Delta County Independent, Dec. 19, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

MORE THAN A POOL Crossroads Park sees some exciting new additions, B1

SPORTS

DAY OF INFAMY

Veterans gather in remembrance of attack on Pearl Harbor, C1

DELTA COUNTY

WARRIOR CLASSIC

10 local wrestlers make it to final round of tough tournament, C7-8 DECEMBER 19, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 51

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

DA: Don’t hesitate to discuss scams BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

There are a number of topics, beginning with politics and religion, that families may want to avoid this holiday season, but there’s one subject that law enforcement officials say should definitely be addressed — scams that target the unsuspecting and the elderly. “We encourage families to have a conversation about how to avoid becoming a victim of a financial scam,” said 7th Judicial District attorney Dan Hotsenpiller. Hotsenpiller, the sheriffs, police chiefs and marshals of western Colorado are partnering with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation to raise awareness about IRS impersonation scams. Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents are seen as a major threat to unsuspecting citizens. The elderly, who are often more trusting, frequently fall victim. According to Mindy Wilgus, the public information officer for IRS Criminal Investigation, losses through June 2018 totaled $1.4 million across the state of Colorado. A total of 308 victims were involved. “That’s reported loss, so we know the number is much higher than that,” she said via telephone with the DCI and the district attorney’s office. The IRS is working closely with local law enforcement

agencies, prosecutors and IRS special agents to hunt down and prosecute those who prey on our neighbors, but as long as people pay money, there will be scammers. Often these scammers operate overseas, outside the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement. Prevention is paramount. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to be aware of tactics scammers use and how the IRS conducts business with taxpayers. • Generally, if you owe taxes the IRS will send you a bill in the mail. • The IRS will not demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount you owe. • The IRS will not demand immediate, over the phone, payment by wire transfer, gift cards or prepaid debit cards. • The IRS will not ask for credit card numbers or bank account information over the phone. • The IRS will not threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested or immediately seize your assets. • If you are contacted by IRS impersonators, your first step is to hang up — do not engage. And if you do fall victim to a scam, do not hesitate to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. “We can work with the IRS and do our best to prosecute these offenders,” Hot-

County adopts $36.6M budget Courts will draw heavily on county’s fund balance

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At a special meeting on Dec. 6, the county commissioners adopted the 2019 budget in the amount of $36,617,003. This amount includes $12,388,739 for the General Fund; $6,682,922 for the Road and Bridge Fund; $6,803,157 for the Capital Improvement Fund; $1,697,874 for the Capital Projects Fund; $4,581,083 for the Human Services Fund; $1,088,273 for the Health Department Fund; $1,074,257 for the Enterprise Fund; $969,432 for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes Fund; and $469,914 for the Conservation Trust Fund. Funds requiring lesser appropriations are: E911 Fund, $259,432; Fairgounds Fund, $118,466; Fair Board Fund, $104,585; Open Space Fund, $121,169; Lodging Tax Fund, $104,100; Contingency Fund, $48,618; Economic

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ......................A11 Agriculture ................... C6 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A12 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness .........B6-8 Legals ......................... D2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A9 School Zone ............... A7-8 Sports ..........................C7-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ..................C4-5

Development Fund, $38,100; Self Insurance Fund, $35,000; Energy Development Fund, $19,858; and Employee Benefit Trust Fund, $12,024. Property tax revenue for 2019 is based on the 2018 valuation for assessment in Delta County, and is certified by the Delta County assessor as being $292,906,960 total. Using the mill levy of 17.787 mills upon each dollar of total valuation within the county, property taxes will generate $5,226,046 in Delta County. County administrator Robbie LeValley said, “The 2019 budget is focused on managing increasing needs, preserving services for citizens, and providing a fiscally responsible county budget.” Four additional positions have been approved in the 2019 budget — two new positions in the sheriff ’s office, one additional attorney in the county attorney’s office, and one additional Road and Bridge District 1 employee. Financial assistance in the 2019 county budget includes $15,000 funding for Delta County Economic Development (DCED). Funds are also budgeted for All Points COUNTY BUDGET TO A3

senpiller said, but the reality is, it’s very difficult to track down the offenders and even more difficult to recover any money. That’s why his office is working with local law enforcement agencies to educate the community about the importance of prevention. While these scams are attempted year-round, Wilgus said the IRS does anticipate an uptick after the first of the year and continuing through tax season. The IRS generally sees a surge in scam phone

calls that threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocations and other penalties. To avoid any type of con game, never give out personal information over the phone. If you receive an email asking for verification of personal information, do not reply and do not click on any links. for those with caller ID, phone calls often appear to originate in the local area. Likewise, emails can look very authentic, down to a bank’s logo. Do not be fooled into giving out

personal information. If you want to confirm IRS contact, find out if you owe taxes or review payment plan options, call 800-829-1040. If you want to report the incident and help combat scammers, visit www.treasury.gov/ tigta/contact_report_scam. shtml. Tips can be emailed to denver.fincrimes@ci.irs.gov. Even businesses can fall victims to scams. Wilgus reports that scammers visit a company website to obtain the name of the human resources IRS SCAMS TO A3

Photo by Tony Bohling/City of Delta

A fresh look

City of Delta parks crews recently ﬁnished putting a fresh layer of red rock on the trail around Conﬂuence Lake. On some portions of the trail — most notably those along the Gunnison River that were washed out by high water several years ago — a new base was needed. Throughout the length of the trail, parks crews cleaned up the edges and put down several inches of red rock. Wilma Erven, director of parks, recreation and golf for the City of Delta, said the trail is not only more esthetically pleasing, there’s a bit more cushion for walkers. Above, Trevor Huff guides a dump truck driven by Leroy Paiz. The red rock is mixed with sand for better packing.

50J evaluates requirements for naming school facilities BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A proposal to name the track at Cedaredge High School in honor of longtime teacher/coach Jack Kehmeier has prompted Delta County Joint School District #50 to step back and review policies in place for the naming of school district facilities. Comments are currently being sought on a suggestion the track and field between the campus of CHS and CMS be named the Jack Kehmeier Track and Field Facility. The nomination was accompanied by signatures from 100 supporters. Public input, pro or con, can be mailed to the Delta County School District at 145 W. 4th Street, Delta, CO 81416, or submitted via a link on the school district website, www.

deltaschools.com. Look for a link titled “CHS Track Naming Nomination Jack Kehmeier.” Assistant superintendent Kurt Clay said the nomination has prompted the formation of a committee to review and submit recommendations to the school board for naming procedures going forward. In addition to 100 signatures from legal resident voters, Clay said any nominations are open for public comment for two weeks. In the case of an award, supporters are expected to maintain that award for a minimum of five years. In the case of a facility, supporters are expected to pay at least half the cost of any signage. Clay said the committee, which is made up of two community members, two prin-

cipals and three individuals from district leadership, are in the process of finalizing those guidelines, to give the school board guidance on naming facilities in the future. The committee is giving serious consideration to how much time must have elapsed since an individual either retired or passed away, to avoid the emotions that run high when major life events occur. “Does that person’s legacy still carry on?” Clay asked. “Does it stand that test of time? We want it to be a true celebration of an individual’s life.” Once the committee has finalized its recommendations, those suggestions will go to the policy review committee, then to the school board for additional revisions or final adoption.

School district mill levy holds steady

Christmas break

Assessed valuation in Delta County dropped by $2 million in 2018, but the school district mill levy remains steady. The general fund mill levy, which has been frozen at 22.656 by the state for over 10 years, according to Jim Ventrello, Delta County Joint School District #50 business manager, is expected to generate an estimated $7,817,765. The school district relies heavily on state funding. Without that support, Ventrello said the mill levy would be 113.066 mills for the calendar year 2019. The school board also certified an abatement levy of 0.074, to generate $25,479, and a bond redemption levy of 5.547 to generate $1,896,700. Delta County Joint School District collects property tax in Delta County, as well as portions of Gunnison, Montrose and Mesa counties. While assessed valuation is down slightly in Delta County, Ventrello said the assessed valuation in Mesa and Montrose counties is flat, and Gunnison County increased by $600,000. In 2013, assessed valuation in Gunnison County was $108 million, compared to the most recent tally of $47 million, which Ventrello said demonstrates the effect of coal mine closures.

Delta County schools wrap up the first semester of the 2018-19 school year on Friday; students and staff will be on Christmas break Dec. 24 through Jan. 7. Staff returns to work on Monday, Jan. 7, for an in-service day. For students, the first day of school in the new year will be Tuesday, Jan. 8. The first portion of the basketball season wraps up with the third annual First Colorado National Bank tournament, to be held at Delta High School Dec. 21 and 22. This much-anticipated event features boys and girls teams from Delta, Cedaredge, Paonia and Hotchkiss high schools.

A2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS

Accusations of ‘ex-parte communication’ aren’t fair

Caring professionals exemplify Christmas spirit Dear Editor: I’m writing to publicly thank Good Samaritans Dr. Allan Miller and nurse practitioner, Alice Marie Slavon-Emond, who timely assisted in treating a man in distress during the community concert, Leon Sings Noel, on Monday evening, Dec. 10, at the Delta Performing Arts Center. Other members of the audience, whose identities are unknown to me, helped as the doctor and nurse took the lead in stabilizing the man (who is not named to protect

his privacy) until EMTs could arrive, treat him and transport him to the hospital. It was wonderful to see these professionals and caring individuals come together in this emergency, using their expertise and love to attend to a stranger in critical distress. As a result of the quick action by all involved, the man has recovered and reportedly is doing well. It was also gratifying that the performer, Leon Williams, and the

entire audience exercised patience and understanding during the delay which extended the length of the intermission. As sponsors of the concert, the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association expresses its sincere thanks to all those who gave of their time and talents in reaching out to another person, thereby exemplifying the true spirit of the Christmas season. Bob Brown DMCCA Secretary

$2 monthly increase creates a dilemma Dear Editor: Mr. Fick totally missed the point of my letter regarding the CPW fishing license fee increase. I was using the CPW fee as an example as to how our society cares for its citizens. Sports figures get multi-million-dollar a year contracts for playing instead of doing a real job, entertainment stars (?) get multi-million dollar incomes, business CEOs and school superintendents get mega-buck termination packages for “wrongdoings,” politicians vote themselves huge pay and retirement (after one year) pack-

ages, etc., etc. etc. The pay for police, fire fighters, school teachers (not administrators) and our military is quite often at or just above the “food stamp” level. Let me, if I may, continue with the subject of the $8 increase for my fishing license. (Yes DCI, it was free previous to 2019; the $1 is part of all hunting and fishing licenses fees. Twentyfive cents is used for the search and rescue fund, 75 cents for education programs with CPW. (Data per CPW, Grand Junction office.) I received a 2.8 percent increase in my Social Security benefits

employee and a citizen. He did not request a hearing. Therefore, procedurally, the matter was closed. On July 26, 2016, Ms. Berry resigned. After doing so, she filed a civil rights complaint against the town claiming, in part, that she had been harassed by Trustee Brunner. Ten months later, on May 31, 2017, Trustee Brunner filed a Colorado Open Records request for the documents related to Mr. Pace’s complaint against Jane Berry. His purpose was to make the documents public. As Mr. Brunner was well aware, the town’s Employee Resource Guide provided that “the Town Clerk maintains personnel files on all employees. The file includes any training certificates, awards, commendations, personnel actions and performance reviews. Your personnel file is confidential and can be reviewed only by your Department Head, yourself, the Town Clerk and Town Manager.” The Employee Resource Guide further provided that “medical documents will be held in a confidential separate file and can only be accessed by you and the Town Clerk.” Because the records were personnel files containing medical information that could not be disclosed under the Employee Resource Guide and, in the opinion of the town, personnel files containing medical data that were exempt from disclosure under CORA, the Town denied Mr. Brunner’s CORA request. Five months later, on Oct. 11, 2017, Mr. Brunner’s attorney sent the town a letter advising it that if it did not release the documents in 14 days Mr. Brunner would sue the town. In response to Mr. Brunner’s threat to sue the town, the town could have released the documents and been sued by Ms. Berry and Mr. Pace for releasing their personnel records and medical information, it could have refused to release the records and been sued by Mr. Brunner under CORA, or it could have filed a declaratory action in the district court. A declaratory action is a request to have the court make a decision when you are uncertain as to how

Dear Editor: In the Dec. 12 edition of the DCI the local Libertarian Party chairman attempted to misrepresent a statement made by Mayor Ron Austin. The use of the term “ex-parte communication” by Jay Stooksberry is a distortion of what Austin said. I know because I was at that meeting with about 20 other citizens The mayor related that a business person in our city had contacted him to express his dislike for any form of marijuana and is considering not investing any more money within the city. The mayor did not make the approach to this constituent. Austin took those concerns and passed them on at an open council meeting. “Ex-parte communication” requires a participating point of view while having a conversation. Is the Lib Party telling the mayor that a constituent can’t tell the mayor about their likes or dislikes? Is the Lib Party trying to suppress the voice of the people? Is it okay if a constituent tells their district councilman that they want marijuana and that councilman tells the council that it should be put on the November ballot?

I guess it would be okay with the Libertarian Party that Councilman Kevin Carlson went to pay a visit to John Thomas in Montrose who once owned a medical marijuana dispensary in Delta and has expressed an interest in coming back. If Carlson made the approach then what was discussed? Did Carlson offer a fast track for him to come back to Delta? Let me say this, the chairman of the Republican Party or the chairman of the Democrat Party or the chairman of the Independent Party is not accusing Councilman Carlson of “ex-parte communication.” It appears that the Lib Party has a personal dislike for our conservative mayor and Councilman Carlson gets a pass. Hmm, sounds like double standard partisan politics. I was at the meeting when Carlson said that he went to Montrose and I believe it was a simple fact finding trip. That’s why he shared it in a public forum, as the mayor did and this Republican has no reason to doubt either of their sincerity. It is my opinion that the chairman of the Libertarian Party has a problem, not the Lib Party.

for the year 2019. Medicare insurance increased by 12.2 percent. After doing all the math (adding and subtracting), I get a whopping $2 per month increase for 2019! Now my dilemma is: Where do I use that $2? Do I put it towards the $8 for a fishing license? Or should I apply it to one of the many other more important living needs (food, housing, taxes, transportation, etc.), which I know without question will also increase in 2019. I guess I need financial An officer took a report of From the Delta Police advice. What do I do? Department (edited for a first degree criminal tresLarry M. Head length): pass of a vehicle. Dec. 13: Hotchkiss

It’s no secret that Stooksberry has been pushing for recreational marijuana and for the people to vote, but can’t accept that the people said no. Stooksberry’s personal bias should be obvious. If I were a Libertarian, I would want a better representative than the current chairman and by the way no one is making pot a party politics issue except Stooksberry. Remember, he chose to sign his letter as chairman. The battle for marijuana is over. Let’s move on to a better future for our families of Delta and not be about the selfishness and bullying tactics of one individual. Scott Schaible Not a chairman of anything Delta

Error made in meeting date Dear Editor: I noticed a mistake in my last letter to the editor. The city council work session occurred on Nov. 28, not the 20th. My apologies for the oversight. Jay Stooksberry Delta

Law enforcement blotter

Paonia mayor explains why town filed suit Dear Editor: As mayor, I think it is important to explain why the Paonia Board of Trustees decided to file a lawsuit in response to Bill Brunner’s demand that documents related to an employee complaint be made public. On July 11, 2016, Eric Pace, a town employee, filed a complaint against former town administrator, Jane Berry, claiming that she harassed him in regard to a worker’s compensation claim he was asserting against the town. When the complaint was filed, it was forwarded to CIRSA, the town’s insurance carrier. It was forwarded to CIRSA for two reasons. First, failure to timely report a claim can result in a denial of coverage. Second, CIRSA could provide expert direction on how to handle the matter. CIRSA’s direction was to have a third party professional investigator investigate Mr. Pace’s claim against Ms. Berry. CIRSA’s rationale was that the investigation needed to be done properly and free from town politics. CIRSA paid for the investigation. It would not have been proper for Ms. Berry to communicate with Mr. Pace regarding the matter and therefore, as mayor, I was asked by CIRSA to communicate with Ms. Berry and Mr. Pace regarding the investigation. The entire board, including then Trustee Brunner, was advised of what was happening and provided with copies of all relevant documents. The investigator hired by CIRSA was a retired police chief who had conducted hundreds of investigations. The investigator contacted Mr. Pace twice. Both times, Mr. Pace refused to speak with him. The investigator completed his investigation and found that Ms. Berry did not engage in any wrongdoing. Once the investigation was complete, Mr. Pace was advised of the results and was told to review the Employee Resource Guide if he wanted to pursue the matter further. Pursuant to the Employee Resource Guide, Mr. Pace could have requested a hearing with the Personnel Liaison Group, a town committee consisting of a town board member, an

Delta County Independent

to proceed. The filing of a declaratory action is specifically authorized under CORA. The town board, in a 6-0 vote, elected to file a declaratory action seeking direction from the court. All interested parties, Ms. Berry, Mr. Pace and Mr. Brunner were served with the complaint seeking declaratory relief. Each party, with an interest in whether the documents should be made public, was given an opportunity to make their arguments before the court. Given the town’s potential liability the town took the only reasonable action available to it. In a desire to be hailed as a “whistle blower,” Mr. Brunner placed the town in a position where it had to choose between potential liabilities. As Mr. Brunner knew, there was no wrongdoing. In the end, all Mr. Brunner has done is reveal that an employee filed a complaint against another employee, the complaint was reported to the town’s insurance carrier, the insurance carrier correctly directed that a professional, independent investigation be done, that the insurance carrier paid for the investigation, that the employee who filed the complaint did not cooperate with the investigator and did not request a hearing before the Personnel Liaison Group. A more problematic and larger concern is the continuing deterioration of public employee privacy rights. This is a serious issue created by the courts, that will need to be addressed either through the appellate process or by the state legislature. Charles Stewart Mayor Town of Paonia

Dec. 9: Officers responded to Taylor Funeral Home, 682 1725 Road, for suspicious activity. Criminal mischief was reported at Alta Vista Apartments, 7108 Highway 50. An officer responded to Cottonwood Street on a report of an abandoned vehicle, crashed in the wooded area. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Dec. 10: James Allen Lange, 44, of Grand Junction was arrested and jailed on a warrant with $1,250 bond. An officer took a report of an accident involving a parked vehicle in the 300 block of Main Street. No injuries were reported or observed. A two-vehicle accident occurred in the 500 block of Palmer Street. No injuries were reported or observed. An officer responded to the 400 block of Main Street for an accident involving a parked vehicle. Officers responded to Alta Vista Apartments on a report of assault. Pa Day, 28, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence. An officer responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a possible assault. Dec. 11: Amber Coleen Fletcher Tunget, 31, of Hotchkiss was issued a ticket for alleged destruction of property. An officer responded to Callaway Packing, 663 W. 4th Street, on a report of theft. An officer responded to 1410 Valley View Drive on a report of criminal mischief. A possible trespass was reported at Walmart. An officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of Howard for a report of tampering with a utility meter. Justin Ray Ritter, 29, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants with a total of $1,500 bond. Dec. 12: Kimbralea Ruth Freeman, 35, of Hotchkiss was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting at Clubb’s. A two-vehicle accident was reported at Walmart. Evelia Barajas Zavala, 34, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged unsafe backing. No injuries were reported or observed. Officers responded to Bill Heddles Recreation Center for a disturbance. An adult male was having a medical issue and was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital by the Delta County Ambulance.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 401 Meeker St. • (970) 874-4421 editor@deltacountyindependent.com ads@deltacountyindependent.com MANAGEMENT General Manager ........... Randy Sunderland Managing Editor ................. Pat Sunderland Advertising Manager . Roxanne McCormick Production Manager ......... Ron Sunderland

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delta County (includes Olathe Somerset & Maher) ....$32.00 Seniors in Delta County (65 and over) ....................................$29.00 In-State ............................................$36.00 Out-of-State .....................................$40.00

An officer responded to the 1900 block of Columbine Court to assist with a medical emergency. An officer took a report of a possible restraining order violation. An officer responded to Vision Charter Academy on a report of a juvenile in possession of marijuana. A 13-yearold male of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged possession of marijuana by underage person and possession of drug paraphernalia. An officer took a report concerning an animal problem. An officer took a report of an accident involving a deer. The vehicle sustained damage and the deer left the scene at 1800 and H roads. Dec. 14: An officer responded to 323 W. 5th Street due to junk littering the roadway. Ricky Dean Rarick, 54, of Cedaredge was issued a ticket for alleged littering. Jon Michael Jeffryes, 47, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged displayed expired number plates 60 or more days, failed to present registration and driving a motor vehicle while license suspended. Dec. 15: An officer responded to the 200 block of Columbia Street for a report of a first degree criminal trespass of a vehicle and theft. Officers responded to Mountain View Ball Park on a report of a possible traffic accident. Ryan Lee Sunderland, 39, of Crawford was arrested and jailed for alleged careless driving, obstruction of a peace officer and criminal impersonation. Ryan Lee Sunderland, 39, of Crawford was arrested and jailed on a no bond warrant. An officer took custody of a Dewalt Drill as found property. Lindsey Shae McKinney, 34, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $305 bond. Reminder: The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Dec. 10: Deputies responded to an address on Ward Creek Road near Cedaredge after a 83-year-old woman claimed her husband was trying to kill her. Deputies determined the altercation was verbal in nature and they separated the two. Dec. 11: A Paonia area women requested a civil stand-by while she picked up her belongings from the home of her ex. A Delta area woman reported the receipt of threatening text messages even though there’s a restraining order in effect. At about 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to a traffic accident on Highway 133 near Paonia. Victor Garcia, 27, of Delta hit a deer. He was not injured but his car was not drivable. Dec. 12: Justin Grater, 40, of Olathe collided with a cow near B Road and 1825 Road, Delta, at about 2 a.m. The cow was killed; Grater was not injured. A Cedaredge area resident reported that the door

had been kicked in on a neighboring residence. The rental property was currently vacant. At about 7:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Delta County Memorial Hospital where an 18-yearold Montrose resident was being treated for injuries he sustained during an assault in the Peach Valley area. He refused to identify his assailants. Deputies responded to a verbal altercation, possibly a domestic, between two individuals in the Cedaredge area. The assailant was described as a 73-year-old male with dementia. Dec. 13: The theft of a safe was reported from a residence on 3500 Road, Hotchkiss. The victim reported seeing some damage to the safe several weeks ago. She told deputies the safe was heavy and would have required more than one person to carry. A business in North Delta received a bomb threat via an email deputies later determined was sent from Florida in an attempt to extort a large amount of money from the business. Deputies searched the property thoroughly but did not find any suspicious items. Employees said they had not seen any suspicious vehicles in the area. A Paonia area resident reported his 19-year-old daughter had been missing for about 24 hours. Located by deputies a short time later, she said she just needed to get away for a little bit. Dec. 14: Sheriff ’s deputies, Hotchkiss firefighters and the North Fork Ambulance responded to a traffic accident on Highway 92 near Hotchkiss. A vehicle driven by Barbara Tardif, 41, struck one of several cows in the roadway around midnight. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. A Cedaredge area woman complained that her 14-yearold daughter is communicating online with a 24-year-old male. Deputies assisted the Cedaredge Police Department with a traffic accident at 155 NW 6th Street at about noon. One of the individuals involved in the accident was the subject of an active warrant but had fled the area. Deputies helped with traffic control until the Cedaredge officers completed their investigation. Deputies were asked to conduct a welfare check on a 25-year-old male after he posted images of cutting, possibly on himself, on Facebook. Dec. 15: Deputies responded to an assault on Highway 92 outside of Hotchkiss that allegedly originated with a custody dispute. The incident is under investigation, although the victim hasn’t been willing to reveal any details. Deputies were asked to check the welfare of a 73year-old Delta resident who hadn’t answered her phone for two weeks. A Hotchkiss area woman reported that a tack room, the only room in her barn that’s heated, appeared to have been occupied. The lights were on, the door was open and she found a blanket and candy wrappers inside. She shut and locked the door. A chimney fire was reported at 10675 Highway 65, Austin, at about 10 p.m. The home did not suffer any damage.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

IRS scams FROM PAGE A1 purported to be from the company president asking for copies of all W2s from the previous year. This information is then used to file fraudulent tax returns or is sold on the dark web. The IRS has established a special email notification address specifically for employers to report W-2 data thefts: dataloss@irs.gov. While the IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are primarily located in Denver, they often attend law enforce-

Christmas wishes

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Elizabeth Moore, 3, and her brother, Kayden, 5, shared their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Breakfast with Santa Dec. 8. This popular event is hosted annually by the Kiwanis Club of Delta. Key Club members assisted with kid-friendly crafts while the Kiwanis served up stacks of ﬂuffy pancakes for the children to decorate and eat.

County budget FROM PAGE A1 Transit, spay and neuter program, outdoor recreation, Center for Mental Health, Community Options and other community programs. Delta County’s proportionate share of the Seventh Judicial District’s

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district attorney’s operating expenses is $686,863. The veterans office is funded at $29,345, and $20,000 is budgeted for anticipated match requests. A 3 percent cost of living increase was approved for all nonelected employees of the county. The 2019 budget provides for a few merit increases for non-elected employees. The salaries and increases in salary for elected officials — commissioners, clerk and recorder, treasurer, assessor, sheriff, surveyor and coroner – are set by the State of Colorado. An elected official’s salary is set at the time the official is first elected, or reelected. The state can set a cost of living increase for a given year, but it will apply only to those officials who were elected or reelected that year. LeValley said, “Thanks to responsible fiscal management and thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, Delta County continues to have a healthy fund balance. “Overall fund balances are budgeted at a minimum of 29 percent of

appropriations, which is in line with policy and recommended practice by Colorado Department of Local Affairs.” Delta County is experiencing growing demand for public safety in all areas, including the sheriff ’s department, district attorney’s office and criminal justice services. Delta County is seeing significant growth in court activity, which will result in an unfunded state mandate to increase the number of courtrooms and supporting infrastructure in the existing courthouse. This move will require finding alternate space for the administrative offices which will have to be moved out of their current courthouse office space. The county commissioners have been holding planning meetings in preparation for the expansion of the county courthouse campus. Commissioner Don Suppes is actively researching possibilities for that expansion. This will be an ongoing project in 2019, and its implementation will draw heavily on the county’s fund balance.

Holiday schedules day and Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Early deadlines will be in effect to assure the paper is delivered to local subscribers on Wednesday, as usual. Please call 874-4421 for more information. Bill Heddles Recreation Center — The recreation center is open Christmas Eve from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed Christmas Day. The facility will open from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and from noon to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Call 874-0923 for information about regularly scheduled land and water fitness classes. City of Delta offices — Delta City Hall will be closed for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Trash pickup normally scheduled for Tuesday will take place Monday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 31. Devil’s Thumb Golf Club — The golf course will be closed on ChristAfter 27 years of sermas Day. vice to Delta County, 16 of them as sheriff, Fred McKee is retiring from office. Please come wish him well Friday, Jan. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Refreshments will be served. Mark your calendar for the Western Colorado Soil Health Conference, to be held Feb. 21-22 at the Delta Center for Performing Arts. Learn how to increase organic matter �� in, and the health of, our �� soils through cover crops, green manure, grazing, compost, entomology, and other sustainable practices. Visit www.shavanocd. org for additional details and registration information. Delta County Libraries — Delta County Libraries will be closed Monday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day, and Tuesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. All libraries will be closing at 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31. Delta County — Delta County offices will close at noon Monday, Dec. 24, and will reopen Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 8 a.m. Delta County offices will also be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1, and will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 8 a.m. Delta County Independent — The DCI office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25, and again Mon-

Retirement reception planned

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Soil health conference dates set

ment summits on the Western Slope to raise awareness. Stopping identity theft and protecting the assets of western Colorado citizens is a priority for all involved. Additional Prevention Tips • Protect your information. Do not carry a Social Security card. Treat personal information like cash; don’t leave it lying around. • Do not provide personal information without knowing who you are giving it to and for what

purpose. • Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as a bank, credit card company and government organizations. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. • Use firewalls and anti-virus software on computers. • Change passwords frequently.

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A4 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Delta historian publishes again Delta historian Jim Wetzel announces the publication of his fifth book capturing more of the history of the area. His new book, titled “A History of Delta, Colorado and Beyond,” is a collection of many his-

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torical articles he has written over the past 20 years, some of which have appeared in prior issues of the Delta County Independent in years past. Wetzel describes this book as a historical treatment of Delta’s

businesses, buildings, events and people, and also includes some Delta County history, Colorado history, and American history. Because of the immense amount of material available, this book is being described as Volume 1, as Wetzel anticipates a second volume he hopes to publish in 2019. The book is available at the Delta County Museum, 251 Meeker Street, in Delta. Photo submitted The museum will be Montrose and Delta VFW members sort nearly a ton of airlifted food and toys open this week through for distribution to veterans and their families in Montrose, Delta, Cortez and Friday, from 10 a.m. to Dove Creek. �� 3 p.m. The museum also �� has copies of Wetzel’s �� previous books for sale.

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The Delta County Humane Society’s annual fundraiser is scheduled Sunday, Dec. 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 796 1525 Road. Enjoy refreshments, beautiful Christmas decorations and drawings, all for a suggested dona�� tion of $5.

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Fundraiser planned for furry friends

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NOON YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA FOR YOUTH

FREE

Monday, December 31 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Food • Games • Fun

FREE

Music by The Rhythm Knights DJ Service YOUTH OF ALL AGES WELCOME!

Delta Elks Lodge #1235 563 Main Street • 874-3624

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FREE

Holiday airlift delivers cheer to veterans and their families On Sunday, Dec. 9, members of VFW Post 3571 in Delta and VFW Post 784 in Montrose met at the Atlantic Aviation facility at the Montrose Regional Airport to participate in the eighth annual Veterans Holiday Airlift. The airlift is a joint project between the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) to provide food and toys to veterans throughout rural Colorado who need a bit of a hand up during the Christmas season. This year the local VFW members unloaded four separate aircraft airlifting food and toys from Centennial Airport to Montrose Regional Airport, then loaded two aircraft to continue the airlift to southwest Colorado communities, and finally loaded their vehicles with the bounty

for distribution to local veterans and their families in the Montrose and Delta areas. In December 2011, the first airlift grew from an idea to reality as seven aircraft delivered several hundred pounds of food and toys for veterans to five different locations, one of which was Montrose Regional Airport. The Delta and Montrose posts worked together to unload about 300 pounds from that plane, then distributed it to veterans and their families in the two areas. In 2018, 35 aircraft from

the Front Range and two aircraft from Montrose delivered thousands of pounds of goods to help hundreds of Colorado veterans and their families. Volunteer pilots like Steve Mathis and Rick Weaver from Montrose, who donated their time and the use of their aircraft to ferry goods to the Cortez and Dove Creek VFW posts, help the holiday airlift deliver these items to airports where they are met by VFW members for the final distribution to assist rural veterans and their families.

BIRTHS Jericho Rose and William Robert Skultka of Olathe are the parents of a son, William Malcolm Skultka, born Dec. 7, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 Photo submitted ounces and was 19.75 Rick Weaver, his grandson Joshua Yeager, and inches in length. Steve Mathis stand in front of their aircraft before Travis and Mariah ﬂying to Monticello, Utah, and Cortez with hunLucero of Delta are the dreds of pounds of food and toys for ﬁnal delivery parents of a son, Domi- to veterans and their families in southwest Colonic Zane Matthew rado. Lucero, born Dec. 10, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 12 ounces and was 22.25 inches in length.

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Russell, Holiman exchange vows Savannah Brooke Russell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Russell of Paonia, and Joshua Landon Holiman, son of James Holiman and the late Emma Holiman of Austin, were married on Dec. 8, 2018. The ceremony and reception were held at The Turn of the Century Saloon with Joshua’s father, James Holiman, officiating the ceremony. Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Lindsay Austin as matron of honor with Jason Holiman, Ian Downey, Johanna Etter,

Catherine Thurm, Katelynn Russell and Brooklynn Millius as bridesmaids. Kyndle Schroeder and Adilynne Thurm were her flower girls. The best man was Hayden Brewer. Joseph Holiman, Jonathan Holiman, Dakota Holiman, Ezra Russell and Clay Carney served as groomsmen. Benaiah Austin served as the ring bearer, and Dayton Goslar was the banner bearer. The bride and groom spent their honeymoon in Cape Canaveral, Fla. They bought a new home and will reside in Delta.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Pearl Harbor remembered on 77th anniversary Seventy-seven years after the attack, on Friday, Dec. 7, members of Lee Marts Veterans of For-

eign Wars Post 3571 and Harry A. White American Legion Post 65, with their respective auxiliaries and

assisted by Civil Air Patrol the bombing of Pearl Harcadets and Junior ROTC bor, “the day that will live cadets, presented a brief in infamy.” About 40 members of remembrance service for the community, including the veterans and their families, heard a simple explanation of the loss of

ships, planes, and human life on that fateful day. A warning of the danger of forgetting that event and more recent terrorist attacks on the United States was clearly given. The remembrance

ended with the placing of seven wreaths on the waters of the Gunnison River in memorium of Dec. 7, 1941. The fallen were honored with three fired vollies and the playing of Taps.

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The first six of the seven wreaths placed by the families of local veterans on the waters of the Gunnison River begin their long trip downstream, carrying the memories of the day 77 years before when the United States was attacked and forced into World War II. The seventh and final wreath soon joined its comrades, all floating their memories downstream.

Seniors expecting guests should secure medications BY JAMIE HEAD

Delta Police Department

The holiday season finds many Delta seniors welcoming family and friends into their homes. Before visitors arrive, there’s one very important step seniors should take: put medication away. Sixty-five percent of U.S. seniors use three or more prescription medications, according to AARP. These medications are important in maintaining a good quality of life as we age. However, many can be extremely harmful if misused or taken by accident. Here are a few things to keep in mind if expecting company this

holiday season. First, move medication to a place that’s out of sight and out of reach of children, but also in an area where you’ll notice if a guest finds it. A kitchen or living room cabinet is a good idea. Even better is a cabinet or drawer that can be locked. Second, never share your prescription medication. This is especially important when it comes to prescription pain relievers which can have serious, even deadly, interactions with other medications. Finally, safely disposing of medication that you’re no longer taking gets it out of your home and eliminates any risk

of misuse. You can dropoff unused and expired medication in a secure drop-box at the following locations: • Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, 555 Palmer Street. • Cedaredge Pharmacy, 210 SE Independence Avenue. • Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office, 276 W. Main Street. Here’s wishing a happy, healthy, and safe holidays to you, your family, and friends. Jamie Head is the evidence custodian/public information officer of the Delta Police Department.

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Help create miracles for kids in Colorado On Saturday, Dec. 22, all communities of Delta County will be helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. ‘Tis the season to come together as Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss and Paonia basketball fans raise money for Make-A-Wish Colorado, #21Strong. Bring your change!! Between the championship games of the First Colorado National Bank tournament on Saturday, Dec. 22, representatives of the four communities will have one minute to race into the stands to gather as much spare change as possible from fans. The winner will be announced at the end of the boys’ championship game. Prizes will be awarded.

All proceeds will benefit Make a Wish Colorado! #21Strong. This will be a high-energy minute of generosity. How much change can your community team donate? Pennies, dimes, quarters, $10 bills! Every little bit makes a huge difference! In this Miracle Minute, Delta County can create miracles for Colorado kids. Want to help sponsor, advertise, or further promote your community? For more information or to get involved contact Reagan. Clay@deltaschools. com or Shawna. Magtutu@deltaschools. com. This event sponsored by Delta High School Student Council and DHS Kids for Wish Kids.

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Holiday Hours

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Merry Christmas and Thanks for Shopping at Delta Hardware this past year! ��

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A6 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Area churches prepare for the birth of Christ Cedaredge Community Methodist Church 3rd & Aspen Sunday, Dec. 23 — The sermon, “Claim Our Giftedness,” is based on Luke 1:39-45. Communion will be served to all present. Monday, Dec. 24 —

Christmas Eve service with carols and candlelight led by The Ordinary Two, a singing duo from Denver with Cedaredge connections. 6 p.m. St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church 290 NW Cedar

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Cedaredge Sunday, Dec. 23 — Mass, 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Mass, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Mass, 8 a.m. Come rejoice in the birth of our Child Jesus. Sunday, Dec. 30 — Mass, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1 — Mass, 8 a.m. Eckert Presbyterian Church 13025 Highway 65 Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6:30 p.m. All Saints Lutheran Church 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service with communion, 7 p.m. Delta Christian Church 795 1600 Road Sunday, Dec. 23 — Coffee fellowship, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. Presbyterian Church of Delta 4th & Meeker Sunday, Dec. 23 — Morning worship, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6 p.m. Cowboy at the Cross Church Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service at the Delta Sales Yard, 700 West 5th Street, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 835-3897. Grace Community Church Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m. at Delta High School. Classic Christmas music, children’s choir and good news of great joy. Rivers Church 762 Dodge, Delta Sunday, Dec. 23 — Worship, 10 a.m., with a “Who’s-Ville” themed message: “Who’s Christmas About?” Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 6 to 7 p.m., with communion, Christmas story, carols, cookies and hot wassail.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 145 W. 5th Street, Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Carols and lessons, 7 p.m.; Holy communion, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Holy communion, 10:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31 — New Year’s Eve service, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day service, 10:15 a.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 1000 Pioneer Road, Delta Wednesday, Dec. 19 — Midweek Advent service, 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day communion service, 9 a.m. First Baptist Church of Delta 1250 Pioneer Road Sunday, Dec. 23 — The morning message, “Reconcile,” comes from Luke 2. Soup is served after the worship service every Sunday. This fellowship meal is prepared by members and anyone is welcome to attend. Monday, Dec. 24 — First Baptist is offering two Christmas Eve services with an old-fashioned candlelight service at 5 p.m. and a Vigil of Christmas at 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 — Karen Ethnic Baptist Fellowship is holding a Christmas dinner at 1 p.m. with a program at 3 p.m. at the church. Traditional authentic Karen food will be served and the program will include singing, sermons, and special music in the Karen language. The community is invited to come and share in this afternoon of worship. Tuesday, Jan. 1 — Celebrate Recovery ministry invites the community to a potluck supper at 6:30 p.m. and worship in song starting at 7 p.m. Cel-

ebrate Recovery meets weekly at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road in North Delta. Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church 298 Bert Street, Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Nativity Vigil, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Nativity Divine Liturgy, 9 a.m., followed by a festal potluck. Wednesday, Dec. 26 — Second day of Nativity, Synaxis of the Theotokos, Divine Liturgy, 8:30 a.m. St. Michael Church 628 Meeker Street Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Anticipatory Mass (bilingual), 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — English Mass, 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass, noon. Calvary Baptist Church 1290 A Street, Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight Christmas Eve service, 6 p.m. Delta United Methodist Church 477 Meeker Street Sunday, Dec. 23 — Contemporary worship, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; later worship, 10:45 a.m.; Spanish congregation, 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight service, 6 p.m. Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church 2nd and Orchard Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight service welcoming the Christ, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Hotchkiss 203 W. Main Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas cantata, 11 a.m. This year’s cantata, “Take Me Back To Bethlehem,” is a beautiful piece about the true meaning of Christmas. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 5 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church 602 5th Street Paonia Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight/carol service, 5 p.m.

Paonia Friends Church 409 3rd Street Paonia Friends Church is celebrating this season with a series called “God With Us.” Sunday, Dec. 23 — God With Us - Always, 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. This is a sweet, peaceful time of reading the Christmas story, communion and candle lighting followed by snacks. For additional information, call 527-6151. Bible Baptist Church 112 Main Street Olathe Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 10:30 a.m. Olathe Assembly of God Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Bible Church 8733 3100 Road, Lazear Friday, Dec. 21 — Caroling and chili supper, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas morning worship, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Candlelight communion service, 6 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints All congregations will have a special Christmas-themed program on Dec. 23. The entire community is invited to services that day. There will be a special program with music centered on the birth and mission of Jesus Christ. The programs will last just a little over an hour. The following are the meeting times for our units. Cedaredge Ward, 1395 SW 9th Street, Cedaredge — 10 a.m. Paonia Ward, 511 Oak Avenue, Paonia — 10 a.m. Delta and Uncompahgre Ward (combined), 1679 Pioneer Road, Delta — 10 a.m.

Concert review

Christmas songs from the heart

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BY CHARLIE HUFF

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Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association

On Monday, Dec. 10, the members of the DeltaMontrose Community Concert Association and their families, friends, neighbors and others of our communities, had the most enjoyable pleasure of attending the performance of baritone singer Leon Williams and his pianist, Carlos Avila, when they gave their special Christmas concert at the Delta Center for the Performing Arts and Education. It indeed

proved to be one of the most delightful and audience-appreciated concert performances to come to our valley. Leon Williams was born and raised in Harlem, N.Y. His mother was a local school music teacher who inspired him as a singer from his youngest days as he sang in their local church choir, to his decades-long career now as one of the great baritone singers, known in venues around the world. He is a performer in New York’s Broadway musicals and opera and played the role of Porgy from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in St. Petersburg, Russia. His current tours continue to take him to far-flung destinations to countries like Japan and Australia as well as concerts throughout the United States including Hawaii, where he now resides. He

and Carlos even found Delta, Colo. What a truly wonderful performance it was as he sang numerous traditional, classical and popular Christmas songs and compositions, a couple of which he had written himself. His affable personality, the audience sing-alongs that he encouraged, the stories that he shared with us, and the time graciously shared in the foyer with any who desired to meet and chat with him during the intermission and after the concert endeared him to all as his powerful voice and talents magnified the great spirit and meaning of Christmas. Also, to his credit, Leon gratefully and enthusiastically acknowledged the fabulous talent and performance of his pianist, Carlos Avila, who also awed the audience with his talents and skills at

our Baldwin grand piano. Leon gave Carlos the stage several times to perform absolutely stunning solo compositions, after each receiving a rousing round of applause. We enjoyed a nearcapacity audience for a uniquely great concert. If you were there, I’m sure you were glad you were; but if not, I’m sorry you missed it. However, your DMCCA brings us a variety of great performances of world-class entertainer talents for us, our families and friends — usually five per season. There are still three more in this our 70th season, the next concert to be here on Thursday, Feb. 28. It will feature “The Jersey Tenors.” Check our website for full details at www.del tamontroseconcerts.com. Till then, have a merry Christmas holiday and a great New Year!

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SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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NJHS inductees

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On Dec. 3, the Delta Middle School students pictured above were these students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). According to the NJHS website, “NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.” These students pledged to be model students and citizens. Pictured are Jeremiah Porter, Ryetta Davis, Pete Herren, Kyle Kincaide, Derek Boyd, Brett Sanchez, Kassidy Wear, Ava Shaball, Emmaleah Rains, Shayla Curtis, Jae Huff, Katie Edwards, Regann Alsdorf, Aylin Bayles, Lakayla Sheets, Janelle Marushack, Kylie Huff, Judah Neely, Annabelle Kraai, and John Dexter. Not pictured: Camilo Munoz and Zoey Shean.

She has enjoyed learning at home. She is also an accomplished gymnast. She just performed in a exhibition at the Friendship Hall in Montrose where she performed six standing back tucks in a row! David Bryant, a third grader on the Delta campus, is the son of Wes and Amanda Bryant. He is a hard worker and cares for everyone. He recently completed a WOW project on Mars. He was really excited to talk on Mars as he took an interest in Mars during his STEM class. He made a video where he presented as a weatherman on Mars. He also enjoys his community class at Delta Music and is a very

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Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

Vision learners showcased Vision Charter Acade- classes. He would like to my Learners in the lime- pursue a career in either light for this month: the math or science field. In addition to higher level academics, Brandon also excels in tennis. He qualified for the Fruita High School varsity tennis team this fall and placed first at regionals. Brandon completed his merit badge awards for the Boy Scouts and now plans on pursuing his Eagle Scout badge within the next year. Brandon advocates for himself and communicates progress in his courses with his Brandon Miller highly qualified coordinaBrandon Miller is tor monthly. Not only is a sophomore at Vision Brandon an exemplar of Charter Academy and the academics, he is a wellson of Mark and Sandra rounded young man who Miller. He excels not only excels in his sport and academically, but also in Boy Scouts while enjoytennis and Boy Scouts. ing hunting and snowmoAs a freshman, Brandon biling in his free time. took a heavy academic load and finished his year completing two AP tests. He earned scores of a 3 and 5. As a sophomore he is taking three AP courses — AP American History, AP Calculus and AP Computer Science, along with his other core

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accomplished drummer, currently learning many advance drumming techniques in his class. David plays in the drums as part of the adult worship team at Church Without Walls and he is striving to become a professional drummer one day.

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David Bryant

THE TEAM YOU TRUST

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Paula Strickland of Delta has been named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for the fall 2018 term. Full-time students who achieve a grade point average of 3.600 or higher at the end of any Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean’s List at the college. Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college located in the southern Finger Lakes region of New York.

Mckenzie Howell Mckenzie Howell is an eighth grader from Montrose and the daughter of Johnathon and Nicole Howell. This is her first year at Vision Charter Academy. She is making amazing progress academically. She loves learning and has consistently kept her GPA at a 4.0. She has had a lot of fun with science. The experiments have been the most interesting because they have not always gone as planned!

GET UP TO

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ON SELECT SETS OF 4 GOODYEAR TIRES WITH INSTALLATION

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GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above in the front row are kindergarten students Zaden Ingram, Carter Stoddard, Dalten Summers, Lily Albrecht and Leslie Felix. In the back row are ﬁrst graders Dayson Crespin, Cesc Payan, Ayla Kruger and Analia Lopez. Below are second and third graders (front row) Whitney Brack, Brody McMillan, Danny Huff, Lauren Spaedt; (back row) Shelby Mishoe, Aliyah Lopez, Gabby Cardenas and Armando Aparicio.

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A8 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

High altitude challenge fuels critical thinking BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo submitted

Poster contest winners

Students from Delta County competed in the Elks Lodge anti-drug poster contest. Lincoln Elementary students took ﬁrst through third place. Gemma Leib (third place), Jasmin Saenz (second place) and Avery Lewis (ﬁrst place) are pictured with Elks members Clarence Mansker and Willie Gordon. The three girls received money from the Elks and their posters will go on to the state competition.

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For the fourth year in a row, Delta High School instructor Ben Magtutu has issued a high-altitude challenge to his AP Physics II students. This year’s class aspires to climb to heights that have eluded the previous three teams. They not only hope to reach an altitude of 120,000 feet with their payload, they also want to capture the entire flight on video. That feat has also eluded previous teams; students believe the cold air temperatures cause the GoPro camera to cease functioning. Those factors were uppermost in their minds when the DHS juniors and seniors put together their initial designs for the 2018-2019 challenge. As in years past, they were told they needed to send a useful scientific payload to a minimum of 120,000 feet and return it safely to their possession, all while tracking the entire flight, adhering to FCC and FAA regulations, and meeting other criteria established by Magtutu.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Because weather balloons have failed to reach the target altitude of 120,000 feet, the team “Mission Impossible” proposes to include a rocket that will be launched when the balloon fails. Above, Ben Cooper and Sarah Bules watch as Reagan Clay draws a simple outline of the design “because no one has ever thought of this idea and we couldn’t ﬁnd a picture that would be even close.”

After discussing and absorbing the best ideas, three teams produced �� a formal, technical pre�� sentation for communi�� ty members and school administrators. Designs �� were rated in a number �� of technical and non-tech�� nical categories. Results �� were tabulated and the �� team that proposed to �� measure air resistance was granted full funding �� for its project. �� The team “Mission �� Impossible,” comprised of �� Reagan Clay, Sarah Bules �� and Ben Cooper, proposes placing a rocket inside �� a weather balloon. Once �� the balloon reaches a cerDELTA COUNTY �� tain height, they said it �� will pop and the rocket �� will shoot off, carrying the payload beyond the �� capacity of the balloon. The payload would be contained within a cylinder made with the school’s 3D printer. In previous years, the �� GoPro camera shut off at about 100,000 feet. “Our theory is that it gets too �� cold, so in the payload we will create a vacuum so �� the temperature can not change,” they said. �� During the flight, they plan to track air resis�� tance and study the correlation to the distance �� traveled by the rocket. The team of Andrew �� Baier, Amelia Lousignont, Rowyn Carmichael and �� Kendyll Siettmann presented a plan to observe � the ozone layer above Delta. Their design was �� based largely on what’s �� worked well in the past. �� “We hope to make it work even better and get up to �� 120,000 feet,” they said at the Dec. 5 presentation. To do that, they proposed to use carbon fiber to lighten the payload, and to experiment to determine the optimum amount of helium for the balloon. Carbon fiber is also a better insulator, which should help address issues with the GoPro camera.

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Bethany Weaver, Ethan Bates, Ashley Trevino, Kyle Mock and Yovana Caballero wanted to gather information about radiation as they launched a rocket into the atmosphere. Theirs would be the first group to build a rocket, they said. They planned to build their own engine, which would be contained in a carbon fiber frame. A Geiger counter would measure radiation. They said the 7-foot-tall rocket would weigh about 300 pounds. At an estimated cost of $5,000, their project was the most expensive. The biggest expense was fuel for both the launch and for ignition tests beforehand. Given the flammable nature of the fuel, a number of questions addressed safety precautions. The students said they would be able to run tests on the fuel, but there would be no practice launch. “The first time we launch this will be the last one,” they said. “I’m having a hard time spending $5,000 when I’m not sure it will be successful,” said one staff member. Team members assured her that all students at Delta High School are committed to success. Although only one design moves forward, all students will be involved in implementation. Magtutu said there are roles for a climatologist, safety engineers, chief financial officer and more. “Each student gets an assignment and together they make this work,” he said. “It turns into a simulation of something much bigger.” Magtutu noted the last three years have produced three successful experiments and three successful payload recoveries. “This is one of the neatest things I’ve been part of,” he said.

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Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Dec. 12. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) were: (back row, left to right) Alexa Diaz (perserverance), Landen Ficklin (diligence), Anna Jones (teamwork), Jonnie Rule (respect), Alexis Kirkman (citizenship), Janelle Christie (diligence); (middle row) Sherlene Medina (integrity), Case Martinez (trustworthiness), Brooklyn Carlquist (kindness), Kora Graff (respect), Arnell Sheets (self discipline), Nathaniel Quammen (citizenship); (front row) Zoey Springer (diligence), Ariah Smith (diligence), Aden Zamora (character) and Dylon Ramage (diligence).

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Sharon Gray

Longtime Pea Green resident Sharon Ann Gray died Dec. 11, 2018, at her home. She was 68. Funeral services were held Dec. 15 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Sharon Ann Gray was born Jan. 31, 1950, in Ada, Okla., to Harold and Geneva (Nix) Smith. She

moved from Ada, Okla., to Delta in 1963. Mrs. Gray enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, taking care of her bestie, Molly Brown, flower gardening, learning about trading commodities and home makeover shows. She is survived by four children, Michael (Kim) Isom, Kelly Weber, Stacy (Joshua) Johnson and Brian (Lacey) Gray, all of Delta; 13 grandchildren, Kayden Isom, Zachary Weber, Megan Weber, Maya, Johnson, Kyree Johnson, Emmalee Johnson, Colton Johnson, Lola Gray, Olivia Gray and Jackson Gray; one greatgrandchild; and former husband, Jack Gray. She was preceded in

death by her parents and her former spouse, Rick Isom. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Larry Kuepfer

Larry Kuepfer died Dec. 15, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. He was 60. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Mesa View Mennonite Church, 6223 5550 Road, Olathe, with Gregg Koehn and Richard Mininger officiating. Burial will follow in the Cory Cemetery. Larry Allen Kuepfer was born Dec. 15, 1957, to

John William (Bill) Quain Sept. 21, 1930 ~ Dec. 13, 2018 John William (Bill) Quain was born Sept. 21, 1930, to William Henry Quain and Gertrude Ellen Quain at Phoenix, Ariz. He attended school in Phoenix, Mesa, Winkelman, Mammoth, and Arizona areas where the family lived until 1947 when they moved to the Mayer area. He graduated from Mayer High School in 1948 as valedictorian. Bill worked with his father on road construction until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1950 and served 18 months in France and Germany until his honorable discharge in December 1954. He then resumed working on road construction within Arizona before going to work at Tenny Feed Store in Prescott, Ariz. Bill married Helen Stella Sanders Dec. 22, 1955, at the First Baptist Church in Fruita, Colo., by Rev. Will H. Muston. To this union two children were born, James W. and Diana L. Bill and Helen lived in Prescott, Ariz., until July 1956 when they moved to the New Liberty community northwest of Mack, Colo., to the farm owned by Helen’s parents, Zella and Robert W. Sanders, Sr. with the intention of taking over the family farm. In 1957 Bill became unable to work the farm and spent many months in the Grand Junction Veterans Administration Hospital. In late April 1958 he was sent to the Denver Veterans Hospital for treatment.

Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in July 1958 and endured the disease’s many effects losing the use of his legs at that time and spending the rest of his life wheelchair bound. Bill was a true warrior and was an inspiration to all that knew him, always with a smile on his face and with words of encouragement to all his family and friends. Discouragement was not a word in his vocabulary. Bill was an avid reader of all history and World War II books until he could not turn the pages without help. He loved God’s great outdoor creation, hunting, fishing and camping until he was physically unable to do so. The family moved to the North Fork area near Hotchkiss, Colo., to a farm purchased in November 1963. Bill loved to look out the windows at the beautiful mountains near their home until September 2018 when entering the GJVAMC Community Living Center where he passed away and went to be with his source of strength, Jesus Christ,

his Lord and Savior. Bill was an active member of the First Baptist Church at Hotchkiss, Colo., from 1964 to 2010, serving many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Adjutant for Black Canyon VFW Post 9333 at Hotchkiss, Colo., for many years, and as VFW District 11 Inspector, Department of Colorado for two years. Bill is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Helen S. Quain, of Hotchkiss, Colo.; son, James W. and wife, Tashina of Palisade; daughter, Diana L. and husband, Richard Tourney of Vancouver, Wash.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by both his parents; brothers, Robert C. Quain and C. Tom Quain of Arizona; sister, E. Sirena Acrey of Utah. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Bible Church, 8733 3100 Road, Lazear, Colo., with Pastor Jim Jesser officiating. Interment will be Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palisade Funeral Home. Paid obituary

Peggy J. Christian February 24, 1931 December 16, 2018

Long time North Fork resident, Peggy J. (Peg) Christian, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 87 years old. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2019. Cremation has taken place. Peggy J. Christian was born on February 24,1931 to Augustus M. and Fern Edson Jardon in Hotchkiss, CO, and she grew up there. Peggy graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1949. On June 6, 1949 Peggy married the love of her life, Sidney L. Christian, in Delta, Colorado. In June of this year Peggy and Sid would have celebrated 69 years of marriage. Sid passed away in May 2018. Peg was a housewife, and she enjoyed her family, especially her grandkids, playing golf, ﬁshing, her crafts, her ﬂower gardens, going on “buggy” rides with Sid and her little dog Callie. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister, a daughterin-law Kelly Ann, and a grandson Ryan. Among her survivors is her three sons: Roger and David of Hotchkiss, Larry (Kelly) Christian of Rangely, eight grandchildren: Megan Dillon (Martin) of Conifer, Lindee (Sean) Cantrell of Hotchkiss, Joseph Christian (Becky) of Hotchkiss, Clay Christian (Kayla) of Carson, WA, Jordan Christian of Carson, WA, Cody Christian of Grand Junction, Cory Christian (Mykell) of Rangely, and Sean Christian (Alysce) of Livermore, CO, as well as 13 great grandchildren: Sid and Mitch Dillon of Conifer, Marissa and Jared Cantrell of Hotchkiss, Joseph Jr. of Hotchkiss, David, Marlea and Tyler of Carson, WA, Aydan and Taylor of Grand Junction, Gavyn and Cooper of Rangely, and Connor of Livermore. 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

Carl and Ellen (Mininger) Kuepfer in Alma, Mich. He spent his childhood and attended school in Harrison, Mich. On Dec. 24, 1981, he married Carolyn Ann White. He was a truck driver prior to retiring. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and visits with Johnathan. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kuepfer of Austin; parents, Carl and Ellen Kuepfer of Goltry, Okla.; a son, Michael (Marie) Coffman of Ponca City, Okla.; three brothers, Mark (Sharon) Kuepfer, Gene (Becky) Kuepfer and Dave (Carry) Kuepfer of Goltry, Okla.; a sister, Cherry Dirksen of Goltry, Okla.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and three aunts. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mesa View Mennonite Church, c/o Kevan Wedel, 4234 Cedar Rd., Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Albert Every

Albert J. Every, a longtime resident of Hotchkiss, died Dec. 8, 2018. He was 93. He was born April 26, 1925, to Walter and Martha Every in Delta. On May 31, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy West, in Hotchkiss. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and had a varied career working as a farmer, meat cutter, uranium and coal miner, heavy equipment operator and mechanic. After moving to Florida in 2001, he spent his retirement years as a volunteer with Wycliffe Associates supporting Bible translation. He is survived by a sister, Clara Beyeler of Fruita; two sons, David (Marilyn) Every of Seattle, Wash., and Norm (Lanita) Every of Clermont, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Steve Every, Julie Brown, Heidi Bhise, Tom Every, Deanna Scott, Lanelle Emerson and Melanie Carroll; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife; one daughter; six brothers; and two sisters. A family memorial service will be held at a later time, with burial in Hotchkiss. Memorial gifts may be sent to Wycliffe Associates or Deaf Missions.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Dennis Turner

Longtime Hotchkiss resident Dennis Turner died Dec. 11, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 84. At his request, no services will be held. Dennis Ray Turner was born April 21, 1934, to Clell and Bertha Mae (Linman) Turner in Crawford. He spent his childhood and attended school in Crawford, graduating from Crawford High School in 1953. He attended college for a year, working to obtain a degree in engineering. On March 6, 1955, he married Laura Wood in Hotchkiss. Just a few days later, he enlisted with the U.S. Army. After the Army he was a farmer on the Missouri flats in Crawford. In 1971, the family moved from Crawford to Hotchkiss and Mr. Turner went to work for Hotchkiss Plumbing. After it burned down he worked for Quinn Coal and then at Colorado Westmoreland before retiring from West Elk Coal Mine in 2011. He was a member of the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge. Crawford Historical Society and a founding member of the North

Fork Ambulance Association. He enjoyed fishing, camping, farming and sharing his knowledge of the electrical trade with his grandson. He enjoyed teaching kids on field trips to the museum and family genealogy. He traced the Linman family back to Sweden, which included trips to Sweden and visits here from Swedish family members. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Laura Turner; daughter, Renae (Wade) Meredith; son, Robert (Cindy) Turner; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Hotchkiss Crawford Historical Society, PO Box 724, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Norman Shetley

Delta resident Norman E. Shetley died Dec. 17, 2018, at Horizons Care Center. He was 94. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Delta United Methodist Church. He is survived by his sons, Randy (Vickey) Shetley and Mark Shetley. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Gary. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

OBITUARY POLICY

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

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

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LOCAL NEWS AARP offers drivers ed The AARP Smart Driver program will be offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center on Monday, Jan. 21, Monday, Feb. 18 and Monday, March 18. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; call the instructor, Carol Layton, at 970-399-3113 to register.

Christmas by Candlelight

Photos submitted

Chorus director Allyson Connally leads the Valley Symphony Association Chorus during Christmas by Candlelight X. On the right are cellist Christian DaCosta and violinist Nora Kniskern (background). Concerts were held at the Montrose Pavilion on Dec. 1 and 2. The regional all-volunteer music organization is in its 48th season of bringing classical music to the Western Slope.

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Photo submitted

Members of Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 in Delta honor their fellow veterans who are prisoners of war or missing in action and unable to attend the 2018 holiday dinner with their fellow veterans and families as they explain the signiﬁcance of each feature of the table to those who were present. Left to right: Randy Forsythe, post adjutant; Greg Jackson, post commander; David Rowland, post chaplain; Jim Baker, post service ofﬁcer.

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Delta County Independent

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Veterans remember POWs, MIAs at holiday dinner About 40 members and former members of the Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 and its ladies auxiliary attended a holiday dinner Dec. 10. It was billed as a holiday dinner because it was too late for Thanksgiving and too early for Christmas, both important family

holidays for many veterans. The dinner was preceded by a POW/MIA missing man ceremony in honor of those veterans who still are prisoners of war or missing in action and unable to attend the dinner with their fellow veterans and their fam-

Health care plan selections increase

More than 156,000 Coloradans selected health care coverage for 2019 through the state health insurance Marketplace through Dec. 15, a rate 5 percent ahead of signups one year ago, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado®. Seventeen percent of the medical plan selections are by customers who are new to Connect for Health Colorado and 83 percent are renewing customers. “I am happy with the pace of sign-ups for health insurance plans that take effect Jan. 1,” said Connect for Health Colorado CEO Kevin Patterson. “But we are still enrolling Coloradans who buy their own health insurance. For anyone who does not yet have coverage in place, it’s time to go to our site and pick your coverage for next year.”

While many states have concluded their open enrollment periods, open enrollment in Colorado runs to Jan. 15, for insurance that will take effect Feb. 1. “As a state-based health insurance marketplace, we are able to adjust our operations to best meet the needs of the residents of our state,” Patterson said. “This year, that has meant introducing a streamlined process for obtaining financial help, improving our online tool for choosing a health plan and extending the enrollment period beyond the holidays.”

ilies. The 2018 holiday dinner was planned as the first of many veteran get-togethers at the American Legion Post 65 as their members work to rebuild the organization and strive to help their fellow veterans in the area.

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Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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Hawk-eyed volunteers are invited to count birds during the annual Audubon Christmas bird count Dec. 16 through Jan. 5. Each year, the bird count mobilizes over 70,000 volunteers in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could not accomplish on their own. Data compiled by volunteers in the area records every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast citizen science network that continues a tradition stretching back more than 100 years. The Audubon Society and other organizations like the BLM use data collected by volunteers to assess the health of bird populations and help guide conservation actions. The count takes place within count circles,

which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is overseen by a count compiler. Count circles are assigned to participants at the meeting sites below. Novice birders will join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a count circle, you can participate from home and report the birds that visit your feeder. The counts will take place on the following dates and locations: Sunday, Dec. 23, Delta — Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the City Market parking lot in Delta to receive

The Denver Nuggets Basketball Skills Challenge comes to Bill Heddles Recreation Center

do Brass Quintet. Plus, you will be helping the AC/DC with next year’s exciting events. Admission to the concert of $10 will be cut in half with the donation of canned goods for area food banks. For just $5 per person, you can help AC/DC and the food banks while enjoying an extra special Christmas concert.

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Monday, Jan. 7. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; competition is scheduled at 10 a.m. This free basketball skills competition is open to boys and girls ages 613. Participants will be divided into gender and age groups (age as of April 30, 2019). A birth certificate is required at time of registration to advance to the sectional competition. The Denver Nuggets Basketball Skills Challenge is a basketball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in dribbling, passing and shoot-

ing. The youth program is produced by the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Parks & Recreation Association with support from the City of Delta. Top scorers from each age group advance to a sectional competition. Top sectional scorers from each age group advance to the state championship to be held in conjunction with a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center in March. For more information, call Whitnee Lear at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 970-874-0923, or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

Start 2019 with a First Day Hike Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to welcome a new year by once again participating in First Day Hikes. Over 30 events are scheduled in state parks across Colorado on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. CPW invites you to ring in 2019 by spending your day outside at a Colorado state park. “Since 2012, state parks across Colorado and the nation have offered hikes on January 1st to encourage individuals and families to begin the New Year with a rejuvenating and healthy hike at their local state park,” says Crystal Dreiling, Trinidad Lake State Park Manager. “Led by park staff or volunteers, First

Day Hikes encourage outdoor exploration and enjoyment as a healthy lifestyle choice, while at the same time remind the public that outdoor recreation can be enjoyed year-round!” Coloradans can find a nearby First Day Hike by visiting the Colorado Parks and Wildlife First Day Hikes web page, or by locating an event on the stateparks.org website. First Day Hikes was created to offer everyone an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors at a state park close to home. After joining the national program in 2012, each new year has seen growth in the number of Colorado state parks participating in the

Chautauquans featured in oral history program The oral history presentation hosted by the Mesa County Historical Society and the Museums of Western Colorado will be both yummy and entertaining. The annual cookie exchange will be held and two local chatauquans will provide entertainment. This event takes place Thursday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 South 4th Street, Grand Junction.

The chautauquans are Richard Nixon, as presented by Anthony Booth of the Young Chautauqua from Grand Junction High School, and Angeline Roles as Roxy the Riveter of the Grand Valley Chautauqua Players. For more information contact MCHS president Priscilla Mangnall at 970-260-5226 or at Priscilla.Mangnall@gmail. com or contact the Loyd Files Research Library at (970) 242-0971, ext. 209.

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All volunteers need to bring warm clothes (dress for weather), snack and/ or lunch, drinks, binoculars, spotting scope (if you have one) and bird identification books. Volunteers will receive maps of birding areas, checklists of birds that may be observed and additional instructions. For more information about the Christmas bird count, visit Audubon’s website at http://www. audubon.org/join-christ mas-bird-count. For additional information call the numbers listed above or contact Bruce Ackerman of Black Canyon Audubon at Bruceackermanaud@aol. com.

Recreation center hosts basketball skills challenge

Sing along with AC/DC Arts Coalition of Delta County (AC/DC) presents a Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue. Not only will you hear some great Christmas music, you will hear the glory of the brass with solos, duets, trios and the first formal performance of the Western Colora-

maps, data sheets and directions for conducting surveys. Contact Amy Seglund at 970-252-6014 or amy.seglund@state. co.us if you are interested in participating or need additional information. Saturday, Jan. 5, Hotchkiss — Meet at 8 a.m. at the City Market parking lot in Hotchkiss to get into small groups. Coffee and bottled water will be provided. Volunteer Andrea Robinsong will be hosting a catered gathering at her house following the count. Please contact Adam Petry for more information or to RSVP at 970-462-8702 or petry@westernbiology. com.

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program. This year, visitors can look forward to enjoying hikes and walks at more than 25 participating state parks. Visitors participating in First Day Hikes will be able to start the year off on the right foot by spending the day in some of Colorado’s most spectacular nature. Hikers can expect to enjoy winter landscapes with striking views, and in some parks, benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide. Hikes will range from fun walks to more challenging 6-mile hikes throughout the park, and even an 11-mile hike if you are feeling up to the challenge. Many parks will also be providing light refreshments to warm up after your winter adventure. All hikes are free of charge, but visitors must possess a valid annual or daily parks pass to participate. In 2018, nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year with First Day Hikes, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country on the guided hikes. Many others hiked state park trails throughout the day, taking advantage of the resources America’s state parks have to offer. This year, begin your New Year by creating a connection to nature in a Colorado state park. Spending time outdoors is good for the body and mind, and has the ability

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to lift moods and leave us feeling more creative. With a variety of hikes in ability level and length, First Day Hikes are the perfect activity to begin your year on the right note. Remember to dress for the winter weather with lots of layers, and to bring water and snacks for the journey! Whether planning to participate in a First Day Hike, reserving a spring campsite or scheduling hunter education courses, you can start your 2019 outdoor adventures by visiting cpw.state.co.us.

Winter dance begins Jan. 15 The winter dance session begins at Bill Heddles Recreation Center the week of Jan. 15. Instructor Linda Dysart offers classes in beginning ballet, intermediate ballet, advanced jazz/ballet, beginning jazz, intermediate jazz and preschool dance. A complete schedule can be obtained from Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923. Dysart can be reached at 250-7834. The cost is $65 for the 10-week session and recital.

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A12 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

CAFO group presents findings to planners, BoCC BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

One of the recommendations of the county Master Plan adopted in May 2018 was to form a Concentrated Animal Feed Operation (CAFO) working group to help the county define and develop regulations for CAFOs. The CAFO working group and county staff met with Delta County Commissioners and county planning commission members Dec. 5 to discuss their findings. A source of community conflict during the Master Plan update concerned future concentrated animal feeding operations. Residents expressed con-

cern about CAFOs locating near them, and producers expressed concern about being able to grow and evolve their agricultural operations to stay economically viable. The county’s current regulations are not considered consistent, fair or predictable, creating uncertainty for residents and applicants. In June 2018 commissioners Doug Atchley, Don Suppes and Mark Roeber appointed six members to the CAFO working group, members selected to achieve a balance of interests. Members are Tom Kay, Steve Harper, Jacob Gray, Dave Whittlesey, Les Mergel-

man and Patrick Dooling of Western Slope Conservation Center. County administrator Robbie LeValley and county community and economic development director Elyse Casselberry served as staff to the CAFO working group. The group met almost weekly from the middle of June through the second week of October. The group spent significant time trying to develop a definition of what a Delta County CAFO should be. They began by focusing on research, including EPA and state regulations, and regulations from other counties and states. The group met

Alvey reappointed to Colorado River board BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Dec. 3 meeting the Delta Board of County Commissioners reappointed Tom Alvey to the Colorado River Water Conservation District Board. Alvey has served on the CRWCD board since 2009, and as president of the board for the last two years. “I would say that the river district board is the most involved and thoughtful board I have served on and I am proud to have been a part of it for the past nine years,” Alvey said. “I am honored to be able to represent Delta County on the river district board. “Water is our most important resource and we must protect it and use it wisely.” Alvey noted that the CRWCD has been looking out for the interests of western Colorado since 1937 and was formed to

protect and conserve the waters of the Colorado River Basin, advocating for the basin and the state on matters involving the Colorado River. Over the last nine years the river district led and completed the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement, a historic agreement with Denver Water to settle a longtime battle over Denver water rights, which has important benefits for the Western Slope. The river district recognized and focused attention on the risks to water users from over use of the compact water entitlements and helped ensure that no new transmountain diversion have been approved. The river district has supported the State Water Plan and the roundtable process by providing technical input and support. “We remain closely involved in shaping Colorado’s Drought Contin-

gency Plan,” Alvey said. “In addition to policy concerns, the river district owns and operates Woford Mountain and Elkhead reservoirs, two important storage units which help maintain flows on the Colorado River. “Locally, the river district has provided grants to water users throughout the county for projects in the North Fork, Surface Creek and Uncompaghre areas. Delta County has benefited enormously from the river district’s efforts to secure and promote federal grants and the RCPP program, which is bringing millions of dollars of irrigation improvements to the area,” he said. Alvey is also current president of the North Fork Water Conservancy District and on the boards of the Leroux Creek Water Users Association and the Highline and Ellington Ditch companies.

with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Mesa County, Montrose County and Weld County. Members individually researched other counties and states. A significant library of resources was developed. The group was not able to get to consensus, although some key ideas and concepts discussed had broad support from the group, as did the general outline of the definition, thresholds where setbacks increased, neighbor notification and thresholds in the review process. The key issue that kept the group from coming to consensus was setbacks. One key issue where consensus was reached is in the definition of what is not considered a CAFO. All members of the group agreed that a CAFO is not a livestock operation

where animals are moved between winter and summer pastures or confinement of replacement livestock on property where other livestock are grazing. County staff will work over the next six to nine months to develop new land use regulations

that incorporate a new CAFO definition and set of criteria. Members of the CAFO working group may be asked to come back together to provide feedback and input to staff. These land use regulations will be subject to public review and input.

DCED announces quarterly meeting Delta County Economic Development announces its next quarterly business meeting, to be held Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge. Investors are invited to attend the meeting, which will include a light lunch. Updates from the county, ENGAGE, and the Town of Cedaredge are antici-

pated. Investors may RSVP to www.deltacounty ed.org to attend. Stacey Voigt, executive director, also reports two open seats for board members. To be eligible to be voted onto the board an organization is required to invest at the $500 (minimum) level. Voting will take place during the annual meeting in April.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Dancing real estate agents

RE/MAX Today real estate agents Nancy Wood and Jennifer Thomas observed National REALTOR® Ring Day by manning the Salvation Army kettles at the Walmart store in Delta Wednesday, Dec. 5. They discovered that a lively dance brought a little more jingle to the red kettles.

First Colorado National Bank Jack Hawkins Alumni Games Varsity Women

Varsity Men

December 21st - 3 PM & December 22nd - 1 PM

Alumni Friends Men

Most points wins

Alumni Friends Women

Championship

Delta High School

NORTH FORK December 19, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Hotchkiss community invited to dinner The annual Hotchkiss community Christmas Day dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, at the Hotchkiss Senior Center, 276 W. Main Street. A traditional meal of smoked turkey and ham and all the fixings will be served. Diners are asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share if possible. Deliveries can be made in advance to Pat’s Bar & Grill. Making the event run smoothly takes a lot of helping hands. Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to arrive at 10 a.m. Takeout is available on request, and free home delivery is available in the Hotchkiss area for those who

Santa to visit Hotchkiss Saturday Santa will visit the Hotchkiss Fire Station Saturday, Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet Santa in a peaceful non-commercial setting. Tour the station and see the trucks and other equipment. Enjoy refreshments and gifts for the children. The entire event is free. The fire station is located at 193 Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss.

are unable to attend the dinner. To arrange for takeout or delivery, please contact the Senior Center at 872-3494, Hotchkiss Town Hall at 8723663, or Larry Jakubiak at 260-9628. The meal is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to help defray costs.

Railroad crossing to be closed Union Pacific Railroad is closing the Cedar Street crossing in Hotchkiss beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21. The crossing is not expected to reopen until 4 p.m. If you need to access the Town of Hotchkiss from the north side of the railroad track, the town advises you use the one-way down by Knob Hill Drive. If you need to access areas north of the railroad track — Willow Heights or Barrow Mesa — two routes are available. Travel north on 4th Street, cross the railroad track, turn left on Juniper Street, turn right on Ash Lane, turn right on Aspen Lane and turn left on Maple. Or, travel east on Highway 92. Turn right on 3300 Road, right on L-50 Road and right on Barrow Mesa Road. Signage will be in place.

Photo submitted

Paonia Junior-Senior High School shop student Anthony Miller and Paonia Elementary School kindergartener Daven Booth work together to put together a birdhouse kit for Christmas. Miller was one of several students of PJSHS shop teacher Blaine Escher who made and delivered the kits to PES and helped students to build them as gifts for friends and family.

Kindergarteners given gift of building birdhouses PJSHS shop teacher Blaine Escher’s industrious students designed, measured, cut, and started the houses, and delivered birdhouse kits to the elementary school. Side-by-side, the elves screwed on the roof and base of each house. It warmed every heart to see the older students put their arms on their apprentices’ shoulders as they said, “C’mon, let’s

SPECIAL TO THE DCI

Paonia Junior-Senior High School students recently shared their wood-building skills with kindergarteners at Paonia Elementary School. Children, big and small, worked together to open their own version of Santa’s Workshop by building birdhouses for their families and friends.

go build a birdhouse.” How proud the kindergarteners were to use their hands and real tools to build. “My students said, ‘Making 40 birdhouses in three days was worth how happy that made those kids,’ ” said Mr. Escher. To make it more special, a generous Secret Santa Papaw purchased all the boards for the project.

Exciting additions made to Crossroads Park The North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District is excited to announce some fun new additions at Crossroads Park. For those of you who don’t know, Crossroads Park is the name of the property owned by the North Fork Pool Park and Recreation District. You know this location as the “pool,” but there’s so much

more than just a pool! For example, last week a climbing boulder, balance log and shade structure were installed on the property. Come out and climb! These super fun additions are adjacent to the bike pump track built this summer. These items, plus a bike trail complex around the property built last summer

and a challenge course still to be installed, are products of a GOCO Inspire grant received by our neighbor and partner, The Nature Connection. When you come to climb or bike, check out the widened road — just the first step in building the ballfield complex. Dirt work begins soon and there will be an official groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, at the site of the future ballfields at Crossroads Park, 333 Bulldog Street, Hotchkiss. For more information, call Lenore

Cambria, district administrato, at 970-872-6122. According to Cambria, there’s just one thing missing — picnic tables! She says, “There is still time and the opportunity to leave a legacy by contributing a picnic table in the name of someone special or your business or organization name.” If you are interested in donating all or part of a table, please contact Cambria at 970-872-6122. She thanked the following businesses and individuals for their help with this

latest project at Crossroads Park: Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Kat Fitzpatrick and Priscilla Williams from The Nature Connection, Anita Evans for securing the GOCO grant, ID Sculpture, ASAP Construction, North Fork Recreation facilities manager Chris Straub, Delta Schools building maintenance crew, Delta County commissioners who pledged the support of the Delta County Road and Bridge Department, Delta Timber Company, Trail Tectonics, and Steady Hand Carpentry.

Photo submitted

Lenore Cambria, NFPPRD district administrator, explores the climbing boulder.

Photo submitted

There have been some fun additions to Crossroads Park in Hotchkiss.

Paonia moving to three-day trash pickup Wednesday, Jan. 2 — Friday, Jan. 4 — normal schedule.

Oak

Alder

6th

Orchard

Peaceful

7th

5th

eric Pan Am

Rio Grande

Monday

Lamborn

Minnesota

Colorado

Wednesday

Friday

Dorris

M ea

– Key –

Map by Delta County Independent

Clark

Delta

Oak

Orchard

2nd

1st

3rd

Paonia

1st

Vista

Freedom

2nd

3rd

Poplar

3rd

North Fork

4th Box Elder

4th

Onarga

With the approval of Hotchkiss trustees, Hotchkiss Town Hall will be closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25. Crawford Town Hall will close at noon Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Christmas Day. Crawford Town Hall will also be closed Tuesday, Jan. 1. Paonia Town Hall will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 25, through Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Town of Paonia Trash Routes

Shady

Town halls close for Christmas

ule. Monday, Dec. 31 — Normal schedule.

schedule. Wednesday, Dec. 26 — Friday, Dec. 28 — normal sched-

Grand

In an effort to increase efficiency and use of staff time, the Town of Paonia is moving to a three-day trash pick-up route schedule, effective Jan. 2. The routes are divided into

three zones (see map). Those living in the zone between Box Elder and Delta avenues are most directly affected, as trash is currently picked up on Thursdays and will now be picked up on Fridays. For more information, contact the Town Hall at 970527-4101. During the holidays, Paonia Town Hall will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 25, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Bill payments can be placed in the secure drop box to the left of the Town Hall entrance. Building contractors requiring inspections during this time can contact Dan Reardon at 970-275-4937 or dreardon@coloradocode.net to schedule an appointment. Anyone living within town limits who has an emergency during this closure is asked to call Delta County Dispatch at 970-874-2015. Trash pickup service for Paonia residents will run as follows: Monday, Dec. 24 — normal

Main

Staff Writer

Niagara

BY TAMIE MECK

do w br oo k

B2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Correction Former Paonia trustees disagree with information included in the Dec. 12 North Fork Times article, “After Four Frustrating Years, Paonia Ready to Bring Water

Tank Online,” specifically, the paragraph on page two beginning with “No one was held responsible for the problems...” The paragraph states that former town manag-

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Retirement celebration planned for Jan Ryan

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er Jane Berry and public works committee members David Bradford and Ross King made the decision not to hold anyone responsible for problems related to repairs on the one-million gallon Clock water tank. The decision, said Bradford, was made by the Board of Trustees following executive sessions held in 2015, during which trustees received legal advice regarding damage to the tank the many factors that played into the problems, and the difficulty and costs the town would likely incur if blame were placed on any individual or contractor. The decision, which was intended to move the project forward and get the tank back online, was included in a vote taken by the board at the Sept. 8, 2015, meeting, which awarded a concrete bid of $184,280 to PNCI Construction.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Methodist Women present checks

Paonia United Methodist Women’s Group president Peggy Szvetecz (pictured above) presents a $500 check to North Fork Ambulance board member Bonnie Eisenberg and executive director Kathy Steckel at the Dec. 13 Christmas brunch at Fellowship Hall to honor local volunteers. The money will go toward education while the association transitions from a membership-based nonproﬁt to a special taxing district. At the right, Szvetecz presents a check to Gail Srebnik with the Delta County Library Literacy Program. The program provides a wide range of literacy needs to adults and families throughout the county. The organizations were selected, said Szvetecz, because they serve the UMW mission by “serving women and children in a very signiﬁcant way.”

After 18 years with the Crawford Community Library, Jan Ryan is retiring. The Friends of the Crawford Library are hosting a reception in her honor Saturday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library. All are invitBY RANDY SUNDERLAND ed; refreshments will be General Manager served and Ryan will be In November the honored for her contributions to the local library. Crawford Board of Trust-

Crawford approves new water rates

First Colorado National Bank Basketball Tournament & Jack Hawkins Alumni Games

Alumni Friends Men

December 21st - 3 PM & December 22nd - 1 PM

Most points win

Alumni Friends Women

Delta High School

There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays

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ees approved new water rates for the town, but a typographical error in the resolution brought the matter back to the board at its Dec. 12 meeting. The correct rates were approved in Resolution No. 3 Amended. It set monthly residential rates for the summer (April through September) at $25.90 for the first 20,000 gallons, and $1 for each 1,000 gallons over the base volume; the winter rate (October through March) was set at $25.90 per month for the first 10,000 gallons and $1 for

each 1,000 gallons over the base volume. Commercial rates were set at $28.50 per month for the first 10,000 gallons, and $1 for each 1,000 gallons over the base volume. The resolution set the monthly Capital Improvement Fee at $3. The Crawford Board of Trustees adjusted its schedule for January. Normally it meets in regular session on the first Wednesday of the month. For January, the meeting is set for Jan. 9, beginning at 7 p.m.

Open the heart with Master Li Junfeng Master Li Junfeng will offer a gift of a community holiday Opening the Heart celebration, “7 Heart Mind as One” meditation practice from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at the Paonia VoTech building, 218 Fourth St. A former popular international film actor, action director and coach, Master Li travels the world to train and certify Sheng Zhen Meditation teachers and share his passion, wisdom, love and humor. The focus will be on sending and receiving the power of love to each other and the whole planet. The practice will be followed by an appetizer/ snack potluck to socialize and connect. For details, call 527-5292 or email livingland1@gmail.com.

Master Li Junfeng will also lead a 10-day Sheng Zhen meditation sessions, “Christmas Opening the Heart,“ Dec. 20-29 at the VoTech. Sessions involve a series of moving and non-moving forms of meditation designed to remove negative energy, or “qi,” and gather positive healing energy. Movements and contemplations help re-create a deep sense of inner peace we experienced as small children. Three sessions are held daily, from 8:3010 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is $200-$250 per session depending on the session, or $500 for all sessions. Pre-registration is required. Call 527-5292 or visit shengzhen.org for details.

Photo submitted

PHS grads at Army-Navy

United States Naval Academy Midshipmen Cyrus Malek-Madani, left, and Caden Meilner ﬂank U.S. Military Academy Cadet Tristan Littlejohn at the 119th annual Army-Navy football game held Dec. 8 in Philadelphia. All three are Paonia High School graduates. Littlejohn was appointed to West Point in 2015 and will graduate in 2019 as a Second Lieutenant with a degree in civil engineering; Malek--Madani and Meilner, Midshipmen Fourth Class, were appointment to the Academy in 2018. In case you didn’t follow the game, Army defeated Navy, 17-10.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Paonia trustees consider first liquor sales room BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At the Dec. 11 board meeting, Paonia trustees considered something new: an application to the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Enforcement Division for a downtown liquor sales room. The first of its kind to come before the board, the application by North Fork Cellars LLC, DBA Big B’s Hard Cider, allows for a liquor sales room at Trader Mags, 211 Grand Avenue. Representing Big B’s, Lillian McClure said the application is for a yearround wine and cider tasting room. Trader Mags recently opened in the former Barkin’ Bargains location, selling fine art, jewelry and other products. The owners wish to add a tasting room providing “a local spot in town” where local producers can show off and sell their wines and hard ciders. The tasting room would be open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, with extended summertime hours, and offer seating for six patrons. Trustee Mary Bachran asked about the difference between a sales room and a retail liquor license. A sales room, explained town clerk Corinne Ferguson, who processes the applications, is a secondary use of an existing license for a manufacturer. North Fork Cellars is already licensed by the state Liquor Enforcement Division to manufacture and deliver its products. Approval of the application allows North Fork Cellars to sell its Big B’s products at the Trader Mags location. While they cannot purchase and re-sell products made by other businesses, other manufacturers can also apply to the state to hold special events and tastings and sell their product at the location with permission

Sign up for youth hoops skill camp Basketball coaches Chase Roeber and Karla Head will teach a sixweek fundamental basketball skills camp for children ages kindergarten through second grade beginning Saturday, Jan. 12. Registration forms are available at Paonia Elementary School and the entrance to Don’s Market in Paonia. Registration deadline is Dec. 21. For details, call Danita Green at 201-3806, or Diane Gallob at 929-5189.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Logan Charles Hill of Hotchkiss was among 1,528 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises Dec. 14 and 15. Hill earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the College of Business. Bob Kerrey, former U.S. senator and former Nebraska governor, delivered the undergraduate commencement address Dec. 15 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Gina Matkin, associate professor in agricultural leadership, education and communication at Nebraska, gave the address at the graduate and professional degree ceremony Dec. 14 at the arena. Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Stephanie Stacy spoke to the College of Law graduates Dec. 14 at Hamann Auditorium in McCollum Hall.

from Trader Mags. Colorado has a dual licensing authority for retail licenses and special event permits. With retail liquor sales — bars and liquor stores, for example, the governmental agency must first approve the license application. With tasting rooms, the state is the licensing authority. Local governments can either object or not object to tasting room applications based on three criteria: whether or not the permit would violate state or local liquor law, violate local zoning law, or would impact traffic, noise or other concerns in a manner inconsistent with local regula-

tions and ordinances. (In this case, the board voted 5-0 to not to object to the application; trustee Chelsea Bookout said she would recuse herself from the discussion and subsequent vote due to her connection to Big B’s.) Mayor Charles Stewart urged the board to consider more broad implications of liquor sales rooms since the town has limited authority to regulate them. The town could potentially have numerous sales rooms in one area, said Stewart. If they attract a large number of patrons, the impact “could have very significant traffic issues.”

Applications sought for Paonia planning commission opening The Town of Paonia is accepting committee volunteer interest forms from in-town residents wishing to serve on the planning commission. The appointment is necessary to replace former commissioner Dave Knutson, who was recently appointed to the board of trustees. Because the commission’s next meeting is

tentatively scheduled for Jan. 15, the appointment is expected to be made at the next town council meeting on Jan. 8. Deadline for submitting forms is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. A volunteer interest form is available on the town website, townofpaonia. com, or by emailing corinne@townofpaonia. com.

Lighting favorites

Photos by Pat Sunderland

Hotchkiss K8 National Junior Honor Society had the fun assignment of judging residential and business holiday light displays. It’s hard to match the holiday spirit displayed by John and Billie Marta, 583 Juniper Street (above) but Amanda Meredith, a Willow Heights neighbor at 476 Willow Drive, did her best (below). Business winners were Hotchkiss Inn, ﬁrst place, and Ace Hardware, runner-up.

B4 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Dodgeball tourney benefits American Legion The seventh annual High School was held live auction and chili Winter Warrior dodgeball Wednesday, Dec. 5. The dinner raised more than tournament at Paonia tournament, bake sale, $3,000 for the American Legion Post 97 in Paonia. The third grade class won the Paonia Elementary School K-6 coppersilver wars (and will be rewarded this week with an ice cream party), and the eighth grade class won the 7-12 copper-silver wars. �� Organizers wish to thank sponsors and donors �� who made the event a suc�� cess: Lightworks; Renee Adams; Homestead; S&B Quilters; locals who �� donated jams, jellies, Photo by Tamie Meck �� pickles, salsa and more to Members of the Bad Santas and Cowboiiz dodgeball teams compete for balls the auction; Judy Luther while trying not to get hit during the PHS Winter Warrior dodgeball tourna— PHS Alumna, class of ment. �� 1963; Paonia Elementary School for their participa- student councils and folks who volunteered to tion in the copper/silver their families for dona- work, play dodgeball, and �� wars; Paonia High School tions toward the chili din- bake. It was a fun and �� and Paonia Junior High ner; and all the generous successful event.

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Webinars coming in January on wild and scenic rivers

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The U.S. Forest Service will publish a draft Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligibility Report for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests on Jan. 2. This will begin a 30-day comment period. The Forest Service is looking for inut on which rivers and streams should be considered for inclusion. It will host two webinars to walk through the draft Eligibility Report and answer questions. These will be held on Jan. 8 from 23:30 p.m. and Jan. 9 from 9-10.30 a.m. To learn more about the process, visit https:// www.fs.usda.gov/main/ gmug/landmanagement/ planning.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Just in time for the holidays

Volunteers with the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition install a sign at the Redwood Arms Inn property on Highway 133 Tuesday morning, Dec. 18. The sign was painted by master pinstripe artists Cory ‘Mr. Oz’ Mroz, Taylor Nagel of Bay City, Mich., and Darrin McKeag of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Erecting the sign was a year-long process funded and carried out by members of the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, with thanks to Anna Raith, Eddie Ogrodny and their mother for allowing the sign to be installed on their property.

Crawford woman contributes to research into disability access The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, protects people with disabilities against discrimination in employment settings, state and local government services, and public-serving businesses. As vacation rental properties such as Air-

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bnb and VRBO grow in demand and straddle the line between private residences and public business, how or if ADA applies was — until recently — somewhat unclear. Law students at the University of Montana set out to provide some answers to this and other ADA questions. Joshua Thornton, a Juris Doctor candidate for 2020 in UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law from Bismarck, N.D., conducted research to examine the applicability of the ADA to vacation rental properties. He found vacation rental properties are subject to ADA, but only if they have more than five rooms for rent. This project, like several before it, provides UM law students opportunities to make a positive contribution to the understanding of disability policy and legal understanding in the U.S. “It’s important to note that the research results are not legal opinions, but summaries of legal cases and legal discussion forums,” said Martin Blair, executive director of UM’s Rural Institute. “Our students compiled and summarized information that is often spread out and sometimes contradictory. Better understanding of disability policy results from compiling current information from reliable sources into a user-friendly resource.” Lillian Alvernaz, a recent UM law school graduate from Glasgow, and Abbey Eckstein, a Juris Doctor candidate for 2019 from Crawford, also worked on ADA-related research projects. Alvernaz took on the task of summarizing socalled “drive-by” ADA lawsuits in the Rocky Mountain region (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming),

Abbey Eckstein finding that only Utah and Colorado have seen this type of legal activity. “Drive-by” lawsuits occur when lawyers and plaintiffs sue businesses to acquire rapid settlements for what are often argued as minor access barriers. Eckstein compiled and summarized a list of all disability-related law resources in the region, which is currently used by staff at the Rocky Mountain ADA Center to help people with disabilities and community advocates connect with legal resources in six states. The research projects were funded through a partnership between the UM Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities and the Rocky Mountain ADA Technical Assistance Center in Colorado Springs. This collaboration focuses on improving knowledge about how the ADA assures equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic selfsufficiency for individuals with disabilities. UM’s Rural Institute engages in research, provides education and interdisciplinary training, and develops model services that improve the skills, abilities and quality of life of people with disabilities in rural communities, including their families and those who support and partner with them.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Heritage Hall decked out for DCLA banquet Automotive, Hotchkiss FFA, Kwiki Tire II, Peggy Judy, Robin Wadhams, Ruby’s Floral, US Trac-

Photo submitted

DCLA board member Tyler Gillenwater presents Bill and Betty Houseweart with the DCLA Lifetime Achievement Award. The Delta County Livestock Association (DCLA) 2018 annual banquet was held at the Heritage Hall on Saturday, Dec. 1. The first time to be held at Heritage Hall, the banquet was a huge success with over 270 guests in attendance. The Black Mesa CattleWomen decorated Heritage Hall from top to bottom with the theme “Country Christmas.” Christmas lights were strung from the ceiling with care. Decorated Christmas trees and antique items gave the room a festive air. Disc jockey Ernesto played music in the background as members and guests enjoyed fellowship before a delicious prime rib dinner. At 6:30 p.m., Lane and Sadie Allen gave the invocation and guests began filing through the line for their dinner of generously cut prime rib, loaded twice baked potatoes, green beans, salad, roll and chocolate cake for dessert. The meal was wonderfully catered by Zack’s BBQ in Hotchkiss. As dinner was wrapping up, the MC for the night, Sheriff Fred McKee, began calling up presenters of the association’s 2018 awards. The Delta County Livestock Association gave four service awards this year. County commissioner Doug Atchley was unable to attend the banquet, but he was still recognized and will receive a plaque as a thank you from the association for all the work he has done to support the livestock community. Sheriff McKee was also recognized for his years of service to our county and the livestock industry. Randy Shetley was present with a cowhide branded with several members’ brands. He retired earlier this year and the livestock industry is appre-

ciative of all his years of service, going out of his way as our brand inspector. Christy Hawk was awarded with a plaque from DCLA as recognition for her work over the last year as president of the Black Mesa CattleWomen. She was also presented the CattleWoman of the Year award from the Black Mesa CattleWomen. Hawk has served as president of the cattlewomen twice and in her current term, she implemented the first annual agricultural education event on Ag Day in March for over 550 Delta County kindergarten through sixth graders. Furthermore, under her leadership, cattlewomen collected local brand histories and recipes and made a vintage cookbook as well as brochures on fence laws and how to navigate through a livestock drive. The final award was the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. This was awarded to Dr. Bill and Betty Houseweart. With his veterinary office sitting on the Houseweart family’s centennial Colorado ranch, Bill has spent a lifetime ranching and providing for the veterinary needs of livestock owners, going out of his way to be available when the need arises. Betty has worked alongside Bill while also generously giving her time to other groups and organizations. She served on the Delta County Livestock Association board as secretary for nine years. Following the awards, a short live auction commenced. DCLA and Black Mesa CattleWomen had items to auction. A silent auction was also underway throughout the evening. Auction items included a variety of quality artwork, firearms, decor, gift certificates and

Photo submitted

Christy Hawk was recognized by the Delta County Livestock Association for her service, and as CattleWoman of the Year by the Black Mesa CattleWomen.

Photo submitted

Randy Shetley, pictured with his wife Vicky, was the recipient of a branded cowhide in appreciation for years of service as brand inspector.

automotive items. All proceeds from the DCLA auction items will go toward the scholarship fund. The CattleWomen proceeds go toward their education fund for scholarships as well as other educational programs. As the live auction finished up, an area was cleared for dancing and DJ Ernesto played music for a full dance floor well into the night. The Delta County Livestock Association would like to thank all the sponsors who made the evening successful. This includes those who donated to the auctions and those who helped implement the evening’s festivities: Black Bridge Winery, Black Mesa CattleWomen, Cedaredge FFA, CKP Insurance, Colorado Woolgrower’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, David Kelly of Cedaredge, Delta FFA, Stirrup Bar Ranch, Duckworks Automotive of Hotchkiss, Dion and Dixie Luke, Famous Dave’s BBQ, First State Bank of Colorado, Homestead Meats, Hotchkiss

tor, Weekender Sports, and Western Implement. Finally, thanks to those who supported DCLA’s

scholarship fund by making purchases in the auctions and everyone who attended that evening.

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B6 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

How to overcome a lack of motivation Lack of motivation can affect anyone in any aspect of their lives. Days at the office when motivation is difficult to muster can adversely affect productivity, while lack of motivation at home can have a negative impact on individuals and their families. Periodic lack of motivation might not be too problematic so long as

it does not extend past a single day. But people might find themselves in a rut that’s tough to get out of if their lack of motivation extends for several days or longer. In such instances, individuals can try the following strategies to get themselves back on track. • Write down some short- and long-term goals. Motivation might

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be wane when individuals feel as though they have little direction in life. Jotting down some short- and long-term goals can be just the kick in the pants people need to get back in the swing of things. • Start planning. Simply jotting down your goals likely won’t be enough to inspire action. Once you have determined your immediate and long-term goals, start developing a plan to achieve them. A successful first step may provide all the motivation you need to keep going forward. • Share your goals. Sharing your goals with

Christmas trees, Santa Claus and glittering lighting displays are just a few of the many prominent symbols of the holiday season. And while mistletoe might garner more attention and inspire more displays of affection, poinsettias are another prominent sign that the holiday season has arrived. Thanks to its bright red and green colors, the poinsettia is perhaps the ideal holiday plant. But as much as it suits holiday decor and seems tailor-made for that special time of year between Thanksgiving and the first of January, the poinsettia has a reputation that few plants would want. First discovered in Mexico and brought to the United States by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the poinsettia has long been rumored to be poisonous. However, the National Capital Poison Center notes that poinsettias are not deadly. In fact, the NCPC notes that the rumor that poinsettias are deadly

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a bump in the road. And once you’ve shared your goals, you may be motivated to keep pursuing them so you can make your loved ones proud. • Celebrate small

successes. Short-term goals often pave the way toward achieving your long-term goals. For example, you can’t lose 20 pounds until you have lost five. Celebrate the benchmarks that are integral to achieving your long-term goals. Don’t discount your efforts by focusing on how small some successes may be. Each small success will ultimately be part of a larger success, and that’s worth of celebrating. Overcoming a lack of motivation may require some reassessment of your goals and a recommitment to improving your life.

Are poinsettias poisonous?

Have A Happy & Healthy Holiday

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loved ones can be a great way to get and stay motivated. If your goals are complicated, loved ones can serve as the support system you need to keep going if or when you hit

20 years of service

Susan Ortega recently completed 20 years of employment at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

may have been around for more than a century, tracing its origins all the way back to a child who was found dead lying next to a poinsettia plant. The plant was blamed for the child’s death, and even though that blame was misplaced, the stigma stuck. WebMD notes that others trace the false rumors surrounding poinsettias to 1919, when parents blamed the death of their daughter, who they thought had eaten poinsettia leaves, on this ubiquitous holiday plant. Even today, when

researchers have long since proven that poinsettias are not deadly, many people still believe they can be fatal if consumed. The NCPC notes that, in most cases, exposure to any part of a poinsettia plant in children or pets has little, if any, effect. However, if the plant is swallowed, some people and pets may experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some who touch the plant may develop a rash after contact. While poinsettias are not deadly, the NCPC

still advises those who plan to include the plant in their holiday decor to take every measure necessary to prevent children and pets from swallowing it. Placing poinsettias beyond the reach of kids and pets is one simple way to accomplish just that. Poinsettias are seemingly everywhere come the holiday season. And because they’re not fatal, celebrants can continue to display these beautiful plants that call to mind the colors of the holiday season.

Hospital offers free Medicare wellness visits

Medicare patients are being offered a free, valueadded benefit called a Medicare annual wellness visit. There is no cost, no deductible and no co-pay for Medicare patients. Delta County Memorial Hospital offers free Medicare wellness visits and at each of its primary care clinics including: Internal Medicine Associates, DCMH Family Medicine in Delta and West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss. The annual wellness visit is designed to help keep patients healthy and provide the support needed to have a healthy quality of life. This visit includes a review of a patient’s medical and social history related to their health and education and counseling about preventive services, including certain screenings, immunizations and referrals for other care, if needed. During a wellness visit, Medicare recipients will see a registered nurse — generally either Deborah Dillon or Sherry Heinel — who works with their provider. Blood pressure,

weight and body measurements will be taken. There will be questions about the patient’s health, including medications, vaccines, mood, memory, mobility, family and living situation. Patients will leave the visit with a wellness plan and list of helpful local resources. The annual wellness visit is not intended to replace any part of a patient’s current medical care and is not the same thing as a head-to-toe physical

exam. To schedule a free Medicare wellness visit, please call for an appointment through the DCMH clinic where you generally see your provider at one of the DCMH clinics: Internal Medicine Associates – 874-7668; DCMH Family Medicine in Delta – 874-5777 and West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss – 8721400. For additional questions about the free Medicare wellness visit call 399-2601.

Deborah Dillon, RN

Sherry Heinel, RN

Restorative yoga offered to cancer patients The Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center is offering restorative yoga to all cancer patients, from survivors to those who have just been diagnosed. Restorative yoga can help restore the mind and body. If cancer has affected your life, please plan to attend. Classes are free and held each Tuesday from 4 – 5 p.m. with Holli Neely, a registered yoga teacher and licensed clinical massage therapist. Neely was also recently certified in yoga for cancer patients, thanks to a DCMH Foundation schol-

arship. She works for Delta County Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department and Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center. To sign up, call 874-2411.

Holli Neely

Radon exposure can be dangerous

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that forms naturally when radioactive elements, such as uranium, decay. These radioactive elements can be found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Though radon is present outdoors and indoors, it is often present in such small amounts that it does not pose a threat to human health. However, the American Cancer Society notes that prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. People who work

underground, such as miners, are most likely to be exposed to high levels of radon. People who work in factories where uranium is processed or those who come in contact with phosphate fertilizers are more likely to be exposed to high, and potentially dangerous, levels of radon. Building materials made from substances that contain radon also can lead to unhealthy levels of radon exposure. However, such substances, which the ACS notes include concrete and wallboard, often give off very low levels of radon.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

CSU offers high-altitude baking tips for the holidays ’Tis the season for baking, and Colorado State University has some tips for making sure your high-altitude holiday treats turn out terrific. “In Colorado, a lot of people don’t know that their elevation matters, or don’t know the elevation where they live,” says CSU extension specialist Elisa Shackelton. “Anything above 3,000 feet is considered ‘high altitude,’ and that’s all of Colorado.” In fact, CSU is the birthplace of high-altitude cooking adjustments, thanks to pioneering efforts by Inga Allison and Charles Lory in the first half of the 20th century. “Inga would drive to a high-elevation location, such as the Fall River Road shelter house near Estes Park, to do cooking experiments,” Shackelton said. “With the help of then-CSU physics professor Charles Lory, the high-altitude cooking laboratory was conceptualized and built in the Guggenheim Building in 1927. It consisted of a huge steel cylinder room with altitude controls, enabling Inga and her staff to work inside to test recipes for altitude conditions ranging from sea level to 12,000 feet.”

Prep for Success, Safety CSU experts’ first tip is to make solid preparations before baking begins. “Christmas cookies are often shared with others, so bring out your best food safety skills — start with clean hands, surfaces and utensils; put on an apron; put your cell phone away; and use quality ingredients,” says extension specialist Marisa Bunning, an associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. “Baking soda and baking powder lose their effectiveness over time, and flour can develop off-flavors, so check expiration dates before you begin. Also, it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of the temperature setting.” She also warns not to sample the raw dough — both eggs and flour have been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. Shackelton and Bunning recommend making recipe adjustments one at a time, to isolate the effects that each change has. And take careful notes. “The ingredients, their amounts and proportions, even the way they are put together, can impact the final result,”

Bunning says. “We have an added challenge in Colorado because most recipes weren’t developed at our elevation, so cookies tend to flatten and spread out. But usually some adjustments can help to ensure you get the chewy, crunchy, delicious cookie you envisioned.” High-Altitude Baking Tips Consider increasing the recommended oven temperature, by no more than 25 degrees, to keep cakes from collapsing and cookies from spreading. But you will likely have to reduce the baking time, so keep an eye on your goodies using the oven light (opening the oven door lets heat out). Slightly decrease the amount of baking powder or baking soda the recipe calls for, since leaveners or yeast react with more force at higher elevations. By the same token, slightly decreasing the amount of fat and sugar can offset their tendency to become more concentrated at altitude. Switching to a higherprotein flour can solidify the structure of rising baked goods at our elevation. Even those labeled “all-purpose flour” can vary between 10 percent and 12 percent protein. (And don’t forget to depos-

tein, but contribute more moisture to offset the effects of our high, dry climate. For this reason, a slight increase in liquid ingredients is advisable as well. Using a dark baking sheet can make cookies too brown; place them on a sheet of parchment

it the flour into your measuring cup with a spoon instead of scooping it out of the bag with the cup, since weights can vary widely by how hard the flour is packed.) Use extra-large eggs instead of large eggs. They not only provide more of the aforementioned pro-

paper. For more detailed information about highaltitude cooking and baking, visit https://col. st/yM3vC. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.

LEAP launches online application for heating assistance program Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), will kickoff the 2018-19 season with a new online application process for individuals and families needing heating assistance. Enrollment for the 20182019 program starts Nov. 1 and continues through April 30. “With the new online application process, individuals can apply from any device, or they can still visit one of our county locations,” said Theresa Kullen, LEAP manager. “We believe everyone who needs assistance is going to find this is easier, takes less time and overall the whole process is more efficient.” Applications can be accessed through LEAP’s

website at www.colorado. gov/cdhs/LEAP, which links to the state’s CO PEAK system for online application, which consolidates resources in one easy-to-use location. For program eligibility, candidates must pay home heating costs directly to a utility company or landlord as part of their rent, be a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or have a legal U.S. citizen in the household. A family household income cannot surpass 165 percent of the federal poverty index. If approved, LEAP payments are usually made directly to the primary heating vendor and a notice is sent to individuals regard-

A year in review: 2018 BY SARAH YOUNG Pediatric Nurse Practitioner A Kidz Clinic

In a few days, another year will draw to an end. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be meaningful to take some time to review, to contemplate, and to remember where we have been. What will 2018 mean to you, to your life? Slow down for a moment and allow yourself the space and freedom to look back on the past 12 months. New Year’s goals and dreams are much more meaningful when you remember the bends in the road behind you. Honor the past year by celebrating your joys,

Karate class offered for kids A six-week Little Dragons karate class is being offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center for ages 5-8. Classes will be held Saturdays, 11 to 11:45 a.m., from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16. The instructors are Rod Grantham, a seventh-degree black belt, and Ed Langrand, a fifth-degree black belt - taekwando. The cost is $25. To register or for more information, call Bill Heddles Recreation Center at 874-0923.

mourning your losses and noticing the wonder of it all. We may look back with satisfaction, with pride, or a sinking sense that we could have done differently. Regardless of how you feel, reflecting on the year can help put it into perspective and highlight what worked and what did not. Take as much time as you need. Consider just one question or dive deep and answer them all. 1. What was the single best thing that happened this year? 2. What was an unexpected joy? 3. What was the most challenging thing that happened? 4. In what ways did you grow in your relationships with others? 5. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? 6. What were your worst decisions? 7. Who had the biggest impact on your life? Positive or negative? 8. What is the biggest “unfinished business” of the year and what can you do about it? Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for. ~Unknown A Kidz Clinic is a school-based health center providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services for children 0-21 in Delta County. For more information, visit www.akidzclinic.org or call 970-874-2753.

ing the benefit amount. Last year, approximately 65,000 applications were approved with assistance averaging $337 to $674 across the state. Other benefits provided by the program include repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system. To determine the monthly income eligibility according to the household size, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/ cdhs/program-eligibility. LEAP is a federallyfunded program that helps Coloradans pay a portion of home heating costs during the winter. “For those not comfortable with online processes, applications can still be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county/contractor LEAP office,” said Kullen. Call Heat Help at 1866-432-8435 for more information.

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The wellness visit is designed to keep patients healthy and provide support needed to maintain a healthy quality of life as patients age. You will see a Registered Nurse who works with your primary care provider. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health, and education/counseling about preventive services including certain screening, immunizations and referrals for other care if needed. Blood pressure, weight, and body measurements will be taken. �

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B8 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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Delta County Independent

Judge’s ruling won’t change protections for pre-existing conditions in Colorado Recently, a federal district judge in Texas issued a ruling stating that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional. This was a ruling in the case Texas v. the United States, where twenty state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the ACA, saying that since Congress ended the law’s mandate to have health insurance, the entire ACA is unconstitutional. However, even with this ruling, the ACA isn’t going away. This decision will now be part of a long,

drawn-out legal process, as it will be appealed and likely work its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. And the Trump administration is assuring the country that the ACA will remain in force during the appeals process. This case has caused the most concern around the ACA’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions, especially as the Trump administration said it would not defend that part of the law. “I said it in June when this case first bubbled

up, and I’ll say it again: Guaranteed health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions is enshrined in Colorado law,” said interim insurance commissioner Michael Conway. “The Division of Insurance will continue to enforce Colorado law and maintain this important protection for our citizens. “Coloradans need to know that we aren’t going back to the bad old days of being charged more because you or someone in your family has diabetes or asthma or high

blood pressure or any other health condition,” added Commissioner Conway. This ruling does not change the fact that open enrollment for people who buy individual health insurance plans (not from an employer) continues in Colorado until Jan. 15. However, the enrollment deadline of Dec. 15 has passed for people who wanted coverage to start Jan. 1. For more information, visit Connect for Health Colorado (connect forhealthco.com).

The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Surface Creek Trail StoryWalk®. The December StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “Santasaurus’ Adventure” written and illustrated by Cedaredge High School students Grace Hatheway, Sophia McCrackin and Abby Williams. As Santasaurus and his Elferaptors are busy readying for his Christmas Eve delivery, an unforeseen misfortune plagues the day! The reindeer are sick, and Santasaurus is at a loss for what to do. Will Christmas have to be canceled? Find out how the story goes on the Surface Creek Trail in December. Then, visit the Cedaredge Library for a

take-home craft related to the story. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! Staff at Cedaredge Library will help you clear up your confusion with technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and computers, our resident techies will do their best to get you going. The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group. If you have a nagging curiosity about your family’s beginning or a family legend you have always wanted to prove, then join the “Digging Your Roots” genealogy group at Cedaredge Library. We can help you get a start on research and assist you in tracking down that family legend! The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month through June from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30

a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Holiday Card Making. Visit the Crawford Library during library hours to make a holiday card for a friend, family member, or loved one. All supplies provided. Dec. 12-22. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Sweitzer Lake State Park StoryWalk®. The December StoryWalk® at Sweitzer Lake State Park is “The Pirate Cruncher” by Johnny Duddle, on display through December. A mysterious old pirate tells a tavern of salty seadogs about an island bursting with hidden treasure. But once they set sail, he also mentions that it is guarded by the terrible Pirate Cruncher. When the pirates’ greed gets the better of their fear, there’s a big surprise in store! Find out how the story goes on the Sweitzer Lake State Park StoryWalk® in December. Then, visit Delta Library to listen to the book on CD and create a pirate map. Dress for Winter Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Delta Library to search for the necessary clothes to dress a paper doll or monster for the winter weather. All month long in December during library hours. Build a Spine Maker Space. Kids are invited to Delta Library to build a spine using candy. Take your creation home, or eat it! All month in December during library hours. Council of Teens. Calling all teens! Do you want to have a say in what goes on in the library? Do you want to help choose the books we purchase? Join the Delta Library Council of Teens! The Council of Teens will help plan programs and activities as well as come up with books to add to the teen collection. Meets every Monday at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onone. The Delta genealogy group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second

Thursday of every month October through May at 10:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to join! Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Movie and Popcorn. Kids are invited to Paonia Library for popcorn and a movie that tells the story of the colorful, musical, creatures that live safely hidden in a tree ... until a large and hungry Bergen interrupts the party! Find out what happens on Thursday, December 27, at 2 p.m. at Paonia Library. Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Paonia Library to search for holiday-themed clues in the children’s section. All month long in December during library hours. Holiday Card Making. Bring the entire family to Paonia Library to make a holiday card for a family member or friend. All supplies provided. All month long in December during library hours. Convergence: Call for Submissions. The Paonia Literary Committee is seeking original works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays and photographs for the 2019 book “Convergence: Words and Images from the West Elks” (formerly called “Write On”). Submissions must be made online by Jan. 28. For more information on how to submit your work visit the Blue Sage website at www.bluesage.org. Literacy Program High School Equivalency. For information on high school equivalency classes or HiSET® testing, please contact Gail Srebnik at 399.7670 or gsrebnik@deltalibraries. org. ESL Classes. An intermediate to advanced ESL class meets at Delta Family Center Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15 to 3 p.m. Contact Danielle Carre at dcarre@deltalibraries. org for more information. Para obtener más información en español, por favor llame a Adriana al 970-874-9630 o por correo electrónico a achavira@deltalibraries. org.

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Advertising makes sense. Call 874-4421 for results.

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5 years of service

Respiratory therapist Melissa Chapple recently celebrated ﬁve years of employment at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

SURFACE CREEK December 19, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Community invited to free Christmas dinner

The annual community Christmas dinner will be served on Dec. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town at the intersection of South Grand Mesa Drive (Highway 65) and SW 2nd Street. Community members are invited to gather for this festive meal which includes turkey, ham and all the trimmings. The dinner is free with donations welcomed at the door. As with past years, the Cedaredge Rotary Club is joining with Les and Dorothy Mergelman to coordinate the event. This year’s dinner will serve as many as 300 people so organizers are asking for

volunteers and cash donations to support their efforts. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Day to set up the dining area, prepare and serve food, and assist with cleanup. To volunteer, call Marsha Bryan at 970-234-8800. To help pay for the food, community members and local businesses step forward each year to contribute funds. Rotarians are busy this week and next contacting prospective donors. To contribute funds, businesses and individuals are asked to mail checks made out to “Rotary Community Christmas Dinner 2018” to Cedaredge Rotary Club, PO Box 750, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

It’s time to renew your business license As area businesses wind down 2018 and begin planning for a successful 2019, the Town of Cedaredge would like to remind everyone that it is time to apply for or renew your 2019 business license. Any company conducting any sort of business transaction within town limits — regardless of where your business is physically located — is required to be licensed per Cedaredge municipal code. This includes door-to-door sales like Avon or Schwans, MLM companies like Pampered Chef or doTerra, and those businesses not located in town but which do business here on a regular basis, such as travelling auto glass repairs, plumbers, electricians and the like. Nonprofits, charitable or religious organizations operating within town are also required to be licensed per town code. The fee to register is nominal, just $25 for businesses and free for nonprofits, and the fee is not meant to be a revenue generator. “The license is a tool to help ensure businesses are reporting their sales tax information to the state, so that the town is not losing critical revenue that is reinvested in the commu-

nity in the form of economic development and marketing, streets maintenance, infrastructure improvements and public safety,” explained Kami Collins, the economic development coordinator for Cedaredge. Additionally, the licensing procedure helps Collins and partner organizations like the chamber more aware of what resources are available in town, so that the entities can better help market and promote the local business community. After a business has registered and paid the fee, the business is listed on the town’s website, www.Cedaredge Colorado.com, in the Business Directory, assisting businesses in their marketing and outreach to the many people who visit the town’s website. Businesses are required to license by Jan. 31, 2019. The license registration form is available online at www. CedaredgeColorado.com under the “Doing Business” tab, or in person at Town Hall, 235 W. Main Street. Collins is also available at 856-3123, extension 112, or townclerk@ cedaredgecolorado.com for an email application or for more information on the licensing process.

Sharing holiday joy

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Cedaredge High School and Cedaredge Middle School held their annual Christmas band and choir concerts on Dec. 11 and 12. They played Christmas classics such as “Silent Night” and “Carol of the Bells” but also featured lesser known songs such as “African Noel” and “The Blues at Frog Bottom.” The middle school has an intermediate and beginner band and a concert choir. The high school has a concert choir, concert band and jazz ensemble. The jazz ensemble includes four members and band director Robert Wolcott playing saxophone alongside the other four students. Their performance included a mix of Christmas songs and jazz pieces.

Eagle Scout candidate proposes soccer kick wall BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

The Orchard City Board of Trustees met on Dec. 12 for one last meeting before the end of the year. The agenda covered various ordinances and resolutions to finalize 2018. First, trustees held a public hearing and voted on the Elevate franchise agreement. Mayor Ken Volgamore explained Elevate is offering television streaming services and a three percent fee will be collected by the town. “It’s a state law we were told,” he said. The ordinance passed unanimously. Next, the group tackled several new business items. The new tiny home building regulations ordinance was read. This ordinance mandates tiny homes, currently allowed in Orchard City, to follow building and construction codes set forth in the 2018 International Building Code. “Tiny homes were always under the building codes before, but this appendix

eases the regulations on certain items,” said Volgamore. Next month will be the public hearing and action. Additional expenses of approximately $31,000 were incurred this year from leasing additional water due to the drought. This comes from a designated fund, but a resolution was needed to pay back the fund. The resolution passed. “I think the town did a

fabulous job looking for the water,” said trustee Craig Keller. “As dry as this year was we were fortunate to end up where we did.” A public hearing on the 2019 budget saw zero questions or comments from the public. The trustees adopted and appropriated the budget. Next, the planning commission presented two items: the first reading of the ordinance ORCHARD CITY TO C2

Festive sing-along planned Dec. 20 For many, singing Christmas music together make the season more meaningful and festive. On Thursday, Dec. 20, Tommy and Carma Grimes will provide the Cedaredge Community with this opportunity. The Cedaredge Civic Center (next door to the Cedaredge Police Station) has been secured for the event. A social time with people bringing finger foods

and dessert (kitchen is not available) will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. Many will be sharing their talents in singing and a time of worship to the “One who was born in a manger.” Tommy will be playing his guitar and Carma will be on keyboard. Everyone is cordially invited to join in this spontaneous celebration of Christmas!

Veterans remember Day of Infamy BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Friday, Dec. 7, marked 77 years since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. To remember and reflect on the the infamous attack the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9211 and Ladies Auxiliary gathered together for their annual Pearl Harbor Day dinner. The event used to be a Christmas dinner but 10 years ago the group decided to commemorate this day instead. Still, a Christmas themed dinner was served of turkey, stuffing, green beans and mashed potatoes. Members of True Life Church prepared the meal. For over 20 years the VFW post has held the event at the church but five years ago the congregation took over the meal prepara-

tions, wanting to serve those who’ve served. True Life member and homeschooler Josh Rockey eagerly went around to several of the veterans during the event thanking them for their service. He said it’s important for the veterans to know their service was valuable. Post members brought desserts or salads, and canned goods for the food bank. All veterans and their families from the community were invited. A raffle for door prizes collected funds to use for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen awards for the Veteran’s Day essay contest for Cedaredge high and middle school students. Cedaredge poet laureate, WWII veteran and Post 9221 VFW life member Phil Ellsworth was featured as the

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

With turkey, stufﬁng, mashed potatoes, and an array of deserts and salad the veterans and their families had no shortage of food at the Pearl Harbor Day dinner. Originally, this was a Chistmas dinner but VFW Post 9221 decided Christmas had enough celebrations. Instead they decided to meet to reﬂect on Pearl Harbor Day.

guest speaker. He began his speech clarifying that Dec. 7 is a day “not of celebration but of remembrance.” He reflected on his memory of Pearl Harbor Day, such as where he was that day when he heard the news. He asked the audience of veterans, family and church members, “Who here remembers the attack?” Several raised their hands. “Our school lives changed immediately after Pearl Harbor,” he said. “Playgrounds became preparatory obstacle courses.” The majority of his remarks consisted of reading the book “The Harmonica” by Tony Johnston. Based on the life of a Holocaust survivor, this story describes how a father’s gift of a harmonica brings comfort to a son torn apart by the Nazi regime. “His harmonica helped him and others survive the hardships of the prison,” said Ellsworth. Ellsworth paused to play his harmonica in remembrance of those lost during that time. To end, he played “God Bless America.” “The world might be different if the sleeping giant had not been awakened that Dec. 1941,” concluded Ellsworth, referring to how this attack prodded America’s active involvement in World War II. This dinner is one of many ways the VFW 9221 Post is working to keep patriotism and the value of freedom alive. The VFW 9221 Post began in 1977, mostly with WWII vets. Today, however, Vietnam veterans outnumber the others. Gary Tollefson, post commander, says Post 9221 is unique because it doesn’t actually own a post meeting

place but simply rents. One reason for this is because the group chooses not to involve alcohol like most others. Additionally, they work hard to promote patriotism and assist veterans in the community. The group does these through military funerals, two scholarships for high school seniors and the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests. “Patriotism needs to be passed on intentionally,” said Tollefson. He believes it’s important to remember Pearl Harbor Day because it “represents that this country can overcome setbacks.” He’s fond of the Ronald Reagan quote describing freedom and how “it must be fought for, protected, and handed on [to future generations] for them to do the same.” Navy veteran Fred Boulay agreed, commenting that he thinks we’re losing more of our nation’s history. He explained that “few now really know and understand. Those that remember Pearl Harbor Day are less and less.” His wife, Mary, said she too thinks it’s valuable that the VFW hosts a Pearl Harbor dinner each year. “We need to remember what we have now thanks to those that sacrificed for freedom in the past like at Pearl Harbor,” she said. As Ellsworth finished his comments on Pearl Harbor, the veterans and their families stood in a standing ovation. They weren’t exactly praising him, but what he spoke for, and those that fought and unfortunately lost their lives 77 years ago. “We’re blessed to have someone who remembers Pearl Harbor and reflects on it so eloquently,” concluded Tollefson.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Post Commander Gary Tollefson welcomed all veterans and their families to the event. He believes Pearl Harbor Day is important to remember for the values it represents in America overcoming setbacks.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

While Phil Ellsworth played “God Bless America” on the harmonica, the audience sang along, remembering all they’ve fought for and sacriﬁced as veterans and veteran families.

C2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Orchard City adjustment; it passed. The monthly operating report showed good news about Orchard City water; the water is clear and clean. Turbidity, or how much sediment is in the water, is low. Trustee Kirkpatrick attributes this to the town’s clean source of water from Grand Mesa. To finalize the meeting, several committees gave reports. The road committee �� reported that a project �� being done on 2100 Road �� will actually cost less �� than expected. “We’re saving about $100,000,” said trustee Mel Cook. The park committee is going to see about putting in some dugouts next year with state Lottery funds. Cedaredge citizen �� Cameron Signs presented an idea to the trustees for his Eagle Scout project. “There are a lot of hours invested for those badg-

FROM PAGE C1 amendment to subdivision and land improvement regulations and the final review of the replat of the Arrowhead subdi-

vision. The ordinance amends some language and timing for processing in Title VII of the regulations. The replat is a boundary

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Calm. Bright. Peaceful. Beautiful.

May your holiday season be all this and more.

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Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Cameron Signs is working to earn his Eagle Scout badge through a community project. Orchard City trustees reviewed his proposal to put a soccer kick wall at the Field of Dreams. es,” said Trustee Keller, commenting on Signs’ vest. Essentially, Signs wants to build a soccer kick wall at the Field of Dreams. Previously he’d been working with the planning commission. He presented drawings and dimensions for the wall. He wants to put it in this spring.

The work will be completely volunteer. Supplies for the wall will be fundraised and some may come from the GOCO funds. All trustees liked Signs’ plans. The tentative spot is between the two north fields. Next, Signs will have the plan reviewed by the building inspector. Under trustee com-

ments, Trustee Jan Gage thanked the youth for attending the meeting. Trustee Doug Keller commented that going into the new year he wants to see more transparency with the board. For example, each meeting for committees, he said, should be posted to the community calendar on the town’s website.

CUMC collects coats, scholarships With Christmas almost here, Cedaredge woodworker and furniture maker Walt Anderson found himself crafting an oversized manger for a coat collection launched by Cedaredge United Methodist Church. The church decided to collect coats for those in need after studying a passage from the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, responded to a crowd that asked him how they could be faithful to God. John the Baptist told the crowd, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none.” From now through Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 6, the church will collect new and lightly used coats for children, youth and adults. The coats will be brought to the manger, which Anderson made from barn wood donated by his neighbor, Bill Sheffield. The coats will be blessed Jan. 6 then distributed to people in the greater Cedaredge community. The coat collection is one of two Christmas outreach programs sponsored by the church, which is also seeking cash donations for scholarships for children attending Little Sprouts Preschool. The preschool is located on the church’s property at 210 NW 3rd Street in Cedaredge. Changing financial times in Cedaredge mean more families need assistance

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Photo by Joe Agne

Walt Anderson, Cedaredge woodworker and furniture maker, creates a manger for Cedaredge United Methodist Church’s Christmas coat collection program. this year than in past Magnificat. service will The years. There are close to 20 families receiving par- include communion open tial tuition scholarships to all people. Pastor Agne this year. A family can be explained, “People often helped for two months for tried to tell Jesus who every $125 given. Like not to eat with, yet he the coat donations, the shared meals with those church will accept schol- very people. Jesus invitarship funds through ed everyone to his dinJan. 6. ner table, and we do the Coats and scholarship same. There is no age donations of any dollar or membership requireamount can be brought ment, only a desire to to the church’s Dec. 23 come to the communion and Christmas Eve ser- table.” Cedaredge United vices, to the church office Methodist Church is a any weekday morning, church that proclaims it or to the United Method- has “Open Minds, Open ist Thrift Store on Main Hearts and Open Doors.” Street in Cedaredge when It also has an open table. the store is open. Scholar- The Dec. 23 worship sership contributions can be vice will begin at 10 a.m. made to “Little Sprouts” The church also invites or “CUMC” and sent to people of all ages to worPO Box 369, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Both giving projects will be featured at Dec. 23 and 24 services at the church. Pastor Joe Agne’s Dec. 23 sermon, titled “Claim Our Giftedness,” will focus on Luke 1:3945, the biblical passage Photo submitted in which Mary visits her The Ordinary Two musicousin, Elizabeth, after cal team of Tanya and an angel has told her Jim Disner will provide she will have a son. The music for Cedaredge scripture includes Mary’s United Methodist prayer of acceptance of Church’s 6 p.m. ChristGod’s call for her life. The mas Eve service, Monprayer is known as The day, Dec. 24.

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ship at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Pastor Agne said, “Christmas Eve is all about the carols and the candles so the service will be one of singing and candlelight led by The Ordinary Two, a singing duo from Denver with Cedaredge connections.” Musicians Jim and Tanya Disner are familiar to those who have heard them at area establishments, including the 4Bs Brewery. They are the son and daughter-in-law of Cedaredge residents Judy and Dick Disner, who are members of Cedaredge United Methodist Church. The Ordinary Two will perform a repertoire of music they describe as “laid-back, acoustic, indie-pop with a lot of jazz flavor and sweet vocal harmonies” at two regional venues while in the Cedaredge area. They will sing at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at RJ’s Steakhouse in Cedaredge and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Paonia United Brewing in Paonia. Recognizing some folks have places to go to be with friends and families on Christmas Eve and some do not, the church is offering multiple options for Christmas Eve. Some will want to come just for the service. Those not in a hurry to head out, are invited to a homemade pasta dinner with birthday cake for Jesus following the service. The meal is open to all. After the meal, there will be Christmas-themed games for all ages and people of varying abilities, including Nativity bingo, pin the nose on Rudolph, an indoor snowball fight, turn Pastor Agne into Frosty the Snowman, and more. For information, contact Pamela Gubkin weekday mornings at the church at pgrubkin@ cedaredgecumc.com or 970-856-3696, or Pastor Joe Agne, revagne@gmail. com or 720-891-5233.

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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

This column concludes my three part series on “Tree-ology” or, the way trees work and what we can do to help them. And by the way, what we have been discussing works mostly for shrubs and other plants. Trees just have it harder. Because of their height, moving water and nutrients up and down their branches and trunks is a herculean task. The first discussions focused a lot on plumbing issues. We now will move on to the manufacturing aspects of trees through their leaves. We often think of leaves in terms of providing shade, the oxygen we breathe and the nutrients they provide the soil when they fall and decompose into the soil. But leaves are also amazing food factories, utilizing the sun’s energy to convert basic elements into usable food for the tree.

Leaves also give off water in an effort to cool themselves. Yes, leaves try to regulate their temperature by either giving off cooling moisture or by closing their stomates on their undersides to prevent excessive water loss. The process of giving off water is referred to transpiration. This water loss not only cools but also provides the “pull” to draw water and nutrients from the roots up through the xylem. Photosynthesis is the

process whereby leaves utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into tree food or sugars and starch. This occurs in the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll, a green pigment, absorbs light to provide the energy for photosynthesis. The stomates on the underside of the leaf take in carbon dioxide as a building block and release oxygen as a byproduct along with water. The stomates open and close using the guard cells surrounding the stoma opening. Respiration is the second part of the food manufacturing process. The energy of the sun that was captured during the pro-

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Photos submitted

The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center hosted an opening for the exquisite art works of renowned sculptor Tracy Munson and celebrated watercolorist Dale Russell Smith Saturday evening, Dec. 15. The public is invited to view and purchase this ﬁne art through the holiday season and beyond. The Center is located at 195 W. Main in Cedaredge and is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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The Ordinary Two playing Dec. 22 • 6:00 p.m.

Come by and wish Rich and Linda the best for an exciting New Year To Come.

Powderhorn opens for ski season

Apply now for special crop grants Colorado’s specialty crop producers can benefit from the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). CDA is currently accepting applications. CDS anticipates approximately $550,000 will be available. The initial phase of grant selection will involve shorter, concept proposals. Concept proposals must be received electronically by close of business (5:00 p.m.) on February 1, 2019. For program guidelines and an application, visit www. colorado.gov/ag/specialty cropgrant or call (303) 869-9173.

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Show opening

Powderhorn Mountain Resort has opened for the ski season on Grand Mesa, with 75 percent of the total terrain open and all chairlifts in operation. On Monday, Dec. 17, the resort was reporting it has received a total of 60 inches of snow so far, and the mid-mountain base is 26 inches. With a steady flow of snow showers, the conditions are powder/packed powder. For the latest snow report visit www.powder horn.com.

cess of photosynthesis is a career with Texas A&M ber of the Cedaredge Tree unlocked from the sugars, University Extension in Board and a Colorado releasing energy to power entomology. He is a mem- Master Gardener. the various biological processes within the tree. In a healthy tree, photosynthesis and the production of energy sources such as sugars will exceed the rate of respiration. If not, the tree will fail to grow and prosper. There you have it. You have just completed a course in plant physiology, though a very short and simple one. So what does this all mean to you? Trees produce oxygen for us to breathe while removing �� carbon dioxide and impurities from the air. They �� provide shade that reduc�� es the need to cool our �� houses, thereby reducing the need to produce more energy that would increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, the evil culprit in the global warming cycle. The water that leaves �� release cools the surrounding air and becomes available for precipitation. And of course decomposing leaves shed by deciduous trees provide mulch and then nutrients to the soil to improve soil structure and fertility. What can you do to help a tree carry out these processes? Make sure you give your trees plenty of space so that they can maximize their ability to capture sunlight. You can prune trees but not excessively or else you will reduce the tree’s ability to manufacture food. You can make sure that your tree is not exposed to herbicides and de-icing salts. All around town, north, south, east and west, That’s all there is to it. Enjoy your trees, even in we’re sending our neighbors all of our best! the winter when deciduWith wishes so warm and merry and bright, ous trees are bare. Their branch structure can be we hope your holiday is a sheer delight! quite interesting. And don’t forget to water them a couple of times this winter. They’ll thank you next �� year with their luxuriant �� flush of new leaves in the spring. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after

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Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Free Cedaredge Community

Student of the Month

Courtney Rae Freeman earned Student of the Month honors from the Orchard City Board of Trustees. She is a senior with a 4.13 GPA, having taken AP classes such as environmental science and calculus. She has her CNA certiﬁcate from the Technical College of the Rockies. Freeman is also a four-year varsity volleyball and basketball player for Cedaredge High School. She plans to attend college to pursue a career in nursing.

Christmas Day ~ Tuesday, December 25 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Stolte Shed at Pioneer Town in Cedaredge Everyone is Welcome!

Menu: Turkey, Ham and All the Trimmings, plus Desserts of every kind.

Bring your favorite dessert to share if you wish. If you’d like to volunteer to help with this event or for information, please call Marsha Bryan at 970-234-8800

DONATIONS AT THE DOOR ARE WELCOME. PROCEEDS ABOVE THE COST OF FOOD WILL GO TO THE ROTARY LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

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C4 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 ��

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

C6 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Conservation district honors Brent Hines and Bill Roberts BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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More than 50 citizens attended last Friday’s annual meeting of the Delta Conservation District (DCD). The gathering took place at the Orchard City Town Hall. The DCD is a specialpurpose district with a mission of “providing for the preservation of natural resources and the agricultural heritage of Delta County.” The organization’s areas of emphasis are the removal of invasive weeds, support for micro-hydro projects, upgrading irrigation systems, monitoring soil moisture, and assisting farmers and ranchers with questions related to conservation measures. Throughout the year the DCD provides a number of small group seminars and workshops which are promoted on its website, www.deltacd. net. The annual meeting’s agenda included a report on district activities by Vanessa Hoff, DCD secretary/treasurer, and a keynote address by Michelle Hayes, executive director of Region 10. Region 10 is a nonprofit organization which offers public programs to 18 towns and cities across six western Colorado counties. In her presentation, Hayes emphasized that Region 10 provides programs and services to address a wide variety of local and regional issues ranging from elder care to transportation. The goal of the organization is to leverage resources to create stronger communities.

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Photo by Don Benjamin

Participants in last week’s annual meeting of Delta Conservation District (DCD) included (left to right): Michelle Haynes, Brent Hines, Bill Roberts and Paul Kehmeier. Haynes, executive director of Region 10, served as the meeting’s keynote speaker. Hines was honored as Farmer of the Year and Roberts was named Rancher of the Year. Kehmeier, who served as master of ceremonies for the evening, is president of the DCD board of directors. In this capacity, Region 10 works cooperatively with several other agencies. The organization’s support for small businesses and regional economic development were of particular interest to the farmers and ranchers in attendance. A highlight of the evening was recognition of this year’s Rancher and Farmer of the Year. Paul Kehmeier, president of the DCD board of directors, introduced the awards by noting that each year the organization recognizes outstanding conservationists who demonstrate care for the land, water, and other resources. Bill Roberts was honored as 2018 Rancher of the Year. According to a profile accompanying his award, Bill and Michele Roberts have owned Roberts Land and Cattle since 1999. They operate a 500-acre ranch on McClure Pass and 150 of those acres are irrigated for pasturing cattle. Roberts was recognized for his conservation efforts in converting open irrigation ditches to “gated

pipe and big guns,” referring to the use of flexible pipe and large sprinklers instead of using openditch or so-called “flood irrigation.” These irrigation improvements have “stopped erosion and slippage, replaced lost top soil,” and resulted in more “productive grazing ground for his livestock.” By dealing with “the challenges of irrigating in varied and difficult terrain,” the profile concluded, Roberts “has improved his soil quality and increased pasture growth substantially.” Honors for 2018 Farmer of the Year were bestowed on Brent Hines. According to his profile, Hines is a thirdgeneration Delta farmer. On 1,000 acres the family grows onions, pinto beans, sweet corn, field corn, and — occasionally — wheat and hay. Since 2012, Hines has participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil practices program. The Delta Conservation District works closely with NRCS which

has a field office in the city of Delta. According to Hines’ profile, “Use of these (soil) practices included multi-species cover crops, nutrient management and use of compost.” As a result of his good practices, his fields have twice been featured in cover crop tours sponsored by the Soil Health Group. Also, father and son Jerry and Brent Hines were among the first area farmers to participate in a project to raise onions with drip irrigation. Recently, their success in drip irrigation was recognized by a study conducted by Colorado State University. The DCD’s annual meeting concluded with a business meeting during which the board of directors discussed and approved the organization’s 2019 budget. The DCD board’s next public meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 14 at the USDA building in the Delta Industrial Park at 690 Industrial Blvd. Typically the board meets on the second Monday of every month at the same time and location.

Funding available for on-farm hydro projects The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are seeking applicants for on-farm agricultural hydropower projects. The total amount of available assistance for this round is $1,300,000. The funding is available to Colorado agricultural irrigators with appropriate hydropower resources. “This program gives producers a way to cut their costs and use their resources efficiently. It’s about water quantity, water quality, and energy resources,” said Sam Anderson, CDA’s Energy Specialist, “We focus on helping farmers upgrade outdated and labor-intensive flood-irrigation systems to more efficient pressurized-irrigation systems using hydropower, or retrofit existing sprinkler systems with a hydropower component.” The funding is part of the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Within RCPP, the Colorado irrigation hydropower program provides funding to producers to help them add hydropower to new or existing irrigation systems. For example, past projects have helped farmers use irrigation water to generate electricity, offsetting some of the cost of power for those farms. Other projects have allowed farmers to run large center-pivot sprinkler systems on hydro-mechanical power without the need for any electricity. The overall hydro program is funded and assisted by 14 agencies

and groups, collectively contributing $3 million to the effort for project funding and technical assistance for Colorado agricultural producers. CDA is currently accepting applications for the next round of RCPP irrigation hydro projects. The application deadline is Jan. 18, 2019. Applicants must be eligible to

receive funding from the NRCS EQIP program. For more information and to submit an application, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s ACRE3 hydropower website: www.colo rado.gov/agconservation/ hydro-navigation-guide or contact Sam Anderson at 303-869-9044 or CDA_ hydro@state.co.us.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Getting crafty

During storytime with Santa at the Cedaredge Library, librarian Mai-Emilie Swiegart worked with the children to make gingerbread men/ women and an ornament.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS December 19, 2018

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

10 area wrestlers place

Paonia’s Neal Warrior titlist

BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

No one ever expects it to be easy, and last weekend’s 42nd annual Warrior Classic wrestling tournament at Central High School in Grand Junction was no exception. Out of 386 competi-

tors, 10 Delta County and Olathe wrestlers advanced to the championship round. Of them, only one Warrior champion emerged. Wrestling at 160 pounds, Paonia junior Grey Neal went 5-0 at the Warrior. In the cham-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia junior Grey Neal controls Eric Mitchell of South Pointe, S.C., Saturday in the semiﬁnal round of the 42nd annual Warrior Classic wrestling tournament. Wrestling at 160, Neal was the only Delta County wrestler to win a Warrior title this year. Two Cedaredge wrestlers took second at the Warrior.

pionship match Neal won by an 8-5 decision over the No. 2 seed, Class 4A junior Chase Engelhardt of Thompson Valley, on Saturday night. Englehardt placed fourth at the Warrior in 2017. This is Neal’s first Warrior title. He won one Warrior match his freshman year, and last season was 3-2 at 152 pounds. After the Warrior he went on to win a 2A Region 1 title and place third at state. He’s currently 14-0 and was seeded first at the Warrior. Neal was feeling confident after winning in semis to an 11-5 junior from South Pointe, South Carolina, the team that traveled the greatest distance to compete at the Warrior. No one knew anything about them, so Neal assumed he was the best of the best. “If they’re the best, you’ve just got to go out there and wrestle,” he said. Not only was it Neal’s first Warrior title, it was his first time to place at what many consider to be the toughest tournament west of the Rockies. Including South Carolina, this year’s tournament attracted 40 teams from Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, among them, the best of the best, including past Warrior champions and defending regional and state champions. Getting to the finals at the Warrior, said Neal after winning his semifinal match, “is huge. It’s cool to come here and

know that I’m up there with the best.” It’s been a rough couple of years, he said, but all the hard work is finally paying off. “You never know if it’s paying off until you see it,” he said. Paonia placed three wrestlers and scored 112.5 points to place 11th. Senior Sackett Chesnik finished fourth on a 42 loss to Moffat County. Chesnik lost in semifinals to the No. 2 ranked wrestler from Pagosa Springs. At heavyweight, junior Levi Peterson defeated sophomore Christian Matus of Hotchkiss by fall (0:58) to place fifth. Peterson had a semifinal loss by fall in overtime (7:29) to 10-3 4A senior Cayman Garduno of Pueblo Central. Matus, who was seeded 56th, had the largest seed-place difference of the tournament. Senior Anthony Felice (195, 10-4) finished sixth. Cedaredge scored 100 points to place 13th at the Warrior. Sophomore Trey Geyer (126) was one of three Bruins to advance to the championship round. The defending state champion at 120 pounds, Geyer placed third in the Warrior as a freshman. On Saturday night he wrestled sophomore Randon Deets for the championship. Deets is a state champion from Uintah, Utah, who won the 126-pound Warrior division in 2017. Bruin senior Taj Van der Linde (10-3) finished second, wrestling to an impressive 2-1 loss to Grand Junction senior Hunter Tobiasson, a 5A state runner-up who placed second at the Warrior in 2017 and is cur-

rently first in state On the Mat rankings. Van der Linde placed fifth at the Warrior last year. Sean Dale (132, 14-3) finished sixth. At 285, Derek Sanchez defeated wrestlers from Montrose (fall 3:37) and Uintah, Utah (decision 83) before a quarterfinal loss to Palisade senior Ricardo Valenzuela. Delta sent one wrestler into the championship round. Senior Aiden Barrios (170, 12-2) placed fourth on a 3-0 loss to Marcus Martinez, an 11-

2 senior from 4A Pueblo South. Senior Gauge Lockhart won three of five matches and was one win away from placing. Olathe placed two wrestlers. At 152, junior Brent Gray (16-3) placed fifth. Grey, who was seeded 42nd, won the fifth-place championship match on a 10-8 win over a 17-7 senior from South Pointe, S.C. At 145 pounds, Clay Yarnell lost in semifinals to Tannen Kennedy of Meeker (14-0) and wrestled back to place fifth.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Aiden Barrios of Delta wrestles Jay Skalecki of Grand Junction in the semiﬁnal round of the Warrior Classic. Barrios, who placed fourth, was the only Delta wrestler to make it to the championship round.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cedaredge sophomore Trey Geyer defeated Jagger Ware of Central to advance to the championship match Saturday at the Central Warrior Classic. Geyer ﬁnished second. Photo by Tamie Meck

Olathe junior Brent Gray (162, 16-3) shakes hands with Grand Junction Central senior Paul Salazar Saturday at the Central Warrior Classic. Gray, who won by fall over Salazar, placed ﬁfth. Clay Yarnell (145,13-4) placed sixth for Olathe.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss junior heavyweight Christian Matus works toward a 7-0 win over Paonia junior Levi Peterson uses all his strength against Pueblo Centennial Battle Mountain at the Warrior Classic. Matus, who placed sixth, was the only senior Cayman Garduno in the semifinal round of the Warrior Classic SaturBulldog wrestler to advance to the championship round. day. Peterson lost by fall in overtime and finished fifth.

C8 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss sweeps Ouray in foundation basketball contests BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

This past week featured a foundation game between Hotchkiss and Ouray. The contest is a new event fostered by CHSAA this year which is like a scrimmage game which does not count on either opponent’s record, where scores are kept, officials are paid and all proceeds go to a charitable organization. Hotchkiss chose to donate its gate money to cancer research. In the girls game, coach Hailie Taylor’s squad played hard from the start and posted a 47-22 decision over the Trojans. The boys game was quite the contrary where Hotchkiss had its struggles late in the game but came through in the waning moments to score a thrilling 40-38 victory. Hotchkiss Girls HHS 47, Ouray 22 The Bulldogs had 10 points in the first quarter and used six points each from Carson Collins and Elsie Vazquez in the

second quarter to score 18 points for 28 points at the break. An ugly third quarter saw just four points posted in the scorebook for Hotchkiss. The final period was a 15-point effort that produced the 47-22 final margin of victory. Vazquez finished the game with 11 points and Collins 10 to lead the Bulldogs offense. Kaiya Firor added eight counters to the list of top scorers for Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss Boys HHS 40, Ouray 38 The Bulldogs trailed by three after one quarter but held a 19-18 lead at halftime. A 3-point third quarter often makes a coach scratch his head and wonder what’s next. That’s what Hotchkiss coach Eric Hollembeak was thinking. “We can make a few outside shots when a team sits in a zone. That sure didn’t happen in the third quarter and that is why we were down by 18 points late in the game.” Trailing 38-22 early in the fourth quarter,

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the Bulldogs found their mojo and whittled away to shut down Ouray’s offensive game to score 18 straight points to win the game 40-38. The explanation was simple for Hollembeak. “My kids play extremely hard and they never give up ... because of this they are fun to coach.” Evan Mattison and Jacob Stucker scored six points in Hotchkiss’ 18-6 fourth quarter run to win the game. Stucker finished with 15 points and Mattison had 10. Ouray’s Scout Manley had 17 points and Channing Green added 10 points. Hotchkiss (both the boys and girls) take on host Delta on Friday in the third annual First Colorado National Bank tournament. The girls play Delta at 6 p.m. and the boys are in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m.

Still to come The squeeze got us again and stories from last week’s Delta basketball games in Alamosa and Centauri will be run in the next issue of the Delta County Independent. Delta’s girls slipped past Alamosa 46-45 but fell to Centauri, 53-43. The boys lost to Alamosa 53-44 and bounced back for a 54-40 win in Centauri. The Paonia basketball week will also be put on hold until the next issue. The girls lost a pair of games; Coal Ridge 4825 and Olathe, 51-29. The boys lost twice and defeated Vail Mountain.

Photo by Wayne Crick

On the left, Hotchkiss’ Shay Glaser steals the ball from a Ouray player during action in last Friday night’s foundation game in Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss’ girls played hard and earned a 47-22 victory. On the right, Evan Mattison goes up for a shot against a Trojan defensive player. Mattison scored 10 points in the Bulldog’s 40-38 come-from-behind win.

Bruins split games with Centauri, Ignacio BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The basketball teams from Cedaredge High School split weekend games at Centauri and Ignacio. Cedaredge’s girls lost for the first time at Centauri by a 45-40 margin but won their Saturday contest in Ignacio, 50-37. Cedaredge’s boys were treated the same way for the two games this past weekend, losing to Centauri, 61-22, and defeating Ignacio, 58-46 on Saturday. Cedaredge Girls Falcons 45, Bruins 40 A seesaw contest had Cedaredge trailing by one at the end of the first period and ahead by three at the half, 9-6. The Bruins built their halftime lead to four, 29-25, after a 1412 third quarter. The tide turned in the fourth quarter with the Falcons soaring to a 2011 advantage and a 45-40 win. Paige McGovern, Makayla Kehmeier and Kammie Henderson all tallied eight points for the Bruins while Centauri had two players with 13 points each. For the Bruins, it was their first loss of the season making their record 3-1. Bruins 50, Bobcats 37 There wasn’t much separating the two teams on Saturday. Cedaredge was four points better after one period and owned a 32-23 lead at halftime.

There was parity in the third quarter with both teams scoring six points. The Bruins gained their 14-point lead after outplaying Ignacio 12-8 in the game’s final period. Henderson was dynamic on offense with six points in the first period and eight in the fourth to finish play with a game-high 22 points. Kehmeier gave the Bruins two players with double digit scores with her 10 points. Mackayla Howell had 15 counters to lead Ignacio’s offense with teammate Jauaen Brunsen adding 12 points. Cedaredge will kick off the First Colorado National Bank tournament against Paonia’s girls at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21. The Bruin boys play Paonia at 4:30 to begin boys play in this year’s FCNB tournament. Saturday’s schedule will be determined by first round winners with the girls consolation play beginning at 3 p.m. and the boys game at 4:30 p.m. Championship games for Saturday are set for 6 (girls) and 7:30 p.m. (boys). Cedaredge Boys Falcons 61, Bruins 22 Whatever mojo Centauri had over Cedaredge’s Bruins was good enough to completely stymie Cedaredge both offensively and defensively. Centauri’s offense struck for 18 points in the first period and led by

seven going to the second quarter. Neither team had much pizzazz in the second frame with the Falcons having the most in a 6-2 edge and a 24-13 lead at the break. Centauri had the right message at halftime and came out hot to race to a 21-4 third quarter and take the game over, 4517. Cedaredge’s offense faltered again in the fourth quarter and was limited to just five points while the Falcons scored 16 points of their own for the 61-22 win. Senior Jared Reynolds had 10 points and six rebounds for the Bruins with Colby Rupp adding nine points and nine rebounds in the loss. Bruins 58, Bobcats 46 A seven-point third quarter and a seven for nine performance at the charity stripe by Reynolds fueled Cedaredge’s 12-point win. The Bruins had to come back from a 2624 halftime deficit, but the second half numbers were in their favor in a 15-10 and 19-10 third and fourth quarters. Reynolds matched his jersey number with his 24-point offensive performance in the win. Connor Brooks chipped in 10 markers and Peter Sandels had eight for the winners. Ignacio’s Triston Thompson led the Bobcats with 13 points and Bryce Finn finished with 12.

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Photos by Joel Priest - Southern Ute Drum

On the left, Cedaredge’s Kammie Henderson (4) out-positions Ignacio’s Larissa Gallegos to grab a rebound during the Bruins’ 50-37 road win this past Saturday. Offensively, Henderson led all players with 22 points. In the right photo, Cedaredge’s Jared Reynolds (24) ﬂoats past Ignacio’s Triston Thompson (11) and Dylan Labarthe (far right) for a shot in a 58-46 road win.

Photo by Tamie Meck

On the left, Paonia’s Allison Godwin defends Coal Ridge senior Adriana Vargas in Paonia’s 48-25 loss on Dec. 14. In the photo on the right, Paonia’s Soul Connolly is helped up by teammate David Lozano and a Titan player after taking a charge in the Eagle’s 83-38 loss. The Titans’ roster includes 6-8 senior Kevin DiMarco (35), who recently signed to play at Chadron State.

Classifieds

December 19, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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� ��TODAY

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Help Wanted

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Rentals 3 BED/1 BATH HOUSE for rent in Delta. $925 a month/security deposit; tenant pays all utilities. No smoking or drugs. Pets considered. 1 year lease required. Call 970-417-7926. (2x51) 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH apartment with garage, close to downtown Delta. No smoking, no pets, water included. Available January 1. $600/month and $600 deposit. 970-323-5555. (3x51) RENT THAT APARTMENT in the Delta County Independent's Classifieds. Call 874-4421.

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Card Of Thanks THE FAMILY OF MYRNA Chuchuru would like to thank everyone who attended her services for their kind words, thoughts, prayers, flowers, cards and sympathies. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Delta County Memorial Hospital ICU and Father Tom and parishioners at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for taking such amazing care of her. We’re sure Myrna was grateful for each and every one of you. As was shown, Myrna was loved by many and we greatly appreciate your condolences. Lindsey Passmore and all of Myrna’s family. (1x51)

Advertise

today in the DCI! Call 874-4421

for your personal ad rep.

�� BOLINGER & QUEEN IS now accepting employment applications in Hotchkiss for two full-time positions - one sales position and one delivery/sales position. Applicants must have a valid drivers license (CDL is required for the delivery position) have a basic knowledge of plumbing and irrigation materials and be able to work with a range of customers. Applications can be picked up at 32874 J Rd. in Hotchkiss. Please call 970-872-3371 with any questions. (3x51)

ELSEWHERE STUDIOS, an artist residency program in Paonia, is seeking a part time grant writer, January/ February 2019. Contact info@elsewherestudios. org for more information. (2x51)

Help Wanted

AQUATICS COORDINAtor. Ouray Hot Springs Pool is seeking an enthusiastic, safety and customer service oriented individual for the position of Aquatics Coordinator. Primary duties include staff training, supervision of shift operations, lifeguarding and customer service. Detailed duties and requirements are listed in the job description on our website at www.cityof ouray.com. Position is part time, year round. Pay is $20.20/hr. Apply directly at www.ouray hotspringspool.com, see www.cityofouray.com for job description and application forms, or pickup application packet at City Hall office. You may submit by email to h r @ c i t y o f o u r a y. c o m , or fax to 970-325-7212 or drop off at City Hall at 320 6th Ave, Ouray. Application form must accompany resumes and be received by 4 pm on December 21, 2018. The City of Ouray is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (1x51)

Help Wanted

Classified Advertising Makes Sense!

Call 874-4421

to reserve your space now!

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NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent 10 days prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-8744421. PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS in the classifieds. 874-4421

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

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D2 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Miscellaneous

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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

Colorado Press Network ��

to the DCI. Call 874-4421

for the rates in your area.

Public Service

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. (4x51) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up.

Delta County Independent

Public Service

PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613.

CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 WANNA PLAY A ROUND? a.m. and the 3rd Monday Golf with a fun group of at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, ladies. Two membership Delta. See our website for options available. Sign up more details: www.codads. at www.cedaredgeladies org golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families edgeladiesgolfclub” and friends of alcoholics PAONIA AMERICAN meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Legion runs a year round Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 non-perishable emergency pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal food pantry. This is for the Church, 145 W. 5th St., conNorth Fork area. For infor- tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 mation, call 527-6252. or Shirley 970-323-5067.

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta AbrahamConnection. org.

Public Service HEALTHY BABIES START with early prenatal care. Delta County Health Department. Offers access to immediate, temporary Medicaid for pregnant women who qualify. 8742165. WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- laws, learn defensive drivings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 ing techniques. For details a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal and schedule contact John Church, 5th & Palmer (back Loring (970) 856-6924 or door). (970) 424-1778.

Thanks to Our Loyal Subscribers Fetching you the local stories and developments that matter most is what we do best, and we couldn’t do it without your valued readership. Thank you for your support! ��

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PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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D4 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Spiritual traditions to embrace The holiday season is a special and spiritual time of year. It can sometimes be easy to get lost in the more commercial aspects of the holiday season, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with shopping for gifts

that will show your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them. For those who want to focus back on the spiritual side of this special time of year, the following suggestions can help in those efforts.

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Share the Story of Christmas The Gospels of Mark and Luke offer differing accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ. Both indicate that Jesus was born to Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. Mary became pregnant through immaculate conception, as she was a virgin when visited by an angel who informed her that she was to carry God’s son. At the time of Christ’s birth, all Jewish people had to be counted by Roman soldiers for tax purposes. That required people to return to their places of birth. As a result, Mary and Joseph set out on an

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arduous journey to Bethlehem. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, inns had no vacancies, but Mary and Joseph were given shelter in a stable where Jesus was ultimately born. Attend Church Churches traditionally hold religious services on Christmas Eve and Christmas. These services are joyful expressions of faith, music and community spirit. But Christmas Eve is not the only time to head to church. Throughout Advent, the four-week period preceding Christmas, Christians prepare for the Birth of Christ. Advent calendars help count down the days

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until Christmas. Set Out a Nativity Scene Make a nativity scene the primary focus of Christmas decorations and encourage children to play with the figures and act out the Christmas story. Focus on Gifts for Good Families can focus their energies on faithful endeavors and the spirit of giving that’s synonymous with the season. Do good deeds for others,

embrace peace and love and share special time with others. Sing Carols Spread the holiday spirit through song. Get together with a group of friends or neighbors and go door-to-door, or hold a caroling performance at a centralized location. Select religious hymns, but also include some secular favorites. The holiday season is a great time of year to reconnect with one’s faith and spirituality.

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

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, December 19, 2018

BACK PAGE

B A C K

Art celebrates nature, human achievement

P A G E

Delta County Independent

P-51D Mustang Louie IV by Joe Milich

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

oe Milich loves texture and he sees it everywhere: in a shimmering sunset, in the classic lines of automobiles, and the sleek design of aircraft. The prolific artist has translated his love of texture and his insightful sense of color into an amazing body of work. For five decades, Milich has used brush and pen and palette knife and sometimes his fingers, to produce a wide array of images. In that time

Silver Bowl with Fruit by Joe Milich

he has created hundreds of paintings ranging from natural landscapes to works celebrating the mechanical beauty of cars, trucks, boats and trains. Not to mention a whopping 1,409 pen-and-ink drawings and full-color paintings depicting the marvels of historic and contemporary aviation. Not bad for a kid who once got into trouble for thinking that the blank end pages of the books in his mother’s library were a great place to practice sketching. He was still a youngster when he began drawing images of the aircraft he saw at Duluth Air Force Base near his boyhood home in Minnesota. In school his favorite subject was art and, when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, he served three years as a military illustrator. It was his military career that brought him to Colorado where he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base. After the Air Force, he returned to Minnesota, met and married his wife, Allison and they returned to Colorado. Soon he was studying art at the Rocky Mountain School of Art under the tutelage of its founder Philip J. Steele. He gradu-

ated from art school in the early 1970s and it was while studying there that Milich learned the work ethic that would mark his life’s career as a professional artist. “We did hundreds of 10second gesture drawings,” he said, recalling that he and fellow students were taught to work rapidly using a variety of medium. “I still like to work quickly, to do things loose and sketchy, and to use lots of color.” He and Allison, who serves as her husband’s manager, settled in Lakewood where they lived until relocating to Cedaredge a year ago. In Lakewood, Milich worked for a time as a “street artist,” doing real-time caricatures of the public as they passed through Stapleton Airport. Then he began perfecting his pen-andink aviation art and soon his work was on display in 16 major airports. Though the airport displays are no longer active, Milich remains popular with past and present pilots — especially military fliers. “Some pilots wanted a drawing of everything they had ever flown,” he said. Over the years his aviation art has pleased thousands of pilots and it has also reached other audiences including celebrities who, after an exchange of correspondence, provided Milich with autographs. Among those who responded to Milich’s requests for signatures were the late George H.W. Bush, Mort Walker (the Beetle Bailey cartoonist), Charles Schulz (of Peanuts fame), astronaut and Senator John Glenn, and iconic actor Gregory Peck who starred in the classic WWII bomber drama, “Twelve O’Clock High.”

Though Milich continues to ink original aviation art and market pen-and-ink limited edition prints of aircraft, he also paints every day and can usually be found in his studio working on colorful oil paintings. “I love the look of Colorado,” he said and soon he hopes to augment his many landscape paintings by mounting a show of “sun-scapes” which will feature his vivid images of sunsets and sunrises. In the meantime, Milich’s works are on display locally at Stacy’s on Main in downtown Cedaredge. Regionally, his art is showing at Wildhorse Gallery in Steamboat Springs and at Blink Coffee Company in Mesa. Nationally his aviation art can be seen in several air museums. Since moving here, Joe entered paintings in both the Edge of the Cedars Art Show and the Delta Fine Arts Show last summer won “Best of Show - Professional” in the Edge of the Cedars show and

“Best of Show” in the Delta show. For further information and to view more of Milich’s work, readers can visit his webpages, milichfinearts.com and aviationartofjoemilich.com. Contact the artist by email at joe@milichfinearts.com or by phone at 970-856-9012.

Old Ford by Joe Milich

Photo by Don Benjamin

Artist Joe Milich in his Cedaredge studio.

Warhawk by Joe Milich

Fall Colors by Joe Milich

Serene Sunrise by Joe Milich

1946 GMC Gilman Fire Engine by Joe Milich