Delta County Independent, Jan. 2, 2019 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

PLANNING AHEAD Growth is knocking at the door in Paonia, B1

SPORTS

SELL-OUT

Music lovers fill Grand Mesa Arts Center for John Oates concert, B7

DELTA COUNTY

COURTSIDE

Delta boys, girls win First Colorado National Bank titles, B3 JANUARY 2, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 1

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Fee changes affect walk-ins at state parks BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

As of Jan. 1, individuals walking into Crawford or Sweitzer Lake state parks will be subject to a fee of $4 for a daily pass. The fee will not apply to those entering the park in a motor vehicle with a valid daily pass, annual parks pass or the new hang tag that’s being issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 2019. The revised fee structure will see the cost of a daily vehicle pass increase from $7 to $8. Annual passes are $80 or $120. The new fees are the result of Senate Bill 18-143, passed by the Colorado General Assembly in May. This is the first increase to park entry fees since 2010. According to a press release issued by CPW, the revised fee

structure allows the agency to address increased operating costs, provide adequate staffing, and fulfill property maintenance needs to continue providing quality programs and services while managing an increasing number of park users. A complete fee schedule can be found at cpw.state. co.us. Ed Keleher, manager of the Crawford and Sweitzer Lake state parks, said the individual pass will affect Sweitzer more than Crawford. Users have become accustomed to using a pullout on E Road, then walking a short distance, to avoid entrance fees at Sweitzer Lake. He anticipates signage alerting users to the new fees to be in place by spring, when visitation picks up. Photo by Pat Sunderland Keleher said the fee increase With the implementation of an individual daily pass, priced at $4, individuals will no longer is needed to fund capital be able to walk in to Sweitzer Lake (pictured) or Crawford state parks. Colorado Parks and FEE CHANGES TO A3 Wildlife has adopted a revised fee structure to cover increasing costs.

High school students find their voices BY NATHAN CLAY Contributing Writer

A change is occurring around us. A world influencer is growing right under our noses. There are forces at work we can not yet fully comprehend. A trend that flies in the face of conventional wisdom is burgeoning before our eyes. This movement may alarm some, it may downright frighten others, and may be very hard for many to believe to be true. This looming change is simple to put into words, but difficult to capture in nature. The idea behind it is really quite simple. As simple as this: the young folks

do care. That’s right — young men and women all around us care about society. Even the millenials. Students around our country are becoming more engaged with their communities. Involvement and activism among young people are the highest they’ve been in a very long time. Delta County students are also making their voices heard. Among the many efforts that have recently been undertaken by the youth in our community are two of special note — the Delta County Student Advisory Committee and the Delta Youth Council.

The Student Advisory Committee is made up of high school students from across Delta County. It is tasked with being a visible part of, and having a voice in, Delta County School District 50J. To be involved with the committee, students must apply to the district office and be accepted. There are a handful of students from each of the four traditional high schools and the Vision Charter Academy. Each school group is active on its own campus, as well as in the greater district. The

Staff Writer

Photo by Pat Sunderland

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page .................... C6 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................C4 Classifieds ...................C1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals .............................C3 North Fork Times ........B1-2 Obituaries ......................B6 School Zone ............... A5-6 Service Directory ......... C5 Sports .............................B3 Surface Creek News ...B7-8 TV Listings ..................B4-5

ing and is far more nuanced and complex than they had perhaps perceived. Over time, this conversation will grow and become more layered and meaningful. The hope from both sides is certainly that the Student Advisory Committee will become an integral voice within the district and create a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship. Delta’s Youth Council is much the same kind of endeavor. A group of about a dozen young adults from DHS YOUTH COUNCILS TO A3

Doug Atchley wraps up two terms as county commissioner BY ANNETTE BRAND

To relieve the anxiety of ﬁnals, the Delta Youth Council set up stations where students could make stress balls using a balloon and some ﬂour. “People were playing with them, laughing and releasing the endorphins you need when you’re stressed,” said Claire Corbasson, mayor of the Delta Youth Council. She is also involved in Student Council. “Our biggest goal is to improve the experience of the student body at DHS,” she said.

individual school groups may have goals that vary slightly from one another, but their overarching goal is to create a robust dialogue within the student body. Then, to form that peer dialogue into a monthly presentation to 50J’s school board and staff. The school board will be given an “inside eye,” with a frank and honest look into the lives and minds of their students, produced by the students themselves. The youngsters, in turn, may learn that life at the district office can be very challeng-

“It’s been enjoyable and very challenging, a good way to serve the people of the county,” Doug Atchley said as his two terms as Delta County commissioner draw to an end. “Eight years went by very quickly. “Delta County has a lot of great people and it’s more enjoyable when you are working with the very, very competent people that work for the county. “We’ve had differences, but working with outstanding people makes the commissioners’ jobs easier,”Atchley said. After spending 40 years in banking and business, Atchley retired in 2007. He spent three years being retired then sought a way to serve the people of Delta County. “Everyone ought to do it at least once in their life,” Atchley said. “My personal philosophy is that we have no assurance of a tomorrow, so we should do the best we possibly can, in the circum-

Alcohol server training offered

Certified officers from the State of Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division are offering free alcohol server responsibility training at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta Thursday, Jan. 10. The city is hosting this training session from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the city clerk at 874-7566 for details and a registration form. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 8. This training will cover server responsibility, ID checking and enforcement, recognizing signs of intoxication, and guarding against over-service. This will be a great opportunity to refresh yourselves, your staffs or your volunteers on their responsibilities while serving or selling alcohol to the public. Also at this class, officers from the state Liquor Enforcement Division will explain the new laws that go into effect Jan. 1 and how those laws affect the different types of license holders.

stances we are in, to enhance the quality of life in Delta County. “Commissioner is really a serving job.” When he became commissioner, the county and the country were still in the throes of the recession of 2008. “And the recession continued for eight years,” Atchley said. “Two coal mines closed. There was reformation in the retail world, people were purchasing less, and that affects local business and commerce. “The county was managed very thoughtfully and fiscally conservative during that time. “Delta County has for years avoided leveraged debt, has for years budgeted for reserve funds, and, though challenging during these years, Delta County remained debt free.” Asked whether Commissioners Mark Roeber, Don Suppes, and incoming Mike Lane will still be working on matters the current commissioners have dealt with, Atchley said, “Government takes longer. Many previous com-

missioners have worked on solutions we use today. “Our current commissioners approved the update of the Master Plan this year. The previous master plan had been passed in 1996. The guidance in the 2018 Master Plan is the gateway to what Delta County will look like in the future. “We are moving forward to address challenges for which the nation, western Colorado and the world will be seeking solutions. We will be studying food and how it relates to American agriculture, acknowledging that now we are blessed with an abundant food supply. “We will be seeking innovations regarding energy — the United States uses a lot of energy. There is a growing population worldwide and we will need all possible sources of energy because of that growth, including hydro.” Atchley continued, “And water, in western Colorado and Delta County we will have to be aware of the availATCHLEY TO A3

CDOT update

Charges amended

Work will resume on Jan. 2 for the ADA ramp improvements on Highway 348. Motorists can expect east and westbound single lane closures with possible traffic stops and minimal delays. Work this week will consist of removal, forming and pouring for the ADA ramps.

On Dec. 18, 7th Judicial District Attorney Dan Hotsenpiller filed an amended complaint against Heather Jones to include a fourth count of murder in the second degree. Jones was previously charged with first degree assault, second degree assault and violation of a protection order in connection with a shooting incident in Paonia on Jan. 12, 2018. The victim, Ryan Redifer, 54, subsequently died as a result of his injuries. A pretrial conference has been set for March 4.

A2 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

OPINION

LETTERS

Protect your health; test your home for radon

DeltaGate Dear Editor: Holding a second job isn’t usually considered a problem, but when it comes to taxpayer funded jobs, governments generally err on the side of caution. Delta County administrator Robbie LeValley doesn’t have a problem, however, with one of her top department heads moonlighting for another government entity despite reports of absenteeism and distraction. LeValley also doesn’t seem to have a problem with, what looks like, time card fraud. For almost five months, Elyse Ackerman Casselberry, Delta County’s full-time community and economic development director and head of planning, has also been working an average of 25 hours per week as Collbran’s town administrator and planner. Casselberry’s county timesheet — signed by both Casselberry and LeValley — and invoices to Collbran show considerable overlap in schedules between the two positions. On several occasions, Casselberry claims to have worked between 23 and 28 hours in a single day. Between the two jobs, Casselberry is doing well financially, especially for a public servant. At an

average of $14,424 per month, Casselberry’s income from the taxpayers is in the top one percentile of all wage distribution shares in Delta and Mesa County. County Commissioner Don Suppes says Casselberry is “worth every penny.” And then there are the conflict of interest issues that could arise from Casselberry’s duel roles — beyond time-schedule conflicts and billing anomalies — including disclosing non-public information, economic development competition, and public representation conflicts. All of this adds up to a scandal by any definition. I’m going to call it DeltaGate because the greed and corruption seems to go all the way to the top. JoAnn Kalenak Hotchkiss (Editor’s note: In response to concerns JoAnn Kalenak expressed during a commissioners’ business meeting, Casselberry wrote a response to the commissioners that reads in part: “I want to be very clear with you and the public that the blog posted by Delta County Citizen Report, originally alluding to wrongdoing on my part, and then sliding into accusations of fraud in subsequent discussion posts and presented

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to you at your business meeting is malicious and unequivocally and intentionally misleading. DCCR has accused me of falsifying timesheets, failing to show up for scheduled days, and violating county “moonlighting” policies. I have not falsified any timesheet or invoice. I do not dispute that Oct. 2 looks like a very busy day for me in that my timesheet and invoices show I worked more than a 20+ hour day. I would think a reasonable person would first question whether there is an error or reasonable explanation, but apparently jumping to accusations of fraud is the logical next step.” Casselberry attached her time log to the letter. She notes, “I decided to use a time log in August because I wanted to be certain that I could demonstrate that I am meeting my commitments to everyone. While DCCR found a discrepancy on Oct. 2, on my timesheet, I have gone back and taken a close look at my time log, and have noted differences. “I have not committed time sheet fraud. I have simply tried to make one tracking system mesh with another tracking system. I will continue to analyze my time log. If I find any errors, I will make any necessary corrections.” She goes on to refute accusations that she and Robbie LeValley have violated the county’s outside employment policy. As to conflicts of interests, she says no conflicts have arisen since she began working in Collbran. “In the unlikely event one arises, I will work with Robbie and the Town of Collbran to determine how to address it.” A separate article in this week’s issue details the business meeting where commissioners’ addressed Kalenak’s concerns.)

It takes a community Dear Editor: I would like to thank everyone involved who kindly helped to make the North Fork Community Dinners a great success. Over 250 meals were served and/or delivered to the community. The volunteers who gave up their Thanksgiving and Christmas to serve were phenomenal. The local businesses that contributed to help pay for the dinners were very generous. And also a big thank you to all the citizens who came to share food and camaraderie. It takes a community to put all this together. Thank you again and see you next year. Larry Jakubiak Hotchkiss

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Delta County Independent

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

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Dear Editor: In Colorado, about 50 percent of homes have unhealthy radon levels; that’s equivalent to every person in the home having 200 chest X-rays every year. This compares with only 6 percent of homes having unhealthy radon levels across the rest of the country. Take action this January during National Radon Action Month by testing your home for radon. Winter is a great time to test for radon because homes are closed up, and short-term testing can be done easily. Testing is simple and inexpensive, and when problems are discovered, they’re easier to fix than you’d think. Free test kits are available at local public health departments in counties of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Mineral, Ouray and San Miguel. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible gas that decays into radioactive particles, which increase the risk of lung cancer for those living with radon trapped inside their homes. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate,

colon, liver, kidney, and call Delta County Health melanoma cancers com- Department at 970-874bined. Radon exposure 2165. Ken Nordstrom causes over 500 lung canEnvironmental cer deaths every year in Health Director Colorado. Delta County For more information Health Department about radon and testing,

Do the math Dear Editor: The U.S. people never cease to amaze me! They are screaming NO, NO, NO at President Trump’s request for funding of the border wall. Do a little simple grade school math folks — $5 BILLION to protect our national security? Just a drop in the bucket of our foreign aid. In 2017, we gave away $4 TRILLION (!!!) to foreign countries for their national security. That is the cost of 220,000 F-16 fighter jets ($18 million+ each at 2017 dollars). $4 TRILLION will fund 800 walls at Trump’s $5 BILLION request. Yes, I know the $5 BILLION will not be accurate. After all the politicians, contractors and others

get their thumbs into the pie, it will probably be a lot higher. Up to $70 BILLION as some California congress people are saying. Homeland Security is estimating $21 BILLION, but still, is the security of foreign countries more important than ours? I know that some of you are going to start screaming about persecution of all the downtrodden, politically oppressed, medical needs, victims of gang violence, etc., etc. There is a legal way for them to enter our country. I am referring to our protection from the criminal and terrorist elements. That is another whole topic. Larry M. Head Hotchkiss

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police Department (edited for length): Dec. 21: Jesse Allen McAfee, 35, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged trespass at Delta Timber, 519 Highway 92. Officers responded to the intersection of E. 4th Street and Grand Avenue for a twovehicle crash. No injuries were reported or observed. Both vehicles were driven from the scene. Craig Lynn Nelson, 60, of Mancos was issued a ticket for alleged failure to yield right of way from a stop sign. A wallet was turned in at the police department as found property. The owner was identified and the property is being held for safekeeping pending pickup. Dec. 22: An officer was on routine patrol in the area of Highway 92 and Heinz Street when he observed a male party lying next to a building. Traven James Cortland Horner, 22, of Delta was arrested and jailed on four warrants with a total of $5,550 bond. Traven James Cortland Horner, 22, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers responded to a residence on Rainbow Street for a disturbance. Officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Palmer Street on a report of trespassing. Jesse Allen McAfee, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with $750 bond. Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of W. 6th Street on a report of trespassing. An officer tagged an abandoned vehicle in the 800 block of 1575 Road, advising the owner it needed to be removed. Officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of Vine Street for a disturbance. Officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of H-38 Road for a disturbance. Tyler Anthony Saenz, 36, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged harassment. Toby Gordon Piepgrass, 41, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged harassment as an act of domestic violence and child abuse – simple (two counts. Christopher Daniels Johnson, 23, of Grand Junction was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $1,500 bond and another warrant with no bond. Brandon Edward Huff, 22, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $4,000 bond. Wendell Christopher Harmon, 43, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $750 bond. Dec. 23: An officer responded to a residence on Glen Way to assist with a person having a medical issue. An officer responded to the 1300 block of Grand Avenue for a report of criminal mischief. An officer placed a “Notice to Remove” tag on an abandoned vehicle near W. 4th Street and Columbia Street. Dec. 24: Officers responded to the 400 block of W. 4th Street on a report of a one-vehicle crash. No injuries were observed or reported. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Bernard Kokyung Hong, 29, of Texas was arrested and jailed on three warrants with a total of $6,250 bond. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hos-

pital for a disturbance. Dec. 25: Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of E. 5th Street for a disturbance. Ciara Ashley Gordon, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence. An officer responded to 1055 E. 3rd Street, Delta City Cemetery, on a report of a burglary. Unknown persons entered the secured building and removed multiple power tools. Officers responded to an address in the 900 block of E. 11th Street for a disturbance. Kaimi Sue Weatherford, 34, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged harassment. Dec. 26: An officer responded to 531 Main Street, Morris Optical, 531 Main Street, for a suspicious activity. An officer responded to a burglary at a vacant residence in the 100 block of W. 6th Street. An officer responded to the 100 block of Main Street for a hit and run accident involving a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported or observed. A theft was reported in the 800 block of 1575 Road. An officer responded to a residence in the 800 block of 1575 Road for a possible hit and run accident with damage to a gate. An officer responded to a residence in the 500 block of Hastings for suspicious activity. Brian Allen Acklin, 42, of Olathe was arrested and jailed on a warrant with $300 bond. Officers responded to El Tapatio Restaurant, 353 Main Street, for a disturbance. Chandler Lee Salazar, 42, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order. Dec. 27: Officers responded to a residence in 500 block of E. 10th Street for a possible violation of a restraining order. An officer responded to the area of W. 5th Street and Columbia Street for a vehicle parked on the side of the road with no valid registration. Ricky Dean Rarick, 54, of Cedaredge was issued a ticket for alleged littering. Alan Scott Hawk Jr., 34, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting from Safeway. Officer W. Hammon and K9 Raico responded to the area of Stafford Lane and Highway 92 on a request for tracking a person suspected of criminal activity. K-9 Raico located the male subject who was taken into custody without further incident. Alan Scott Hawk Jr., 34, of Delta was arrested and jailed on three warrants with a total of $3,610 in bonds. Officers took a report of third degree assault and violation of a protection order. A warrant for Justin Ray Ritter, 29, of Delta has been issued. Officers responded to the 1600 block of H-38 Road for suspicious activity. Officers responded to the area Circle Drive and Valley View Drive on a report of a man who had fallen down. Christopher Adrian Rubalcaba, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order. Reminder: The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

the Greenwood home on Orchard Grove Road, Eckert. When deputies arrived on the scene, the fire had been contained by Cedaredge firefighters, with the help of a man with a garden hose. It’s believed the fire originated in a wood stove in the shop. The shop was not occupied and there were no injuries. There was minor damage to drywall and the roof of the shop. A two-vehicle accident was reported on Highway 50, mile marker 64, near Delta, at about 7 p.m. The Colorado State Patrol and EMS handled the incident while deputies provided traffic control. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Happy Hollow Road, Eckert. Dec. 23: A Toyota Camry driven by Zachary Cordova, 26, of Delta rolled several times during an accident that occurred near 21050 Highway 92 at about 1:50 a.m. Cordova reported he’d fallen asleep. He was not seriously injured. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. At about 2:15 a.m., a house fire was reported at 16574 Bull Mesa Road, Cedaredge. The owner, Michael Young, was not on the premises at the time. The cause of the fire is unknown. Cedaredge Fire Department and the American Red Cross responded to the incident. Montrose County deputies responding to a disturbance at an Olathe residence determined the incident started with a vehicle stolen from an address on H Road near Delta. A family member spotted the stolen truck, a 1996 Ford Ranger, and followed it to the Olathe address. Ownership of the vehicle appears to be in dispute and the investigation is continuing. Dec. 23: Deputies investigated a reported theft of antlers. A structure fire was reported at 40016 Cedar Drive, Paonia, at about 5 p.m. There was significant damage to a detached garage and the contents inside. The property owner, Lisa Swartz, said she’d cleaned out the fireplace in the house and left the embers in a five-gallon metal bucket. Two days later she dumped the contents into a wooden compost bin, which may have caused the blaze. There were no injuries. Dec. 24: Deputies responded to an address on Rimrock Road, Hotchkiss, to recover a stolen vehicle. At about 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to an accident on Highway 65 in Eckert. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. Dec. 25: Deputies were dispatched to a Cedaredge address to assist the Cedaredge Police Department with man threatening to commit suicide. Dec. 26: Deputies responded to a family disturbance at an apartment in the Hotchkiss area. Dec. 27: Deputies responded to a family disturbance at a residence in the Paonia area. Jason Warrington, 44, of Hotchkiss was arrested on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant at his residence in Hotchkiss. While deputies were patting him down, they located a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine and a small container with methamphetFrom the Delta County suspected Sheriff’s Office (partial list): amine. He faces additional charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance Dec. 22: At about 11:15 a.m., a and bail bond violations. shop fire was reported at

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

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say if someone considering running for county commissioner were to ask his advice, he said he would encourage that person to run. County commissioner provides challenges, unforeseen situations; it’s not mundane. “There are so many different divisions in county government, so many different leaders. For instance, the Road and Bridge Department is responsible for 735 miles of roads, in addition to its many other responsibilities. Social Services Department deals with issues that are so huge. The jail takes lots of dollars to operate. A share of the costs to operate the office of the District Attorney, Seventh Judicial District, is part of the Delta County budget. If that person is open to doing, likes challenges, accepts that revenue to do all this is limited, I’d say, ‘Get with it!’,” Atchley said. “Delta County is fortunate to have had

some good commissioners.” When his commissioner commitment ends BY PAT SUNDERLAND in a few days, Doug Managing Editor Atchley will continue his The majority of schools farm and ranch activiin Delta County received ties. “I have nothing else the highest rating in the planned,” he said. state’s accountability system. The Performance Plan designation was School awarded to all but three schools — Vision Chardistrict ter Academy, Cedaredge Elementary School and earns Grand Mesa Choice accreditation Academy. The Performance The Colorado Department of Education issues Plan indicates the school District Performance meets or exceeds stateFramework reports and wide attainment on the School Performance performance indicators. Vision Charter AcadFramework reports annuemy and Cedaredge Eleally in support of Colorado’s state accountability mentary School received an Improvement Plan system. The School Perfor- rating. These schools mance Framework rates approach or meet perforare reported in a sep- mance indicators. Grand arate article. For the Mesa Choice Academy school district overall, will enter year two of Delta County earned a Turnaround Plan. Ratings for schools District Performance rating of accredited with 95 across the state were approved by the Colorado percent participation.

Youth councils FROM PAGE A1 are approaching our community with civics and municipal outreach at the forefronts of their minds. Formed three years ago as a Youth City Council, the group struggled somewhat to find its footing. However, this year has seen the group expand to the county as well, and shift into the next gear under the direction of adult liaisons Elyse Casselberry and Darnell Place-Wise. Bi-weekly meetings are held at the Delta County Courthouse complex. These meetings serve as a formally structured time during which the group discusses official matters, which might include ideas about how to get more involved with the city/county government, or ways to raise social awareness amongst their peers. The official meetings are the tip of the digital iceberg though. The group conducts most of its business in the cloud. Utilizing Google Classroom, the Youth Council plans and collaborates over the internet

State issues School Performance Ratings

Atchley FROM PAGE A1 ability of water and water storage as we manage growth. “We will need to be concerned about diversity in the use of land, how to utilize the land in multiple ways, and to acknowledge that individuals and industry contribute to the local economy.” Atchley sees the part the county commissioners played in bringing broadband to Delta County as a very significant investment and accomplishment. The commissioners worked on the middle mile of the broadband project. The team consisted of Delta County, City of Delta, Montrose County and Region 10, which leveraged a grant from Colorado Department of Local Affairs. These participants make possible the last mile to enable broadband to be provided to the user. Elevate, the for-profit subsidiary of DMEA, delivers broadband and is available to all providers on that last mile. Atchley says that projects like broadband have always been a team effort with Delta County — county commissioners, staff, constituents, whose ideas can be translated into tremendous opportunities, and business expansion groups. Asked what he would

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

and executes its activities at Delta High School with great efficiency. The group currently has a particular focus on mental health. Delta High has dealt with some very dramatic circumstances in recent times and the Youth Council is well aware of this area of concern. Its work can be illustrated by finals week efforts. The council hosted a “make your own stress ball” table during lunch time. Students were invited to come fill a balloon with flour and then go about their day, relieving the stress of finals week by squeezing the tarnation out of those filled balloons. Claire Corbasson, a DHS senior, serves on both the Student Advisory Committee and as mayor of the Youth Council. They’re working together to organize student-led meetings to gain insight into student perspectives to be shared with the city, county and school board via a video montage. Five meetings are being planned, one

at each high school and a combined session for Vision Charter Academy and Grand Mesa Choice Academy students. She holds fast to a message Kathy Joseph shared at a band leadership session several years ago: “Leading others is really serving others. You never really do anything for yourself, you’re doing it for the betterment of others, and if you’re not doing that, then you’re not leading.” “That’s really stuck with me,” Corbasson said, who is also involved with Student Council. The Student Advisory Committee and the Delta Youth Council are merely a sampling of how our young people are getting involved and showing their desire to make our community a better place to live.

State Board of Education at its monthly December meeting. “The state’s accountability system is built on the premise that all students should receive a high quality education and graduate ready for college or careers,” said Katy Anthes, Colorado’s education commissioner. “Our goal is to give all students a chance to excel. These designations allow us to identify struggling schools that may need more support to help students achieve their highest aspirations. And they also highlight successful schools so that other schools can learn from them.” All schools annually receive a School Performance Framework report based on performance on various common indicators, including student achievement and growth on state tests. High schools are also rated on graduation, dropout and matriculation data. The Education Accountability Act of 2009 requires an annual review of district and school performance. The accountability system is intended to provide a statewide comparison of student performance that highlights areas of success and areas for improvement. The process includes the development of improvement plans, which are posted to SchoolView with the School Performance Framework reports. Vision Charter Academy noted its improvement priorities: to increase growth in math and K-3 English language arts, and reverse an increase in the dropout rate. Participation in state assessments also continues to plague Vision Charter Academy, despite incentives. “The

challenge is a plateau of willing families and a stagnant rate of increase due to reaching our ceiling of parents who support state testing,” the VCA improvement plan noted. In its improvement plan, Cedaredge Elementary noted the need for additional math instruction every day — both for intervention and overall instruction. “Even though we have demonstrated growth over the past three years, we still have a ways to go to get students performing near grade level,” the improvement plan noted. Two areas of focus are math and English language arts students with disabilities. Grand Mesa Choice Academy notes that due to lack of student test engagement, test scores do not accurately reflect academic achievement or growth. Students can earn elective credit for showing one year’s growth on the PSAT and SAT tests. They believe students will realize the additional credits will allow them to graduate sooner. As stated in the school’s improvement plan, “Tests that were ‘not worth the time’ become ‘tests that earn me credit.’ Their overall goal is to earn credits and graduate.” Receiving recognition for exemplary performance was the Delta Academy of Applied Learning, recipient of the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. Paonia Elementary School earned the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award and the John Irwin Award for scoring 88.9 out of a possible 100 points. Profiles of individual schools and the district can be viewed at www.cde. state.co.us/schoolview.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Elyse Casselberry (left) and Darnell Place-Wise, advisors to the Delta Youth Council, handed out candy canes to Delta High School students about to start on two days of ﬁnals. Youth council members set up stations for their peers to make stress balls.

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Fee changes FROM PAGE A1 projects, such as the redevelopment of the Clear Fork campground at Crawford State Park. Some of those facilities date from the 1960s, Keleher said. During the winter, crews will be bringing the campground up to modern standards with full hookups for RVs.

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In addition, work is underway on the “causeway,” a 600-foot bench trail that will complete the connection between the visitor center and the two campgrounds, Clear Fork and Iron Creek. Currently, folks have to walk on the shoulder of Highway 92 to get from Clear Fork to Iron Creek. Both projects should be completed by the summer, Keleher said. Programming at Crawford State Park includes a winter festival Saturday, Jan. 26. The festival will feature an ice fishing clinic, ice skating and cross-country skiing. At Sweitzer Lake State Park, a StoryWalk was installed in cooperation with Delta County Libraries and the Nature Connection.

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BREAKING THE SILENCE

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L.;F.E. Love is found everywhere.

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ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Health exhibit leaves Delta Library BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Photo submitted

Students, parents and teachers from all across Delta County visited the Discover Health exhibit at Delta Library in recent weeks. Since mid-October, nearly 1,400 students have experienced the health exhibit and related activities.

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BIRTHS Jacob and Janel Webb of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Megan Pearl Webb, born Dec. 26, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds and was 19.25 inches in length.

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A traveling, bilingual exhibition called Discover Health is leaving Delta County after three months on display at Delta Library. “Overall, the exhibit was a great success,” says Adriana Chavira, Delta Library manager. “We accommodated nearly 1,400 students from Delta County Schools to tour the exhibit from mid-October through mid-December,” Chavira explains. “Along with the tour, every student had the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt and make a takehome craft.” Library staff prepared well ahead of the exhibit to enhance the learning experience for students and teachers, developing related crafts, storytimes, book displays and a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt encouraged students to search for answers to questions within the exhibit and complete the related activities. The craft complemented the theme of the exhibit and gave students something to take home with them. Younger children built skeletons and older children created blow-up lungs and made stress balls and origami worry boxes. Delta County School

District arranged for all second and sixth grade students in the county to visit the exhibit with funds provided through a health and wellness grant. “Other grade levels came as well,” Chavira adds. “Word of mouth got out and many teachers decided to bring their classes. It was a unique opportunity for students to learn about health, human body systems, and health careers in a fun, engaging way.” Students and teachers tend to agree with Chavira. Library staff collected feedback through an online survey following field trips to the exhibit. A second grade teacher says, “My kids absolutely loved the exhibit. They had so much fun and it got them thinking. Library staff did a phenomenal job and the kids were 100 percent engaged.” Another elementary school teacher comments, “The exhibit and scavenger hunt were top of the line. The kids had a blast exploring and were determined to complete the scavenger hunt accurately.” Some student comments include “I liked building the body parts, it was fun,” “My favorite part was ... everything,” “Thank you for letting us play and explore,” and

“Now we know what healthy lungs and livers look like.” Other highlights for students included the “take apart” human torso, lungs and brain and the touch-screen health games. Library staff cleaned, disassembled, and packed up the exhibit on Friday, Dec. 28, in preparation to send it on to Garfield County. “It has been wonderful to host the exhibit here in Delta. In many ways, it transformed the library during its stay here by

bringing in so many young people day after day,” Chavira states. “It has also created a lot of extra work for staff and they deserve to be acknowledged for a job well done.” Discover Health/Descubre la Salud is a program of the University of Colorado/Anschutz Medical Campus. Funding is provided by the National Institutes of Health. For more information about the exhibit and upcoming library events, visit www.deltalibraries. org.

Photo submitted

Students attempt to put the various pieces of the model brain back together. “This was a wonderful hands-on exhibit,” says an elementary teacher who brought 60 students to see the exhibit.

Senior meals listed for January Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Civic Center (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs-

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day), Delta Senior Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 8745302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through Jan. 31 follows: Wednesday, Jan. 2 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, kidney bean salad, wheat roll and birthday cake. Thursday, Jan. 3 — Creamed potato soup, barbecue chicken breast, bell pepper, carrots and onions, cornbread and cinnamon roll. Friday, Jan. 4 — Cheddar cheeseburger on a whole wheat bun, lettuce/onion/tomato, potato wedges, baked beans and fruit cocktail. Monday, Jan. 7 — Italian chicken breast, pea and cheese salad, potatoes O’Brien, stewed tomatoes, roll and apple crisp.

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Sponsored by:

Tuesday, Jan. 8 — Potato-crusted cod, green pepper coleslaw, potato wedges, whole wheat roll and apple. Wednesday, Jan. 9 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, threebean salad, whole wheat roll and half an orange. Thursday, Jan. 10 — Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, California blend veggies, bacon ranch pea salad, whole wheat roll and birthday cake. Friday, Jan. 11 — Ham and beans, cottage cheese and mandarin oranges, cornbread, parsley carrots and oatmeal raisin cookie. Monday, Jan. 14 — Chicken enchilada casserole, Spanish rice, hot black bean salad and tropical fruit. Tuesday, Jan. 15 — Cheddar cheeseburger on whole wheat bun, lettuce/onion/tomato, potato wedges, baked beans and fruit cocktail. Wednesday, Jan. 16 — Pepperoni and beef pizza on homemade crust, calico pea salad, zucchini, tomatoes and onions, and pineapple. Thursday, Jan. 17 — Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli

and carrots, three-bean salad and Greek yogurt with berries. Friday, Jan. 18 — Beef and sausage lasagna, green beans, tossed salad, garlic bread and peaches. Monday, Jan. 21 — Oven-fried chicken breast, green beans, ovenroasted potatoes, garden slaw, whole wheat roll and honey bee ambrosia. Tuesday, Jan. 22 — Chili con carne with cheddar cheese and diced onion, pea and cheese salad, cornbread and fruit cocktail. Wednesday, Jan. 23 — Beef stew, Italian vegetable salad, onion rye roll and peach crisp. Thursday, Jan. 24 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian vegetables, homemade breadstick and diced peaches. Friday, Jan. 25 —Pork and green chili stew, corn tortilla, pinto beans, marinated carrot salad and strawberry gelatin dessert. Monday, Jan. 28 — Ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, Italian vegetable pasta salad, whole wheat roll and cinnamon applesauce. Tuesday, Jan. 29 — Pizza mac casserole, garbanzo bean and tomato salad, Italian bread and honey fruit dessert. Wednesday, Jan. 30 — Chicken pot pie, vegetable soup, onion roll and tropical fruit mix. Thursday, Jan. 31 — Beef, cheese and rice bur�� rito with green sauce, lettuce/tomato/onion, refried �� beans and churro.

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Winter dance begins Jan. 15

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

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

DMEA offers $40,000 in scholarships Students looking to pursue higher education next fall can now apply for funding through Delta-Montrose Electric Association’s (DMEA) annual college scholarship program. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. “Each year we’re hon-

ored 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 — our funds are there to assist with all types of schooling,” said Becky

Photo submitted

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Dec. 19. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are: (top row, left Madison Whitaker (kindness), Logan Trujillo (fairness), Trevor Garrison (kindness), Jaymz Miller (diligence); (middle row ) Ayla Starks (responsibility), Preston Farnsworth (diligence), Leah Esser (caring); (bottom row) Alex Diaz (perserverance), Valeria Guiterrez Valdez (compassion), Wyatt Brozina (courage), and Grace Rogers (cooperation).

Mashburn, DMEA communications and marketing manager. DMEA’s scholarships provide 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. Multiple scholarships are available in the following categories: High school graduate — awarded to graduating students from each high school in DMEA’s service territory. Continuing education — awarded to students currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited post-high school educational institution. Colorado Mesa University — awarded to students who are planning to attend or are currently enrolled full-time in Colorado Mesa University-Montrose Campus. Technical College of the Rockies — awarded to students who are planning to attend or are currently enrolled full-time in Delta-Montrose Technical College. DMEA awards all scholarships based on academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, future goals, and an assigned essay. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants must be dependents of a

DMEA member or a member themselves. Applications must be submitted online at http://www. dmea.com/content/schol arships. DMEA’s scholarship program is funded by the co-op’s unclaimed capital credit fund. The cooperative business model ensures that any excess margins that remain after all expenses have been paid are returned to the DMEA members as capital credits. If capital credits remain unclaimed, they are transferred to the unclaimed capital credit fund and used for charitable and educational purposes, like DMEA’s scholarship program. DMEA’s scholarship program is also supported by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, both of which are wholesale power cooperatives. This year, DMEA also partnered with the Montrose Community Foundation to improve its program. “Our scholarship program continues to grow every year, to the point where we needed help from local experts. The Montrose Community Foundation has the expertise and experience necessary to make sure our scholarship program is streamlined and efficient for both the applicants and the co-op. Their partnership has been invaluable,” said Mashburn. For more information visit www.dmea.com and review the scholarship information and application located under the community tab, or contact DMEA at 877-6873632.

Teens, learn defensive driving 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 Maddysan Perez, Trey Sukle, Nathaniel Herrera, Londyn St. Peter, Elian Valencia and Manik Atchley. Below are second and third graders (front row) Keven Gonzalez Cruz, Hayden Johnson, Camdyn Stoddard, Nevaeh Duran; (back row) Witten Atchley, Jaeleigh Osborn, Brooklyn Hughes and Oscar Medina.

Speaker offers tour of Fremont sites On Jan. 16, Steven Baker of Centuries Research in Montrose will present “An Archaeological Tour of Important Fremont Sites on the Douglas Creek Arch, Rio Blanco County.” This talk will include excavations and startling information about The Sky Aerie, Rim Rock Hamlet and Sandshadow sites, and granaries and rock art. Baker is a local archaeologist whose firm has conducted research in western Colorado for nearly 40 years. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Baldridge Hall, United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Street, Montrose. The public is invited (no charge; donation accepted). New members are always welcome.

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Unlock your business' potential. Advertise. Call 874-4421.

“Alive at 25,” a defensive driving course for young drivers, is offered to drivers ages 15-24. A Colorado State Patrol trooper will provide approximately four hours of classroom instruction designed to prevent traffic violations, collisions and/or fatalities. The focus of the program is making attendees aware of many typical driving hazards. Participants will receive a certificate for this course which enables them to test for a driving permit at age 15 1/2 or older. The next class takes place at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Monday, Jan. 21, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Register and pay for this class online at www.aliveat25. us.

Photos submitted

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

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SUBSCRIBE to the DCI. Call

874-4421

for the rates.

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A6 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Students share their internship experiences This fall semester 16 students from Delta County Joint School District #50 high schools completed internships

with area businesses. The new program known simply as the High School Internship Program, places stu-

dents with professionals for the purpose of work-based learning and career exploration for 110 hours over the

course of a semester. Along with their working hours, interns complete academic assignments focused on work-

place expectations and practices. Sponsors (business partners) provide the intern with authentic work and

learning opportunities that give students a better idea of the career field or job they hope to pursue.

Intern: Dalia Alejandre, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Amy Hawkins, Cedaredge Elementary School Dalia interned with the second grade at Cedaredge Elementary. Dalia’s daily routine begins outside greeting students. After the students start their “morning jobs,” Dalia helps students with simple math or logging on the computer to practice math facts. After everyone is up and running, Dalia works with individuals who need extra help in reading and writing. Dalia would like to thank her sponsor Amy Hawkins for the opportunity to be in her classroom, work with her amazing students and for sharing her teacher tips and techniques. Dalia’s interest in teaching began with helping her nieces and nephews and because of them she dreams of becoming the first teacher in her family. Dalia will attend Western State Colorado University in Gunnison in the fall of 2019 majoring in elementary education.

Intern: Amanda Cotten, Delta High School Sponsor: Brandy Davis, Lincoln Elementary School Amanda had the privilege of interning at Lincoln Elementary School. The internship has given her the opportunity to discover what it is like to be in an early childhood teaching environment with many different people. She enjoyed getting to know the students and their art abilities, and being able to interact with the staff of LES. Throughout the experience, Amanda was also able to decorate the school with the students’ art. Even though she has discovered that being a teacher is not her top priority, she would like to thank Brandy Davis and the rest of Lincoln Elementary School staff for allowing her to be a part of the memorable experience. Amanda hopes to keep helping the art program of Lincoln through her final semester of high school.

Intern: Cameron Baldozier, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Haley Benson, Cedaredge Elementary School Cameron had the privilege of working with Ms. Benson and her second grade class this semester. In the classroom, there was a regular day-to-day routine that kept the students in check, allowing them to develop a sense of order and maximize learning. Cameron worked with students on learning and reviewing math techniques each day. Through this experience she learned that students process learning in various ways, and that a good teacher will use multiple and varied methods to get them where they need to be. Cameron began this internship unsure if she wanted to pursue a teaching or a physical therapy career, but as soon as she got to know the job better, her decision was made to pursue education. She will miss starting the day off dancing during the morning movement.

Intern: Lauren Davey, Delta High School Sponsor: Jeremy McCormick, DHS Athletic Dept. Lauren had the privilege to intern at Delta High School for the Athletic Department. This internship gave Lauren the opportunity to see the inner workings of athletics at the high school level. Lauren was responsible for various jobs as an intern, such as creating rosters for games and events, paying referees, learning and utilizing new software, organizing master schedules for future sports seasons, and doing anything else her sponsor needed. She would like to thank Jeremy McCormick for allowing her the opportunity to discover the benefits of a career in athletic business administration. Lauren is also very appreciative of the fellow office staff for supporting her endeavors. She plans to attend University of Colorado Springs to pursue a degree in business administration and management.

Intern: Shania Ballard, Delta High School Sponsor: Laura Farmer, Lincoln Elementary School Shania had the privilege of interning with a third grade class at Lincoln Elementary. During this internship, Shania got a behind-the-scenes look at teaching and saw how the teacher built a personal connection to each student and prepared engaging lessons each day. Shania helped to grade many papers, prepared classroom materials and worked with the students one-on-one during her internship. Shania would like to thank Laura Farmer and the rest of the staff at Lincoln Elementary for allowing her to have this experience and for being welcoming throughout her internship. Shania plans to attend Colorado State University in the fall of 2019.

Student: Camee Graff, Delta High School Sponsor: Dr. Kevin Johnson, DCMH Outpatient Rehab Camee was able to be a intern at DCMH physical therapy outpatient rehab center with Dr. Kevin Johnson. She has learned so much from him and each of the PTs there. She is very grateful for all the opportunities given her during this internship. Camee has learned so much about PT and the different ways that it is useful. On a typical day she would bring patients back to begin their session, sit in on evaluations, and also became a part of their physical therapy team. Camee has gained many relationships that she will always cherish. Camee is now looking forward to pursuing her career in the physical therapy realm and becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Camee would like to give a sincere thanks to Kevin for always being patient and understanding in teaching her.

Intern: Sami Cassel, Vision Charter Academy Sponsor: Felicia Heinz, Surgical Dept., DCMH Sami interned in the surgery department at Delta County Memorial Hospital this semester. This internship gave Sami the chance to observe what it was like to be a surgeon. She would like to thank all the surgeons and the operating room staff for teaching her many skills and for inspiring her to pursue this career. Sami was taught all about the different surgeries that were performed in the Delta hospital and was able to observe procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, knee replacements and many other interesting surgeries. Sami plans to attend college at CU in Denver, and then attend CU Medical School. Her goal is to become a neurosurgeon. Next semester, Sami plans on interning in the emergency room and the intensive care unit.

Intern: Mariah Griffith, Hotchkiss High School Sponsor: Mrs. Renardet, Hotchkiss K-8 Mariah had the opportunity to intern with Mrs. Renardet’s third grade class. This gave Mariah an inside look at what it takes to be an elementary teacher. As an intern Mariah was in charge of doing the morning message and the question of the day as soon as students arrived, additionally she made copies and helped students whenever needed. Mariah enjoyed spending time with the third graders everyday and loved watching them improve. She would like to thank Hotchkiss K-8 and Mrs. Renardet for welcoming her into the classroom and helping her through the semester. Spending time in the classroom has made Mariah even more sure about the career choice. She plans to attend college for elementary education in the fall of 2019.

Intern: Krislyn Haskins, Delta High School Sponsor: Michael Klouser, Technical College of the Rockies Krislyn Haskins had the honor of interning at the Technical College of the Rockies (TCR) during this fall semester. This internship gave her the opportunity to experience life in the “media world,” where she hopes to be one day. Krislyn spent her days documenting different activities and events that were going on at TCR then uploading them to various social media sites. She also attended several different meetings where she and her fellow employees discussed the best ways to promote the college and ways they could improve different pieces of the college media such as their website. Krislyn also had the pleasure to work with a lot of great people in the treasured small community established at TCR. Krislyn graduated high school in December and will attend Colorado Mesa University in fall of 2019.

Intern: Elena Melgoza, Delta High School Sponsor: Evan Cummings and Kendyl Hovel, DMS Elena had the opportunity to intern at Delta Middle School with the sixth and eighth grade science classes. During her time there she assisted students, planned, prepared and delivered a lesson on water, graded papers, organized class materials and computers, chaperoned a field trip and gained valuable communication skills that will benefit her for years to come. Elena was able to work with two different ages of students and two different styles of teachers, which taught her a great deal. She would like to thank Mr. Cummings and Mr. Hovel for working with her and for giving her such a great experience. Elena clearly sees and appreciates all the effort and hard work that goes into teaching. After graduation she will pursue her bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Intern: Anna Rugloski, Cedaredge High School Sponsor: Dr. Susan Hirsch, Surface Creek Vet Center Anna had the chance to intern at Surface Creek Veterinary Center during the fall semester. Her internship included assisting the techs, observing Dr. Susie and Dr. Jeff perform exams and surgeries, and learning basic tasks performed at a veterinary clinic. This opportunity provided valuable exposure and familiarity within the medical field along with practical lessons in communication and teamwork. Anna wants to extend a big thank you to the doctors and staff at Surface Creek Veterinary Clinic for this opportunity to learn and work with them. While animals will always be special to her, this internship solidified Anna’s choice to go into human medicine. Anna will graduate in the spring and most likely pursue a career in the medical profession.

Intern: Sierra Nelson, Delta High School Sponsor: Cindy McCollum, Z-Barn Sierra is proud to have interned at Z-Barn in Delta. At Z-Barn Sierra worked with several different horses that needed help in resolving various riding issues. Working as an intern has helped to improve Sierra’s work ethic. She has learned to handle responsibilities and gained the ability to be flexible in her work with the other riders. Sierra is very grateful for the opportunity to work with horses, learn how to train them and to be able to be a part of Z-Barn. Sierra would like to thank Cindy McCollum for the amazing experience and opportunity extended. In the future, Sierra plans to continue working with horses and hopes to attend Colorado State University next fall to begin her studies in veterinary medicine.

Intern: Sierra Russell, Delta High School Sponsor: Dr. John Shull and Ronda Bingham, Western Slope Animal Hospital Sierra had an active, hands-on learning experience at WSAH this semester. During her internship she learned to clean and set up equipment properly, lend a hand in surgery, do sample testing, and front office skills. Sierra says that days in a vet hospital can be unpredictable; the case could be a neuter, spay, castration, floating horses teeth, or a euthanasia. All of this variety and activity has make Sierra’s desire to work in a vet clinic all the stronger. Sierra is thankful to have worked alongside Ronda, Dr. Shull and the technicians. She was able to have many opportunities to observe surgical and exam procedures, ask questions, build valuable work skills and learn a lot about animal care from everyone at the clinic.

Intern: Ashley Sanchez, Achieve Blended Learning Sponsor: Delta County Memorial Hospital Ashley interned in two DCMH facilities this semester. She spent the first half in the surgery department and the second half at Delta Family Medicine. In the surgical department she observed a variety of procedures including mastectomies, total knee replacements, lap nissens, and much more. One of her favorite moments was holding an inflamed gallbladder. She wants to thank Felicia Heinz and everyone in the surgical department. While at Delta Family Medicine she found the medical assistants were very welcoming and within two weeks Ashley was trained to check vitals, update charts and shadow the doctors. Ashley would like to thank Diane Dockter and everyone at the clinic for giving her the best experience. Ashley plans to become an MA and eventually an MD.

Intern: Jackie Suarez, Delta High School Sponsor: Radiology Department, DCMH Jackie had the pleasure to do her internship at Delta County Memorial Hospital in the Radiology Department. Each day Jackie was able to observe different imaging procedures, ask questions and become familiar with the workings of most of the radiology and imaging department. She found the work to be very interesting and enjoyed being quizzed by the technicians on anatomy, types of Xrays, proper positioning and other activities going on in the department. Jackie’s internship experience has shown her that becoming a radiology tech is what she is meant to do. She is thankful to the whole team for helping her discover her passion and for all of their caring guidance. In the fall Jackie will attend CMU to become a radiology technician.

Intern: Kayla Teel, Delta High School Sponsor: Heidi Hughes, Pediatric Associates Kayla had the privilege of interning with the Pediatric Associates in Delta. During her time there, Kayla was able to gain a better perspective of the ins and outs of the medical world, both on the front office side and the back office/nursing side. She was able to learn and practice vitals, such as blood pressure and pulse, how to draw blood and run tests, how to draw up and administer shots, take phone calls, schedule appointments, and enter data into charts. Kayla would like to thank the wonderful staff at the office and her sponsor Heidi Hughes for their kindness and willingness to work with her. She had a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Kayla is planning on pursuing a nursing degree specializing in pediatrics this next fall.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

�� Square dancers celebrate the new year ��

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The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will celebrate the new year with two Saturday night dances, Jan. 5 and 19. This week’s dance is a regular dance. The Jan. 19 event will be a “Bobby Sox Dance” with 1950s and ‘60s music. Wear your nostalgic clothing from that great era! Both dances will be directed by Naaman Moorehouse, regular club caller. Dances are $6 admission per dancer, and held from 7-9 p.m., in the aerobics room at the Bill Heddles Recreation

Camera club meets twice Jan. 8 Black Canyon Camera Club meets Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. for the morning group and at 6 p.m. for the evening group. Meetings are held at the First Church of God on 11th and Howard in Delta. As always, you can bring up to three pictures for review. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. See black canyoncameraclub.com or contact rae-anns@live or 856-7809 for more information.

Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Dances are “Mainstream” with “Plus” Tips. Round dances are to recordings. Bring refreshments to

share during the evening. Non-dancers welcome to come and watch, meet the dancers and find out about upcoming lessons.

If coming from out of town, call to verify dance dates, details and directions. Zee Pacheco, 970835-3771, or Paul Ash, 970-773-4495.

Bill Heddles Recreation Center hosts basketball skills challenge The Denver Nuggets Basketball Skills Challenge comes to Bill Heddles Recreation Center Monday, Jan. 7. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; competition is scheduled at 10 a.m. This free basketball skills competition is open to boys and girls ages 613. Participants will be divided into gender and age groups (age as of April 30, 2019). A birth certificate is required at time of registration to advance to the sectional competition. The Denver Nuggets Basketball Skills Challenge is a basketball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in dribbling, passing and shooting. The youth program is produced by the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Parks & Recreation Association with support from the City of Delta.

Top scorers from each age group advance to a sectional competition. Top sectional scorers from each age group advance to the state championship to be held in conjunction

with a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center in March. For more information, call Whitnee Lear at 970-874-0923 or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

Biologist will talk about white-tailed ptarmigans On Thursday, Jan. 3, Amy Seglund, conservation biologist with the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, will talk about white-tailed ptarmigans. These small (13 inches in length) birds nest in high alpine habitats, including rock fields, tundra grasses and willows. In the Rocky Mountains, the whitetailed ptarmigan is the only year-round avian resident. These birds are masters in camouflage and become entirely white

in the winter to better blend in with the alpine conditions they inhabit. They have historically been known as mountain quail, snow grouse, or white quail. Seglund will review the results of her studies related to this alpine icon. There is no charge for this presentation, which is sponsored by the Black Canyon Chapter of the Audubon Society. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Field House.

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What’s happening at your library?

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The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Alive at 65. Friends of the Cedaredge Library will host a presentation by Darold Sloan on safe driving tips at Cedaredge Library. The presentation will start at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and will be followed by the friends regular meeting. Surface Creek Trail StoryWalk®. The December-January StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “Santasaurus’ Adventure” written and illustrated by Cedaredge High School students. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group. The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month through June from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about com-

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puters or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Bucket Bands and Rhythm Jams. Third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to Delta Library for a fun, musical jam session led by percussionist Gerry Lell. Each session is open to 10 drummers on a first come, first served basis. Every Wednesday, Jan. 9-30, at 5:15 p.m. and every Saturday, Jan. 5-26, at 10:30 a.m. Tech Information Station. Delta Library offers an open tech information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tablets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online research and classes. Monday, Jan. 7, at 4 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. Delta Friends Meeting. Friends of the Delta Library meet Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 3 p.m. at Delta Library. Sweitzer Lake Story Walk® The JanuaryFebruary StoryWalk® at Sweitzer Lake State Park is “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. Find out how the story goes, then visit Delta Library for an activity that relates to the story. Name That Soup Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Delta Library to embark on a scavenger hunt to find 12 different soups hidden in

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the children’s area. Win a prize if you find all 12! All month in January during library hours. Build a Snowflake Maker Space. Kids are invited to Delta Library to get creative building a snowflake using magnetic pieces. All supplies provided. All month in January during library hours. Mystery Lovers Book Sale. Calling all mystery lovers! During January, Friends of the Delta Library will feature mystery novels in the Delta Library bookstore. This is a deal you won’t want to miss! Hardbacks for $1 and paperbacks for 50¢ Council of Teens. The Council of Teens helps plan programs and activities as well as come up with books to add to the teen collection. Meets every Monday at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onone. The Delta genealogy group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Master Builder Club. Explore your creativity as a master builder with LEGO and other materials! Join us for monthly design themes and free building time. All ages welcome, children under 7 should bring an adult. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 4 p.m. at Hotchkiss Library. Around the World at the Library. Travel the world and explore a different country with firsthand accounts from local guests. All ages welcome. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 4 p.m. Hotchkiss Book

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Club. This month, the Hotchkiss Book Club will be discussing “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach. Thursday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Evening Concert with Michael Gulezian. Guitar virtuoso Michael Gulezian will play a rare local concert in the Paonia Library. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. Winter Scavenger Hunt. All month long in January. New Year, New You. Teens are invited to Paonia Library to create a personalized journal for the new year. All supplies will be provided. All month long in January. Tech Café. Starting in January! Paonia Library offers an open Tech Café in the community room for all ages and skill levels to seek tech assistance with computers, tablets and phones. Every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Convergence: Call for Submissions. The Paonia Literary Committee is seeking original works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays and photographs for the 2019 book “Convergence: Words and Images from the West Elks” (formerly called “Write On.”) Submissions must be made online by Jan. 28. For more information visit the Blue Sage website at www.bluesage.org.

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A8 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Commissioners voice support for Casselberry, LeValley BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

During constituent time at the Dec. 17 meeting of Delta County Board of County Commissioners, Delta County Citizen Report president JoAnn Kalenak accused Elyse Casselberry of “moonlighting” and “probable time theft fraud.” Kalenak further questioned the judgment of county administrator Robbie LeValley in her supervisory responsibilities of Casselberry, saying, “... LeValley doesn’t have a problem, however, with one of her top department heads moonlighting for another government entity despite concerns from

local residents about overlapping time schedules and conflicts of interests.” Kalenak said, “Commissioners, this is a big deal, in fact, it’s scandalous. “I did not create this scandal — that falls squarely on the shoulders of Administrator LeValley – and now, onto yours,” Kalenak said. Commission chair Doug Atchley thanked Kalenak for her comments. Kalenak said she thought she and the commissioners would try to have some back-andforth. Atchley replied, “We are not going to get into back and forth.”

Commissioner Suppes said to Kalenak, “The buck stops here, with the commissioners. The county commissioners are responsible for the performance of the staff. “I am getting tired of your unhealthy obsession with Robbie LeValley, and now with Elyse Casselberry. We are aware of the two incomes, and Elyse accomplishes all her tasks in a timely, efficient, effective and complete manner. “I am very happy with the performance of both Elyse and Robbie. With the experience and abilities both Robbie and Elyse have, they could easily work anywhere

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Lighting up downtown Delta

The festive windows of Lily & Rose Home Furnishings earned top honors in a business lighting contest sponsored by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. The store is located at the corner of 3rd and Main.

they want. Delta County is lucky to have them,” Suppes said. Casselberry was hired as the county’s community and economic development director in May 2017. Casselberry said when she first started with Delta County she discussed her intention to take on consulting work with LeValley. “To ensure compliance with the outside employment policy we agreed that I would not do any consulting work in Delta County for local governments, which would create a potential conflict of interest,” Casselberry said. Casselberry is a .8 fulltime-equivalent county employee, with a work week of 32 hours. Casselberry contracted with Collbran in August 2018. She is working as a consulting manager on a very part-time basis, .2 FTE. “I did discuss the Collbran contract with my supervisor in August, as required by the policy. I am not working in Collbran without my supervisor’s knowledge and Collbran knows that I work for Delta County,” Casselberry said. “Since beginning with the county, my schedule has fluctuated as needed to accommodate the numerous early morning and late evening meetings that I am expected to attend as part of my responsibilities for both planning and economic development at Delta County. “I have demonstrated

my commitment to Delta County, my ability to complete the work that is expected of me, and a willingness to put in however many hours are necessary to complete that work,” Casselberry said. Kalenak stated that Casselberry’s Delta County timesheet and her invoices to the Town of Collbran show considerable overlap in schedules between the two positions. Specifically, Kalanak said that on Oct. 2 Casselberry’s hours added up to 30.5 hours “where Casselberry claimed to be working for either Delta County or Collbran.” Casselberry says, “I stand by the total hours that I have entered on my Delta County timesheet. I have focused on making sure that each week I have worked at least 32 hours, and that my time sheet reflects that.” Casselberry clarified time sheet entries for Oct. 2 to which Kalenak referred. In an email to the county commissioners and to LeValley, dated Dec. 18, Casselberry wrote, “I decided to use a time log in August because I wanted to be certain that I could demonstrate that I am meeting my commitments to everyone. “I have not committed time sheet fraud. I have simply tried to make one tracking system mesh with another tracking system. I will continue to analyze my time log. If I find any errors, I will make any necessary cor-

rections.” Commissioner Mark Roeber states, “I will go on record as proclaiming I stand behind the county administrator and her staff. The competence and performance of Ms. LeValley has never come into question. We can only wish we could clone her to get even more accomplished. “On the matter of Elyse Casselberry, the same could be said. We were aware of her .8 FTE from the get-go and still marveled at all the responsibilities that she took on and accomplished for the county. Her professionalism and work ethic rival only Robbie’s. There has never been any conflict of time or interest with her .2 FTE with the Town of Collbran. If there was, the commissioners would have raised the issue. “I strongly believe if you were to ask the communities and people that these two ladies have worked with, you would get a resounding vote of confidence. Their integrity should not be in question,” Roeber said. Commissioner Doug Atchley said, “I am very much aware that Elyse is working .8 FTE for the county. Both Robbie and Elyse have perfomed each position respectively in an outstanding and efficient manner, and I would rate their job performance as being very much above expectations. Their performance compared to the position description for each job is superlative.”

K-9 unit joins Delta County Sheriff’s Office After over 11 years of service, Montrose County Sergeant Keith Sanders and his K-9 are leaving the Montrose County Sheriff ’s Office to join the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office. According to a press release issued by Montrose County, K-9 Oxx will be adopted by Sgt. Sanders upon his departure. Trainee Roo, who is owned by Sgt. Sanders, will continue her training to take over for K-9 Oxx upon his official retirement as a law enforcement canine. Delta County Sheriffelect Mark Taylor has stated that the K-9 unit will be available for calls throughout the Seventh Judicial District in the

future as well. “I’m excited to have Sgt. Sanders, along with K-9 Oxx, and Trainee Roo join the team at the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office,” said Taylor. “I look forward to the continued success that Sgt. Sanders and K-9 Oxx had in Montrose County.” The crime-fighting duo has been responsible for the recovering of over 59 pounds of marijuana, 22.2 pounds of methamphetamine, 22 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 303 grams of cocaine, 54 grams of heroin, and 407 grams of ecstasy. Deputy K-9 Oxx and Sgt. Sanders also recovered 38 weapons, completed 39 successful apprehensions, and recovered over $59,000 from drug busts.

DCMH names new marketing director ��

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Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) announces Jacqueline “Jacque” Davis, a local community engagement, marketing and public relations director, is the hospital’s new director of marketing. In this role Davis will oversee and lead the strategic marketing, communications, and public relations for DCMH. She will also be responsible for the development of hospital and provider promotional material, and will work closely with CEO Jason Cleckler in promoting the hospital around the area. “We are so excited to welcome Jacque, as she brings a wealth of experience to this important position,” said Cleckler. “She’ll be an integral part of bringing in new patients and strengthening connections with our existing patients and community members across the region.” Davis is a Western Slope native, growing up in Montrose, “I could never think of a better place than the Western Slope to live and raise a family,” stated Davis. “My family is all from here, so I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of the Delta hospital team and getting to tell all the wonderful stories of the great local care and people of this region.”

Davis is very active in the community as a board member of All Points Transit, steering committee member of the West Region Health Care Coalition and a longtime Rotarian. She worked most recently as the marketing director for Colorow Care Center in Olathe and as marketing manager for Volunteers of America, the PACE program in Montrose and Delta counties. She has over 10 years of local health care marketing experience, a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University and a master’s in health care administration from Ohio University. Her family — husband Lincoln, two children (Jerica and Jamison) and 3 stepchildren (Hunter, Bridger and Parker) — loves spending time in the mountains, ATVing, watching kids’ baseball and traveling.

Jacque Davis

NORTH FORK January 2, 2019

TIMES

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Paonia approves policies, fees for ‘de-annexation’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

While owners of qualifying parcels of land have a right under Colorado statute to petition for annexation into municipal boundaries, owners of qualifying property within town limits also have a right to petition for de-annexation, also known as “disconnection.” At the Dec. 11 board meeting, Paonia trustees unanimously adopted a four-page ordinance amending town code by establishing policies and procedures for disconnecting lands from town boundaries. The planning commission reviewed the ordinance at its Dec. 4 meeting and recommended approval to the board. Title 31 of Colorado statute provides policies and procedures for filing a petition to de-annex eligible property from town boundaries, but until passage of the ordinance, town code provides no such provisions. “We simply do not have the where-with-all to control that,” said trustee Bill Bear. The ordinance requires review of the petition by the

town planning commission and the board of trustees. If the petitioner received a water or sewer tap at the lower in-town rate, the town may require them to make up the difference between the in-town and out-of-town rates upon disconnection. When asked about reasons for wanting to disconnect, property owners often want “the benefits of being in town without having the burdens of being in town,” said Mayor Charles Stewart. In keeping with state statute, and in considering all possible negative impacts, the ordinance gives the board of trustees the final say. It also allows for Delta County and any affected special taxing district to request a meeting with the applicant and the town to discuss possible negative consequences. Trustees also approved a resolution amending the town fee schedule to include a disconnect application fee of “$500 plus cost.” The amount matches the existing fee for petitioning to annex into the town. The resolution also approves increases in “research and DE-ANNEXATION TO B2

Snowy morning in the North Fork

Photo by Tamie Meck

Crows join a bald eagle on the cottonwood trees along the bank of the North Fork of the Gunnison River the snowy morning after Christmas. Many parts of the North Fork area received more than six inches of snow over the holiday.

Planning for when growth comes knocking BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Like it or not, like many other small towns, Paonia is expected to grow in the coming years as more and more people discover the area’s agriculture, food and wine, recreational opportunities, educational opportunities, and budding arts community. The Town of Paonia would like to have some control over that growth. With developable land within town boundaries scarce, that growth is likely to occur outside of the existing town boundaries, said town administrator Ken Knight. The commercial downtown core is considered fully developed, and there is a lack of inventory for “starter homes” to accommodate young families moving to the area. Growth is already knocking at the door. The town has been approached about one possible major development just beyond town limits, and is aware of other commercial and residential developments in the works. In 2019, said Knight, the Paonia Planning Commission, which in recent years has met once or twice a year, will begin meeting monthly. If the business corridor is to expand, the most likely direction is outward beyond the existing town limits. If the town is to have any control over that development, plan for essential services, and ensure that growth is reasonable and consistent with the character of the community, it needs to act now. What makes the most sense, said Knight, is to direct development outward toward Highway 133. The idea isn’t new. After more than two years of working closely with Delta Coun-

ty, an advisory committee of in- and out-of-town residents, and multiple public meetings, in 2010 the town adopted the “Highway 133 Corridor Master Plan” (the Plan). A policy document for Paonia and Delta County to use in considering specific land use and development proposals, the plan identifies a course of action for addressing future growth and development outside of existing town boundaries while maintaining the area’s rural agricultural setting. The plan identifies two main corridors that can have “a direct influence on future growth, economic vitality, and Paonia’s small-town character.” Area A includes Grand Avenue northwest to Highway 133 on Samuel Wade Road, Clock, Price and Stahl roads, and Highway 133 southwest to the Redwood Arms Motel; and northwest from Grand Avenue to the highway. For commercial development, Samuel Wade Road “makes sense,” said Knight. The Paonia Soil Company, West Elk Wine & Spirits, and Stop and Save are located within the area. The town sewer line already extends along Stahl Road to the sewer plant, and engineering and plans for extending water and sewer services are in place, but funding isn’t. Looking at the Grand Avenue corridor, the Colorado Transportation Department property is zoned industrial, but the Paonia River Park and Museum and North Fork Mobile Home Park, both located within the county, and annexed Paonia JuniorSenior High School land make the corridor more appealing for residential growth, said Knight.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Looking east toward Paonia from behind Stop and Save, the area surrounding Samuel Wade Road leading from Highway 133 to the downtown corridor is being eyed by the Town of Paonia for commercial expansion as identiﬁed in the 2010 Highway 133 Corridor Master Plan. The plan is available on the town website, townofpaonia.com. The plan looks beyond those corridors by identifying “Area B,” extending to both sides of Highway 133 northeast to Black Bridge Road and southwest to Delicious Orchards. Once planning areas contiguous with town boundaries are identified, the town plans to work with Delta County and other entities to create a three-mile development plan, said Knight. Eventually the town will also need to identify planning areas in the Minnesota Creek, Mathews Lane and Black Bridge areas, said Knight. “Those will not likely to be ‘one-size-fits-all’ plans.” Because Delta County has no zoning laws in place, in updating the Comprehensive Plan, the town will need to work closely with county representatives to require development close to town limits to be built under the town’s zon-

ing code, said Knight. Eventually, that requirement could extend to the three-mile zone. The town is also planning for annexation of enclaves — pockets of unincorporated parcels surrounded by incorporated land. Under Colorado statute, enclaves can be annexed by ordinance once they have been surrounded by town property for three years. Parcels having more than one-sixth of the lot line contiguous with the existing town boundary are also eligible for annexation. The town is also interested in annexing other properties contiguous with town boundaries, among them the Paonia River Park. A big benefit, for the park and for other properties, said Knight, is that it would allow the Paonia Police Department to patrol the area and respond to calls without assis-

tance from the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office. As more annexation occurs, more properties become eligible for annexation. However, said Knight, the town can’t annex any properties for which it cannot provide sewer and water and other town services. The town also has 41 preannexations agreements in place, with at least one eligible for immediate annexation, said Knight. One detail the town must tend to before moving forward with annexation, said Knight, is revising and updating the 1996 Comprehensive Plan. As part of that process, the planning commission will work this year on drafting a chapter on planning. The town is also looking into hiring an intern to help with updating the plan.

Paonia trustees okay payment of Brunner legal fees BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

A real estate sign on Third Street in Paonia advertises the former Flying Fork Restaurant. As the town considers future growth, the area from Third Street to Highway 133 is being eyed for extension of the downtown business core.

Former town trustee Bill Brunner will be reimbursed for legal costs related to a 2017 lawsuit filed against him in Delta County Court after being denied a records request under the Colorado Open Records Act. The decision was made on Dec. 27 at a special meeting of the town board of trustees, called specifically to address the fees. Following a roughly half-hour executive session in which the board received legal

advice by phone from town attorney Bo Nerlin and attorney Nicholas Poppe, trustees voted, 4-0, to accept a settlement offer from Brunner’s attorney, William Fritsche, in the amount of $30,000. Trustees also approved full payment prior to the end of the calendar year. Trustees Bill Bear, Chelsea Bookout, Karen Budinger and Dave Knutson voted in favor of both motions; trustees Mary Bachran and Samira Hart were both absent from the special meeting.

B2 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Cooking elective concludes with beef cook-off at HK-8 On Dec. 13, the Black Mesa CattleWomen sponsored the second quarter beef cook-off for the Hotchkiss K-8 middle school cooking class taught by Terri Bear and Glenda Young. The students learned about beef,

basic nutrition, safe food preparation, and presentation. Students took an individual written test over the materials presented. The team chooses a beef recipe, menu, and table setting then worked together as a group to

cook, present the beef dish, and cleanup within 30 minutes. Students on each of the three teams were provided with a pound of ground beef donated by Christy Hawk of the Black Mesa CattleWomen to prepare their beef recipe. Judges for this cookoff were Pat Sunderland, managing editor of the Delta County Independent, Teresa Burns and Pauline Carr of the Black Mesa CattleWomen. These ladies tallied the scores from the students’ written exams, their presentation of the entree, meeting the requirements of My Plate, their table setting, following directions of the recipe, safe preparation and cleanup. The judges walked around and asked questions of each group and observed them before tasting each dish. The teams were very competitive and scored high. The first place team calling themselves the Average Mexican Cooks scored 97.33 points with smothered burritos. Throughout the

PEOPLE

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IN THE NEWS

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Have a Great Spring Semester! ��

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Sophia Fisher of Hotchkiss was recently named to the Dean’s List at Benedictine College for the fall semester, which ended in December. Full-time students with 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5 are named to the Dean’s List. Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kan. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging.

cook-off they were very confident that they were going to win. Congratulation to Yasmine Campos, Damon Gilmore, Josh Bryant and Cody Pagone. Each of them received a T-shirt from the Black Mesa CattleWomen. The second place team called themselves the La Cena Di Vetro which means The Glass Café. Team members were Danielle Photo submitted Elder, Kevin Regelman, Hayden Moreno, Tegan Yasmine Campos, Damon Gilmore, Josh Bryant and Oetker, and Shelby Nor- Cody Pagone placed ﬁrst in the second quarter beef ris and they prepared cook-off. beef stroganoff. They scored 96.6. The third place team had only two members and they called themselves the Simple Fries which was fitting as their menu consisted of stuffed burgers with fries. Hunter Hart and Tucker Houseweart served a wonderful burger and scored 86 points. Photo submitted

Retirement celebration planned for Jan Ryan

Danielle Elder, Tegan Oetker, Shelby Norris, Kevin Regelman and Hayden Moreno prepared beef stroganoff for the judges.

After 18 years with the Crawford Community Library, Jan Ryan is retiring. The Friends of the Crawford Library are hosting a reception in her honor Saturday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library. All are invited; refreshments will be served and Ryan will be Photo submitted honored for her contribu- Hunter Hart and Tucker Houseweart placed third tions to the local library. with their stuffed burgers.

Photo submitted

Evening concert at Paonia Library

Guitar virtuoso Michael Gulezian will play a rare local concert at Paonia Library Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. According to the website timbreline music.com, “Michael Gulezian is one of the most highly acclaimed solo acoustic instrumental guitarists of our time. He is a phenomenal technical guitarist with the rare ability to transcend his own virtuosity, creating music that touches and moves people at the deepest level.” In addition, Bridge Reviews describes Gulezian’s music as “... gorgeous ... profound ... guitar music imbued with mystical, spiritual essence.” Seating for the concert is limited and available on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis.

De-annexation FROM PAGE B1 retrieval charges” for public records requests. Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), municipalities can charge fees related to public records requests. The resolution approves an increase from 25 cents to 35 cents per page; an increase in the hourly cost of staff time to process the request from $15 to $20 per hour beyond the first hour per

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hour; and adds an attorney review fee of $30. For documents received electronically, no perpage fee is assessed, but other fees apply. Making a request does not automatically result in a fee, and fees are all below what the town can charge under CORA, said town clerk Corinne Ferguson. In response to public comment, Stewart said the town is in the pro-

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cess of drafting an official policy on public records requests. Some recent requests, said Stewart, “literally involve thousands of documents, that literally take hours for town staff to respond to.” That can be problematic, said Stewart. When staff is responding to the requests, it takes them away from their regular duties, he said. In one recent week Ferguson received seven requests, one requiring 12,000 pages of documents. The public will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions about open records requests at one of the January board meetings. Those meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 8 and 22. Agendas are posted at Town Hall and on the town website the Friday prior to the meeting. “The intent is to have a very specific policy and clear understanding between town and the public,” said Stewart. *** “It’s not what you eat between Christmas and New Year’s that matters — it’s what you eat between New Year’s and Christmas that counts.” -William Canady

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS January 2, 2019

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta teams win FCNB titles BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Another pre-season has come and gone for Delta County basketball teams. This year’s winners, in the third annual First Colorado National Bank tournament, were both the Delta boys and girls teams. Delta’s girls defeated Cedaredge’s Bruins, 57-36, and the boys raced past Paonia, 62-20 to win their second

consecutive title in the tournament. Girls Championship Delta 57, Bruins 36 Delta High School dethroned last year’s tournament winner, Cedaredge, with a solid offensive effort and a stout defense. The Panthers used junior Sara Geddes’ seven first-quarter points to build a 17-11 lead. Cedaredge senior Court-

ney Freeman scored eight of the Bruins’ first-quarter points but couldn’t get much help from her teammates. Delta relied on its stifling defense to build a 14-2 second-quarter advantage for a 31-13 lead at halftime. Sophomore Alexa Huff led Delta’s offense in the second quarter with six points and freshman Erika Kuta added four.

Delta continued its offensive presence in the third quarter with Geddes tossing in eight points to lead the Panthers on a 15-11 run. Sophomore Kammie Henderson and junior Makayla Kehmeier scored four points each in the period. Cedaredge had its best offensive outing of the game in a 12-11 advantage in the fourth quarter to make the final score 57-36. Freeman paced the Bruins’ offense with 11 points followed by Henderson’s nine and Kehmeier’s eight. Three Panthers scored double-digits with Geddes’ 15 points leading the way. Kuta finished with 11 and Huff had 10 for the winners. Senior Missa Webb scored 12 points in the opening round of tournament play and finished with nine in the title game. Her all-around

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Panthers were the 2018 First Colorado National Bank tournament winners after defeating last year’s champions, Cedaredge, 57-36. From the left are Sara Geddes, Missa Webb, Kaley St. Peter, Erika Kuta, Haylin McCulloch, Madison Gieck, Keely Porter, Alexa Huff, Marcy Schaal and Reagan Clay.

FCNB consolation titles to HHS, CHS BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The third annual First Colorado National Bank tournament title concluded Dec. 22. Delta won titles in both the girls and boys divisions with Hotchkiss claiming consolation honors in the girls division and Cedaredge in the boys. Hotchkiss dealt Paonia’s Eagles their second loss of the weekend, 5418, and Cedaredge’s boys were 66-49 winners over Hotchkiss. Girls Consolation HHS 54, PHS 18 Junior Elsie Vazquez dropped in eight points for Hotchkiss in a 207 first-quarter spurt on Dec. 22 in consolation round play. Junior Shay Glaser added another five counters and senior Kaiya Firor another four in the offensive run. In the second quarter, Hotchkiss didn’t give the young Eagles a chance to breathe with an 18-6 Bulldog advantage. Vazquez fueled the charge with another eight-point effort for Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss added another 14 points in the third quarter and fin-

ished with four counters in the final stanza for a 54-18 score. Paonia senior Poppy Lightfoot did not score from the field but had five points on 11 free throw attempts for the game. Junior Paige Fister finished with four points. Hotchkiss’ Vazquez finished the game with 18 points to lead all scorers with teammates Glaser and Carson Collins adding nine and eight points, respectively. Boys Consolation Bruins 66, HHS 49 Hotchkiss enjoyed an early lead after outscoring the Bruins 16-12 in the first quarter. Senior Jacob Stucker and junior Evan Mattison added five points in the run. Sophomore Conner Brooks had five points to lead Cedaredge’s offense in the period. The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the second quarter with Cedaredge taking advantage of the Bulldogs’ miscues and missed shots to take a 34-25 lead at halftime following a 22-9 run in the second quarter. Sophomore Jacob Brown fueled the

Bruins’ surge with three goals from behind the big arc in the period. Senior Jared Reynolds added five points to the run. Junior Hunter Bryant netted eight points in the third quarter, and Stucker added six more counters, helping the Bulldogs outscore Cedaredge 16-14 in the frame. The Bruins regained their mojo in the final quarter to go on an 18-8 run that effectively put the game away, 66-49. Brooks led a trio of double-digit scorers for the Bruins with 17 points, followed by Reynolds with 16 and Brown with 11. Stucker was Hotchkiss’ top scorer with 14 points followed by eight points each from Bryant, Mattison and Jacob Palecki. Hotchkiss’ basketball schedule resumes following the Christmas break with Caprock Academy coming to Hotchkiss on Jan. 8 for varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m. West Grand makes a visit on Jan. 11 (6 and 7:30 p.m.) with Hayden in town Saturday, Jan. 12 for games at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Missa Webb

play earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award in this year’s FCNB tournament. Boys Championship Delta 62, Paonia 20 Delta’s offense was clicking along in the first quarter of play and streaked to a 20-8 lead after eight minutes of play. Three Panthers scored at least four points with senior Jonathan Robinson’s five counters triggering the surge. Senior Joe Bules and junior Alexis Fausto contributed four points each in the opening quarter. David Lozano had half of the Eagles’ eight points in the first period. Delta’s offense continued to dominate play in the second period with a 17-7 advantage to take a 37-15 halftime lead. Second half play featured a 25-5 advantage for the Panthers with Robinson scoring six points in the third quarter to finish as the game’s leading scorer with 11 points. Bules was close behind Robinson with 10 points with Andrew Baier (senior) and Fausto next with nine points each and Kyle Mock finishing with eight points. Lozano had six points to lead Paonia’s offense followed by Logan Green’s five counters. This year’s Most Valuable Player was Delta’s Baier who posed a major

presence in the middle of the Panthers’ defense and scored 10 and nine points in the two 2018 FCNB tournament games. Delta basketball resumes play on Jan. 11 and 12. The Panthers will host Roaring Fork on the 11th with varsity games (girls and boys) set for 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively. On Jan. 12, Delta is in Basalt for games at 2:30 and 4 p.m., respectively. Cedaredge basketball is set to play on Jan. 11 at home against Aspen with girls and boys varsity games set for 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Paonia resumes hoops competition on Jan. 11 at home against Hayden at 5:30 and 7 p.m., respectively and has West Grand in Paonia Jan. 12 at 2:30 and 4 p.m., respectively.

Andrew Baier/FCNB CEO Stan Park

Photo by Wayne Crick

The 2018 First Colorado National Bank boys champions are the Delta Panthers. They won the title with a 62-20 win over Paonia. Front row, from the left are Caleb Miramontes, Alexus Fausto, John Ames, Nate Workman, Eli Farmer and Joe Bules. Back row: Hunter Hughes, Rowyn Carmichael, Andrew Baier, Kyle Mock and Jonathan Robinson. Missing was Felipe Bedoy.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Hotchkiss’ Kaliegh Little (44) swats the ball away from Paonia’s Ceylon Carter Hotchkiss’ Wil Scarlett puts up a shot in the middle of a sleuth of Bruins on Dec. 22 in consolation ﬁnals. Cedaredge won the game, 66-49. in consolation ﬁnals play on Dec. 22. Hotchkiss won, 54-18,

B4 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 ��

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Wednesday, January 2, 2019

B6 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

OBITUARIES

Visit the internet obit- of Lumberton, Texas; 24 uary and sign the online grandchildren; and many guest registry at www. great-grandchildren. taylorfuneralservice.com. She was previously married to Sherman Matney. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lee Inman and Otto Inman; a sister, Virginia Johns; and a daughter, Virginia Matney Whittington. Memorial services were held at Lighthouse Assembly of God in BatDonald Hanson tlement Mesa on Dec. 27. Delta resident Donald Hanson died Dec. 23, 2018, at his home. He Imogene was 74. At his request, no serCunningham vices are scheduled. Imogene Inman CunDonald Leroy Hanson ningham died in Parawas born May 17, 1944, chute Friday, Dec. 21, to Paul and Mary (Wild- 2018, after battling caner) Hanson in Denver. He cer. She was 83. spent his childhood and She was born Nov. 29, attended school in Den- 1935, in Republic, Mo., ver. After graduation, he to Otto and Tilda (Jones) attended Trinidad State Inman. College. She completed her On March 21, 1970, he GED and went to beauty married Diana Brown in school. She was a hairDenver. They moved from stylist for many years. Anthony Briggs Englewood to Delta in She raised her family in Whitewater resident 2003. She preceded him Olathe. Anthony “Tony” Briggs in death on Nov. 14, 2016, She sang and played died Dec. 22, 2018, at his in Grand Junction. the piano and enjoyed residence. He was 42. Mr. Hanson was a praising God in song. A A celebration of life member of the McDon- painter, she left many service was held Dec. 30 ald’s breakfast club in paintings for family and at First Baptist Church Delta. He enjoyed wood- friends. in Delta, with Pastor working, hunting and She is survived by James Conley officiating. animals, especially his her husband, Joe CunMr. Briggs was born dogs. He was a talented ningham; brother, David July 23, 1976, to Charles carpenter. (Neva) Inman of Kansas and Diane (Goetzfried) He is survived by City, Mo.; sons, Dan (Bil- Briggs in Denver. He his son, Paul Hanson of inda) Matney of Minturn, spent his childhood in Delta; daughter, Emily Frank (Jackie) Matney of Littleton and Englewood. (Troy) Ostby of Engle- Grand Junction and Fred He graduated from Englewood; sister, Paula Wild- (Susan) Matney of Farm- wood High School. er of Longmont; three ington, Utah; daughter, Mr. Briggs was an avid grandchildren; and three Deborah (Gary) Myers of fisherman who enjoyed great-grandchildren. Virginia; stepdaughters, camping and the outHe was preceded in Angie (George) Jarvis of doors. He also enjoyed death by his wife and a Monroe, Mich., Colleen spending time with his sister, Judy Hatch. (Dan) Odell of Broomfield son and family. He moved Taylor Funeral Service and Caroline Cunning- to Whitewater from and Crematory is han- ham of Denver; stepson, Grand Junction three dling the arrangements. Joe (Kelly) Cunningham years ago.

LOCAL NEWS

Center for the Arts Crested Butte lines up full winter of concerts Circles Around the Sun kicks off the season Jan. 3

The Center for the Arts Crested Butte announces its winter season with a tightly chosen, musically packed 10 live concerts in a wide-sweeping variety of genres. Rock, country, psychedelic jam, bluegrass, singer songwriter, folk and more are featured on the Center Stage this winter season with Grammy-winning masters, up and coming hot shots, and returning faves and sell-outs. Kicking off the season is Circles Around the Sun (CATS) on Jan. 3. Grateful Dead fans will remember them from the

Fare Thee Well reunion concerts of 2015 — a group commissioned by Justin Kreutzmann (the filmmaker son of Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann) to accompany set break biographical visuals. Tonally, rhythmically and melodically CATS mimic the Dead’s improvisational jams with their own cosmic bent. Continuing down the improvisational beat, jam band aficionados will be familiar with the fledgling ephemeral sounds of Ghost Light (March 28) — flaunting shimmering psychedelic rock and a cutting-edge supergroup configuration masterminded by pianist Holly Bowling and Tom Hamilton of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

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Chris Robinson Brotherhood returns for two raucous nights (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) of boogying as the latest standardbearers of the psychedelic roots torch armed with yet another new album from 2018. Bluegrass fans will be equally excited as Grammy award-winning mandolin master and Father of Newgrass, Sam Bush (Jan. 22), returns to the Center Stage with his jubilant energy and ferocious playing. From Bush’s well-established career Center Stage leaps to a rising star in the folk scene in Gunnison Valley’s own Lizzy Plotkin (March 7), showcasing her first solo album stitching together a rich fabric of Appalachian roots, jazz, blues and swing. Also in the folk and bluegrass vein comes Front Country (April 5), known for merging traditional acoustic instrumentation with modern pop for a completely unique and innovative blend. Bridging the gap between folk and country is the hard-edged Americana quintet from Austin, Shane Smith & The Saints (Jan. 12). Stepping full heartedly into country, Texas’ Grammy-nominated troubadour Pat Green (Feb. 21) returns for what is sure to be another electrifying sold-out show. Continuing in the tradition of country greatness, Asleep at the Wheel (March 14) brings a western swing signature sound. Then, heading into the spring season, the sunny vibes of singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter (March 3) will have everyone skipping in the aisles to his honey thick vocals and master guitar work. As wide as the array of musical genres is the variety of ticket prices to fit every pocket book — from $65 to $45, with many in the $35 and $30 range. For comprehensive event information and tickets visit www.crested butte arts.org or call 970349-7487.

Delta County Independent

He is survived by his son, Wyatt Briggs and his girlfriend, Stacie Johnson of Grand Junction; mother, Diane Obermeyer of Delta; brother, Scott (Jessie) Briggs of Littleton; sister, Charla BriggsNeta of San Mateo, Calif.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Briggs; and grandparents, Joe and Grace Goetzfried and Shirley Briggs. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Clarence Pierson

Clarence Pierson died Dec. 15, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. He was 66. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Clarence Pierson was born April 16, 1952, to John and Lois (Pope) Pierson in Olathe. He spent his childhood and attended school in Olathe. He was a truck driver who traveled across the country. He enjoyed

spending time with his friends and family. He is survived by his sister, Patty Sims of Delta; and daughter, Stacee Alenjo of Montrose. He was preceded in death by his parents and

a sister, Linda Knob. Crippin Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Cards may be sent to Patty Sims at 287 Stafford Lane, Unit D, Delta, CO 81416.

Marthaan Fenton 1940-2018 Marthaan (Marte) Fenton, 78, of Oriental, N.C., passed away on Christmas morning in her home. She wished for minimum fuss, so there will be no funeral; instead, family and friends will gather privately at her home. Marthaan Fenton was born in Portsmouth, Va., to R.Adm (ret.) George H. and Patricia Miller on 29 March 1940. She graduated from George Mason University and completed her graduate degrees at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. As a clinical psychologist, she specialized in the deepseated spiritual roots of her clients’ lives. Eventually she became a “pro’s pro,” counseling professional religious and private citizens devoted to deep spiritual well-

ness and growth. She lived in Oriental off and on since the 1990s, contributing her expertise and insight to medical organizations, teaching briefly at Pamlico Community College, enjoying time as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and terrorizing the Porch Pirates. She will be greatly missed by many. Dr. Fenton is survived by her former husband, George Graves; her daughter, Rebekkah Hilgraves; her son, Christopher Graves and five grandchildren; her brother, George Miller; and her sister, Susan Talley. Donations in Dr. Fenton’s memory may be given to PrimeTime in care of Oriental United Methodist Church. Paid obituary

Robert “Bob” Castoe Sept. 26, 1968 ~ Dec. 26, 2018 Longtime Cedaredge, Colo., resident Robert Wayne “Bob” Castoe passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at the Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo., due to injuries received in a snowmobile accident. He was 50 years of age. Bob was born Sept. 26, 1968, in Delta, Colo., to Judy Fern (Nichols) and John Earl Castoe Jr. He spent his early childhood in Cedaredge, then in Wray, and graduated from Wray High School with the class of 1988. After graduation, he attended Northeast Junior College in Sterling, where he received his Associate’s Degree in Auto Body Repair. He then lived in Yuma, where he was employed at Korf Chevrolet in the auto body shop. Bob has been a resident of Cedaredge, Colo., for the past 25 years, owning and operating Concept Auto Body in Eckert. He attended church in Cedaredge, coached Peewee Football, and

was a member of the Grand Mesa Snowmobiling Club. While he enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, boating and the great outdoors, nothing provided more enjoyment than his two sons, who were the absolute light of his life and whom he loved dearly. Bob is survived by his two sons, Ethan James and Eli William and their mother, Melinda Rohde of Cedaredge; his parents, Judy and Jim Hanrahan of Sterling; father, John “Bud” Castoe, Jr.; brother, Troy, his wife Darlene Reiner

of Brogan, Ore.; four sisters, Christine M. Castoe and brother-in-law, Ryan L. Stroh, of Fort Morgan, Colo., Verna Ehn of Largo, Fla., Michele and husband Rob Gallegos, of Parachute, Colo., and Dana and husband Doug Huff of Delta, Colo.; and his extended family, including numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. A Celebration of Life service honoring Bob will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Cedaredge, with Pastor Dik Abbott officiating. Inurnment will be in the Cedaredge Cemetery. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. View the internet obituary and sign the guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

Moe Kreutz Dec. 14, 1919 ~ Dec. 22, 2018 A longtime Delta area resident, Moe Kreutz, passed away peacefully at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, Colo., on Saturday morning, Dec. 22, 2018. Last week was Moe’s 99th birthday, which he celebrated with family and friends. On Dec. 14, 1919, Moe was born the son of Elsie and Fred Kreutz in Oaksdale, Wash. He grew up and went through 12 grades in the western Oregon town of Cloverdale. After graduating high school, he attended and graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Ore. Moe then entered the Army Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force) in December of 1942. He spent 2 1⁄2 years as a Physical Training Officer at Roswell Army Air Field base. He also trained for 1 1⁄2 years as a B-17 and B-29 pilot. He was discharged in December of 1945 as a Lieutenant. Moe secured a Masters’ Degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., in 1948. From 1948-1953, he was a teacher and coach in Oregon schools. In 1953, he moved to Grand Junc-

tion, Colo., resuming his teaching and coaching career. During the next 15 years, he was active in teaching, coaching and refereeing in Western Colorado. In 1962, he became Principal of Paonia High School. In 1966, he became Assistant Superintendent of Delta County schools until his retirement from this position in 1980. On June 8, 1945, Moe married Dorothy Nelle Swanson in Laredo, Texas. They celebrated 63 years of love and marriage together prior to Dorothy Nelle’s passing in March 2007. They had three children: Jim, Mary Jane and Tom. Moe is survived by two sons, Jim (Patty)

Kreutz of Herndon, Va., and Tom (Cindy) Kreutz of Englewood, Colo.; one daughter, Mary Jane Kreutz of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren: Michael, Laura and Justin; and three greatgrandchildren: Brian, Sarah and Savannah. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, one brother and his wife, Dorothy Nelle. Graveside funeral services will be held at the Delta City Cemetery on Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. After the graveside service, please feel free to join the family at Daveto’s (520 Main Street) in Delta from 11:00 – 1:00 for light appetizers and visits with the family. In lieu of flowers for Moe, memorial contributions should be made to the American Heart Association and/or American Lung Association. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Services. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

SURFACE CREEK January 2, 2019

NEWS

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Holiday dinner raises scholarship funds BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

On Christmas Day, members of the Cedaredge Rotary Club and other volunteers prepared a free Christmas dinner for over 300 people. The meal, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., consisted of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Desserts lined three additional tables. Donations collected at the door went to the cost of the food and scholarships for Cedaredge High School students. The entire community was

invited, with many coming to the event to be around their community neighbors if they couldn’t be with family this year. “I thought of it as a good opportunity to be surrounded by love and laughter,” said volunteer Carnie Baver. Fellow volunteer Roberta Marean agreed, saying she thought of the event as a “good way to celebrate the holiday.” The dinner has been a community tradition since 2000. In 2013 the Rotary started partnering with the hosts, Les and Dorothy Mergelman, to pull off the growing event.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Pictured, community members Cindy Banﬁeld and Creg Keyzer enjoy their food with volunteers Carnie Baver, Melanie McClanahan and Roberta Marean. Like most others there that day, they wanted to be around fellow community members on Christmas.

Cedaredge adopts $4.2 million budget for 2019 Town pushes more funds to golf course

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Portions were generous at the Cedaredge community Christmas dinner. Over 300 people were served.

At the Dec. 13 Cedaredge Board of Trustees meeting, the trustees approved a number of resolutions, including adopting and appropriating the 2019 budget. This budget was first presented to the trustees a month ago, on Nov. 8. Compared to last year, anticipated revenue will decrease from $4,679,539 to $3,913,267. Total expenditures decreased from 2018 numbers of $4,889,855 to

World War II veteran honored BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

To honor his military service, World War II veteran Allan Arnold of Cedaredge received an eagle-head cane and a commemorative pen last week. Arnold served in the U.S. Army from 194246. Several dozen veterans applauded Arnold’s service as Mike Trickey, executive director of the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAV), presented the hand-carved tributes. The occasion was the WHAV coffee for Delta County veterans held in downtown Cedaredge. The Pondy at 220 West Main Street hosts the event and joins with Stacy’s on Main to provide free refreshments. The veterans’ coffee is held from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Tuesday of every month. Veterans are invited to drop in anytime to meet comrades and interact with veterans’ service officials. Veterans who have not already done so should bring their DD-214 discharge papers to be registered for alliance services. Upcoming coffees will take place on Jan. 15 and Feb. 19.

The February meeting will mark the one-year anniversary for the Delta County coffees. The tradition of presenting canes to veterans dates back to the Civil War. Each cane is hand-fashioned by members of the Black Canyon Wood Carvers, the Montrose Area Wood Turners, and the Woodworkers Guild of Western Col-

orado. To date over 500 canes have been presented to honor the service of area veterans. Those wishing to nominate a veteran to receive a cane can contact WHAV at 970-7652210. If anyone comes across an abandoned cane especially at a thrift store or garage sale, please contact WHAV so that it can either be returned to its owner or retired with honors.

$4,257,478. Reserves are set for $1,945,027, higher than last year’s $1,167,629. Total projected fund balance for Dec. 31, 2019, will be about $300,000 less than 2018 numbers at $1,600,815. Some noteworthy budget changes for the 2019 budget include: Expenditures • Employees will receive a three percent wage increase, which is said to not be based on merit or living expenses. CIRSA property and casualty insurance is increasing nine percent. • Health insurance premiums are increasing seven percent. The program’s employee versus town share is also being restructured, totaling a $35,000 increase. • Police labor costs will increase $47,000 to better reflect the cost for the extra three hours officers are able to work each week. • The new town attorney is 25 percent more an hour than the previous. • The golf course is using $10,000 from reserves to help shift its numbers into the black this year. Contributions

Bob Castoe dies in snowmobile accident BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Don Benjamin

World War II veteran Allan Arnold (center) was honored last week for his military service. He received an inscribed eaglehead cane and commemorative pen carved by Colorado artisans. Pictured with Arnold is Mike Trickey (left) who serves as executive director of the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. Allan’s son Bob stands on the far right.

to the golf course from Water/ Wastewater Fund and General Funds also increase. • Golf course expenditures are down $35,000 from 2017 actual records. A drought plan or reseeding/recovery will be implemented in 2019. • Two new trail projects are scheduled for 2019 which have a cash match grant from the Conservation Trust Fund. • Five water fund projects are scheduled for 2019 such as replacing the north water treatment plant roof. Revenues • Mineral tax is decreasing exponentially, as is being experienced with other towns. Since 2014 this budget number has decreased over $100,000. • Sales tax is budgeted conservatively at an increase of 2.5 percent, though in 2018 overall sales tax collection was up nearly six percent. • The town is predicting a 12 percent decrease in water usage revenue next year based on trends seen after a change in habits due to the drought. Additionally, projected 2018 revenue decreased by about $53,000 due to conservation BUDGET TO B8

Bob Castoe, a longtime resident of Cedaredge, died as the result of a snowmobile accident that occurred on Grand Mesa Christmas Day. The Delta County Sheriff ’s Office was alerted to a lost snowmobiler at about 7:45 p.m., when Castoe failed to meet a fellow snowmobiler at Alexander Lake Lodge. Search and rescue was notified, as well as the snow machine team from the Cedaredge Fire Department, and Castoe was found about a half mile east of the Crag Crest parking area, near Eggleston Lake. He was transported to Alexander Lake

Lodge to rendezvous with a crew from the Delta County Ambulance District. Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee said it appeared Castoe struck a large boulder in whiteout conditions, which caused his injuries. He died at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 50 years of age. The owner and operator of Concept Auto Body in Eckert, Castoe had lived in Cedaredge for 25 years. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the First Baptist Church in Cedaredge. Inurnment will be at Cedaredge Cemetery.

John Oates concert sells out — twice BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Local music lovers filled the Bank of Colorado Theatre at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) on Dec. 28 for two sold-out shows featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates alongside local Americana songwriter David Starr. The high demand of the original Friday evening performance caused the second show, a matinee, to be added after the original announcement. This is Oates’ third time in Cedaredge within eight years, but his first performing at GMAEC. Special guest Starr met Oates eight years ago through some mutual musician friends and at their encouragement, invited Oates to perform in Cedaredge. The two hit it off and have since then also collaborated on two of Starr’s CDs. “He’s a consummate professional,” said Starr. “He’s easygoing and like the rest of us he loves to stay busy and play music.”

Many may know Oates from his work with Daryl Hall. Known commonly as “Hall & Oates,” the duo recorded 21 albums and sold over 80 million records — the most successful duo in rock history. For those unfamiliar, Oates and Hall’s story is like many of fate. While attending Temple University in Pennsylvania, the two just “happened to meet” and then started collaborating and playing music. Their first few albums weren’t successful. It wasn’t until their single “Sara Smile” took off and they defined their sound to a more pop style did their music career excel. In the 1980s the two detached from their producers and produced an album “Voices” with their touring band. Their authenticity paid off. Two of those singles charted well in the top 40s, fueling their success into the 1980s where their following albums peaked the charts. Several decades later, in 2014, both were inducted

into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2016 they even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. According to his website, www.johnoates.com, the American rock, R&B and soul guitarist is also a successful solo artist. Since 1999 he’s recorded five solo albums and toured extensively. Starr described Oates style as having shifted from predominantly rock and pop to more “roots and true americano music.” Oates credits his influences to a variety such as bluegrass, delta blues, ragtime and R&B. “He’s a folk music enthusiast at heart,” said Starr. In addition to his aforementioned musical efforts, Oates released a 2015 docu-concert DVD “Another Good Road.” He said on his website of the project, “This video is as real as it gets — one take on each song and no post production fixes or overdubs — just an amazing band and singers with the intensity and energy of playing these songs for the

first time. We had one day, one chance to make magic together, and the results are ‘Another Good Road.’” In 2017 he also released an Amazon best-selling memoir “Change of Seasons.” Publisher’s Weekly said of his book, “Charm and curiosity distinguish him from the standardissue pop star... an engaging narrator.” If isn’t clear, Oates loves all things performance. He recalls singing since he could talk and playing guitar since age five.Though he’s 52 years into his music career, Oates still tours, too. Before his show in Cedaredge, Oates performed the day before at a sold-out venue in Telluride. For 2019 he already has 12 tour dates set with “The Good Road Band.” “He just seems happiest when he’s playing music,” said Starr. Starr is confident Oates will return to Cedaredge. “The fact that we sold out two shows in one day of a town this size is a testament to his popularity.”

Photo submitted

Dec. 28 marked Oates’ third time performing in Cedaredge. Oates, when not in Nashville, lives near Aspen in Woody Creek, just a few hours away. Many from Friday’s performances hope this won’t be the star’s last time here.

B8 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Real trees needed for bonfire, sing-along at All Saints Lutheran

All Saints Lutheran in Cory celebrates the 12th Night of Christmas and closes down the Christmastide season with a huge bonfire of real, undecorated and un-fireproofed Christmas trees! This annual event will be held on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m. Along with the sing-a-long of carols, enjoy a cookie or two plus hot cocoa! Dress warm

and this event is open to the public. But — the church needs a supply of real trees. You can bring your trees the night of the bonfire or bring your trees anytime to the field between the church and the highway. Seats can be provided for those who would like to sit down while they sing. All Saints Lutheran is located on Hwy 65, one

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Budget FROM PAGE B7 seen in the winter of 2017-2018. • Because of the drought, user fees are expected to decrease for the golf course about $95,000. Citizens wishing to learn more about the town’s budget can view the document on the town website: cedaredge colorado.com (search “document center.” Once in the document center click the folder “finance” then “budget” and scroll down to 2019 budget). Paper copies are also available at town hall and citizens can call or email town staff with questions at 970-856-3123 or manager@cedaredge colorado.com.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Throughout the year the Cedaredge Community Band has about four concerts, such as the Dec. 16 Christmas concert. Those interested in joining the ensemble are encouraged to contact director Grady Weiszbrod (970-856-1063) for further details.

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mile north of the Cory General Store. For more information, call the church at 835-3667.

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Library hours change

Community band draws a crowd for Christmas concert

Cedaredge Library is now open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No other hours have been affected. On Thursday, Jan. 10, Friends of the Cedaredge Library will host “Alive at 25,” a presentation by Darold Sloan on safe driving tips at Cedaredge Library. The presentation will start at 2 p.m. and will be followed by the friends regular meeting. The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. They can assist you in tracking down that family legend!

The Cedaredge Community Band, affectionately known as “The Grady Bunch,” presented a Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 16, at True Life Church in Cedaredge. Admission was free with attendees encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the food bank. More chairs had to be set up to accommodate the surprisingly large crowd of 121 people. Director Grady Weiszbrod said he was shocked at the good turnout since he admitted not much advertising had been done. An offering was also collected to help offset

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS some of the band’s costs, Staff Writer

such as purchasing music and more music stands. The Cedaredge Community Band started four years ago after Weiszbrod moved back to the area. Their first meeting drew 18 interested people, of which seven committed to joining. At one point, the group dropped to five and Weiszbrod considered stopping. Now the band has 21 players, including a piano, drums and six trombones. Weiszbrod said six trombones is “highly unusual” and even had a custom arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard on High” made to accent the trombones.

The band rehearses every Monday night at 7 p.m. at True Life Church. There is “not a great deal of pressure” according to Weiszbrod, nor do players have to be a prodigy to join. Several players had not touched their instrument in 15-20 years upon joining. But with a little bit of practice each week, they’ve really excelled Weiszbrod said. In fact, the song “Sleigh Ride” played that evening was one the group tried last year but “couldn’t even touch it” because of the difficulty. “This group has really improved significantly,” said Weiszbrod.

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DEER OR ELK HUNTING land leases wanted. No piece too big or small. We pay top dollar. Give me a call lets talk 970-739-0888. (2x52)

2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH apartment with garage, close to downtown Delta. No smoking, no pets, water included. Available January 1. $600/month and $600 deposit. 970-323-5555. (3x51)

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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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 January 9th 2019. (2x52) ADVERTISE!

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WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x51)

FOSTER GRANDPARENT Program enriches the lives of senior volunteers while improving the education of children with special needs. Volunteers, 55 and older, needed to assist in class rooms tutoring and mentoring children. Low-income volunteers may qualify for a stipend. Teachers in Delta area class rooms request THE DELTA COUNTY "Grandparents" to come Independent runs these in and work with students items as a public service who need the extra help to free of charge for non-profit achieve their best. For infororganizations, if no fees are mation on how you can use charged. However, each your talents to help kids call group is asked to please Tanya at 298-9091. keep them current by calling 874-4421. PARENTS — FREE information and referrals SUPPORT THE DELTA for licensed child care proLibrary. Give a gently used viders. Call Bright Futures book in the Downstairs Child Care Resource & Book Store. Referral at 877-728-5613.

Delta County Independent

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COLORADO QUITLINE IS a free, confidential telephone coaching service for anyone calling from a Colorado area code. With QuitLine, tobacco users can receive free supplies of the nicotine patch as they work with trained coaches who create a personalized quit plan just for them. To contact the QuitLine, call 1-800QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.coquitline.org. CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org

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DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

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Public Service

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250-1180.

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 THE DELTA COUNTY or donate. www.Delta Democratic Party invites A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . you to visit their Facebook org. page for announcements, information and intelligent HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS discussion of issues. You Wanted! Delta County are not alone! Contact Memorial Hospital needs www.facebook.com/pages/ hospital volunteers. Days CO-Delta-County-Democrat and hours are flexible. s/109082339170167. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, ALZHEIMER'S ASSOC- Gift Shop and some addiiation Caregivers' Support tional areas. If you are Group, Delta. Hospice and interested, please contact Palliative Care of Western Volunteer Coordinator, Colorado, Grand Mesa Barbara Hall at 250-2105 Oncology Center, 1501 E. for an application. 3rd Street, Tuesdays at 2 p.m. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 IF YOU THINK YOU a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal have a drinking problem... Church, 5th & Palmer (back Alcoholics Anonymous door). can help. There are weekly AA meetings throughout FREE DIAPERS FOR UP the North Fork area and to one year! Pregnant beyond. For meeting times women in Delta County can and locations call AA at 970- now get help to quit smok245-9649 or 888-333-9649. ing and get something they Or go to the website www. can really use after their aa-westerncolorado.org. baby arrives — free diapers. Alcoholics Anonymous can Healthy moms have healthy help! babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program IF YOU KNOW A MILI- today. Contact the Delta tary or veteran family who County Health Department is struggling, encourage at 874-2165 or your local them to call our toll-free physician. Military and Veteran Family Help line at (800) 314-4200. AARP DRIVER SAFETY This free service offers Course. Save on insurance, information, creates con- keep up on newer traffic nections and gives hope to laws, learn defensive drivstruggling families. It can ing techniques. For details even be a family's first step and schedule contact John to moving to the National Loring (970) 856-6924 or Home. And it's all possible (970) 424-1778. because of your generous AL-ANON: HOPE AND support! help for families and THE KINGS TABLE SOUP friends of alcoholics meets Kitchen needs egg cartons. in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, If you have any to give Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall please call 250-6637 and we behind First Baptist Church, will pick up. 370 W. Main St., contact Mary M. 970-856-6123 or DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Jim 970-874-7855. Support Group for Adults and Children: Every HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Wednesday in Delta from Historical Museum. Winter 5-7 p.m. there will be a free hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. support group for adults $3 admission or free to whose lives have been members. Come see our impacted by domestic vio- museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss lence and a separate group Streets in Hotchkiss. 872for children at the same 3780. time. Please call 970-874CHECK OUT THE BOOK 4941 to sign up. store at the Delta Library. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? You'll find a great selection Golf with a fun group of of paperbacks at reasonable ladies. Two membership prices. options available. Sign up AMERICAN at www.cedaredgeladies PAONIA golf.com. Get to know us Legion runs a year round on Facebook at “cedar non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the edgeladiesgolfclub” North Fork area. For inforALCOHOLICS ANONY- mation, call 527-6252. mous meets Thursdays at 7 ANONYp.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. NARCOTICS mous meets at 9th and 897 Palmer Street, Delta. Palmer, Delta, Mondays and AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Fridays at 8 p.m. Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics DELTA FOOD PANTRY meets in Delta: Al-Anon and needs meals for Delta famiAlateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 lies who are temporarily pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal in need. Donations of nonChurch, 145 W. 5th St., con- perishable food may be tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 brought to 628 Meeker. or Shirley 970-323-5067. HELP!!! KEEP THE CARING FOR CARE- animal population under givers, C4C - support- control, and SAVE an aniing hearts that care. Open mal's life. Adopt your new to ANY caregiver. Meets cat or dog from the Delta monthly in Delta, 2nd County Humane Society. Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. 10th St, Delta.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, January 2, 2019

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C4 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Christian Perspectives offered in Delta Women gather for

A 16-week course called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” is being offered starting Jan. 8 at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta. The classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday night from Jan. 8 to April 30. The first two lessons are free and open to the public and can be attended without registering for the entire course. Snacks and a light dinner will be served each week. This is the first time this class has been offered in Delta County. This course is designed to help Christians understand God’s global purpose. The first five lessons explore God’s desire revealed in Scripture that all nations and every

people group would know Him. The next four lessons explore the history of missionary movements from early Christianity to recent missionary movements. The final portion of the course explores how God is moving in the world today, and how Christians are reaching the world through culturally sensitive, spiritinspired strategies. This part of the course is very exciting as you learn how God is moving in regions of the world that have remained unreached for centuries. Each lesson features a different instructor. Most of these instructors have been involved in world missions for many years. The first instructor

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is Sean Cooper. He has spent over 10 years with “The Traveling Team” teaching at churches, colleges and universities. Cooper will be speaking on God’s three-fold purpose: For Kingdom victory over evil, for redemption and blessing to the nations, and for global glory in worship of God. He will be speaking Tuesday night, Jan. 8. This lesson is free and open to the public. The second lesson on Jan. 15 is also free and open to the public. The instructor for the second lesson is Eric Guthrie from Oklahoma City. Eric will speak on “The Story of Glory,” how God has been steadily unfolding a plan throughout

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all nations and generations to bring about His greater glory, drawing to himself the worship of all peoples. After these two lessons, you might be inspired to take the course. Included in the $250 cost are a textbook and workbook. Scholarships are available for those who demonstrate interest by attending the first two classes, based on need. More information can be found at the website Perspectives.org. You can register for the course on the site, or simply come to Calvary Baptist for the first or second lesson. You can also call the coordinator of the class, Julie Mixter, at 216-0781 for information.

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‘A Stellar New Year’

Delta County Women’s Connection is excited to host its Jan. 10 event for the women of Delta and surrounding areas from 5:30 to 7 p.m. “A Stellar New Year” will feature a presentation from NASA ambassador Brenda Harvey; guest speaker Jill Pursell presents “Love Lifted Me.” Focusing on providing a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, the DCWC event is a great place to unwind, laugh, learn, share, and re-charge in the company of other women. Because this

is a catered event, reservations are appreciated. Reservations for children will be needed as well, and moms are asked to bring a sack dinner for each child. The $12 charge includes a catered dinner. Please RSVP by Jan. 7 by phone to Cindy at 970-921-5412, email to dcwcreservations@ gmail.com, text to 919795-8968, or visit the events link on DCWC’s Facebook page and reserve on the event. The event will be held at the Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

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C6 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

B A C K P A G E

BACK PAGE

Wonders of wood

Photo by Pat Sunderland

In December, Clarence Fivecoate returned to the craft fair at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, where he ﬁrst showed his work after moving to Delta. the school shop to customize shelves to fit the space available. “When I retired, I decided to stick with wood,” he said. After 20 years of shoveling snow in Steamboat Springs, he and his wife decided to move to a milder climate. They lived in Palisade and Cedaredge before settling in Delta. They initially rejected their home on Garnet Mesa because Clarence didn’t think there was room for a shop. But he was able to purchase an adjoining piece of land from a neighbor that was just big enough for two small buildings. One contains Clarence’s lathe, hand tools and finishing equipment. Vacuums and an air compressor, which can be quite noisy, are kept in the second building, along with a supply of wood — walnut, aspen, apple, plum, horse

chestnut and his favorite, pistachio. Each chunky piece is larence Fivecoate labeled with the type of wood, creates unique works date of acquisition, and the of art with his wood name of the individual he got lathe. During a visit to his it from, because when someshop, located behind his home one is generous enough to in Delta, it doesn’t take long share, he reciprocates with a to appreciate Fivecoate’s woodturned piece — a vase, extensive knowledge of wood a bowl or a container — from varieties and their characterthat wood. istics. He combines his techniThe main shop is small, cal expertise with an eye for well organized and surprisbeauty to create one-of-a-kind ingly clean. “It gives me woodturned pieces. enough space for what I want Although he spends day to do, which is mostly lathe after day in his shop, Fivework,” he said. coate doesn’t consider what While the operation of the he’s doing to be work, because wood lathe is fairly straighthe enjoys working with wood forward, there’s definitely so much. some skill involved in transIt’s a hobby he discovered forming a chunk of wood into while doing maintenance something else entirely. for the Steamboat Springs “When I put a piece on the School District. When teachlathe, I may have in mind ers requested a new set of what it’s going to look like, bookshelves, he would use but by the time I get finished with it, it might look totally different,” he said. With the lathe, Fivecoate can turn a clunky log into a vase, a bowl or a container that showcases the beautiful grain of the wood. Although he welcomes chunks of wood — and collects unusual pieces during his travels — he works primarily with pistachio. Pistachio is kind of a rare wood, he said, and a woodturner who specializes in pisPhoto by Pat Sunderland tachio is equally as rare. But This sign has held words of wisdom for Clarence Fivecoate he says the finished pieces since he was a youth growing up in Indiana. virtually sell themselves. “You won’t find anything like this on the internet,” he said. Pistachios are grown primarily in hot, dry areas like Arizona, California and New Mexico. When older trees are pulled out of the orchards, Fivecoate claims as many of the massive trunks as he can. “These trees are 50-some years old, and they’re bigger than any trees I’ve seen,” Fivecoate said. Because of the weight of the wood — 54 pounds a cubic foot when it’s dry — Fivecoate works with a small group of friends to collect the wood. As the wood slowly dries, it has a tendency to develop cracks — cracks that Fivecoate uses to his advantage by filling them with turquoise. It can take a long time for pistachio to dry, so to speed things Photo by Pat Sunderland along he’ll put a smaller piece Chunks of wood, in varying stages of dryness, await trans- in the microwave or, during formation under the skilled hands of Fivecoate. the summer, lay larger pieces

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County Independent

out in the hot sun. Whether he’s making a bowl or a vase, he tries to shave the wood as thin as possible to cut down on the weight. It took some experimentation, and a little modification, to find the right tools to suit his needs, but now he uses a Trent Bosch visualizer or a Lyle Jamieson camera as an aid to hollow out the piece on his lathe. He also experimented with a variety of substances before settling on turquoise to fill the cracks on a turned piece. He breaks down the turquoise into a variety of grades, from “dust” to small pebbles. Starting with the larger pieces and a pair of tweezers, he methodically fills in the cracks. Once the crack is filled, he smooths the turquoise out, taking care to avoid hitting the wood with his grinder. There are no shortcuts to this laborious process, which can take 20 to 25 hours. The final step is a clear finish that lets the wood grain show through. Fivecoate recalls his first show at Bill Heddles Recreation Center many years ago. On a return trip this year, he sold a couple of smaller pieces for $35 each, as well as a larger piece priced at $1,500. When Tracy Munson saw his work, she began carrying his woodturned pieces in her Cedaredge gallery. He also sells his products at the Creamery. Because his price point is a bit high “for the neighborhood,” his best sales area is Santa Fe, N.M., followed by Tucson, Steamboat Springs and Grand Junction. A tour of his house reveals the pieces he’s been reluctant to part with. He begins by pointing out a lidded box, one of a series he makes for his wife every Christmas. There are napkin holders, lamps, wine bottle stands, toothpick holders and quite a number of miniatures, including a container that’s only an inch in length. Incredibly, there’s a tiny scoop inside, cut from the same piece of wood. “I did that one just to see if I could,” he said. Then there’s the container for pistachios, made out of pistachio. From a single piece of wood, he turned three

stackable pieces — a bowl for the nuts, a bowl for the shells and a lid to top things off. Every piece is signed, dated and numbered. Three vases in his shop waiting a final coat of polyurethane are numbered 1919, 1920 and 1921 — proof of a prolific woodturner. An extensive gallery of Fivecoate’s work can be found on his website, www.cfs wondersofwood.com. “I believe my work will be interesting, unique and appealing to those who marvel at the transformation of the wood into collectable pieces of art or useful items for your homes, offices and as one-of-a-kind gifts,” he notes on his website.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Fivecoate also works in aspen, which yields a much lighter product than pistachio.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

A container to hold pistachios is made from pistachio, of course. Fivecoate made just two of these pieces.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Clarence Fivecoate uses a lathe to transform chunks of wood into amazing bowls, vases and containers.

Turquoise fills the cracks that appear naturally in pistachio wood. Fivecoate uses a technique that he’s refined over 20 years, but filling the cracks still requires a great deal of time.