. Jr. died Oct. 1, 2018. He was 48. He was born in Waco, Texas, July 26, 1970, to Jerry and Phyllis (Torske) Crawford. His family moved from Cedaredge to Aurora in 1985 where he graduated from Overland High School. After Bible college in Dallas, Texas, he worked for a commercial printing company. He prided himself on doing quality work. He is survived by his Charlotte Thomas mother, Phyllis (KenCharlotte E. Thomas neth) Shields; stepfa- died in Glenwood Springs ther, Kenneth Shields; on Oct. 17, 2018, while sisters, Melody Anderson on an annual quilting and Valerie Sangiuliano retreat. She was 74. of Aurora; and grandShe was born in Arcamother, Isal MacAnelly dia, Calif., in June 1944 of Cedaredge. to George and Marguerite He was preceded in Praiswater. She attended death by his father and school in the Pasadena sister, Christina. area. Services were held As a young adult, she Oct. 6 in Aurora. worked as a lab techni-

Rose Ballard

Lifetime North Fork resident Rose E. Ballard died Oct. 27, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 75. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 1 at the Bible Center Church in Paonia with Pastor John Owen officiating. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss. Rosemond Estelle Thresher was born on Nov. 1, 1942, in Paonia to Daniel and Edith (Freeman) Thresher. She spent her childhood in Hotchkiss, Crawford and Somerset and graduated from Paonia High School in 1961. On Jan. 21, 1969, she married Larry Ballard at Bible Center Church in Paonia. She was a member of Bible Center Church for many years. She enjoyed the colors red and hot pink, gardening and flowers, especially roses, reading her Bible, helping at Bible Camp, doing wordfinds, her dogs and spending time with family. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Larry of Hotchkiss; daughter, Pamela Ballard of Hotchkiss; son, Daniel (Cynthia) Ballard of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and two granddaughters, Lillie of Grand Junction and Danessa of Klamath Falls, Ore.

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.

cian for an electronics manufacturing facility in Southern California. In 1993, she married William Thomas. They lived in Cedaredge for the past 25 years. She enjoyed quilting, needlepoint, gardening and cooking. She is survived by her husband, William Thomas of Cedaredge; brother, Robert (Nancy) Praiswater of Monument; three stepchildren, Steven, Briana and Kenny; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, David. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Marilyn DeCeasar

Delta resident Marilyn S. DeCeasar died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at her home. She was 64. Services will be held at a later date. Marilyn Sue DeCeasar was born March 11, 1954, to Carl and Elizabeth Sue (Cowan) DeCeasar in Walnut Creek, Calif. She spent her childhood in California before moving to Oregon where she attended Amity High School. Mrs. DeCeasar was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Delta and the NRA. She enjoyed sewing, hunting and reading her Bible, but most of all she enjoyed time with her kids and grandkids. Marilyn is survived by

��

Michael Menke

her children, Eli Warren, Levi (Esteban) Bernadac, Abby (Dustin) Neuberger, Megan Bowers, and Mattie Sue (Tony) Maciel; two brothers, Carl “Butch” DeCeasar Jr., and Charlie DeCeasar; two sisters, Carol Ann Martin and Linda Crump; 10 grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild and another one due in January. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother Martin DeCeasar, and a grandson Justice Warren. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

moved to Riverton, Wyo., where they owned a Service Master franchise. He served as a volunteer firefighter for Fremont County, Midvale Fire Department. Mike and Carol later divorced but remained friends. He moved to Cedaredge in 2003. He is survived by his brother, Bill (Deb) Menke; sisters, Carolyn Layne and Barbara (Bob) Vergara; and brother-in-law, Alain Senac; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Pat; sister, Jan Senac; and nephew, Andy Vergara. No service is planned; burial of cremains will be at a later date in Wyoming.

Cedaredge resident Michael John Menke died Sept. 20, 2018, in Grand Junction from complications of pneumonia. He was born on Oct. 5, 1942, to Louis and Joan (Carson) Menke in Wray. The family moved to Greeley in 1954 and Mr. Menke graduated from Greeley High School in 1960. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in California and also served in Japan as an electronics specialist. After returning home from active duty, he worked for Western Electric Phone Company. He married Carole Bowles in Greeley in April 1967. After living in Colorado for a while, they

Helen Gillum Sept. 11, 1934 ~ Oct. 16, 2018 Former Cedaredge resident Helen Mae Gillum died Oct. 16, 2018, in Stevensville, Mont. She was 84. Helen was born Sept. 11, 1934 in Pleasanton, Kan., to Helen (Robinson) and James McCulley. She grew up on a farm, where she and her parents and her two brothers lived in a clapboard farmhouse built before the Civil War. They still kept an old plow horse, and Helen remembered when her parents bought their first tractor and, as a condition of the loan, also were required to buy a pressure canner for preserving food. On Saturday nights her father played the fiddle, banjo, and guitar at dances. Helen accompanied him on the bass fiddle, which they hauled around on the back of a flatbed truck. Helen started school in a one-room schoolhouse, where all members of the tiny student body were forced to play softball or risk a spanking from the teacher. As a teen, she attended a larger school in Pleasanton and became friends with LaVerne Ray, who would remain her steadfast friend for life. After high school,

Helen moved to Wichita to live with LaVerne and work at her first real job with the Butler Paper Company. At 21, Helen married Howard Gillum, then a machinist at Boeing. They lived in a little town near Wichita, Kan., where their two daughters were born. When Boeing required a transfer to Seattle, the family moved to Colorado instead, eventually settling in Coal Creek Canyon, a mountain community west of Denver. When Howard retired, he and Helen moved to Cedaredge, Colo. They loved camping and watching wildlife, and Helen was an active member of the First Baptist Church and garden and quilt clubs. Howard died in 2011, and Helen moved to Montana in 2017 to be near

her youngest daughter and son-in-law and her two grandsons. She handled the transition with good humor, though as she was downsizing her possessions, she asked, “What will I do with my cannonball?” — referring to one found in the driveway at her parents’ farm. She moved into the Living Centre Assisted Living Facility in Stevensville, where she and her family were treated with great kindness. Helen’s Christian faith was very important to her, and next to her chair, she left a card inscribed with the Bible verse Isaiah 40:31: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Her last request was for “more books.” Helen is survived by her two daughters, Jana Burritt of Grand Junction, Colo., and Julie Lue of Florence, Mont.; her brothers Don McCulley of Topeka, Kan., and Frank McCulley of Adrian, Mo; and her two grandsons, Jaren and Quinn. A memorial service will be held in Cedaredge at a later date. Paid obituary

William James Vance Jr. (Jim)

IT’S THE SPOOKIEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

��

Delta County Independent

��

Dec. 25, 1923 ~ Oct. 23, 2018 William James Vance, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, surrounded by family in Grand Junction, Colo. Jim was born to William and Coralee Vance on Dec. 25, 1923, in Dixon, Miss. Jim was the youngest sibling of nine children. He worked many years for Seismograph Service Corp. as a permit man where he was able to travel around the country and live in many places with his family. Jim married the love of his life, Martha Vigil, on Dec. 15, 1948 in Philadelphia, Miss. Jim learned to cook many delicious meals by working in the kitchen with his momma since he was young. Jim was famous for many of his meals including fried chicken and Grandpa’s made from scratch pancakes which all his kids and grandkids thoroughly enjoyed. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandpa, and a friend to all. He will be deeply missed by his family and all that knew him. Jim loved traveling, driving his Buick LeSabres and his old blue Chevy pickup, watching the news, talking about the good old days, listening to Bluegrass music, cooking, being around animals (and sneaking them treats), eating ice cream, going to the Senior Centers, and most of all being with his family. Jim was also a devot-

ed Christian and loved his faith. He went to church faithfully, read his Bible, sang the gospel hymns, and prayed before every meal and every night. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Martha Vance, parents, siblings, and great-granddaughter Sydney Ward. Jim is survived by his daughters, Sherry Beedle-Hahn (William) of Rawlins, Wyo., Coralee (Phil) Espinoza of Delta, Colo., Kerry (Eddie) Martinez of Missoula, Mont., Michele (Brad) O’Melia of Green River, Wyo., and Melissa (Bert) Herrera of Rawlins, Wyo.; one son, Butch (Debbie) Vance of North Pole, Alaska; sisters-in-law, Dorthy Garcia of Riverton, Wyo., Delcy Moulder of Rawlins, Wyo., Ida Madrid of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and brother-in-law, Robert (Viola) Roybal of Rawlins, Wyo.; grandchildren, Jessie Martinez Jr. (Jan), Timmy (Toni) Martinez, Heather Taylor, Chadwick Vance, Ericka (Angel) Gomez, Gianna (Josie) Garcia, Keko (Jolene) Espinoza, Jennifer (Matt) Stalcup, Rachel (Kevin) Plenger,

Jason (Kim) Martinez, Madori (Josh) Ward, Chase O’Melia, Shay O’Melia, Amanda (KC) Ramsey, Joshua Herrera, and Keona Herrera; great-grandchildren, Joclyn Martinez, Jerick Martinez, Austin Young, Ashley (Tyrel) Smith, Jazmine (Sam) Noel, Nathaniel Gomez, Benjamin Gomez, Gabe Gomez, Randen Espinoza, Damien Espinoza, Matthew Stalcup, Emily Stalcup, Korbin Plenger, Keaton Ward, Alex Ramsey, Jaden Ramsey, Lucas James Medina, and Josiah Medina; great-great-grandchildren, Brynn’Lee Noel, Angel Noel, and Sofia Espinoza; nieces, Suzette (Rick) Durden, Vicki (Randy) Moulder, and Terri (Mike) McHugh; nephew, Gene Vance and many inlaws, nieces and nephews. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Rawlins, Wyo. Pallbearers were Jessie Martinez Jr., Timmy Martinez, Nathaniel Gomez, Jerick Martinez, Chase O’Melia, Shay O’Melia, Joshua Herrera, and LJ Medina. Honorary pallbearers were Chadwick Vance, Jason Martinez, Austin Young, Benjamin Gomez, Gabe Gomez, Korbin Plenger, Keaton Ward, Josiah Medina, and Angel Noel. Condolences can be made online at www. jacobycares.com. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Virginia Harris

Virginia Harris died Oct. 28, 2018, in Eckert. She was 100. Virginia Rose Cunningham was born Dec. 13, 1917, in Austin, Texas, to William and Lillie (Walden) Cunningham. Her mother died when she was 6. In 1930 the family moved to Littlefield, Texas, and Mrs. Harris graduated from Littlefield High School in 1935. After graduation, she worked in the kitchen of the cafeteria at the University of Texas. She was in ministry from 1941-1947 in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. She married Glen Harris on May 5, 1947, and they moved onto a farm

on Rogers Mesa, where they raised cherries and apples and operated a dairy. They sold the farm in 1970 and retired to Cedaredge. Glen died in 1991. At the end of 2015, she moved into Crossroads Assisted Living in Delta, where she enjoyed her dining table companions and her jigsaw puzzle partners. She had a close personal relationship with God. She is survived by her sisters, Edith Cunningham of Santa Ana, Calif., Naomi Chavez of Belen, N.M., and Patsy Campbell of Anadarko, Okla.; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Lillie Belle Cunningham; husband, Glen Harris; brothers, W.H. III and Luther Cunningham; and sisters, Cora Nell Swayzee, Lois Smith and Ruth Culp. Memorial donations may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Natheal Ballard May 16, 1947 ~ Oct. 25, 2018 Natheal Ballard of Delta, Colo., died Oct. 25, 2018, at the age of 71. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at Garnet Mesa Baptist Church in Delta, Colo. Interment will follow at Olathe Cemetery in Olathe, Colo. He was born on May 16, 1947, to Edna Mae and Arbie Adam Ballard in Montrose, Colo. He grew up and went to school in Olathe, Colo. He entered into the army where he served in the artillery unit in Korea guarding the river between North Korea and South Korea. He served from Oct. 13, 1966, to Aug 5, 1967, before he received a hardship honorable discharge when his brother Adam was killed in Vietnam. He returned home to help his mother raise his siblings. He married Sonya Thornton in Cedaredge, Colo., on Sept. 27, 1969. Shortly after marrying they moved to Springfield, Mo., later returning to Olathe, Colo., where they raised six children. He worked at Hotchkiss and Timber Sawmill before becoming a carpenter. He was a general contractor building homes all over the valley before retiring. He was also a farmer and raised cows. Natheal is survived by his wife Sonya; six children and spouses, Nathan and Sheila Bal-

Wayne Rule

Arla “Wayne” Rule of Delta died Oct. 28, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. He was 63. At his request, no services will be held. On Jan. 21, 1955, Arla Wayne was born to Arla Duane and Patsy (Shipman) Rule in Durango. He attended school in Delta and served his country in the U.S. Army. On June 30, 2000, he married Bessie in Delta. Mr. Rule was a forklift operator and enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading. He is survived by his wife, Bessie Rule of Delta; stepson, Mark Porter of Delta; stepdaughter, Amanda Porter of Delta; step-grandson, Evan Porter of Delta; brothers, Roger Rule (Barbara Gallegos) of Delta and David (Mary) Rule of California; and a half-sister, Sharon Dixon of Ogden, Utah. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Novella Nicholas

lard, Tonya and Kevin Lee, Suzanne and Matthew Maestas, Frederick and Brenda Ballard, Stepheon and Darla Ballard, Lillian and Brian Pobirk; 23 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and siblings Eve and Duane McMurdy, Manuel and Kathy Ballard, John and Pam Ballard, Sarah and Bill Washington, Isaac and June Ballard, Paul and Melody Ballard, Esther and Lonnie Cain, Ruth Lucas, Onita Ballard and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Arbie and Edna, his brother Adam and his sister Martha. The family suggests any memorial contributions made in Natheal’s name go to the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneral service.com. Paid obituary

Cortez resident Novella Irene Nicholas died Oct. 22, 2018, at her home. She was 64. She was born on March 20, 1954, to Louie Thatcher and Laveta (Patterson) Pacheco. On March 20, 1978, she married Gary Nicholas in Cortez.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

She was a Dove Creek cheerleader and enjoyed working. She is survived by her husband, Gary Nicholas of Cortez; mother, Laveta (Mose) Pacheco; children, Tammy (Raymond) Lopez of Cortez, Zita Doyle of Las Vegas, Nev., and Wendy Henderson of Utah; brothers, Eldon Thatcher of Louisana and Floyd Thatcher of Grand Junction; sisters, Bertha Martin of Cedaredge and Roberta Thatcher of Montrose; three grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild. She was preceded in death by her father, Louie Thatcher; and brother, John Thatcher. Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez handled the arrangements.

of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 11, 1963, he married Marion Massey in the Eckert Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, exploring and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marion Kissner of Cedaredge; four children, Bryan (Diane) Kissner of Cedaredge, Ed (Teri) Kissner of Cedaredge, Roseann (Jeff) Retter of Fruita and Kristine (Chad) Beach of Cedaredge; one sister, Peg Himes of Grand Junction; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in

Joseph Silva

Joseph Silva died Oct. 1, 2018, at the age of 44. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Memorial donations may be made to www. braintrauma.org.

��

David Kissner

Cedaredge resident David Kissner died Oct. 24, 2018, at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction. He was 76. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at Cedaredge Cemetery. Pastor Dik Abbott will officiate and Grand Mesa VFW Post #9221 will perform military honors. David Ray Kissner was born May 15, 1942, in Stone City to Louis and Anna (Kelsay) Kissner. He spent his childhood and attended school in Cedaredge. At the age

��

�

��

�

��

Photo submitted

Darlene Mora of Tri-County Health network (left) provided free wellness screenings for adults at Delta Library on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The wellness screenings are being offered in conjunction with the Discover Health exhibit that is on display at Delta Library through December 2018. Additional wellness screenings are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27, and Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pictured with Mora is Bonnie Bishop, senior librarian at Delta Library. Bishop coordinates an ongoing schedule of adult programming for library patrons in Delta. For more information about the exhibit and wellness screenings, or for a full calendar of programs, visit www.deltalibraries.org.

death by three sisters, Wilda, June and Pat; and three brothers, Louie, Dan and Bill. Memorial contributions may be sent to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

��

Discover Health

��

A8 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Delta High School

Students of the Month Claire Corbasson

Age: 17 Parents: Leticia and Pierre Corbasson

Favorite subject: I am really loving literature at the moment Favorite teacher: Mr. Magtutu and Mrs. MacKendrick Most influential person in your life: My Uncle Jim because he is like my big brother. He is always there for me, and without ever trying he teaches me how to be strong and how to show love ways that not everyone can see. Jim has gone through a lot in his life but I’ve never seen him give up, and he motivates me to do the same. After graduation I plan to go to college in Washington or Pennsylvania and study either computer science or environmental engineering, and study abroad one year. Favorite saying: “If I have seen further, it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants.” ~Isaac Newton Favorite musician/song: Electric Love Favorite TV show: The Good Place Activities: I am involved in marching band, Student Council, National Honor Society, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and HOSA. I am also the youth representative board member for the Abraham Connection, and I am helping the county start a new youth club in hopes to get youth input from our county on various matters. I play in the bell choir at my church, and I volunteer at the library. In my spare time I like to read poetry, play new songs on my bass clarinet, spend time with my family, go on random drives with my sister, play weird board games with my friends, dreaming about traveling the world, and get some extra sleep.

Caleb Frazier

Age: 17 Parents: Heather Frazier and Aaron Frazier Favorite subject: Math Favorite teacher: Mrs. Lopez Most influential person in your life: Grandma Voda. She always believed in me and encouraged me. She taught me so much about life, and also how to cook. She is such an incredible influence in my life. After graduation I plan to attend a university and pursue a doctorate in statistics or another field. Favorite saying: “Enjoy the little things in life.” Favorite musician/song: Phil Collins is an inspiration but Taylor Swift is my fav. Favorite TV show: American Horror Story/Bates Motel Activities: I am involved in speech and debate, HOSA, Future Business Leaders of America, Red Cross Club, National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl and Youth City Council. In my spare time I like to cook, especially desserts, and watch the sky. I rarely have “spare time,” but it brings me a lot of joy to see people’s faces when they eat something I’ve made, and to watch the stars, moon and sunset/sunrise.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

A $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant will be used to sustain and expand the Food for Thought program. Currently, Vision Charter Academy learners prepare and deliver weekend food bags to over 300 elementary school students in Delta and Cedaredge. The grant will enable the program to expand to Hotchkiss and Paonia.

Food for Thought celebrates third Neighborhood Assist grant BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Last week, the Food for Thought program was recognized as the only three-time recipient of a State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant in the United States. Such a remarkable accomplishment required a celebration to match, so Vision Charter Academy took the show on the road, starting a kick-off celebration at its Delta campus. The road show continued in Cedaredge, then moved to Paonia, to celebrate the expansion of the “kids feeding kids” program to Hotchkiss and Paonia elementary students. The celebration concluded at the school district office in Delta, where VCA executive director Willyn Webb reiterated her gratitude to the businesses and individuals who have supported Food For Thought since its inception nearly 10 years ago. The State Farm grants totaling $75,000 have helped sustain the program over that period of time, along with other fundraising and food drive efforts. Food for Thought emerged as one of the top 40 vote-getting causes during a Facebook cam-

paign conducted earlier this fall. Webb expressed her appreciation to the parents, school staff and community members who diligently voted each day during the 10-day window. “Every vote made a difference,” Webb said, “as competition was very tight.” Each Friday, Food for Thought distributes bags filled with food to get kids through the weekend. “Just as important,” Webb said, “it has provided a service learning experience for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade, where we can learn to create a culture in our community where everyone gives to one another ... and no one demonstrates that more than Jerry Reiher [State Farm agent].” “We’re proud to be able to do this and with your help, we’ll do it again,” he said. Webb also recognized two staff members — Wes Bryant, engagement coordinator, and school counselor Kathy Taylor. She said Bryant came to Delta County two summers ago with a youth group from Missouri to work in Food for Thought, and ended up moving here as a result. Joe Mock, principal of Garnet Mesa Elementary School, and Jen Magner, principal of Lincoln Elementary School, expressed their appreciation to the Vision learners who are carrying on the tradition of kids helping kids. Both spoke about the positive impact Food

for Thought has on the students in their schools. “It really does give them peace of mind, as well as nutrition over the weekend they may not have otherwise,” Mock said. “The Food For Thought program has been a game changer for our students,” said Magner. “Many of our students get our school’s nutritious breakfast and lunch during the week but their families strug-

gle providing food for the weekends. This program has given kids the peace of mind that they are not going to go hungry over the weekend. Our students have been taught that we take care of each other and this program is putting those words into action. Food For Thought sees a need and provides a solution to help those who cannot help themselves, our kids.”

Photos submitted

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terrific Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and first grade students (front row) Molly Richards, Addison Teyler-Crowder, Jessie Gallenbeck, Lukas Kurtz; (back row) Logan Morfitt, Elena Ledesma, Peyton Sisemore and Tatum Cool. Below are second and third graders (front row) Hunter Hines, Jacob Silva, Laveena Martinez, Lily Abeyta; (back row) Cali Duran, Gisel Vargas, Ben Morfitt and Becca Brewer.

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Oct. 17. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) were: (top row, left to right) Charlie Hellman (leadership), Yahir Carrasco (cooperation), David Candelario (responsibility), Treygan Jones (integrity), Braxton Gurule (honesty), Ashton McFadden (leadership); (bottom row) Jaidyn Nelson (responsibility), Willa Clay (responsibility), Bryttzel Mendoza (integrity), Olivia Long (service), Aubri Davis (respect), and Adalynne Ware (responsibility).

Observatory schedules public night sky viewing The Grand Mesa Observatory, 7475 Purdy Mesa Road, Whitewater, is hosting a night of sky viewing Friday, Nov. 9, from dusk to 11:30 p.m. This event is open to the public. Tour the observatory and take advantage of the telescopes set up by the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for night sky viewing. Please wear warm clothing and check the website, grandmesa observatory.com/calendar/ for updates. The observatory can be reached at 242-1089.

��

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

What’s all the buzz about? BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

As of February of this year, Delta County has a club dedicated to learning about bees. The club, the Delta Beekeepers, was started by Mike Suppes to educate those in the community who have an interest in bees and beekeeping. “I am hoping to build awareness and educate people of the importance of bees in our lives, the honey they produce, and how it helps with aller-

gies,” Mike said. Delta Beekeepers invites anyone and everyone to join their meetings. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall in Delta the third Wednesday of each month. “Being in this club gives the less experienced beekeepers the chance to learn and become better beekeeper,” Suppes said. Richard Harding elaborates on why it is important for beekeepers to ban together. “Bees

are unique to their local environment, so it is essential to network with other people in order to understand local circumstances.” As a group, beekeepers can solve specific problems in the area before the problems get too overwhelming. The need for bees in Delta County is critical, which is why some of the members of the club find beekeeping so compelling. Harding said, “With-

resins from the buds of conifer and poplar. But beyond the health and agricultural benefits bees are also very much ingrained into how some of the members of the Delta Beekeepers were raised. “My parents were beekeepers when I was little. I grew up on raw honey, and chewed honeycomb like chewing gum,” said Jan Pauly. “We all helped out with the bees and the honey. Even my blind brother would sit at the end of the driveway selling the honey. I remember my first grade class taking a field trip to my house to learn all about

out pollination we would be dependent on artificial pollination which is both expensive and time consuming and would drastically affect the cost of our food.” “Bees are very important in the pollination of plants for our good supply and honey, propolis, and the wax are an additional gift from them,” Debra Harding added. Bee propolis is an antiseptic and antibiotic. It is made up of beeswax and other secretions with

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police Department (edited for length): Oct. 15: As a result of a traffic stop, Justin R. Dawson, 39, of Delta was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), license plates not legible and fictitious license plates. Officers responded to Maverik where a female was reported to be unconscious. The female was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital by ambulance. After further investigation, a request for prosecution has been requested for Brandy A. Miramontes, on charges of possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine). Oct. 16: Officers responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter. Dan-David M. Lamon, 18, of Delta was charged with fraud and arrested on a Delta County warrant. Oct. 17: As a result of a traffic stop, Justin R. Ritter, 28, of Delta was arrested on a Colorado State Patrol warrant. Officers responded to the 100 block of West 6th Street for a report of people squatting at a residence. Alan S. Hawk, 34, of Cedaredge and Lindsey S. McKinney, 33, of Delta were issued summonses for trespassing. Officers responded to Delta Middle School for the report of a possible wanted person. A warrant for the arrest of Jose D. Madrid has been issued on charges of criminal impersonation and criminal possession of an identification document. Oct. 18: As a result of a traffic stop, Aranda M. Leyba-Bush, 22, of Cedaredge was arrested on a Delta County warrant. She was also charged with possession of schedule II x 2 (heroin and methamphetamine) and possession of burglary tools. Oct. 19: Thomas W. Z. Foster, 23, of Delta was arrested on a Delta County warrant and charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Johnathan A. Lopes, 32, of Delta was arrested on charges of criminal mischief as an act of domestic violence. Oct. 21: Officers investigated possible shots fired in the downtown area at about 4 a.m. An officer responded to the 800 block of 1400 Lane on a report of a juvenile bitten by a camel.

Oct. 22: Officers responded to a one-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of H Road. The driver was transported to DCMH. Officers responded to the 600 block of Grand Avenue for a three-vehicle accident. Two vehicles involved were parked and unattended. The driver, Dusty Lennon, 72, was transported to DCMH. Oct. 23: Corey Justin Rouse, 27, of Paonia was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of Schedule II controlled substance. Oct. 24: Officers responded to 791 1550 Road on a report of possible gun shots. Nicholas Paul Rios, 32, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged reckless endangerment. Officers responded to the intersection at E. 4th Street and Grand Avenue for a twovehicle crash. Ida B. Vanderpool, 84, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged failure to yield right of way from a stop sign. No injuries were observed or reported. Jessica D Godbey, 29, and Joshua David Reed, 29, both of Delta, were arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence. Oct. 26: Michael Herbert Murphy, 63, of Hotchkiss was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order and violation of bail bond conditions. Oct. 27: Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 50 South and 1600 Road on a report of a two-vehicle crash. No injuries were reported or observed. Nichole Leigh McCollough, 30, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting. Richard Alan Earl, 34, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged harassment and violation of a restraining order as an act of domestic violence. A burglary was reported at a residence in the 800 block of B Street. Jon Eric Dickerson, 54, of Montrose was issued a proof of service for alleged driving with a suspended driver’s license. Aranda M. Leyba-Bush, 22, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order and violation of bail bond conditions.

Oct. 22: Jason Albert, 43, of Delta, was arrested in Mesa County on an outstanding Delta County warrant alleging failure to comply with sex offender registry responsibilities. He was transported to Delta County Jail. At the request of the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a disturbance at an Airbnb outside of Crawford. Two male guests, both of whom had been consuming alcohol, were involved in a physical altercation. Gabriel Garcia was taken into custody; a second suspect, Donovan Yazzie, had left the scene. Delta County deputies cleared the scene upon the arrival of Montrose County law enforcement. Oct. 23: A hit-and-run accident was reported on North Road shortly after midnight. A witness reported seeing a Toyota flatbed truck take out a fence and a goat pen before the driver left the scene, leaving behind a bumper and other items. Deputies responded to the emergency room at Delta County Memorial Hospital to take a report from a 73-yearold Delta resident who was involved in a four-wheeler accident on Hubbard Creek. At about 2:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a three-vehicle accident near the intersection of Highway 92 and 3000 Road. Oct. 24: Deputies checking on sex offender registration compliance were unable to locate Tyler Pawlish, 32, at the address he had provided in Delta. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Oct. 25: A traffic stop on Highway 50 at Ash Mesa Road resulted in charges of criminal impersonation against Chante Martinez, 28, of Montrose. She provided officers with two false names before they were able to correctly identify her through mug shots. It was determined there were seven active warrants for her arrest on charges of failure to comply and failure to appear. A report of a warehouse filled with marijuana proved to be unfounded after deputies visited the location and determined the plants were actually hemp that was being sorted and dried. A Delta area resident returned to his home on H Road to find his front door smashed in and the dead bolt From the Delta County broken. A .44 Smith & Wesson Sheriff’s Office (partial list): revolver and a small safe were

��

reported stolen. A 65-year-old Paonia resident who left home the previous day was reported missing by her husband. She later called to check in from a niece’s residence. A Delta area resident reported an attempted breakin at his home on 1600 Road. Oct. 28: Deputies responded to an accident on Highway 65, mile marker 7, which resulted in two vehicles in the front yard of a residence. The occupant of the home said he had slowed his van to turn into his driveway, using his turn signal as he did so. The vehicle behind him also slowed down, but a pickup driven by Steven Booher instead went into the oncoming lane to pass and wound up striking the van. Deputies responded to a family dispute on Highway 65, Austin. A father and 27-yearold son got into an argument when the father tried to kick his son out of the house.

t u O t h g i N s e i d a L

� ��

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, November 13 6:30-8:00 p.m.

��

Photo by Richard Harding

Delta Beekeepers club member Richard Harding made his own hives for the winter. “The device I built holds 20 inverted Ball pint jars. There are no lids on the jars; when the bees ﬁll the jars, they will seal the opening of the jar with wax.”

e ng m o s e v a h Relanxd, enjoy an eveni re’s fun a elta Hardwa at D

��

the bees. My dad showed the kids how he could run his bare hand over the backs of the bees on top of the frame and not get stung.” There is so much to learn about bees. The club hopes to get more young people involved. “I would like very much to include youth in our program and strengthen the future of these unique creatures,” Suppes stated. If anyone in the area comes across a swarm and would like to get rid of them Mike has offered his services. He can be reached at 970-8740705.

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

A10 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Vote for a winner in HD61 Dear Editor: One of the things I appreciate about living in a small town in western Colorado is knowing the people with whom I do business. I know who is trustworthy and who does good work. Trust goes both ways. My point is that the relationships and trust make business easier and the same thing goes with government. I was impressed that during the debate in Delta in early October, Julie McCluskie said that she already knew people from working as the director of commu-

nications in the lieutenant governor’s office. She had also spent time during this campaign season building relationships with other people in state government. She will be able to hit the ground running when she is elected as state representative for House District 61. This is especially important with an office that has only a two-year term. McCluskie didn’t waste her time meeting the state government players. She’s thinking like a winner. Winners get things done. McCluskie already

Vote for Jena Griswold Dear Editor: We need to empower women running for office in this mid-term election, and encourage younger generations to get involved in the political process. To that end, I support Jena Griswold for secretary of state in this election, and ask people to vote for her. Jena is a smart, hardworking young woman who is a voter rights attorney. She grew up in Estes Park, in a working class family. She started working the summer after seventh grade and is the first person in her family to attend a four-year college and law school. Jena is a lawyer, a voter protection specialist, and a small

business owner who has spent her career fighting for justice and fairness. Jena Griswold is committed to working for all the people of Colorado, not for a political party. Voters often do not vote all the way down the ballot, but I urge you to vote for candidates who represent compassion, civility and decency. I am an unaffiliated voter, and will be voting for women wherever possible. Electing Jena as our next secretary of state will encourage and support women and young people to get involved, run for office, and work to make our world a better place. Rita Clagett Crawford

KUDOS HHS Pink Out raises $9,147 Dear Editor: The Hotchkiss High School volleyball players, coaches, parents and HHS staff would like to thank the following businesses for supporting their PINK OUT on Friday, Oct. 19. The PINK OUT is a way for the student athletes to promote cancer awareness. The event raised $9,147; all funds will go to the Delta County Memorial Hospital oncology unit. Thank you to Hawk Ranch/Darold and Christy Hawk, Tucker’s Pizza, Vegetation Management West, Altitude Energy Service, Donna Formell, CMT, L&M Salon, Black Diamond Electric, Plexus by Denise Regelman, Limelight by Jenny West, Cowboy Brand Furniture by Page Johns, 1440 Image Apparel, Mark Construction, Doggie Bag Delivery, Big B’s Juices, Bank of Colorado, Arch CO Customs, West Elk Woodworks, Workhorse Furniture and Paonia Flower Shop.

has ideas to significantly lower health care costs for western Colorado — a critical issue. Health care is one of the few things we buy that we don’t know the cost before we “buy” and is difficult at best to compare prices. McCluskie supports transparency for health care and prescription drugs. Drought and climate change hit western Colorado farmers, ranchers, gardeners and water-based recreation businesses hard. My irrigation water ended before the middle of June. McCluskie supports community efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change and innovative water storage projects. On a national level, support for research that would help farmers deal with the changing climate has been reduced. We can elect someone for HD61 that at least recognizes that climate change is a serious issue. Voting for McCluskie is a vote for a winner for HD61. Marilyn Stone Paonia

Consider the consequences when you vote Dear Editor: There are consequences for who you vote for. Let’s take immigration. If you vote for a liberal, you will get open borders. The Democrat Party openly says this. What does open borders really mean when it comes to your back yard? If Congress continues to allow catch and release, of which the Dems happily support and encourage, we could easily have 15,000 illegal aliens just this month with the army of them marching toward our southern border. Just think about this! The majority do not speak English, they know nothing about our laws or regulations nor do they

��

even care to follow our laws. The majority have no intention of assimilating into our culture. They have very little education or job skills and would only be used as cheap labor. When was the last time you purchased an “inexpensive” house built by illegal aliens. Doesn’t happen!! So what would you do if a group of illegal aliens showed up in your town? If your town is a small community it will get real personal real quick. Would you feel obligated to provide housing and food and if you did, for how long? Where would the money come from? You know if you house

and feed them, they will stay and what would be the long term plans? They will be, and currently are, a huge drain on the system. Why would we create additional competition on our own citizens in the job market? We still don’t have a plan to help our veterans, of which approximately 40,000 are homeless. Please think about consequences when you vote. If you vote for liberals, the consequences will be disastrous. If you vote for conservatives, you will get a better chance to control who becomes a U.S. citizen. Lloyd Liebetrau Cedaredge

Christians should ease others’ suffering Dear Editor: As a Christian, I am so glad to see local churches involved in community affairs, including elections. As a trained Christian outreach worker, I would respectfully ask to make a few clarifications to last week’s letter from local pastors. First and most importantly, they point out the obvious medical benefits of a wide range of doctor prescribed treatment plans

Let’s talk about Mike Mason Dear Editor: After a homecooked breakfast and a cup of kombucha, let’s talk about Mike. Mike and Judy Mason were working towards a subdivision on their 300+ acre property near Cedaredge when I met them 11 years ago. Mike and Judy tenaciously navigated the maze of bureaucracy for six grueling years holding fast to the declared principles of life, liberty and property that guide their lives today. Mike has that detailed, analytical, and encompassing way of looking at any topic. His physics, engineering and scientific backgrounds are engulfed with compassion towards others and reverence to God. Mike wants to work for the people of House District 61 because he wants to help people, not swell government. Mike Mason has shared with me his

Delta County Independent

disgust with many of the elected in government who are diverted from the principles of freedom by emotional and “band aid” approaches. As a septuagenarian he steps into this arena to “read the bills,” consult his constituents, and pursue the guided course of the people’s government. Humbly Mike and Judy appreciate his recent cancer survival, and they enjoy their ranch enough to pursue the hemp industry which is labor intense and financially demanding. Mike and Judy Mason are very successful, self sufficient, generous, and giving of their retired careers in an effort of service to the younger generations so they too can become successful. Get to know Mike Mason, your Republican candidate for HD 61, at www.mike masonforcolorado.com. Roger W. Bentley Delta

using this drug. As Christians, is it not our moral imperative to help ease the suffering of our fellow man? For this reason alone, I support the medical marijuana initiative. It is true that withdrawal from alcohol can kill infants. That drug kills adults every day. It is true that withdrawal from methamphetamine can kill infants. That drug also kills adults on a daily basis. No such effect has been medically shown with marijuana ... I am afraid the pastors received bad information on that one. Make no mistake. Children should not do any drugs until they reach the age of 21. It is important for us, as a Christian community, to teach them about drugs, and what those drugs do. It is also important for their bodies to fully develop to give them the best

chance of surviving the effects of those drugs. As a Christian outreach professional, I believe we must not censor medical facts with perceived moral beliefs. Do no harm. Tobacco, a seed bearing plant, is by far the most dangerous drug to humans on the planet ... that drug kills one in 10 adult humans. Alcohol, a manufactured substance, is a close second when discussing drugs that are potentially fatal to humans. Marijuana is not on that list. No human deaths from this drug have been documented. I do not get to vote in the Delta election, but as your Christian neighbor, I urge you to vote. Use good information as you decide how to cast your vote. And God bless you all. Jay Ziegler Crawford

Name change is just a cover-up Dear Editor: There’s something we should all know before we decide who to vote for in the Colorado governor’s race. It concerns our Democratic candidate, Jared Polis. In the year 2000 he apparently got into a disagreement with a woman, grabbed her by the arm and shoved her into a cabinet so hard he left bruises on her arm and a red welt on her leg. She contacted the police and this information came from their report. She got a restrain-

ing order against him. At that point, he changed his name from Schultz (which had been his real name) to Polis to cover this up, so he could run for office and nobody would know about the incident. He hoped, anyway! So, my question is, who would want to vote for him? Maybe not as many people as he was hoping for. I know we’re sure not going to vote for him. Steve and Susan Spinden Delta

Vote for candidates who look out for veterans Dear Editor: My name is Carl Toothaker. I am a military veteran of more than 10 years active duty. I have a prosthetic joint from an injury received overseas during the Vietnam War. I receive all of my medical care through the Veterans Administration Hospital. During the Obama years, I was referred to non-VA care providers on several occasions. On three different occurrences, in violation of the VA health care benefits handbook, the claims submitted by the non-VA

Vote yes on Y and Z

Dear Editor: Amendments Y and Z replace gerrymandering with fair and competitive congressional and legislative districts. Independent commissions draw the boundaries. Currently, the state legislature, or a state legislative commission, draws the maps. The independent commissions balance major parties, include unaffiliated members, and exclude political insiders like lobbyists. More voters including minority and rural communities, and unaffiliated voters have a voice. Bottom line: Voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around! Jan Edwards, President League of Women Voters, Montrose County

providers were denied. I then had to initiate the appeals process. Mr. Tipton’s office quickly started an investigation, and soon the VA reversed their decision to deny my claim. Mr. Tipton stepped up to assist me in a big way. During the past year, I have been notified by the VA several times that they wanted to run tests on me. I was given a heart health screening, bone density tests, prostate screenings, colonoscopy and regular visits with a cardiologist, plus

other more routine procedures. At least in my case, the treatment received in the veterans health care system has improved a great deal. The VA is now more proactive than before. I am truly thankful for the health care I am receiving now. I believe that we really need to retain in office the people who are making the improvements and elect more pro-veterans care candidates. Carl Toothaker Eckert

Look at candidates’ records Dear Editor: In a DCI article Oct. 3 titled “Kerry Donovan has earned our votes” is a biased misrepresentation against our Republican candidate Olen Lund. In the article it appears the writer has firsthand knowledge of the role Donovan played in bringing fiber optics to our county. The writer attempts to paint Lund as opposing it. Wrong! I sat down with candidate Lund and here is my firsthand knowledge of his contribution to the project Olen Lund has never been against the deployment of broadband. As chairman of the DMEA board Olen worked tirelessly and attended seminars from Denver to New Orleans to design a way to make sure broadband was deployed in a fiscally responsible way that protected the interests of

the ratepayers of DMEA. While others wished to spend upwards of $90 million to blindly extend broadband service to all DMEA members without having the assurance of any return on that investment, Olen worked to figure out a way to get broadband service effectively deployed without exposing the DMEA members to such a huge debt. The rumor that Olen is opposed to broadband is simply that. A rumor that was instigated and propagated in such a way that his campaign opponents could attack his fiduciary responsibility to the members of DMEA. Look at Donovan’s voting record. That’s how you vote. Fiber optics has nothing to do with it. Vote Olen Lund Senate District 5. Scott Schaible Delta

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

�� Library launches ‘Voices of ��

��

the Western Slope’ series Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and Delta County Libraries present “Voices of the Western Slope,” a series of entertaining, engaging, and informative presentations on noteworthy topics of the Western Slope. The first presentation in the quarterly series is “The Ute Indians” with Alma Evans. Evans, PhD, has worked with

the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose as a docent. Her background in education has allowed her to continue teaching about the Native Americans of this area, specifically the Ute Indians. Evans has worked closely with Dr. Carol Patterson, whose expertise is Native American sign language, and with the elders from the Ute Mountain Tribe in

Crab Crack fundraiser planned in Montrose

The Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club’s fourth annual Crab Crack fundraiser, presented by Elevate Fiber, will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Tickets are $60 and include all-you-can-eat crab, shrimp, andouille sausage, Olathe sweet corn, potatoes, bread, and dessert. For an extra $20, you can get an event glass and visit the beer and wine garden. There will be a live benefit auc-

tion, special appearance by event mascot Camy Crab, a photo booth, and live music. Tickets and sponsorship information are available online at www. bcbgc.org/tickets or by emailing btaylor@bcbgc. org. Hurry and get your tickets while you can; this event will sell out! All proceeds from the event benefit the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club of Montrose and Olathe. For more information, check out www.bcbgc.org.

interpretations of Shavano Petroglyphs. Her presentation will focus on the findings at Eagle Rock that correlate with some petroglyphs in Shavano Valley, a short history on Chief Shavano, and a video of the Shavano petroglyphs. This event will be held at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. There is a recommended donation of $10 at the door to cover presentation costs. For more information, contact Cedaredge Library at 399-7674 or Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center at 8569195.

Curtis Hall along with refreshments from the bar. Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band is a Denver-based band dedicated to revitalizing swing 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

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 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

Camera club meets monthly Black Canyon Camera Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month (Nov. 6 and at 11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (Nov. 13) at the First Church of God at 11th and Howard in Delta. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. As always, you can bring up to three pictures for review. This month’s program is landscapes and photo stacking by Joe Rosenbaum. See black canyoncameraclub.com or contact rae-anns@live for more information.

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 970399-7881. This family fossil hunt is sponsored by Delta County Libraries and Western Slope Conservation Center.

Alma Evans

Pickles bring it all — high energy, quality musicianship and a true big band sound and look that celebrates the unique American 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 Blue Sage events.

��

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.

Red Shed Produce is hosting a zombie run Wednesday, Oct. 31, to raise funds for Young Life. This event runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Participants will be given a belt with three flags to brave the zombieinfested maze. Get out with at least one flag to survive! Red Shed Produce is located at Highway 92 and 1800 Road.

Rock Wranglers to meet The Rock Wranglers meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1290 A Street, Delta. The program will be “Geology of the Western Slope.” All are welcome.

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, call the recreation center at 874-0923.

Nov. 3 square dance features guest caller The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will host its only November dance Saturday, Nov. 3, from 7-9 p.m., in the aerobics room at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Members will welcome back special guest caller Kathy Racine, from Utah, to guide dancers in cowgirl style! Racine has great charisma and always draws a crowd.

��

Daddy, daughter dance is Nov. 10

Can you outrun the zombies?

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

A11

��

Dances are “Mainstream” with “Plus” Tips. Round dances are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share during the evening! Dance fee is $6. Nondancers welcome to come and watch, meet the dancers and find out about upcoming lessons. If coming from out of town, call to verify dance dates and details: Zee Pacheco, 835-3771; or Paul Ash, 773-4495.

��

A12 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Kelly Cox to showcase his Water Widget at Trout Tank BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An invention that’s been years in the making earned Delta resident Kelly Cox a spot in a business accelerator known as the ICELab@Western. Cox is hoping the 12week program will help him take his invention to the next level — mass production. His idea? An automated gate valve for irrigation pipe that he says saves “massive” amounts of time, requires less energy and uses much less water than other types of irrigating. Operating expenses are minimal, basically consisting of a solar panel and a small battery that has to be changed every 10 to 12 years. About 10 years ago, Cox found himself with the one-man job of irrigating his fields. Previously, he’d had his three sons to help. Now they were either working or in college. After two weeks of whining, fussing and burying his flip flops in

mud, Cox had a vision of a schematic that would automate the process. Using two remote control trucks left behind by his sons, Cox sat down at the kitchen table and cannibalized some parts that he then clamped to a pipe. With some experimentation to get the gearing right, he soon had a battery-operated remotecontrol system he could use to open and close the gate — from his house. In a week or two, Cox had figured out howto operate the device using his laptop or his phone. “Each summer I play with a different piece to make it more automated,” he said. He estimates he’s come up with 10 prototypes in eight years and is now trying to figure out how to tie it in to a Google Maps platform. He taught himself computer aided drawing to avoid the expense of paying an engineer to digitize his napkin drawings. He taught himself basic circuitry and learned how to use the 3D printer at the Technical College of

the Rockies. “I’m not a mechanical engineer, or an electrical engineer, but I had to teach myself the basics so I could move forward and keep costs down,” he said. Still the handbuilt prototypes are costly, running $1,000 to $1,200 each. The concept has been proven in an experimental field in partnership with Colorado State University and the National Resource Conservation Service, so Cox knows it works. By optimizing the amount of irrigation water going to a crop, farmers can actually increase their yields. And it reduces the massive runoff that washes pesticides, topsoil, heavy metals, salts and seleniums into the river. He already has one patent and plans to file for more. The problem has been getting the product to production level. “This is not like network security that I’ve done for years,” Cox said. “This is a widget with

physical requirements. Starting a software company and starting a manufacturing company — it’s a whole different ball game.” Cox estimates that if the automated valve were mass produced, the cost could drop somewhere between $20 and $75. At $75, it would be a very justifiable widget, he said. “That’s why I’m in the ICELab, to meet the right people that know the right people.” During the 12-week program, entrepreneurs meet at Western Colorado State University three days each week to hear from patent attorneys, marketing/social media experts, manufacturers and mentors. While he’s received lots of advice, Cox said it all comes down to the same issue he’s been dealing with for the past six years. He doesn’t need another prototype; he just needs to get his device to the production line. “I need a partner that understands manufac-

turing and can find the capital to take my widget to that level,” he said. Cox promises naming rights to whoever invests in his invention. “Every week in the ICELab, someone comes up with a new name for my device,” Cox said. “Lately it’s been known as a Water Widget. I just call it an automatic gate valve. Anybody who invests can have naming rights.” Cox would love to see manufacturing take

place here on the Western Slope, to support his hometown and provide much-needed jobs. You can learn more about the Water Widget at Trout Tank, an event at the Egyptian Theater that will showcase the five entrepreneurs who have completed the 12week ICELab program. The second annual Trout Tank takes place Monday, Nov. 13, at the Egyptian Theater from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Kelly Cox used a 3D printer at the Technical College of the Rockies to produce prototype 10 of his automated gate valve. Using an app on their phones, farmers can remotely irrigate their crops with the optimum amount of water.

Elevate introduces TV

Photo submitted

Longtime employees

The Delta County Commissioners recently recognized county employees for the number of years served, which includes a cash award. Some of the employees are pictured above with county commissioners Don Sup�� pes, Mark Roeber and Doug Atchley. Ten years: Jeremy Frost, Art Glaser, �� Ray �� Haptonstall, �� Judy��Hays, �� Priscilla Macfarlane and Susan Swisher; 15 years: Brian Ayers, Doug Williams; 25 years: Debra Sanders; and 35 years: Richard Mewhinney.

�

��

On Nov. 5, citizens in Montrose and Delta counties will have a better way to watch TV. Elevate Fiber is introducing Elevate TV, a streaming TV solution that works over the same ultra-fast and reliable fiber connection as Elevate internet. “The wait is finally over. We’ve heard from numerous Elevate customers — and Elevate hopefuls — that they are interested in TV service, and now it’s here,” said Becky Mashburn, DMEA/ Elevate Fiber communications and marketing manager. “We also listened to consumer concerns about what they don’t like about their current TV provid-

ers: bundling gimmicks, temporary pricing, and the list goes on. We hate all those games too, so we’re not playing them.” Elevate TV will be available in three stanpackages, the dard least expensive of which includes just the basics — 19 Denver channels or 33 Grand Junction channels. The ultimate package features more sports, kids and entertainment channels. Elevate TV is a streaming TV service that requires the use of a Smart TV or streaming device such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick. To assist with the transition from a traditional cable box,

Elevate is giving a free Fire Stick to early adopters of Elevate TV. Powered by the local electric cooperative, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA), Elevate is building a fiber network throughout the co-op’s service territory and bringing fast and reliable internet to local homes and businesses. It currently provides service in numerous areas within Montrose, Olathe, Cedaredge, Orchard City, Hotchkiss and Paonia. In areas where live service is not yet available, the community can preregister for service and help bring fiber to their neighborhood.

��

� ��

��

Know Your Neighbor

Stoney Mesa Family Practice provides quality, convenience with Delta County Urgent Care Stoney Mesa Family Practice, located at 1722 Hillcrest Drive in Delta, is now open until 8 p.m. daily, providing walk-in care for minor wounds, colds and flu, ear infections, strep throat, and sprains related to falls, sporting events or accidents. Physician assistant John Jennings takes over from 4 to 8 p.m., after Dr. Michelle Purvis, the clinic’s owner, has finished with scheduled appointments. The name of his business is Delta County Urgent Care. Dr. Purvis established Stoney Mesa Family Practice in 2008. Board certified in family medicine, she is dedicated to the wellbeing of males and females of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Dr. Purvis was raised in Washington state and attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y. She completed her residency at St. Mary’s Family Practice in 2002, and practiced in Trinidad before returning to the Western

Slope. She was previously associated with Surface Creek Family Practice in Cedaredge. When opening her own practice, she chose a location close to the hospital. Her office is fully equipped with a laboratory and X-ray equipment. She can draw blood, check for iron levels, provide

Red Shed Produce

PA John Jennings and Dr. Michelle Purvis

Full Service Computer Repair and Gadget Pro!

��

diabetics with immediate feedback on their glucose levels and make checking PT-INR levels as easy as poking a patient’s finger. She can perform minor surgical procedures, skin lesion removal, freeze destruction and cancer screenings. The practice of medicine is a balancing act between

��

meeting the demands of insurance companies and taking care of patients’ needs. “I recognize it’s important for people to feel their problems are being heard, that they’re not being rushed out the door,” she said. “My goal is to provide comprehensive care for the entire family.” Appointments can be scheduled by calling 8745061. Stoney Mesa Family Practice accepts most types of insurance and self-paying patients. “Dr. Purvis is an exceptional doctor,” one of her patients commented on Facebook. “She is very thorough and truly cares for her patients. The nurses are friendly and great at their jobs. The office staff are kind, as well.” If you’re looking for a primary care provider, give Dr. Purvis a call. And take note of the clinic’s address at 1722 Hillcrest Drive, if you need expert advice, but not necessarily emergency room treatment.

��

COLOR LASER PRINTING ��

��

NORTH FORK October 31, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia shifts building services to private firm BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Melissa Munoz and her husband moved to Paonia two years ago and began building a new home. Last year, their builder unexpectedly quit, Munoz told trustees during the Oct. 23 town board meeting. Soon after, the town building inspector was dismissed. “It really caused some anxiety when I became the general contractor,” she said. When Dan Reardon was hired as interim building inspector last winter, “I was so relieved,” said Munoz. The professionalism between Reardon and the former building inspector “was night and day.” Reardon offered guidance and identified structural errors that the builder missed and the inspector missed twice. While correcting the error proved costly, “We’re grateful that he caught it.” Munoz was one of several citizens to address trustees as they considered shifting from an in-house building inspector to contracting those services. After comments and discussion, trustees voted to continue its contract with Denver-based Colorado Code Consulting, for which Reardon is a consultant. The town believes the move will increase consistency and professionalism in building services and provide a fix to many problems experienced with past building officials. Former trustee Eric Goold listed several problems that occurred during his four years on council. Among them, a business owner who erected a sign approved by the inspector, then had to take it down at his expense; improper red-tagging of Paonia Cleaners; and Edesia Warehouse’s functioning

without proper permits, which, Goold noted, “took five meetings” to clear up. “Every one of these very hot-button issues ... could have been helped greatly if there was a competent building inspector there who not only knew the Paonia code, but actually enforced it,” said Goold. The town building inspector, he said, “has been consistent. Consistently bad.” Some speakers blamed the existing building codes, which former trustee Bill Brunner said “were enacted in haste when the West Elk Mine opened, for the problems.” With no zoning laws, “Town Fathers were rightfully worried that there were going to be man camps set up on vacant lots in town.” A lot has changed since then, he said. “The reality is, building codes have not been in existence until Dan arrived,” said Paonia building contractor Frederick Zimmer with Elemental Design & Build. Zimmer, whose contract projects include the Silver Leaf co-housing development on Third Street — the largest in-town project in recent years built from the ground up. The town’s shift from “no codes to all the codes” is having a negative effect on citizens. “It’s costing more money than it’s ever cost to build in Paonia, because it costs more money to do it right.” Zimmer asked the town to find a way to allow Reardon to interpret the code when enforcement is not economically not possible, “... and let people do what they need to do.” BUILDING SERVICES TO B2

Service Saturday is Nov. 3 A Little Help in the North Fork Valley is having a Service Saturday! on Saturday, Nov. 3. If you are a senior member of A Little Help, call 970-527-3482. Volunteers will help you with fall clean-up and winter prep at no charge. To sign up as a volunteer, call the same number, 5273482. Volunteers will meet at Apple Valley Park at 8 a.m. to get organized.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Denver-based ﬁrm which Dan Reardon is a consultant, was selected to provide building services to the Town of Paonia.

Leaf time

The Town of Paonia Public Works Department is ﬁring up its new leaf vacuum this week. Residents wanting their leaves vacuumed up are asked to rake them into the green belt area between sidewalks and streets or as close to streets or alleyways as possible so the vacuum hose can reach them. Call Town Hall at 527-4101 for more information.

Seismic activity seen as threat to Terror Creek dam BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

This story uses the word “terror” many times over, but it’s not about Halloween. In the late 1990s, longtime Paonia resident Richard Rudin fought to ensure that proposed expansion of local coal mines took into consideration protections for the area’s water resources. This month Rudin found himself once again fighting to protect the reservoir. Gunnison Energy LLC’s proposed Iron Point 3D Seismic Mapping Project lies northeast of Paonia within the U.S. Forest Service Paonia Ranger District. Within that area is the 305-acre-foot Terror Creek Reservoir, located approximately eight miles from Paonia in the northeast corner of Delta County. In addition to supplying water to agricultural and domestic users on Garvin Mesa, the Terror Creek drainage contains prime deer and elk habi-

BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Last Thursday, Hotchkiss trustees dug into the 2019 budget and opened discussions on revisions to the town’s mobile home regulations. The town anticipates modest increases in revenues from prepare for future infrastruc- property tax and specific ownture projects, the board is pro- ership tax, but mineral leasposing a monthly increase of ing and severance taxes con$1.00 to its water fees, and an tinue to drop off. Fines and increase of $1.00 to its sewer court fees are also creeping capital improvement fee and up, due in large part to the $4.50 to its sewer fee. addition of a law enforcement The hearing is an oppor- officer in 2018. tunity for residents to comIn 2019, Marshal Dan Millment. er plans to add a victim’s advo-

Crawford to hold rate hike hearing

Halloween at the Kelloggs

tat coveted by hunters. Gunnison Energy recently began surveying the area

in preparation for conducting seismic activities as part SEISMIC ACTIVITY TO B2

Photo by Tamie Meck

A banner celebrating Paonia area wineries hangs at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Third Street. The wineries all rely on irrigation water from the Terror Creek reservoir and ditch, both located within an area proposed for seismic activity. The Terror Creek Dam is considered a ‘high-risk’ dam.

Hotchkiss trustees review 2019 budget, mobile home regs Managing Editor

The Town of Crawford will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 7, to consider an increase to its water and sewer fees. The hearing will begin at 6:45 p.m., prior to its regular board meeting. To pay for growing expenses in maintaining its water and sewer infrastructure and to

Photo by Tamie Meck

Photo courtesy Scott Kellogg

Each Halloween ﬁnds something new and creepy at the Kellogg home. Drive by 218 Minnesota Avenue, in Paonia for a glimpse of what awaits trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

cate, funded in part by a VALE grant he obtained in cooperation with the Cedaredge and Paonia police departments. VALE, or the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement, is a statewide program that generates funds to provide programs and services for crime victims and to assist law enforcement. The marshal also requested two new patrol cars, to replace older, high mileage vehicles. The public works department plans to purchase a pickup to replace an older model. After reviewing the purchase requests and assessing the needs for upgrades to town hall, trustees agreed to purchase a new pickup and one new patrol car, then transfer the difference to a line item identified as town hall improvements. A $50,000 allocation for asphalt was also cut in half. Still, expenses in the capital improvements fund outpaced available revenues. Since the town has a history of underestimating revenues and overestimating expenditures, trustees were not concerned about the shortfall. “We can do this budget, then track our expenditures quarterly and make adjustments as needed,” said Mayor Larry Wilkening. “We have a very frugal staff,” agreed trustee Sheila Maki. “They cut where they can, and scrounge where they can. I think we can accept this budget as is. It will work out.” “Personnel wise, we’re where we need to be,” the mayor added. Employees will

receive a 3.0 percent cost-ofliving increase, the same as last year, in keeping with the CPI Growth Index. Public works director Mike Owens and town clerk Marlene Searle will put together estimates for carpet, door and window replacements at town hall, for review prior to final adoption of the budget. The discussion of mobile home regulations touched on the age of mobile homes to be moved into the town. Wilkening reviewed regulations from neighboring communities. In Paonia, a nonconforming mobile home may be replaced with a like mobile home not more than five years old. Cedaredge won’t allow a mobile home more than 10 years old. The City of Delta does not specify an age restriction, but does require that mobile homes be HUD approved. Neighboring communities also have regulations requiring the removal of non-conforming mobile homes that have not been occupied for a certain period of time. This provision could be a tool for getting rid of older, dilapidated mobile homes. The mobile home regulations also cover travel trailers. Wilkening suggests new wording that limits use of town water to not more than 30 days in any calendar year. In no instance shall a travel trailer be allowed to use the town sewer collection system. Discussion of the mobile home regulations will continue at the Nov. 8 town council meeting. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

B2 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Building services FROM PAGE B1 The town will pay more to CCC than it’s paid past building officials. The draft 2019 budget estimates a General Fund building budget of $56,925, including $3,050 for staff, $50,000 for contract services, and $2,500 in legal services. In the past, said town administrator Ken Knight, the position has paid $20,000-$25,000/ year, excluding the cost of training, currently at between $4,000-$5,000, and work performed by the office staff, now largely covered by CCC. In the last year the town paid more than $4,000 in legal fees associated with the former building official. Compared to in-house services, contracting

means the town knows just what the building costs will be. Paonia is entering a period of “significant building activity,” said Mayor Charles Stewart. Because the town can pass additional costs on, “in terms of budgeting, it’s really good to know what it’s going to cost us” and adjust costs accordingly. Other problems with inhouse services also arose. For one, it’s a part-time position that can be difficult to fill. Reardon said he wasn’t interested in the position because he can’t afford to work part-time. Keeping inspectors after investing in their certification has also proved costly. When inspectors quit, said Stewart, “which has happened frequently

in recent years, the town is left without an inspector, and that is extremely problematic.” Then there’s the issue of Paonia’s existing building code. Because problems have been identified within the code, citizens questioned what Reardon and CCC will enforce. “He is going to enforce the code,” Zimmer told the board. “You have to decide what you want him to enforce.” Zimmer asked the board to do more than vote to continue the contract. “Don’t let this be the whole conversation,” he said. He asked the town to hold a forum, to include building professionals, and work to identify and solve the problems. He also asked that the board consider creating an intermediary set of building codes to refer to until permanent codes are in place. Reardon concurred with Zimmer. “When town decides to update code, public input is real important, because it impacts the community.”

Photos submitted

Safety Day in the North Fork

Schools throughout the North Fork Valley enjoyed Safety Day last week. Hotchkiss K-8, Paonia Elementary, and Montessori@Crawford spent a morning learning about ﬁre safety, touring the ambulance, discussing emergency family plans, and more. The North Fork Ambulance would like to thank Hotchkiss Fire Department, Paonia Fire Department, Crawford Fire Department, Hotchkiss Marshal, Paonia Police Department and Delta County Dispatch for joining us in educating our young ones about emergency safety.

Seismic activity FROM PAGE B1 of the mapping project. That concerns Rudin a great deal. He is the Terror Creek ditch rider and president of the Terror Creek Ditch and Reservoir Company, a private, nonprofit company with water rights dating back to 1883. Rudin refers to a banner celebrating three local wineries and an organic sheep farm strung across the intersection of Third and Grand in Paonia. The wineries, he says, represent more than a million dollars a year in sales. Factor in a multiplier,

and it’s a significant part of the area’s economy. “And all three use Terror Creek water.” Also known as Bruce Park Dam, the earthen Terror Creek Dam is identified by the State of Colorado and in the Delta County Hazard Mitigation Plan as a “high hazard dam,” defined by the state as “a dam whose failure or mis-operation will cause loss of human life and significant property destruction.” The project area is also known for its geologic instability. Most recently, the massive 2014 West Salt Creek landslide on Grand Mesa killed three Collbran-area ranchers. A large mudslide also occurred at the Terror Creek Reservoir in the 1980s. Since then, said Rudin, the dam has been monitored for seismic activity. “If, say, a million cubic feet of dirt were to slide into the reservoir in spring when it’s full, water would top the dam and cause erosion. If it were to spill, it’s a steep narrow canyon with a lot of people in the way,” he said. When local mines proposed expansion in the late 1990s, the mine com-

panies “took full responsibility,” and indemnified the Terror Creek water company from risk. “They were good neighbors.” Rudin wants Gunnison Energy to be a good neighbor. Gunnison Energy, he said, “didn’t even ask if there was anything sensitive in the area,” and didn’t inform him or the ditch company of the activity occurring in the area of the dam. The U.S. Forest Service requires site management in this area, he said. “It seems to me that if they’re putting up flagging, that may fall under something that needs site management.” Gunnison Energy is performing seismic surveying activities under a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categorical exclusion, explained Andrew ForkesGudmundson with Citizens for a Healthy Community, a Paonia-based nonprofit founded to protect the North Fork area from the impacts of largescale oil and gas development. Speaking at the Oct. 23 Paonia town meeting, Forkes-Gudmundson explained that CHC is

asking the Forest Service to disallow the categorical exclusion under what’s called “extraordinary circumstances.” Those circumstances include three inventoried Roadless Areas, federally listed threatened, endangered species including mapped habitat for Canada lynx and cutthroat trout — both Forest Service managed species; floodplains, wetlands or municipal watersheds including the Terror Creek watershed; archaeological sites and historical properties — all identified within the planning area. Rudin has a lot of questions about how the Forest Service and Delta County, which has jurisdiction over the area, are handling Gunnison Energy’s application. He also wants Gunnison Energy to be transparent in its operations and work with the community to ensure the security and safety of the local water. Said Rudin, “If Gunnison Energy would follow all the rules, as with every other business in Delta County does, and indemnify us from any risk, we would work with them.”

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Blue Sage event offers taste of select European wines BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Blue Sage Center for the Arts’ European Wine Tasting and benefit auction happens Nov. 10, offering an informal tasting of 15 distinctive wines from France, Italy, Germany and Spain. For those who have attended the Blue Sage’s annual Grand Vin Wine Tasting fundraisers the past six years, “This one is completely different,” said board member Don Grant. Rather than featuring local wines, a local collector is bringing in a selection of wines not easily sourced and completely new to the valley, said Grant. Twelve local residents attended two local tasting sessions before making the final selection. “In trying to figure out what we were going to offer, we tasted a lot of wines,” said Grant. Regions represented include Bordeaux (France), Pfalz (Germany), Catalonia (Spain), and Puglia, Tuscany and Piedmont in Italy. Special editions include large format wines and a selection of “Library wines,” vintages cellared by wineries or private collectors and released in limited editions. To avoid competition, none of the varieties are available through area stores, said Grant. The event is modeled after the annual wine auction in Beaune, France, to benefit of Hospices de Beaune, a hospital built in the 1400s for the poor and indigent. The chancellor to Duke Philip the Good built the hospital, which is now a museum. The annual auction con-

Photo courtesy Don Grant

If a trip to Europe’s wine country isn’t in the budget, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts’ European Wine Tasting might be just what you need. The annual beneﬁt for the Blue Sage happens Nov. 10. tinues to be held for charitable purposes, some auctions raising as much as $9-$11 million. Other wine auctions, including benefits for the victims of California’s recent wildfires, have also been modeled after the Hospices de Beaune auction. Unlike past Blue Sage tasting events, this is a sit-down occasion offering an educational com-

ponent. Grand Junction area sommeliers Demetri Falsone and Janet Johnson with Empire Distributing and local sommeliers Jayme Henderson and Steve Steese with The Storm Cellar Winery, one of many wineries of the West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA), will lead tasters on a tour of the wines and their regions to help them

compare, evaluate and appreciate each vintage. Following the tasting, auctioneer Ken Kincade will auction off wines by the case. Sharing of cases is highly encouraged. A palate-pleasing selection of three special cheeses from Haystack Mountain Cheese with breads and crackers will also be served, as well as a gourmet portion of polenta with mushroom ragu. Proceeds benefit Blue Sage programs including the Arts 4 All children’s program, the annual Concert Series, literary programs, the Blue Sage Gallery, and planned maintenance and renovations of the Blue Sage’s two historic buildings. The event is limited to 70 attendees. Tickets are $50 and available at the Blue Sage Gallery, 226 Grand Ave., online at www.bluesage.org, or by calling 970-527-7243.

Donation buys graphing calculators for PHS A recent donation to Paonia Junior-Senior High School will add up to a lot more students obtaining the proficiency in skills needed to get into engineering and other math-heavy fields of study. The high school will purchase a set of 10 TI-84 graphing calculators Texas Instruments thanks to a donation of $1,500 from the Beta Sigma Phi of Paonia Photo by Tamie Meck chapter. Sorority mem- Paonia Junior-Senior High School Principal Randal Palmer, right, and math teachers Evan Steger and Andrew Eyeler were presented a check for $1,500 from Beta Sigma Phi of Paonia chapter members Jackie Parks, left, and Candy Wuollet.

Photo by Dea Jacobson

Democratic rally

Stacy Lowe, candidate for Delta County clerk and recorder, and Diane Mitsch Busch (right), candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat, spent some time with voters at Delicious Orchards last Thursday.

bers Jackie Parks and Candy Wuollet recently presented a check to math teachers Evan Steger and Andrew Eyeler. The money was raised through a GoFundMe campaign, with help from a $400 donation from Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley. The Beta Sigma Phi chapter’s Tools 4 Schools program has provided needed school supplies to serve under-funded classrooms and kids in the North Fork area through its backpack progam for the past six years. The $132 needed to buy just one calculator can be a burden to local families, said PJSHS princi-

pal Randal Palmer. The calculators are more than handy. They are necessary for students to become proficient in classes required to get into schools like Colorado School of Mines to study engineering and other math-heavy fields. Students can also use the calculators for AP biology and other exams. The school already has one set of calculators, complete with charging station, but with more students taking STEM and AP classes, they would like to purchase at least one more set. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/ qzzzz-tools-4-schools.

Public asked to weigh in on hazard mitigation

Photo by Tamie Meck

Thank you for all the support

Paonia Eagles senior volleyball players Poppy Lightfoot, left, and Jaquelin Mora present a check for $2,823 to Nancy Hovde with HopeWest. The funds were raised during the Oct. 5 Paonia Think Pink! fundraiser volleyball games against North Park in recognition of October as national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the past nine years the volleyball program has raised more than $19,525 for HopeWest. This year’s sponsors who made our event possible include: PJHS STUCO, PHS Student Volunteers/Workers, PHS Volleyball parents (soup dinner), Paonia Booster Club, Amy Bell, LimeLight, American Legion Post 97, Bank of Colorado Hotchkiss, Berg Harvest, Beth Allen, Bradley and Christine Harding, Collins Crafty Crochet, Delta County Memorial Hospital, Dependable Lumber, Douglas and Kerry Harris (sponsored shirts for our whole team!), Eddie and Shelley Clement, First Colorado National Bank, Hair Design Studio, Hays Drug Store, High Country Shopper, Homestead, Lasting Impressions (all the labor and T-shirt business), Paonia Flower Shop, ProSpace Interiors in Delta, Sean and Joyce LaBounty, Stop ‘n Save Paonia, Subway Paonia, Tanya Crawford, Thirty One Gifts, Thomas H. Huerkamp, The Town Crier, Wilmore & Co Professional Land Surveying. The funds will go to HopeWest’s children’s programs including HopeWest Kids, Itty Bitty Camp, and Camp Good Grief. Programs give families the opportunity to spend time with trained counselors as they move through the process after losing someone close to them to an illness or tragedy. We are incredibly grateful, as always, for our faithful and our new sponsors! Kreszenze Allen and the Paonia Eagles Volleyball team.

As part of a community-wide natural hazard risk reduction effort, Delta County, City of Delta, Town of Cedaredge, Town of Hotchkiss, Town of Paonia, Town of Crawford, Town of Orchard City, the School District, and each Fire Protection District are seeking public input on the draft Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The strategy focuses on mitigating the effects of natural hazards through the proposed actions that protect lives and property across the county. Now is your chance to review and provide feedback on information regarding natural hazards in the community and the mitigation strategies developed through this collaborative effort. Please take a moment to review the draft MultiJurisdictional Mitigation Plan and provide feedback by Wednesday, Nov. 14. Find materials at delta.mitigatehazards. com.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

��

B4 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 ��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

��

� ��

��

� ��

��

Delta County Independent

��

Delta County Independent

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

B6 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS October 31, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta nets soccer win BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s Panthers wanted, and needed, a big win last week in the opening round of the Class 3A State Soccer Championships. The Panthers earned a hosting role after finishing the regular season with a second-place finish in the 3A WSL race with a 5-2 league mark an 113-1 overall record which translated into an No. 6 seed. A 4-0 win over No. 27 KIIP Denver Collegiate in round 1 vaulted the Panthers (12-3-1) into second round play against No. 11 James Irwin (10-3-3) on Oct. 30 for a secondstraight home game. Winners of round two will meet in the quarter-

final round on Nov. 3. Last week’s match against KIIP Stapleton Collegiate was slow-moving for nearly 20 minutes of the opening half. Delta broke the ice with a goal from junior Martin Corral at the 21:07 mark of the first half. A little under two minutes later, Jarrett Henderson found the net for the Panthers’ second score on an assist from Corral. That score came near the 19:51 mark. A nice save from keeper Felipe Bedoy kept Delta’s lead intact at the 19:07 point of the first half. Nearly 10 minutes later, Corral slipped his second ball into the net for a 3-0 lead that would hold for the halftime score.

A solid pace by the Panthers seemed to wear down the White Tigers allowing Delta to dominate the second 20 minutes of the first half. Delta pushed the ball smartly down the field with good passing and deft dribbling to set up a goal shot five minutes into the second half. Unfortunately for Delta, KIIP Denver’s keeper deflected a goal kick up and over the top of the net to keep Delta’s lead at 3-0. Moments later, Delta was whistled for a penalty which presented a goal-kick for KIIP Denver. Bedoy made the right choice of stance and smartly blocked the attempt with a doublearm block to keep the

White Tigers off the board. For the second straight game, Delta’s Corral put a smile on his teammates and coaching staff with a ‘hat trick’ on a penalty kick with 5:51 remaining in the match. Tempers and feelings flared in the second half with several yellow cards being issued and a questionable penalty outside the goalie area called with 2:25 left in the match. That kick was turned away by the Panthers’ defense to salvage a 4-0 victory. Joining Corral with assists in the match were Hernandez and Jose Pantoja. Bedoy kept the nets Photo by Wayne Crick clean with six saves in Delta mid-fielder Dah Wah, in the air was able to the opening round win. beat injury and deflect a KIIP Denver Collegiate pass attempt during first half action in Delta last week. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 4-0 shutout over the White Tigers.

Photo by Wayne Crick

A happy Delta High School soccer team posed for a post-game photo following its 4-0 shutout against No. 27 KllP Denver Collegiate on Oct. 25 in Delta. Martin Corral turned in his second hat-trick performance in a row with three goals in the victory. Jarrett Hernandez scored Delta’s fourth goal. The Panthers were home for their second straight home playoff game against No. 11 James Irwin on Oct. 30. The results of the match, and Delta’s next opponent will be featured in next week’s DCI.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta striker Martin Corral had KIIP Denver Collegiate’s goalie leaning the opposite way when he made this shot attempt. Corral scored three times to help lead the Panthers to a ﬁrst-round Class 3A soccer win with a 4-0 shutout.

Delta football team heading to 2A State BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

All that was at stake last Friday night when Delta’s Panthers and the Titans of Coal Ridge met on the gridiron in Delta, was a state playoff berth in Class 2A. Delta wanted to make the most of the opportunity to make the cut and proceeded to ensure a good look from the selection committee with a dominating 47-6 win. The Panthers’ Nate Workman put a “good feel” on the evening’s activities with a scintillating 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the game. Possibly the only real negative on the evening was missed extra point kicks, one on the first score of the night and fourth-quarter miss in an otherwise powerful Panthers performance. Delta’s second score came on its second possession with Gauge Lockhart hauling in a Bynum pass that covered 11 yards to end a five play, 55-yard drive by the Panthers. Felipe Bedoy, after missing his first extrapoint kick, made good on his second attempt to make the score 13-6 with 4:26 remaining in the first quarter. The Panthers began their third drive from the Titan’s 41 yard line. Cody Sauve finished off the drive with a 27-yard scamper following a 12yard pass completion to Skyler Kraai had set up the scoring run. Bedoy’s kick put Delta up 20-0 with 41.6 second left in the opening period. Coal Ridge’s next possession ended in the second quarter with a punt. Neither team managed to move the ball effectively until an late quarter pos-

session by Delta on Jeff Griffin’s fumble recovery gave the Panthers an excellent chance for a score from Coal Ridge’s 22-yard line. A procedure penalty on Delta set the ball back to Coal Ridge’s 27. On the next play, Workman hauled in a Bynum pass he took to the end zone for a 27yard touchdown and a 27-0 lead after Bedoy’s PAT kick. Delta recovered another Titans’ fumble with time running out in the second quarter. A lateral intended for Ku Moo, was batted away and recovered by a Coal Ridge defender and taken to Delta’s 4-yard line. A procedure penalty pushed the ball back to Delta’s 9-yard line making it first and goal from the 9. Oscar Salazar tossed a short pass to Kaleb Mercado for the Titans only score of the game. A missed extra point made the halftime score 27-6. The Titans failed to move the ball to begin the third quarter and Delta started a drive from its own 40. A pass to Workman moved the ball to Coal Ridge’s 36. Delta’s drive was interrupted with the Titan’s Karsen DuBois intercepting a Bynum pass at Coal Ridge’s 25-yard line. Delta’s defense forced a punt and took over on its own 39. A 12-yard pass play to Hunter Hughes moved the ball into Coal Ridge’s territory where Moo scooted 45 yards for his second touchdown of the game. With Bedoy’s kick, Delta led 34-6 with 4:57 left in the third quarter. After a fumble recovery during Coal Ridge’s next possession, Delta used one play, a 47-yard

dash by Sauve, to make the score 41-6 following Bedoy’s kick. Delta’s final score came in the fourth quarter with a running clock. Moo finished the game as Delta’s leading rusher with 104 yards on eight carries and Sauve had 95 yards on nine carries. Delta finished the game with 365 total yards on offense. The Panthers finished the regular season with a 6-3 overall record and made the Class 2A state football playoffs as the 11th seed. Delta will play this Saturday in Kersey where the Panthers take on No. 6 Platte Valley (90), at 2 p.m. Other 2A WSL teams in the tournament include No. 3 Basalt (8-1) hosting No. 14 D’Evelyn (7-2); No. 7 Rifle (8-1) hosting No. 10 Eaton (63) and No. 12 Aspen (6-3) at No. 5 Salida (8-1). Second round action (quarterfinals) are scheduled for Nov. 10 with semifinal play set for Nov. 17 and the finals on Nov. 24.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta running back Ku Moo (14) follows the block of Skyler Kraai for a few of his 104 yards on eight carries.

Photo by Wayne Crick

This scene pretty much details the way Coal Ridge’s night went. From the left, Caleb Miramontes (28), Aiden Barrios (58) and Nate Workman (4) combined to stop Coal Ridge’s Adrian Garcia in the Panthers’ 47-6 waltz in Class 2A WSL football action last Friday night in Delta. With a 6-3 record, the Panthers entered the state playoffs as the number 11 seed, and play No. 6 Platte Valley, in Kersey, this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Drayden Taylor, center, and Jacob Palecki (21) pressure Meeker quarterback Ryan Phelan Friday night at Hotchkiss. Taylor, a freshman, had 12 total tackles and two tackles for a loss against Meeker with Palecki showing seven total tackles. Hotchkiss ended its season with a 40-7 loss to the Cowboys.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Paonia’s Bartlett 4th at state XC meet BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia High School senior Ethan Bartlett, who was ranked fourth heading into the race, capped a stellar season with a fourth-place time of 17 minutes, 1.1 seconds at the 2A Colorado State Cross Country Championships. The boys team scored 109 points to place ninth out of 19 teams. Senior Harley Ewert finished 35th with a time of 18:59.8, and freshman Alejandro Garcia placed 70th in 20:16.0. Freshman Alyster Birk placed 77th in 20:48.8, junior Elijah Evans placed 95th and Calvin Reese finished in 102nd place out of 125 runners.

A fourth-year runner for Paonia, Bartlett is now the highest placing Paonia runner in the team’s seven-year history. His fastest time of the season of 16 minutes, 14.94 seconds is a new school record. At state Bartlett finished 57 seconds ahead of his 2017 state time and now holds the 17thfastest time out of all Class 2A runners for the Norris-Penrose course, where the state championships have been held since 2015. Out of 20 teams, the Paonia girls placed fifth overall with 72 points based on the top three placers. Sophomore Tawny Roberts finished 14th

overall with a time of 21 minutes, 30.3 seconds. The next Paonia runner was junior Katya Schwieterman who placed 25th with a time of 22:30.2; and senior Alex Eaton finished 33rd in 22:44.0. Freshman Sofia Gonzalez placed 40th overall with a time of 23:04.7 and sophomores Cristina Rankin and Abby Reedy finished 60th and 85th, respectively. Hotchkiss freshman Karlie Egging finished 45th with a time of 23:08.5. The next three years could prove interesting for Egging and Paonia freshman Sofia Gonzalez. Out of 114 qualifying runners, they finished four seconds apart.

Delta’s John Ames 20th at 3A XC meet BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Going into this year’s 3A State Cross Country State Meet, Delta senior John Ames wanted to be a top-20 runner with a

decent time. “I don’t know ... there’s lots of fast runners at this year’s meet,” chirped Ames during an interview last week. A cell-phone text soon after the state meet found

Ames in good spirits. He hadn’t heard, or seen the results at the time of the text and was hopeful he had achieved his top-20 goal. “Good first mile, brutal second and grinding last. It was fun to do it all and fun to be on to the next thing,” quoted Ames. When the results did come in, Ames sent back a simple, “Awesome.” His last race was a 20th place finish with a decent time of 17:12.7. He wanted to be in the 16s somewhere but knows his four years running cross country at Delta High School was worth the hard work and sacrifices.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Paonia Eagles cross country team posses for a photo before heading to the Class 2A State Cross Country Championships in Colorado Springs. Ethan Bartlett (back row, second from left) finished fourth overall. The girls team placed fifth overall and the boys team finished ninth.

Delta, No. 30, makes 3A volleyball regionals Nelson admits the teams tle are varied in classifiattending the year-end cation and locale. Delta, a former 4A The last weekend was tournament in New CasWSL team, faced 4A a busy one for local volPalisade on Oct. 26 at leyball teams. Cedaredge the Coal Ridge tournaleads the way among ment and fell, 2-1, to the the local netters and has Bulldogs. The Panthers accomplished an impreshad a big game from sive record to date. With junior Sara Geddes, who a 19-4 overall record and had 15 kills and 23 digs an 8-1 3A WSL slate, for Delta. Abby Carlthe Bruins are a lock for son had 27 assists with post-season play. Delta’s Madi Gieck (12), Raelee Panthers are on the cusp McCurdy (11) and Haylin and are hoping for a McCulloch (10) leading few breaks to enter this the way in service recepyear’s state tournament tions. playoffs. Valley, a 3A Patriot Cedaredge is the area’s League member, was leading RPI represenDelta’s next opponent on tative in Class 3A with Oct. 26 and treated the a No. 9 ranking. Aspen Panthers as coldly as Pal(No. 19), Coal Ridge (No. isade had earlier in the 21) and Delta (No. 31) day by dealing another are the top candidates 2-1 loss to the young Panto make the field of 32 thers. barring any last minute Sophomore Hannah shake-ups. Sterns stepped up against The Panthers were Photo by Wayne Crick Valley to lead Delta with higher in the rankings a week ago prior to the Delta senior setter, Abby six kills and five blocks. annual Coal Ridge Tour- Carlson has been the Senior Lauren Davey had nament. Delta coach Beth Panthers assist leader in four blocks, Abby Carl2018, and on occasion, son had 15 assists with she can swipe a kill. DELTA TO B8

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Paonia volleyball on to regionals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo courtesy Bobby Gutierrez

Ceylon Carter (6) and libero Jaquelin Mora back an attack by Poppy Lightfoot at the Western Slope League volleyball tournament in Meeker. Paonia was 2-2 for the tournament. In four matches, Lightfoot had 55 kills and 22 errors in 135 attacks. Based on RPI standings, Paonia plays in the Region 2 tournament Saturday at Lakewood.

The Paonia Eagles went 2-2 to place third at last weekend’s 2A Western Slope League volleyball tournament in Meeker. In their opening game, Carly Horn had 32 assists and Poppy Lightfoot made 13 kills in 19 attacks in the 3-0 win over Vail Christian. Paonia finished day one of the tournament with a 3-0 loss (25-13, 25-17, 2515) to league champion

Hotchkiss gridders end season on loss BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss Bulldogs ended the conference season with a 40-7 loss to the top-ranked Meeker Cowboys Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. Junior

Jace Peebles had 16 carries for 74 yards and one fourth-quarter touchdown and Jacob Palecki made three receptions for 52 yards. On defense, freshman Drayden Taylor and

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kaiya Firor sets the ball on the tee in preparation for the opening kickoff against Meeker Friday night. One of two Bulldog seniors, Firor was 10 for 11 in PATs this season. In her two years as a varsity kicker she was successful on 29 of 33 attempts.

sophomore Adam Smith each had seven solo tackles and combined for five tackles for loss and nine assists. Junior Malykai Klaseen had three tackles and one sack. Kaiya Firor, a wide receiver, cornerback and kicker, was one of two seniors honored before the game. She was 1-for1 in PAT attempts. In her only two kickoffs of the season she averaged 58 yards per kick. The Bulldogs end the season with a 0-5 conference, 2-7 overall record. If all of this year’s juniors return, Hotchkiss will have 10 seniors, including Jace Peebles, who ends the season with 1,081 yards rushing and 1,440 total all-purpose yards; receivers Jacob Palecki and Will Scarlett, and quarterback Yahir Chavez, who completed 25 of 82 passes for 398 yards and rushed for 362 yards. On defense, sophomore Adam Smith led the Bulldogs this season in tackles with 100 total tackles (54 solo, 46 assists), Peebles had 80 total tackles, Traycer Hall had 73, Palecki completed 62 total tackles. The Bulldogs roster also lists 11 sophomores and eight freshmen.

Meeker (23-0). On day two the Eagles played to a 3-1, 25-21, 23-25, 25-10, 25-21 loss to 18-5 Vail Mountain. which finished second in the league. In their final game, a 3-0, 25-19 25-16, 25-19 win over Rangely, Lightfoot had 21 kills and Horn had 34 assists. Paonia takes a 13-10 record in to this week’s regional competition. Out of the top 36 teams advancing to regional play, Paonia comes in at No. 23 in CHSAA RPI standings. This Saturday they face No. 2 Denver Christian (22-1) and No. 35 Calhan (10-12) at Lakewood. At No. 8, Vail Mountain hosts No. 17 Limon and No. 29 Dayspring Christian and No. 3 Meeker hosts No. 22 Colorado Springs and No. 34 Wray. Regional winners advance to the state championships Nov. 8-10 at the Denver Coliseum.

Laughing Goat �� We have Firewood! $

140/cord

You load and haul

OPEN ALL WINTER!

Let us do your Holiday Baking! ��

��

B8 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Paonia beats Bruins 27-21 BY NATHAN CLAY DCI Sports Writer

Varsity football action in Cedaredge fired up on Friday, Oct. 26. When the Bruins hosted county rivals, the Paonia Eagles. After two weeks of away games, the Bruins were happy to be back on home turf, but were surely wary of the high flying Eagles. The last time the two teams met Cedaredge suffered a heavy defeat, being beaten 49-8. The game on Friday was a much more closely contested affair but ultimately ended with the same result as the Eagles felled the Bruins with a final score of 27-21. Both teams came to play on the ground, each offense completed only two passes. One observant

fan classified this style of combative offense as “smashmouth football. Played five yards at a time in a cloud of dust.” Both teams were coming off the back of outstanding performances in their previous games, and this game was bound to be an exciting contest. The previous victory for Cedaredge occurred against the Hotchkiss Bulldogs, where the Bruins came out on top 41-0. A big win and a season high points tally that would surely have given the Bruins a major boost. Paonia came into the game with a 41-0 victory of its own in its match-up against Grand Valley the week before. The Eagles have been in a rich vein of form and the defeat of Grand Valley was their fourth shutout routing of

CORN MAZE

Straw Bale Maze Pumpkin Patch ��

��

an opponent this season. On the night of the 26th, Paonia had four different goal scorers in an offense that is certainly focused on the run. The Eagles flew across the grass with 37 carries for a total of 233 yards. Senior running back Anthony Felice and fullback Jesse Burns as well as junior quarter-

1A teams in state playoffs

back Grey Neal all ran for touchdowns. Junior receiver Carlos Lozano, who was Neal’s only target of the evening, added the fourth on one of the rare passing plays. The scoring for Paonia was rounded out by kicker David Lozano who succeeded in two of his three extra point attempts. Cedaredge put up similar numbers in both running and passing. Again only two passes were completed, but the Bruins ran and ran again. Their offense carried the ball 46 times for a total of 205 hard yards. For you mathematicians out there, that equates to about four and a half yards a carry. Smashmouth football indeed. Cedaredge’s senior quarterback Jared Reynolds

and junior running back Dusty Emig both rambled in for touchdowns and sophomore wide receiver Colby Rupp added the third. Sophomore kicker Brody Wagner had a good night and put all three extra points squarely through the uprights. The Bruins’ defense did not play badly, despite the loss, as Toby Wadell and Brody Wagner both got in behind the line and made sacks. Reynolds and Emig contributed in defense as well as offense with an interception each. It was a good, well contested game and neither team should feel hard done by. It was the type of game that typifies the best of high school athletics. Local county rivals, playing hard,

grinding it out, cheered on by their loyal fans, gritting their teeth and getting down to business where only one side will be victorious. The Bruins and the Eagles can both hold their heads high after such an effort. The Bruins will surely be strong again in 2019 and will no doubt look to exact revenge on the Eagles when next they clash on the gridiron. Paonia will play its next game as the 11th ranked seed in CHSAA’s 1A Football Playoff Tournament on Nov. 3. The Eagles will travel to Burlington High School in Burlington and play a Cougars team that possesses an impressive 4-1 league record and is currently ranked sixth in the state.

Two teams from the 1A Western Slope League advanced to this year’s first-round of the 2018 state football playoffs this week. At 6-3 overall, Paonia finished second in the 1A WSL and is 11th in state RPI rankings. It will travel to No. 6 Burlington (7-2, 4-1) for a Saturday match-up. At 6-2 overall, Meeker comes in at No. 8 in CHSAA 1A football standings and will host No. 9 Holyoke Dragons (7-2, 3-2). The remainder of this year’s bracket includes No. 1 Limon (9-0) against No. 16 Highland (6-3); No. 2 Peyton (9-0) vs. No. 15 Monte Vista (5-4); No. 3 Strasburg (8-1) vs No. 14 Platte Canyon (6-3); No. 4 Colorado Springs Christian (8-1) vs No. 13 Buena Vista (4-5) and No. Photo by Tamie Meck 5 Florence (7-2) vs No. 12 In the second quarter of Paonia’s win over Grand Valley two weeks ago, Wray (5-4). Anthony Felice broke a few tackles to gain 24 yards on this carry.

Bruins earn three wins BY TAMIE MECK

against 3A league foe Aspen on Oct. 23. The Skiers (7-2 and 17-6) came into the contest in third place, right behind Cedaredge (8-1 and 19-

4).

Freeman finished with 13. Makayla Kehmeier had five aces and McIntire had four. The rest of Cedaredge’s volleyball week was spent in New Castle taking part in the annual Coal Ridge Tournament. The Bruins played 4A Palisade on Oct. 26 and came up on the short end of a 2-0 score (25-21 and 25-19). Cedaredge faced 3A Valley in another Oct. 26 match and fell in two sets, 25-8 and 25-14. On Saturday, the Bruins played Delta and scored their second win of the season against the Panthers, 26-24 and 2511. Cedaredge finished its weekend on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over 4A Glenwood Springs, 25-23, 25-21, 2225 and 25-17. When the final regional assignments were released Oct. 29, Cedaredge was awarded a No. 9 seed in RPI standings and will host Region 9 play beginning Saturday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. with Cedaredge taking on the 28th seed DSST College View Wolves. Game two will feature the Wolves and and No. 16 Resurrection Christian Cougars at 11 a.m. The final match will be between Cedaredge and Resurrection Christian at 1 p.m. The winners from the 12 regional sites advance to this year’s 3A state volleyball tournament at the Denver Coliseum on Nov. 8-10.

to five sets and eventually won a 3-2 decision. Delta blew past the Pirates in set one 25-14 but had the tables turned on them in set two, 25-15. Pagosa Springs took a 2-1 lead on its 25-13 win in set three. The two teams were determined in set four with the Pirates being edged, 25-23, to tie the match at 2-2. A 15-12 win for the Pirates was the match-winner. According to Delta coach Beth Nelson, the Panthers are in. The

top 36 make the regional pairings and Nelson believes the Panthers are slated to make travel plans. When state 3A pairings were released, Delta was indeed on the travel list. The Panthers, seeded 30th, will be in Colorado Springs on the campus of Colorado Springs Christian (No. 7 seed, 19-4) with No. 18 Centauri (15-8). Delta plays Colorado Springs Christian in the first round then faces Centauri in the next

round. CSC and Centauri play the final match in Region 7. The best record moves, in each of the 12 regions, on to state the following week. When asked how the Panthers played over the weekend, Nelson responded with, “The girls played great on Friday and we struggled on Saturday. They played up to their potential at moments but didn’t finish. Overall, I’m happy going to regional play. I hope we battle and leave it all out there.”

The two teams battled back and forth for five Cedaredge High sets of entertaining volSchool’s volleyball team leyball in Cedaredge. began its volleyball week Aspen held the advanwith a key match-up tage for most of set one to eventually score a 25-18 win. The Skiers built a 10-3 lead on the service of Sabrina Turbidy. Cedaredge’s Reganne McIntire took service with the Bruins trailing 17-12 and had her team within two at 17-15. Aspen managed to hold the lead and build a 25-18 separation for the set one win. A close contest kept second-set scores close throughout with Cedaredge breaking the Skiers’ serve to take a 23-21 lead with Courtney Freeman serving the last two winners for a 25-21 decision. Aspen jumped to an 11-4 lead early in set three and managed to keep momentum on its side to forge a 25-17 win for a 2-1 lead. Cedaredge held the momentum in set four and used it to stretch its lead to 19-12 late in the game. Aspen could get no closer than five points the rest of the way and lost 25-16 to tie the match at 2-2. Kammie Henderson took serve with a lead of 8-6 and she finished her service with the Bruins leading 14-7. Aspen served into the net for the match point Photo by Wayne Crick giving Cedaredge the 3-2 Cedaredge setter Baylee Harris leads the Bruins in win. Henderson led the assists in 2018 and, on occasion, can swipe the ball Bruins with 14 kills and for a kill point, as seen here. DCI Sports Writer

Delta CONTINUED FROM B7 McCurdy (14) and Geddes (10) leading the Panthers in digs. Saturday’s schedule featured a 3A WSL matchup between Delta and Cedaredge to begin the day. The Bruins escaped with a win in set one, 26-24, before winning the match with a 2511 decision in set two. Delta’s final match of the weekend was against Pagosa Springs of the 3A Intermountain League. The Pirates were pushed

SURFACE CREEK October 31, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Neighbors turn out Saturday to offer a little help BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Last weekend 25 volunteers assembled at Cedaredge town park, then they dispersed to help their older neighbors with yard and household tasks. The volunteers were taking part in Service Saturday, an event sponsored by A Little Help of Delta County. The non-profit organization helps seniors remain in their homes by assisting with chores, rides

to medical appointments, and other services. During the last Saturday’s event, volunteers provided help to six Surface Creek households. A Little Help is expanding into Delta County and the organization is seeking volunteers to provide ongoing services to area seniors. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering can call 970-527-3482 for more information.

Lions check kids’ eyesight BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Last week members of the Surface Creek Lions Club checked the eyesight of students from Little Sprouts Community Preschool and the Backpack Early Learning Academy. With parental permission, preschoolers sat attentively and looked into the “face” of an ingenious noninvasive screening device. The device — manufactured by the plusoptiK Company — captures an image of a child’s eyes and automatically screens for early signs of vision abnormalities especially ambiyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.” The important screening is conducted annually as part of the KidSight Colorado project. Don Chapman is a member of the Delta Lions Club and the county’s KidSight coordinator. He reported that the Lions Clubs of Hotchkiss, Paonia, Delta and Surface Creek Valley pitched in to purchase the portable screening device. Chapman said that clubs throughout the county help with screening and, over the last two years, Delta County Lions have screened over 600 kids. This year the total screened will be higher because kindergarten and first graders have been added to the program. According to the Colorado Lions KidSight Program

Photo by Don Benjamin

Service Saturday on Oct. 27 was a success as two dozen volunteers showed up to help Surface Creek seniors with household and yard chores.

Brownfields presentation turns to discussion on OC vision BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

The plusoptiK© screening device.

eyesight

website, each year more than 48,000 children are screened statewide and about one in ten is referred to an eye care professional for follow-up care. KidSight is one of many vision related programs supported by Delta County Lions clubs. In addition to helping screen the eyesight of young children, Lions collect and recycle eyeglasses and they support the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute at the University of Colorado. To support projects in the Cedaredge area, the Surface Valley Lions conduct fundraising bingo games on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Masonic Lodge (lower level) at 295 West Main Street with a light dinner at 6 p.m. followed by games at 7 p.m. The Surface Valley Lions meet monthly and they welcome new members. To join contact Pat Means 970-6406614 or Chris Anderson 970250-3951.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Sporting their golden vests, Surface Creek Valley Lions Club members Patti Michael (seated) and Judy Welch teamed up last week to check the eyesight of local preschool students.

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Orchard City Board of Trustees and planning commission members met with Jamie D. Silverstein from Community Builders to learn about brownfields and discuss ways to improve the town. The first half of the evening was spent in education, the last in discussion. Silverstein, from Littleton, is the director for Real Estate Economics Development Research Partners and a senior brownfields advisor. He focuses mostly on land use and development and how to “create and preserve value in properties.” First, Silverstein gave background on brownfields. Essentially, a brownfield is a term created by the EPA to identify properties where redevelopment, expansion or reuse may be complicated by the presence of hazardous contaminants. Examples of brownfields include dry cleaners, automotive services, dumps/landfills, and manufacturing facilities. However, these facilities are not always polluted, abandoned or large. Silverstein discussed how these areas create a market and liability issue. For example, many sites reported to the EPA aren’t actually brownfields, but then are hurt because of that listing until investigated, and even after. Additionally, brownfields can be difficult to sell, or owners may prefer to stay oblivious to any potential hazards for economic reasons. Next, Silverstein overviewed the process informed buyers, including municipalities, should take to ensure they’re knowledgeable through research on the sites past use. Concluding his presentation, Silverstein briefly discussed the voluntary cleanup programs and funding available. He encouraged the trustees to see brownfields as “opportunity sites” worthy of cleaning up and investing

in through loans, grants and sponsorships. Paul Kehemier, planning commission chair, asked to bring the discussion “closer to home” by discussing hypothetical situations in Orchard City. The trustees agreed that the town has changed over the last five years making it where citizens are less “selfreliant.” More complaints, typically regarding nuisances, are being voiced. Mayor Ken Volgamore said the main problem is that the town’s “live and let live” mentality, with no codes or enforcements, makes it difficult to deal with citizen complaints. “Everything we talk about doing [for enforcements] has dollar signs on it,” said Mayor Volgamore. Ultimately, Silverstein concluded that Orchard City has more to deal with than just brownfields. He said most municipalities have ordinances to help handle complaints. The difficulty the trustees seem to have is figuring out where to begin. Silverstein suggested building a town vision and discussing what the board sees as the future for the town 1020 years down the road. He also recommended bringing in someone who works in zoning or land use to help with the visionary process. The previously discussed health and safety “good neighbor” nuisance ordinance is a potential solution, but the process will be lengthy. Other ideas included a community survey and taking

inventory of sites. Trustee Jan Gage advocated for educating the citizens. Kehemier acknowledged that all the ideas were good to “get the ball rolling” but advocated for a task force to focus on this long term, instead of making it the planning commission’s responsibility. “I see this as a long term project that should be focused on by a group that that’s their only responsibility, rather than a side project for the planning commission,” said Kehemier. Mayor Volgamore agreed. Town administrator Melissa Oelke commented that she thinks the trustees and planning commission should be involved in the next step of bringing a planner in together. “You’re all visionaries for the town,” she said. Kehemier agreed but also said they should consider an entity to focus solely on this while allowing the town to handle other tasks. Ultimately, Major Volgamore decided the next step would be to meet with a health department official to analyze the county’s regulations for health and safety. “I will make an observation on the ‘live and let live’ attitude,” concluded Silverstein. “If I lived here and my neighbor’s asbestos was blowing in my yard I’d say, ‘Well you’re not letting me live my life.’” “‘Live and let live’ used to work when neighbors were a quarter mile away,” said Kehemier. “It used to be that way, but it will never be that way again.”

Get your tickets for Nov. 10 Military Ball The seventh annual Stars and Stripes Military Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 10, at the ballroom next to the Pondy on Cedaredge’s Main Street. This event is sponsored annually by Cathy Meskel, of SOS, or Support Our Soldiers. “I would personally like to invite all veterans in our area to attend the Military Ball,” she said. “This is my way of honoring all of our veterans past and present. It is such a wonderful event. We honor our veterans during the evening in so many ways. By the time the evening is over, there at some point isn’t a dry eye in the place. We have a number

of ceremonies during the evening, great food and wonderful dance music.” Anyone who would like to join Meskel in honoring military personnel, past and present, is invited. There is no charge for veterans; tickets for all others are $25 per person and reservations are a must. “It’s really something to be part of this event,” Meskel said. “It is remarkable. We have so many veterans in our area, so many with stories to tell. This event is intended to let these men and women know they are not forgotten, EVER! We say welcome home then thank you for your service.” She continued, “The first

year when I came up with this crazy idea I thought no one would come. We had 152 people in attendance and every year since we’ve always had 150. Last year we had 82 veterans and 68 supporters. Every year when this time of the year comes around, I worry will no one come, and I am always overwhelmed with the response.” Meskel is selling just 150 tickets, so call now to reserve yours. Meskel can be reached at 970-856-7522. Semi-formal or military attire is suggested. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with a missing man ceremony at 5:45 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Creekside Cafe is catering.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Getting into the spirit

Several pets and owners received recognition at last weekend’s Dog Jog in Cedaredge Town Park. Entrants in the Halloween costume contest included Claudia Lopez (left) and Patti Sullenberger. Lopez and her similarly dressed sailor dogs — Thumper the puppy and Reeze — won the look-alike competition. Sullenberger and her dog Josie won for scariest costumes.

C2 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge trustees approve appointments, hear updates BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Meeting in regular session on Oct. 18, the Cedaredge Board of Trustees approved the appointment of a new town attorney, replacing Steve Harper of Hotchkiss who will soon retire from that position. Carol Viner of the Montrosebased firm of Masters & Viner was approved by the trustees with trustee Dayton Myers abstaining because he was not present when the trustees conducted interviews of prospective applicants. Viner’s appointment will be effective Nov. 1. Mitchell Gronenthal was appointed to the town’s planning and zoning commission. Gronenthal, who moved to Cedaredge in 2012,

stated that he is committed to the community. He is already active in local affairs as president of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a member of the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center advisory board and the Little Sprouts Community Preschool’s board. He is co-owner and operator of Reve Portraits in Cedaredge. The trustees also approved alterations to the planning commission’s bylaws which changed the group’s meeting time and stipulated that any member who misses three meetings during a calendar year can be removed. Chief Dan Sanders reported that police have been busy with rou-

��

tine enforcements and required training. The department’s K-9 has been particularly active in area investigations and the working animal has also been introduced to local service groups. Tigger and the dog’s handler, Officer Nolan Davis, recently visited the Surface Creek Valley Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Cedaredge. Chief Sanders invited other area community groups to contact the police department if they are interested in having a K-9 visit. The Cedaredge Volunteer Fire Department’s annual chili cook-off held during Applefest served nearly 700 diners and raised over $10,000. The money will go directly to purchasing firefighting gear used by volunteer firefighters. A 5k walk/run event entitled “Back the Blue” will be held on Nov. 15 to raise funds for the police department. Town administrator Greg Brinck reported that efforts to extend the Surface Creek Trail westward are continuing. The original deadline to obtain a donation from the Deer Creek Villages HOA has been extended from March to September 2019.

Photo submitted

The cast of “Last Dance at the Eagles on a Saturday Night,” (left to right) author Dick Blanning, Shelley Rae Korntved, Dennis Grunkmeyer, Phil Ellsworth, Ella Allen and George Allen.

Arts Center presents unique evening of music and poetry BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

On Saturday, Nov. 3, the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) will host “Last Dance at the Eagles on a Saturday Night.” The unique event features music and poetry. It runs from 67:30 p.m. with a $10 suggested donation at the door. It concerns adult subject matter which is not intended for youngsters. Years ago, when local resident Dick Blanning wrote a poem called “Last Dance at the Eagles,” he didn’t envision that his bittersweet celebration of a small town community center dance would evolve into a full-blown production. Blanning grew up in Aspen in the 1940-50s and he spent many a weekend downtown at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club on Bleeker Street. In those days the Eagles’ dance hall and the dance floors of other community

centers in nearby Carbondale and Basalt were overflowing with colorful characters. The unique people he encountered led him to pen his first poem and then a score of others all of which offer glimpses into the inner lives of westerners. Part of his intent was to capture the Aspen of his boyhood and describe what small towns were like before the ski boom arrived and changed them forever. To guide his vision, he invented a dancehall in an imaginary town and named it “String Town,” a handle often applied to ramshackle dwellings clustered outside the city limits. He envisioned his mythical String Town as the place where “left over” people ended up when the ski craze took over. Some of the unvarnished characters who populate his poems are people he met and some he invented. And none of them hold back their

thoughts — which is why Blanning recommends that the performance is primarily suitable for mature audiences. “Last Dance” was first performed at Blanning’s farewell party when he retired from his post as head of the performing arts department at Michigan Tech. Saturday’s GMAEC performance will be a version of that original show modified to include the talents of local performers. Joining Blanning on stage will be Cedaredge poet and Michigan Tech colleague Phil Ellsworth. Musicians Shelley Rae Korntved on guitar and George Allen on mandolin will provide songs and musical interludes. Dennis Grunkmeyer and Ella Allen will join Blanning and Ellsworth as readers. The arts center is located at 195 West Main Street in downtown Cedaredge. For information, call 970-856-9195.

Orchard City expects more revenue in 2019

VETERAN’S DAY

APPRECIATION CELEBRATION

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

On Oct. 10, the 2019 proposed budget was presented to the Orchard City Board of Trustees. Highlighted are the following: • Anticipated general fund revenue is more than 2018 levels, totalling $253,926. Orchard City anticipates $7,000 more in DMEA franchise revenue and $4,000 more in interest earnings. • General fund expenditures are anticipated to be higher than 2018 levels, totalling $418,231. Nearly all areas of administration, such as salaries

��

and health insurance, decreased, due to accurate budgeting from the front desk position being filled permanently. General operating costs varied while still being near 2018 levels. The town plans to replace two computers and add two additional file cabinets, totalling $5,500. • An increased donation to police protection is budgeted at $105,948. Next year’s budget includes $64,106 for salary and benefits for one deputy sheriff and $41,841 for a sheriff ’s equipped vehicle. Other differences in donations are increased contributions to the food bank and HopeWest with a decreased donation to animal control. • The road fund revenues are anticipated at $165,668, less than 2018 due to less Highway Users Tax Fund. Three main road expenses are budgeted for 2019: tree trimming at $12,500, a chip seal project at $140,000 and bridge engineering at $15,000. Reserves are $8,591. • Water fund revenues are anticipated at $863,000, slightly more than 2018 due to charges for services and interest income. Water expenditures are budgeted at $1,225,594. Excess revenue of $123,700 from the drought rates will go to the water acquisition fund. • A full-time water

treatment plant operator was hired, with benefits, increasing salaries. Treatment plan expenses decreased by about $78,000 which covers this contracted operator. Several purchases are planned for 2019 within the water fund. These include an ipad for GIS access ($1,000), a used hydrovac ($40,000), two new trucks ($40,000) and three new auto guns for meter reading ($6,800). • Water capital construction fund expenditures include three large projects and have a proposed total of $1,158,800. In 2019, $50,000 is budgeted for water acquisition when available. • Park and conservation trust fund has two large budgeted expenses: purchase of a mower/tractor ($56,000) and three bottle filling water fountains ($1,800). These appear to be budgeted in the conservation trust fund expenditures. This fund’s revenue is identical to 2018, $28,015. • Total revenue for the park fund, $65,647, increased from 2018 due to a transfer from other funds. Overall revenues and expenditures are budgeted at or near 2018 levels, but the ending fund balance after expenditures is proposed at zero. Since the park is subsidized by the general fund, Orchard City is trying to not transfer more than is needed for operations.

��

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS 970-856-6882

C EDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

�

��575 Southeast Deer Creek Drive

�

��chs.deltaschools.com

New Faces at Cedaredge High School Kaitlyn Toothaker Staff Writer

Mr. Gonzalez Spanish and Art

How often do you travel? Where to?

“When I’m not teaching and if my summers are not booked taking professional development workshops or college classes, I usually travel to my hometown, Calvillo Aguascalientes to visit my grandmother and other relatives for two weeks. I love traveling within the nation and internationally whenever possible. I have visited California, Texas, New Mexico, Chicago, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C. Maryland and Philadelphia. Last year, I had the privilege to travel internationally to Colombia for a couple weeks on a spiritual retreat and to visit friends. As teachers we are always working even in the summer time teaching summer classes or furthering our education. Anytime I have the opportunity to travel either nationally or internationally, I absolutely take advantage it and go where my budget allows. My next dream destination is Spain. I wish to take the CHS Spanish Club there in a couple of years.”

Mrs. Madden English

Reading is known as one of your hobbies. What books are you currently into? Why?

“I love to read young-adult literature. I’m a huge fan of author Ruta �� often-overlooked events from history. Between Shades of Gray is one of my favorites in her collection. In the book, she tells the story of 15 year-old Lina Vilkas and her family during the deportation of Lithuanians under Stalin. The book is full of hope and tragedy, and it introduced me to a piece of history I knew little about.”

Mr. Markley Social Studies

What made you want to teach Social Studies? Were you always interested in the subject?

During high school, social studies didn’t really spark Mr. Markley’s interest. He went to college to become a Math teacher and then realized it wasn’t for him. He said, “I didn’t like math enough to be teaching it for the rest of my life.” Mr. Markley had a certain professor who inspired him to go down the social studies path. He showed Mr. Markley a new light and made Social Studies enjoyable and intriguing for him.

Mr. Cannon Science

Do you see yourself teaching for the rest of your life? Why or why not?

Yes, Mr. Cannon sees himself teaching until retirement. He feels he is making a positive impact on society by teaching students. He loves his job and thinks it is all super enjoyable. He said that being able to make a difference in his students lives is the most important thing in teaching.

Mrs. Hanson Librarian

��

“It’s pretty awesome being the librarian! I love talking about books, discovering new books, remembering favorites from the past, and being a liaison between the school and public library. I also like being able to liven things up a bit, so I try to add some color and fun where I can. There’s a lot more to my job, however, than playing with books and decorating. I enjoy the variety in my job, which could include anything from problem solving technology to monitoring students in online classes and even trying to understand Chinese!”

Mr. Lambrakos Math and Business

What made you want to teach business?

He believes business is important for a student to learn and understand. This being a high school class, he can prepare students for the real world. Personal Finance is needed by everyone in the future. It’s how you manage money and become successful. Mr. Lambrakos wants all his students to be successful.

Mr. Wolcott Music and Band

��

“My family and I moved from Denver to Cedaredge in the summer of 2015 because I took a music pastor job at Delta Christian Church. I felt like it was important to get out of the rat race that was Denver and get to a place where family life and the overall community held similar standards to what are important to me and my family. I heard about three music job opportunities. There were music job openings at Hotchkiss, Paonia and here in Cedaredge. I applied to all of them secretly hoping that the Cedaredge job would come to fruition. In August, I got the great and amazing opportunity to begin this amazing teaching journey with all of you here at Cedaredge High School and Middle School.”

What’s Bruin Inside Bruins Softball season ends at regional play Homecoming resulted in students expressing themselves and creating memories Football picks up big win against Hotchkiss Volleyball continues to dominate and prepare for post season Lucie Sachova is the only girl to qualify for State Golf ��ond in regional competition. Competing for state this weekend ��ishes after six week long sessions. Students claim it to be a success Senior pictures by December 1st. Please include 3 senior pictures and one baby picture CHS welcomes new teachers with seven new faces As fall sports end, winter seasons start to begin practice Students over 18 �� in the local and state elections

Happy Halloween!

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW! $60 After Christmas, the price goes up to $75. See Miss Christie

C4 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge

Bruins

Breaking Borders Grace Hatheway Co-Editor

Throughout the fall sports season, a group of Cedaredge High School runners commute to Hotchkiss or Delta everyday for practice. Tevin Keller and Grace Hatheway ran for Hotchkiss while Abby Williams, Zoe Williams, and Sophia McCrackin ran for Delta. On October 19th, all runners participated in their class regionals. Tevin Keller ��ence to run in the 2A competition. They both earned season personal records and placed 24th and 42nd respectively out of

71 boys and 59 girls. Abby Williams, Zoe Williams, and Sophia McCrackin made the trip to Aspen to compete against 3A schools. They placed 9th as a team out of a total of 12. During the season every runner improved exponentially as they became more familiar with running a 5K. As the only senior from Cedaredge, Abby Williams led the athletes through the season and kept them positive and motivated for the races.

Grace Hatheway runs along the �� season at County Line Trail on Grand Mesa.

Sophia McCrackin runs accross the parking lot for the last 100 �� race.

Abby Williams �� of the Hotchkiss Invitational in her senior year of cross country.

Zoe Williams strides along the �� arch at the end of the Gunnison Invitational.

��Tevin Keller, Grace Hatheway, Abby Williams, Zoe Williams, and Sophia McCrackin

Defying the Odds Hannah Hohenstein Staff Writer

Lucie Sachova sets up to take a swing on the driving range.

Triston Campbell takes careful aim as he ��

�� August 6 and ended on October 2. It was a great season. Many players went to regionals. Jacen Brown, Lucie Sachova, Triston Campbell, and Aspen Furubotten all competed at the regional golf tournament. The regional golf tournament was held in Gunnison, Colorado, this year. �� competition in Boulder. She was the only girl in an all boys’ sport who went to state. She said that there was some doubt and surprise from the others competing against her. Some of her opponents thought that she was just a bystander and wasn’t actually playing. She made sure, however, to tell them that she was competing. She �� Czech Republic. Lucie says, “I love golf. It’s the best part for me.” She thoroughly enjoys golf. Jacen Brown was one of the four who made it to the regional competition. He tries to remind people that they shouldn’t dwell on their mistakes. Jacen Brown states, “No matter how well you do today, you can always do better tomorrow.” Athletes can always strive to be better than the time before. Even though CHS only had one player from Cedaredge go to state golf, we can always strive for more in the future. It was a great feat, though, for Lucie to go to state and be the only girl there.

Aspen Furubotten watches as her teammates work on their hitting.

Jacen Brown starts his swing ��ment.

The golf team lines up before an intense practice of hitting balls on the driving range.

Rocky Mountain Biology Labratories Feild Trip

On September 26th, a group of biology and environmental science students took a trip up to Gothic Colorado to visit the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Science teacher, Mr. �� Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is a great opportunity for students to hear from professional scientists working on �� is conducted by scientists who come here from all over the world.” ��Mr. Dunbar, Grace Hatheway, Brian

Hoerr, Grant Moore, Benny Miller, Katie Lindley, Kishara McFarland, Michelle Varanai, Kaitlyn Toothaker, Hunter Campbell, Hannah Carlson, Violet Gonzalez, and Brianna Bowler.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Cedaredge Marching to Inspire Natalie Barnard points her �� Riana Fuller �� colorguard worked hard to ��

Bruins

Volleyball Sets up for Victory Sophie Andrews sets up ��

Hannah Carlson throws up �� an incred�� getting an ��

�� Staff Writer

With two claps and a Rick Flair Sophia the Cedaredge High School McCrackin Marching Band sets to win. The �� band students line up in their clarinet while �� note. This is �� race with anticipation. ing band. �� ing Bruins under the direction �� Jacob Charlson leads Kiele Rains in the base beat.

Zoe Wood

blasts air through �� Colorado West.

�� Editor-in-Chief

�� state. �� Makayla Kehmeier �� the ball as she sets �� crucial part in their success.

��Paige McGovern passes the ball �� Courtney Freeman tips the ball �� net.

Samantha Purdy focuses on her steps while ��

Isabella Vasques ��

The CHS Trap Team Shoots for a Good Year

��

Makayla Kehmeier �� block the �� the net.

C6 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins

Football and Softball Unleashed for a Memorable Season Football

Bruin football players played with determination all year and put forth

their best effort at every game. This season football players lived by the moto “Hustle and heart, sets us apart”. Pictured bottom left, Dusty

Emig blocks his opponent and runs �� endzone.

Softball

Cedaredge hit it out of the park

this year in softball. With the help

of their new coach (Mr. Montoya) softball players were able to acheive greatness during the season. Pictured bottom right, Elle

Lewis swings in attempt to hit the ball over the fence and score a homerun for the team.

�� Azalee Hoffbauer Co-Editor

A special thank you to our advertisers for supporting our program! The journalism program greatly appreciates your support and we look forward to doing business with you again. Without you our program wouldn’t be where it is today!

BRUIN TRACKS Editor-in-Chief Hannah Gardner

Co-Editors Azalee Hoffbauer

Grace Hatheway

Advertising Editor Hunter Campbell

Writing Staff Elisabeth Cole Alaiha Hoffbauer Hannah Hohenstein Hunter Kissner Amberlyn Lamm Kaitlyn Toothaker

The views expressed in the Bruin Tracks do not necessarily represent the opinions of Cedaredge High School or its staff. The Bruin Tracks is a public forum for student expression, striving for journalistic excellence; it is created as part of the Journalism class at Cedaredge High School. Bruin Tracks thanks all the advertisers and other community supporters. We welcome all comments.

In the world of 2018, society is surrounded by technology. Cell phones, computers, apple, android, even cars are starting to be run fully on computer systems. “The world is going this way, and everyone needs to be involved” says Mr. Cannell, the technology at CHS. He has been integrating the use of technology into his classroom for years. Going one-to-one means every student willing to pay a $35 dollar fee will receive a full access Chromebook laptop to keep, take home and utilize. These Chromebooks have given students access to all things Google. Cedaredge uses Google services such as docs, slides, and sheets. These compare to the microsoft software word, powerpoint, and excel but are accessible for every student through their school email. When the idea of going one-to-one came to the desk of CHS principal Mr. Brown, his �� changing the way of education. More access to resources like databases, online tools, and communication between other students and teachers are available to all students. Concerns the school and parents had were students having access to inappropriate content, too much screen time, and possibly breaking the chromebook. CHS has come up with many solutions to make sure these issues do not arise. They use a software called GoGuardian to monitor what websites students are can access, along with a website blocker. It initially blocks all inappropriate content. Screen time is also limited because teachers still use traditional teaching resources. A payment plan is also available for students who damage their Chromebook. The movement of going one-to-one within CHS has made students’ education better. Mr. Cannell explains, “The computer literacy and knowledge of digital communication has gotten so much better because of the nature of this program”. Chromebooks will continue to help students education develop, and has become the future of Cedaredge High School.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

November concert will benefit animal shelter BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

A concert to benefit the Surface Creek Animal Shelter will take place on Friday, Nov. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Mesa Arts Center (GMAEC) in downtown Cedaredge. Performing will be the Rhythm Method band. Tickets for the concert are $20 and all proceeds go to the animal shelter. Tickets are available at the arts center and at Stacy’s on Main Street. In addition to enjoying the music, concert goers will learn about opportunities to support the shelter by purchasing memorabilia and sponsorships. The shelter — which was recently remodeled — is operated entirely by vol-

Photo by Don Benjamin

The Surface Creek Animal Shelter has scheduled a Nov. 9 concert to help fund its ongoing work with cats and dogs.

unteers and there are a wide variety of ways to support the non-profit group’s ongoing work with dogs and cats. Donations of various amounts qualify supporters to purchase T-shirts, sponsor a kennel, sponsor individual animals, purchase commemorative tiles in honor of a present or past pet, or name a shelter animal. For those unable to attend the concert, cash donations to support the shelter can also be made online through the shelErik and Shannon ter website (listed below) Fritchman will carry on or by regular mail sent a community tradition to Surface Creek Animal this fall with the annual end-of-season sale at the Fritchman Orchards packing shed just north of Eckert. This year proceeds from the sale will go to Joining in a nationbenefit the Pondy Cancer wide effort to unite comWarriors, who work dili- munities and recognize gently to support cancer the dedication and sacrivictims and their fami- fices of law enforcement, lies. The sale will take the Cedaredge Police place Saturday, Nov. 10, Department (CPD) will from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. host a “Back the Blue”

Sale to benefit cancer warriors

Shelter, PO Box 853, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Volunteers are always welcome as are donations of pet food and supplies but call ahead to make certain volunteer slots are available and donated items are compatible with shelter needs. The shelter is located at 265 Southeast High Country Avenue in Cedaredge and it is open every day from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. The shelter website is surfacecreekshelter.org and its phone number is 970-856-2346. The organization also operates The Shelter Shoppe thrift store which is located at 290 North Grand Mesa Drive (Highway 65) in Cedaredge. Thrift store hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; and closed on Sunday. For more information on the thrift store call 970-8567913 or visit The Shelter Shoppe’s Facebook page. Refreshments for the concert are donated by Williams Cellars, Stacy’s on Main, Mesa Liquor and Stoney Mesa Winery.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Gardeners donate 298 pounds of fresh produce The Cedaredge Community Garden celebrated its 10th anniversary with a successful season. Although the water situation this year was a challenge, gardeners were able to grow and harvest their produce using water-saving

methods. The garden was proud to donate 298 pounds of fresh produce to the local food bank. This donation of fresh produce continues to be a special project of the garden. The staff and members give a special thanks

to the town mayor, manager, trustees, county commissioner and all those who continue to support the garden with their donations. If you would like to be a member in 2019, contact staff via the garden’s Facebook page.

Pets not welcome at Cedaredge Cemetery The Cedaredge Ceme- essary to align its rules and Delta city cemeteries tery District has updated with both Grand Junction in prohibiting pets. its rules and regulations regarding accessibility for pets as of Oct. 25. The new regulation reads: ”Pets are strictly prohibited, except for seeing eye or other physical assistance dogs, on the cemetery grounds; pets shall minimally be confined to vehicles but are generally discouraged from being taken to the cemetery. Animals caught at large may be impounded and the owners may be cited.” The new regulation was adopted after many negative experiences with pets off leash made it nec-

Register now for police department fundraising 5k 5k run/walk on Saturday, Nov. 17. Registration is ongoing for the 5k race which starts at 9 a.m. at the Lions Pavilion in Cedaredge town park. A one-mile fun run kicks

Comments sought on proposed TDS tower Telephone and Data Systems (commonly known as TDS Telecom) has submitted a specific development proposal to erect a pole exceeding 40 feet in height. Although it does not specify an exact

Friends of Library to host program Learn about the Grand Mesa Observatory at a presentation by Nancy McGuire Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Cedaredge Library at 2 p.m. The Friends of the Cedaredge Library are hosting this presentation, titled “Grand Mesa Observatory: the Education, the Science, and Astrophotography.”

location for the proposed development, a notice of the proposal has been posted at the intersection of Ward Creek Road and Brimstone Road in Cedaredge. A related notice was published on page A8 of the Oct. 17 issue of the DCI. The planning department is seeking comments on the proposal prior to a review by the Delta County Board of Commissioners. The commissioners are scheduled to review the proposal November 5 at 10 a.m. in Room 236 of the Delta County Courthouse, 501 Palmer Street. Comments may be submitted to the planning department at the Delta County Courthouse or online at planning@deltacounty. com or by calling the county planner, Kelly Yeager, at 970-874-3226.

All Saints plans annual craft and bake sale All 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 allseason and Christmas gifts, quilts, handmade cards, knit and crocheted items, placemats, etc. The bake sale table is a popular place to buy delicious homemade items to take home, stock up for the holidays 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 835-3667.

Tables available for UMC craft fair The Cedaredge United Methodist Church, located at 3rd and Aspen, is 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 tables. Cost is $25. Entry forms may be picked up Wednesday through Saturday at the Methodist Thrift Store, 205 Main in Cedaredge, or by calling JoAnn Price at 8353065.

Comments must be received by Nov. 5.

Harvest dinner set for Nov. 14 Eckert Presbyterian Church will host its annual harvest festival dinner Wednesday, Nov. 14. A roast beef dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church at 13025 Highway 65, Eckert. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. There is no charge for children under the age of 6.

off next at 9:45 a.m. and community activities will follow. To register visit the Back the Blue website and select the Cedaredge event: www. backtheblue5k.com The cost to enter the full five-kilometer race is $45 and registration includes a T-shirt, a medal, and other gear and benefits. The onemile fun run entry fee is $25 and registration includes a T-shirt. Kids 12 and under can participate for free but if they want to earn a T-shirt and a medal, the cost is $20. A special “virtual” category is available for those who are unable to take part in the race but still wish to support the CPD. Registration for the virtual event is $45 which includes all the memorabilia and benefits associated with regular registration. Money raised by the event will help the CPD purchase needed equipment and provide community programs.

��

C8 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

CHURCH

Hours of food bank extended

Photo by Don Benjamin

A fond farewell

Dakota Long says goodbye to Bliss after the quarter horse has been blessed. Joe Agne, pastor of the Cedaredge United Methodist Church, conducted a blessing of the animals ceremony recently at a rural horse farm.

��

Surface Creek Community Services announces the addition of family-friendly hours for the food pantry. To accommodate working families, the food pantry will be open Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 7. The food pantry is also beginning to sign up recipients for Christmas food boxes. The Surface Creek Community Services food bank is located at 245 W. Main, Cedaredge. Distribution days are Thursday 1 to 3 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. to noon.

��

Delta County Independent

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 Nov. 8, DCWC presents “Twice Loved Clothing,” a thrift store fashion show and presentation from 5:30 to 7 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 919-7958968, or visit the events link on our Facebook page and reserve on the event. The event will be held at the Delta Chris-

tian Church, 795 1600 Road. Founded in 2008, DCWC provides a safe, caring environment where Delta County women of all ages and backgrounds can come together for a good meal and some girl time. DCWC meets every other month for a catered dinner, live entertainment, friendly conversation, a fun activity, door prizes, and a wonderful inspirational speaker. Free child care is always provided. Delta County Women’s Connection is an outreach of Stonecroft. Keep current on what we’re doing at http://fb.com/ DeltaWomenConnect.

��

Classifieds

October 31, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

��

DCI DEADLINES ��

��

Rentals

��

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)

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

Thank you for your cooperation

Help Wanted

Autos 2017 TOYOTA HIGHlander-$31,000. Towing package, 3rd row seating, custom floor and trunk mats, trunk shelf, lane departure sensors, GPS, Sirius, only 11,200 miles! 970-417-0906. (2x44)

NEW

The Delta County Independent

Help Wanted

��

looking for new employees?

��

GARAGE SALE: NOV. 2 & 3; Friday & Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Phone 5272425. 1624 MEadowbrook Blvd., Paonia (across form Paonia Care Center). Fabric & more fabric, clothing, dishes, some appliances, vinyl 33 rpm records. British & American "First Day Cover" stamp collection in binders. Canon Printer, "intelli FAX 770" fax machine. High shank sew steady ruler set w/instructions. High shank "Westerlee" ruler foot. Janome "500E" embroidery machine, like new, w/carrier. Baby Lock "Imagine" 4-thread overlock serger, w/carrier. (1x44)

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker St., Delta • 874-4421

the Paper!” You’ll find lots of interesting things in your newspaper… • • • • •

Local News Editorials Business Meetings Schools

• Sports • Sales • Weddings • Events …and more

CLASSIFIEDS

To subscribe or advertise call: 874-4421

��

“I Saw It In

Garage Sale Listings Every Wednesday

��

BUYING OR SELLING Find it in the DCI Classifieds.

Discover Valuable Treasures

��

� ��

Yard Sales

��

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker St., Delta • 874-4421

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) NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874-4421.

NOW HIRING EXPERIenced coal miners!!!! Hiring coal miners in Carbon County, Price Utah area. Offering competitive wages, benefits and per diem for the probationary period of 30-90 days. Please email current resume to cbueno@zookssolutions. com or call 1-505-330-6038. (4x41)

THE GALLEGOS CORPoration seeks experienced Tile Setters to work with us in the Roaring Fork Valley/ Aspen Area. 3-5 years experience. $25-30/Hr BOE. Full Benefits, Housing Stipend and/or Per Diem. Please visit careers.gallegoscorp. com or call Paula at (970)471-2168. (4x41)

YOUR LISTING HERE! GET QUICK RESULTS, call now... 874-4421. advertise in the DCI Clas- ADVERTISE! 874-4421 sifieds. Call today 874-4421.

Go Public In The When you have something you need to move, rent, or sell, harness the power of the press with an ad in the Classifieds. It’s the most effective and inexpensive way to get the word out to thousands of interested parties right in your local area.

Announce It In The Classifieds.... • Merchandise For Sale • Household Services • Garage & Estate Sales • Position Available • Pets For Adoption • Wanted To Buy For Classified rates and information, call

874-4421

Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

D2 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

Delta County Independent

Help Wanted

Services

Public Service

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

��

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

Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421.

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)

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same THE KINGS TABLE SOUP time. Please call 970-874Kitchen needs egg cartons. 4941 to sign up. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? If you have any to give Golf with a fun group of please call 250-6637 and we CARING FOR CAREladies. Two membership will pick up. givers, C4C - supportoptions available. Sign up ing hearts that care. Open at www.cedaredgeladies ALCOHOLICS ANONY- to ANY caregiver. Meets golf.com. Get to know us mous meets Thursdays at 7 monthly in Delta, 2nd on Facebook at “cedar p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. edgeladiesgolfclub” 10th St, Delta.

Support your community newspaper by advertising or subscribing.

DELTA COUNTY

THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421.

INDEPENDENT

��

CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org

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

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW KEEP THE meets at 5:00 p.m. on the HELP!!! animal population under 4th Thursday of each month control, and SAVE an ani- in Cedaredge. To find out mal's life. Adopt your new how to participate in procat or dog from the Delta moting patriotism and County Humane Society. assisting veterans, contact Adoption fee is minimal. Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250Call 874-2149. 1180.

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

��

PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

��

�

��

�

��

�

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

��

D4 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 ��

PUBLIC NOTICES

��

�

��

�

Delta County Independent

��

� �

��

�

��

�

��

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

� ��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

D6 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B Halloween hauntings A C K P A G E

Amanda Meredith relies on family members, Home Plate volunteers and willing teens to prepare and “staff” her haunted house every year.

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

hrieks and screams fill the air as Amanda Meredith leads youngsters through the haunted house she creates in the driveway of her home every year. The startled cries never fail to bring a smile to her face — not because she’s got a twisted sense of humor, but because her hard work has paid off. Her haunted house is again the most popular stop

in Hotchkiss. “I have always loved Halloween,” Amanda said. “It’s my favorite holiday! This will be the fourth year of my haunted house. Every year I change it up and I add more to it.” Her enthusiasm is evident as she describes the changes she’s planning to the haunted house this year. Her expression gets downright devious as she contemplates the surprises she’s got in store.

Nearly everything in the haunted house is homemade. In her shop, Amanda cuts zombies and monsters out of wood, decorates them with paint and anchors them in stands that have also been cut out of wood. The large display provides a backdrop for Amanda, her sons, Mitchell, Gavin and Wesley, and mother, Renae Meredith.

Her face painted in a Calavera (“elegant skull”) design in honor of Dia de los Muertos, Willow Heights resident Amanda Meredith celebrates Halloween each year by converting her property into a haunted house.

A few days before Halloween, she begins anchoring the PVC pipe that will be draped with tarps and black plastic, to create separate rooms of horror. While the theme may change from year to year, the clown room is a classic — because everyone is scared of clowns, Amanda said. Nearly everything in the haunted house has been repurposed, including the heads of the clowns, which started with mannequin heads that no longer met the needs of the cosmetology department at the Technical College of the Rockies. With a great deal of imagination, some flour and Elmer’s glue, Amanda transforms those mannequin heads into creepy clowns. The bodies are shaped from chicken wire, covered with colorful clothing and mounted on wooden stands. The results are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine! “I like to take old things and give them new life,” Amanda said. “I look at things in thrift stores and imagine how I can remake them.” To recreate the wishing well from which Samara emerges in the horror film “The Ring,” Amanda used a trash can. She buys inexpensive electronics and uses the motors to animate other props. And she still has some of the props used by Pam Cocker at her haunted house in Crawford. Amanda, a caretaker for the Cockers, wound up with strobe lights, strings of Halloween lights and even shrunken heads which she says will be perfect for the tribal room, a new addition for 2018. Amanda will be a voodoo witch doctor. “I’ll have three rooms for sure — the tribal room, the clown room and a mad scientist lab,” she said. “I’ll play the rest by ear, after I see who I can get to volunteer.” Terrifying elements from the most recent horror movies, like “The Nun” and “It,” as well as classics like “Friday the 13th” help set the spooky scene. Splatters of blood, wispy cobwebs and spooky music — synchronized to the lights by Amanda’s son

This is just one of the creepy crowns Amanda has created using papier maché and old mannequin heads from the cosmetology department at Technical College of the Rockies.

— raise the fear factor. Of course, it’s also dark. Amanda doesn’t open the haunted house until 7:30 p.m., to maximize the effect of the holograms projected onto the side of her house While Amanda does not charge for admission, she does encourage donations to Hotchkiss Home Plate, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing softball and baseball to the youth of Hotchkiss and Crawford. “As a fundraiser, it beats holding a bake sale!” she said. The haunted house is open from 7:30-9 p.m. Halloween night at 476 Willow Drive. The event is held outdoors and will be canceled in the event of heavy snow or rain.

Amanda’s mother attaches pants to the lower part of a “body” shaped from chicken wire.

Amanda Meredith clowns around with two of her creepy creations.

This life-sized skeleton, known as Skelly, recently made a visit to the dentist. “I loved the idea at Christmastime of elf on the shelf so my kids and I got a life-sized skeleton that we take everywhere. He likes to cause trouble sometimes,” Amanda said.

��

CEDAREDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 970-856-3885 � ces.deltaschools.com

��

�� Fresh off Cedaredge’s Homecoming week – CES enjoyed a fun week with the following dress up days: Favorite Movie Day, Colorado Day, Crazy Hair and Socks Day and then School Pride Day.

��

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL 970-874-8031 � dhs.deltaschools.com

�� DHS HOSA had an opportunity to compete in HOSA Nationals, in Dallas, this past summer. They competed in Creative Problem Solving and enjoyed a wonderful experience.

��

HOTCHKISS HIGH SCHOOL 970-872-3882 � hhs.deltaschools.com �� Mrs. Holst’s class Garnet Mesa Elementary School Walk-a-thon Day (on the left)

Mrs. Velasquez’s class enjoying Play Dough at Garnet Mesa Elementary School (on the right)

��

�TODAY

��

CEDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL 970-856-6882 � chs.deltaschools.com

��

NORTH FORK SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED STUDIES 970-527-3639 � nfsis.deltaschools.com

��

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 970-874-3700 � les.deltaschools.com ��

Shown from left to right are 3rd grade students interviewing Commissioner Don Suppes, Sheriff Fred McKee and Mayor Ron Austin.

NORTH FORK MONTESSORI AT CRAWFORD 970-921-4935 � nfmc.deltaschools.com ��

BELA Preschool 970-874-9517 dfc@deltasdchools.com

Relax,

Renew,

Rejuvenate

��

�

��

�

��