Delta County Independent, Feb. 6, 2019 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

NEW MEETS OLD

Crawford residents find common ground at community potluck, B1

SPORTS

STUDENTS WEIGH IN

WINDING DOWN

What’s working, what’s not in schools and the community, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Girls’ swimming season ends with state championships Feb. 9-10, B8 FEBRUARY 6, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 6

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Marijuana taxes and public education BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Since Colorado voters approved the sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older, a portion of the state tax revenue derived from those sales has been dedicated to education.

Delta County is currently the recipient of four marijuana-funded grants that were awarded through a competitive process. The largest, to the tune of about $10 million, is the BEST grant that’s covering much of the cost of the Delta

Majestic mammals

Middle School addition/renovation. The first $40 million in retail sales and excise taxes is reserved for school construction through Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grants. These funds are awarded annually and in

Photo by Tamie Meck

Two bull elk watch over a small herd of Rocky Mountain elk Saturday morning above Highway 133. Rocky Mountain elk have the largest antlers of all elk subspecies, according to the Rocky Mountain Elk Network. Due to recent popularity in collecting deer and elk antler sheds, the state recently released a new set of rules, which are clearly posted on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, https://cpw.state.co.us/.

Rescue teams recover two bodies from Island Lake BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The bodies of two men, presumed to be those of Ryan Wells, 30, and Richard “Ricky” Colton, 30, both of Delta, were retrieved from Island Lake Monday afternoon by members of two Summit County Search and Rescue teams using a remote operated vehicle, or ROV. The ROV was able to locate the snowcat the men were reportedly driving across the lake, as well as the two bodies, in approximately 65 feet of water. The two men had been reported overdue Sunday, Feb. 3. At about 11 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Grand Mesa Lodge, where they met with the owner, Michael Wenner. Wenner advised the deputies that three males and a female had come to the lodge Saturday afternoon and requested to rent a room for the night. Wells booked the room; the other two parties, later located safely at home, were Dustin Gray, 30, of Delta, and Kandi Casaus, 38, of Cedaredge. Deputies learned Wells and Colton failed to check out at 10 a.m. and all their belongings were still in the room. Wenner advised the deputies

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A6 School .......................... A8 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

that Wells had brought up a privately owned snowcat to the lodge and asked questions about taking it out on the ice. Wells was advised that was not a good idea due to the weight of the snowcat (approximately 15,000 pounds). The owner also advised deputies that at about 1 a.m. Sunday he woke to the sound of the snowcat starting. Later that morning, when he noticed the snowcat missing from the area, he assumed it had broken down, stranding the two men somewhere on the mesa. Delta County Search and Rescue was notified and responded to the lodge. According to a press release issued by Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor, a family member of Wells also responded to the lodge with a snowmobile. He located tracks from the snowcat leading onto the ice of Island Lake. The family member followed the tracks approximately 150 yards to the middle of the lake and located a large hole in the ice, indicating the snowcat had broken through the ice. Delta County Search and Rescue combed the lake and shore looking for any indication the two missing men had gotten out of the snowcat

before it broke through the ice. No evidence was located that would indicate anyone walked away from the broken ice. At that point, the sheriff reached out to the Colorado Search and Rescue Board for assistance. Members of the Summit County rescue teams arrived on Grand Mesa midafternoon Monday. The Delta County SAR team maneuvered the ROV close enough to extend a retractable arm and retrieve the two bodies. They were brought to the surface where SAR team members were able to remove them from the lake. The bodies of the two men were transferred to the Delta County coroner for positive identification. Sheriff Taylor thanked the Summit County Sheriff Jamie FitzSimons and the Summit County SAR team for responding so quickly and professionally to assist with this tragic incident. He added his thanks to the Delta County SAR team, an all-volunteer team comprised of Delta County residents for their hard work and dedication in extreme weather conditions to bring some type of closure to the families of these two men.

most cases must be supplemented with local district matching funds. The program prioritizes health, safety and security issues such as asbestos removal, new roofs, building code violations, and poor indoor air quality. Smaller grants come from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund (MTCF). The legislation that created this fund restricts allocation to programs that monitor the health effects of marijuana, health education, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, and law enforcement. This is the pool of money that funds school health professionals, early literacy programs, and dropout prevention in Delta County. Connie Vincent, data and grants coordinator for Delta County School District #50, says the school health professional grant is funding a counselor for Garnet Mesa and Lincoln elementary schools, and a social worker for Garnet, Lincoln and Delta Middle School. “She also does some work with Delta High School

and Garnet Mesa Choice Academy, but we don’t want her to get too spread out,” Vincent said. Using the LifeSkills program, the school health professionals deliver substance abuse prevention lessons that incorporate self-esteem and good decision-making, and teach kids how to stand up for themselves and their values. Kelso’s Choice is a conflict resolution curriculum used with younger students to teach them the difference between big problems and little problems. With high school students, the focus is on the adverse health effects of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use. The school health professionals are also available for individual or small group student counseling sessions, schedules permitting. Vision Charter Academy uses its $80,000 annual grant to fund a licensed school counselor, for the LifeSkills curriculum, and to implement RULER, an evidence-based MARIJUANA TAXES TO A3

Code enforcement officer joins DPD BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

With the restructuring of the City of Delta’s community development department, code enforcement and animal control are moving back to the police department. The transition also coincides with the retirement of code enforcement/animal control officer Roger Christian. Mark Bowen is now handling those duties. He can be reached at the Delta Police Department, 874-7676. Bowen was previously the code enforcement and animal control officer for the community of Telluride. He is certified through Colorado Code Enforcement Officers Association and has completed Module A of the National Animal Control & Humane Officer (NACHO) Academy through Code 3 Associates. Bowen is a 2002 graduate of Montrose High School. He lives in Olathe with his wife

Mark Bowen

and four children. He is also a volunteer firefighter and EMS driver with the Olathe Volunteer Fire Department. DPD Chief Luke Fedler said he is in complete agreement with the decision by city manager David Torgler to move code enforcement and animal control back to the police department. “I’m not sure why it was moved in the first place,” the chief said. “They go hand-in-hand.” As readers of the law enforcement blotter have likely noticed, Bowen is being very proactive to address junk, littering, long-term occupancy of travel trailers and dogs at large. According to the city code, travel homes may be occupied as temporary dwellings on private property for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year. Any travel home used in this manner must be located within the minimum setback requirements for the district in which it is placed. Concerning the keeping of junk, the code states the junk must be totally enclosed within a building, screened by a fence or other enclosure, or kept within a receptacle for such purpose with a tight-fitting lid. “Junk” shall include but not be limited to discarded, unusable or broken machinery, appliances, furniture, furnishings, or sporting equipment; used building or construction materials; inoperable motor vehicles; vehicles without current license plates; vehicles which do not comply with safety equipment requirements CODE ENFORCEMENT TO A3

Substance abuse prevention training

Dems to reorganize

Delta County Joint School District is hosting substance abuse prevention training Thursday, Feb. 7. The workshop will be held at the Technical College of the Rockies from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This workshop is for law enforcement, probation officers, school administrators, treatment providers, counselors, parents and interested community members. Officer Jermaine Galloway, the instructor of “High in Plain Sight,” will discuss alcohol and drug concealment methods and containers, as well as new trends among our youth — alcoholic energy drinks, alcopops, non-traditional alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes, inhalants, concentrates, synthetic drugs and popular party drugs. He will have over 120 visual aids, including logos, stickers and drug paraphernalia that may be unfamiliar to many adults. It is important for all who are involved in prevention, education, treatment or enforcement to understand these sweeping changes in the drug culture. The workshop is free. To register for the evening session, call Connie Vincent at 874-4438 or email connie.vincent@deltaschools.com.

The Delta County Democratic Party announces a Central Committee reorganization meeting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Paonia Campus of Energy Tech Center, 218 4th Street. The agenda will include the election of officers for the 2019-2020 term, including the offices of chair, first and second vice chairs, secretary, treasurer and district captains, as well as approval of committee chairs. The public is welcome, and any registered Democrat in Delta County may run for an office, however only members of the Central Committee may vote. Any questions may be directed to David Jacobson, 970-209-7242.

��

A2 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

OPINION

LETTERS League of Women Voters celebrates 99th birthday In 2018, the League of Women Voters of Montrose County, also serving Delta County, provided community education presentations on topics such as money in politics, redistricting, the Electoral College, state and local ballot issues. Supporting citizens’ voting rights, League volunteers provided drives throughout the community, educating and registering new, and especially, young voters. We hosted candidate forums, better informing voters about local and state races and candidates. Prior to midterm elections, the League pro-

Dear Editor: Feb. 14 marks the 99th birthday of the League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

vided and distributed hundreds of pamphlets on local and state ballot issues. This year’s community education programs begin on Feb. 14, presenting “What Happens to Your Ballot: Election Integrity in Montrose County,” by the county clerk and recorder’s office. Presentations of other topics significant to the community, voter registration and education, as well as advocacy action targeting important issues, will continue. In 2020, the League will be active in the elections processes and events, in the US Census, in education, voter information and empowerment, and advocacy activities. Montrose and Delta counties are unique communities, and our League seeks to ensure that our citizens are informed and encouraged to participate wholly in the political process, prepared and empowered to have our voices heard. We so greatly appreciate the participation and support of the community, and look forward to another year of active service. Jan Edwards President League of Women Voters of Montrose County

Delta County Independent

Despite ‘blue wave,’ Colorado still split on many issues Is Colorado a blue state now? Not necessarily, suggests a new University of Colorado Boulder survey that paints the state’s voters in more nuanced shades. The third annual Colorado Political Climate Survey found that while Democratic candidates did sweep statewide races on election day, registered voters remain split on hot-button issues, such as fracking and whether businesses have the right to deny services based on religious beliefs. “This was a midterm year, and therefore was expected to be a good year for Democrats nationally given the backlash toward the presidential administration. Perhaps no state had more of a blue wave than Colorado,” said Scott Adler, director of the American Politics Research Lab (APRL) and co-author of the study. “But based on our findings I would not call the state a permanent or fixed blue state. On many issues, it is still moderate.” Anand Edward Sokhey, associate director of the center and co-author of the survey, added that while Coloradans largely agree that the state’s economy is doing well, they disagree on many other things, from TABOR (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) to approval of the U.S. Supreme Court. “It would be wrong to say that Colorado speaks

with a unified, liberal voice,” Sokhey said. More Voters Identify as Independent In October 2018, Survey company YouGov administered the survey online to a representative sample of 800 Colorado voters, just as ballots were hitting mailboxes. In addition to asking recipients how they planned to vote in the 2018 election (those results were released in October), it also gauged self-reported political identification, sentiment about lawmakers, and opinions on issues expected to come under discussion in the state this year. Thirty-nine percent of respondents surveyed self-identified as Democrats, down from 47 percent in the 2017 poll. “We think it was at an unnaturally high level in 2017 in reaction to the beginning of the Trump administration,” said Adler. While the number of self-identified Republicans remained steady between the 2017 and 2018 polls (at around 34 percent), the number of self-identified independents rose from 20 percent to 28 percent. Their vote helped kick-start November’s blue wave, said Adler. “What we saw on Election Day was a lot of independents casting ballots for Democrats,” Adler said.

Approval ratings for both Trump and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner — who are both up for reelection in 2020 — improved over the past year, with Trump’s rating up 8 percent to 42 percent, and Gardner’s rebounding more than 11 percent (from 25 percent in the 2017 poll). “He has bounced back significantly in part by distancing himself from the president on certain issues,” said Adler, pointing to Gardner’s recent calls for an end to the government shutdown. Outgoing Gov. John Hickenlooper was by far the most popular politician among Coloradans polled, with an approval rating of 53 percent as he left office and considers a presidential bid. Thirty-nine percent of those polled disapprove of the Supreme Court (with discontent, particularly among liberals, up slightly in the aftermath of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings) while 47 percent approve of it. Issues When it comes to issues, a majority of Coloradans consistently agree on another thing: 76 percent of those surveyed said that undocumented immigrants who came here as children, known as Dreamers, should be allowed to stay. Forty-three percent are strongly opposed to fracking, while 48 percent support it.

��

Murder in the Mountains Mini Noir Festival

��

Contact the DCI: Website:

www.deltacounty independent.com

Email ads to:

ads@deltacounty independent.com

Email articles and letters to the editor at: editor@deltacounty independent.com

Delta police, sheriff’s blotter Officers responded to From the Delta Police Department (edited for Delta High School to assist with a student having a medilength): cal issue. An officer took a report of Jan. 27: A parked, unattended possible harassment. An officer responded to vehicle in the 1000 block of Bluff Street was struck in a Delta County Memorial Hospital for a hit-and-run accihit-and-run accident. An officer took a concern dent involving a parked, unatfor welfare report concern- tended vehicle. Code enforcement issued ing Ty Roan Langston, 33, a notice of violation concernhomeless. An officer responded to ing the keeping of junk to Walmart on a report of a hit- residences in the 1100 block and-run accident. The dam- of Highway 92 and 500 block aged vehicle was parked and of Bond Street. An officer responded to unattended. Richard Gomez, 72, of Delta Middle School on a Delta was arrested and jailed report of alleged harassment. Code enforcement issued on a warrant with a $1,500 several notices of violation bond. Officers responded to the concerning keeping of junk area of Hwy 50 and Highway and use of a travel home 92 on a report of a vehicle to multiple residences in the crashing into a sign and driv- 500 and 600 blocks of Labor ing around in circles over the Street. An officer responded to a medians. Brandee Michelle Ballou, 41, of Highlands residence in the 500 block of Ranch was arrested and jailed Grand Avenue to assist with for alleged reckless driving, a person having a medical failure to report an accident issue. An officer took a report of and DUI (alcohol). Savannah Joy Wilcox, 32, a possible restraining order of Delta, Matthew Ryan Mc- violation. Kinney, 31, of Cedaredge and Jan. 31: Joseph Sean O’Brien, 48, Jennifer Jean Williams, 32, of Cedaredge were arrested and of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged possession jailed on two warrants, one of a controlled substance with $1,500 bond and the other a $2,500 bond. (methamphetamine). A burglary was reported Jan. 28: Code enforcement at a residence in the 1200 responded to a residence in block of Bluff Street. An officer responded to the 900 block of Leon Street on a report of a nuisance ani- an address in the 1900 block of Forest Way on a report of mal/barking dog problem. an assault. Jan. 29: Code enforcement Code enforcement issued a notice of keeping of junk responded to a residence in and abandoned vehicles in the 1600 block of E. 7th Street the 500 block of Hastings on a report of animal neglect. The dog owner was given Street. Code enforcement issued explicit corrective actions a notice of violation to a resi- and a warning for license dence in the 400 block of required. An officer responded to Dodge. Code enforcement issued Delta High School on a report a verbal warning to a dog of theft. A student reported owner in the 1200 block of an undisclosed amount of Grand for dog running at cash was taken from a backpack. large. An officer took a report Code enforcement impounded a female dog that of fraud in regards to a scam was loose and unattended in involving the purchase of gift the 600 block alley of Dodge/ cards in exchange for comColumbia Streets. Sharon puter spy-ware protection. Officers responded to the Louise Barker, 43, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged 1100 block of Highway 92 on running at large (unaltered a report of a female jumpdog), failure to vaccinate ing from a moving vehicle. A (rabies control) and failure to 26-year-old female was located and transported to Delta license. Code enforcement County Memorial Hospital responded to a report of a for medical treatment. The dog running loose in the area other parties involved were of E. 3rd Street and Riley on scene. Isaac Richard Bruton, 29, Lane. A verbal warning was issued to a dog owner in the of Delta was arrested and 1100 block of E. 3rd Street for jailed on a warrant with a alleged running at large and $500 bond. Feb. 1: city animal license required. Sabastian Alberto Soto, An officer took a report of a burglary that allegedly 18, of Delta was arrested and occurred in the 700 block of jailed on a warrant with a $500 bond. 1560 Road. An officer took a report of Code enforcement responded to the 900 block of alleged theft. An attempted burglary Yorkshire Court on a report of a loose dog. The dog owner was reported by a business was notified and given a ver- in the 1500 block of Highway 50. bal warning. An officer responded to a A vehicle-deer accident was reported in the 1000 residence on E. 5th Street for a disturbance. block of Highway 92. Code enforcement issued An officer responded to a disturbance in the 500 block a verbal warning for alleged running at large to a dog of E. 10th Street. owner in the 800 block of E. Jan. 30: An officer took a report 3rd Street. An officer took a report of of fraud.

a possible burglary in the 300 block of E. 3rd Street. Code enforcement issued a verbal warning to a dog owner in the 200 block of Cedar Street for alleged nuisance animal (barking) and city animal license required. Officers responded to Mr. Detector, 208 Ute Street, for an assault. David Douglas Olson, 38, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence, violation of bail bond conditions and four counts of violation of a protection order. Code enforcement responded to Emerald Hills Park, on a report of a dog running loose. The dog was located with the owner and the owner given a verbal warning for dog running at large. An officer took a report of theft from the 200 block of Howard Street. An officer took a report of criminal mischief occurring in the 1000 block of Palmer Street. An officer took a report of a bracelet made from a helicopter tail rotor being lost at or near City Market. An officer responded to Domino’s, 252 Stafford Lane, on a report of a hit-and-run accident involving a parked, unattended vehicle. Officers responded to the 300 block of 1700 Lane to assist Colorado State Patrol with a traffic complaint. Zacharia James Levy, 31, of New Mexico was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $1,000 bond. Feb. 2: David Henry Reynolds, 24, of Olathe was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Reynolds was also issued a ticket for alleged driving while license suspended. A two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 50 and Confluence Drive. No injuries were reported. Both vehicles were driven from the scene. An officer took a report of criminal mischief happening in the 1000 block of Main Street. Misty Dawn Valdez, 37, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants with a total of $400 in bonds. Reminder: The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Jan. 29: A deputy was dispatched to a Crawford address in response to an attack on a dog by two dogs belonging to a neighbor. The dog sustained minor injuries. The dogs’ owner, Benjamin Wright, 18, of Crawford, was cited for vicious dog and dogs at large. Sheriff’s deputies responded with the North Fork Ambulance and Hotchkiss Fire Department to a farm accident at 3380 3100 Road, Hotchkiss. Richard “Kent” Fischer, 64, was killed when he got caught in a hay spreader. He was deceased when he

was found by a ranch hand who was dispatched to see why he hadn’t returned home at 6 p.m. Jennifer Williams, an inmate at the Delta County Jail, was charged with assault after spitting on a detention officer. Jan. 30: Raul Casaus of Evans was arrested at the Delta County Courthouse on a Weld County warrant with a no bond hold. Jan. 31: Anthony Lopez of Delta was arrested at Delta County Courthouse on an outstanding warrant and held pending $2,000 bond. A Paonia area resident reported she had lost $250 to a computer scam. Deputies responded to an assault on Black Bridge Road near Paonia at about 11:30 a.m. It was determined none of the victims wanted to pursue charges. At about 2:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to an address on Highway 65, Eckert, for an assault. A male party, later identified as James Sparks Rodriguez, was reported to be unconscious on the back deck. Rodriguez and Billy Bean were both charged with harassment as a result of a fight between the two over a piece of personal property. At about 5:49 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of 2100 and Fairview Road in Austin to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a two-vehicle accident. The accident involved a 2014 Hyundai Sonata driven by Victoria Creech and a 2001 Mercury sedan driven by James Conley. Creech was babysitting a young boy who was also in the vehicle. EMS arrived on the scene but did not transport anyone to the hospital. Feb. 1: The theft of a 1995 Honda Civic was reported from a residence on Austin Road in Austin. The owner said he had left the car at that address two days before. It was unlocked and the keys were in the ignition. Investigation revealed the Colorado State Patrol reported the vehicle abandoned on Jan. 31 and had it reported from the location where it had been left. Deputies responded to an assault that occurred in the 20000 block of Surface Creek Road near Cedaredge. Deputies responding to a report of a possible stolen vehicle met with DPD officers at I and 1575 roads. They were advised a black Chevy truck with Utah plates had left city limits and headed northbound on Trap Club Road. Deputies followed the vehicle to North and Happy Hollow Road, where it was stopped. A passenger in the truck, Travis Galloway of Helper, Utah, was arrested on two outstanding warrants. Feb. 3: At about 11 a.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to a cabin at Grand Mesa Lodge in reference to possible missing persons (see full story on page A1). Deputies responded to a traffic accident on Trap Club Road at about 4:30 p.m.

LOCAL NEWS FACT SHEET

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Tri-State: PUC has no say in Marijuana tax revenue contract dispute with DMEA distributions to the Colorado

bers of of Tri-State Genera- cooperatives signing TriBY PAT SUNDERLAND Department Education

tion and Transmission Managing Editor disputes Tri-State Generation Association, that opinion. and Transmission Asso� School Capital Construction “As co-owners and ciation has delivered 2015-16:a$80 million* letter to the Colorado members of Tri-State, this million 2016-17: disagreement should be Legislature seeking law-$40 2017-18: $40 million by the Tri-State makers’ engagement resolved when considering mat- members themselves or in Competitive the court ifGrants necessary,” ters important�toEarly electric Literacy themillion members wrote. cooperatives. The letter$4.4 2016-17: “With 43 diverse memspecifically addresses 2017-18: $4.4 million Delta Montrose Electric bers, including 25 outside Association’s filing with of Colorado, there will be � School Health Professional Grants disagreement, but history the Colorado Public Utili$2.3 million 2015-16: shows we can find acceptties Commission. able solutions much more DMEA has asked for$2.3 million 2016-17: effectively PUC’s help in setting an$11.9 million than regula2017-18: exit charge from the Tri- tory agencies or a legState, its wholesale ener- islative body,” said Rick � School Bullying Prevention & Education gy provider, that would Gordon, a businessman Grants allow it to purchase more and farmer from Simla, millionchairs Tri-State’s 2015-16: renewable and locally-$2who 2016-17: board and is a member generated power at a$900,000 Mountain View Eleclower cost, which in the$2ofmillion 2017-18: long run would help sta- tric Cooperative, based in Colorado Department of Education Graphic bilize rates. Limon. � Drop-out Prevention Programs “We notice that most Tri-State generates $2 million 2015-16: and transmits power to 2016-17: co-op members in four$900,000 In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 to allow adults 21 and43 older 2017-18: western states. Under its$2 million to consume or possess marijuana. It mandated an excise tax be collected for contract, which expires schoolPAGE construction. FROM A1 ry previously used this increased, while nega- in 2040, DMEA must � State Public School Fund FROM PAGE A1 of$30 approach for integrat- grant for training, cur- tive behavior incidents purchase 95 percent million 2017-18: an excise tax of up to In 2013, approvedriculum Proposition AA that allowed decreased. and intervention. its 15 power from Tri-State. of state law; and all other ing socialvoters and emotionitems commonly known Sustainability school was DMEA’s board *Includes believes al learning schools The percent on into unprocessed marijuana and arecently state sales tax of up to 15 percent on $40 million from one-time tax revenue as junk. Though the amount of notified that it will again the savings from purdeveloped at the Yale disbursement approved by voters, allowing Colorado to keep retail marijuana sales – in addition to the 2.9 revenue percent that statecomes sales tax. An item may be both surplus receive funding to general assist tax chasing power from other Center for Emotional with the transition to a from marijuana sales is suppliers would cover the “junk” and “litter” as Intelligence. minimal — around 1 per- cost of buying out the defined in the city code. new reading program. Early Literacy “We’re happy to work Cedaredge Elementary cent of the state’s total years remaining on the The goal of the early Total 2015-16 marijuana for with folks,” revenue said Fedler, education budget — it School and Hotchkiss Kcontract. literacy competitive CDE: $86.3 million Excisetotax: Beginning 90 percent of theisexcise taxan revenue making impact collected in 8 2018, are wrapping up year “Weorcontinue to think “but we do want to see grants ensure readingJuly some sort of progress.” state education funding: Total 2015-16 DeltatoCounty. The questhree of is funding for is early the PUC has jurisdiction is embedded K-3 curthe first $40into million, whichever greater, credited the Capital Construction Bowen’s office is locattion is one of sustainabil- over this matter,$5.3 literacy programs. andbillion* we riculum. Assistance which funds the Building Excellent ity. Schools Today (BEST) look forward to obtained in the police departDropout Prevention Lincoln Fund, Elementament. He is revenue on duty for from “It’s great to get those ing a just, reasonable A re-engagement competitive grant program. Total and 2016-17 marijuana grant, now in its fourth grants, but then they go nondiscriminatory exit 8 to 5 Monday-Friday. CDE: $48.5 million Sales tax: Ten percent ofand the final state’s 15 percent on retail marijuana is charge through the away,” Vincent said. year, went to tax com- On evenings and weekstatecitizens educationcan funding: Totalsaid 2016-17 ends, call allocated to local governments and Choice distributed percentage of Either to thethe grant cycle mission Grand Mesa Acad- according process,” $5.4 billion* dispatch for assistance. emy. With these funds, runs its course after Jasen Bronec, DMEA marijuana sales within city and/or county boundaries. GMCA is offering addi- three or four years, or the CEO. tional support to stu- General Assembly moves The letter to the legisTotal 2017-18 marijuana revenue for dents who struggle with the2018-19 funding to other pro- lators, signed by 26 memHow the remaining 90 percent is apportioned in FY and beyond: $90.3 million CDE: low attendance, insuffi- grams. state education funding: Total 2017-18 � 15.56 percent to the General Fund Baldwin said Grand cient credit accrual, and/ billion* $5.6 �� or are credited disengaged from Mesa Choice Academy � 71.85 percent to the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund (MTCF) �� school. Specifically, the has utilized its grant *Budget for CDE, Charter School Institute and the Colorado � 12.59 percent credited the state Public �� school has offeredtoon-site funds in a School mannerFund to cre-and School for the Deaf and Blind �� distributed to all districts ate sustainability. Grant project-focused learn�� ing activities pertaining, funds were used to pur�� initially, to construction. chase permanent sup�� JUNE 2018 Delta County has This specific school pro- plies, while complemen�� gramming grew each year tary materials can be cov- closed 1200 Road from �� with the addition of other ered by existing GMCA A50 Road to B75 Road �� job-related courses. Pri- funding when the grant to through traffic for �� replacement of the Butmary focus was placed in has reached its close. �� termilk Bridge just north family engagement, com“Grand Mesa Choice �� munity involvement, mul- Academy staff and stu- of JC Propane. Access to �� tiple pathways to gradua- dents are extremely JC Propane will be from �� tion and mentoring. grateful for this resource the south on 5100 Road �� Amelia Baldwin, dean provided by the Colorado in Montrose County. The �� county aims to have the of students, said the conDepartment of Education �� structed use of the re- as it enabled us to cre- road back open by mid�� engagement grant has ate a program that could June. If you have ques�� proven extremely effec- maintain a lasting, positions regarding the clo�� tive. Graduation numbers tive impact for our stu- sure please call 970-874�� 2101. and attendance rate both dents,” she said.

Marijuana taxes

State’s letter to the Colorado Legislature were not from Colorado. In fact, less than half of Colorado’s cooperatives joined the Tri-State letter,” Bronec said in response. “Additionally, we find it interesting that TriState fails to mention that two other large Colorado cooperatives, La Plata Electric and United Power, have moved to intervene at the PUC in support of DMEA. Combined, DMEA, United, and LaPlata serve more than 150,000 Colorado homes and businesses; this represents significantly more Coloradans than are served by all eight of the Colorado cooperatives combined who signed Tri-State’s letter to our legislators.”

Code enforcement

How marijuana tax revenue is distributed

In an emergency, a law enforcement officer will respond. The police department is also handling the licensing of dogs and cats as required by city code, Fedler added. The animal shelter, which is housed in a cityowned building, will continue to operate under contract with TAILS. That contract provides temporary shelter accommodations for any animals picked up by the animal control officer.

1200 Road closed for bridge work

��

Communications, event coordinator hired at chamber The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Heidi Hudek as its new communications and event coordinator. Hudek brings with her an extensive background in event planning, management and social media strategy. She is a resident of Paonia, where she managed Hive Paonia coworking space from 2016 to

��

�� 2018, creating a fellow- laborative and economic �� ship of entrepreneurs to development. �� share resources. As the director of Mountain Harvest Festival from 2014 through 2017, Hudek became the first executive director of Mountain Harvest Creative, a nonprofit supporting art and agriculture education for kids. In 2012 she started her �� own business as a social �� media consultant, help- �� ing 115 businesses learn �� how to use social media to �� market their brand. �� In the chamber’s �� newly-created position �� of communications and �� event coordinator, some �� of Hudek’s duties include planning and executing chamber events and edu�� cational programs, coordinating marketing, managing membership communications and media, and assisting the executive director in administrative duties. Please join us for the Delta Elks “We’re very excited to have Heidi on board,” said chamber board president Fred Carson. “Her depth of experience in event planning, social media strategy, and finance will �� be a great asset to our * Must have made reservations by Feb. 4 RAFFLE organization.” The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce is a notFeaturing DJ s SKIP & PATTY for-profit organization SILENITON with a current memberAUCT ship of 296 businesses, professionals and individuals. The DACC focuses on broadening networks, $60/couple or $30/single DINNER & DANCE facilitating community$15/couple or $8/single DANCE ONLY enhancing projects, providing education training and opportunities, acting �� as a source for economic data, and supporting col-

��

Heidi Hudek

Check out the DCI Print Shop. Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

��

• ‘50s COSTUME CONTEST • ‘50s DANCE CONTEST

��

� ��

��

A4 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Scholarships available for adults ment must be submitted to Altrusa prior to funds being released. The funds will be sent directly to the student. Funds for the scholarships are raised in part from the club’s annual events, the Deltarado Days kickoff dinner at Cleland Park and the Sugar Plum Festival & Little Side Street Market in the fall. Altrusa is an interPhoto submitted national nonprofit orga�� nization, making our �� local communities betChi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recently ter through leadership, welcomed Megan Wick as a new member. partnership, and service. Wick received her teaching degree from UNC The mission of Altrusa and is now teaching fourth grade in Rangely. International of Delta is �� Her Delta Kappa Gamma pin belonged to her to be leaders in service, �� great-grandmother, Miriam Hartig, a longtime addressing the needs of and valued member of Chi Chapter. Megan is �� the community. We strive �� pictured with her grandmother, Polly Jo Wick �� to be a positive influence (left). Delta Kappa Gamma is an international by supporting projects service organization for women educators. Chi that enable the greatest Chapter encompasses teachers from Delta and number of people to better Montrose counties. For more information, call themselves by improving 275-0522. their self-esteem through �� Paula and Ty Tatman continuing education. of Delta are the parents �� of a daughter, Esme �� Venice Luz Tatman, �� born Jan. 23, 2019, at Delta County Memorial �� Hospital. She weighed 6 �� pounds, 8 ounces and was Grand Mesa A Cap- — all for just $45. Step- valentine” with Step�� 19 inches in length. pella Chorus, Sweet pin’ Up! will be taking pin’ Up!, call Colette �� Adelines International singing valentines reser- at 261-0304 or email Esthefany Alvarado of is starting the new year vations for the evening steppinupquartet@gmail. �� Hotchkiss is the parent with an invitation for of Feb. 13 and all day com. �� of a daughter, Jennifer new members. Steppin’ Up! quarFeb. 14 �� Alvarado, born Jan. 28, Don’t procrastinate! tet members are active Grand Mesa A Cap2019, at Delta County pella Chorus rehearses Slots fill up quickly! members of Grand Mesa Memorial Hospital. She each Monday from 6:30 For more information A Cappella Chorus Sweet weighed 7 pounds, 13 to 9 p.m. at the Red- or to book a “singing Adelines International. ounces and was 19.75 lands United Methodinches in length. ist Church, 527 Village Way, Grand Junction. Trinton and Ariel Bal- All women are welcome lard of Delta are the par- to audition. There is an ents of a son, Jace Bal- active carpool of memlard, born Jan. 30, 2019, bers living in the Delta at Delta County Memo- County area. rial Hospital. He weighed The chorus is cur9 pounds, 13.8 ounces rently getting ready for and was 21.5 inches in a regional contest in May length. and performances with the Black Canyon Chorus Show in April. For membership informaPhoto submitted tion, call Shirley at 2559419 or go to grandmesa Steppin’ Up, a quartet made up of Susanna Sorensen, Vicki Rowley, Colette Mayers and Julie acappella.com. �� This group loves Mixter are on call for singing valentines. �� to perform and can be �� booked by calling Nola at 858-4839. Quartets are �� available for singing val�� entines. �� What gift would be �� more unique than a sing�� On Tuesdays and Tuesday, Feb. 19 — ing valentine by a Sweet Thursdays, Delta Senior Hot roast beef sandwich, Adelines quartet? “Step�� pin’ Up!” quartet will Citizens prepares and mashed potatoes, gravy, �� surprise your sweetie serves lunch at the Delta peas and brownie. Thursday, Feb. 21 — anytime at home, office Community Center, 427 � �� or restaurant with two Meeker Street, at noon. Cheesy vegetable soup, �� songs, candy and a flower These meals supplement turkey and cheese sandthose offered by Senior wich and applesauce CommUnity meals on cake. Tuesday, Feb. 26 — Mondays, Wednesdays Chili, tossed salad, corn and Fridays. Here is the menu for bread and peanut butter the February Tuesday- cookie. Thursday, Feb. 28 — Thursday meals: Thursday, Feb. 7 Homemade potato soup, — Stuffed peppers, scal- toasted cheese sandwich loped potatoes, green and carrot cake. beans, muffins and chocThe Tuesday-Thursolate pudding. day lunches are $3. The Tuesday, Feb. 12 — Thrift Shop in the Han3rd Annual Taco Tuesday, lettuce son House portion of the and tomatoes, Spanish center is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The rice and golden bars. Thursday, Feb. 14 — revenue generated from Salisbury steak, baked the Thrift Shop helps potato, carrots, home- underwrite the costs of made roll, and chocolate the program for Delta seniors. cake with cherries.

Delta County adults who are seeking higher or continuing education are invited to apply for a $1,000 scholarship, offered by Altrusa International of Delta, Inc. The deadline for applications is April 17. Applicants must reside in Delta

County and must have been out of high school at least five years. Scholarship monies must be used for the summer or fall terms of 2019. Altrusa will also award $500 scholarships to members of Delta County ASTRA clubs at Delta and

��

Cedaredge high schools who demonstrate excellent service to the community, academic promise, and plan to attend a college, university, trade school or online school this year. More information, qualification guidelines and applications are online at www.Altrusa InternationalOfDelta. com; please note that only digital applications will be accepted. For more information, call Altrusan and scholarship committee chair Kami Collins at 970-361-8905. Applicants will be notified by May 15 if they have received a scholarship, and the scholarship will be awarded in June. Proof of enroll-

New member

Singing Valentine BIRTHS

Chorus welcomes new members, offers singing valentines

��

Delta Senior Citizens menu for February

Heartfelt Thanks

�� of ��

��

WITH THE FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS RECEIVING A FREE DRINK MUG

�� Sponsored by:

��

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Sgt. Sanders, K-9 visit commissioners

��

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

��

Photo submitted

K-9 Oxx occupies the seat normally reserved for county commissioner Mark Roeber, who was out of town the day K-9 Oxx, Sgt. Keith Sanders and Sheriff Mark Taylor visited county commissioners Don Suppes and Mike Lane. and the search for lost persons. Sgt. Sanders and Oxx visit schools and the students interact with Oxx. Oxx is experienced in locker sniffing in middle schools and high schools. The two officers participate in pet safety events and help people learn how to react, for example, if they are approached by a strange dog in a park. “Officer Oxx and I participate in community events and special events. We like to be highly involved in the community and to show that involvement. We all benefit from our involvement with the community,” Sgt. Sanders said. When on duty, Officer Oxx wears a bulletproof vest. He may be called to duty in dangerous places. When not on duty, Officer Oxx lives at home with Sgt. Sanders and his family. “In the summer he just lies around and relaxes, just like a normal dog,” Sgt. Sanders said. Sgt. Sanders said that the most important trait law enforcement officers

AC Theater Group is looking for actors The AC/DC nonprofit has just formed the “AC Theater Group.” It will be a permanent group sponsored by the Arts Coalition and will perform three or four plays or musicals each year. Multiple performances of the plays and musicals will be made over a few weeks, starting in April. The group has been in the works for over a year. Officials of the AC/DC are pleased with the number of people who are showing interest in appearing in the plays and musicals as well as all the support people for making costumes, sets and stage management. The group will function as a part of AC/DC, a nonprofit corporation, organized in 2015. Larry Burson will head the AC Theater Group with Shaun Morgan, a teacher at Delta Middle School. Both will be co-directors for the first two one-act plays to be presented. The two plays will be performed together for a full theater performance and will set up the AC Theater Group to accomplish at least two more performances of new plays this year. AC/DC exists to promote the arts in Delta County and hopes to help all theater groups and other arts programs expand their influence in their own communities and work together. Founder Richard Weldon says every community in the United States that raises up the arts as a crucial part of its identity has proven that the arts affect everyday living, culture and the economy with very impressive results. “Our goal is to work together to make Delta County a very special place that people

will visit rather than just drive through,” said Weldon. “With that happening, we will have positive employment and a positive economy.” AC/DC has plans to build the largest performing arts complex on the Western Slope of Colorado, an $8 to $10 million building project. A Delta area business has offered to provide 15-20 acres of land free to build the facility at that location. Within the next year, Weldon said AC/DC will be looking at adding a dance program as part of a five-year plan to build the program. The theater group will register all ages who are interested; actors will be contacted when acting parts are open or when help is needed with performances. There is no cost to register. To register, email weldon814162944@yahoo. com or call 640-6520. You may also want to volunteer to help with the second annual art exposition July 5-6, the 4th of July patriotic sing, or one of the 12 concerts planned this year.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Desiree Smith of Austin was named to Fort Lewis College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester. Smith’s major is elementary education. To be eligible for Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or better in no fewer than 15 credit hours of graded college level work and have completed all work for which they are registered.

and trainers of K-9 officers look for in prospective K-9 officers is the dog’s drive. The level of drive a dog has helps determine how successful the dog will be as a K-9 officer. The K-9 officers must be trained sufficiently to earn both state and federal licensing. The cost for narcotics training only is $5,500 per narcotic. There are five other recognized areas of training: tracking, apprehension, area searches, wooded area searches, and building searches, including clearing the building of people. With all his certifications, K-9 Oxx is valued at $60,000.

Private citizens and community businesses often contribute to the purchase of K-9 officers and needed supplies for K-9 officers. Murdoch’s sponsors Oxx, covering Chow Down pet food and pet supplies every month. Oxx’s vest costs $800. Impact resistant crates for Oxx when he is traveling cost $800 to $900. Cash donations for dog treats and higher cost items can be made through the sheriff ’s office. Sgt. Sanders is training K-9 Officer Roo, who is one and half years old. Roo will be set to take Oxx’s place when Oxx retires.

✔

Check out the DCI Print Shop for all your printing needs. Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

THE TEAM YOU TRUST

��

�

��

County commissioners Don Suppes and Mike Lane were introduced to new officers from the sheriff ’s office at their Jan. 22 meeting: Sgt. Keith Sanders and his partner K-9 Officer Oxx, a Belgian Malinois. Officer Oxx demonstrated his search-andfind training by easily finding a stash of narcotics that had been hidden in the room before he arrived. Oxx responded to other commands from Sgt. Sanders, and had his photo taken sitting in Commissioner Mark Roeber’s chair. Commission Roeber was absent that day. Sgt. Sanders and Oxx joined the Delta Sheriff ’s Office on Jan. 8. It was a lateral move for the two from the Montrose County Sheriff ’s Office where they had been partners for eight years. Oxx will be 9 years old Feb. 10. Sgt. Sanders started his partnership with K-9 officers with the Ouray County Sheriff ’s Office. He and his K-9 partner Sasha worked together for over three years. When the partners are working on a narcotics assignment, Sgt. Sanders gives Oxx the command, “Find it.” When Oxx finds the narcotics, he brings them back to Sgt. Sanders. Oxx sits and stares and Sgt. Sanders give him a reward. \In a law enforcement situation where a suspect is noncompliant with the commands of a human officer, Sgt. Sanders gives Oxx the command “Apprehend.” Oxx grabs some part of the suspect’s body in his mouth and does not release the individual until Sgt. Sanders has the suspect in handcuffs. When the two get to a safe place, Oxx is given a tug toy or praise reward, such as a ball or Kong toy. Oxx also participates in tracking of criminals

��

� ��

��

�

��

A6 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Charles Gifford

Charles Edward “Frog” Gifford of Paonia died Jan. 25, 2019, at his home. He was 75. He was born on May 8, 1943, to Charles and Mary (Teevan) Gifford in Hollywood, Calif. He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1961. Mr. Gifford lived in Crested Butte for many years and worked as a painting contractor with his brother. He was a local celebrity there and was crowned Flauschink King one winter. He moved to Paonia in 2006. In Paonia, he continued to work on painting projects with his brother. He enjoyed talking to people, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, watching sports on TV and gardening. He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Jean LaTourette) Gifford and sister-in-law Mary Beth Gifford, all of Paonia; and extended family. He was preceded in death by a brother, Philip Gifford. A memorial gathering will be held this summer. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

OBITUARIES

Karl Coleman

Hotchkiss resident Karl Coleman died Jan. 28, 2019, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 48. Services were held in Hotchkiss Saturday, Feb. 2. Karl Elmer Coleman was born to Daryl and Anita Coleman in Delta on April 12, 1970. He spent his childhood and attended school in Hotchkiss, graduating in 1988. He attended Mesa State College majoring in social and behavioral sciences - criminal justice. He majored in safety, security and emergency management at Eastern Kentucky University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1991 and retired as a first sergeant in the Army National Guard in 2016. Mr. Coleman was the safety and occupational health manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a member of American Legion Post #97, a veterans service officer and a lifetime member of VFW Post #1247 in Grand Junction. He married Albina Sanches four years ago. They enjoyed their hobby

OBITUARY POLICY

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

Delta County Colorado

��

farm and making memories together. Mr. Coleman was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, and watching Jeopardy and sports, especially the Denver Broncos. He is survived by his wife, Albina Sanches; his stepmother, Dulce Coleman; three brothers, Kevin (Rhonda) Coleman, Dustin (Cassandra) Coleman and Nick Coleman; a sister, Chelsea (Michael) McCormick; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darylyn Smith. Memorial donations can be made at any Bank of Colorado to the 1SG Karl E. Coleman Memorial Scholarship Fund. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Laurence Smith

Laurence Cortelyou “Larry” Smith Jr. died Jan. 25, 2019, in Arvada after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 84. He was born in Canaan, Conn., on Nov. 4, 1934, to Loretta (Donsbough) and Laurence C. Smith. He had lived in Cedaredge for the past 17 years. He was a member of the Cedaredge Rotary Club, Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cedaredge Recreational and Culture Committee. He served as a Cedaredge town trustee from 2009-2017. He was a licensed clinical psychologist in Denver, Cedaredge and San Antonio, Texas, for over 50 years. He received his B.A. degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and his master’s and doctorate from Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Mr. Smith joined the Air Force in 1961 and relocated to Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He worked closely with the NASA astronaut selection program for the selection of the Apollo and Gemini astronauts. He also was on the psychological team at Wilford Hall, assigned to screen airmen to determine their eligibility for assignment to nuclear aircraft. He was president of the Texas Psychological Association and helped develop the licensure requirements for clinical psychologists in Texas. He holds the first license issued for clinical psychologists in that state. He enjoyed most sports and was an avid ski racer and basketball player. He was inducted to the Housatonic Valley Regional High School Hall of Fame in 2014. He was a Senior Olympics silver medalist in the giant slalom and was a Senior Olympian in basketball. He played with the same basketball team, “Over the Rim,” for 21 years from 1993 to 2014.

SHOP LOCALLY

��

He was a lover of wildlife, nature, writing and traveling. He published a book, “The Nature of Human Feelings,” and had a website dedicated to his written poetry that is translated into both Spanish and French. He traveled the world and especially enjoyed the Caribbean, spending several weeks a year there. He is survived by his wife, Debra Smith; his former wife, Mary Smith; brother, Peter (Agneta) of New Canaan, Conn.; children, Deborah Smith of Longmont, Dion (Kim) Turner of New Braunfels, Texas, Pamela (Dennis) Wacha of Berthoud, Theresa (Tim) Voltman of Westfield, N.Y., Laurence (Amy) Smith of Durango, Michelle (Joe) McHugh of Fort Collins, Laurie Balliett of Taos, N.M., Christopher (Melissa) Smith of Arvada, Heather (John) Holbrook of Suwanee, Ga., and Brandon (Jennifer) Gray of Loganville, Ga.; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild. He was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Jonathan Brown. A celebration of life will be held at the Evergreen Memorial Park on Feb. 17. Condolences may be left at Evergreen memorialpark.com.

Ryan Wells

Delta resident Ryan Lee Wells died Feb. 3, 2019, after an accident on Grand Mesa. He was 30. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue. He is survived by his parents, Tom Wells of Delta and Crystal McGinley of Texas; grandparents, Leroy and Lillian Wells of Delta and Myra Church of Delta; daughter, Isabella Wells of Delta; sisters, MacKenzy Wells of Grand Junction, Alyssa (Heath) Miller of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Cedar (Jacob) Martin of Kalispell, Mont. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Robert Moody

Robert Norman Moody of Paonia died Jan. 24, 2019. He was 75. He was born March 26, 1943, in Manchester, N.H., to Rachel Gingras and Norman Moody. He attended Manchester Public Schools and served in the military during the Vietnam War. He worked as a roofer, on farms and in salvage yards, but his real interest was in old cars and motorcycles, specifically Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Mr. Moody enjoyed telling stories and spending time with animals. He is survived by his partner of many years, Rhoda Yago of Paonia; sons, Robert of Manchester, N.H., and Anthony of Delta; daughter, Teneka of Montrose; siblings, Yvone Lafreniere and John Moody, both of Manchester, N.H.; and extended family. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Paonia Senior Center, 106 3rd Street in Paonia. All are invited to attend; a meal and refreshments will be served. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Delta County Independent

Delta County Livestock Association Scholarship Fund. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Kent Fischer

Longtime Austin resident Richard “Kent” Fisher died Jan. 29, 2019. He was 64. A celebration of life service was held Feb. 2 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel, with Shane Kier officiating. Mr. Fischer was born Aug. 14, 1954, to Richard and Melba “Jean” (Miller) Fischer in Redwood City, Calif. When he was about one year of age, the family moved to Cedaredge. He graduated from Cedaredge High School in 1972. He attended Hill Croft Horseshoeing School in Golden. He was a member of the Delta County Livestock Association and numerous rodeo associations. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bs’ing and most of all, spending time with his family and especially his grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Linda Fischer of Austin; mother, Jean Fischer of Cedaredge; daughter, Corrie (Darren) Geyer of Eckert; son, Chance (Candis) Fischer of Austin; four grandchildren, Trey and Tel Geyer and Tate and Lilly Fischer; four brothers, Kevin (Nancy) Fischer of Cedaredge, Steve Fischer of Austin, Dennis (Luann) Harriman of Cedaredge; and Randy Miller of Austin. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Fischer. Memorial contributions may be made to the

Corliss Ritchie

Delta resident, Corliss Ritchie, died Feb. 2, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta. She just celebrated her 70th birthday. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Feb. 8, at the Rivers Church in Delta. Mrs. Ritchie was born on Jan. 17, 1949, to Everett and Wilma (Miller) Ritchie in Abilene, Kan. She spent her childhood in Gilman, Colo. Later in life she attended college in Canon City and Pueblo. Mrs. Ritchie moved from Cañon City to Delta seven years ago. She was a member of Rivers Church in Delta. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, playing cards and Bible study. She is survived by a sister, Janice Cline of Johnson Village; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marlene Peacock. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Robert Harry Noonan Sept. 18, 1924 ~ Jan. 12, 2019 Robert Harry Noonan, age 94, was born Sept. 18, 1924, and passed away Jan. 12, 2019, in Grand Junction Colo. He is preceded in death by his father William Noonan and mother Nellie Zuelsdorf. Robert was a teacher, chemist, musician, and artist. After 3 years in the US Army, Robert attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at Northwestern State, and a Music Degree at Centenary College. Robert played French Horn in 3 different symphony orchestras and wrote and taught music to high school students in Louisiana and Colorado. Robert was a very witty and interesting man who was loved by many of his students, friends, and relatives. He is survived by his

brother William Noonan Jr., wife Adele Noonan, and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial will be held at Resthaven Gardens, Baton Rouge, La., on Feb. 2 from 12-2 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. Special thanks to Crossroads Assisted Living, Hope West, and special friend Penny Sutton for Robert’s care. Paid obituary

Jacobo “Jake” Trujillo From his humble beginnings in Delta, Jake Trujillo achieved much and was lauded often in his 78 years. His favorite days were always those spent with family and friends, fishing or golfing. His Colorado roots ran deep. He had lasting memories of his early days in Delta — school, sports, friendships, working locally and especially of time spent on the Grand Mesa hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. He moved to Denver, attained impressive career success and earned much recognition for community service before retiring and eventually moving to Arizona where he lived for the last 20 years. He died Jan. 27, 2019, and is survived by his wife of 40 years along with four children whom he dearly loved, a wonderful bunch of grandchildren and great-grandkids, one sister, one

brother and a loving collection of extended family and many friends from across the globe who will miss him. A celebration of his amazing life will be scheduled for a later date and a memorial service will be held in Colorado this summer. Donations in Jake’s name may be made to the Food for Thought Program, 1080 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO 81416; www.visioncharter academy.org. Paid obituary

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Garnet Mesa Baptist Church to host family conference Garnet Mesa Baptist Church invites the public to a family conference March 3-7. In this conference, Dr. Tony Miller will be addressing many issues families are facing today and the consequences of not dealing with those issues correctly. He brings an extensive background in Christian counseling to the family conference. Tony and his wife Jeanette were raised in the

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Jan. 30. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are: (back row, left to right) Rosa Diaz (graciousness), Faith Watkins (caring), Blu Wills (perserverance), Josh Oldham (self-discipline), Sarai Reyes-Torres (helpfulness), Jasmin Saenz (character); (middle row) Kambri Mott (honesty), Vanessa Ramirez (kindness), Mady Fenimore (conﬁdence), Cassidy Barber (self-discipline), Cerenity Sharkey (kindness), Nolan Long (respect); (front row) Jordan Macias, Ema Bernal (respect), Zoey Hudson (cooperation), Henacee Sanchez (helpfulness), Jesus Raymundo-Martinez (helpfulness) and Ryder Piepgrass (self-discipline).

Tony and Jeanette Miller

Learn about ballot processing

All Points Transit seeks public input to plan future services the Western Slope. In 2015, the firm completed a “Transit Implementation Plan” for Region 10. The group also recently worked with Grand Valley Transit in Mesa County. “One of our first steps in the planning is to engage the communities we service in a robust public input process,” says Sarah Curtis, executive director of All Points Transit. “As a part of that process, we have an online survey out now. We will also be out on the buses, at the recreation centers, grocery stores, senior centers and any

community event that will have us to gather feedback from citizens.” The project is made possible through grant funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation. The survey will be available online through the end of February. In partnership with the City of Montrose, residents will receive a paper copy of the survey in their utility bill. All Points Transit is a private 501c3 nonprofit organization. You can find out more about current transit services and access the survey online at www.allpoints transit.org.

Photo submitted

Bikes for outstanding students

��

SPRING COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES

��

1765 US Hwy. 50 • Delta • 874-7671 • tcr.edu

��

Delta Elks recently used money from an Elks National Foundation grant to purchase bicycles and present them to outstanding local elementary school students. At Garnet Mesa Elementary bikes were given to Namiyah Huff, Kevin Cardona and Rios Kenya.

��

ing worship at 11 a.m. A Sunday evening service is held at 6:30 p.m. The conference continues during the week, with evening services at 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. A nursery will be available for each service. Garnet Mesa Baptist Church is located at 863 A Street, Delta, and can be reached by calling 874-4837.

Photo submitted

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

All Points Transit is seeking input from residents throughout their four-county service area, which includes communities in Montrose, Delta, San Miguel and Ouray counties. The feedback received will be used to guide an upcoming strategic operating plan, slated to be completed this summer. All Points Transit is working with Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig (FHU), a consulting group that specializes in transit planning, to complete the project. It is not the first time FHU has helped with transit planning on

Delta area. Both have been involved in Christian work for many years. They served at Bob Jones University. Tony Miller was the pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C., and is currently the pastor emeritus for that church. The conference begins Sunday, March 3. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by morn-

The League of Women Voters invites the community to attend its program, “What Happens to Your Ballot Once It Reaches the Election Office?” This step-bystep explanation of ballot processing will be presented at noon Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Montrose Library community room. Guest speakers are the Montrose County clerk and recorder and chief deputy clerk. A questionand-answer session will follow.

Like us. DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT www.deltacountyindependent.com

��

�

��

A8 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

SCHOOL

LULAC celebrates cultural diversity

Mom/son dance is for super heroes

During the 2017-2018 school year, Noeli Castro A mother/son dance, in Delta. The fee is $15 and Mairany Jaracuaro, “A Night in Gotham,” in advance by Friday, who were sophomores is planned Saturday, March 8, or $25 at the at the time, started the March 9. Doors open at door ($5 for each addiLULAC (The League of 6 p.m.; dancing begins tional boy). For more Latin American Citizens) at 7 p.m. at Bill Hed- information or to regisclub, with the help of Mr. dles Recreation Center ter, call 874-0923. Payan, DHS art teacher, to promote positivity and community service in our county. As it was their �� “launch” year, they struggled with accomplishing recognition, for an incredible amount of hard work and effort they put forth throughout the year. When the 2018-2019 school year started this fall, Mrs. Chavez, the ELL paraprofessional for Delta High, and Mr. Payan teamed up to support this determined group of young adults. The club started to grow, as did their aspirations. �� Now with a total of 29 �� members, Delta LULAC decided that being a �� school club wasn’t good �� enough; members wanted to be a part of something �� bigger. Mr. Payan offers his room for early morning �� planning and often late �� evening meetings, contributing his creativity and skill but most of all showing the LULAC group what work ethic means, and what can be achieved when you put blood, sweat and tears into something. Mrs. Chavez has also worked diligently to get the club recognized nationally, which came to fruition when she contacted Joél-Léhi Organista who is the LULAC national VP for youth. Organista decided he would be the youth council sponsor. Organista has named Delta High School LULAC Colorado’s only official “National Youth Council for LULAC.” This has opened the doors for the members to receive educational opportunities, grants, scholarships,

��

�

��

leadership conventions, recommendation letters from Ivy League alumni and so much more! This year, the DHS LULAC group has collectively decided to be all inclusive, culturally. To close out 2018, LULAC partnered with Safeway in Delta to raise funds to feed Christmas meals to less fortunate families in our county; they were able to raise more than $600 for that cause. The DHS LULAC Youth

��

The City of Delta is excited to run the youth soccer program this season. Soccer is for ages 4-14 with birthdays from Jan. 1, 2005 to Dec. 31, 2014. Each team will practice two times a week beginning mid-March and will have a total of six games beginning in early April. Games are usually played on Thursday and Friday evenings or Saturdays. The fee for U6-U10 is $55; for U12-U14 it’s $60. Registration deadline is Feb. 17. For any questions or comments concerning youth soccer, contact Whitnee Lear at 874-0923 or whitnee@cityofdelta. net.

��

Council plans on hosting one major fundraising event, the first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, set for May 4. Their goal is for LULAC to award a scholarship to a deserving graduate each year. Another goal is to get other schools in Delta County involved. The head council — Noeli Castro, president; Gadiel Mendoza-Leon, vice president; Miriam Aleman, treasurer; and Mairany Jaracuaro and AnnaMaria Gil-

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

��

Delta County Independent

50J observes National School Counseling Week National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 4–8, 2019, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process

for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” according to DCSD superintendent Caryn Gibson. Gibson credits school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ social/ personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school coun-

��

selors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program. “School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career awareness in postsecondary options and social/emotional skills,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.” More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many school counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program. As part of their celebration for National School Counseling Week, schools across Delta County will be celebrating in various ways including stress relief activities, career and college events, morning announcements, posters and prizes for students, and more.

Kids 7-13 invited to softball clinic

��

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten students (front row) Eva Mautz, Grayson Simler, and Ceeahri Garcia; (back row) Kellen Tregarthen, Brylee Trolin, Alennis Ponce and Sawyer Tatum. Below are second and third graders (front row) Charli Holst, Coey Bloom, Miles Yahn and Chloe Surber; (back row) Kaci Teyler Crowder, Justin Burkdoll, Natalie Velasquez and Camryn Whetstone.

��

liam, secretaries — will set out to visit schools in our county to inform them about the opportunities available to them as a LULAC Youth Council member. Although we live in a rural area, we are culturally diverse and LULAC wants to embrace all students, from the indigenous people from Mexico, to refugees from Thailand and those students born and raised here in Delta. Together they will do great things!

��

A hitting and fielding clinic will be offered by Delta High School athletes and coaches Wednesday, Feb. 27. The clinic costs $50 and is for ages 7-13. The clinic will be held at the Confluence softball fields next to Bill Heddles Recreation Center. For more information or to register, call Terry Miller at 970-209-7856 or email terry.miller@delta schools.com.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

�� Songs of villains and heroes

��

The Western Slope Concert Series will present three concerts, “Songs of Villains and Heroes” with Il Divo Colorado — Friday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 at the Paradise Theater in Paonia; Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 at the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction; and Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Tick-

ets are available online at www.JunctionConcerts. com, the Montrose Pavilion, the Paradise Theater in Paonia, and by calling 970-241-4579. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door for adults, $7 for children. Back by popular demand, the four awardwinning singers of Il Divo Colorado have toured Colorado with great suc-

cess. The unmatched beauty of these four male voices together, combined with a wide repertoire and engaging personalities, make this a wonderful program for the whole family. The songs will include selections from classical, opera, pop, and classic rock music, focusing on the theme of dramatic and exciting songs

sung by villains and heroes! Accompanying the singers will be pianist Kathryn Mientka, virtuoso violinist/fiddler Alisha Bean, and Western Slope favorite, percussionist David Alderdice. This is a performance not to be missed! Get your tickets early. Call 970-241-4579 for more information.

Rec center hosts Racquetball Rumble Bill Heddles Recreation Center is taking registrations for the 2019 Racquetball Rumble. This is a single/doubles racquetball tournament to be held Feb. 7-10 (must be available to play Thursday if playing in more than one division.) The player fee is $35 for the first division and

$15 for the second division, which includes a tournament shirt, lunch, refreshments and drawing. Breakfast burritos and snacks will be provided by the Phil Schmidt family. For more information, call Gary West at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923, or email gary@cityofdelta.net.

Rosy finches are subject of audubon talk Aaron Yappert will provide a PowerPoint presentation about rosy finches at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Montrose Field House (corner of Rio Grande and Colorado Avenue) in Montrose. This program is sponsored by Black Canyon Audubon Society; there is no charge to attend. Yappert has been intensively studying and banding rosy finches for the past two years, working with Colorado Parks

and Wildlife and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Banding is currently going on in the Telluride, Ridgway and Gunnison high elevation areas. Brown-capped rosy finches, one of the three types of rosy finches, are usually found above 8,000 feet in the winter in Colorado and at our highest elevations in the summer. Due to their need for high elevation habitats, they are considered to be at risk due to warming climates.

Square dance lessons will begin Feb. 27 Here’s a chance to add life to your years, and maybe years to your life! Learn to square dance with the Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club! It all begins with a free open house on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Partners Building, 511 East 10th Street in Delta.

Camera club meets monthly Black Canyon Camera Club meets at 11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (Feb. 12) at The First Church of God at 11th and Howard in Delta. As always, you can bring up to three pictures for review. This month’s subject is “snow”; photos must have been taken after Jan. 8. For the February meeting, guest speaker Orville Courtney will be talking about his method for taking macro photographs of jasper and agate gemstones. You can see his work at courtneyartof nature.com. It promises to be an interesting presentation. See blackcanyoncamera club.com or contact raeanns@live.com for more information.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Naaman Moorehouse of Grand Junction, club caller. Classes are open to all, whether you have a dance partner or not. Square dancing is the official state dance of Colorado, and there’s no better time to learn! After the open house, classes will be held mostly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five weeks. For more information, contact Paul Ash at 773-4495 or Zee Pacheco at 835-3771.

Astronomy observations for 2019 highlighted

Cribbage tournament moved to March 10 It’s time for the City of Delta/Lee Martinson annual cribbage tournament. This year the event will be held on Sunday, March 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. All players must play singles, but doubles is also an option. Bring your own boards if you have them. You may register the day of the event, but it is helpful if you register in

advance. Please register by 12:30 p.m.; the tournament starts promptly at 1 p.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Come show off your skills and win prizes. The fee is $10 per person for singles and $5 per person for doubles. Please bring a snack to share. To register, call Bill Heddles Recreation Center at 874-0923.

Register for Little League baseball by Feb. 10 The City of Delta is offering Little League baseball for boys ages 914. The fee is $95 for the first child and $65 for each child in a family. A copy of the child’s birth certificate is required at registration. The deadline to register is Feb. 10. Player evaluations for each divi-

sion will be held following that date, with practices starting early March and games beginning in early April. There will also be an opportunity for allstars. For more information or to register, call Whitnee Lear at 970-874-0923 or email Whitnee@city ofdelta.net.

Ridgway State Park hosts sled dog demos Want to learn how the big dogs run? Check out a sled dog demonstration at Ridgway State Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Champion sled dog and skijoring racers Lynn Whipple and Laurie Brandt will show off how their dogs run and work. Meet at the Dallas Creek entrance on the

south end of the park. The daily entry fee to the park is $8 per vehicle, or $80 for an annual pass that’s good at all 41 Colorado State Parks. New this year is an annual hang-tag pass for $120 that can be used in multiple vehicles. For more information, call Ridgway State Park at 970-626-5822.

Art Trevena of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society will discuss observation highlights for 2019 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Lions Clubhouse, 602 North Nevada, Montrose. The discussion will highlight planets, upcoming planetary conjunctions, eclipses, meteor showers, and the Nov. 11 transit of Mercury across the face CPW photo of the sun, the last planetary transit visible from Check out the dog sled demonstration at Ridgway State Park, Feb. 9. Colorado until 2049.

��

Il Divo Colorado

��

A10 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Annual Soil Health Conference set for Feb. 21-22 The ninth annual Soil Health Conference will be held Feb. 21 and 22 at the Delta Center for Performing Arts, located at 822 Grand Avenue in Delta. This conference is

Calling high rollers “Viva Las Vegas” is the theme of the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet. This is an evening to celebrate the Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year, but it’s much more. Food, music, cash bar, a silent auction and Vegas games round out the fun. High rollers can throw, spin and up the ante all night with Vegasstyle games. The banquet will take place Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 to 11 p.m. at the Delta Elks Lodge. Purchase tickets online at delta colorado.org, call 8748616 or stop by the chamber office. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

the area’s premier educational and networking event designed to educate producers, orchardists, ranchers, government officials and the broad community about ways to increase organic matter and increase the health of our soils by using cover crop, no-till/minimum-till, green manure, grazing, composting, entomology and other sustainable practices for food and fiber production. Nationally-renowned NRCS soil health specialist and keynote speaker, Jay Fuhrer will highlight the 2019 conference. Fuhrer will address the impact of soil health practices on forage quality for livestock, how to implement soil health practices inside high tunnels, and composting inoculants on large and small scales. Jay Fuhrer is a conservationist employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, N.D. Fuhrer emphasizes soil health as a foundation for cropping systems, grazing systems, cover crops, soil biology, pollinators, insects, wildlife and quality of life. In addition, Fuhrer uses

ICELab accelerator is accepting applications The ICELab @Western is now accepting applications for the 2019 Regional Accelerator. Now in its third year, the program is open to start-up businesses located in Delta and Gunnison counties. The deadline for applying to the program is Feb. 25; the program begins the last week of March. The 12-week ICELab Regional Accelerator will be accepting up to five early stage businesses. Throughout the program, the accelerator will focus on key functions of its

business. Every week, the cohort will work on different aspects of its business in such areas such as marketing, branding, e-commerce, finance, business model, mentors, networking and more. Additionally, each business will receive one-toone support throughout the program. To learn more about the 2019 ICELab Regional Accelerator Program or to sign up go to: https:// icelab.co/accelerator/, call 970-943-3014 or reach out to Dano Marshall of the ICELab, dano@icelab.co.

cover crops and livestock integration to connect the cropping and grazing systems together, raising the soil health bar even higher. The conference will also feature Daniel and Hana Fullmer. The Fullmers practice regenerative agriculture at Tierra Vida Farm in Durango and they operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) produce business. Conference attendees are invited to participate in a mixture of breakout sessions applying soil health practices to rangeland, gardening, orchards and much more. Soil health is critical to the future of agricultural production. With a contingent of concerned farmers as well as community groups and government officials, the soil health conference has been able

to take soil health education and implement techniques and specifically adjust them for the local area. As pressure on agricultural production increases, soil health practices can ensure that agricultural needs are

met with sustainable production, quality and economic viability. Shavano Conservation District (SCD) is the fiscal and administrative agent for the Soil Health Conference. SCD in conjunction with Natural Resource

Conservation Service and individuals active in the agricultural community have come together to present this conference. For more information visit www.westerncolorado soilhealth.org or call SCD at 970-964-3582.

Alpine Bank gives back record $4.2M to communities As 2019 gets underway, one of Alpine Bank’s resolutions is to thank its customers for their business in 2018, business which enabled the bank to donate a record $4.2 million to support community groups and nonprofit organizations across Colorado. One way customers have helped spark change in their local communities is by participating

in Alpine Bank’s unique Loyalty Debit Card program. The bank donates 10 cents for every personal debit card transaction, with the bank’s contribution directed by customers to support the arts, community, education, and the environment. Customer support of the Debit Card program spurred the bank to donate $1.2 million in 2018 — another new

record. “We want to thank our loyal customers who’ve made it possible for Alpine Bank to give back more than ever before,” said Alpine Bank chief digital officer Andrew Karow. “The Loyalty Card program has been a tremendous success enabling Alpine Bank and our customers to support our communities in an unparalleled fashion.”

Black Hills Energy requests rate review Black Hills Energy has submitted a regulatory rate review proposal to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consolidate the rates, tariffs and services of its existing gas territories in Colorado. The rate review also proposes to recover investments in safety, reliability and system integrity for natural gas service to its 186,000 Colorado customers. Over the past year, Black Hills Energy embarked on a comprehensive review of the various policies and services of the utility systems that were acquired by the company over the years to determine the best practices that should be adopted for the benefit of all Colorado gas customers. Additionally, with this filing the company is proposing to consolidate its three existing base rate areas, and consolidate its seven

existing Gas Cost Adjustment (GCA) areas into three GCA regions. These efforts will streamline the customer experience, as Black Hills Energy delivers the consistent and efficient experience that our customers count on. Year over year, Black Hills Energy consistently invests in replacing, upgrading and maintaining the more than 6,800 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines in Colorado — critical infrastructure required to meet system growth needs and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to customers’ homes and businesses. These investments have improved safety and reliability by replacing aging infrastructure, while meeting compliance requirements of state and federal regulations. Additionally, these investments sup-

port the local economy, people and businesses of the communities served. “Black Hills Energy is committed to being the energy partner of choice for our Colorado communities and customers — a commitment we’ve demonstrated through investments in our infrastructure and in our communities,” said Susan Bailey, vice president of natural gas operations for Black Hills Energy in Colorado. “By aligning our policies and services across all of Colorado, we will be able to provide an even higher level of service and reliability to our natural gas customers.” As proposed, some residential customer bills will decrease, while others will increase slightly, as various rates are consolidated. The increase for commercial customers will vary, based on rate class, load factors and total usage. The rate

review does not affect the cost of the natural gas delivered by Black Hills Energy. The natural gas commodity cost is a direct pass-through to customers, meaning there is no mark-up or profit. “The proposed change in our service rates will enable us to continue our investments in people and infrastructure, meet the needs of a growing system, and continue our commitment to reliability and safety that our customers have come to expect,” Bailey said. If approved, the new natural gas service delivery rates would take effect late 2019 for Black Hills’ natural gas customers in over 100 Colorado communities. Customers who would like information about saving energy, or bill payment assistance, should call Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 or visit www.bhesavemoney.com.

NORTH FORK February 6, 2019

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Summit gives students opportunity to ‘take ownership’ of their education BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

What can Delta County schools do to better prepare students for the future? What classes, programs and activities would students like to change or add to their educational options? What can schools do to help all students feel valued and have self-worth? What gets students excited to go to school? These were just some of the more than 15 questions put before Paonia and Hotchkiss junior and senior high school students at the annual Student Summit. Hosted last Wednesday by the Paonia Junior-Senior High School student government, the summit gives students in grades 7-12 an opportunity to voice their opinions on a number of topics. They also provide district and school administration an opportunity to listen and learn from their students. “I think it’s important that we all hear from you, and that we all take ownership in our education,” district superintendent Caryn Gibson told the roughly 50 students participating in the summit. “This is your education.” Delta County School District 50J administration began holding summits in all of its communities about five years ago as a way to hear what students have to say on a variety of issues related to education, community, and life in general: student relations with fellow students and school staff, what makes a community great, life beyond

high school, and what students would want to see in their schools and communities should they return to the area as adults. District and school administrators, board members, and long-time educators attended the summit, not to participate, but to listen. Participating students are all play a role in student government. So that the entire student body is represented in the comments, student leaders posed questions to other students ahead of the summit. Their comments, said student moderator and PHS junior class treasurer, Katya Schwieterman, are reflected in the responses. Following a series of “icebreaker exercises,” students break into five groups, each attending five stations to discuss specific questions and to participate in student-facilitated group discussions. They can also share their thoughts on sticky notes, which are posted for others to read. After rotating through the stations, facilitators give a brief summary of the responses. On what classes or programs students would like to change or add, sophomore Lauryn Kiefer said students want a class that teaches basic skills needed after graduation, like changing oil in a car, cooking and cleaning, balancing a checkbook and preparing income taxes. On students’ favorite method of learning, group discussion and outdoor learning were mentioned, but the most preferred method, “By a long shot,” was hands-on learn-

Photo by Tamie Meck

While Simon Cox videos, Paonia junior class president Sophia Cox facilitates a discussion group at the 2019 Paonia/Hotchkiss junior-senior high school Student Summit. The annual summits are intended to give students a voice and take ownership in their education. ing “to engage students in a learning environment,” said junior Sophia Cox. On how to give students a feeling of value and selfworth, “students need a positive environment,” said Cox. “Adults can contribute in many ways, including focusing on positive things students do rather than focusing on the negative.” On what students are proud of in their school and community, “A lot of people said they are very proud of their open relationships with their teachers,” said senior Taralee Mautz. “There’s a very one-on-one connection with teachers.” Students also take pride in getting along with other students, in the many

academic programs available, and their athletics programs, “because it shows their school spirit” and brings the student body together. On small acts students and staff can perform to make school a better place, Hotchkiss students want a new gym floor to replace their worn-out, uneven floor, while Paonia wants a track, said Mautz. “I know those aren’t exactly small acts, but those are things that could make our schools a better place.” On what gets students excited to come to school, “They like that social aspects of seeing their friends and knowing they can go and talk to people and have relationships with their teachers that they couldn’t

have in a bigger school,” said senior Jade Ellenberger. For the first time in summit history, students recorded the summit and will produce a video for presentation to the Delta County School District 50J school board and the community. “Your voice is very, very important,” said Gibson. And the district is listening. “Due to these conversations,” last year the district incorporated life skills in some of the schools and made improvements at some of the facilities. Moving forward, said Gibson, a track for PHS and a new gym floor at HHS “are some of the things the district will be looking at.” STUDENT SUMMIT TO B2

Newcomers, old timers gather to celebrate BY ROBBIE WINNE Contributing Writer

Fifty Crawford residents, volunteers, and business owners met over an abundant potluck spread at Crawford’s Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 2. This yearly event is organized by the Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize noteworthy citizens who contribute to Crawford and Delta County at large. The gathering brings long-

Photo by Robbie Winne

Marilyn Tate accepts the Nonproﬁt of the Year award from Crawford Chamber president Collenette Vervloet on behalf of the Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society.

time residents and new arrivals together to acknowledge their close-knit community. The chamber bestows awards to local businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers. Collenette Vervloet, president of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce, opened the meeting with a plea for volunteers for the upcoming Pioneer Days. She provided a list with a number of specific duties required to attend to the details that make Pioneer Days possible. She stressed that, although the list is long, many of the jobs do not require long hours of commitment. She encouraged any and all takers to help realize the event. She also noted that donations were needed to supply fireworks for the weekend. Vervloet also mentioned the drive by the Crawford Fire Auxiliary to provide a swamp cooler for Town Hall by summer. The Friends of Crawford Town Hall is offering commemorative plaques for sale to past students to be displayed in the historical classroom in the Town Hall. The chamber awarded a plaque for Non-profit of the year to the Hotchkiss/ Crawford Historical Society, which first took up shop in the basement of Memorial Hall

in 1975. After several moves through the years, the Historical Society took root in the community and in May 2005 they celebrated a grand opening in their current location in Hotchkiss. Vervloet provided background on Chuck Farmer, who served as president of the society’s board for 10 years, starting in 2008. He passed away on Nov. 3, 2018, and his commitment, abilities, and many contributions were memorialized by Vervloet. Kathy McKee supplied a wealth of information on the Historical Society, which Vervloet has posted on the Crawford Area Chamber’s website for those who would like more information on its inception and development here in the Valley. Marilyn Tate accepted the award on behalf of all members of the Hotchkiss/Crawford Historical Society. The Business of the Year award went to Joe and Janet Gregson and their daughter, Nicole Reasoner. The family owns and operates Wild Country Keepsakes in Crawford. Joe and Janet chanced upon Crawford in June 2013 and have made their home and livelihood here since their retirement. Nicole joined

Photo by Robbie Winne

Janet Gregson and Nicole Reasoner with Wild Country Keepsakes accept the Business of the Year award from Collenette Vervloet during the Old-timer’s, Newcomer’s Potluck in Crawford on Saturday, Feb. 2. them in November 2015, at which time they opened their business. As well as offering gifts and souvenirs, Wild Country Keepsakes operates a photography studio on the premises. Nicole accepted the plaque from Vervloet. Sandy Johnson received the Volunteer of the Year award. Johnson is active on all fronts of the community. She has a 30-year background in the health care field and she works for People Care

in Delta. Vervloet described her as possessing “a servant’s heart” and listed her many roles in Crawford as the person one called upon when requiring aid of any sort; be it medical, personal, or social. Johnson even provides designated driver services when needed. The field for the Old Timer Award of 2018 was a crowded one, so the board decided to draw lots to recognize the winner. The requirement was that the recipient boasted a CRAWFORD AWARDS TO B2

Photo by Robbie Winne

West Elks sunrise

Early morning sun hits the cloud-capped West Elks above the North Fork Valley Saturday morning.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Crawford native Bud Vandenberg receives a hug from chamber president Collenette Vervloet after winning the Old Timers Award. He was one of several folks in attendance born between 1930 and 1936, and a drawing was used to select this year’s award recipient.

B2 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

��

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

��

Student summit FROM PAGE B1 Comments are also considered beyond the school district. The results of last year’s summits were incorporated into updating the 2018 Delta County Master Plan. County staff worked directly with the district to engage students in the process, said Delta County community and economic director Elyse Casselberry. In writing the master plan, “We’re thinking 20 years in the future and what should we be doing today so that in 20 years our county continues to be a great place.” The school district, Delta County, and student advisory groups worked together to form the questions, ensuring that they encompassed both school and community. “You can see throughout the document the places where the ideas that you came up with are reflected.” This year, the county is working on a project to update its land use regulations. Again, student comments will be considered, said Casselberry. In commenting about the need for prosperity for the future, new jobs, a desire for better connections throughout the communities, “You guys basically become the youth voice” in that process. As the summit came to a close, everyone was given an opportunity to respond to a two-part question in an open forum: Over a lifetime, workers can expect to

Are you sick and tired of your New Year’s diet of low calorie, low fat, low taste food? It’s time for a “decadent” evening of wine and chocolate at the Creamery Arts Center’s annual Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate fundraiser. The fundraiser runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. New this year is a chocolate buffet with all the chocolate you can eat for just $5. Door prizes are included. Of course bring your sweetheart! Kids are welcome too.

2019

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

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

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

Cedaredge Civic Center March 15th Cedaredge 6:30 am - 10:00 am

REMEMBER TO ... Take your meds

12 Hour Fast Required for blood work CASH or CHECK ONLY

if not smarter than you. I think what really separates us is work ethic.” “Whether it’s academics or athletics, I’ve learned how to become more self-aware of my strengths and weaknesses.” “It’s all self-awareness. Who do you want to be? Be aware of who you, yourself, are creating and what you’re going to create for everyone else.” “You can’t become a millionaire with minimum-wage worth ethic ... You’ve got to really work for it if you want something. It’s there, but you have to put your best foot forward.” “You learn how to work as a team on your projects ... You learn how to manage your time to get those things done.” Teachers “not only teach you what you need to learn to continue on in life, but they show you the kind of person you want to be, or in bad moments, the kind of person you don’t want to be.” “Thank you all for sharing your ideas,” said Schwieterman. “Because, you know, we are the young generation. It’s undeniable. We are the ones who are going to take the world by storm the next time.”

Photo by Robbie Winne

Doug Gallob and Judy Elliott shared newcomer honors with John Realph. They received copies of the Black Mesa Catle Women Vintage Cookbook.

Crawford awards FROM PAGE B1 to receive the award. The lucky winner was Bud Vandenberg, a lifetime native of Crawford. He received a copy of the vintage cookbook compiled and published by Christy Hawk and Marlyse Cunningham of the Black Mesa Cattlewomen Organization. There was a close tie between two new arrivals to Crawford. After some discussion, dual awards went to John Realph, who moved from Missouri in October, and to Doug Gallob and Judy Elliott, a couple who arrived from Denver in June. The prizes were two copies of the vintage cookbooks. These painstakingly researched cookbooks contain local history, historical photos, as well as recipes from the kitchens of Crawford residents. There was a raffle for a copy of the cookbook at the end of the awards presentation. To complete the gathering each attendee contributed a comment on their history with Crawford and their appreciation for the bonds, benefits, and

pleasures of living in Crawford. The new officers for the Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce were introduced. Serving as president is Collenette Vervloet, with Lasca Hix, vice president; Kristina Cleary, treasurer; and Lynne Watkins, secretary. Serving on the board are Cally Gallegos, Luke Finley, Jessica Hart, Cathy Cheatham, Leigh Ann Hoyt, Nicole Reasoner and Misty Hess.

Photo by Robbie Winne

Sandy Johnson was named Volunteer of the Year.

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

Bill Heddles Recreation Center March 14th Delta 6:30 am - 11:00 am

Drink Lots of Water

experience many kinds of jobs, tasks and responsibilities. How has your education prepared you for this challenge? And is there anything you haven’t had an opportunity to share today that you are proud or happy about? Among the responses: “When we do go out into the real world we are as best prepared to take the direction that we want to take, but also to be able to deal with anything unexpected that is thrown at us.” “A lot of kids who graduate after taking AP (Advanced Placement) classes say that college is a lot easier and classes seem so much easier. Even if you’re not going to college, AP classes teach many valuable lessons.” School teaches the basics, “But I think, most importantly, school teaches you life lessons and things that are going to apply to the job: time management, how to deal with stress, how to deal with waking up and being at school at 8 in the morning and staying here all day. I think that’s what we should really be taking out of high school.” “Everyone in college is going to be as smart as,

Wine and chocolate fundraiser planned

DELTA COUNTY HEALTH FAIR

EARLY BLOOD DRAWS

Delta County Independent

**we cannot bill your insurance**

STARTING JANUARY 7TH Find the Health Fair logo at

deltahospital.org

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

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

If you are having trouble registering online call

Western Health Screening 1.800.410.3225

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

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

Photo submitted

Contest winners

The winners of the Friends of the Paonia Library holiday coloring contest claimed their book prizes at the library on Thursday, Jan. 24. From left, Colin Pizey for the 6-9 age group, Brailee Carney for the 0-5 age group, and Jenny Emmons for the 13+ age group. Aniya Evans won the 10-12 age group but was not able to be present for photo. Each winner received a $25 gift certiﬁcate for a book or book set.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Edesia passes six-month special use permit review BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In the six months since being issued special use permits by the Town of Paonia, only one complaint against Edesia Community Kitchen was received by the town. Following numerous public discussions and a public hearing that stretched into two board meetings, last summer the board approved special use permits for Edesia for fabrication and manufacturing of prepared and packaged food, fruit and produce processing, public/private schools, and use as a restaurant. Because the uses were not permitted by right under town zoning laws, a hearing and permits were required in order for Edesia to continue its operations. Both a restaurant and special events permits were required to allow Edesia to host evening dinner fundraisers. To satisfy complaints by several neighbors, limits were set on traffic, noise, odors, outdoor smoking, signage, handicap access, parking, lighting and dust mitigation. In approving the special use permits, the board of trustees held

a requisite six-month compliance review at the Jan. 22 board meeting. With the exception of Edesia’s closest neighbors, no complaints were received prior to scheduling the compliance review, said town administrator Ken Knight. Once the review was announced, the town received a letter from Carol Viner with Masters & Viner, P.C. in Montrose on behalf of clients John Cowell and Callie West, whose home is located adjacent to Edesia. The letter accused owner Mary George of “a lack of compliance as to most of the conditions and limitations of use set by the Trustees.” With the exception of placing a shield on a motion-sensitive light located on the corner nearest the neighbors, which George said she’s willing to shield to direct the light downward, “There’s a lot of things here that are not in our control that they’re asking us to do, that is not our responsibility,” said George. She said she’s happy to meet with town staff and administrator Ken Knight to review the list of complaints. “But a

Staff Writer

A recently passed ordinance, an MOU, and recent upgrades to Town Hall could combine to allow the Town of Paonia to make recordings of its meetings of the board of trustees and other public meetings available to the public. With an investment in technology, in the future, meetings may even be broadcast live. In December, trustees adopted an ordinance granting DMEA Utility Services, LLC. (Elevate) a cable television franchise to deliver video and other programming service within town limits. At the Jan. 22 meeting, the town entered into a memorandum of understanding wherein, DMEA agrees to provide the town with a dedicated television channel for public, educational and government (PEG) access. The move allows the

Students of the Month

North Fork Ambulance Association to hold annual meeting Feb. 21 The North Fork Ambulance Association (NFAA) will hold its annual meeting Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held

Paonia police issue citation for fireworks BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photo submitted

Explore the Arctic

As a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, Delta High School science teacher Ben Graves was invited to be part of an Arctic expedition to Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Islands. Throughout this voyage, he enjoyed exciting moments with polar bears, narwhals and walruses and experienced ﬁrsthand the dramatically changing landscape of the Arctic. Upon returning, his goal is to share this experience with his students and community here in western Colorado. Despite being thousands of miles away, we have a profound connection to the Arctic. Come hear a unique perspective about the rapidly changing Arctic through stories, videos and pictures and discuss the stewardship actions we can take. Armchair Travel: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland takes place at the Paonia Library Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m.

Photo submitted

On Jan. 28, the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge recognized two outstanding students for their achievement in academics, their character and/or sports with a dinner and awards. Pictured are Chuck Sickles, exalted ruler, Jose Pantoja, January Student of Month from Paonia High School, and Kaiya Firor, January Student of Month from Hotchkiss High School.

The second citation was issued Jan. 5 on a report of a trespass at Louie’s Pizza on Grand Avenue. On Jan. 4, officers responded to a report of an auto theft on Alder Drive and shoplifting on Second Street. Thefts were also reported on North Fork Avenue on Jan. 11, and at The Diner, 203 Grand Avenue, on Jan 12; on Jan. 4, officers responded to a report of shoplifting on Second Street.

In the first two weeks of the new year, the Paonia Police Department reports 35 total incidents resulting in four verbal warnings, three written warnings, and two citations. One of the citations was issued the evening of Jan. 1 in the 200 block of Grand Avenue after someone celebrated the town to record and deliv- new year with fireworks. er content, such as board and planning and zoning meetings, to DMEA via an online Cloud service, ZIP disk or other electronic format for airing on the PEG channel. The town would be solely responsible for production of all content, formatting and delivery in the manner it wishes to broadcast. Town attorney Bo Nerlin said that while existing equipment allows the town to record and deliver content for airing, if in the future it decides to live-stream meetings via the access channel, specific equipment would be required. To determine what equipment would be needed and whether PAO N I A or not the town can afford 133 Grand Ave. it, he suggests that the town communicate with Paonia, CO 81428 DMEA, or with the City (970) 527-4141 of Montrose. “They are looking to live-stream video content, so they’ll be looking at the equipment,” said Nerlin.

Paonia council investigating live-streaming BY TAMIE MECK

lot of these things we’ve already done.” In addressing parking on Clark Avenue, a narrow section of street with no shoulder or designated parking spots, George said all Edesia customers are asked to not park on the street. She suggested that the cars parked on Clark that resulted in the complaint are associated with the adjacent Silver Leaf housing project. “It is not our job to police parking on a public street,” said George. “We cannot control who parks on Clark Avenue.” “I think that my clients would be willing to sit down and discuss these issues” with the town administrator or a mediator, said Viner. Trustees voted to have town staff to meet with both parties to review permit requirements, and to report to the board of trustees by the Feb. 26 meeting.

at 110 East Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss and is open to the public. There will be a state of the association address, annual financials will be presented, and an election will be held for four board seats. Refreshments will be served and a regular business meeting will follow. Providing ambulance service in the valley since 1969, the NFAA is a 501c3 nonprofit, private corporation. Things will be changing for the NFAA, now in its 50th year, as last fall local voters approved the formation of a special district for ambulance service in the North Fork valley and surrounding area. NFAA will continue to provide ambulance service for the first six months of this year while

the newly formed special district, North Fork EMS, gets everything in place to take over ambulance service around July 1. The NFAA will continue to exist for the support of emergency medical services in the North Fork Valley. The NFAA nonprofit board meets every second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 110 East Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss and all meetings are open to the public. The North Fork EMS board meets every second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 110 East Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss and all meetings are open to the public. For further information or questions, please call the office at 970-8724303.

� � � � � � � � � � ��

D E LTA 150 Gunnison River Dr. Delta, CO 81416 (970) 874-0100

B4 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Land trust conserves 2,400+ acres Partnerships with two families preserve ranch land, habitat, open space

��

Colorado West Land Trust ended 2018 on a high note. During the last week of the year, the Land Trust completed conservation projects totaling 2,427 acres in Delta and Mesa counties. These properties represent some of the region’s finest ranch land and wildlife habitat. On Dec. 27, Jeremy and Candice Fouts conserved their 1,707-acre ranch in Delta County. “We [originally] bought this property to make a deliberate lifestyle change and to do something together as a family,” Jeremy explains. “I learned a lot of life skills growing up on a farm — how to treat others, how to respect the land and wildlife. It made me realize that living in a gated subdivision would be a harder place for me to pass on those values to my boys.” The Fouts Ranch seems an ideal location for Jeremy and Candice to pass on their work ethic and love of the outdoors with their two sons, ages 9 and 11. They have over 200 red angus cattle, and work closely with Ashley Jackson-Baillie from the Montrose Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to make their land as productive as possible, both for their livestock and the surrounding wildlife. “Anything you’d be

Photo submitted

Jeremy and Candice Fouts are committed to passing on their work ethic and love of the outdoors to their two sons, ages 9 and 11.

the Aubert-Hawks family — builds on over 20 years of landscape-scale conservation by the Land Trust in this important region. To date, the organization has conserved over 43,000 acres on Glade Park in partnership with various private landowners. The conserved portion of the ranch adjoins the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area and the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and is near the Colorado National Monument. It is one of the last remaining intact ranches on the northern end of Glade Park. The Twenty-Eight Hole Ranch was acquired by the Aubert family in the mid-1950’s. Today, Chele and Dave Hawks steward the land as part of their ranching operation. For the Hawks family, conservation of the property not only benefits their cattle, but also serves as an important connection for wildlife in the area — deer and elk migrate down from Pinyon Mesa during the winter and desert big horn sheep depend on the water from Mee Canyon, which runs out from the conserved ranch. The property also lies near Gunnison sage grouse habitat, and the properties’ cliffs provide nesting habitat for local ravens, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles. The Aubert-Hawks conservation work was made possible through Photo submitted funding from the ColoThe Fouts raise red angus cattle on their 1,707-acre rado Parks and Wildlife ranch in Delta County. looking for in a property, it has to offer. There are two creeks with phenomenal trout fishing, scrub oak from around 7,500 to 9,800 feet in elevation, 400 acres of aspens, and beautiful bottom land with over 450 acres of irrigated land that we can use for hay crops and to provide wintering ground for game.” Further, their property adjoins BLM and national forest land, which provides forage, cover, breeding grounds, and migration corridors for a diversity of wildlife, including many big game species. Another property conserved in late December — 720 acres of the historic Twenty-Eight Hole Ranch on Glade Park, in Mesa County, owned by

(CPW) and the Gates Family Foundation. “As development continues it’s never ending march and whittles away at ranches and open space, it is a great source of satisfaction to know that whatever the future might bring, this property will exist as it does today,” says Dave Hawks. “We are thrilled to work with the AubertHawks and Fouts families to preserve the wonderful ranching heritage that adds to our region’s economy and quality of life,” said Rob Bleiberg, CWLT executive director. “The wildlife habitat and open space that these lands provide will benefit western Colorado for generations to come.” Colorado West Land Trust is a collaboration of the Mesa Land Trust and the Black Canyon Regional Land Trust. CWLT, a private, charitable nonprofit organization, stewards over 123,000 acres across six western Colorado counties (Delta, Gunnison, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel). Its mission is to protect and enhance agricultural land, wildlife habitat and scenic lands in western Colorado to benefit the community at large, enrich lives, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and ensure our connection to land for generations to come. To learn more about CWLT’s work, visit https://cowestlandtrust. org/.

Photo by Julia Brown

Armchair travel

Armchair Travel at Paonia Library. Julia Brown will present “Bi-Polar Travels: Images of Antarctica and the Norwegian Arctic” for the Feb. 19 Armchair Travel program. Polar bears, walrus and penguins. Six thousand feet of ice. Orca and humpback whales. Giant albatross and leopard seals. Take an armchair journey with photographer Julia Brown to both the northern and southern polar regions, focusing on the Antarctic Peninsula 600 miles south of the southern tip of South America and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at 78 degrees latitude north of Norway. Brown is a retired geologist now focusing on wildlife, conservation, and nature photography in the polar regions. Her images are informative, fun, and inspire contemplation. She loves telling stories and answering questions about her travels, encounters with polar bears, penguins, seals and whales. Most of all she loves immersing people in images and understandings of the extreme icy ends of the Earth. At Paonia Library on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS February 6, 2019

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Weekend wins huge for Delta basketball teams BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

As the race for team titles nears the end of a competitive season, Delta’s Panthers find themselves in place to claim 3A WSL hoops titles for the 2018-19 season. Delta’s girls and boys are currently sitting on top of their respective divisions with just four games remaining, including three of four conference tilts on the schedule. This Thursday’s (Feb. 7) is a non-conference matchup with 5A/4A Southwestern League

member Central, which is 1-4 in league play and 6-12 overall (girls) and 23 and 5-13 (boys). Both Delta teams, however, have more than a passing interest in keeping winning streaks alive. The girls have a 10game winning streak on the line after losing theironly game of the year to Centauri, 53-43, on Dec. 12, 2018. Delta’s boys are on a mini-streak of three wins following a recent loss to Palisade, 50-34, on Jan. 22. Delta’s girls are 6-0 in league play and 14-1

Photo by Wayne Crick

Keely Porter (23) wound her way between Cedaredge players Aspen Furubotten (25) and Courtney Freeman on her way to the basket Jan. 29. Delta won the game with a 52-24 score.

overall. There’s a lot at risk for the Panthers after regaining the top spot in RPI rankings ahead of Colorado Springs Christian. The Panther boys have the state’s 12thplace RPI rating, with Coal Ridge still clinging to an eighth-place standing (even though Delta defeated it, 62-55, three weeks ago). Delta’s girls reached their lofty perch in the RPI rankings after defeating a pair of top ranked 3A WSL, and state teams Delta played in Cedaredge (Jan. 29) and traveled to Craig to face Moffat County’s Bulldogs on Friday to break a tie for the league’s top spot. Cedaredge is fifth in league play and is 11th in 3A RPI poles. The Bulldogs are in second place (6-1 and 12-4) with a 10th place standing in 3A and 15th in the RPI poles. Delta’s boys are 6-0 in league play and 11-4 overall with a 12th place ranking in the RPI poll and 15 in 3A standings. The one team with distinct potential to derail the Panthers ride toward post-season play is second place Gunnison (6-1 and 13-3). That contest is schedule for Feb. 14 in Delta. Delta Girls Delta 52, Bruins 24 The short trip to Cedaredge wasn’t a heartbreak ride it has been in the past for Delta. In previous seasons, the Bruins have owned Delta. That trend was reversed this season with Delta winning the two times the teams have played this

season. Last week’s 52-24 win for Delta was a dominant effort for the Panthers on both ends of the floor. Delta’s defense limited the Bruins to 14 points in the first half and shut out Cedaredge’s offense in the third quarter in a 15-0 run for the Panthers. Cedaredge senior Courtney Freeman led the Bruins’ offense with eight points, including a five-for-six night at the free throw line. Senior Hannah Gardner finished with six points for Cedaredge. Sophomore Keely Porter had a six-for-seven night at the charity stripe and finished with 15 points to lead Delta’s offense. Sophomore Alexa Huff was next with 12 points and senior Missa Webb had 11 for the Panthers. Delta 49, Bulldogs 43 Tension was high at tipoff time as the two top 3A WSL teams battled for the league title. Both teams were unbeaten in league play coming into last Friday’s game in Craig. Delta headed into the second quarter with a 109 lead. That security of any kind of a lead soon vanished with the physical style of play favoring the homestanding Bulldogs. Moffat County used the offense of Kinlie Brennise’s nine points to grind out a 17-10 advantage and a 26-20 halftime lead. Junior Sara Geddes dropped in five points for the Panthers to keep DELTA HOOPS TO B6

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Alexus Fausto rises to shoot a layup against Moffat County last Friday night in Craig. The Panthers stayed ahead of the rest of the 3A WSL title-hopefuls with a 67-29 victory and remains a game ahead of second place Gunnison.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta sophomore Alexa Huff (25) drew a crowd when the ball was knocked from her hands during game action against Moffat County’s Bulldogs last Friday night. The Panthers gained sole possession of ﬁrst place in the 3A WSL with a 49-43 win.

Bulldogs place 10, finish 2nd at Valley Classic tournament BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss placed 10 wrestlers and scored 169 points to place second at the 22-team Valley Classic wrestling tournament at Center High School. Piedra Vista High School (Farmington, N.M.) won the Valley Classic crown with 181 points. Bulldogs Landen Mayberry (113), Presley Pene (126), Sergio Campos (132) and Jace Peebles (160), all won silver at Center. At 113 pounds, Mayberry was seeded sixth and placed second, advancing to the first-place match on a semifinal, 8-6 win over Swink. In the championship round, Mayberry lost by fall (1:55) to Michael Atencio (26-0) of Rye, ranked first in Class

2A by On the Mat. Pene placed second on a 3-2 decision over Centauri, and Campos (15-3) won silver on a 9-3 decision to Monte Vista’s Tyler Vigil (33-5). Jace Peebles was seeded second and lost by fall (1:16) to No. 1 seed Jace Logan of Soroco (27-1). Traycer Hall (138, 16-5) placed third on a 4-2 decision over Justin Antonio Delgado of Piedra Vista High. Heavyweight Christian Matus (18-10) placed fourth on fall 1:35 to Levi Peterson of Paonia. Robert Cochran (120, 8-4) JD Miller (145 18-15), Teagan Sommer (195, 11-17) and Ethan Guy (160, 1014) placed fifth. HHS 56, CCHS 16 At last Friday’s Center Duals, Hotchkiss was 20. In its win over Crow-

ley County, Campos won by fall (1:35) over JoAllen Baker, Hall won by fall (4:40) over Tanner Howells, Guy won by fall (1:31) over Zach Auchterlonie, and Cochran won by fall (1:20) over Isaiah Camacho. Peebles won by a 15-5 major decision over Jorge Valdez, and Pene won by a 9-0 MD over Tach Brewer. Sommer, Anthony Scanlon (106, 12-19), and Mayberry won their matches by forfeit. HHS 42, CHS 30 In Hotchkiss’ win over Centauri, all of the matches wrestled were won by pin. Peebles, Sommer, Mayberry Cochran, Pene and Campos all won at their respective weights, and Hotchkiss and Centauri each won a match by forfeit.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia 152-pounder Carlos Lozano controls his Rangely opponent in the championship round at last week’s Screaming Eagle tournament at Paonia High School. At the Valley Classic at Center High School Saturday, Lozano was seeded sixth and placed second. The Eagles ﬁnished sixth out of 22 teams.

Eagles 6th at Valley Classic; 2-0 in Center BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss junior JD Miller scores back points in a dual win against Norwood on Jan. 25. Miller was one of the 10 Hotchkiss wrestlers to place at the Valley Classic Saturday at Center High School. The Bulldogs placed second out of 22 teams.

The Paonia Eagles scored 87.5 points to finish sixth at the 22-team Valley Classic at Center High School. In a rematch of the 138-pound championship match at the Jan. 25 Screaming Eagle tournament in Paonia, Sackett Chesnik (24-7) placed second to No. 1 Wesley VanMatre on a 5-3 decision. VanMatre and Chesnik are one and two in 2A On the Mat rankings. Heavyweight Levi Peterson placed third on fall (1:35) over Christian Matus of Hotchkiss.

In the semifinal match, Peterson lost by fall (3:01) to 3A Salida’s Juan Doyle (20-7). Carlos Lozano (170, 17-9) was seeded sixth and placed second on a 12-3 major decision to top-seeded Adam Schulz (23-2) of Crowley County. Reagan Todd (113, 1713) was seeded eighth and placed fourth, and Austyn Norris (220, 1216) placed fifth. Eagles 39, Pirates 23 In their dual win over Monte Vista, Reagan Todd won by fall (3:59) over Nathaniel Juarez, Ethan White won by fall (1:13) over Zeb Sandoval,

Zeb Etter pinned Zach Hindes in 0:24 for the win, and Lozano followed with a pin (1:17) over Jason Ross. In the only decision of the tournament, Chesnik won by a 5-1 decision over Tyler Vigil. Anthony Felice, Austyn Norris and Peterson won by forfeit. Paonia 36, Centauri 32 Against Centauri, Todd won by fall (2:37) over Andrew Ross, Chesnik won by fall (1:35) over Jordon Martin, Norris won by fall (1:07) over Jownes Archuleta, and Peterson won by fall (2:34) over Remi Lucero. Felice won by forfeit.

B6 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Bruins fourth at Butch Melton meet BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Cedaredge Bruins won two titles and scored 100 points to place fourth at the 14-team Butch Melton Memorial Invitational at Ignacio High School. Aztec, N.M. won the tournament crown with 209 points. Junior Sean Dale (132,

25-2) won gold on a 43 decision over Garrett Birzer of Aztec, N.M. (338). Also going undefeated, Taj Van der Linde (28-5) won all four matches by fall, ending the tournament on a fall (4:00) over 28-3 Daniel Westbrook of 3A Bayfield. Heavyweight Derek Sanchez (29-8) placed

��

ACCURATE TAX

& ACCOUNTING SERVICE ��

��

second. Sanchez won four of his five matches by fall in a total mat time of two minutes. His only loss was by fall (1:06) in round four to Dante Norberto of Farmington, N.M. Austin Crawford (152, 18-15) was seeded eighth placed third, Ty Walck (138) and Toby Waddell (170) placed fourth Wrestling at 106, Lane Husnberger (23-14) was seeded ninth and placed fifth. Adrian Nieto (126, 12-10) and Brian Hoerr (145, 10-15) placed fifth, and AJ Robidoux (138) placed sixth Cedaredge won 22 matches by pin. The tournament was wrestled under scramble and round robin bracket formats. At Friday’s Center Duals, Cedaredge lost to Aztec, N.M., 57-18. Lucas Hoerr (113) and Van der Linde won matches by fall, and Sanchez won by forfeit.

Photo by Joel Priest-Southern Ute Drum

Cedaredge 152-pounder Austin Crawford thinks about cradling 2A Mancos’ Colt Fury this past Saturday at 2A Ignacio’s Butch Melton Memorial Invitational. Able to edge Fury 5-4, Crawford would ultimately place third at the weight via a later 9-0 win over 4A Aztec, N.M., ‘B’ entrant Hunter Riddick.

Bruins split hoops games in Coal Ridge game points in the second quarter to help the Bruins outscore Coal Ridge Cedaredge High 14-11 in the period. School’s basketball teams Cedaredge could not were in New Castle last pull away in the second weekend for 3A WSL half but played evenly play. The Bruin girls with the Titans to win eased their way to a fourthe half, 32-27, and make the final score 58-49. Senior Courtney Freeman limbered up her shooting arm and zeroed in for 18 points to lead the Bruins and Titans in scoring. Freeman hit four 3-pointers in the game of 3:04, including a 28and went six-for-six at second pin over Riverdale the foul line in the fourth Ridge and 36-second pin quarter on her way to the over Weld Central. 18 point night. Sophomore Jeffrey Griffith (160, Kammie Henderson, back 21-14) was seeded eighth from a bout with monoand placed fifth. nucleosis, chipped in 15 points to help bolster the Bruin offense and ignited Cedaredge’s win. Taylor Wiescamp scored 16 points for Coal Ridge and Alyssa Wenzel finished with nine. Cedaredge Boys Titans 70, Bruins 35 Coal Ridge (3-3 and 123) was fighting to stay in the hunt for post-season play and demonstrated that ambition with a 3719 first half against the Bruins. The Titans used more stout defense and a 3316 second half to race past Cedaredge, 70-35, when the final buzzer had sounded. Sophomores Colby Rupp and Conner Brooks led Cedaredge’s offense with nine points each with Jacob Brown chipping in six points and senior Jared Reynolds adding six more points along with his three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Senior Owen Craig contributed five rebounds and sophomore Alex Barron had five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Coal Ridge’s Austin Gerber tossed in 29 points to lead the Titan’s offense Photo by Wayne Crick with Kevin DiMarco addCedaredge’s Conner Brooks gains an advantage to ing another 10 in a losing drive past Delta’s Jonathan Robinson last week. cause.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Panthers place CRANE CERTIFICATION CLASS 4 in wrestling ��

��

BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Delta placed wrestlers at four weights and scored 79 points to finish 10th out of 16 teams Saturday at the Valley Viking Invitational. Senior Aiden Barrios (170, 30-7) took home silver on a 4-2 loss to Ty Garnhart (27-4) of Eaton. Barrios is ranked fourth by On the Mat, and Garnhart is ranked second. Senior Gauge Lockhard (195, 28-9) placed fourth and Ben Koch (126, 31-10) placed fifth. Koch pinned three opponents in a total mat time

point lead at halftime and had enough offense in the second half to score a 58-49 win to move to 32 in the 3A WSL and 11-4 overall. Coal Ridge slipped to 3-3 and 9-6 following the conference loss to the Bruins. In boys action the Bruins stumbled with a poor offensive effort to fall, 7035, to the Titans. Cedaredge Girls Bruins 58, Titans 49 Cedaredge and Coal Ridge were nip and tuck through the first quarter with the Bruins coming away with a 12-11 lead. Junior Makayla Kehmeier scored six of her 11

Delta hoops

��

CONTINUED FROM B5 them within striking distance. Halftime benefitted Delta more than the Bulldogs with a third quarter 22-point barrage giving the Panthers a 42-35 lead that Moffat County could not recover from. Kinlie Brennise scored 14 points for the Bulldogs and was the game’s leading scorer. Geddes’ 12 points paced Delta’s offense with Porter adding another nine counters, Webb eight and Marcy Schaal with seven. Delta Boys Delta 74, Bruins 34 The Panthers’ run to a league title began in Cedaredge last week. A 22-4 first quarter saw six Delta players record at least two points in the offensive surge. Junior Felipe Bedoy came off the bench to score a pair of 3-point goals to lead the way in the first quarter. Senior Rowyn Carmichael scored four points in the second quarter to lead the Panthers in a 17-11 run and a 39-15

halftime lead. A pair of treys from senior John Ames ignited a 23-point explosion for the Panthers in the third quarter and Delta’s defense held the Bruins to 12 points in the period. Junior Nathan Workman’s six points sparked a 12-7 final quarter and a final score of 74-34. Senior Kyle Mock spread 11 points over four quarters to lead Delta’s offense with teammates Ames and Workman finishing with nine points each. Junior Hunter Hughes, and seniors Jonathan Robinson and Joe Bules scored eight points each in the win. Cedaredge sophomore Jacob Brown scored 13 points to lead the Bruins with senior teammate Jared Reynolds finishing the night with 11 counters. Delta 67, Bulldogs 29 This 3A WSL contest was key for Delta and the Panthers delivered a dominating 67-29 victory to remain in control of

the WSL. Delta’s 15-5 first quarter set the tone for success. After a 21-5 second quarter there was little doubt as to which team was in control. The Panther’s lead grew in the third quarter following a 20-10 run that pushed the score to 56-20 and a running clock for the remainder of the game. All but one player contributed to Delta’s win with at least three points. Senior Andrew Baier had 12 points to lead all scorers in the game with Workman adding 10 points and Hughes nine. Moffat County’s leading scorer was Jerod Chacon with three 3-point goals and nine points. Delta is in Aspen (0-5 and 3-11) this Saturday, Feb. 9, for girls and boys varsity games at 2:30 and 4 p.m. respectively. Next week’s schedule has the Panthers hosting Olathe (2-4 and 7-9) on Feb. 12 with varsity games tipping off at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Good effort by Eagles in loss to 3A Cardinals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The opponents were taller, had more depth and more upper classmen, and are ranked higher, but the Paonia Eagles gave their guests a good game last Wednesday in their 52-44 loss to Grand Valley. “I was happy with our effort tonight,” said head coach Tim Esgar. “Grand Valley’s a good team.” The Eagles scored 21 points on 3-point shots. David Lozano’s 12 points were scored from outside the arc, Kyle Long scored six of his eight points on threes, and Soul Connolly and Logan Green each contributed a trey. Lozano opened the game with two threepoint goals and Green added another trey to give Paonia a 16-11 lead to end the first period. A strong second period by the Cards left Paonia trailing at halftime, 2422. In the third, Cardinal Wade Weise scored nine to boost the Cards’ lead to seven. The Eagles were running out of steam against a much deeper Grand Valley bench, but still managed to score 13 points down the stretch, matching Grand Valley almost point for point. Photo by Tamie Meck Esgar gave kudos to Eagle Kyle Long scores two of his eight points in Paonia’s eight-point loss to Jose Pantoja for doing 3A Grand Valley. Paonia is fourth in MaxPreps standings. It hosts No.1 Vail “those simple things” that Christian Friday night. kept the Eagles in the

Improvement seen in Eagles girls’ loss to GV BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

A 23-point second half, 13 steals, and the team’s highest field goal percentage of the season resulted in a 41-31 loss for the Paonia girls basketball team last Wednesday to visiting Grand Valley. The 3A Cardinals were 10-3 going into the game, and the 2A Eagles 4-10. To lose by 10 to Grand Valley demonstrates that the team is improving, said head coach Scott Rienks. Paonia lost by 23 points to 3A Coal Ridge (9-5), Grand Valley won by 13 over Coal Ridge. “We’re getting better.” Carly Horn, who was named Paonia’s play-

er of the game, scored a team-high 12 points, all from the three-point line; Poppy Lightfoot scored four goals and nine points. On defense, Lightfoot and sophomore Taneal Mautz each had five rebounds, and sophomore point guard Tawny Roberts had three deflected passes and made four of the team’s 13 steals. The Eagles finished the week with losses to two of the top three teams in 2A/1A WSL standings. On Friday, No. 2 Soroco (14-2, 7-1) defeated Paonia, 57-24. On Saturday, Paonia was outscored by No. 3 North Park (11-3, 6-2), 66-33. With one senior and

three juniors, Paonia anticipated a tough season. Three games remain in regulation play. “Our goal right now is to cut down on mistakes, not to worry as much about the other team as we are worrying about ourselves,” said Rienks. The most important thing is that the team “remains positive and is always working to get better. We have expectations, but our expectations right now are to just shoot for the end of the year.” Paonia hosts Vail Christian (9-7, 4-4) at 5:30 p.m. Friday night, and plays at Rangely (68, 2-4) Saturday afternoon.

game, and to Green for his ball-handling skills and tough defense. “He’s just that consistent guy all the time,” said Esgar. Long also got some extra credit. He’s among several players whose game is improving at the right time, said Esgar. In post-season play, “We’re going to need some depth. But if we play like that going down the road against other 2A teams, I feel pretty good about where we’ll be.” Paonia traveled Friday to North Park (1-13, 0-8) for a 55-27 win. Lozano scored two 3-pointers and

a team-high 15 points in the win. On Saturday Paonia lost to Soroco, 46-43. The Rams (9-7, 6-3) are currently second in 2A District 5 standings, and Paonia is fourth. Soul Connolly scored a teamhigh 11 points and Pantoja scored eight. Lozano, who scored his six points for the game on treys, forced four turnovers on steals. The Eagles host No. 1 Vail Christian at 7 p.m. Friday, and travel to Rangely Saturday to play the 2-12 Panthers in a 2:30 p.m. contest.

- 3rd Annual ICELab Accelerator -

CALL FOR ENTRIES deadline: FEBRUARY 25, 2019

Contact the DCI: Website:

www.deltacounty independent.com

E-mail ads to: ads@deltacounty independent.com

E-mail articles and letters to the editor at:

APPLY NOW: icelab.co/accelerator

editor@deltacounty independent.com

We work all hours of the night so she can have her happily ever after. Together, Tri-State and our family of electric cooperatives power all the moments your life has to offer. We are

www.tristate.coop/together

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia junior Carly Horn shoots one of her four three-pointers in Paonia’s 10point loss to Grand Valley. The loss was closer than expected for the young 2A Eagles.

B8 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge junior Makayla Kehmeier shoots from Photo by Tamie Meck beyond the arc against Gunnison on Jan. 26. The Sophomore Taneal Mautz scores on a three-point Photo by Wayne Crick Bruins defeated the Cowboys in a physical contest jumper in Paonia’s 43-18 loss to De Beque Jan. 23. Senior Jared Reynolds (24) guards Gunnison’s C. at home. Mautz scored a team-high four goals and ﬁnished Hulbert in a game, won by Gunnison (59-26) played Jan. 26. with 10 points in the game.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta senior Kyle Mock (13) pushes the ball up the ﬂoor and teammate Alesis Fausto (1) checks to see how many defensive Moffat County players are transitioning back to be a threat. Delta wasted little time in establishing who was in charge in a 67-29 win in 3A WSL play.

��

Delta swimmers improve BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s swim team, comprised of members from schools within the county, has been busy the past few weeks. Previous meets the Panthers have competed in include the Gunnison Cowboy Invitational (Jan. 25) and the Wildcat Invitational, held at CMU on Jan. 26. Last week’s competition was at the Southwest Conference Championships at CMU. Delta swimmers have improved throughout the season with some of the best times coming in recent meets. Durango’s 518 points was, by far, the most scored by any team at the Gunnison meet. Delta’s 138 points included several top 10 finishes for the Panthers. The Panthers had multiple fourth place finishes

at Gunnison, including Hannah Sterns’ time of 1:10.34 in the 100 freestyle. Kiarrah Schotten finished fifth (1:10.47, and Emma Purvis was sixth (1:12.51). Purvis finished fourth (2:43.80) in the 200 freestyle with teammates Schotten, fifth (2:50.08), Sydnie West sixth (2:55.41) and Nadia Hill eighth (3:02.41). Delta’s 200 freestyle relay teams finished fourth (2:08.12), seventh (2:20.97) and ninth (2:30.47). Karlie Egging had a fifth place finish in the 100 backstroke (1:26.39) and Autumn Eddy was ninth (1:41.75). Abby Williams’ 1:23.04 in the 100 breaststroke was Delta’s best finish in that event. Delta had 42 points in the seven-team field at the Wildcat Invitational. Williams had Delta’s top

time in the 100 breaststroke (1:22.10 and finished 13th in the event. Schotten had Delta’s top finish (14th) in the 50 freestyle with a time of 30.13 to set Delta’s team mark for the season to date. Other top placers for the Panthers at the Wildcat included Hannah Sterns (23rd) in the 100 freestyle, Karlie Egging (100 backstroke and 200 freestyle), Hill endured a 19th place in the grueling 500 freestyle with Delta’s 200 freestyle relay teams finishing 14th and 17th and the 200 medley relay finished 14th. Delta’s most recent competition came last weekend at the Southwestern Conference Championships. Glenwood Springs scored 428 points to win team title. The best finishes for Delta were by Schotten in the 50 freestyle, Purvis

Hotchkiss girls 0-2; boys 1-1 in hoop tilts BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss girls have a win-loss record of 11-4 and a 2A/1A Western Slope League record of 5-3 following two conference losses. On Friday, the Bulldogs lost to Soroco, 50-42. Rams senior Chloe Veilleux scored 25 points against the Bulldogs in

the victory. On Saturday Hotchkiss lost to North Park (11-3, 6-2), 61-51. The Wildcats are third in 2A/1A WSL standings; Hotchkiss is fifth. The Hotchkiss men’s team picked up a win and a loss over the weekend. On Friday, they lost to Soroco (6-3, 9-7, 2A WSL), 74-53. On Satur-

day, Hotchkiss defeated North Park (1-13, 0-8), 57-28. The Bulldogs are now 6-8 overall, 4-4 in the 2A/1A WSL. The Bulldogs travel to Meeker Friday. On Saturday, they host Plateau Valley. The girls game begins at 2:30 p.m., immediately followed by the boys game.

in the 100 free, Egging in the 100 back, Williams in the 100 breaststroke, Purvis in the 200 freestyle and Hill in the 500 freestyle. Delta’s relay teams, based on time trials, were 30th and 32nd in the 200 freestyle relay, 31st and 24th in the 200 medley and 34th in the 400 freestyle. The top marks for this year’s swim team include Schotten’s 50 freestyle time (30.13) at the Wildcat Invitation on Jan. 26; Williams’ 100 breaststroke time (1:22.10) at the Wildcat on Jan. 1, 2019; Emma Purvis’ 200 freestyle time of 2:40.27 at last weekend’s Southwestern Conference Championships, Purvis’ 100 freestyle time of 1:08.94 at the Southwestern Conference Championships, Karlie Egging’s 100 backstroke time of 1:22.29, Schotten’s 200 intermediate medley time of 3:37.29 and Hill’s 500 freestyle time of 7:52.31. This year’s relay teams have had their best times in the 200 freestyle (2:08.12) at the Gunnison Cowboy Invitational (Jan. 25, 2019); the 200 medley time of 2:26.47 at the Montrose Invitational on Dec. 12, 2018 and the 400 freestyle time of 5:07.20 at the Montrose Invitational on Dec. 14, 2018. The 3A Girls State Swimming and Diving championships will be held in Fort Collins, Feb. 9-10.

SURFACE CREEK February 6, 2019

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Young voices heard on challenges, solutions BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Cedaredge Middle and High School students feel heard. They love Bruin Time, an hour long sevminar once a week for high schoolers covering various life topics, and the new business classes. However, they think their schools need several repairs and lack certain security measures for adequate safety. “I think overall the school has prepared us to be good and working persons,” said CHS senior Azalee Hoffbauer, referring to the staff ’s support and teachings. “I’m reminded of something Principal Randy Brown told me, ‘To have respect is to give it.’” These thoughts are some among many shared by the students in a 90-minute long student conversation meeting hosted by the Delta County School District on February 1. The goal of the meeting was to gain input on what’s working and not working with the schools and community. This year the Student Advisory Committee, made up of high school students across the county, led out in the session. During the meetings students were divided into four group stations. While in groups they had 10 minutes to discuss two questions after

an ice breaker — one positive and another solution-based. Their answers were compiled answers onto sticky notes for the share out. Friends, sports, school trips and state conventions were highlights for students when asked about favorite memories or why they’re excited to come to school. Relationship building was also a focus for several questions. Encouraging fellow students to speak up and suggesting that faculty don’t immediately inflict punishments for challenges, but instead listen more, were two of several ideas presented. Mentoring, 1-on-1 sessions and counseling with students were also discussed as solutions to help students feel more valued. When it comes to learning, many students expressed learning best with more interactive and hands-on approaches. One student suggested to first cover the practical and theoretical knowledge and then follow it with more fun activities to solidify the concepts. Students also said that they’re proud of how well they get along but also agreed about needing to work on being more inclusive, and that they should listen and respect teachers more. Suggestions for changes to the school and community included adding a sidewalk

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Over 30 students participated in the student conversation meetings held at Cedaredge High School on Thursday, Feb. 1. Grades 8-12 were represented. Several students recorded video of the sessions and answers to compile into a highlight video. Clips from the other Delta County Schools will be included and shown to county commissioners, the school board and others. between the middle and high school, wanting another fast food chain, hosting more community gathering events, creating a way to remember past students, such as with artwork, and developing better initiatives to reach students who are non-motivated.

CMS starts unique mentoring group with police department BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

One kid’s persistence is changing lives of others. In December, an eighth grade Cedaredge Middle School student approached Cedaredge Police Department Officer Jake Hernandez. His mission? Ask Officer Hernandez if he would help lead a youth mentoring group. The student wanted to create a place for discussion and support with his fellow classmates. Officer Hernandez said yes. Now, about 15 male students — mostly sixth and eighth graders with a few seventh graders — meet together almost weekly during school hours. “What I’m hoping they’ll get out of this [group] is learning the value of themselves and other people,” said Officer Hernandez. “In upcoming sessions we’ll really be working on helping them realize the effects of bad decision making and the effects of good decision making.” One way they’re tangibly understanding the effects of good decisions is through volunteering. After some discussion, the students realized they wanted to benefit the community. They wrote down ideas about people groups or organizations that could use some assistance. Now they’re taking steps to be of service. Right before Christmas the group went to Horizons Care Center and helped set up decorations in the facility. The students are now working with The Abraham Connection, which provides emergency food and shelter to those in need in Delta County. Representatives from the shelter visited one meeting and briefed the students on what the organization does for the community. After the meeting some students discussed going to serve dinner or volunteer at the shelter. They also decided to do some fundraising. For example, they obtained permission to run the concession stands at the upcoming CMS basketball tournament Feb. 15 and 16. Funds raised will be donated to Abraham Connection. “I want these kids to know how if feels to go out of their way to help another person without expecting anything in return,” said Officer Hernandez. “It’s a good feeling that I get in my job and why I stay as an officer.”

He wants to plan group bonding activities like fishing on the Mesa and more fundraisers like car washes in the future, too. Overall this group looks to be a benefit to CMS students — providing benefits like teaching leadership, instilling value in community service and creating a safe place for questions. CMS school counselor Adriana McHugh, who helped advertise and get together students, said the meetings also create camaraderie and peer support. At one session the students decided to help each other study since academics is also a priority. If Officer Hernandez is unable to be with the students McHugh sometimes leads. “I see this group helping

the students understand that they should have a sense of responsibility for their community, whether it’s with their classroom and peers or community and people,” she said. Officer Hernandez hasn’t facilitated a group mentoring session like the one at CMS before but he said he’d love to see other schools organizing something similar. If a student has a desire to get a group together like this, he encouraged, “be persistent and reach out to someone you can trust. Law enforcement is a good source because we like to be involved with the community and the school. It helps our job to know these students but also helps them create a trust and bond with the police department.”

School District Superintendent Caryn Gibson agreed with the students on several points, saying that the district is looking at ways to increase security measures such as with locks and cameras. One student suggested bubbling out the front office in the high school to better monitor the front doors. Based on the discussions and answers the high school students seemed to voice their opinions the most and

the general focus on the conversations were on the high school and community. The main concern middle school students voiced was over not being prepared adequately for the transition to high school. “We want to acknowledge that we know you’re listening and taking action,” said CHS senior Mason Dykstra during the final share out. “We thank you because these changes are helping.”

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

School board president Pete Blair sits in on one of the discussion groups as Cedaredge students offer input on what’s working and not working with the schools and the community.

Historian Jim Wetzel delves into murder, mystery on Grand Mesa BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Story and history lovers filled the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center on Jan. 31 to hear about “Murder and Mystery on Grand Mesa.” During the hour-long event local author and historian James K. (Jim) Wetzel shared his about his book which details discoveries on the disappearance of William Alexander in 1892 which appeared to set in motion the events that led to the murder of Surface Creek cattleman William Womack in 1901. This murder eventually involved the Colorado governor and two U.S. presidents. He didn’t reveal everything presented in the book, but detailed enough to understand the events. Wetzel spent over a year researching and is still looking for answers — particularly on Alexander’s disappearance. Alexander is best known for his contributions in developing the Grand Mesa as a resort and tourist area. In 1891 Alexander built the first hotel on the mesa, which sat close to the current Alexander Lodge. Shortly after building the lodge, in June 1892, Alexander went missing, along with all of the lodge’s money and a loan for $300. Unfortunately Wetzel revealed that a gap in newspa-

per archives during that time made research difficult. The only evidence available from Alexander’s disappearance is from the coroner’s report after a skeleton was discovered in Cedaredge and thought to be connected to Alexander. This was eventually concluded to be an “unknown man.” Several years later a man named William Alexander was arrested in Oregon for two murders. Alexander’s original business partner Richard Forrest was supposed to go visit to verify if this was the miss-

ing man but instead seems to have gone to Sydney, Australia. “When I wrote the book one of my goals was to solve the mystery,” said Wetzel. “But, it’s still a mystery.” Womack’s murder, however, has a definite resolve. Forrest had previously sold Alexander’s 160 acres of land and fishing rights to a man named William Radcliff. After buying the land Radcliff sought to exclude the public from fishing by requiring permits, which many hated. In 1901 Radcliff ’s game

warden Frank Mahoney murdered Womack in a moment of confrontation about a fishing permit. Mahoney fled while Womack’s friends furiously searched for him — eventually burning down Radcliff ’s lodge and destroying the fish hatcheries in anger. Radcliff was away at the time but never returned for fear of his life. He sued the U.S. government for compensation and settled for $25,000. After two years of trials and less than a MURDER, MYSTERY TO C2

Photo courtesy Delta County Museum

In Wetzel’s book he uses various artifacts such as newspaper clippings, reports and photographs. Here is the ﬁrst picture of Alexander’s lodge from 1891.

C2 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

High school students explore STEM careers It was a cold morning, but 36 students from Chris Cannell’s STEM class at Cedaredge High School took turns going through the four stations that Del-Mont Consultants had set up at its office in Montrose in anticipation of this day.

Two of those stations were outside. At station one, students learned how the firm’s drone has become an integral part of business. Station two focused on surveying and robotics, station three was all

about civil engineering and station four dealt with CAD design and the future. Each station was approximately 30 minutes long with questions and answers at the end. At the end of the day

everyone went back out in the cold to take one last picture of the class, teachers and Del-Mont Consultant participants. “The students were some of the best behaved teenagers I have been around in quite some

time,” said Diana DeGraw, the administrative assistant at DelMont Consultants. “I commend their teachers for wanting their kids to see how the STEM program works in the outside world.

“Being a resident of Delta County I was proud that these were our kids and my company coming together for a great day of learning and I thought the community should know about it!”

��

Photo submitted

Thirty-six Cedaredge High School students visited Del-Mont Consultants to see how STEM education — science, technology, engineering and math — is applied in the real world.

��

Community garden meeting on Feb. 9

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

856-3841 ��

Cedaredge Community Gardens Association will hold its annual meeting for the 2019 season on Saturday, February 9 at the Creekside Cafe at 10 a.m. Cedaredge Community Gardens is a 501 C(3)

��

non profit association. Anyone interested in the activities of the garden is welcome to attend. Plots are available for the 2019 season and will be available on a first come first serve basis. Water, mulch and garden tools are included! New officers will be elected and there will be a discussion on finances and future goals for the garden, as well as info on the new water line will be on the agenda.

A heritage orchard is planned for part of the undeveloped west end of the garden. As a part of its mission, the Cedaredge Community Gardens works with the Surface Creek Area Food Bank to provide fresh local produce each season. If you are wondering how you can contribute to the health and welfare of yourself, family and community come check us out.

The garden is located across from the skate park and the animal shelter. The garden received support from many entities in 2018 including The Western Colorado Community Foundation, Dawson Springs Band, GOCO and Delta County, DMEA, Seed Money, Sue Beachman, Rotary Club, Bank of Colorado, the Rose Garden, the Town of Cedaredge, and its members.

online or at the Delta County Museum located at 251 Meeker Street in Delta. “I wanted to correct local history,” said Wetzel when asked why he decided to research the incidents. “So many things are written incorrectly with our community’s history and I was able to

obtain a lot more information during my search.” This event was sponsored by the Delta County Libraries “Voices of the Western Slope.” These series are meant to be “entertaining, engaging and informative presentations on noteworthy topics of the Western Slope.”

Murder, mystery FROM PAGE C1 year of prison, Mahoney was pardoned. Attendees were stunned to hear of this conclusion. Many lingered after the presentation, asking Wetzel questions or purchasing his book. Wetzel’s book regarding the aforementioned events can be obtained

��

Bikes for CES

Photo submitted

Delta Elks recently used money from an Elks National Foundation grant to purchase bicycles and present them to outstanding local elementary school students. At Cedaredge Elementary the bikes were given to Kenzie Finney, Jarod Roberts and Danny Rogers. Kyler Loucks was originally selected but insisted that another student receive his bike since he already had one.

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

� ��

��

� ��

��

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

� ��

��

C4 Wednesday, February 6, 2019 ��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

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

Have you ever wondered where and how insects survive our cold winters and then magically appear the following spring or early summer? Insects have a variety of methods for surviving the coldness of winter. Migration is one strategy for escaping the killing temperatures. Migrations of monarch butterflies from northern regions to Mexico and the California coast are good examples of this maneuver. Many crop pests use this technique to escape winter’s chill as well. But these same insects migrate back into northern areas from the southern states in the spring. Many insects successfully pass the winter as immature larvae. The protection of heavy covers of leaf litter or similar shelters protect the woolly bear caterpillar, while other insects replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, a type of antifreeze! Some grubs simply burrow deeper into the soil to escape the cold. Not many insects are active in the winter, but the aquatic nymphs of dragonflies, mayflies and

Garden club sets 2019 programs BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

A new year was kicked off for members of the Plant & Dig Garden Club with the recognition of new officers. New president Patt Jones offered a warm thank-you to all outgoing officers who were also presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation for their outstanding contribution to our club for the past two years. This meeting was also designated as a planning meeting for programs to be enjoyed throughout the coming year. And our members brought forward many exciting and new ideas for consideration. The results are as follows: February: Locally renowned artist Carol Rasmussen will present a program, “Alcohol Ink on Black Vinyl”; March: Linda Hansen will bring her power-point presentation, “Birds” for club members to peruse; April: Visitation to the Ute Indian Museum and Medicinal Herb Garden in Montrose with a box lunch afterwards; May: A tour of the Western Botanic Garden in Grand Junction and lunch afterward at a local restaurant; June: A program on “Roses — varieties, care and uses in our gardens” by club member Joan Chambers; July: Annual field trip to Grand Mesa for wildflower viewing; August: A visitation to “Living Farm” in Paonia; September: Annual plant exchange in Cedaredge Town Park and garden tour of members’ gardens; October: An “Elevation Tea” in Hotchkiss; November: Club member Gloria Good presenting a program on her Alpine and Crevice Garden with a tour of it afterward; December: Annual Christmas party and gift exchange; January 2020: Annual planning meeting. This list of activities promises to bring a variety of new experiences to every member of our club. We look forward once again to a year of learning and friendship.

stoneflies live in waters of ponds and streams, often beneath the ice. They feed actively and grow all winter to emerge as adults in early spring. Lesser numbers of insects lay eggs which survive the winter. The most prominent insects in this category would be praying mantids, and the destructive corn rootworms that also engage in this strategy. Still other insects overwinter in the pupal stage, then emerge as adults in the spring. Moths in the silkworm Family, Saturniidae, may be found attached to food plant branches as pupae in the winter. There are many insects

that hibernate as adults. Lady bird beetles are a well-known example, and are sometimes seen in great numbers in the fall as they congregate in the mountains. Many large wasps seek shelter in the eaves and attics of houses or barns. Tree holes, leaf litter and under logs and rocks are common shelters for overwintering adult insects. The mourning cloak butterfly is usually the first butterfly that is noticed in the spring, and this is because it hibernates in tree holes or other shelters during the winter. It reduces the water content of its body, and builds up glycerol which acts as an antifreeze. Honey bees stay in hives during the winter, and form clusters when temperatures fall. They also are able to raise the temperature in the hive

by vibrating wing muscles. The consumption of up to 30 pounds of stored honey during the winter months makes this possible. In general, insects are able to survive cold temperatures easiest when the temperatures are stable, not fluctuating through alternate thaws and freezes. Many insects can gain shelter and nourishment through the winter in a variety of micro-habitats. Among these niches are under the soil, inside the wood of logs and trees, and even in plant galls. Blankets of snow benefit insects by insulating the ground and keeping the temperature surprisingly constant. Insects that are inactive during the winter months undergo a state in which their growth, development, and activities are sus-

Photo submitted

Thousands of monarch butterﬂies overwinter on a eucalyptus tree on the California coast. pended temporarily, with generation, although it a metabolic rate that appears so sometimes. is high enough to keep Because of their very them alive. This dor- high reproductive rate, a mant condition is termed single adult can give rise diapause. In compari- to many in short order. son, vertebrates under- From one comes many! go hibernation, during Jim Leser retired to which they have minor Cedaredge in 2007 after activity and add tissues a career with Texas A&M to their bodies. University Extension in So no, insects don’t entomology. He is a memjust magically appear ber of the Cedaredge Tree after winter has passed Board and a Colorado through spontaneous Master Gardener.

��

�� Photo submitted

Focus of service

��

The Cedaredge High School FFA members have enjoyed spending time with residents at the area nursing homes. Here they’re giving manicures to residents at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. Their focus for the semester is community service.

��

�

��

�� Hotchkiss Comm �� unity Cham �� ber of Comm �� erce ��

��

�

��

C6 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Winter storms put emphasis on heating costs for low-income families ��

��

Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

��

LEAP offers heating assistance to help pay heating bills

As the temperatures continue to dip further below freezing, 1 in 4 Colorado families will struggle to pay their home heating costs. Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) can help many of these families by providing a portion of the heating bill to qualified individuals and families. LEAP’s goal is to put warmth in every home. Unfortunately, many who could qualify, don’t take advantage of the fed-

��

erally-funded program. The shutdown has not impacted LEAP and the ability to provide resources to those in need. LEAP has a new online application process and is accepting applications through April 30. As of early January, more than 47,200 applications across the state have been approved for LEAP benefits. LEAP benefits are intended to help pay a portion of heating bills to alleviate some of the burden associated with the colder months. LEAP does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or

��

�

portable heating, and in most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the energy supplier. To qualify for LEAP assistance, the household must pay home heating costs, either directly to a utility company or a landlord as part of the rent. Applicants must also be permanent, legal residents of the United States and a Colorado resident or have household members that are U.S. citizens. Residents who qualify for LEAP earn a maximum family household income that does not exceed 165 percent of the federal

��

IN THE NEWS Cole Stumpf of Cedaredge was named to the undergraduate honor roll at Montana State University for fall semester 2018.

��

PEOPLE

��

�

��

poverty index. A list of eligibility requirements can be seen by going to https://bit.ly/2FmntZh. Those interested in taking advantage of LEAP should visit https://bit. ly/2Fs4fAH to access the application form or call HEAT HELP at 1-866432-8435.

��

�

��

Classifieds

February 6, 2019

Real Estate

D SECTION

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

Delta County Independent

Real Estate

��

� ��TODAY

��

�

� ��

��

� ��

�

��

Help Wanted

��

Help Wanted

��

Rentals

��

�� Auctions

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

MOVING? CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Please give the Delta County Independent 10 days’ notice — PO Box 809, Delta CO 81416 970-874-4421

Auctions

��

to the DCI. Call 874-4421

for the rates in your area.

��

Do you like customer service? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team? Then we want you!

Y�� N�� H�� S�� T��

You will process personal and commercial transactions, provide fast and friendly customer service, and have an opportunity to learn a variety of other duties. Most importantly, you will represent First Colorado National Bank in the local community. This role is the primary customer service touch point for our customers, and is critical to helping us achieve our goal of putting the customer ﬁrst in all we do. Do More of What you Love — love where you work! ��

Do you enjoy decorating or designing? ��

��

Search the classifieds for Jobs!

HELP WANTED: THE CITY of Delta is now accepting applications for a City/Court Clerk Assistant. Position is Part-time with a starting salary of $15.66/hr. Under direct supervision of the City/Court Clerk, performs varied administrative duties involved with the operations at City Hall; handles the main phone system by routing calls to the appropriate locations; may assist at evening Council meetings; and performs a wide variety of quasi-administrative work in preparation and participation in municipal court dockets. Applicant must have any combination of experience and training equivalent to a high school diploma; college course work in business, public or judicial administration; and two (2) years progressively responsible experience in clerical administration and records management. Must be able to obtain Notary certificate for the Colorado Secretary of State within 6 months from hire date. Will be required to pass a preemployment drug screen and background check. Submit completed City of Delta employment application to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416 by deadline date of February 8, 2019 by 4:30 p.m. Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta.net. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE (1x6) BUSY SURGICAL PRACtice looking for a full time secretary to join our team. Please email resume and references to melissadelsurg@yahoo. com. or drop off at 95 Stafford Lane in Delta. No phone calls please. EMR experience prefered. (2x5)

��

Classified Ads can fit any budget.

Call 874-4421

for one of our ad representatives to help with your advertising needs.

D2 Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Help Wanted

Help Wanted

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Delta County Independent

Help Wanted HELP WANTED: THE CITY of Delta is now accepting applications for a Public Works Administrative Technician. Position is Full-time with an excellent benefit package; starting salary is $20.51/hr. Under direct supervision of the Director of Public Works & Utilities, will perform duties involved with reviewing and assisting the public with applications for a variety of City planning issues; conducts property/land research on zoning, set-backs, easements; provides other information including deeds and plat searches, property descriptions and development history; posts information on City website; provides administrative support for the Public Works, Utilities, GIS, Planning and Building departments; processes purchase orders and invoices; maintains records and documents for planning processes; assists in the preparation of Planning Commission information packets, and attends monthly evening meeting; Must be able to obtain Notary certificate for the Colorado Secretary of State within 6 months from hire date. Applicant must have any combination of experience and training equivalent to a high school diploma and two (2) years administration or customer service experience in building construction, inspections or related field. Will be required to pass a preemployment drug screen and background check. Submit completed City of Delta employment application to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416 by deadline date of February 8, 2019 by 4:30 p.m. Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta.net. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE (1x6) THE TOWN OF CEDARedge is now accepting applications for a full time general public works maintenance worker. Applications as well as job description will be available at the Cedaredge Town Hall 235 W Main St., Cedaredge. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. The Town of Cedaredge is a drug free/alcohol free employer. The position pays $12.00/ hour with full benefits. Applications must be turned in to the Cedaredge Town Hall by Friday, February 8, 2019 at noon. The Town of Cedaredge is an EOE/ADA employer. (2x5)

Help Wanted 10 POSITIONS-TEMPORARY/ seasonal work planting, thinning, pruning, harvesting apples, cherries, peaches, blackberries in an orchard, from 3/1/2019 to 10/31/2019 at Leroux Creek Food Corp., Hotchkiss, CO in Delta County. This job requires a minimum of three months of prior experience working in a tree fruit orchard, handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employerpaid post-hire drug testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use and after a worker has an accident at work. $13.13/hr or current applicable AEWR or applicable piece rate depending on crop activity. Raise/ bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Delta Workforce Center, 206 Ute Street, Delta, CO 81416. Ph: (970) 874-5781.Provide copy of this ad. CO Job Order #7676316. (1x6) I AM IN IMMEDIATE need of a motor route carrier for The Daily Sentinel for the Redlands Mesa, Cedar Mesa home delivery route. This is early morning delivery, carries approximately 100 papers daily, and 120 on Sundays, averaging 3 hours and 3.5 on Sunday, traveling approximately 75 miles per day. Gas efficient, reliable vehicle a must. This route is currently being ran as one complete route. I do have the option of splitting it into two separate routes to create a route for each mesa, at 1.5 hours per route, if a smaller area is of more interest for supplemental income. Please call Suzanne for more information 872-4245. (1x6)

ADVERTISE 874-4421

Clean Out Your Garage and Turn the Items You’ve Forgotten Into Cash. That old collection of clutter might not mean much to you, but someone out there would love it. By using the DCI Classifieds, you’ll make it easier for them to find, and easier for you to sell. So try it today! 25 words or less

8.00

12¢ each additional word

Support your community newspaper by advertising or subscribing.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

To place an ad, simply call

874-4421

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Public Service HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X3) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub” ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org AL-ANON AND A L A T E E N : Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067. CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta AbrahamConnection. org. HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift Shop and some additional areas. If you are interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for an application.

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

��

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

D4 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Library Closure Delta County Libraries will be closed Monday, Feb. 18, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Please visit www.deltalibraries. org for downloadable books, audiobooks, music, magazines, movies and more! Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Surface Creek Trail StoryWalk®. The February StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is “Snowy Valentine” by David Petersen. Blind Date with a Book. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Go on a blind date with a book and perhaps it will be love at first sight! If you don’t enjoy it, no hurt feelings, just dump it (in the library book drop!). All month long in February. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Café. Bring your devices! Bring your questions! Staff at Cedaredge Library will help you clear up your confusion with technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and computers, our resident techies will do their best to get you going. The second and fourth Fridays of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group. If you have a nagging curiosity about your family’s beginning or a family legend you have always wanted to prove, then join the “Digging Your Roots” genealogy group at Cedaredge Library. We can help you get a start on

research and assist you in tracking down that family legend! The Cedaredge genealogy group meets the first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Valentine Card Making. Visit the Crawford Library Wednesday, Feb. 6, through Saturday, Feb. 9, to make a Valentine’s Day card for a friend, family member, or loved one. All supplies provided. Trustee Talk Time Do you like your library? Do you have suggestions for improvement? Talk to Jess Deegan, the Crawford representative to the Delta County Libraries Board of Trustees. Deegan is available on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at Crawford Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. If this time does not work for you, contact Deegan at jdeegan@deltalibraries. org or 970-510-0724. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Tech Information Station. Delta Library offers an open tech information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tablets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online research and classes. Thursday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. Delta Friends Meeting. Friends of the Delta Library meet Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. The

public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Snapshot Scrapbook for Teens. Teens are invited to Delta Library to put their own scrapbook page together. All scrapbooking materials will be provided, including a Valentine’s Day themed photo booth with an instant print camera. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. Friends of the Delta Library Book Sale. The Friends of the Delta Public Library will host a book sale at Delta Library on Thursday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find great prices on books, movies, and other materials! Delta Book Club. Join the Delta Book Club! The February book discussion will be “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Saturday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. Break the Code Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Delta Library to embark on a scavenger hunt to search for missing letters in the children’s area to “break the code” and reveal a famous quote by Winnie the Pooh. All month long in February. Marshmallow Shooters Maker Space. Kids are invited to get creative making a marshmallow shooter using paper towel rolls and balloons. All supplies provided. All month in February. Sweitzer Lake Story Walk® The JanuaryFebruary StoryWalk® at Sweitzer Lake State Park is “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. Find out how the story goes on

the Sweitzer Lake trail in January and February. Then, visit Delta Library for an activity that relates to the story. Council of Teens. Calling all teens! Do you want to have a say in what goes on in the library? Do you want to help choose the books we purchase? Join the Delta Library Council of Teens! The Council of Teens will help plan programs and activities as well as come up with books to add to the teen collection. Meets every Monday at 4 p.m. Genealogy One-onone. The Delta genealogy group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Hotchkiss Book Club. This month, the Hotchkiss Book Club will be discussing “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. DuBois. Thursday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. Blind Date with a Book. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Go on a blind date with a book and perhaps it will be love at first sight! If you don’t enjoy it, no hurt feelings, just dump it (in the library book drop!). All month long in February. Tech Café. Hotchkiss Library offers an open tech cafe for all ages and skill levels to seek tech assistance with computers, tablets and phones. The first and third Mondays every month from 3 to 4 p.m. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second Thursday of every month through May 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. Valentine Card Maker Space. Visit the Paonia Library during library hours to make a Valentine’s (or anti-Valentine’s) Day card for a friend, family member, or loved one. All supplies provided. Friday, Feb. 1, through Friday, Feb. 15. Apron Making Workshop. Patrons age 12 and older are invited to Paonia Library for an apron making class taught by Robin Paz. Fabric, thread, ribbon and other necessary materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own sewing machines, decorative items, tools and materials, but it is not required. Space is limited to 15 people. Contact Paonia Library for more information and to register. Saturday, Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Armchair Travel: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. As a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, Delta High School science teacher Ben Graves was invited to be part of an Arctic expedition to Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic Islands. Throughout this voyage, he enjoyed exciting moments with polar bears, narwhals and walruses and experienced firsthand the dramatically changing landscape of the Arctic. Upon returning, his goal is to share this experience with his students and community in western Colorado. Despite being thousands of miles away, we have a profound connection to the Arctic. Come hear a unique perspective about the rapidly changing Arctic through stories, videos and pictures and discuss the stewardship actions we can take here in Colorado. At Paonia Library on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at

6 p.m. Tech Café. Paonia Library offers an open Tech Cafe 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. Hearts in Nature Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Paonia Library to embark on a scavenger hunt to find 12 pictures of hearts found in nature throughout the children’s area. All month in February. Literacy Programs High School Equivalency. For information on high school equivalency classes or HiSET® testing, contact Gail Srebnik at 970-234-7175 or gsrebnik@deltalibraries. org. ESL Classes. An intermediate to advanced ESL class meets at Delta Family Center Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15 to 3 p.m. Contact Danielle at dcarre@deltalibraries.org for more information. College Exam Proctoring. Contact Gail Srebnik at 970-234-7175 or gsrebnik@deltalibraries. org. Para obtener más información en español, por favor llame a Adriana al 970-874-9630 o por correo electrónico a achavira@deltalibraries. org.

Love your libraries Are you a library user? Become a library lover during the 28-day countdown to Love Your Libraries! February is Library Lover’s Month, a wonderful time to support local libraries. Bank of Colorado will match the first $1,000 donated. Double the impact and donate today! Visit your library, www.deltalibraries.org, or find us on Facebook to learn more and to show your love.

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

�

��

�

��

�

��

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

� ��

��

�

��

�� Sherry Petersen’s “At Your Service” Professional, Friendly Cleaning Service

��

�

No matter what your printing needs, we can get the job done. ��

��

�

��

D6 Wednesday, February 6, 2019

B A C K P A G E

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

In the Wild: Photographs and Paintings

Carole Lazo doesn’t foresee stopping her art anytime soon. Her dream is to be completely immersed in her painting and photography,

traveling to her favorite places like Alaska. “As long as I can carry a big lens and tripod I’ll continue,” she said. “I feel best out in the wild.”

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS

More of Lazo’s artwork can be seen at carole-lazo-art. com. Her website is still in process; email or phone is the best way to contact her — carolelazo@gmail.com or 970-640-8711.

Staff Writer

arole Lazo’s passion for photography stretches back to her childhood near London, England. She recalled “always running around with a brownie box camera,” often taking pictures of her five siblings. When she came to America as an adult she began to realize the beauty and serenity in our country’s parks and wilderness areas. Now wildlife is her camera’s subject of choice. Lazo starts with an idea of what animal she wants to photograph and where they frequent. Even at her home in Crawford she pays attention to the patterns of creatures on the property — like badgers, birds and deer. Sometimes she’ll read about a species and study their habits such as whether they recluse to dens and if they’re

Once in Alaska Lazo lost track of time while watching for bears. Heading back to the lodge she kept a 50mm lens around her neck “just in case.” She heard trees rustling and a “huge bear” came around and up the path — directly toward her. Lazo quickly knelt down, took two photos and side stepped off into the tall grass. “I remember my mouth was dry and my heart was pumping up in my head. That photo has been remarkable to look at but it was an experience,” she said.

Much of Lazo’s art is based on local landscapes, such as “Sheep Drive in Smith Fork Canyon.” She keeps the titles simple and easy to identify so that locals can know where and what inspired her.

out during specific times of the day or year. Then, she chooses her spot and waits — once for more than six hours. For her, though, capturing the shot is just part of the process, not the end goal. “Even if I’m out all day and don’t get great photographs, I love being in nature and just watching,” said Lazo. “It’s exciting even if you capture something small like a pika.” Her favorite mammal is the bear. “I’m respectful of not going into their space but allowing them to come into mine,” she said. While many become fearful around the animal, they put her on edge and spark a feeling of truly being alive. Once at a photography workshop in Alaska, Lazo even photographed polar bears. “I’m used to being with bears but when you’re with polar bears it’s a different feeling. People feel fear around brown bears and others but you can read their signals. With polar bears you feel like you are literally on the food chain,” she said. “And when they look you in the eyes the depth is bottomless.” Expanding Her Art In addition to photography, Lazo also has a passion for painting. “Photography has helped me with composition in painting,” she said. “Sometimes I’m out to photograph wildlife but will end up taking a picture to paint.” Painting is a relatively new adventure for Lazo. The desire was always there she said, but as is often the case, time and resources were limited. Four years ago she discovered Carol Bowker in Crawford who specializes in oil painting. Now Lazo takes lessons every winter and finds herself flourishing. “I didn’t even know the color names when I started,” she joked. “But now I can get lost in my studio and spend hours painting. I become totally absorbed. It’s therapeutic.” Lazo also has a similar experience with loss of time

when it comes to photographing wildlife. When working in Grand Junction she took vacations to Alaska to “get away and be in wild places that are unspoiled and untouched.” She becomes so concentrated when scouting for wildlife that after she’s finished, she’s flooded with excitement and adrenaline. “I do what I do because I love it and enjoy the challenge,” she said. Her dream is to one day adventure to Antarctica. Sharing Her Passion Lazo’s favorite aspect of her artwork is getting to share it with others. Any money she makes goes right back into her passion. Extensions of her artwork include cards, prints on metal and canvas, a children’s book about bears titled “Bears for Young and Curious Minds” and even puzzles from her pictures. The Pack Shack in Hotchkiss is the closest local store where all extensions of her artwork can be found. She also has prints and paintings on display at Outpost Gallery in Westcliffe, The Main Street Gallery in Grand Junction, and AppleShed in Cedaredge. Her children’s book features original photographs of bears from throughout Lazo’s career. “I get thank you letters from grandparents and it’s been special to think a child might look at that book and be interested in bears,” she said. Her wildlife images have also been published in National Wildlife Federation Magazine and Calendar, Grand Valley Magazine, and one of her images was on the front cover of Colorado Outdoors. Selling images and being published, however, isn’t Lazo’s goal. Instead she wants to share the special moments she experiences. “I’m just trying to capture the essence of what I see,” she said. “I think art is valuable because it’s a way of expression and healing. If I can share the beauty and emotion of a moment and have people feel like they can just walk into it then I’ve done my job.”

Lazo’s been to Alaska eight times. Once in Hoonah with a friend they stopped and got out of the car to look at some bears. Another person came up and warned them that the bears were not used to humans and were potentially dangerous. Lazo said they “quickly got back in the car,” but not before capturing a photo which she used to paint this image.