Delta County Independent, Jan. 23, 2019 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

A SACRED SERVICE

Threshold Choir brings songs of comfort to the dying, B1

SPORTS

OSCAR NIGHT

ON THE COURT

Awards recognize Cedaredge businesses, volunteers, B4

DELTA COUNTY

Delta girls climb to the top in league play, B6

JANUARY 23, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 4

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

DMEA, Tri-State dual over contract buyout BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Ongoing efforts by DeltaMontrose Electric Association to negotiate what it believes is a fair price for buying out of its contract with wholesale energy provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., have stalled. After more than two years of negotiations with TriState, DMEA believes it has exhausted all of its options to negotiate a buyout. In December, DMEA filed a formal complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, asking for help in asserting its legal authority over TriState, a public utility, and to set an exit charge that is “just, reasonable and non-discriminatory.” Tri-State is suing DMEA in Adams County District Court over its efforts to have the PUC decide on the fee. Tri-State generates and transmits power to 43 coop members in four western states. Under its contract, which expires in 2040, DMEA must purchase 95 percent of its power from Tri-State. DMEA’s board believes the savings from purchasing power from other suppliers would cover the cost of buying out the years remaining on the contract. Because DMEA is under a nondisclosure agreement with Tri-State, those negotiations are not made public, according to DMEA spokesperson Virginia Harman. “Tri-State’s members overwhelmingly reject DMEA’s argument that the (PUC) has jurisdiction over this issue,” said Tri-State spokesperson Lee Boughey. “Thirty-four TriState members (80 percent) filed in support of our position that the commission does not have jurisdiction in this matter.” On Jan. 15, Tri-State filed a complaint in Adams Coun-

ty District Court, asking the court “to clarify Tri-State’s rights and DMEA’s obligations under the association’s bylaws,” according to a press release issued by Tri-State. “It also asks the court to confirm that the (PUC) does not have authority to decide this contract dispute.” Tri-State claims that DMEA’s efforts to withdraw from the contract violate its bylaws and break its “allrequirements contract. DMEA entered freely into the contract in 1992 and affirmed the contract in 2001,” said Tri-State CEO, Mike McInnes in the release. When members voluntarily sign a long-term power purchase contract, “TriState becomes responsible to plan, finance, build, operate and maintain a complex system that reliably delivers power to the member over the contract term.” “We believe the court will confirm our board’s authority to determine the terms and conditions under which a member may withdraw from our association,” said McInnes. A majority of TriState members believe the PUC “is not the proper forum for the issue to be considered. This is a corporate governance and contract issue that appropriately belongs in the courts.” Former DMEA board member John Gavan was recently appointed to the PUC by former Gov. John Hickenlooper. According to PUC spokesperson Terry Bote, because he has not yet been confirmed, his participation in any related proceedings by the PUC will not be addressed until “he officially begins serving as a PUC commissioner.” Last September, 68 percent of DMEA members backed a buyout in voting to approve changes to the 80-year-old energy co-op’s Articles of Incorporation. The changes were intended to give DMEA

more options and tools to support an exit and purchase more renewable and locallygenerated power. The board believes it would best serve its

Managing Editor

The votes are in, and a clear favorite has emerged in the quest to adopt a set of school calendars for 20192020, 2020-2021 and 20212022. A school calendar committee that was formed in the fall came up with three options, then sought input from staff and parents. The favorite received 246 votes; the runner-up came in at 139 votes. Based on that input, school superintendent Caryn Gibson recommended the school board adopt option one for the next three years. With that option, school will start on a Wednesday, Thanksgiving break will be a full week and for the first time

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page .................... C8 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................C4 Classifieds ...................C1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ..........................C2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ......... C7 Sports ..........................B5-8 Surface Creek News ...B4-5 TV Listings ..................C5-6

in many years, the school year will extend beyond Memorial Day (in 2020 only). Gibson said elementary school teachers prefer the first day of school to be midweek, to help younger students ease into the routine of a new school year. Next fall, the first day of school will be Wednesday, Aug. 21. School has typically been in session on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Gibson noted that attendance drops off for those two days, and some students have noted they’re not as productive as they could be. To maintain 168 student contact days, the last day of the 2019-2020 school year will be May 29. In 2020, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25. For the second and third year

Throughout the election, DMEA held numerous public meetings and presentations throughout its service DMEA, TRI-STATE TO A3

Photo by Pat Sunderland

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner looks at a sample of marble tile that’s currently being imported from Italy. When a production facility is completed in Delta, tiles and slabs can be produced locally from the marble quarried in Marble. General manager Daniele Treves provided a comprehensive overview of the quarry and the Delta facility for the senator and his staff. Pictured on the right are Delta County Commissioners Mike Lane and Don Suppes.

Senator Gardner tours Colorado Stone Quarries BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

On Monday, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) was interested to hear how a quarry operation in Marble is boosting the economy of both Delta and Gunnison counties. He visited Colorado Stone Quarries south of Delta with two staff members and Delta

School calendar looks a little different in 2019-2020 BY PAT SUNDERLAND

members by allowing for the purchase of more renewable and locally-generated power at a lower cost and, in the long run, help to stabilize rates.

of the calendar, school will end the Friday before Memorial Day. The calendar includes weeklong breaks in October, November, December, January, February and April. Gibson said she believes that schedule will help the school district retain and recruit teachers, but said the question has to be asked: Is it best for students? She concluded that students would also benefit from the calendar, which aligns with curriculum, accommodates standardized testing, and sets aside time for parent/teacher conferences and staff development. School board members unanimously approved the calendar backed by Gibson and most staff members.

County commissioners Don Suppes and Mike Lane. General manager Daniele Treves explained how the quarry operation has been expanded since it was purchased by RED Graniti in 2011. The Italy-based, multinational corporation has invested millions of dollars in western Colorado. The Marble quarry is now known as the Pride of America mine with portals named after the nation’s early presidents — Washington, Lincoln, Adams, Jefferson and others. The massive blocks of marble are trucked over McClure Pass to the plant in Delta, then transported via truck or rail to shipping terminals in Norfolk, Va., or Houston, Texas. From there the marble is shipped to Italy, where much of it is cut into tiles and slabs to meet the growing demand for high-end marble finishes both domestically and around the world. Because much of the marble winds up back in the U.S., Colorado Stone Quarries is planning a production facility that will utilize one of the most technologically advanced cutting systems in the world. The production facility will also be located in Delta, in a second free standing building on the property at 1734 Highway 50. Treves told the senator that he expects to add 15

to 20 employees when that production facility is up and running in late 2019. Much of the equipment, and two employees with the technical know-how to operate that equipment, will be coming from Italy, he said. The rest of the employees will be hired locally. Treves said the majority of his employees at both the quarry and the production facility are residents of Delta County. Treves mentioned that the Marble quarry is supplying marble for repairs to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The iconic structure is made of pure white Calacatta marble from Colorado, while the marble for the floor and Lincoln’s statue came from Georgia. Colorado Stone Quarries is also bidding on supplies for a memorial at New York City’s Ground Zero that will consist of thin slices of marble encased in glass. Architects designed the stone-glass facade to be naturally translucent. During the night, the structure will be illuminated from the interior, giving it a glowing amber appearance. Colorado Stone Quarries does not have the capability to cut the marble to the thickness required, but Treves sees the possibility of future expansion to provide cut-tosize services. GARDNER TO A3

Hemp discussion scheduled

SNAP benefits must last

The Montrose Economic Development Corporation and the Colorado Hemp Industries Association are hosting a community engagement meeting to gather the best data and potential impacts regarding the feasibility of producing and processing hemp seed grains in the valley. A REDI grant has been obtained to research the possibility and to evaluate the interest of growers in our region. This project will identify the costs, benefits, risks and potential return on investment for farmers and entrepreneurs in Montrose and Delta counties. The market for hemp grains for animal and human foods continues growing faster globally and opens more opportunities for producers. This discussion will take place Thursday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m. at the Montrose County Event Center.

Due to the continuing partial federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Colorado have released February SNAP benefits early to most recipients. The department urges clients who received an additional SNAP payment on their EBT cards from Jan. 16-20 to keep in mind that it is an advance SNAP payment for February. No additional SNAP benefits will be allotted in February. Participants should plan food purchases carefully throughout January and February so their food needs are met through the partial government shutdown. If more food resources are needed during the partial government shutdown, clients are encouraged to reach out to a local food bank or community agency in their area. SNAP benefits will not be issued again until March, and only if the funds are available from the federal government.

A2 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

OPINION

LETTERS LeValley goes above and beyond for Delta County Dear Editor: It seems that every time we get the newspaper, we get the next episode of JoAnn Kalenak attacking Robbie LeValley. I don’t know Kalenak and I’m not sure I want to. I do know Robbie LeValley and I’m proud to say I’ve known her and her family for over 25 years. All I’ve ever seen in Robbie is a top-notch person. No matter what she is working on, she gives every bit of her abil-

DELTA COUNTY

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

News: editor@deltacountyindependent.com Advertising: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

ity to make it happen. I believe I could fill this page with the names of youth in this county upon whom she has had a positive influence. There are countless ranchers and farmers who can call on her at any time for help. If she can’t give you the information you need, she will put you in touch with the ones who can. I have the highest respect for Robbie. I believe her work for the

taxpayers goes above and beyond; she gives 100 percent effort and total fairness to this county. Robbie should keep doing what she does. I think she’ll find there are many people in her corner. Actually, Ms. Kalenak is right about one thing: Robbie is a “good ole gal.” Around here, that’s an asset, not a liability. Jess Campbell Hotchkiss

Border wall: Divide and conquer Dear Editor: Why has the president waited to force Congress to pay for his wall until the Dems have won control of the nation’s purse strings. He had two full years with Republican control, but curiously he didn’t force his singular idea until now. There’s no end or solution to this mess because the president is demanding that the Dems pay for a wall that they ran and won against. And just because you believe the border

wall is a bad idea does not mean you’re against border security. Does anyone consider the effects of the wall on wildlife’s migratory pathways and need for water? Our country is splintered and our government is shut down. This is the point. Divide and conquer. This whole shutdown mess is Putin’s idea. We know he’s in secret contact with the president. Can’t you just see the gleam in his cold-hearted eyes as he watches us devolve into a quagmire of utter division and tumult with no end in sight. Susan Wilmot Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

It’s time to move forward with medical marijuana Dear Editor: Does Mayor Ron Austin think the voters of Delta are simpletons and easily duped? Well, his colleague Scott Schaible — who continues to serve as the mayor’s personal bulldog and mouthpiece — sure thinks we are. In reference to the city voters who voted in favor of medical marijuana, Schaible writes, “The citizens of Delta did not know what they were actually voting for.” Again, a man who doesn’t live within city limits — meaning that he cannot actually vote in city elections despite his erroneous use of the “royal We” — belittles Delta voters for not entirely agreeing with his narrow worldview.

My hope is, by the time my letter to the editor is published, the council has already finalized this months-long back-andforth process over medical marijuana. (The second and final reading for all of the proposed medical marijuana ordinances was scheduled to be voted on yesterday, Jan. 22.) Hopefully, city councilmembers recognized that the continued stall tactics of local prohibitionists — saying things like “we need to pause,” “take a breath,” “slow down,” and “pump the brakes” — are just parliamentary tricks designed to undermine what voters passed. If you may recall, Scott wrote a letter (“Vote should end retail marijuana discussion,” Nov.

22, 2018) stating that the 2018 vote should have put a decisive end to this conversation. In the letter, he criticizes councilmembers Nathan Clay, Kevin Carlson, and Christopher Ryan, who voted in favor of deferring this decision to the voters. He writes, “So here’s the deal: the above mentioned supporters of marijuana have stated that if the people say no on Nov. 6 they would be done with it and there are plenty who heard them say it.” Hate to break it to Scott. The voters said “yes.” It’s time to move forward so we can address other issues. We have bigger fish to fry. Jay Stooksberry Chair, Libertarian Party of Delta County

What’s motivating Scott Schaible? Dear Editor: In my opinion, it is time to find out what is behind all the time and efforts Mr. Schaible has put forth here in our fair city. Mr. Schaible is not a resident of the city and yet for some reason feels he can try to manipulate the local powers that be. I have to ask why? His desire to join city council meetings and write letters to the editor makes me wonder what his motivations are here in a city in which he does not reside. He speaks against medical marijuana and

sides with the mayor on some sort of legal loophole? There is no loophole; if you purchase edibles in any quantity and re-sell them to anyone that is illegal. No loophole there. I for one am ready to have his opinions kept out of OUR city politics. We the people that actually live here and voted were not duped. Let the new business come to town on a free and open market not hand tied by where they can set up shop or how it might affect the image of this town. In

case nobody noticed we have a big problem on Main Street; nobody stops to shop here. It’s time for change and progressive thinking, not good ole boy back room politics in which Mr. Schaible is no stranger. I am sure Mr. Schaible has real concerns, I just wonder why he brings them up here. Let the people that live here and vote here decide what happens here. Change is coming and is more than needed in our community. Ryan Crick Delta

Delta police, sheriff’s blotter

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From the Delta Police session of a controlled subDepartment (edited for stance. Officers responded to a length): disturbance at Days Inn. A 42year-old male was transportJan. 13: An officer responded to ed to the emergency room for the 100 block of W. 6th Street a medical issue. Officers responded to on a report of theft of utilities. Joshua Edward Stephen Urgent Care for an audible Smith, 24, of Delta was issued alarm. Patrick Eugene Rivea ticket for alleged second ra Jr., 42, of Lafayette, was degree tampering and crimi- arrested and jailed for second degree burglary and criminal nal mischief. Following a traffic stop in mischief. the area of E. 9th and Meeker Jan. 17: Jase Samuel Aust Smith, Street, the driver was given a verbal warning and issued 21, of Delta was arrested a proof of service due to his and jailed on three warrants, two out of Delta County with license being revoked. $10,000 and $5,000 bonds and Jan. 14: An officer responded to a one out of Montrose County residence in the 1200 block with a $5,000 bond. An officer responded to of A Street on a report of a a residence in the 800 block stolen vehicle. Seth Lakota Brave, 23, of of 1575 Road for a report of Delta was arrested and jailed criminal mischief and misson a warrant with a $300 ing horses. The horses were located and returned. bond. Code enforcement Seth Lakota Brave, 23, of Delta was arrested and jailed responded to the 1000 block for alleged possession of a of Main Street, the 1700 block controlled substance. Jenni- of Pioneer Circle, the 300 fer Jeanette Salgado, 23, of block of E. 3rd Street and the Montrose was arrested and 500 block of Leon Street for jailed for alleged possession code violations. An officer responded to of a controlled substance and possession of drug parapher- Delta County Memorial Hospital on a report of an assault. nalia. Karma Jo Dyer, 40, of Dane Scott McNeese, 29, of Delta was arrested and jailed Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $2,000 for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic bond. violence. Jan. 15: Code enforcement opened Sarah Nicole Davis, 29, of Delta was issued a ticket for eight reports for code violaalleged defective tail lamp tions in the 700 block of Main and driving while license can- Street, 900 and 1000 blocks of Meeker, 1100 block of Grand, celled/denied. An officer responded to and the 1100, 1200 and 1300 the 400 block of 1600 Road to blocks of Howard Street. Richard Gomez, 72, of assist a Delta County sheriff’s Delta was arrested and jailed deputy with a traffic stop. An officer responded to on a warrant with a $750 Whiskey’s Wine & Spirits, bond. An officer responded to 1100 Highway 92, on a report Highway 92 at Circle Drive of a shoplifter. A burglary was reported on a report of debris in the roadway. at 650 N. Main Street. A vehicle parked in the Jan. 18: An officer responded to 100 block of Main Street was struck by a passing vehicle. the 1100 block of Ray Place for a dog running at large. No injuries were reported. Officers responded to The owner was located and Stinker Gas Station, 101 N. issued a written warning. An officer responded to Main Street, for a two-vehicle accident. No injuries were Walmart on a report of four reported or observed. Both found wallets. Sean James Dixon, 37, vehicles were driven from the of Delta was arrested and scene. Officers responded to the jailed for alleged third degree 900 block of E. 11th Street for assault following an incident a possible disturbance. They at Alta Convenience, 1430 assisted the ambulance with Highway 50. Wendell Christopher Hara person having a medical mon, 43, of Delta was issued emergency. a ticket for alleged theft. Jan. 16: David Wayne Greer, 37, of An officer responded to a panic alarm at Delta County Hotchkiss was arrested and Human Services. Lyle David jailed on two warrants with Nitzel, 46, of Delta was arrest- no bond. An officer responded to ed and jailed for alleged harassment and disorderly Delta Ace Hardware on a report of Theft. conduct. Summer Morningstar Officers responded to the 1200 block area of Highway Adcock, 24, of Delta was 50 for a two-vehicle accident. arrested and jailed on two One person was transported warrants out of Delta County, to Delta County Memorial each with a $500 bond. Code enforcement opened Hospital for treatment. One vehicle was towed from the a report for a code violation scene. Taylor L. Distel, 23, of in reference to travel home Montrose was issued a ticket use and location/living in travel home. for alleged careless driving. Code enforcement opened Jennifer Jean Williams, 32, of Cedaredge was arrest- a report for a code violation ed and jailed on a warrant pertaining to keeping of junk. A dog was reported runwith a $200 bond. Jennifer Jean Williams, ning loose in the area of Pizza 32, of Cedaredge was arrest- Hut. The dog owner was ed and jailed for alleged pos- located, the dog returned and

the owner issued a verbal warning. An officer responded to Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter on a concern for welfare. A mother and her young infant were transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Archie Glen Ware Jr., 42, of Delta was arrested and jailed on three warrants out of Delta County. One warrant is a no bond the other two hold $1,500 bond and $5,000 bond. Gregory George Bullock, 36, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on a warrant out of Montrose with a $500 bond. Jan. 19: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an unreadable plate due to mud and dirt. A verbal warning was given. An officer responded to Spruce Circle for a report of an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was found to be a camp trailer and was tagged with a 72-hour notice to remove. An officer responded to the area of 8th and Main streets on a report of a hit-and-run accident that occurred at Highway 50 and Confluence Drive. Clyde Dean Huff, 64, of Grand Junction was arrested and jailed for alleged careless driving, duty upon striking a highway fixture, driving under the influence (alcohol) and DUI per se. No injuries were reported or observed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. An officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of W. 11th Street for a welfare check. Officers responded to Maverik Convenience on a report of a disturbance. Colton James Roach, 23, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. An officer took a report of a possible sexual assault. Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of E. 5th Street on a report of a possible assault. 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): Jan. 15: At about 2:20 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on 1600 Road. Two individuals were contacted, including a female who was found to be in possession of an illegal weapon, brass knuckles. A summons was issued. While investigating a hitand-run accident, deputies determined the reporting party, Eric Malinowski, was found to have a felony warrant. He was taken into custody. Malinowski and a female companion reported their vehicle had been struck from behind in the vicinity of Highway 92 and Hidden Mesa Road. Investigation resulted in the arrest of David Olson. He is charged with reckless

endangerment, menacing, reckless driving, violation of a protection order, violation of bail bond conditions, and domestic violence due to his relationship with the female in the vehicle. Dispatch received a report of a vehicle stolen from an RV spot in Delta with two occupants inside. Sheriff’s deputies assisted the Delta Police Department with the investigation. The incident appears to be civil in nature. Jan. 16: A courthouse security officer arrested Cody Cook on two outstanding warrants, a $5,000 felony warrant out of Delta County and a second warrant out of Mesa County with a bond of $1,250. At about midnight, deputies responded to mile marker 3, Highway 65, for a one-vehicle rollover accident involving a power pole. The driver of the vehicle, Natalie Hatch, 50, of Eckert, allegedly ran from the scene. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. Jan. 18: At about 5 p.m., two horses were reported missing near the address of 30000 J Road near Hotchkiss. The horses were recovered on Jan. 19. A car-deer accident was reported in the 3100 block of Highway 92 near Hotchkiss at about 7 p.m. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. Jan. 19: Kyle Morfitt was charged with DUI, DUI per se, careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident after an incident on private property on 1300 Road, Delta, at about 3 a.m. Morfitt allegedly damaged a hay road, a small shed and a gooseneck trailer with his vehicle. Deputies responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of Highway 92, Crawford, at about 7 a.m. Investigation resulted in a warrant for the arrest of Charles Scarlett, 35. He faces charges of second degree assault, third degree assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Deputies transported a suicidal subject from her residence in the Hotchkiss area to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Follow-up will be provided by mental health. Jan. 20: Shortly after 6 p.m., a tractor was reported on fire at an address on S. Grand Mesa Drive near Cedaredge. The farm tractor was the only damaged property; there is no suspected foul play. Deputies responded to a disturbance on Old Wagon Road near the City of Delta at about 10 p.m. They were advised a male suspect had assaulted two females before leaving the scene. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Jared Bowers, alleging first degree criminal trespass, second degree assault, third degree assault, domestic violence and child abuse. On Jan. 21, the Delta County Sheriff’s Office was advised Bowers had been taken into custody and was being held in the Montrose County Jail.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Citizens share vision for pocket park BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

As the City of Delta moves forward with asbestos abatement and demolition of the old West’s Home Center, discussion turns toward what the future holds for the 50x125-foot lot in the middle of the 300 block of Main Street. Delta city manager David Torgler explains the city has received grant funds to have the dilapidated building removed. The grant requires the city to turn the lot into a pocket park to remain in the city’s ownership for a minimum of five years. With those terms in mind, the city enlisted the technical assistance of a group of landscape architecture students from the University of Colorado Denver. Those students led a design workshop Jan. 15 to gather a sense of the community’s vision for the pocket park. The program is sponsored by the Department of Local Affairs to give students an opportunity to do realworld designs for communities across the state that result in a framework for the city moving forward. When the lot is cleared, it will connect Main Street to the parking lot to the west. The goal is to create an inviting pedestrian space that

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

During a color dot exercise, citizens selected their favorite amenities, uses and activities for a pocket park to be established on the site of West’s Home Center. CU grad students will use the community’s input to create a design for the pocket park. can accommodate a variety of activities and amenities. Case studies from Fort Collins, Roxborough, Pa., and Stoneville, N.C. were introduced to get the conversation started. Workshop participants were then encouraged to walk through a series of storyboards illustrating amenities that could be

included in the pocket park, including a performance area/stage, covered shelter, sculptures, art, gateway, public restrooms, playscapes, seating areas, planters, lighting, information kiosks and bike racks. Multiple concepts were offered for each amenity; participants expressed their preferences by placing

Gardner FROM PAGE A1 At the quarry itself, a tower is being erected that will offer an overview of mining operations. Tourists will be able to safely watch the activity in a portal without interfering with mining. The marble was first discovered in 1873, and today is quarried inside a mountain at 10,000 feet above sea level, unlike most marble that’s quarried from an open pit and at much lower elevations. Senator Gardner had

several questions about federal regulations and compliance with county regulations. Striving to be a good neighbor, Colorado Stone Quarries has erected a huge berm on the north edge of its Delta property that’s intended to keep noise and dust down. Access to the facility has also been modified, to direct the huge semi trucks away from the homes on the north side of 1700 Road. A large parking area has been designated for overnight stops, again situated away from the homes.

DMEA, Tri-State FROM PAGE A1 area. It was made “very clear” that the move was intended “specifically to help position DMEA to exit Tri-State,” said Harman. “We think that’s a pretty strong message from our membership.” On Jan. 14, 54 members of the Colorado General Assembly sent a letter in support of DMEA’s filing, asking the PUC to set “a just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory charge for DMEA’s exit from Tri-State.” Among those signing are Senators Don Coram and Kerry Donovan and Representatives Matt Soper, Marc Catlin and Julie McCluskie, all of whom represent districts in

green dots on the designs they liked and red dots on the concepts they didn’t. The same exercise was used to gauge public opinion on uses and activities, including holiday festivals, boutique markets, food trucks, small concerts, movies, story telling, group exercise, interactive art, historical interpretation, entertainment, group picnics and interactive games. A blank space was provided for ideas not represented on the storyboards. Participants then broke into small groups where they were provided with tracing paper and a site plan to sketch out a conceptual design featuring their preferred amenities and activities. The exercise concluded with the presentation of those conceptual designs to the gathering at large. The graduate students will work with those conceptual designs to create a multi-functional space they believe will meet the needs and desires of the community. The city/county youth council has been tasked with coming up with a name for the pocket park. Its recommendation will be brought to city council for final approval.

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

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�� DMEA’s service territory. Sen. Ray Scott (Mesa County), Speaker of the House KC Becker and House Majority Leader Alec Garnett also signed the letter. The letter states, in part, that “The law says public utilities, like TriState, cannot demand unjust, unreasonable, or discriminatory charges. If they do, then the Commission may prescribe just and reasonable ones.” The PUC has set a Jan. 28 deadline for DMEA to submit a procedural timeline, said Harman. The PUC has asked DMEA and Tri-State to work together on that timeline.

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Traffic tip By Trooper Evan Hilling

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Winter Driving A common misperception regarding winter driving is it takes a special skillset to accomplish it successfully. The reality is anybody can drive safely in the snow if they follow a tried-andtrue principle — SLOW DOWN! Nearly every crash during winter driving conditions could have been prevented had the driver exercised slower speeds. Another common mistake is the false security of four-wheel drive. Just because you have four wheel drive doesn’t

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mean you’re immune from crashing, and fourwheel drive will not bring you to a stop any faster. Finally, and just as vital as slowing down, is tire condition. A good set of winter tires can turn any vehicle into a wellequipped winter driving machine. Too many times we see larger vehicles normally equipped for winter driving crash because their tires are inadequate for the conditions. Furthermore, Colorado’s recently enacted traction laws apply to passenger cars as well as commercial motor vehicles when traversing mountain passes. For additional information regarding these rules and regulations visit cotrip.org. Also, if you are unsure about your tire adequacy, feel free to drop by any local tire dealer for guidance. The Colorado State Patrol thanks you for driving safe this winter and slowing down!

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A4 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Put the mark of love on your valentines

Love once again is in the mail and bound for Loveland and Colorado! Loveland, CO 80538 has the biggest valentine

remailing program of any community in the world. To have valentines remailed with the Loveland postmark, enclose

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your pre-stamped, preaddressed envelopes (envelopes should each have 50-cent postage (55 cents as of Jan. 27). Add extra postage for heavier/ odd shaped and square valentines. Mail in a large stamped envelope or package with postage to: Postmaster Attention Valentines 446 E. 29th St. Loveland, CO 80538

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You can save the cost of the extra stamps and envelopes, however. Judy Anderson, a former resident of Loveland, has arranged drop boxes around Delta County to make it easy to send a valentine with the Loveland postmark. Simply drop off your card, fully addressed with the appropriate postage, at the following locations: Cedaredge Food Town, Feb. 4; Crawford Post Office, Feb. 6; and Paonia Post Office, Feb. 9.

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Tech help for all

Delta County Libraries offers tech help for all ages and skill levels to seek assistance with computers, tablets and phones. Cedaredge Library offers an open tech café on the second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Delta Library offers a tech information station on the ﬁrst Thursday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m. and the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon. Hotchkiss Library offers an open tech café on the ﬁrst and third Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. Paonia Library offers an open tech café from every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Please contact the library for more information: Cedaredge, 399-7674; Delta, 874-9630; Hotchkiss, 399-7781; and Paonia, 399-7881. For a full calendar of events, visit www.deltalibraries. org.

Delta Food Pantry ends the year on a high note Hours extended to meet special needs The Delta Food Pantry serves those in need every weekday morning. Starting in February, the Food Pantry will also be open on the fourth Tuesday of each month from

5:30 to 7 p.m. to accommodate working individuals who need assistance. Codirector Mary Pfalzgraff anticipates the expanded hours to be particularly helpful, since food stamps won’t be issued during the month of February. Getting food into the hands of clients and onto

Year End CLEARANCE SALE ��

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the dinner table takes a massive amount of volunteer time and talent, especially as the need continues to grow. The Delta Food Pantry is proud to have on its volunteer roster some of Delta County’s most generous, hardworking people who help the pantry with everything from fundraising and organizing food drives to administrative work to working directly with clients. “The need in Delta is great, and it takes many hands to help feed our hungry neighbors,” said Karen Basher, co-director. There are two areas where more help is needed, however, in order to continue serving the needs of clientele. The pantry is especially in need of volunteers for its substitute pool, filling in when regularlyscheduled volunteers are unavailable. Volunteers will assist clients during food pickup times and will accept and sort donations as they come in. Also needed are volunteers with trucks who are able and willing to pick up the large quantity food donations from area grocery stores on a weekly basis. Each shift is about one hour and a half. The Delta Food Pantry is staffed completely by volunteers and funded 100 percent by community donations of food and financial gifts. “We are grateful to the many, many individuals, churches, businesses and civic groups who all chip in to help keep the Food Pantry doors open and food on the table for those facing hunger in our community,” Pfalzgraff said. Volunteers with the Delta Food Pantry ended last year on a high note, serving over 1,500 hungry individuals and families in the Delta area in 2018, which is an increase over past years by about 170 individuals. “We could not have served this many hungry people without the incredibly generous support of the community,” said Pfalzgraff. “The support has been absolutely amazing.” Families are able to get emergency food assistance at the Delta Food Pantry Monday-Friday 10:30-11:30 a.m. The pantry is located behind St. Michael’s Catholic Church on 6th and Meeker; the entrance is in the alley. When visiting, families receive about five days worth of food, including fresh produce, bread, meat and pantry staples like cereal, tuna, peanut butter and rice. Call Mary Pfalzgraff if you would like to volunteer at 970-275-9670. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to PO Box 903, Delta, CO 81416. Donations of non-perishable food items are accepted during regular hours.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Lincoln Elementary honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Lincoln Elementary School for the second quarter of the 2018-2019 school year: Third Grade All A’s Bianca Asavei Drake Brickey Yahir Carrasco Sophie Harris Anna Jones Noah Kehmeier Alexis Kirkman Gemma Leib Maria Isabella Lopez Colton Martinez Teyla McCart Jenesis Naranjo Madison Whitaker A/B Honor Roll Fabiola Arellano Ema Bernal Amaiya Bowman Elizabeth Branum Claire Butler Janelle Christie Audrey Comerer Jadeine Cruz

Maria De AndaContreras Julian Depaiva-Rapozo Trevor Garrison Claudia Gonzalez Hayden Hamm Chloee Hebert Kinley Johnson Kenleigh Keller Carlos Lobato Olivia Lozano Alexis Luna Kimberly Mecum Aaron Olea Delasancha Tayen Persons Peyton Priestley Zzyzxk Rasmusen Logan Trujillo Russell Vigil Ezra Welton Fourth Grade All A’s Mataya Bean David Candelario

Zailyn Gallardo Grady Hellman Landan Hulet Conner Long Kianah Miller Brayden Morgan Jazlyn Naranjo Layne Sanchez First Wright A/B Honor Roll Owen Clay Abigail Culp Kaila Dowell Sheylen Downs Adrian Dunn Cutter Ferganchick Landen Ficklin Issabella Flint Donny Gibson Johnny Gibson Juliana Houghton Hayden Labrum Iva McCain Sam McCullough

Abigail McFadden Teegan McIlheron Nee Blut Moo Corbin Ortega Adan Ramirez Sarai Reyes Torres Kimari Stevens Owen Todd Georgia Waitman Zoe Winner Second Wright Lars Zukauskas Fifth Grade All A’s Emma Kappel Sammantha Martinez Jenna Neely Jhett Ryan Jasmin Saenz Ava Martinez Fifth Grade A/B Honor Roll Parker Barnard Allisson Cervantes

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Jaycee Christie Addison Collins Sadie Contreras Karol De Anda Contreras Rosa Diaz Delacruz Mariana Gutierrez Valdez Ashlyn Johnson Alex Kirstatter Avery Lewis Isabella Long Mica Mendoza Josh Oldham Lucas Priestley Vanesa Ramirez Garrett Roberts Logan Sheets Mar Soe Kiera Tyler Elanna Valdez Guy Wetherington Jordyn Zavala

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Jan. 16. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are: (back row, left to right) Isabella Hickman (diligence), Alexander Dix (character), Bianca Asavei (respect), Isabella Kowalkowski (kindness); (middle row) Tony Maigatter (respect), Marilyn Overturf (caring), Riley Tyner (diligence), Lincoln Varner (responsibility), Riley Roberts (responsibility), Theyben Tunget (courage); (front row) Emmitt Tyner (kindness), Calida Jurry (responsibility), Jaqueline Thorpe (helpfulness), Hadlee Whitaker (diligence), Emmett Varner (kindness), and Manny Gonzales (diligence).

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten students (front row) Nevaeh Marin, Jaxon Larson, Dominik Sanchez, Julian Salgado, Brenden Wear; (back row) Jasmine Ealey, Klyde Wyant, Ender Brown and Yameli Ruiz.

Photo submitted

Thankful students

These Delta Middle School students were recognized for the characteristic of thankfulness. Not only do these students say thank you, they emanate thankfulness. Pictured above are sixth graders Amber Morrow, Luz MartinezAlvarez, Jordan Fraser, Serena Porter and Jolyn Worley. On the left are eighth graders Nylene Gutierrez, Sarah Teel and Alma Gonzalez. Below are seventh graders Oscar Martinez, Katerina Hanning, Andrew Priestly, Madalyn Haskins and Tegan Whitby.

Applications for DMEA scholarships are due Jan. 31 Students looking to pursue higher education next fall can apply for funding through DeltaMontrose Electric Association’s (DMEA) annual college scholarship program. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. “Each year we’re honored to award as much as $40,000 in scholarships to help local students pursue their dreams. We encourage both traditional and non-traditional students to apply,” said Becky Mashburn, DMEA communications and marketing manager. DMEA’s scholarships provides local students with funds to attend a variety of higher education institutions including private and public universities, liberal arts colleges, vocational and trade schools, community and junior colleges, institutes of technology, art and design schools, and even online colleges. DMEA awards all scholarships based on academic performance,

extracurricular and community activities, future goals and an assigned essay. Applicants must be dependents of a DMEA member or a member themselves. Applications

must be submitted online at http://www.dmea.com/ content/scholarships. DMEA’s scholarship program is funded by the co-op’s unclaimed capital credit fund.

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BUNDLE PACKAGE Photo submitted

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured below are second and third graders (front row) Olivia King, Analee Schnoes, Braylon Davis, Reese Nelson; (back row) Penelope Perez and Luke Curtis.

A.P.Y. FOR 13 MONTHS

$1,000 MINIMUM DEPOSIT

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A6 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Jimmie Rule

OBITUARIES

were involved with the Flying O 4-H Horse Club, a 4-H horse group for youngsters. She is survived by her sister, Betty Watson of Grand Junction; three daughters, Marian Tunget of Delta, Anita (Richard) Abrahamson of Montrose, and Debbie (Bruce) Cole of Delta; six grandchildren, Sherri (Urban) Sisneros of Grand Junction, Mike (Dolores) Davis of Sycamore Drive, Ill., Billy (Darlene) Davis of Grand Junction, Dennis (Amie) Dunn of Olathe, David (Tamara) Dunn of Goodyear, Ariz., and Darlene (Chris) Gannan of Olathe; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kassandra and Eric Phillips, Karrisa Kuhns, Benjamin, Nicolas and Emily Davis, Brittany, Mayson, and Dylan Davis, Desiree and Dakotah Dunn and Jaydin Webb; and seven great-great grandchildren. Helen is proceeded in death by her husband, Lee Tunget; and two sisters, Dorothy Chadd and Mary Lou Pierson. Crippin Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Hotchkiss resident Jimmie Ross Rule died Jan. 13, 2019, at Horizons Care Center. He was 80. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Mr. Rule was born in Golden April 1, 1938, to Vyrus and Vivian (Gleason) Rule. He spent much of his childhood in Glenwood Springs. He lived in Craig and Cedaredge prior to moving to Hotchkiss 25 years ago. He enjoyed working on his classic cars, fishing, snowmobiling, playing guitar and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Teamsters union. He is survived by two sons, Mitch (Debbie) Rule of Aurora and Donald (Lynelle) Rule of Austin; sisters-in-law, Maxine Rule of Pollock, Texas, and Rieta Rule of Anchorage, Alaska; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Verle, Raymond and Bennie; and a daughter, Brenda Rule. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Bessie Blouch Visit the internet obitLongtime Delta resiuary and sign the online guest registry at www. dent Bessie Blouch died taylorfuneralservice.com. Jan. 15, 2019, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta. She was 93. Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at the First Baptist Church in Delta. Interment followed at Mesa View Cemetery. Bessie Lee Ross was born May 2, 1925, to Charles and Nora (Kelley) Ross in their home at the Ironstone headgate south of Olathe. She spent her childhood and attended school in Olathe, graduating from Olathe High School in 1943. She was Helen Tunget active in band and high Helen Tunget died Jan. school girls chorus. She 14, 2019, at Montrose graduated from UniversiMemorial Hospital. She ty of Denver in 1947 with was 92. a bachelor’s in music. She Funeral services were sang for the University held Jan. 18 at Crippin Chorus. During World Funeral Home with Pas- War II, the chorus made tor Buddy Cook of the weekly trips to the serChurch of the Nazarene vice camps in the Denver officiating. Interment fol- area. lowed at the Olathe CemOn June 15, 1947, she etery. married Roger Blouch. Helen Louise Tunget Before moving to Delta was born on Aug. 11, 1926, in 1955, she worked as in Olathe, to Rex and head seed analyst for the Agnes (Shipley) Marsh. State of Colorado. Once She spent her childhood in Delta, the Blouches in Olathe and attended joined her family’s real Fairview Elementary and estate business, United Olathe High School. Farm Agency. The busiShe married Lee Tun- ness, now known as get on Aug. 12, 1944, in InterWest Realty, is in the Church of God at the fourth generation of Delta. family ownership. She farmed with her The Blouches were husband on Ash Mesa. active in their church. She was in the farm, They served as teachers, ranch and cow business sponsors of youth groups from 1944 until 2000. and worked on two buildMrs. Tunget worked as ing committees. Mrs. a school bus driver for Blouch served as choir Olathe driving the Coal director, church secretary Creek route for several for 20 years, organist, years and worked at Sky- pianist and deaconess. land Food Company for She is survived by her 10 years. She also worked son, Jerry Blouch; three for the Angel’s Ranch in grandchildren, Mitchell Delta and retired from Blouch of Delta, CatariRussell Stover Candies. na Blouch of Parker and She enjoyed spending Hannah Blouch Crivelmany summers with her lone of Pendleton, Ore.; husband working cattle two great-grandchilon 25 Mesa. She also dren; a sister-in-law, K. enjoyed being outdoors Kay Ross of Delta; and riding her horses, camp- extended family. ing, gardening, baking, Mrs. Blouch was preplaying cards and spend- ceded in death by her ing time with her chil- husband, Roger Blouch; dren and grandchildren. daughter, Karen Blouch; She and her husband brother, Harold Ross; sis-

ter-in-law, Kathryn Ross; and a nephew. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Beryle Marah

Lifetime Cedaredge resident Beryle Marah died Jan. 18, 2019, at Willow Tree Care Center. She was 91. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cedaredge with Pastor Don Anderson and Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros officiating. Burial will follow at Cedaredge Cemetery. Betty Beryle Thompson was born in Hotchkiss Aug. 17, 1927, to Lorraine and Harvey Thompson. She spent her childhood in Austin and graduated from Fairview School in rural Delta County. On June 21, 1945, she married Ed Marah. Mrs. Marah worked at the town hall for many years. She enjoyed documenting the town’s history in scrapbooks. She was a faithful member of the Cedaredge Seventhday Adventist Church. She is survived by her son, Robert “Bob” (Becky) Marah of Cedaredge; daughter, Pat Chapman of Aurora; brother, K Don (Carolyn) Thompson of Grand Junction; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Peter Pritchett, MD

Peter Pritchett, MD, died in late 2018 due to multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow. He endured two stem cell transplants and chemotherapy for 10 years before exhausting all avenues of treatment. Peter Middleton Pritchett was born to John Henry Pritchett, Jr. and Betty Ann Middleton in Bremen, Ga., April 25, 1955. He received a BA in psychology before graduating from the Medical College of Georgia in 1985. His internship in Roanoke, Va., was followed by his ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt, in Nashville, Tenn. After finishing his ophthalmology residency, he decided with his wife of 35 years, to join the Air Force. They and their son, Charles, spent two years in the Philippines at Clark Air Base, escaping Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption by 12 days. As the only ophthalmologist in the Pacific Rim, he traveled extensively to Guam, Japan and Okinawa checking in with local optometrists throughout

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Delta County Independent

that operational theater. After three years at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, he secured a partnership in Montrose. He practiced medicine there until his multiple myeloma diagnosis at 53 years old in 2008. Donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or the cancer charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Peter to Susan Pritchett, 514 Brookside Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841.

Comadora Palmer

Longtime Cedaredge resident Comadora Palmer died Jan. 21, 2019. He was 65. A celebration of life service will be held in summer 2019. He was born Dec. 24, 1953, to Georgia Vincent in Missouri. He spent his childhood in Englewood, Calif. On Aug. 20, 1979, he married Pamela White in Riverside, Calif. Mr. Comador received a bachelor’s degree in

accounting and moved to Cedaredge in 1996. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Delta. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop and fishing. Mr. Palmer is survived by his mother, Georgia Vincent; son, Robert “Bob” (Lydia) Palmer; and three grandchildren, Sean, Ashton and Kiara. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Palmer. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

James E. Conner Oct. 18, 1931 ~ Jan. 14, 2019 The family of James (Jim) E. Conner announces his release from the ravages of Parkinson’s Disease. Born in far southeastern Colorado, he was the eldest of seven surviving siblings. His family struggled through the Great Depression and he

developed his persevering spirit. He believed in higher education and obtained a Master’s Degree in mathematics and served in the Army. He educated thousands of students in Delta County for more than 35 years, emphasizing the importance of mathematics and computer sciences. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, E. Jane, three children, two grandchildren and six siblings. No services will be held at his request. Donations may be made to the WCCF - Jim Conner Fund, PO Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO

81502. 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.

Joseph “Toby” Friemel Nov. 27, 1935 ~ Dec. 9, 2018 It is with great sadness the family of Joseph Vincent “Toby” Friemel, 83, announce his passing on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Spokane, Wash. Toby was born Nov. 27, 1935, in Amarillo, Texas, to Fredrick and Mary (Crouch) Friemel. He lived and attended school in Umberger, Texas, for 21 years after which Toby attended the University of Houston, University of Colorado, and West Texas AM University. From 1960-1962 he served honorably in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo. Toby met his wife Evalina (Eve) in Denver, Colo., and were married in Glenwood Springs, Colo. They moved to Burlington, Colo., where they started their first NAPA auto parts store. Toby owned and operated Toby’s Automotive, Inc. for over 35 years with Eve at his side, giving him roots in Burlington, Colo., Imperial, Neb., and Cedaredge, Colo. Throughout his life he was active in these communities in the Chamber of Commerce, community special events, Catholic

church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Toby’s passion was fueled by his love for hunting, fishing, and camping, often leading to the great adventures he and Eve experienced throughout their lives as well as enriching his family and friends lives through countless adventures. When Toby and Eve moved to Cedaredge, Colo., in 1993, they continued to own and operate NAPA Auto Parts Stores and developed many lifetime friends through their membership in the Catholic church and the business as they had done before in Burlington and Imperial. Toby always emphasized the importance of service

to your community and church; helping others and encouraging continued education through his charitable giving remained a priority even in his later years. Toby is survived by his sons Andy (Deb) of Spokane, Wash., Ronald (Christina) of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; daughter Amy Jo (Lee) Carlson of Spokane, Wash.; Joedy (Amy) of Spokane, Wash.; sister Betty Birkenfeld and 10 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by the love of his life Eve; his siblings Richard Friemel, Louise Craddock, Margaret Hill and Cecelia Dye Parks. A celebration of his life will be held in Cedaredge at St. Phillips Catholic Church, on Friday, March 1, 2019, at 10 a.m. Memorial gifts can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Toby’s name. Please share memories of Toby at www.Hen nesseyValley.com. Cards and condolences can be sent to: Amy Jo Carlson, 11811 E. 18th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206; 970270-7026. Paid obituary

LOCAL NEWS

DCMH takes oncology care to the next level Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center is located at Delta County Memorial Hospital. It may look like a general oncology center, but what goes on there is much more unique. “We take a holistic approach to patient care that I have not seen anywhere else,” stated Nysha Wilson, RN infusion/clinic manager. “The treatment experience is enhanced by private infusion rooms, a massage therapy program and an on-site pharmacy and laboratory services. We also offer complementary services including yoga, women’s support group and art therapy.” The Grand Mesa Oncology Clinic warmly welcomes all (non–pediatric) patients with any cancer and/or blood disorder diagnosis. The Infusion

Center proudly provides infusions and injection services, as well as blood products to patients in the community and the surrounding areas. “We are blessed to have a dedicated group of physicians and nurses who are incredibly experienced.” states Wilson. “What we are able to offer to the local communities of the Western Slope is truly astonishing care! Our oncologists are sup-

ported by oncology nurse navigators who guide the patients in their journey. We provide highly skilled registered nurses that are chemotherapy/biotherapy certified. These nurses also deliver exceptional care to all patients in the Infusion Center.” Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center offers the rare combination of outstanding specialized care that is close to home.

Republicans reorganize Delta County Republican Central Committee is holding its biennial organizational meeting Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Surface Creek Community Church located at 21987 Austin Road in Austin. The purposes of this meeting are

to elect executive officers and conduct other business as outlined by the state GOP guidelines. This is an open meeting and all may attend. For more information contact Roger Bentley at 970874-1114 or Fred McKee at 856-7513.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

�� Enjoy winter at Crawford State Park ��

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Crawford State Park will offer a variety of fun events on Saturday, Jan. 26. Visit the park for ice fishing, ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. From 9 a.m. to noon, a free ice-fishing clinic will be offered. Participants will start indoors and learn about ice-fishing gear and lures, icefishing electronics and ice-fishing techniques. Instruction will include an emphasis on how to catch perch and crappie.

Then the class will move outside onto the ice for some hands-on experience. For those who don’t have their own ice-fishing equipment, the park will have gear available to use for the day. All participants must have a Colorado fishing license. Licenses are available for sale at the park. From noon-4 p.m. everyone else can join the fun. An ice rink will be ready on the lake, a sledding hill will be open and cross-country skiing trails will be set. Visitors should bring their own sled, skates and skis. Park staff will also have a fire going to cook hot dogs and make s’mores. They’ll also be serving up hot chocolate. All food and refreshments are free. Native American CulAll events are depentural Programs announc- dent on ice and snow es its annual membership meeting, to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the conference room of the Delta Library, 211 W. 6th Street. All members, current, past and future, are welcome. Come and renew Rock Wranglers meet your membership and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. learn about plans for 7, at the Calvary Baptist 2019. An election of board Church, 1290 A Street, members will be held. Delta. The program will For more information, be on sand collecting. call 623-1442. Everyone is welcome.

conditions. Crawford State Park is located in Delta County in western Colorado, about 10 miles south of the town of Hotchkiss. For more information,

call the park at 970-9215721. Entrance to the park is just $8 per vehicle. Annual passes, good for all 42 state parks, are available for $80.

NACP annual meeting scheduled

Rock Wranglers meet Feb. 7

Photo submitted

Visit Crawford State Park Jan. 26 for some winter fun.

Pea Green Saturday Nights return It will soon be time for the 2019 season of another Pea Green Saturday Night, and all of you are invited. Come to the Pea Green Community Center for an evening of old-time and bluegrass music and humor on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This month will feature Way Down Yonder and The Bluegrass Offenders, along with the all new comedy duo, the Pea Green Brothers. The famous “I’m a Pea Greener” lapel button will be made available, all for only a sawbuck ($10) at the door. So swing by if you can

Tyers gather Jan. 24 Come on out for the first Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table (4T) gathering of the new year. Anglers will be tying up winter midge patterns, so bring your tools and materials, or just come hang out, tell fish stories, enjoy some food and beverages and watch the thread twisting. The Fly du Jour for this month will be the BYW (Brassie Y Wing). A “goody bag” with a tutorial and enough materials to tye five size 20 BYW’s will be available to purchase for $5. All ability/experience levels welcome Jan. 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at 2 Rascals Brewing Company, 147 N 1st Street, Montrose. This event is hosted by Gunnison Gorge Anglers, your local chapter of Fly Fishers International and Trout Unlimited.

and experience some of the best of our local talent and associate with the most appreciative and well-behaved folk in

the three-county area. The center is located at the crossroads of Hwy. 348 and Banner Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and

seating is limited. Some people bring a snack to share and you can do likewise if you want to.

Way Down Yonder

Hunter education classes listed for February and March Hunter education classes will be held Feb. 15-16, March 12-15 and March 22-23 in the Enterprise Room of Technical College of the Rockies in Delta. The February class is an internet conclusion class that will be held Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 12:30 p.m. The traditional class on March 12-25 will be Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The March 22-23 class (internet conclusion class) will be Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Persons interested in signing up for any of these classes need to go online at www.cpw.state. co.us. Navigate to: About Us; Education; Hunter Education.

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Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must have successfully completed an approved hunter education course sanctioned by a state or province before applying for or purchasing a hunting license. Unless an emergency occurs, it is required that a student attend all of the class time. An absence may require that the hunter education class be repeated. The traditional class is taught over a four-day period with approximately 14 hours of instruction, exam and range time. Prior to participating in the internet conclusion class an online course certificate of completion is required. Check the hunter education website for the approved online course to take. Also be sure to sign up for an internet conclusion class.

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You must complete both to obtain a hunter education card. The internet conclusion class is a twoday course with approximately seven hours of instruction, exam and range time. Classroom space is limited to a maximum of 35 students per class. The most basic purpose of a hunter education course is to teach safe, responsible firearm handling in the field, in the vehicle and in the home after hunting. Through lectures, handson activities and videos, students learn about firearm safety, firearms and ammunition, shooting fundamentals and firearm and wildlife laws. Basic outdoor skills acquired in a hunter education course can be invaluable during any outdoor activity.

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A8 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Tourism town hall met with enthusiasm BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

The meeting room at Needle Rock Brewing Company was packed with Delta area residents and Delta Area Chamber of Commerce members Thursday evening, Jan. 17, for a meeting to discuss interest in a local effort to increase tourism revenue. City of Delta councilmember Nathan Clay introduced the discussion about the City of Delta’s effort to increase tourism revenue in partnership with Delta County Tourism and the Colorado Tourism Office. City of Delta is one of two communities in Colorado to qualify for a CRAFT 201 (Colorado Rural Academy for Tourism) grant through the Colorado Tourism Office. The grant carries no funding, but provides a consultant to work directly with a steering committee. Clay, a member of the steering committee, invited those present to join the city in “firing up the engine of the economy.” Amy Cassidy of Eagle is the consultant for Delta’s CRAFT tourism project. She told of the strategies Eagle used to transform Eagle into a community that offers enjoyable experiences

to tourists, and how the community’s pride began to grow as it developed as a tourism center. Amy Cassidy and Sam Kimbriel, owner of Needle Rock Brewery and Club Needle Rock at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, shared with those attending their personal experiences with incorporating tourism in a non-urban, agricultural environment, from the draw of outdoor adventures to wine and beer tastings. Kimbriel spoke of his experiences growing up in Lakewood, Golden and Conifer — and the process of getting farther away from downtown Denver. He spoke of working with the Golden Chamber of Commerce to determine how to make his business great. He spoke of branding Golden as a tourist town, and a good place for even a two-hour vacation (before back to the urban area). “One important result of encouraging tourism is it improves the quality of life for the community,” Kimbriel said. Kimbriel spoke of coming to Delta. “Why Delta? We could check all the boxes with Delta — heritage, culture, beer tastings, wine testing. We started three years ago. “This is a place that is truly Colorado. Delta is the heartbeat for the

whole county.” Cassidy spoke of the many resources the Colorado Tourism Office has to help a community wishing to attract tourists. Kelli Hepler of Delta County Tourism expanded on Cassidy’s comments by enumerating the resources and assistance of the Colorado Tourism Office. Delta city manager David Torgler said tourists could go skiing in the morning, golf in the afternoon, or go fishing and take long bike rides. “Whatever their mindset, we can help them achieve it. Let’s help our community grow for us and for our kids.” Torgler noted that Delta added a marketing position to city staff in 2019. Stacey Voight, Delta County Economic Development, said, “Delta is a gateway, centrally located and we are ready to look at your future with you.” Wilma Erven, director of parks, recreation and culture for the City of Delta and chair of the steering committee, spoke of the passion that used to be part of Delta, stating, “It’s time to reestablish our passion.” Erven and Sven Edstrom, DAMB Bikers, announced the kick-off of

a mountain biking event for the CRAFT 201 project. The bikers will meet at the rec center, bike from the rec center to Smith Mountain, and return to join in an activity in Delta. “We will put the passion back in Delta,” Wilma said. “We have the first and best rec center in western Colorado and it is here that we will rekindle our passion.” The date for the event has not been set at this time. Jo Ann Jarreau announced that she is starting a touring company. “I want to showcase this area, this place

that is so special with its geological formations, organic farms, fishing, and all,” she said. She has a list of five potential names for her touring company and read them to those attending, asking them to show their interest in each. The possible names of “Terra Vista Tours” and “Great West Tours” drew great enthusiasm from those present. Steering committee member Nathan Clay closed the meeting saying, “This is our first stepping stone toward Delta as a tourism center.” Members of the

steering committee are Nathan Clay and Christopher Ryan from Delta City Council; Don Suppes, chair of Delta County Board of County Commissioners; Delta city manager David Torpler; Kelli Hepler, Delta County Tourism; Stacey Voight and Nicci Robbins, Delta County Economic Development; Darnell PlaceWise, Delta County public information officer; Sam Kimbriel, business owner and member of the Delta County Tourism Cabinet; and chair of the steering committee, Wilma Erven, City of Delta director of parks, recreation and culture.

City pursues voter-approved land swap with property owner BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

City staff and council members met last week with Bill St. James to discuss a potential swap of property — the city’s Cottonwood and Riverbend parks on the north side of the Gunnison River for multiple parcels of land St. James owns on the opposite side of the river. The meeting was the first to occur since the November election, in which voters approved the sale or transfer of the city-owned property. In the interim, the city has been gathering appraisals for all the parcels involved, to assure taxpayers are getting a fair deal. “Now that we have the appraisals, we have a better understanding of what we’re talking about,” said Mayor Ron Austin at a work session Jan. 15. St. James, who has also seen the appraisals, said he finds the numbers Photo courtesy of Wilma Erven “a little bit crazy.” His The meeting room at Needle Rock Brewing Company was packed with Delta comments were based on area residents and Delta Area Chamber of Commerce members Jan. 17 for a a prior bank appraisal on meeting to discuss interest in a local effort to increase tourism revenue. one of the parcels in ques-

tion, as well as the price TK Mining was asking for the nine-acre parcel previously considered for hotel development. “Clearly these appraisals are not where any of us thought they were,” said council member Christopher Ryan. In a followup email, Ryan said he thought the city valuations would be lower and the St. James appraisals would be higher. “While the water features and the location of the parcels within the city’s Opportunity Zone certainly bolster their potential to an investor (contingent upon proposed usage), I was still impressed with the valuation,” Ryan said. The city is looking at the parcels on the north side of the river because they’re more accessible and more visible than Cottonwood and Riverbend. With a swap, the soccer facilities could be moved closer to town and long-range plans for recreational and commercial development along

the river could become a reality. Over the years, St. James has acquired multiple parcels of land east of Highway 50 and north of Highway 92 which could be combined, much like a puzzle, to create a large section for recreation and development by the city. St. James also holds the parcels that will provide access from Ute Street. A map was brought out and the two sides began discussion of which parcels of St. James’ land could provide the basis for an exchange agreeable to all. St. James is interested in Cottonwood and Riverbend because he could tie them in with parcels he has acquired on the north side of the river. At the request of council members, city manager David Torgler will put together a map detailing the parcels to be exchanged. Negotiations continued during a special meeting Monday, Jan. 21. Most of that discussion took place during an executive session.

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TIMES

Section

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Plaque space still available on Miner’s plaza wall BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The committee of miners and community members formed to complete the memorial wall project located in the Miner’s Statue Plaza at Paonia Town Park is making a major push to raise about $8,000 through sale of memorial plaques. At last count, the committee had collected $9,200 for granite plaques, said town administrator Ken Knight. Delta County has committed another $2,500 toward the project. Something the board of trustees should consider, said Knight, “is, what do you want to put on the wall?” The granite panels are available in three sizes and range in price from $100$300. For an additional $50, a symbol representing the coal mining industry, mine rescue, the fruit orchard industry, the ranching industry, Mount Lamborn and Landsend, or a spruce tree can be added to the engraving. Once the fund reaches $19,000, the granite can be ordered, engraved and installed, said Knight. Weather permitting, a re-dedication ceremony of the Miner’s

Statue could then be held this Memorial Day weekend, marking the 37th anniversary of the original dedication of the statue. Plaque application forms are available at Town Hall, 214 Grand Avenue. To read a history of the statue, visit townof paonia.com and click on the “About” tab.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Representative members of the Threshold Choir of Paonia perform at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley. One of more than 200 Threshold Choirs worldwide, the choir brings songs of comfort to the dying. Choir members, from left, are Katie Dean, Jacque Jeffries, Krista Dudley, Lindsay Cusack, Jan Simmons, Mary Bachran, and Marilyn Schwieterman.

Photo by Tamie Meck

A miniature bust of a coal miner is attached at the base of the Miner’s Statue memorial at Paonia Town Park. The committee overseeing the revitalization of the memorial area and completion of a dedication wall is making a push to raise the ﬁnal $8,000 that will allow them to begin installing memorial plaques on the wall.

Singing for those at the thresholds of life BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When Paonia resident Peggy Clements was on the cusp of life and death, the Threshold Choir of Paonia came to her bedside and sang. Clements passed away

North Fork begins gearing up for summer conference BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days, an event that comes to southwest Colorado just once every four years, will be held in the North Fork Valley for the first time. The regional conference serving Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties will take place June 12-14. As co-chair of the regional event, Elaine Brett is working with a steering committee on programming, marketing, hospitality, logistics and fundraising. The theme of the conference, “Blazing Trails and Building Community,” represents the innovative and collaborative work that is happening across the five-county region, and organizers see the

event as a way to highlight and expand the work nonprofits are doing in western Colorado. She and Michelle Livingston, event coordinator, not only want to provide opportunities for local nonprofits to meet one-on-one with funders and participate in professional development opportunities, they also want to showcase the Western Slope and Delta County, in particular. “We are looking to provide a unique experience,” said Brett. “We want to show the good things about Delta County, for sure, but we also want to demonstrate the need for funding.” Sheila Maki, a Hotchkiss town trustee and “all-around community member,” is helping with fundraising and mar-

keting. “It is really an awesome opportunity to sit down face to face with somebody from Anschutz, Boettcher or the Adolph Coors Foundation and talk to them about what projects they’re interested in, and what projects they steer away from.” These funders support a wide range of projects, from Little League baseball to fire department fundraisers, but each has an area or two of particular interest. Brett likens the signature event of Rural Philanthropy Days to “speed dating,” where nonprofits have two minutes to pitch their project to the funders. “The nonprofits leave with a really good indication of potential with a major funder CONFERENCE TO B2

Local law enforcement phases out fingerprinting services BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Need to get fingerprinted? Then this is for you. Under a new state law, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is implementing a new statewide digital fingerprint background check program. The program is aimed at increasing the number of locations where citizens can obtain fingerprints needed for background checks. Under the new law, Delta County law enforcement agencies are phasing out their longstanding practice of providing fingerprinting services. Known as Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS), the change follows passage of Senate Bill 17-189. While law enforcement agencies are the only ones authorized to take fingerprints, the bill allows for third-party vendors to electronically capture fingerprints for criminal background checks. Two vendors, American BioIdentity, Inc., dba Colorado Fingerprinting, and IDEMIA IdentGO, have been approved by the state to provide live-scan fingerprinting services. The program is expected to be fully implemented by Jan. 28. In Delta County, fingerprinting services will be available through IdentGO at The Place I Go, 104 Meeker Street in Delta. According to the IdentGO website, a vendor-processing fee of $10 per applicant “plus state and FBI fees (if required)” will apply.

Those obtaining the service are still required to present a valid form of identification. The change is intended to speed up the background check process, which currently can take up to six weeks, and reduce the number of imprint rejections. It also means that local law enforcement agencies will no longer provide the service, which requires taking imprints on a card, which the applicant submits to the CBI for processing. Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor said that pulling detention officers away from their duties several times a day to take fingerprints has been a challenge. While the sheriff ’s office will continue to do court-ordered fingerprinting and fingerprinting for concealed carry permits, civilians will be directed to The Place I Go. Cards can still be submitted to the CBI if they are processed by a law enforcement agency, but once the CABS is fully implemented, the CBI will no longer accept physical cards. Both Paonia and Hotchkiss will continue providing card fingerprinting services until further notice. Both offices recommend calling ahead before coming in for fingerprinting. The Paonia Police Department can be reached at 970-527-4822, and the Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office at 970-872-3848. According to the state, 64 professions, including health-

care, government, law enforcement, and public education, currently require applicants to pass a criminal background check, although laws can vary from state to state. Since the Colorado Department of Education requires all applicants to submit a complete set of fingerprints to either the Colorado or Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check, the biggest user of fingerprinting services in the county is the Delta County School District 50J. District financial officer Jim Ventrello said the change will have little effect on the district. Applicants and prospective volunteers have to go through a secured area at the jail to be fingerprinted, which some find uncomfortable, so Ventrello said the new option may be better. There have been some problems with scheduling of appointments, said Ventrello, and some concern that the new school year could result in even bigger scheduling problems. But, he said, “I think that once they get the bugs worked out, it’ll be fine.” In Delta, fingerprinting services through IdentGO are available from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Those seeking a CABS-compatible IdentGO vendor location or wanting to schedule an appointment can call (844) 539-5539 or visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/.

on Jan. 13, six weeks shy of her 105th birthday. Clements’ daughter, Karen Budinger, said it was comforting to her mother to have the choir sing to her. “They would come, sing songs, and leave quietly,” she said. “It’s really quite an honor,” said Krista Dudley, one of the choir members whose voice was among the last Clements heard. “We all felt very grateful to do that.” Dudley helped to establish the choir about a year and a half ago after moving to the area from Vashon, Wash., where she sang in the Vashon Threshold Choir. Threshold Choirs have brought songs of comfort to the dying since 2000. Founder Kate Munger of El Cerrito, Calif., started the organization after singing for a friend who was dying of HIV/AIDS. The Paonia choir is one of more than 200 chapter choirs performing throughout the world under the greater umbrella of the Threshold Choir. The organization operates under a model of “kindness made audible,” said Dudley. “Our work is to be of service at the bedside of folks in their threshold time.” Paonia is one of three Threshold Choirs on the Western Slope and performs, when called upon, throughout the North Fork area. Members are all volunteers, and there is no fee for the service. “This is truly a sacred service that we are all honored to do,” said Dudley. The national organization has a repertoire of some 600 songs, most written by choir members in three-part harmony, and sung a cappella and in soft-but-uplifting

tones. Choirs have discretion in choosing what songs to perform, and will accommodate the wishes of the family and the dying person’s belief system. With Peggy Clements, since she was very involved in her church, said Dudley, they sang a traditional church hymn. When they sang the hymn for her mother, said Budinger, “You could see her moving her lips. She knew the words.” As the choir was leaving, “She asked for their names so she could pray for each of them individually.” The Paonia choir currently has about 15 members. Because they sing in teams of three, they are available on short notice, said Dudley. If only one member is available, that one member will go and sing. They also welcome others interested in joining. Many choir members are inspired to join because they have worked with Hospice or in fields related to caring for others. While most choir members are women, and songs are written for women’s voices. “It’s not an exclusive women-only thing,” said Dudley. According to the organization, she said, “It’s hard to blend female and male voices at the bedside. It takes practice.” If men are interested, she said, the choir would consider working with them, or possibly forming a men’s choir. Until the choir can get a website, those interested in joining or having them sing for a loved one can submit a request on the organization’s website, threshold choir.org (under the “Our Service” tab), and someone will contact them.

Crawford adopts mitigation plan BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

During its regular meeting on Jan. 9, Delta County emergency manager Chris Stewart talked with the Crawford Board of Trustees about the multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan and the town’s resolution to adopt the plan. His brief presentation identified the potential hazards the Town of Crawford should consider, and how it could reduce and deal with these risks. The plan is a crucial element for any funding requests for federal grants through FEMA or the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. According to Stewart, the portion specific to Crawford focused on three risks — wildfire, flooding and drought. The plan contains short-term and long-term projects to mitigate or reduce the risk to residents from these potential hazards. Those wanting to take a detailed look at the plan, it is available online at http://www. deltacounty.com/342/Multi-

Hazard-Mitigation-Plan. The trustees unanimously approved Resolution 2019-1 to adopt the Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Also making a presentation to the trustees was Nancy Hovde with HopeWest, a nonprofit organization providing hospice care and grief counseling to residents on the Western Slope, including Delta County. She explained their services go beyond helping the elderly and their families — she cited an example of a seven-yearold in her neighborhood in Cedaredge who was under hospice care. HopeWest also has programming to help children deal with the emotional grief of loss. According to Hovde, people do not realize that patients under hospice care actually live 21 days longer, and in more comfort, than those not under hospice care. The next meeting of the Crawford Board of Trustees will by Wednesday, Feb. 6, beginning at 7 p.m. at Crawford Town Hall.

B2 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Conference FROM PAGE B1 or a smaller foundation,” Brett said. “In the past, this round robin format has had really accelerated and increased the

amount of funding that comes to an area. “We will be looking for some really nice returns for Delta County, and hopefully people will feel

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they’ve learned more about grant writing, fundraising and other leadership skills,” said Brett. Brett expects about 300 participants, including 40 or 50 “funders” from state agencies and private foundations that include the Gates Foundation, El Pomar, Anschutz Family Foundation, Adolph Coors Foundation and many more. “Because we’re small, we are going to have to be very creative about logistics and lodging,” Brett said. “We are trying to engage as much of the community as we can. We will be using facilities in Paonia and Hotchkiss, but we’re also counting on participation from the Delta and Surface Creek areas, as well as Delta County and the county commissioners.” Logistics will likely include some form of shuttle linking all the sites. Although the schedule is tight, the steering committee hopes to put together some tours that will give a taste of what Delta County has to offer. Plus, Rural Philanthropy Days will piggyback onto North Fork Uncorked, the first wine event of the year. “We’re hoping to encourage people to stay on, to get to know the county even better,” Brett said. You can follow the progress of the Western Slope RPD Steering Committee as it plans details of the conference by visiting www.westernrpd.org and liking Western Slope RPD on Facebook. Registration for Western Slope RPD will open in the spring. Scholarships will be available, so don’t let money be a deterrent, Maki stressed.

Generosity

Armchair Travel

Photo courtesy of Elaine Brett

Paonia Library’s widely popular Armchair Travel series is back for another season of transporting people to places far and wide through photographs, stories and dynamic presentations. The opening event of the series is scheduled for takeoff on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. Presenter Elaine Brett will lead a tour of China that reveals its “Imperial Jewels.” Seating is limited and available on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis. Stay tuned for other upcoming events in the series that will take you to Greenland, the Norwegian Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond. Contact Paonia Library for more information at 399-7881.

Kids’ Pasta Project schedule announced for winter/spring The Kids Pasta Project winter/spring dinner schedule is underway. The next dinner will be Feb. 11 and benefits the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. The March 11 dinner will benefit the Mountain Harvest Creative. On April 1, the dinner benefits the Pickin’ in the Park free summer concert series, and on April 8, KPP will celebrate its 10th birthday. KPP’s mission is “for youth to serve their local community by preparing and selling freshly-made, healthy meals and giving profits to local causes.”

KPP provides the opportunity to learn the value of service to the community as well as relevant life skills. Where possible, they use fresh and freshly-made local products. Dinners begin at 6 p.m., at the Edesia Community Kitchen, 395 Clark Avenue, in Paonia.

Cost of the meal is $14 for adults, $8 for kids, and includes lasagna made with freshly rolled pasta, home-made sauces, bread, green salad and fruit crisp. Reservations can be made at kidspastapro ject.org/reservation/ or by calling 970-250-6836.

Movie showing benefits Hotchkiss Fire District On Monday, Jan. 28, the Paradise Theatre in Paonia will show the movie “Wildland.” Proceeds will benefit the Hotchkiss Fire District. Ace Gambles and Charlie Jankiewicz are helping to cover expenses

for the licensing fees. “Wildland” is a “sweeping yet deeply personal account of a single wildland firefighting crew as they struggle with fear, loyalty, dreams, and demons.” Showtime is at 7 p.m.

Classical guitarist to perform at Blue Sage Sunday Javier de los Santos performs on classical Spanish guitar Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia. The concert begins at 3 p.m., as part of the Blue Sage Concert Matinee Series. In an effort to bring music to the community, the Blue Sage Matinee Series is priced at $8. There are also complimentary tickets for students. For more information please contact the Blue Sage at 970-527-7243.

Javier de los Santos

Blue Sage hosts first Final Friday of 2019 Blue Sage presents its first Final Friday of 2019 with the exhibit “Lines.” Featured artists are accomplished clay artist Sara Ransford with her unique paper clay style, talented Tom Calenberg who uses mixed media to “celebrate the process of creation that gives my soul its voice,” and Chris Gentry who makes a spir-

ited collection of weavings and sculptures using locally gathered, organic materials. A meet and greet with the artists will take place Jan. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blue Sage Gallery in Paonia. Email info@bluesage.org or call 970-527-7243 for more information. The show will run through Feb. 16.

Deadline near for ‘Convergence’ entries Deadline for submission of writings and photographs for the Blue Sage Center for the Arts annual Convergence: Words and Images from the West Elks writing and photography contest is Monday, Jan. 28. Convergence is an annual writing and photography contest providing opportunities for writers and photographers to showcase their work. The contest includes adult and youth (18-and-

under) divisions; categories include prose (fiction and non-fiction), poetry, and black and white photographs. All submissions will be judged for consideration in the annual “Convergence: Words and Images from the West Elks” book. No previously published work will be accepted. Submission fees will help cover publishing costs. For details, or to submit works, visit www. bluesage.org.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Chris Allen exhibit opening at The Cirque BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Polar bears clinging to ice cubes floating in a sea of Coca Cola. A snow leopard with a bright red bar code on its ear. An elephant imprisoned behind a white picket fence. A black rhino covered in graffiti. Chris Allen’s environmental paintings and drawings challenge his viewers to think about how human behavior affects the natural world. He describes his large images, mostly done in acrylics and measured in feet, not inches, as focusing “on the relationship between human existence and ecological crises, inspired by worsening natural disasters and disappearing species.” An exhibit of Allen’s paintings opens this Friday at The Cirque in downtown Paonia. A 2014 graduate of Hotchkiss High School, Allen got serious about art as a teenager. In addition to school art shows, in 2014 he had exhibits at Doghouse Coffee in Delta

Photo submitted

‘Rhino,’ a 48”X48” acrylic on canvas, is one of about a half dozen paintings by Hotchkiss High School alumus Chris Allen that will be on exhibit at The Cirque in Paonia. An opening reception will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. and the Church of Art in Hotchkiss. His local works include the mural on the Hotchkiss Subway and the Hotchkiss Bulldog mascot on the town shop on Grand Avenue. Even in high school, Allen was drawing and showing sketches of

sports figures and family members and lifelike images of giraffes, panda bears, parrots and other endangered wildlife, which he sold to support his education. “Initially I wanted to do a series about endangered species, but after a

Sharpening their math skills

few paintings I moved on to other things,” he said. “Over time, as I read articles about oceans lined with garbage and animals covered with oil from spills, I was inspired to capture the emotion I felt towards these events.” HHS art teacher Jamie Roeber “deserves a lot of credit for sparking my interest and really challenging me as an artist,” said Allen. His interest was strong enough that he chose to attend CU Denver to study painting and drawing over going to Colorado School of Mines. Parents Steve Allen and Sunshine Knight were very supportive, he said. So was his girlfriend, now wife, Chelsea. Last year he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art with an emphasis on painting and drawing from the University of Colorado Denver. “I feel like I kind of owed it to the North Fork community to come back and do a show,” said Allen. When Cirque owner Amy DeLuca reached out to him, he said yes. Allen is currently employed at Fidelity Investments while earning his investment advisor’s license, and continues to focus on his art. Most recently he was included in an annual juried show at the Emmanuel Gallery in Denver. He’s thinking big. One of his latest works is an 8’ by 10’ acrylic of a discarded pack of Marlboros. At CU, his professors, Quintin Gonzalez, Lanny Devuono and Vivian George “really opened up my mind to fine art and challenged me even further.” Without all of

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Paonia Jr/Sr High honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Paonia Junior-Senior High School for the first semester of the 2018-19 school year: Easton Tribble Delilah Vasquez 3.5-3.99 Andrew Boyce Leia Ellenberger Logan Farnsworth Payton Fister Autumn Kiefer Diego Lareau Carmen Rodriquez Mia Stolmeier Ian Wallace 4.0 Milo Chavez Malachi Deck Zoey Duncan Faith Frazier Keira Moxley Graham Waltermire 9th Grade 3.25-3.49 Jason Kuntz Gerson Maya Nelle Ramsey Alissa Riley-White Samuel Roberts Calen Utterback

3.5-3.99 Alyster Birk Larissa Cotton Alejandro Garcia Alexandria Leighton Addison Neal Shaylee Odle William Ramsay Sienna Reese Irene Shenk Mason Van Vleet 4.0 Arjun Bacigalupi Kaya Crawford Abby LaBounty Leona Myers Lydia Puckett 10th Grade 3.25-3.49 Noah McDaniel Abby Reedy 3.5-3.99 Syrene Diehl Hailey Emmons Lauryn Kiefer 4.0 Simon Cox

Sean Maulhardt Taneal Mautz Anthony Miller Tawny Roberts 11th Grade 3.25-3.49 Audra Niermann Mercedes Norris Alysia Olson Jalyn Walker 3.5-3.99 Anna Bailey Ellia Carlson Sophia Cox Jessica Deaton Lyla Hayutin-Baril Justin Holt Jai Petmezas Connolly Mikayla Wiley 4.0 Carly Horn Sadie Miller Grey Neal Alexis Newland Katya Schwieterman

12th Grade 3.25-3.49 Sackett Chesnik Alexandria Eaton Elan Maulhardt Ethen White 3.5-3.99 Ethan Bartlett Jesse Burns Alice Carrillo Ikechi Elendu Harley Ewert Anthony Felice Sabrina Leighton David Lozano Jaquelin Mora Verdeja Soul Petmezas Connolly Calvin Reese Angela Reynolds 4.0 Celine Audin Jade Ellenberger Poppy Lightfoot Taralee Mautz Dantrick Reed

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Planning commission seat is open There is currently a vacancy on the Hotchkiss Planning Commission. The board is comprised of the mayor, two town trustees and four citizens from the town at large. The board plans for the town’s growth and reviews zoning, land use and other issues. Citizens interested in serving on the planning commission should submit a letter of interest to Hotchkiss Town Hall. Applicants must be a resident of the Town of Hotchkiss and a registered voter. For more information, call town clerk Marlene Searle at 872-3663.

tion of each sale going to the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy. More information, images of his work, and his blog can be found at www.chrisallenart.com.

Photo submitted

Seventy students from Paonia Elementary, along with 24,312 other students from 561 schools in 44 states recently competed in the Noetic Learning National Math Contest. The students pictured were those locally recognized. In the front row are Joel Frazier and Giovanna Luna who were tied for the sixth grade PES high score and who also received national honorable mention. In the next row are sixth graders Sara Washburn and Heidi Johnson who received national honorable mention. Next to them are Dillon Scherba and Lauren Miller who were tied for fourth grade PES high score. In the back row are Zoe Stolmeier, Jasmine Vasquez and Avery Kinser who were tied for the ﬁfth grade PES high score and received national honorable mention. Finally are Austin Funk who received sixth grade national honorable mention and Tia Homedew who was also tied for the fourth grade PES high score. This competition challenges PES students in unique and different ways and sharpens their all-around math skills.

7th Grade 3.25-3.49 Ella Eves Ember Ferguson Jose Mojarro 3.5-3.99 Helena Birk Mariah Callen Marcos Camacho Ella Deja Connolly Kaidence Godwin Ryder Hart Omni Judkins Avigail Maya Tarik O’Brien Abee Pabst Josiah Peters 4.0 Lane Allen James LaBounty Emily Reedy Emma Roberts Kelly Thliveris 8th Grade 3.25-3.49 Malikhi Hamilton Matthew Horn

the support, he says, he would not be where he is today. Allen also creates drawings and limited-run signed prints of endangered wildlife, with a por-

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SURFACE CREEK January 23, 2019

NEWS

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Cedaredge chamber honors local achievers BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

At its annual awards banquet last Friday, the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce honored several businesses and individuals. A hundred people attended the invitation-only event held for the first time at the newly opened Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center (GMAEC) in downtown Cedaredge. Mitchell Gronenthal, chamber president, served as master of ceremonies. The theme of the event was Oscars’ night. The evening began with the introduction of the current chamber board of directors which, in addition to president Gronenthal, includes Codi Nelson as vice president, Dottie Whitlock as treasurer, and Dave Wilson as secretary. Other directors are Bruce Hovde, Cindy Starr, Jennifer Chlarson, Steve Kelsey, and Matt Sheader. Alisha Komives serves as the chamber’s executive director. The Cedaredge Area Chamber boasts nearly 160 members who nominate businesses and individuals for annual recognition in a variety of categories and vote to select award recipients. 2018 Business of the Year honors went to Big John’s Lumber, which has been doing business at the same location for 114 years. The Apple Shed — another longtime Cedaredge enterprise — was recognized with an award for Lifetime Business Achievement. The

award for New and Improved Business went to Love Your Lashes. Matt and Phil Sheader were honored as Entrepreneurs of the Year for their work with the Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall. The Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center received honors as Nonprofit of the Year and Reve Portraits was named Small Business of the Year. Cory Nelson of Cedaredge Creekside Café was named Businesswoman of the Year and Mitchell Gronenthal was named Volunteer of the Year. The Bank of Colorado received an award for its role in local economic impact. David Starr, who served on the chamber board for nine years until his term ended in December 2018, was recognized as Board Member of the Year. And Phil Ellsworth, who was recently honored as the town’s poet laureate, was named Cedaredge’s Outstanding Citizen for 2018. Other nominees in each category were: Business of the Year — Cedaredge Creekside Café, Cedaredge Land Company, Starr’s Guitars, Bank of Colorado, Re/Max Mountain West; Cedaredge Pharmacy, DeerCreek Village Realty and RJ’s Land & Sea. Lifetime Business Achievement Award — Cedaredge Creekside Café, Starr’s Guitars, Bank of Colorado, Cedaredge Foodtown, Re/Max Mountain West and Big John’s Lumber.

Track to be named for Jack Kehmeier BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

At their Jan. 17 meeting, Delta County school board members unanimously approved a proposal to name the track at Cedaredge High School in honor of longtime teacher/coach Jack Kehmeier. CHS will work with the Kehmeier family to erect a sign officially designating the Jack Kehmeier Track and Field Facility. Kehmeier was a track and field coach at CHS from 1956 to 1982. His track teams earned state championships in 1963 and 1964, were runners-up in 1966, 1970 and 1971, placed in the top 10 eight times and earned six league/district championships. While coaching at CHS,

Kehmeier was named Coach of the Year by the Gunnison High School Booster Club. He was also named to the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. “His willingness to help all young people reach their potential was unmatched,” said Jack’s son, Bill. As required by school district policy, the nomination was accompanied by signatures from at least 100 supporters. In addition, comments were invited on the school district website. Virtually every comment spoke highly of Jack Kehmeier as an individual, a teacher and a coach. School superintendent Caryn Gibson said a dedication ceremony is planned after the sign is erected in the spring.

New & Improved Business — T’s Bar & Grill, Millennium Wellness, Enchanted Mesa Gallery, Stacy’s on Main, and the GMAEC. Entrepreneur of the Year — Codi Nelson, owner of Cedaredge Creekside Café; Bret Neal, owner of Stoney Mesa Winery; and David and Cindy Starr, owners of Starr’s Guitars and Kauai Vacation Rentals and volunteers with GMAEC. Volunteer of the Year —

Terri LaVue, Bob Page, Dorothy Jean Mergelman, Trey Gronenthal, Dave and Jacki Dapkus, Cindy Starr, Pat Means and Sharon Grotrain. Nonprofit of the Year — Little Sprouts Community Preschool, Surface Creek Community Services (Cedaredge Food Bank), Food for Thought, Surface Creek Animal Shelter and Community Options. Small Business of the Year — Lost Mesa Grill, Cedaredge Land Company, West Elk Elec-

tric, Stacy’s on Main and Mesa Rentals. Businesswoman of the Year — Deborah Shaffer, GMAEC; Dottie Whitlock, massage therapist; Kacy Stillings, Bank of Colorado; and Cindy Starr, Kauai Vacation Rentals and GMAEC. Economic Impact Award — Curtis McCrackin, RV Horizons/MHP, Elevate Fiber; Adaptive Internet, Grand Mesa Packaging and Joshua Patterson.

Photo by Phillip Berghauser

Recipients of Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce honors pose on a theatrical stage decorated to resemble a night at the Oscars. In the far back the tall gentlemen wearing hats are Matt and Phil Sheader (Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall). Middle back row (left to right): Codi Nelson (Cedaredge Creekside Café); Andrea Clouser, Jessica Chevalier, Pam Smith, and Cherie Kosanovich (The Apple Shed); and Trey and Mitchell Gronenthal (Reve Portraits). Front row (left to right): Betty A Crim-Smith (Love Your Lashes); Deborah Shaffer (Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center); Phil Ellsworth (citizen of the year); David Starr (Chamber board member of the year); Kacy Stillings (Bank of Colorado); and Scott Dickson (Big John’s Lumber).

Chamber president reviews achievements, shares vision for 2019 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Mitchell Gronenthal, president of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the chamber’s awards night banquet Friday, Jan. 18. Gronenthal reviewed a number of chamber activities which took place last year. Among 2018’s most successful events was the annual Applefest celebration which featured a record number of vendors (234) and earned a rating from The Denver Post as one of the best festivals to attend in Colorado (rated number 12). Other 2018 events included Independents Week, a July shop local event held in conjunction with the Town

of Cedaredge; two outdoor concerts (101st Army Band and Symphony in the Park); and the Colorado Grand car rally which included a stop in Cedaredge. The chamber also promoted a downtown Trick or Treat Trail which featured daylight trick or treating for kids and families and the chamber was active in the town’s annual December Parade of Lights which saw record entrants and record attendance. For 2019, Gronenthal pledged that he and the chamber board will work to strengthen traditional events and initiate new ones as suggested by chamber members. He hopes to add more new

members this year and to increase shop local initiatives. The chamber also plans to provide classes and workshops for members covering such topics as the use of the internet and employee insurance. Among new ideas for 2019 are establishing business internships through the Technical College of the Rockies and setting up an electric car charging station at a location adjacent to Pioneer Town. Gronenthal closed his remarks by asking members to help recruit other individuals and businesses to join the chamber and reminding those in attendance that the chamber is “here to work with you and for you.”

Grand Mesa sled dog race on for 2019 BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

“Come race the rockies!” is the slogan of the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club and this weekend they plan to take to the Grand Mesa in a weekend of racing fun. The Grand Mesa Summit Challenge was cancelled last year due to lack of snow. At an elevation of 11,000 feet this race is the highest for sled dogs in North America. The sprints are divided into different classes of distances varying between four, six and eight miles. The races will start at the Mesa Top Trail on Hwy 65 about 20 miles north of

Cedaredge. Signs will be seen near the entrance at the intersection of Highway 65 and Land’s End Road (FS 100 Road). The races are out and back and mushers can be watched at the Mesa Top Trail parking lot. The area should be packed down well enough to not need snowshoes. Races will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday with an eight-dog sprint class followed by six-dog sprint class, two dog skijor, four-dog sprint class, one-dog skijor, three-dog junior, threeto four-dog recreational sled and non-sanctioned one to two dog skijor each day. About 30

competitors are expected. All will start at one-minute intervals. The three-dog junior, three- to four-dog recreational and one to two-dog non-sanctioned skijor will be run concurrently with a two-minute break between those classes. Snowshoe will go last, with the events being complete at about 1 p.m. A food vendor will be at the race, too. The kinds of dogs featured in the races will vary. According to the club’s website, “Over the years we have seen traditional Siberian huskies, hounds, pointers, poodles, rottweilers, boxers and other various 30- to 70-pound dogs

used. Any dog that likes to pull and run can be used [for sledding or skiing].” Steve Bethka, club president and organizer for this weekend’s race, first started racing with a couple huskies but now uses german shorthair pointers. He also has a boxer. “I started roller blading with my huskies but couldn’t do that in the winter,” he said. “My parents from Alaska suggested I try skijoring, where you hook yourself up to the dogs with skis. I found some dog sled clubs after that and I’ve been racing now for about 15 years.” 2019 marks the 14th annual race here on Grand Mesa; other races on the RMSDC

schedule include a race in South Fork on Feb. 16-17, and a race March 2-3 in Meeker. Earlier this month the group raced in Silverton and Cloman Park. The RMSDC started in 1960 and hosts races for some of the world’s fastest sprint mushers. A sprint is under 20 miles. Most people might be familiar with long distance races such as the Iditarod or Yukon Quest which are 1,000 miles long. This weekend’s races are under 20 miles to classify as a sprint. More information on the RMSDC can be found at rmsdc. org. As a friendly reminder, please leave your own pets at home.

Cedaredge trustees tackle annual housekeeping items BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

DCI ﬁle photo

Two levels of races will be featured in the Grand Mesa Summit Challenge Sled Dog Race — competitive and recreational. Competitive races are used to earn points nationwide for the International Sled Dog Association. Anyone is allowed to join and bring their own dogs for the recreational races. Sign-ups, however, are already closed for this year’s race.

Joining for a public hearing and regular meeting on Jan. 17, the Cedaredge board of trustees tackled many first-ofthe-year housekeeping items. At the public hearing, both Blake Bynum of Cedaredge Foodtown and Codi Nelson of Creekside Café requested liquor license modifications. Foodtown is expanding its sales space for malt liquor. Creekside Café is adding out-

side dining space. These two modifications passed during the regular meeting. Treasurer Patti Michael and trustee Robert Michael abstained from voting for Foodtown due to conflict of interest. To start the regular meeting, trustee Robert Michael presented an update on the planning and zoning commission. The commission is still working on the tiny homes discussion.

Among several housekeeping items were annual updates from the Cedaredge Tree Board and Surface Creek Animal Shelter. Jim Leser has been Tree Board president since 2010. The Tree Board partnered with the fifth grade class to celebrate Arbor Day in town park. For Sick Tree Day the members visited about 15 yards. An Applefest booth had activities like weed identification and members handed out CEDAREDGE TO B5

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Grammy winner and desert trio to perform in Cedaredge BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Rich Moore are a husband Moore is a “powerhouse Staff Writer

As part of a Colorado tour, Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore with 3hattrio will perform at the Grand Mesa Arts Center in Cedaredge on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. Together the evening will be filled with American roots and desert music. Mollie O’Brien and

Student of the Month

Voices of the Western Slope

Photo by Don Benjamin

Hannah Gardner, a senior at Cedaredge High School, has been honored by the Cedaredge Rotary Club as January Student of the Month. Hannah is a three-sport student athlete competing in softball, basketball and track and ﬁeld. She is also head of the CHS journalism program and active in National Honor Society. She enjoys outdoor sports especially ﬁshing. After graduation Hannah plans to join the U.S. Air Force and following her enlistment she hopes to attend Western State University and earn a teaching degree in history, her favorite subject. Pictured with Hannah are Dave Pitkin, Rotary sergeant of arms (left), and her parents, Stacy and Scott.

Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and Delta County Libraries present “Voices of the Western Slope,” a series of entertaining, engaging, and informative presentations on noteworthy topics of the Western Slope. The January presentation in the quarterly series is “Murder and Mystery on Grand Mesa” The following students were named to honor roll at Cedaredge High School for with local author James the first semester of the 2018-19 school year: K. Wetzel. Wetzel will share the history behind Conner Brooks Jasper Thomas Grace Hatheway Seniors 3.3-3.9 Jacen Brown Allison Turner Hannah Hohenstein 4.0 and Above Cameron Baldozier the 1892 mysterious disSierra Findley Shyler Walker Richard Imhoff Dalia Alejandre Wade Barnard appearance of William Kammie Henderson Freshmen Joshua Jenkins Marian Blanks Bradley Callenius Alexander and the murSophia McCrackin 4.0 and Above Elizabeth Lewis Megan Branson Jacob Chlarson Kylin Mitchell Savannah Baldozier Reganne McIntire Emalee Brooks Jasmine Cruthers der of Surface Creek catColby Rupp Karlie Hanson Zachary McMillan Darnan Bulbulian Shannon Goff tleman William Womack Emma Stumpf Olivia Hohenstein Lucie Sachova Wyatt Camp Rylee Laman in 1901, both described Brody Wagner Paige McGovern Katelin Seale Hunter Campbell Nicole Miller Zoe Williams Trista Saenz Kaitlyn Toothaker Victoria Creech Jared Reynolds in his book, “Murder 3.3-3.9 Keyra Sheppard Chaycelynn Urquhart Courtney Freeman Susanna Rugloski and Mystery on Grand 3.3-3.9 3.3-3.9 Ian Anderson Hannah Gardner Tyler Saunders Mesa.” Adison Arnett Sara Aviles Alejandro Barron Kylee Hanson Summer Serio This presentation will Brianna Bowler Billy Finn Rodriguez Azalee Hoffbauer Niala Stair Hannah Carlson Lucas Hoerr Hayden Blanks Julia Jackson Shelby Stone be held at the Grand Makayla Kehmeier Melvin Hunsberger Taylor Blum Garth Knutson Taj Van der Linde Mesa Arts and Events Brieanna McGovern Megan Jenkins Samuel Campbell Nevaeh Martinez Michelle Varanai Center Thursday, Jan. Kiara Palmer Lance Knutson Aspen Furubotten Maxwell Moore Tyla Wallace Simon Varela Amberlyn Lamm Dennis Jackson Larissa Prisbrey Whitney Woolley 31, at 6 p.m. There is a

Cedaredge High honor roll

Peter Sandels Kaden Schulz Keaton Sheppard Mariah Simler Emily Tullis Briar Wagner Abigail Williams Guan Xiang

Juniors 4.0 and Above Elisabeth Cole Paden Conner Owen Craig Sean Dale Joshua Deal Alayna Edwards

Peyton Williams Zoe Wood Sophomores 4.0 and Above Kimberly Alanko Sophie Andrews Ellison Black Isaac Blair

Abigail Lozano Kimberley Milholland Emma Purvis Allyson Quinn Kiele Rains Makaylie Reed Wyatt Smith Gerard Sommers

Mia Maruca Kacey McIntire Leila Morton Faith Vader Ty Walck

ed 103.9 percent of budget revenues and spent 91.5 percent of budgeted expenditures in 2018. In the work session, town administrator Greg Brinck said he would see about resolving the Western Gravel Constructors budget change but given the short notice it will instead come before the board in February. The wage increases in the 2019 budget went into effect on Jan. 5. Patrol officers received a $2/hour wage increase. Also under administration, public works co-director Scott Lock reported 97.5 hours of snow plowing in 2018. During the winter of 2018, there were only four hours. The Park Reservoir, at the time of the meeting, sat at 13.6 inches, about 5 inches short of a standard year. With the cold temperatures more people are experiencing frozen lines. Lock recommended that citizens open their sink cabinet doors and let the faucet drip into a pitcher during the night to help prevent burst pipes when the temperature dips below freezing. In the morning simply pour the pitcher onto house plants or on a tree outside. Next the trustees approved the annual memorandums of understanding for storage sheds of the Grand Mesa VFW Post 9221 and the Surface

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FROM PAGE B4 seed packets. Volunteer efforts of the five board members is valued at more than $6,000. In 2019 they plan to include a tour of the arboretum, complete a revision of the suggested tree planting publication, recertify Cedaredge as a Tree City USA for its 26th year, install understory landscape in last year’s Arbor Day tree planting bed and more. After Leser, Nelson spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Applefest booth applications will be available in February. Jacki Dapkus with SCAS shared the nonprofit’s 2018 report next. “Clearly the big deal for 2018 was the building,” she said. “We are so thrilled to be in the new space.” Dapkus reviewed the statistics of intakes, transfers and adoptions from 2018. In total, SCAS took in 147 dogs and 197 cats. A large number of cat/kitten adoptions are done through Grand Junction and Montrose via Petco and Petsmart. In total, 69 dogs and 162 cats/kittens were adopted from the shelter. SCAS returns approximately 70 percent of stray dogs back to their owners. Moving to finances, treasurer Patti Michael reported the town collect-

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recommended donation of $10 at the door to cover presentation costs. For more information, contact Cedaredge Library at 399-7674 or Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center at 856-9195.

guitar player.” Together they’ve released two studio albums and one live CD. Hailing from rural southern Utah near Zion National Park, 3hattrio is a trio focused on honoring the environment that inspires their songs. “It’s an American understanding of music connected with the soul of the desert,” said standup bass and vocalist Greg Istock. Each of 3hattrio’s songs is original and blends folk music sounds with elements like autotune and psychedelia. Ellen Stapenhorst will also be a special guest at the concert. Tickets are $20 at Starr’s Guitars, or online at https://www. starrsguitars.com/.

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and wife duo who have spent the last 30 years with a mission to “find, mine and reinvent other artists’ songs,” according to their website bio. O’Brien is a Grammy award winning singer known for her ability to sing even the phone book and make it sound miraculous. Husband

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Creek Valley Lions Club. Local retail liquor stores will now be able to offer alcoholic beverage tastings due to the passing of state legislation. Lastly trustees approved the meeting posting place to be the east window of the front door to town hall. A second resolution listed the streets in town. The trustees decided to table the third resolution regarding building permit fees until February since it was not posted on the website for the public.

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B6 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

SPORTS

SPORTS January 23, 2019

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta girls climb to top in 3A WSL play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

After a big win against 5A/4A Southwestern League leader Montrose, Delta High School’s girls basketball team finds itself at the top of the 3A WSL standings with a 10-1 overall record and a league mark of 30. Montrose (14-2, 1-0) has the best record in the five-team 5A/4A SWL. The win on Tuesday, Jan. 15, prompted a story from CHSAA’s Ryan Casey touting Delta’s accomplishment. Delta also improved its chances of earning a league title with its 5249 win over Coal Ridge’s Titans last Friday. Coal Ridge is fifth in overall standings with an 8-4 record and a 2-1 league mark. Delta 37, Montrose 35 Delta High School has had its problems with Montrose in girls basketball in recent years. The Panthers began this year’s game with more confidence than in the

past and eased their way to a 13-8 advantage after one quarter of action. Delta sophomore postplayer Alexa Huff was the offensive leader for Delta with six of the 13 points scored in the opening period. Huff finished the game with eight points after scoring a goal in the fourth period. Delta led 22-18 at halftime and seemed to be in control of the game at that point. Montrose had other plans and outscored the Panthers 11-1 in the third quarter to take a 28-23 lead to the fourth quarter. A 14-4 run for Delta in the final period secured the win for the Panthers. Junior Sara Geddes scored at least one point in each of the four quarters and finished with 12 points to lead Delta scorers. Montrose’s Kennadie Minerich was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points, six coming in Montrose’s 11-1 run in the third quarter.

Delta 52, Titans 49 An evenly played first half on Friday held a 1211 advantage for the Panthers after one quarter of play. Delta increased its lead to 26-22 by halftime with the game’s outcome still up for grabs. Freshman Erika Kuta scored five of her seven points in the second period with sophomore Keely Porter chipping in another five, including one of her three, 3-point goals in the game. Porter added two more long-distance goals in the third quarter and finished the period with eight points to lead Delta Photo by Wayne Crick on a 19-12 run giving the Delta junior Sara Geddes slices between two Montrose defensive players to Panthers a 45-34 lead. Coal Ridge finished score two of her team-high 12 points in last week’s 37-35 win over the Indithe game with a 15-7 ans. fourth quarter with Taylor Wiescamp scoring nine of her team-high 15 points for the Titans. Porter finished the game with 18 points, Geddes had 10 and Huff contributed another nine for the Panthers in the win against the Titans.

Delta boys stumble against Indians; beat Titans for 3A WSL lead BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Tamie Meck

Autumn Luginbyhl presses Saints junior Abby Kuhns in Hotchkiss’ 57-32 conference win over Vail Christian Friday night.

Defense was key in 25-point Bulldog win BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss girls upped their win-loss record to 10-2 last Friday with a 57-32 conference win over Vail Christian. While they played well on both sides of the ball, head coach Haillie Taylor credits the defense for the win. The Bulldogs had 16 steals, deflected 14 passes and in the third period held the Saints to three points. Hotchkiss shut the Saints shooting game down, holding lead scorer Sarah Heredia to six total points. The plan, said Taylor, was to close out, “shut her down and let somebody else step up and see if they can score without her.” Kaiya Firor scored two three-pointers and 17 points for the game, Elsie Vasquez scored 12, and Carson Collins 11. Junior Shay Glaser, who was named outstanding player of the game,

scored 15, shot 75 percent from the foul line and had 10 rebounds. The team scored 12 of 18 from the foul line. Hotchkiss ended the first quarter with a 14-10 lead. In the second, which Taylor described as “probably the worst quarter of basketball we’ve played this season,” they scored six. During halftime the team “had a little motivational talk in the locker room,” said Taylor. “They got it fixed and came back and played their game,” holding the Saints to one goal in the third, and scoring 23 points in the fourth. “We really just started playing our game,” said Firor, who opened the second half with her first of two three-pointers and finished the half with 12 points. In the final period, Firor and Glaser scored back-to-back shots from the three line.

With seven games remaining, the win gives the Bulldogs a 4-1 conference record. They open the week at No. 16 in state RPI rankings. Hotchkiss is one of six teams remaining in the 2A/1A WSL with winning records. They’ll face five of them in the next three weeks, starting this Friday with 6-4 Rangely. Between Feb. 1-9, they’ll travel to Soroco (11-2, 41), 1A North Park (7-3, 22) and Meeker (10-1, 5-0), and host Plateau Valley (9-3, 2-2). To keep the momentum going, “We need to work on playing our game the whole game and not getting down,” said Firor. Collins, who called the game against the Saints a confidence builder, is averaging almost 16 points per game. She echoed Firor’s sentiment. “We’ve got to keep working as hard as we can,” she said. “Every practice, every game.”

A frustrating loss to Montrose, 44-41, on Jan. 15 was due in part to an error-filled first quarter where the Indians capitalized with a 14-5 performance. A 16-10 run in the fourth quarter aided Montrose’s win. On Friday, Delta set its sights on changing the dynamics of the 3A WSL league with visions of getting past perennial power Coal Ridge. A fast start, and some stifling defense, helped the Panthers hand the Titans their second straight loss, (Gunnison defeated the Titans the week before) in a 62-55 thriller in New Castle. With Delta’s Friday win, the Panthers now sit atop the 3A WSL standings with a 3-0 league mark and an 8-3 overall record. Coal Ridge (2-1, 10-1) falls to third with Gunnison (2-0, 9-2) resting in third. Grand Valley (2-0, 7-4) is fourth. Indians 44, Delta 41 Freshman Trey Reese scored six of Montrose’s 14 first quarter points as the Indians charged to a 14-5 lead. The Panthers found some rhythm in the second quarter when junior Nate Workman came off the bench to rally Delta to an 11-8 surge. Workman scored seven of the Panthers’ points on two common goals and a 3pointer. A Rob Ames’ motivational speech at halftime spurred the Panthers to a 15-6 run in the third quarter that gave Delta a 31-28 lead after three quarters of action. Seniors Andrew Baier and Kyle Mock engineered the run with six and five points, respectively, in the period. Montrose was able to

gain the victory in spite of solid defense by the Panthers with three, 3-point goals in the final quarter. Junior Sean Alex had two long-range bombs, and finished with four in the game and a total of 12 points for the Indians. Senior Jordan Jennings had the third 3-pointer in the period and finished with four for the game and 13 points. Montrose finished the fourth quarter with a 16-10 run to seal the win, 44-41. Workman was Delta’s top scorer with nine points followed by teammates Hunter Hughes, Mock and Baier with seven points each. Delta 62, Titans 55 The Panthers’ vision of taking over the top spot in the 3A WSL got off to a good start Friday night. Playing with a high degree of emotion and purpose, Delta’s 15-point first quarter was helped along with Baier’s fivepoint effort. Though Delta continued its high level of energy, Coal Ridge found ways to stay close to the Panthers the remain-

der of the game. Each team scored 16 points in the second frame as the Titans’ Kevin DiMarco took control of Coal Ridge’s scoring by accounting for nine of his team’s 16 points. Coach Ames’ halftime talk reminded the Panthers of their purpose and direction in the game. Mock stepped up his game for seven points in the third quarter followed by Baier’s six to guide Delta to a 17-15 edge. DiMarco stayed on task with another eight points for the Titans. The two teams played evenly in the fourth quarter with 14 points being scored for each squad. Mock and Baier paced Delta’s offense with 15 points each while DiMarco rattled home 25 points for Coal Ridge. The Panthers hosted Palisade on Jan. 22 and welcomes Grand Valley to town on Jan. 24 for girls and boys varsity games beginning at 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Delta travels to Cedaredge for 6 and 7:30 p.m. games on Jan. 29.

Umpires needed The call is out for those interested in umpiring baseball this spring to attend an interest meeting on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at Delta High School. Interested persons must be 18 years or older to umpire. Local umpire official Dan Cholas notes there is a dire need for umpires this season. For further information please call Dan Cholas at 874-7162 and leave a message if no answer.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Kyle Mock (13) gets a good look at the rim against Montrose’s Luke Hutto (12) and Sean Alex (1) during last week’s action in Delta. Mock scored seven points in a disappointing 44-41 loss to the Indians.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Bulldog boys split conference games BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Despite out-shooting their opponents in two quarters and scoring 21 points from the three line, the Hotchkiss Bulldogs came up short Friday in their 69-58 conference loss to the Vail Christian Saints. A strong first-half gave the Saints a 32-20 halftime lead. With three minutes remaining in the half the Bulldogs trailed, 27-12. In the final two minutes, junior Hunter Bryant stepped up to the three line for six points and Will Scarlett added a goal with seconds remaining on the clock. Hotchkiss trailed, 33-20, at the half. The Saints contained Bulldogs center Jacob Stucker, holding him scoreless the final three periods. Stucker, who scored all 10 of the team’s firstquarter points, was in foul trouble early in the game, and fouled out less than three minutes into the final period with Hotchkiss trailing by seven. Saints senior Zach McKeever scored a gamehigh 20 points. Vail Christian remains undefeated in the 2A/1A Western Slope League. On Saturday, Stucker scored a career-high 25 points — 12 goals and a

free throw — in the Bulldogs’ 71-61 conference win at Vail Mountain. The Bulldogs scored 11 of 17 points on free throws. One of 11 players to score two or more points in the game, junior Will Scar-

lett scored six of his eight points from the three line. The Bulldogs have one game on tap this week. At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, they host Rangely (1-8, 1-2, 2A Western Slope League).

Photo by Andy Bockelman, Craig Daily Press

Cedaredge players line up for an inbounds play in Craig. From the left is Sophie Andrews, Camie Baldozier, Hannah Gardner and Courtney Freeman. Moffat County was more aggressive than the Bruins were and earned a 52-33 3A WSL victory last Saturday.

Cedarege girls win, lose basketball games BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss junior Hunter Bryant hits one of his three 3-point goals in the Bulldogs’ 11-point loss Friday to Vail Christian. On Saturday the Bulldogs won their conference contest against Vail Mountain, 71-61.

Bruin boys tripped up in 3A hoops play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruin boys basketball team found last week’s schedule to be tougher than anticipated as a pair of losses left them mired in seventh place in overall standings with a 4-5 record. The Bruins fell to WSL foe Olathe, 78-56, on Tuesday, Jan. 15 and suffered a 57-32 setback to Moffat County’s Bulldogs on Saturday. Saturday’s loss was in 3A WSL play leaving Cedaredge 0-1. Olathe 78, Bruins 56 The Pirates (1-1, 66) jumped out to a 199 first-quarter lead and

added to a 35-25 halftime lead with a 29-17 third quarter to blow the game open. Each team scored 14 points in the fourth quarter for the game’s final score, 78-56. Cedaredge sophomore Colby Rupp paced the Bruins’ offense with 17 points and pulled down six rebounds in the loss. Senior Jared Reynolds finished the game with 13 counters. Sophomore Alex Barron led Cedaredge with six assists, six steals and six deflections. Junior Owen Craig had five rebounds in the game

and sophomore Conner Brooks had five assists. Bulldogs 57, Bruins 32 Saturday’s contest in Craig was a WSL loss as the Bulldogs (0-3, 2-10) won the first three quarters of the game to take a 50-25 lead to the fourth period. Cedaredge hosted Rangely (1-2, 1-8, 2A District 5), Jan. 22, and is slated to play in Basalt Jan. 25 against the Longhorns (0-2, 2-9) at 7 p.m. Gunnison’s Cowboys are in town Saturday, Jan. 26, for a 4:30 p.m. contest. Delta is in town Jan. 29 for a 6 p.m. contest with the Bruins.

Russel Coleman’s week began with a 37-20 win over Olathe’s Pirates on Jan. 22 and ended on a 52-33 loss to Moffat County’s Bulldogs on Saturday. Coming into last week’s action, the Bruins were listed third in overall play with a 6-2 record and 0-0 in 3A WSL action. When play had concluded for the week, the Bruins were 7-3 overall and 0-1 in league play. Bruins 37, Pirates 20 Cedaredge used its defense to maintain control of the game in Olathe (0-2, 3-9) and offensively outscored the Pirates in each of the four quarters to come away with a 3720 victory. The Bruins held a 20-14 lead at halftime and were up 26-18 with one quarter left to play. Cedaredge had an 11-2 run in the final period to earn the 17-point victory. Bulldogs 52, Bruins 33 Moffat County upped its overall record to 9-

3 and improved to 3-0 in 3A WSL play with its 19-point win over Cedaredge. A 13-5 first quarter provided momentum for the Bulldogs heading to the second frame. Moffat County netted 22 points in the second quarter and limited the Bruins to 11 in the same time frame to take a 3516 halftime lead. Second half play was

dead even in scoring with each team posting 17 points in the two quarters of play. Looking ahead, Cedaredge plays in Basalt (0-3, 1-11) Friday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m. and hosts Gunnison (1-2, 4-7) on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. The Bruins will host Delta’s Panthers (3-0, 101) in a key WSL contest on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.

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Photo by Andy Bockleman, Craig Daily Press

Cedaredge senior Peter Sandels keeps the ball away from two Moffat County defenders last Saturday in Craig. The Bulldogs doled out a second straight loss to Cedaredge by outscoring the Bruins 57-32.

Foul shots help Eagles beat Meeker in hoops BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia scored 18 points in the fourth quarter and shot 71 percent from the foul line to win its conference basketball contest against Meeker Saturday, 45-34. The Eagles and Cowboys exchanged leads several times early in the game. Meeker led, 6-4, at the end of the first period, and three-pointers by David Lozano and Kyle Long contributed to Paonia’s 19-17 halftime lead.

Paonia led, 27-26, at the end of the third quarter. Both defenses came out strong in the fourth, with Meeker taking a 3029 lead on a three-pointer by senior Stephen Walsh with 3:53 remaining in the game. With Meeker in foul trouble and in a bonus situation, the Eagles went to the line nine times in the fourth quarter, shooting 9-of-15 and scoring eight unanswered points on free throws. On Paonia’s fifth violation of the second half,

point guard Soul Connolly fouled out with 1:12 remaining in the game. Paonia took a 32-30 lead on a three-pointer from the corner by Kyle Long. Before Meeker could fire off another shot, Lozano David stole the ball and dished it to Long for another twopoint goal and a 34-30 lead. Lozano made three trips to the line on intentional fouls, where he shot 4-for-5. With 1:40 remaining, Walsh hit his second PAONIA BOYS TO B8

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B8 Wednesday, January 23, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Paonia pins way to victory Paonia will host Screaming Eagle tournament with 24 teams BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

In Thursday’s rivalry dual between Hotchkiss and Paonia, the host Eagles won three consecutive matches by pin to win the dual, 39-33. With three matches remaining and Paonia down, 27-30, Austyn Norris pinned Bulldog Hector Elizalde in the first round. Without that pin, said Paonia head coach Nate Wiggins, Paonia could have easily lost the dual. A week earlier, in a dual between No. 3 and No. 4 in state rankings, the team needed Norris to pin his opponent for the win over Cedaredge. “That’s the second time in a row Austyn came through,” said Wiggins. Following Norris’s win, sophomore heavyweight Levi Peterson won by fall in the first round against Bulldog Christian Matus. Peterson took Matus to the mat on a headlock.

Heading onto the mat, “I was thinking I’ve just got to get the pin or we’re not going to win,” said Peterson. The win gave Paonia a nine-point lead with one match remaining. It was their third match of the season, and Peterson’s third win over Matus. With several wrestlers sick with the flu, five matches were decided by forfeit. At 113 pounds, Landen Mayberry opened the dual with a decision over Reagan Todd. Robert Cochran won by technical fall over Ethan White at 120, and at 126, Hotchkiss took a 140 lead on a first-round pin by Presley Pene over Eagle Calen Utterback. At 132, Bulldog senior Sergio Campos won by major decision over Dawson Morgan. In a match that would have put the third and fifth ranked wrestlers together on the mat, senior Sackett Chesnik was out with the flu, and Traycer Hall won the 138-pound match by forfeit. Hotchkiss held a 24-0 lead. At 145, junior Zeb Etter put Paonia on the board on a decision over JD Miller. After wins by

forfeit for Carlos Lozano 152, and Grey Neal at 160, Paonia trailed, 2415. Bulldog Jace Peebles won by forfeit at 170 pounds, and Trenton Gaston of Paonia won by forfeit at 182 pounds. Paonia won the next three matches by pin. At 195 pounds, No. 1-ranked Eagle Anthony Felice pinned Teagan Sommer early in the first round. At 220, Paonia took a 3330 lead on a fall by Norris over Hector Elizalde. In the 106-pound match, Bulldog Anthony Scanlon finished with a win by decision over Eagle Damon York.

Photo by Tamie Meck

In his second match of the season, Hotchkiss sophomore Robert Cochran scores back points in his 120-pound win Thursday over Ethan White of Paonia. The Eagles claimed three matches by fall and three by forfeit to win the dual, 39-33.

Busy week ahead on the mat With regional wrestling three weeks away and many of the remaining duals and tournaments being held out of the area, this is a good week for catching some of the best Delta County and Olathe wrestlers and teams in the state. On Thursday, No. 10 Hotchkiss hosts No. 3 Cedaredge. Hotchkiss, which comes in at No. 10

in 2A On the Mat team rankings, has five top-10 ranked wrestlers: Presley Pene (126), Sergio Campos (132), Traycer Hall (138), Jace Peebles (170), and Christian Matus (285); for Cedaredge, Lane Hunsberger (106), Adrian Nieto (120), Trey Geyer (126), Toby Waddell (170), Taj Van der Linde (220) and Derek Sanchez (285) are ranked

in the top 10. Also on Thursday, in a re-scheduled match, 2A Paonia heads to 3A Olathe for a 7 p.m. dual. Ranked in the top 10 for Olathe are Elias Ramirez (138), Clay Yarnell (145), Brent Gray (152), and Wyatt Mansker (160); for Paonia, Sackett Chesnik (138), Zeb Etter (145), Grey Neal (160), Anthony Felice (182), and Levi Peterson (285). Also on Thursday, 3A Delta wrestles at 4A Montrose beginning at 6 p.m. Ben Koch (126), Aiden Barrios (170), and Gauge Lockhart (195) are ranked in the top 10; for Montrose, Grady Nickolaus (120) Fabian Lujan (132) Ben Robuck (170), and Cole Simmons (182)

are in the top 10. Several duals take place this Friday. Hotchkiss hosts a tri-dual with Meeker and Norwood, with duals beginning at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. At Paonia High School, Paonia duals Hayden at 6 p.m., and Rangely at 7 p.m., followed by a dual between Mancos and Center. The annual Screaming Eagle tournament opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Paonia High School. Twentyfour teams are signed up for this year’s tournament, including, Cedaredge, currently ranked third in Class 2A by On the Mat, No. 4 Paonia, No. 6 John Mall and No. 10 Hotchkiss.

Paonia boys

Photo by Tamie Meck

Considering her options

CONTINUED FROM B6 three-pointer of the period, narrowing Paonia’s lead to eight. Long scored on a foul, and on his final trip to the foul line Lozano sank both shots, giving Paonia a 45-34 lead with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Lozano finished with a game-high 14 points, and Long scored 11, including eight fourth-quarter points, and shot 3-of-6 from the line. Elan Maul-

hardt scored eight, Jose Pantajo finished with five, and Logan Green scored seven. The Eagles ended the week with an 8-4 overall record. In the 2A/1A Western Slope League they are 5-1 following a 50-35 conference loss Friday at Plateau Valley (8-4, 4-1). They host 12-0 De Beque today (Jan. 23) at 7 p.m. The 1A Dragons are 12-0 and in fifth place in state RPI standings.

Kiley Olson considers her options in Paonia’s 40-15 conference loss to Meeker on Saturday. The young Eagles team also lost to Plateau Valley Friday, 51-29. With seven games remaining, the Eagles have an overall win-loss record of 4-8 and 2-3 conference record. Paonia hosts the 9-3 De Beque Dragons at 5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Jan. 23).

DELTA COUNTY HEALTH FAIR

2019

SCREENINGS OFFERED Healthscreen Profile ............................ $42.00 (includes TSH & iron binding) PSA for prostate health ...................... $31.00 Hbg A1C ............................................... $36.00 (Hemoglobin A1C) CBC ....................................................... $21.00 (Complete Blood Count) Vitamin D Screening ............................ $41.00 Cardio CRP ........................................... $40.00 (C-Reactive Protein for heart health) Celiac/Gluten ...................................... $45.00 B12 & Folate .......................................... $41.00 Testosterone (Male) ............................. $45.00 Testosterone (Female) ......................... $45.00 InSure FIT screening .............................. $39.00 for colorectal cancer (kit/non-bloodwork)

EARLY BLOOD DRAWS Technical College of the Rockies, Paonia Campus February 6th Paonia 6:30 am - 9:30 am Cedaredge Civic Center February 7th Cedaredge 6:30 am - 9:30 am Grand Mesa Oncology Building Classrooms Feb 8th & 9th Delta 6:30 am - 10:00 am

HEALTH FAIRS Technical College of the Rockies, Paonia Campus March 13th Paonia 6:30 - 10:00 am

ONLINE R E G I S T R AT I O N

Bill Heddles Recreation Center March 14th Delta 6:30 am - 11:00 am Cedaredge Civic Center March 15th Cedaredge 6:30 am - 10:00 am

REMEMBER TO ... Drink Lots of Water Take your meds

12 Hour Fast Required for blood work CASH or CHECK ONLY

**we cannot bill your insurance**

Photo by Tamie Meck

Elan Maulhardt takes a jump shot against Cowboy Ryan Phelan in Paonia’s 45-34 win Saturday over Meeker.

STARTING JANUARY 7TH Find the Health Fair logo at

deltahospital.org

and the “CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION” link or scan the QR Code above with your smart phone or tablet.

NO CALL-IN D AT E S T H I S Y E A R

If you are having trouble registering online call

Western Health Screening 1.800.410.3225

The Delta County Health Fair Events are jointly sponsored by Lions Club of Delta, Surface Creek, Paonia, and Hotchkiss, the Cedaredge Civic Center, Technical College of the Rockies – Paonia campus, the City of Delta, Bill Heddles Recreation Center, Town of Cedaredge, and by the staff and volunteers of Delta County Memorial Hospital.

9 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday you can also reach: Paula Carter at (970) 874-2298 or Kendra Dorr at (970) 874-6411 Delta County Memorial Hospital

Get your team ready for April Fool’s tournament The annual pre-season tune-up April Fool’s softball tournament is scheduled April 6-7 at Mountain View Park in Delta. This is an opportunity to test your team and have a great time before beginning summer leagues. Divisions for coed, women’s and men’s teams will be offered. Final deadline to register is March 31. Regis-

ter by March 25 for a $50 discount ($225 per team); team fee is $275 after March 25. Three game guarantee for the weekend. Men’s and women’s will play on Saturday with coed playing on Sunday. For more information or to register call Whitnee Lear at 970874-0923 or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

Classifieds

January 23, 2019

Real Estate

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Delta County Independent

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�� Card Of Thanks OUR HEARTS ARE FULL of gratitude when we say many thanks to friends and neighbors for all the acts of kindness and sympathy during the recent passing of Cheryl Grom. She would be humbled by the outpouring of support. Bill, Sandi, Sindi and William. (1x4)

For Sale POWER LIFT & RECLINE chair by Golden Technologies. Purchased in ‘08 for over $1,100. Upholstery and mechanics in good condition. Asking only $500. Call 970-2016230. (4x1)

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FOR SALE '05 NISSAN Murano SE AWD Automatic, 6 cyl. 3.5 ltr. AC w/climate control, leather heated seats, moon roof, etc. 127,800 mi. Excellent mechanical and physical condition. $5,100 $4,800. 856-8051. Leave message. (3x4)

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Help Wanted DELTA COUNTY LIBraries—Delta Library Assistant. Do you dream of mountain towns, piles of books, and creative projects with interesting people? It all comes together at the Delta Library. If you listen well, think quickly, enjoy variety, and stay calm under pressure, please send us your application for this library assistant position. Deadline: Open until filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Friday, February 8. Applications and complete job description available on DCL website. (3x3)

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C2 Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Help Wanted

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Delta County Independent

Help Wanted ��

TOWN OF PAONIA: NOTice of part-time police officer position. This position is a 24-30 hour a week position, for a certified Police Officer as required by the POST Standards and Training Act. This is general law enforcement work, responsible for protecting life and property and enforcing laws and ordinances within the Town. Duties include investigations, special detail assignments, conduct traffic enforcement, prepare reports, participate in required training, administrative duties and other special assignments as assigned by superiors. Requirements: Must be POST certified, or POST certifiable, have a valid Colorado driver’s license, be able to pass psychological exam, background checks and pre-employment drug test. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Salary DOQ. Application Procedure: Obtain and complete a Paonia Police Department Application from the Town of Paonia website or in person, at 214 Grand Ave., Paonia, CO 81428. Completed applications must either be dropped off in person or mailed to P.O. Box 460 Paonia, CO 81428 Attn. Chief Neil Ferguson. For more information, Email: nfergusonppd@townofpao nia.com. Applications must be received by February 1st 2019. (2x3 SUBSCRIBE!! 874-4421.

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Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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Public Service HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X3) 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.

Public Service 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.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Shop and some additional Support Group for Adults areas. If you are interested, and Children: Every please contact Volunteer Wednesday in Delta from Coordinator, Barbara Hall at 5-7 p.m. there will be a free 250-2105 for an application. support group for adults whose lives have been WOMEN ONLY AA MEETimpacted by domestic vio- ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 lence and a separate group a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal for children at the same Church, 5th & Palmer (back time. Please call 970-874- door). 4941 to sign up. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP WANNA PLAY A ROUND? to one year! Pregnant Golf with a fun group of women in Delta County can ladies. Two membership now get help to quit smokoptions available. Sign up ing and get something they at www.cedaredgeladies can really use after their golf.com. Get to know us baby arrives — free diapers. on Facebook at “cedar Healthy moms have healthy edgeladiesgolfclub” babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program ALCOHOLICS ANONY- today. Contact the Delta mous meets Thursdays at 7 County Health Department p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. at 874-2165 or your local 897 Palmer Street, Delta. physician. AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: SUPPORT THE DELTA Hope and help for families Library. Give a gently used and friends of alcoholics book in the Downstairs meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Book Store. Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal NARCOTICS ANONYChurch, 145 W. 5th St., con- mous meets at 9th and tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 Palmer, Delta, Mondays and or Shirley 970-323-5067. Fridays at 8 p.m. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up.

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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Delta County Independent

January proclaimed Glaucoma Awareness Month Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. People are often unaware that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, according to the Montrose Center for Independence and the National Eye Institute. If detected early, before noticeable vision loss occurs, glaucoma can usually be controlled and severe vision loss can often be prevented. Vision that is lost from glaucoma cannot be restored. Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include African Americans over the age of 40; everyone over the age of 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos; and people with a family history of

the disease. Here are five things you should know about glaucoma. 1. Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness, which can’t be reversed. Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in your eye, causing pressure that can damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual images to your brain. 2. There are no early symptoms. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Only advanced glaucoma will affect your vision. Don’t wait for symptoms to visit your eye doctor. 3. In the United States, half the people who have glaucoma don’t know they do. Lack of awareness and the absence of

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symptoms are preventing people from detecting the disease early. You can change that! Find out if you have glaucoma. 4. Are you at a higher risk? Talk to your family about glaucoma. 5. There is only one way to know if you have glaucoma. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way. During the exam, an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupils and looks for signs of the disease in the optic nerve. Now that you’ve got the facts about glaucoma, make a resolution for healthier vision. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam today and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the

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same. The Center for Independence (CFI) serves 12 counties on the Western Slope of Colorado with its main office headquartered in Grand Junction

and satellite offices in Montrose and Glenwood Springs. Services provided are information and referral, advocacy, peer counseling, support groups, classes and education and

Financial Peace University provides hope to families More than five million people have positively changed their financial future through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University (FPU). Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, the nine-lesson digital course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control

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of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. FPU will be held in Delta at Grace Community Church of Delta, which meets at Delta High School, 1400 Pioneer Road. The classes will begin Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. Go to www.fpu.com/1076838

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for more information or to register. Through commonsense principles, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days.

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independent living skills. For more information about CFI’s low vision program, contact program coordinator Modene Gaulke at 970-765-2016 or mgauke@cfigj.org.

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BACK PAGE

B A C K P A G E I

Delta County Independent

Unique ﬁnds from one-of-akind shops Photo by Don Benjamin

The Cedaredge Community Methodist Thrift Shop hopes someone will purchase this vintage red calliope. Or how about a child’s violin? Viola Ray (right) guides customers to the $500 calliope and Dorothy Mergelman displays the $125 violin. Both are volunteers at the nonproﬁt shop.

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

t’s cold outside and the Broncos are out of the Super Bowl picture. So if you’re looking for things to do why not pay a visit to Delta County’s local antique and resale emporiums? You’ll discover cozy

Photo by Don Benjamin

Unique ﬁnds like this tabletop foosball hockey game don’t last long at Barkin’ Bargains in Paonia. Lissa Pinello of Hotchkiss volunteers at the nonproﬁt store.

interiors, friendly faces, and items so unique that in some cases no one is exactly sure what they are. Here’s a sampling of county shops. Many have winter hours, so be sure to call ahead. In Cedaredge, volunteers staff the Community Methodist Church Thrift Shop at 205 West Main Street. The most unique item they have on hand is a bulky wood and brass calliope which they’d

Photo by Don Benjamin

Glenn Miles of Cowboy Collectibles in Hotchkiss knew he had a treasure when he spotted this item. Can you guess what it is? (Answer in the accompanying article.)

Photo by Don Benjamin

Marcy Peterson (right) owns Ribbons & Roses Antique Mall in Cedaredge. She displays a unique hand-hammered copper cauldron that dates back to the 1700s. Her co-worker Jean Weibeck demonstrates the use of a more recent treasure: a 1950s telephone with the dial on the bottom.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Tim Gonzales, owner of Backcountry Goods Trading in Hotchkiss displays his most unique item: a 1740 blunderbuss that still ﬁres. The price tag is over a thousand bucks.

love to sell. Another all-volunteer enterprise is the Shelter Shoppe at 290 North Grand Mesa Drive/Hwy. 65. Its proceeds go to support the nonprofit Surface Creek Animal Shelter. The Ribbons & Roses Antique Mall is at 320 SE 2nd Street. Marcy Peterson owns the shop which features a wide range of antiques and collectibles. In Eckert, Challenge Creamery Antiques is at 12865 Hwy. 65. Debbie Belden is the owner. Nearby at 13006 Hwy. 65, Gary and Lisa Espinoza own and operate Big E Antiques. Both Eckert shops are crammed with matchless collectibles. In Delta, Heirlooms for Hospice is at 532 Main Street. Volunteers keep the shop open and proceeds support HopeWest, a nonprofit that provides hospice and grief support programs. Amanda Twamley, a Delta resident, is store manager. The most unusual item she recalls the shop carrying was a zither, a musical instrument with about a zillion strings (more on this later). Upscale Retail is located at 128 Main Street. Darius Floyd of Delta is the proprietor. One of her specialties is supplying materials to creative individuals who repurpose items into works of art. Other Delta stores are Iron Pony Art & Antiques at 660 Main Street; the Salvation Army Family Store at the intersection of Hwy 92 and Meeker Street; 4th & Main Mercantile at the corner of 4th and Main; and the Delta Senior Center Thrift Store at 247 Meeker Street. In Hotchkiss, Backcountry Goods Trading has a new location at 350 East Bridge Street. Owner Tim Gonzales, a Hotchkiss resident, will sell or trade almost anything. Down the street at 448 East Bridge Street is Cowboy Collectibles. Glenn Miles who resides on Hanson Mesa is the proprietor. He’s been in business for 22 years and has seen it all including buffalo robes and a miniature turquoise skull. The Wearhouse Thrift Shop is located on the alleyway south of the Hotchkiss Library. It’s an out-of-the-way place with great bargains that’s only open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paonia’s downtown features Barkin’ Bargains at 213 Grand Avenue. The shop is operated by volunteers and proceeds support the work of CAWs, a nonprofit organization that helps feral and stray cats. The most unique item that the Paonia volunteers recall may sound familiar. Just like Heirlooms in Delta, Barkin’ Bargains once displayed a zither for sale, so apparently at least one Delta County zither is making the rounds. The Paonia United Methodist Women’s Thrift Store is just behind the church which is located at 303 Onarga Avenue. P.S. The mystery item from Cowboy Collectibles is an 1840s playing card trimmer. Used legitimately it trued up

worn decks but card sharks made a slight adjustment and used the device to “shave” the edge of an ace or other high card. Once an edge was trimmed at an almost imperceptible angle, a crooked player could find the marked card as he shuffled and dealt.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Gary Espinoza, owner of Big E Antiques in Eckert, displays a pirate pistol from the 1700s. A diver found it off the coast of Florida.

Darius Floyd of Upscale Resale in Delta displays a hand-hewn wooden hatch cover complete with handforged metalwork. The sturdy relic from a pre-1900s sailing ship was found buried in the sand near Guantanamo Bay. “The stories this could tell,” she said.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Marilee Claxton (left) and Kathy Wilcox volunteer at the Shelter Shoppe in Cedaredge. Proceeds from the nonproﬁt store beneﬁt the Surface Creek Animal Shelter.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Heirlooms for Hospice is noted for its upscale items and creative displays. Karen Locke is one of several volunteers who works at the Delta nonproﬁt shop.