Delta County Independent, Feb. 13, 2019 by Delta County Independent

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

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An engaging section to make your wedding dreams come true, A6-7

Surface Creek Historical Society embarks on digitization project, C1

DELTA COUNTY

MAKING HISTORY Delta girl pins her way to state wrestling title, B5

FEBRUARY 13, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 7

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

City of Delta moves forward with land swap BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta City Council has authorized city staff to prepare an offer for the exchange of Riverbend and Cottonwood parks for several parcels of land on the south side of the Gunnison River. The 4-1 decision comes after open discussions with property owner Bill James, and two closed-door sessions where council met with staff to discuss negotiations. The end result is expected to be “cost neutral,” meaning no additional funds from either party would be required to consummate the deal. In November 2018, voters authorized the sale or exchange of the city-owned property on the north side of the Gunnison River. In conjunction with the Delta Urban Renewal Authority, the city plans to use the property north of Highway 92 and east of Highway 50 for recreation and commercial development. The city will wind up with a “good length” of Gunnison River frontage for future river activation. Only council member Gerald Roberts voted against the measure. He did not offer any explanation at the time, but in a follow-up phone call referred to a comment the mayor made about this being the property owner’s “last and final offer.” Because the specifics were discussed in executive session, Roberts said he could not reveal his concerns but said there are “one or more items in that offer that I can’t support. Until my concerns are met, I’m not in favor of this land swap.”

City attorney David McConaughy said any deal negotiated by staff is contingent upon final approval by council in a public meeting. In a memo to council members city manager David Torgler noted, “The properties proposed to be acquired by the city are close to Delta’s downtown, have access to the Gunnison River, are easy to find and access, are in the Opportunity Zone, are in the city’s urban renewal project plan area, are visible from Highway 92 and can be accessed using the signalized intersection at Highway 50 and Gunnison River Drive (the alternate truck route).” While there is expected to be no cost to the city for the swap, future costs could include infrastructure improvements for roads, utilities and park facilities. It is council’s understanding that the soccer fields at Cottonwood will be open for public use until a replacement field can be established.

Delta City Council irons out licensing requirements for medical marijuana BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In the spirit of cooperation, both sides of a divided city council gave a little to finalize the licensing requirements for medical marijuana establishments in the City of Delta. In November, a majority of the electorate voted to authorize the sale, manufacture, research and development, testing and cultivation of med-

Macias-Moreno appears in court BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Edgar Macias-Moreno, accused of murdering Madelaine Loh in June 2018, appeared in Delta District Court on Friday, Feb. 8. The 25-year-old was scheduled to enter a plea, but public defender Shandea Sergent instead requested a hearing on a motion to suppress. The judge’s ruling on that motion will determine how the defense will proceed with the case. Although Sergent has not filed anything in writing, it’s anticipated the motion will be an attempt to suppress comments MaciasMoreno made to law enforcement. Macias-Moreno is charged with first degree murder, second degree kidnapping, aggravated motor vehicle theft and identity theft, as well as a number of misdemeanors. He turned himself in to the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office on June 27. According to an arrest affidavit filed by sher-

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................. D10 Bride Guide .............. A6-7 Bruin Tracks ............. C3-6 Business .......................A10 Church ........................... D6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-5 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ...................B4-5 School Zone ............ A5, A8 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-7 TV Listings ................. D7-8

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The City of Delta is hoping to acquire acreage on the south side of the Gunnison River, in exchange for Cottonwood and Riverbend parks on the opposite side of the river. Ideally, the swap will be “cost neutral.”

iff ’s investigators, he admitted he strangled Loh on June 19, then put her in her car and drove to Utah, where he left her body partially hidden along a side road off I-15. Loh’s body was recovered by deputies from the Millard County, Utah, Sheriff ’s Office, based on that information. Macias-Moreno was a coworker and lived with Loh at a farm outside of Hotchkiss. He has been jailed since he turned himself in on June 27. Judge Stephen Schwartz, acknowledging the motion to suppress to be a “signficant preliminary issue” set a hearing for June 5 to hear oral arguments. He also set a deadline of April 5 for an initial brief from the public defender’s office. Prosecutors have until April 26 to formulate a response. Other motions may also be addressed at the June 5 hearing. If the case goes to trial, both sides agreed the court would need to set aside two to three weeks for testimony.

Closures

Delta County Libraries will be closed Monday, Feb. 18, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Please visit www.delta libraries.org for downloadable books, audiobooks, music, magazines, movies and more! The libraries will also be closed the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 27, for all-staff training. The libraries will open at noon. Banks, city and county offices and the post office will also be closed Feb. 18.

ical marijuana in the city. After the election, council enacted a moratorium to allow time to work out licensing and zoning regulations. Zoning regulations passed unanimously, but the most recent vote on licensing requirements ended in a 2-2 tie. With all five council members present on Feb. 5, a vote of 4-1 culminated months of debate among council members and concerned citizens. The “nay” vote was cast by Mayor Ron Austin, who has expressed concerns about the frequency with which individuals are able to make purchases. Until legislators eliminate “looping,” Austin said he could not, in good conscience, vote in favor of the licensing ordinance. The ordinance caps at two the number of medical marijuana centers, infused products manufacturing facilities and medical marijuana

optional premises cultivation facilities allowed. There is no limit on the number of medical marijuana testing facilities in the city. Anticipating more than two applicants, the ordinance outlines a lottery process for selecting the licensees from the slate of qualified applicants. In addition to the cap on facilities, council agreed to limit the type of medical marijuana centers allowed to operate in the city. State regulations outline three types of medical marijuana centers, based on the number of patients. The City of Delta will only allow Type 1 centers, the smallest, with 1 to 300 patients. Unless council acts to lift the moratorium, it remains in effect until May 13. Before any license is granted, a public hearing will be conducted by Delta City Council. Council can either deny the application or approve the

application with or without conditions. Fees are outlined in the ordinance as follows: new license application fee, $5,000; license renewal application fee, $3,500; transfer of location application fee, $3,500; transfer of ownership application fee, $3,500; and annual license fee, $5,000. The applicant must also meet all state requirements for fees and licensing. City council previously adopted the zoning regulations that apply to medical marijuana establishments. None can be located in the downtown core area, or within 1,000 feet of any school, state licensed day care facility, park, or law enforcement or court facility. A map indicating the 1,000foot setbacks has been posted on the city website, www. cityofdelta.org. The full text of the licensing ordinance is published in this week’s DCI.

Funding for full-day kindergarten would free up resources for 50J BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A proposal from Gov. Jared Polis to offer free, full-day kindergarten throughout the state is being endorsed by the Colorado Board of Education, which supports early literacy programs to ensure that all students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Delta County Joint School District #50, which also recognizes the importance of early childhood education, is already offering full-day kindergarten.

While Polis’ proposal wouldn’t create any additional educational opportunities for young kids in Delta County, it could free up financial resources. Currently, the state reimburses districts for half-day kindergarten instruction. The cost for the remainder of the day comes out of the school district’s budget. Business manager Jim Ventrello says the school district would net about $650,000 of new funding if full-day kindergarten gains legislative approval as it is currently pro-

posed. However, there are many variables in the complex school funding formula that could reduce that amount. “We know that high-quality kindergarten programs can help us close opportunity and achievement gaps and ensure that all students have a strong foundation for success throughout their school years,” said Angelika Schroeder, chairman of the Colorado Board of Education. The proposal will not create a new mandate for districts or parents.

Jones hearing rescheduled

A hearing on a motion to dismiss charges against Heather Jones hit a snag Tuesday morning with the late submission of a report from a defense expert in evidentiary procedure. The hearing was rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 26, to allow time for prosecutors to review that report, and for defense attorney Brandon Luna to make arrangements for the expert to be available either in person or by phone. Jones is charged with second degree murder in the death of Ryan Redifer in Paonia in January 2018. Luna filed the motion to dismiss based on the alleged failure to preserve exculpatory evidence. Officers from the Paonia Police Department were

present to testify at the hearing, but the report, emailed to the district attorney’s office at 5:45 p.m. the night before, gave DA Dan Hotsenpiller no choice but to request a delay. He expressed frustration at the “great inconvenience” posed to the entire Paonia Police Department, as well as friends and family members attending the hearing, but said his office needs time to thoroughly review the report, assuming it has “probative value,” prior to examination of the officers. The hearing was reset for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, assuming a trial scheduled for that day will be resolved. Jones, who is also charged with assault and violation of a protection order, is scheduled to stand trial in early April.

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OPINION

LETTERS Exciting projects are in the works at the fort Dear Editor: My name is Chris Miller and my organization operates Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center adjacent to Confluence Park in Delta. Five years ago when we took over the operation of the fort there was some deferred maintenance. The fort was overgrown with non-native plants, tamarisk and Russian olive. The fort was also overrun with feral cats ... you don’t want to know how many. By removing their habitat we reclaimed the fort. In doing so the cats moved on and song birds returned. If you have walked the trail behind the fort you will see that the city is hard at work reclaiming the four-acre island. The City of Delta’s vision is to reclaim the island and put it into the park system for the public’s enjoyment. The park is located in the city limits of Delta and the citizens of Delta and the surrounding communities appreciate

Tony and the park crew in their efforts to showcase and maintain Confluence Park with limited resources. This year the fort will be introducing kids’ outdoor programs. We are planning on 6-8 weeks of programs at the fort and we are hoping the City of Delta will allow the fort to utilize the Island for outdoor science labs, where kids ages 8-16 can learn about the removal of nonnative species and learn about habitat restoration programs. We have an opportunity to work with the Uncompahgre Native Seed Program along with the RiversEdge organization (Tamarisk Coalition) to host an annual event that will showcase the city’s effort in reclaiming and removing non-native plants in Confluence Park. In addition we will be working with the city on taking cuttings from the cottonwood trees that are located near the powwow arbor. Those trees happen

There’s no reason to panic Dear Editor: Life on earth is going to end in 12 years if we don’t do something like banning airplanes, redoing all buildings including your home, banishing gas-powered cars because the earth will be too hot. In late 1978 NASA launched high precision satellites to continuously measure global temperatures. That data is available on the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) website. Downloading it into MS Excel

and using Excel’s trend line function shows that for the last 40 years earth temperatures have risen 1/80th of a degree per year. So these people are creating a panic over 12 years which at 1/80th of degree per year will amount to 0.1 degree increase in the that time. The Democratic party has become the party of liars, deceivers of incredible falsehood. Someone needs to speak up about this nothing burger. Mike Mason Cedaredge

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to be from cuttings of the historic Council Tree and were raised in a nursery located on the Southern Ute reservation. The plan is to be able to get them started and rooted and have the kids transplant them onto the Island along with other species that are suitable. We invite the public to attend the open house planned for Saturday, June 1, at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center where we will be showcasing the kids’ outdoor programs, Nature Connection gear hub, reclaimed Robidoux Island and the NEW native plant and pollinating garden in front the fort’s visitor center. Thanks again Tony and the park crew for all you do ... you’re awesome. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come. Chris Miller Director Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center

From the Delta Police Department (edited for length): Feb. 3: At 12:55 a.m., officers responded to Highway 92 and 1800 Road to assist Colorado State Patrol with a stop involving multiple juveniles. Criminal mischief was reported at Delta City Cemetery. Daniel Joseph Winter, 40, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants with a total of $1,000 in bonds. Officers responded to Quality Inn for a disturbance. Billy Ray Bean, 61, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged obstruction of a police officer and resisting arrest. Code enforcement responded to the 500 block of E. 20th Street on a report of cattle being a nuisance. The owner put up fencing to keep them in their field. Officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Bluff Place for a disturbance. Michael Alan Abeyta, 33, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged obstruction of telephone service as an act of domestic violence and child abuse – simple. Airiton Bre Phillips, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged harassment as an act of domestic violence and child abuse – simple. An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for allegedly having no visible license plate (covered with dirt, mud, debris). Eric Adam Malinowski, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order and was issued a ticket for alleged driving while license suspended and displayed expired temporary registration. Feb. 4: Dogs were reported run-

INDEPENDENT

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Murder in the Mountains Mini Noir Festival

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Public notices keep citizens informed Dear Editor: I was just like everyone else — until a few weeks ago, I never read the public notices. The type is very small and hard to read, and that is what they are counting on. A few weeks ago I attended the city council workshop. They had a very full agenda that night. When they finally got to the subject of medical marijuana, they had less than 20 minutes. In fact, the council meeting was late getting started. Just as the meeting started Gerald Roberts made a motion to table the two ordinances concerning marijuana because 20 minutes wasn’t enough time to discuss marijuana before voting on it. Gerald’s motion died because no one would second it. The city council trio jumped in, railroaded the ordinances through and passed them on first reading. Just like always, the vote was 3-2. I have attended every council meeting since Aug. 24, 2018, when Nathan Clay, Kevin Carlson and Chris Ryan

decided to put marijuana on the ballot. I have attended every workshop since the election. Just about every meeting I have pleaded with them to slow down and do some research before making decisions. I have pleaded with them to set up meetings with SafeBuilt (the building inspector) and find out what kind of ventilation, ducting and filtering systems will be required, so they can do their zoning regulations around that. I have pleaded with them to set up a meeting with the state drug regulators to find out how they are going to regulate the medical marijuana dispensaries, the medical marijuana cultivation centers and medical marijuana manufacturing centers. Anyone with common sense would know that you would need to know everything you can before you make up rules and regulations and zoning. I have printed off news articles about the problems Glenwood Springs and Cortez are having with their marijuana cul-

tivation. I have printed off rules and regulations out of the state drug enforcement manuals. I have handed each council member copies of everything that I have found, just to watch them get slapped upside down on the table in front of them. The trio has had an agenda from day one. No one is going to get them to slow down and do any research so they can make good, common sense decisions backed with research and facts. They are just going to railroad this thing through with 3-2 votes. Heaven help what we are going to end up with. So please, read the public notices and make sure that is how you want our community to end up. I didn’t attend the workshop or city council meeting on Feb. 5. The stress from this is starting to affect me physically. I can’t let it affect my health. I need to get back to doing more positive things. Orval Proctor Delta

Delta police, sheriff’s blotter

DELTA COUNTY

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Delta County Independent

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

ning loose in the 1200 block of Frontier Road. The dogs ran through a field and were finally picked up in the 1000 block of Cloverleaf Lane. The two dogs were impounded at TAILS. Code enforcement impounded a dog running at large in the 500 block of Leon Street. Officers responded to the 1100 block of E. 3rd Street on a report of a single vehicle accident. No injuries were reported or observed. An officer responded to the 300 block of E. 2nd Street for a theft from a vehicle. Officers responded to Wendy’s on a report of motor vehicle theft. Feb. 5: Thomas William Zachary Foster, 23, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $750 bond. An officer responded to Delta High School on a report of a two-vehicle accident. No injuries were reported. Officers responded to Sunset Valley RV Park for a disturbance. Justin Franklen Davenport, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged obstruction of telephone service as an act of domestic violence. Feb. 6: Staci Marie Moralez, 33, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged dog running at large prohibited and city animal license required. Feb. 7: Officers responded to Highway 92 and Stafford Lane for a two-vehicle accident. No injuries were reported or observed. Code enforcement responded to the 700 block of 1575 Road on reports of a loose dog in the area. The dog owner was given a verbal warning for running at large and animal license required. A dog owner in the 700 block of Dodge was given a verbal warning for dog running at large and license required. An officer responded to a residence on Carpenter Street on an agency assist concerning a juvenile runaway. Feb. 8: Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of W. 8th Street on a report of an adult male being bitten by a snake. Francisco Javier Cruz, 32, of Delta was arrested and jailed on an alleged violation of a protection order.

An officer responded to the area of W. 3rd Street and Confluence drive on a report of an abandoned vehicle blocking traffic. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Shae Ellen Gero, 26, of Gunnison was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting at City Market. Code enforcement responded to the 1000 block of Grand Avenue on a report of barking dogs and maintenance standards. A traffic stop was conducted at E. 7th Street and Leon Street. Jesse Dale Farge, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged unlawful possession of a controlled substance, disregard of a stop sign and driving motor vehicle while license revoked. Jesse Dale Farge, 35, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $500 bond. Officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Grand Avenue for a disturbance. Nancy Jean Miller, 68, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault. Feb. 9: A traffic stop was conducted in the 1000 block of Highway 92. Lorenzo Jesus Tostado, 51, of Phoenix, Ariz., was issued a ticket for alleged driving without a valid license and driving under the influence (alcohol) after he was transported by ambulance to Delta County Memorial Hospital for medical reasons. An officer responded to the 1200 block area of E. 13th Street on a report of a Wanted Person. Eric Xavier Johnston, 27, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $1,500 bond. An officer responded to the 2200 block of Pioneer Road on a report of a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a deer. No injuries were reported or observed. Officers responded to the area of Highway 50 and H-38 Road to assist with an adult male having a medical emergency. Officers responded to a residence in the 1200 block of A Street on a report of a wanted person. Anthony Starleigh Gallegos, 38, of Paonia was arrested and jailed on two warrants with a total of $6,000 in bonds. Anthony Starleigh Gallegos, 38, of Paonia was arrested and jailed for alleged unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), prohibited use of a weapon (firearm), theft, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, unlawful use-distribution-manufacturing-sale of a controlled substance, and Colorado special offender felony drug offense. An officer responded to the 100 block of W. 4th Street to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a traffic stop. 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): Feb. 5: The sheriff’s office took a report on a male subject who has failed to register as a sex offender. The complaint is under investigation. Deputies responded to an assault at a residence in Austin. Investigation determined an assault had taken place but the victim did not wish to pursue charges. Deputies were contacted concerning a constant problem with dogs running at large near the town of Crawford. A summons was issued to the dog owner. Feb. 6: At about 8 a.m., Colorado State Patrol requested the

assistance of the K-9 unit to conduct an exterior air sniff of a vehicle contacted on Highway 50, mile marker 84 in Montrose County. Deputies responded to a juvenile problem at a residence in Austin. Deputies responded to a report of a burglary at an address on B Road near Delta. An Eckert resident reported someone was illegally videotaping his house. Deputies made contact with everyone involved; no charges were filed. Shortly after 10 p.m., deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident near Highway 92, mile marker 22.5. The occupants were not injured, but the vehicle had severe damage. Colorado State Patrol was on accident alert at the time due to poor road conditions. Feb. 7: A vehicle was reported stolen from a residence on Escalante Canyon Road. Deputies assisted Grand Junction Police Department investigators in contacting a suspect’s mother in reference to an assault case. At about 4 p.m., deputies responded to a potential residential structure fire on NE Indian Camp Avenue. The homeowner had inadvertently left a jug of diesel fuel on top of a fireplace and the heat from the fireplace melted the bottom of the jug. The diesel spilled onto the fireplace and ignited a fire. She was able to put out the fire by the time firefighters and law enforcement arrived on the scene. There was some damage to the wall and the roof surrounding the fireplace. Deputies responded to the intersection of Cactus Park Road and Cedar Mesa Road for a dog at large complaint. A written warning was issued to the owner of the dog. Gregory George of Paonia was found to be in violation of a protection order after a loaded firearm was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Feb. 8: Deputies responded to a complaint about a vicious dog at large in the Crawford area. The complainant had discharged one round from his firearm, killing the dog. Contact was made with the dog’s owner advising him of the situation. At about 6:20 p.m., deputies responded to a medical problem at a residence near Delta. Candy Austin of Eckert was arrested for violation of a protection order after deputies responded to a disturbance in Eckert. Feb. 9: A juvenile runaway was reported from a residence in Eckert. Feb. 10: Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Fairview Road, approximately a half mile east of Trap Club Road. Kenny Pratte was charged with second degree arson (more than $100 in damage) after investigation determined he had allegedly set the vehicle on fire. Feb. 11: At about 10 a.m., deputies responded to the intersection of Highway 92 and Crawford Road to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a one-vehicle vs. snowplow accident. There were no injuries and the airbags did not deploy. UPDATE On Nov. 18, 2018, officers of the Delta Police Department responded to Abraham Connection for a possible drug violation. Scott W. Gay, 60, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged unlawful possession of a Schedule 2 controlled substance (methamphetamine). Those charges were dismissed on Nov. 26.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Mark Roeber begins role as president of Colorado Counties, Inc. states, Hawaii and Alaska, all of which contain public lands. Roeber said counties with public lands pay separate dues to defray the cost of travel to enable their representatives to serve as strong advocates for PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and SRC (Secure Rural Schools). One real advantage to these meetings is learning from other states and the collaboration that results from that knowledge, he said. Roeber says he has gained insight in how different counties handle issues during his years representing Delta County in CCI. With some issues, part of the state may want to enact state law that will negatively affect other parts of the state. “That is always a challenge,” Roeber said. “Co-education is necessary in these instances.”

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Photo submitted

Scaling Devil’s Thumb

Peter Blank submitted this photo of him and his friends climbing Devil’s Thumb the morning of Saturday, Feb. 9. They believe it to be the ﬁrst ascent of the landmark in the ‘dobies north of Delta. Mickey Guziak led the pitch.

Delta County Commissioner Mark Roeber assumed his role as president of Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) in January 2019. He had served as president-elect during 2018. “It’s an honor to serve as president of CCI, representing all the counties in Colorado,” Commissioner Roeber said. CCI has organized the counties into districts: the Western District, Southern District, Mountain District, Eastern District, and Front Range District, the latter composed of the larger urban counties. As president of CCI, Roeber will do a lot of traveling. He will spend two days a month in Denver, presiding over CCI board meetings and meeting with CCI committees. He will oversee two CCI conferences, a summer conference and a winter conference. He says he will try to visit some of the Colorado counties, especially during the Colorado legislative session. As president Roeber will coordinate with CCI’s executive director

FEMA approves county’s hazard mitigation plan BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Delta County Commissioners Don Suppes, Mark Roeber and Mike Lane read from the letter from Department of Homeland Security mitigation division director

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Jeanine Petterson at their Feb. 5 meeting. The letter announces the approval of the Delta County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update as meeting the requirements of federal regulations for a local hazard mitigation plan. The plan approval extends to Delta County, the City of Delta, the Towns of Cedaredge, Crawford, Hotchkiss, Orchard City, and Paonia, plus the Cedaredge Fire Protection District, Delta Fire Protection District, Hotchkiss Fire Protection District, Paonia Fire Protection District, and Delta County Fire Protection District. The jurisdictions are

eligible for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. Approved mitigation plans may be eligible for points under the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. The plan is approved through Jan. 14, 2024. Delta County was the lead local jurisdiction in preparing the current mitigation plan. A revised plan must be resubmitted for approval within five years for the jurisdictions to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funds. FEMA provided recommendation for the next plan update on an enclosed plan review tool.

Free income tax offered to seniors AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation help to anyone — especially those 50 and older who can’t afford a tax preparation service. AARP Foundation TaxAide understands that retirement or other life changes may mean your taxes are a little more complicated now. IRScertified volunteers will make tax preparation easy for you. AARP Foundation TaxAide has more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers. There’s no fee and no sales pitch for other services and AARP membership is not required. For an appointment in Delta call the Delta Senior Center, 247 Meeker, 874-7837. For Montrose call 2524889. The checklist below includes items you need to bring when you visit an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site for us to help you prepare your tax return. • Last year’s tax return.

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• Social Security cards or other official documentation of SS number for yourself and every individual on your return. • Photo I.D. required for all taxpayers. • Checkbook if you want to direct deposit any refund(s).

Mark Roeber to designate CCI members to attend National Association of Counties (NACO) meetings and will himself represent Colorado at NACO meetings. A NACO conference is scheduled for July. Roeber will represent Colorado at the Western Interstate Regional Conference in Spokane, Wash., a subgroup of NACO, composed of counties from nine western

County residents appointed to reorganized planning commission 2(c), 2019-2022, Tate Locke; associate member, to be appointed, 20192022. District 3(a), 20192020, Kim Shay; District 3(b), 2019-2021, Jacob Gray; District 3(c), 20192022, Tom Kay; associate member, Eli Wolcott, 2019-2022. Commissioners Don Suppes, Mark Roeber

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Delta County Commissioners, county planning commission and county planning department reorganized the county planning commission, effective at the beginning of 2019, to provide for equal representations from each of the three commission districts, with staggered terms on each district, and for addition of an associate member for each district. Associate members will participate equally in discussion of all matters before the planning commission but will not vote on matters unless a regular member of the planning commission is absent at that particular meeting. Tenure as an associate member is also seen as training for future membership as a planning commission member. Appointments and terms are as follows. District 1(a), 20192020, Angela Mackey; District 1(b), 2019-2021, Steve Shea; District 1(c), 2019-2022, Steve Schrock; associate member, Dick Gilmore, 2019-2022. District 2(a), 20192020, Lucinda Stanley; District 2(b), 2019-2021, Layne Brones; District

and Mike Lane expressed their and the county’s appreciation to long term planning commissioners Bob Stechert, who served as chairman, and Tony Prendergast. Both were term-limited. Stechert was present and received a certificate of appreciation and gift certificate. Prendergast’s will be forwarded to him.

Passenger charged with domestic violence DPD RELEASE

On Friday, Feb. 1, at approximately 5:06 p.m., officers of the Delta Police Department were dispatched to Highway 92 near Auto Zone on a report of “a female shoved from a SUV and laying in the median.” Upon arrival officers found a female lying in the right lane of the westbound lanes of Highway 92 with visible injuries. She was taken to Delta County Memorial Hospital by the Delta Ambulance District and later transferred to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the SUV was on scene and identified as Isaac Richard Bruton, 29, of Arvada. Bruton stated they were

traveling west into Delta on Highway 92 in the left lane when his girlfriend “got violent.” He described her violent actions as hitting him, grabbing at the steering wheel, kicking the windshield and grabbing the gear shifter before she opened the passenger door and jumped from the moving vehicle. Bruton was arrested and jailed on a misdemeanor warrant out of Clear Creek County with a $500 bond. Devon Cathrine Stoffel, 26, of Arvada is being charged with alleged third degree assault as an act of domestic violence and child abuse - no injury, knowingly or recklessly.

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Fireball witnessed in Delta The American Meteor Society received 113 reports about a fireball seen over Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming on Friday, Feb. 8. CJ Hansen, a resident of Delta, filed a report about what she witnessed: “I was sitting outside enjoying twilight and the crescent moon when a fireball cut through the atmosphere similar to the ISS trajectory when it cuts through the atmosphere. It happened at approximately 6:13 p.m. and traveled NNE to SSW. The meteorite was fast, burned through the atmosphere spewing debris and it was HUGE, leaving a long, thick smoke trail that slowly tracked east in the upper atmospheric winds. The length of the smoke trail was approximately two fists at arm’s length. It was one of the most spectacular astronomical events I have ever witnessed.”

When it comes to an issue before the Colorado Legislature, Roeber said, “It is important that Colorado counties work collaboratively and speak with a uniform voice to make a difference. “My goal is to put Colorado counties first, to see that we speak with one voice, to stay away from partisanship, and to work for all.” Roeber is a rancher and the fourth generation to raise livestock on the same piece of property in the North Fork.” Mark and his wife, Jody, have been married 38 years and have four children — two daughters and two sons — and seven grandchildren. Their son Chase, his wife and four sons live on the ranch. “Chase is taking care of the ranch while I am serving as county commissioner and president of CCI,” Mark said.

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A4 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Family fun at Sweitzer Lake BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Imagine that you are walking with a child along a path that borders a beautiful lake. Birds

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fly overhead and a gentle breeze sways the branches of a nearby tree. Crunching footsteps are the only sound you hear as you anticipate what happens next in the story. Finally, there it is, growing closer with every footstep; the next page, mounted on a panel just high enough for curious eyes to see. In this way, a StoryWalk® book unfolds as the reader embarks on a journey down the trail, moving from page to page, from beginning to end. Installed in the fall of 2018, the Sweitzer Lake StoryWalk® provides a unique and entertaining way for families to read together outdoors. Easy picture books, mounted to 18 panels posted along a section of

the lakeside trail, urge young readers to walk the trail and finish the story. Families are encouraged to visit the StoryWalk® each time the storybook changes. StoryWalks® have been gaining popularity in recent years and are available in 50 states and 12 countries around the world. Delta County currently boasts two StoryWalks®, one in Cedaredge along the Surface Creek Trail and another at Sweitzer Lake State Park. In 2016, Delta County Libraries partnered with the Town of Cedaredge for the installation of the Surface Creek StoryWalk® with grants from LiveWell Colorado and Region 10.

Kindergarten & Preschool

Registration Information ��

The Sweitzer Lake StoryWalk® resulted from a partnership between Delta County Libraries, The Nature Connection and Colorado Parks and Wildlife with funding provided by a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Inspire grant. There are plans to install two more StoryWalks® in Delta County in 2019, one at Crawford State Park and another at Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. At Sweitzer Lake, stories change out on a bimonthly basis and visitors are encouraged to stop by Delta Library after their walk to pick up a takehome craft related to the story. Cedaredge Library also offers a take-home craft; the StoryWalk® changes out monthly. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. To learn more about StoryWalks® and for a full calendar of library events visit deltalibraries.org.

Photo submitted

‘Mom, this is very, very, very cool!” says Finley Ihnot after reading the ﬁrst page of “The Mitten,” the book currently on display at Sweitzer Lake State Park. Finley and his family walked the trail and read the story on Saturday, Feb. 2, a perfectly warm winter day. Finley proudly read the entire story to his 1-year-old sister who stretched to see and touch every panel. “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett, is on display through the end of February. “Diary of a Worm,” by acclaimed author-illustrator team Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, goes up in March.

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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 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-

BIRTHS Charles and Amber Ware of Hotchkiss are the parents of a son, Charles Gideon Ware, born Feb. 4, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length. Brandy Pfeffer and Christian Macellari of Crawford are the parents of a daughter, Alessandra Grace Macellari Pfeffer, born Feb. 5, 2019, at Dlta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 1.6 ounce and was 19.5 inches in length. Adam and Trish Montoya of Pensacola, Fla., are the parents of a son, Coltiin James Montoya, born Feb. 7, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7.06 pounds and was 19 inches in length.

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.

Love your libraries

Are you a library user? 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 at www.deltalibraries.org or on Facebook to learn more and to show your Tony and Jeanette Miller love.

Get your free hot dog on Monday The Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 is commemorating Presidents’ Day in a unique fashion — treating members of the community to a free hot dog. Post and ladies auxiliary members will be in the parking lot in front of Ace Delta Hardware, 121 West Gunnison River Drive, Monday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving away a hot dog and a bottle of water to each visitor at the Presidents’ Day Hot Dog Burn. The hot dog and bottle of water are free to

encourage everyone to remember Presidents’ Day. Any donations will be used to assist local veterans in a variety of ways. Stop by, get a hot dog and bottle of water, remember Presidents’ Day. Veterans, the American Legion Post 65 service officer will be there to answer questions on VA health care and claims issues. For more information call American Legion Post 65 Commander Greg Jackson at 318-4236722.

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

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Learn about ballot processing

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The League of Women �� Voters invites the com�� munity to attend its pro�� gram, “What Happens �� to Your Ballot Once It �� Reaches the Election �� Office?” This step-by�� step explanation of ballot �� processing will be presented at noon Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Montrose Sponsored by: Library community room. Guest speakers are the Montrose County Clerk and Recorder and Chief Deputy clerk. A questionand-answer session will �� follow.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

DHS students share their perspectives BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

In order to gain more understanding and connection to students, the Delta County School District asked each school within the county to hold a meeting with a variety of approximately 35 students to assess the wants and needs of the student body. The Delta High School Student Council and the Student Advisory Board headed up this project for Delta High School. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Delta County School District representatives, some faculty and one student from each advisory class met in the Delta High School gym. After a brief ice breaker game, the students were asked to break up into four groups. Each group had different questions. The questions were designed to gain insight into the student perspective of Delta County. Station one, led by Lauren Davey, discussed things that students were proud of, in their school and community, as well as small acts of kindness seen in action from the teachers and administration by students.

The group felt students as a whole are proud of the community involvement with the school. They also expressed gratitude toward having a great support system in and out of the school. As far as small acts of kindness, Lauren said “they really noticed that the teachers take time out of their day to really check in with students and build those personal relationships.” Group two, led by Claire Corbasson and Caleb Frazier, answered four questions. Claire summed up the answers to two of the questions: What makes you excited to come to school? What makes a great community? “The teachers here are very supportive. Students from larger city’s have moved to Delta and say it’s amazing to see how much the teachers care about you and take the time to learn your name and you get that one-on-one connection... As for our community, it is nice because it is small and safe, everyone knows each other and they are very supportive,” Claire said. Caleb summarized the answers they received

to the questions, “If you were to return to Delta County, as an adult, what would you like to see in your school and community? What classes/programs/sports would you like to change or add to the school district?” He said, “We want a school library... We would really like to see that aspect added back into our education. We like to see more outside SAT and ACT preparation for students. We would also like to see community building events, more things like Deltarado Days and more community unity.” Ana Jurca, leader of the third group, presented the statements given to her on the topic of learning styles, self worth and preparation for the future. Her group discussed the benefits of hands-on learning. The students felt like they are given the opportunity to learn by doing hands-on projects and also by being given the opportunity to learn visually. When asked the questions “What can our school do to help all students feel valued and have self-worth? In what ways can the adults contribute?” Ana’s group said

that because of the small school size, teachers are able to get to know the students on a personal level, although there is some favoritism that attributes to feeling of negative self-worth. The final question asked to Ana’s group was, “Is there something our schools can do to better prepare you for your future?” Ana reported that the students said the concurrent enrollment classes are really good, as well as the AP (Advanced Placement) classes, because they prepare students better for college. They also talked about how they wanted a little bit more ACT and SAT preparation. For other students

not on the course for college, Ana’s group wanted to see more classes for those interested in going into the career field or for those going into the Army. The final group, led by Tyler Neil, answered the questions, “What is your favorite memory from school? How can your peers, teachers, and administrators help advocate for and build positive relationships with students in order to effectively address concerns? What are good things our school does? What are some things that need to change?” The students’ favorite memory many times had to do with field trips and learning outside of a classroom.

In response to the second question, Neil said, “a lot of the answers we were getting were actually around teachers, and how they help students by checking up on them every day. If they see you having a rough day, they may not know you, but they will come and check on you and make sure you are doing okay.” Lastly, the students felt supported by the school in different ways, through clubs, when faculty offers help or guidance, and finally when the school recognizes students. The main problem that students would like to see changed within Delta High School is a better punishment system for ill-advised behavior.

Kindergarten & Preschool

Registration Information ��

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Photo by Kaylee Dunham

Ana Jurca asked students in her group to write their individual responses down on sticky notes.

Vision Vanguard Awards recognize student growth Vision Charter Academy presented Vanguard Growth Awards for first semester last week. The awards are based on nominations with evidence of improvement, growth, and excellence. Award winners were: Dawson Foreman, Avalon Foreman, Landon Foreman-Smith, Doyle Young, Lella Young, Jordyn Vodopich, Rikku Lage, Jaylee Hall, Avery Brown, Eli Anderson, Markus Lindsay, Annlee Messano, Jaycion Wagner, Asher Gregg, Aubrey Spencer, Christen Wyatt, John Gowen,

Henry Gowen, Bridger Hjorth, Oliver Nydell, Angel Harper, Ozrik Waltrip, Eli Anderson, Callie Durante, Markus Lindsay, Gaige Bucher, Nathan Conant, Dominic Cordell, Emma French, Adrian Lozano, Aliannah Harris, Annarosa Rodriquez, Annlee Messano, Asher Gregg, Aubrey Spencer, Charlotte Tuck, Christen Wyatt, David Bryant, David Ware, Denisse Quinonez, Enoch French, Fritz McKillip, Gabriel Scheetz, Jaycion Wagner, Josiah Wright, Lexi Rodriguez, Luke Krogsrud,

Marcus Vandenhoek, Michelle Ingram, Nathan Winkler, Riley Houghton, Ronan Corbridge, Sadie Wynn, Doryus Nickolaus, Jennifer Lozano, Joshua Flemming, Hannah Hoover, Wyatt Robinson, Eric Simental, Avalon Daniels, Brianna Tracey, Adrian Lozano, Jeremiah Lilly, Emerson (William) Wright, Milo Robinson, Jude Harman, Joshua Hawks, Chucho Salazar, Domenick Deltondo, Sadie Wynne, Pepper Shima, Boone Johnson, Hali Phillips and Emma Treagesser.

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Photo submitted

Pictured are award recipients (back row, left to right) Joleen McCracken, Breanna Tracey, Joshua Flemming, Lillyanne Ripper, Aydan Gillespie, Jennifer Lozano, Hannah Hoover, Anna Connett; Gene Lilly, Denisse Quinonez, Avalon Daniels, Adrian Lozano and Jeremiah Lilly.

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Pictured are award recipients (back row, left to right): Doyle Young, David Bryant, David Ware, Riley Houghton, Lella Young; (front row): Luke Krogsrud, Gabriel Scheetz, Avery Brown, Fritz McKillip, Gaige Bucher, Charlotte Tuck and Ronan Corbridge.

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A6 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

BRIDE GUIDE

Delta County Independent

Five great reasons to take engagement photos During their engagements, couples will make many decisions in regard to their weddings. Wedding planning can sometimes seem like a run-

away train of appointments, schedules and deadlines. As a result, some couples do not take the time to enjoy being engaged, which is a spe-

cial and unique time in their lives. Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings. Engagement photos memorialize the engagement and provide many additional benefits as well. 1. Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Booking an engagement photo shoot provides helpful information to both the couple and the photographer. The photographer gets to see how the couple interacts in front of the lens and can determine any insecurities or strengths and weaknesses couples may have. These lessons can be filed away and help make wedding day photos look better. Similarly, spending time with the photographer gives the

Planning a Wedding? Need a Venue? Have you tried The Pondy in Cedaredge? ��

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couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer don’t click, scheduling an engagement shoot well in advance of the wedding gives couples a chance to find someone else to take their photos. 2. An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding planning taking up your time. 3. Photo shoots provide a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. Professional photographs taken before the wedding enables couples to view how they will appear in pictures. Seeing these photos might help couples grow more comfortable in front of the camera. This practice can help couples temper their anxieties prior to the wedding. An engagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike. 4. The bride and groom have save-the-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-thedate cards or social media postings (check with the photographer for licensing agreements). This can be a great way to

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spread excitement about the upcoming nuptials. 5. Photo shoots provide a chance to experiment with vivid backdrops. Engagement photography gives couples plenty of opportunities to

experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day. Engagement photography can be a worthwhile inclusion in pre-wedding celebrations.

Tying the knot When you hear that a couple “tied the knot,” it’s immediately known that they got married. But just when and where does the term “tying the knot” come from? The phrase “tying the knot” is steeped in tradition, though the origins of the phrase remain open for debate. One origin story states that tying the knot can be traced back to the Roman empire, when brides wore girdles that were tied in knots, and the groom had to eventually untie those knots to consummate the marriage. Tying the knot also may be traced to the custom of handfasting. The marriage contract was established between a bride and a groom by joining their hands together and tying them. Although accounts vary as to whether the hands were tied only during the ceremony or later, this is believed to be an ancient Renaissance or Celtic tradition. Others speculate that

the phrase traces its origins to Hindu weddings in which brides and grooms tied a necklace of flowers as part of wedding tradition. Yet another theory suggests that the phrase can be traced back to the knotted string that supported beds prior to the use of metal springs. Therefore, in order to make a marriage bed, couples first needed to tie the knot. Knots also represent a difficult-to-break bond, which is why they have long been associated with marriage. In one unity tradition, couples may braid or knot together three strands, with one representing the bride, one symbolizing the groom and the third representing God as they join together in faith. Similarly, the phrase “getting hitched” is associated with knot-tying as well. The saying implies that two people are being tied together just like a horse is tied, or hitched, to a wagon.

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Cut blooms that will last the longest

3rd Annual

Heartfelt Thanks

WITH THE FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS RECEIVING A FREE DRINK MUG

Flowers may look beautiful in gardens and even when snipped and brought inside to brighten up a mantel or dining table. Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life. While cut blooms can’t live forever, certain varieties will outlast others. Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer. Peonies: Peonies can last for about a week or two when brought indoors. HGTV says to snip the stems when the buds are tight, wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to arrange. Zinnias: These bright blooms can last for three to four weeks and are best harvested in summer. Related to the sunflower, zinnias are available in a wide range of colors. Chrysanthemums: Widely referred to as “mums,” these midsummer to late-fall flowers can last between three and four weeks after being cut. Mums can be used to fill out floral displays because they tend to be inexpensive but durable flowers. Coneflower: The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays. Ranunculus: Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and display layer after layer of silky, crepelike petals. These blooms

can last a week or more in vases if they’re put in water right after being cut. Carnations: Another budget-friendly flower, carnations are popular from early spring until late summer. Available in many hues, they can be used in conjunction with other blooms to create well-rounded floral displays that may last between two and three weeks. Lilies: Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh yearround. Lilies often last longer than a week after being cut. Look for lilies with tight buds, as such flowers tend to last the longest. Gladioli: The lovely flowers of the verticalgrowing gladiolus, which is sometimes referred to as the “sword lily,” are available in yellow, peach, pink, white, and other hues. These bulb-based plants can last up to two weeks after being cut and add variety and texture to floral displays. Although advice varies on how to keep cut flowers fresh the longest, veteran florist Nic Faitos, senior partner at Starbright Floral Design in New York, who has provided his floral expertise for Reader’s Digest, says the best approach is to keep vase water clean. In addition, ProFlowers suggests keeping cut blooms in a cool room away from direct sunlight and heat.

BRIDE GUIDE

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Engagement ring buyer’s guide Wedding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born. The engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated. Such a decision involves knowing what a future spouse desires in a ring and balancing those desires with budget. Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible. • Listen carefully any time jewelry is discussed. Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned. Subtle hints may be dropped and pages to magazines may be folded back to provide a nudge in the right direction. It’s also perfectly fine to ask

for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage and know that an engagement is on the horizon. • Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others.

Many people have distinct preferences when it comes to the shape of the ring. Keep in mind that some shapes are more common than others and some may be more expensive as well. According to Long’s Fine Jewelers, round cut diamonds are the most popular today and also some of the most expensive. Marquise and oval also tend to be pricey. Princess and emerald cut diamonds may be more affordable, offers Genesis Diamonds.

• Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge. In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone. Take some time to learn about each of the four Cs so you can make a more informed decision when visiting the jeweler. • Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Engagement ring buyers may also want to consider gemstones other than diamonds. Buyers also must know their beloved’s ring size before buying the ring. Brilliant Earth jewelry says 6 to 6.5 are the most common ring sizes. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

Wedding dress fitting guide Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store. Because ready-towear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seam-

stress or tailor. Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress. • Try on sample gowns. The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order

the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring. • Schedule the first fitting. The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress. • Bring shoes and undergarments. Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings. • Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride. • Check the details. The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed,

Choosing color palettes Some brides may feel beholden to the color white on their wedding days, at least in regard to their gowns. Those who do often embrace the opportunity to showcase their personal styles and set the mood for their nuptials by embracing various colors throughout their ceremonies and receptions. Color can be a critical component when establishing the ambiance for a wedding. Color can evoke certain moods and set the tone for the day. Some colors work better together than others, so while choosing a color scheme may seem like an easy undertaking, some couples may find it requires more careful consideration than they first imagined. According to the bridal guide A Practical Wedding, wedding colors can give couples a starting-off point for all of the other details of their weddings. This ensures the wedding ultimately has a cohesive look. Colors need not necessarily match, but borrowing on similar hues can make it easier to plan

wedding party wardrobes, flowers, table linens, and much more. Colors can come from anywhere, but many couples try to coordinate their color schemes with the season in which the wedding takes place. In fact, couples who are finding it difficult to decide on a palette can look to seasonal colors for inspiration. For example, pastels and blooming flowers can set the scene for spring weddings, while jewel tones and rich reds and greens may be fitting for winter ceremonies. Some couples opt for more loosely defined color palettes, such as neutral and natural colors. Country and garden weddings can borrow ideas from the landscape, with natural linens paired with wildflowers. Using whites, grays and beiges enables couples to add a pop of color without overwhelming the setting. Brides magazine suggests that couples avoid choosing too many colors. A maximum of three with one metallic can ensure that things look cohesive without being over-

the-top. Also, brides and grooms needn’t feel pressured by the “hot” colors of the moment. As with clothing and hairstyles, trends change. It is better to select colors that will stand the test of time and look good for years to come. Couples may have to incorporate colors already at their wedding venues into their style. Fortunately many reception sites are outfitted in neutral tones to enable customization. The wedding resource The Knot also says having a basic knowledge of the color wheel can help. Typically, colors that pair well together are those that are opposites on the color wheel. Also, colors that share proximity on the color wheel will have similar tones and play well together. Examples of opposite colors include purples and yellows, reds and greens, and oranges and blues. Couples should not be afraid to take some chances with their color palettes, especially if they want to make a bold and modern statement.

the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures. Open communication with a seamstress and bridal shop can ensure brides-to-be get a dress that fits like a glove.

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

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A8 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Delta Middle School honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Delta Middle School for the first semester of the 2018-19 school year:

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

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 Hsa Moo, Carlee Vanzomeren, Antonio Banuelos, Braylen Salcedo, Emilio Gallegos, Xeva Burkdoll, and Anabella Silva. Below are second and third graders (front row) Naydine Rascon, Brenna Lane, Ella Black; (back row) Isabel Felix, Kaydence Sadler and Jocelyn Harvey.

Tipton announces service academy nominations Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) announced the names of 26 students from Colorado’s Third Congressional District who received a service academy nomination. The individuals were selected based on meeting or exceeding the rigorous requirements of the

respective academy and Congressman Tipton’s office. “One of the greatest honors of my job is nominating deserving young men and women for our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Tipton. “The 26 students nominated are some of

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CRANE CERTIFICATION CLASS ��

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Sixth Grade Straight A’s Sydnie Atchley Kyndahl Duran Kaidence Foote Aadrey Fraser Carolyn Garigliano Helen Gonzalez-Franco Ashley Hernandez Anika Hovel Brianna Huff Tyson Hughes Joachim Jones Paige Kehmeier Jackson Kincaide Ashlynn Kirstatter Alexander Kuta Ellie Magner Elizabeth Martinez Rhett Miramontes Ty Reed Joseph Siennicki Cya Smith Taylor Somers Juliana Stagner Jolyn Worley Tyler Yost 3.33 or Higher Mya Abeyta Yuraly Arias Leeyandel Arias Velma Bailey Joseph Black Lauren Christenson Janeth Corral Kade Davis Alexander Dunn Lillian Eskam Jordan Fraser Gabriel Garcia Maria Gonzalez-Lozano

Kaitlyn Graff Estrella Grajeda Ember Hatter Landen Horn Jordyn Huff Joseph Kurtz Rodrigo Lopez Janet Martinez Gavin McCurdy Gabino MiramontesLoera Jaw Cha Pla Moo Marlene NahuatFuentes Lily Perez Brooke Pietak Ruby Pruett Maria Reyes Torres Alyssa Rule Alexia Sanchez Jonathan Santonastaso Cooper Shull Nay Soe Asa St.Peter Eli Stephens Zora Thomas Diego Vicencio Lay Ler Wah Zacharias Wesson Rachel Young Seventh Grade Straight A’s Regann Alsdorf Ana Asavei Aylin Bayles Derek Boyd Rylan Bynum Russell Cannon Landan Clay Shayla Curtis Hania Garcia

Xander Graff Katerina Hanning Pete Herren Kylie Huff Tucker Johnson Xavier Martinez Andrew Priestley Mialisoa Randria Brett Sanchez Ava Shaball Zoey Shean Lakayla Sheets Kiersten Taylor Kassidy Wear Kaya Wright 3.33 or Higher Randee Ahlberg Brayden Ahlberg Emily Anderson Sanaa Ashurst Taneal Braslin Nathan Brewer Esai Carrillo Sarah Clark Trinity Cross Clayton Cryer John Dexter Katelyn Edwards Eban Ficklin Peyton Goodrich Cheyenne Hatter Linda Hayner Vandi Horn Roxsy Huerta Jae Huff Dakota Jessee Tyler King Anabelle Kraai Weston Kunz Matthew Lee Ripp Lockhart

Oscar Martinez Libni Mendoza-Leon Tatem Miller Camilo Munoz Judah Neely Mckenzie Newport Emmaleah Rains Zoey Rasmusen Caleb Richman Jovanny Romero Hernandez Colton Rounds Allyson Rusling Madison Ryser Nicholas Serve Johnathon Shull Jadyn Urich Paw Wah Caleb Weams Anna Weaver Baylee Wilson Eighth Grade Straight A’s Charly Abbott Zieman Ellie Ames Garrett Cannon Kalli Carmichael Chelsea Cross Aubrey Fraser Jaylena Gibson Evelyn Gutierrez Nylene Gutierrez Kailie Hofschulte Jordan Johnson Kyle Kincaide Hazel Lancaster Caitlyn Merriman Brooklynn Mininger Clark Kayla Mock Luke Stagner

the best and brightest in Colorado, and I am sure that they will have successful careers as officers should they be accepted into the academies. We are fortunate to have such accomplished and hardworking individuals in the Third District, and I could not be more proud of them for answering the call to serve our nation.” Nominees include Garth Knutson of Cedaredge, United States Air Force Academy; and Shoshana Vigil, Delta, Naval Academy and Merchant Marines. Students in the Third District who are considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy can find more information on the nomination process at: https://tipton.house. gov/serving-you/militaryacademy-nominations.

Scholarships provided for careers in health care Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteers will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to 2019 graduates of Delta County high schools who are continuing their education in any area of health care. Applications are available from school counselors. Completed applications should be mailed to: DCMH Volunteer Scholarships, Attn. Education Department, PO Box 10100, Delta, CO 81416. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on April 19. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a hospital Junior Volunteer. All funding for these scholarships comes from the operation of the hospital gift shop by the volunteer organization. For more information, contact Jacque Davis, marketing director, at 874-2291 or jadavis@ deltahospital.org.

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Sarah Teel Alex Ward Stratman Konner Workman 3.33 or Higher Ezria Abeyta Alexi Armendariz Emiliano Blanco Shental Bloom Morganne Branham Alison Burke Morgan Cano Ryetta Davis Flor Delacruz Pway Doh Carson Eaton Samuel Falck Kerstin Farmer Miriya Garcia Rylie Garcia Brianna Hall Hayley Lancaster Everlea Lewis Juan Pablo Ortiz Jeramiah Porter Ashleigh Reilly Angel Romero Hurtado Job Rosales Alexis Rundle Clay Sandridge Joseph Santonastaso Jenna Springer-Reece Braeden Sprout Samantha Stackhouse Katherin Suarez Ramirez Jesus Trevino Levity Wilkinson Sunshine Wills

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Feb. 6. 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) Andres Herrera (responsibility), Aaliyah Salas (diligence), Ashtan McCourt (perserverance), Olivia Lozano (cooperation); (middle row) Lana Perdomo (self-discipline), Arwen Hearing (diligence), Cassie Parker (kindness), Kynzlee Lopez (teamwork), Noah Kowalkowski (honesty); (front row) Harley McCourt (compassion), Gracelyn McIlheron (responsibility), Jalissa Davis (cooperation), Claryssa Holmes (kindness) and Davia Marks (compassion).

Register for youth soccer 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.

Kids 7-13 invited to softball clinic 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 High School

Students of the Month Alyssa Marker

Age: 18 Parents: Rebecca Marker and Kenneth Marker

Favorite subject: Calculus or biology Favorite teacher: Mrs. Chaney, Mr. Hale and Mr. Graves (can’t decide) Most influential person in your life: An orca trainer I met at Sea World when I was 4. This trainer told me I could accomplish anything if I am dedicated enough and believe. When I am doubtful I think of her words and persevere to succeed. After graduation I plan to go to college for a degree in wildlife biology or forensics. Favorite saying: With faith, all things are possible. Favorite song: “Still Breathing” by Green Day Favorite TV show: I really love Friends. Activities: I am in National Honor Society and the president of Youth Outdoor Network. I plan to join tennis this spring and I really want to get into archery over the summer. My family owns a nonprofit organization, Helping Hands - Open Hearts, that I spend a lot of my time volunteering for. In my spare time I like to draw, paint, do puzzles, rollerblade, hike, camp and spend time outdoors in general.

Eli Farmer

Age: 18 Parents: Jim and Laura Farmer Favorite subject: History Favorite teacher: Mr. Mitchell Most influential person in your life: My parents. They have taught me to always try my best and to be kind and live with integrity. After graduation I plan to go to college and major in business finance, then further my education at law school. Favorite saying: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Favorite song: “Your Love” by The Outfield Favorite musician: Dermot Kennedy Favorite TV show: The Office Activities: I volunteer at the food bank here in Delta. I am a member of National Honor Society and play basketball and baseball for Delta High School.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

�� Veterans to serve ‘Lady and ��

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the Tramp’ Valentine dinner Treat your sweetheart to a unique and fun Valentine’s Day Thursday, Feb. 14. A special “Lady and the Tramp” dinner will be served at Confluence Cafe, 440 Main Street in Delta, from 4 to 9 p.m. Members of the Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 and its Ladies Auxiliary will be serving couples this special feast. Each person gets a glass of ice tea or

water, a roll, a salad, and the silverware to share one heaping plate of spaghetti with his or her Valentine Sweetheart — all for only $14.99 a couple! Undoubtedly, this will be the most romantic, most unforgettable, and most fun dinner offer in town this year for you and your sweetheart. The food will be prepared by the staff of the Confluence Café and served by veterans and

their family members, who promise that this will be a unique dining experience for couples. A portion of the cost of your supper will be donated to assist local veterans, and the entertainment of watching the American Legion members trying to be waiters is another special free bonus. For more information call American Legion Post 65 Commander Greg Jackson at 318-423-6722

Hunter education classes listed for February and March Hunter education classes will be held Feb. 15-16, March 12-15 and March 22-23 in the Enterprise Room of Technical College of the Rockies in Delta. The February class is an internet conclusion class that will be held Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 12:30 p.m. The traditional class on March 12-15 will be Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The March 22-23 class (internet conclusion class) will be Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Persons interested in signing up for any of these classes need to go online at www.cpw.state. co.us. Navigate to: About Us; Education; Hunter Education. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must have successfully completed an approved hunter education course sanctioned by a state or province before applying for or purchasing a hunting license. Unless an emergency occurs, it is required that a student attend all of the class time. An absence

may require that the hunter education class be repeated. The traditional class is taught over a four-day period with approximately 14 hours of instruction, exam and range time. Prior to participating in the internet conclusion class an online course certificate of completion is required. Check the hunter education website for the approved online course to take. Also be sure to sign up for an internet conclusion class. You must complete both to obtain a hunter education card. The internet conclusion class is a twoday course with approximately seven hours of instruction, exam and range time. Classroom space is limited to a maximum of 35 students per class. Approximately the last two to three hours of the last day will be for review, the final test and shooting a .22 cal. Rimfire to determine gun handling skills. The shooting exercise occurs at the TCR Shooting Range. If the range is not available, then the Colorado Parks and Wildlife shooting trailer is uti-

lized. The most basic purpose of a hunter education course is to teach safe, responsible firearm handling in the field, in the vehicle and in the home after hunting. Through lectures, handson activities and videos, students learn about firearm safety, firearms and ammunition, shooting fundamentals and firearm and wildlife laws. While hunter education classes enable safer hunting, they also help hunters be more successful in their hunts and emphasize ethical hunting behavior. Some of the subjects covered include hunter responsibility, wildlife identification and management, game care, outdoor preparedness and survival. Students will also be introduced to hunting with archery equipment and black powder firearms. Hunter education courses are recommended for anyone who spends time in the outdoors, whether or not they intend to hunt. Basic outdoor skills acquired in a hunter education course can be invaluable during any outdoor activity.

Dancing with the Stars supports local charities In the past three years, CASA of the 7th Judicial District has brought in for local charities almost $200,000 with CASA’s annual Dancing with the Stars. Last year’s event filled just over 1,000 seats at the Montrose Pavilion and raised nearly $80,000. This year, 10 local teams, with their choreographers, will put on a

Join the fun at the rec center Bill Heddles Recreation Center offers weekly sessions of duplicate bridge, party bridge, cribbage, pinochle, Scrabble and chess. In addition, Tuesday Needlers meet every Tuesday morning. Four-month sessions are offered for adults for a small fee. Sign up at the recreation center or call 874-0923 for more information.

show that will be the talk of the town for weeks to come. A 2 p.m. matinee is planned Saturday, March 2, with an evening performance at 7 p.m., both at the Montrose Pavilion. The 10 teams that will take the stage are: Jeff and Debbie Patterson supporting CASA of the 7th Judicial District. Sandra Quijano, Bertha Eudave, Maribel Mendez and Elisa Rodrigue supporting the Hispanic Affairs Project Veronica Hale and Kyle Siegrist supporting Time Bank of the Rockies. Hal Emik and Gloria Munoz supporting (to be announced). Jay and Kim Stoltzlus supporting the Delta Pregnancy Center. Sarah Nash and Daryl Pridy supporting Homes for our Troops. Chris and Tiffany Vincent supporting (to be announced) Dan Lynch and Kylah Jones supporting Welcome Home Alliance for

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Veterans. Team San Juan supporting Montrose Rec. Foundation. Team Zumbana supporting Haven House. Come join the fun and support your local charity. Tickets for the 7 p.m. performance are $35. Early birds can attend the 2 p.m. matinee for $15. Visit casa7jd.org to purchase tickets.

Square dancers celebrate with love Come celebrate love for our partners, friends and the art of square dancing, as the Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts a “Valentine’s Dance” on Saturday night, Feb. 16. The dance will be directed by Naaman Moorehouse, regular club caller. Dances are $6 admission per dancer, and held from 7-9 p.m.,in the aerobics room at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Dances are “Mainstream” with “Plus” Tips. Round dances are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share during the evening! Nondancers welcome to come and watch, and meet our dancers. To verify dance dates or learn about upcoming lessons, call Zee Pacheco, 970-8353771, or Paul Ash, 970-773-4495.

Library book sale planned 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!

Astronomy observations for 2019 highlighted 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 of the Sun, the last planetary transit visible from Colorado until 2049.

Square dance lessons slated to 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. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Naaman Moorehouse of Grand Junction, club caller. Classes are open

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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 than right now! After the open house, classes will be held mostly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five weeks at the same location. For more information, reservations and questions, contact Paul Ash at 773-4495, or Zee Pacheco at 835-3771.

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A10 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Think tank, more legislators join in supporting DMEA PRESS RELEASE

Last week the Coalition of Ratepayers, the energy policy affiliate of prominent Colorado free-market and libertarian think tank, the Independence Institute, declared their support for DMEA’s complaint before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

The coalition submitted a public comment to the PUC supporting DMEA’s complaint against TriState Generation and Transmission. This letter cements the bi-partisan support for DMEA, coming the same week as an additional letter from 10 more Colorado legislators also support-

ing DMEA’s efforts to secure a reasonable and non-discriminatory exit charge from Tri-State. In its letter, the Coalition of Ratepayers urges the PUC to take up DMEA’s complaint “in light of Tri-State’s actions, which reject individual autonomy and self-determination, are prohibited by public utility law, and are discriminatory as well as a predatory.” The public comment also notes that Tri-State’s refusal to honor its “core principle” of voluntary membership “undermines and attacks not only DMEA’s personal and economic freedom, but the personal and economic freedom of all the

rural-electric cooperatives it serves.” “We appreciate the Coalition of Ratepayers for taking a stand for self-autonomy and economic freedom,” said Jasen Bronec, DMEA’s chief executive officer. “Tri-State publicly talks about the value of voluntary and open membership, but in their legal filings, they claim they can prevent any member from withdrawing while unilaterally setting abusive charges. This hurts rural Coloradans.” The Coalition of Ratepayers joins the diverse ranks of the Colorado Energy Office, which represents the interests of the governor’s office and

the State of Colorado as a whole, as well as United Power, La Plata Electric Association, the Sierra Club, Colorado Ski Country USA and many others — all of which have stated support for DMEA. Commenting on the various groups that have weighed in on DMEA’s request, Bronec noted, “The diversity of our supporters speaks for itself. Citizens and organizations that usually disagree on politics and policy together agree on at least one thing: TriState’s claim that it can restrict the freedom of rural Coloradans not only violates its “core principle” of voluntary and open membership, but it’s just plain wrong.” News of this additional support comes the same week as a new letter to the PUC from information. If you would ten additional state leglike to contribute toward islators requesting to be his gift, contact Yvonne added to an earlier bipartisan list of more than 50 Rowland as well.

Retirement celebration planned for Father Tom Father Tom Seibert of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta is retiring at the end of February. His last celebration of Holy Communion will be Sunday, Feb. 24, at the 10:15 a.m. service. All are welcome. A retirement celebration will be held Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Needlerock Brewing Company in Delta. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar. All are welcome to bring a gift or contribute toward the gift from St. Luke’s. Please contact Yvonne Rowland at 970-210-0888 for more Photo by Amy Crick

A special guest

On Saturday, Feb. 2, a very special guest made an appearance at Delta Library. The popular character “Pete the Cat” arrived at the library just in time for storytime. Children were delighted to meet the big blue cat and hear stories about his adventures. Feb. 2 was National Take Your Child to the Library Day and families were invited to the library for crafts and special storytimes throughout the day. Pete enjoyed his visit to the library so much that he may return again, so stay tuned for more events with this special guest.

Father Tom Seibert

state legislators asking the PUC “to set a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge for DMEA’s exit from Tri-State.” Commenting on the additional legislator letter, DMEA CEO Bronec said, “DMEA recognizes and appreciates that with these additional signatures, a majority of legislators in both the State House of Representatives and State Senate have signed a letter to the PUC supporting DMEA’s request.” DMEA’s case before the PUC continues to gather momentum. Next week the PUC is slated to make its decision on whether it has jurisdiction over DMEA’s complaint. Despite the recent flurry of activity, the coop remains focused on its members and continues to reaffirm its goals of rate stabilization, fairness to other Tri-State cooperatives, and local generation.

Libraries to offer free ESL courses with $10,000 grant BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Delta County Libraries has been selected as one of 16 public libraries nationwide to receive a $10,000 American Dream Literacy Initiative grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and Dollar General Literacy Foundation. With the funding, Delta County Libraries will provide three ESL classes at two locations in Delta County. Educator Danielle Carre meets with two student groups on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at Delta Family Center. Carre works with a third group of students Monday and Wednesday nights at Delta Library. “Danielle has been teaching ESL classes for Delta County Libraries for over a decade,” explains Gail Srebnik, literacy administrator for the library district. “Carre’s classes are generally full, serving approximately 30 students at a time.” “This grant allows us to continue offering these essential services to the community,” says Lea Hart, district director. “For nearly 20 years, ESL classes were funded

through a large grant we received from the state. Beginning in 2017, that grant was no longer available to us and we have been scrambling to keep the program going ever since.” Delta County Libraries was selected through a competitive, peerreviewed application process. Nearly 100 public libraries applied for the 16 available grants, according to the ALA Public Programs Office. View all 16 recipients of the 2019 American Dream Literacy Grants. The American Dream Literacy Initiative strives to develop tools and resources for libraries and library staff to provide effective literacy services to adult English language learners in their communities and across the country. Since the program’s inception, more than 200 libraries in Dollar General communities have initiated or expanded literacy services for adult English language learners. The grants allow libraries to augment their print and digital English as a second language (ESL) collections; increase computer access and train-

ing; provide job training; hold English language learning (ELL), general educational development (GED) and citizenship classes; and raise the visibility of services for immigrant populations. The American Dream Literacy Initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Delta County Libraries supports five libraries in Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia. The library district maintains a varied collection of materials in print, audio and electronic formats as well as a wide range of technology for on-site and home use. Each library offers an annual schedule of dynamic programming for all ages including a summer reading program, weekly storytimes, book clubs, technology help and much more. The library district also provides adult education through programming, high school equivalency testing, and English as a Second Language classes. For more information, visit www.deltalibraries. org.

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NORTH FORK February 13, 2019

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia clay studio hearing is continued BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A Feb. 5 Paonia Planning Commission hearing to consider a special use permit application for a clay studio was continued to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, after the applicant was unable to attend the hearing. The clay studio is located at 397 Clark Avenue. The building is one of three warehouses located in the 300 block of Clark Avenue zoned “I-1 Light Industrial.” On June 12, 2018, property owner Frederick Zimmer was notified in writing by town manager Ken Knight that the activities related to the clay studio, “while allowed in the I-1 Zone, require a Special Review from the planning board and board of trustees.” Knight said the town became aware of manufacturing activities last year after seeing an advertisement on Facebook for a pottery workshop. The workshop, said Knight, was moved to Elsewhere Studios on Third Street. “I can tell you that they have had classes and they have sold pottery, but they have done so through the Elsewhere Studios,” said Knight. Zimmer was given 60 days to ‘cure’ the problem and apply for the necessary review.” Under the special review, the commission is considering permits for “fabricating/manufacturing industry,” “manufacturing,” “retail business,” and “wholesale business,” as required under I-1 zoning. Following completion of the hearing, the commission can recommend approval or denial to the town board of trustees, which has the final say, or send the application to the board with no recommendation. Until permits are issued, the clay studio is under a cease and desist order. Because there are no outward signs of manufacturing, said Knight, “we have not had any cause to think that manufacturing continued after the cease and desist letter, but I cannot say 100 percent that it was not.” Zimmer was contacted by phone during the meeting, and said he did not object to discussion of the special use permits in his absence. The public was given time to comment. Among the issues raised were the anticipated scale of retail and wholesale business, noise, environmental contamination of air and water from potentially toxic ingredients in clays and glazes, and ventilation and fire safety. Increased traffic was also a major concern. Clark Avenue, which provides the only pub-

lic access to the three warehouses, has already increased due to the Silver Leaf housing development and activities at the Edesia Community Kitchen at 395 Clark Avenue, which was granted special use permits last summer that allow them to hold fundraisers, educational and other special events, and manufacture and package food-related items. Creating a one-way traffic pattern through egress on Minnesota Avenue was discussed. The one-way pattern was also discussed at length in approving Silver Leaf in 2016, but was not a required condition of approval. The town has no right of way between Clark and Minnesota avenues, said Knight. The question of rights of way “should be done during the development phase” of Silver Leaf. It is not a question that is before the commission, said Knight. “The question before the board is a pottery shop at 395 Clark.” Mayor Charles Stewart, who is required under ordinance to serve on the planning commission, said he would prefer to hold further discussion until Zimmer is present. The application covers multiple uses, “not just simply manufacturing,” said Stewart. Commissioners may “have questions... in terms of the scope of those specific uses anticipated in the future,” which may require responses by Zimmer. Planning commissioner Monica Foguth voted against continuation of the hearing, while commissioner Bill Bear urged approval. “We don’t know what’s going on in there,” said Bear. “I’d just like to have somebody sit here and describe the process.” Following a brief hearing, commissioners voted to recommend approval for a home occupancy permit for Dave Knutson, DBA Orion Rising LLC. Until recently, Knutson, an appointed town trustee, operated out of The Hive Paonia co-working space on Grand Avenue. The Hive recently closed its doors. Two letters supporting the permit were submitted by neighbors, and Knight said after reviewing the application, town staff and recommends approval. Knutson anticipates his business will increase traffic volume by two to three car trips per month and that his circular driveway can accommodate three or four vehicles. The homeowner’s association reviewed and approved his design application, added Knutson.

Majestic mammals

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/.

Folks should know where their water shut-off is Crawford council considers fees to discourage using town crews for routine shut-offs BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

With snow falling, there was no audience to observe the Crawford Town Council work through a very short agenda at its Feb. 6 meeting. Picking up on a discussion started at their January meeting, the trustees talked about a draft resolution establishing a fee for shutting off water to address problems on the homeowner’s side of the meter. The goal is to reduce the need to send town crews out for routine water shutoffs on the property side of the meter. In January, town clerk Cally Gallegos raised the topic, noting examples of homeowners calling town hall for emergency shutoff in the wake of frozen pipes. She explained that the homeowner did not know where their emergency shutoff value was, or the property simply did not have a separate shut-off value. The home-

owners had either turned the water off at the meter — a practice not recommended because of the potential to damage the meter or water line — or were requesting the town staff to rush over to turn off the water. Current building code requires shut-off values between the meter and the property but many homes in Crawford are not up to code. In some situations, homeowners did not know where their shut-off valves were located, or were placed in a location with poor access such as a crawl space. The trustees considered a draft, establishing a $250 penalty and a $50 fee to shut off water. In their discussion on Feb. 6, the concensus was that the penalty was perhaps too high and arbitrary. They suggested rephrasing the penalty to read “up to $250” as an encouragement for residents to either know where their shutoff valve is or have one installed. It was sent back to staff to update and bring back for consideration at the March meeting. Next on the agenda was a resolution to remove term limits from the town code. Mayor Wanda Gofforth explained that the voters approved a mea-

sure in April 2002, with a vote of 37-28 in favor of eliminated term limits from the elected offices of mayor and trustee. However, in the process of digitizing the town’s code it was discovered the municipal code was never amended to reflect the outcome of the election. Ordinance 2019-02 corrects the situation, and was approved unanimously by the trustees. In other business, the trustees received an update on efforts by Friends of Crawford Town Hall to purchase and install two swamp coolers for the Community Room. The group has been raising funds and seeking grants to cover the cost and it is hoped the work will be completed before Pioneer Days. The cost of the project should not involve town funds, although the town will be responsible for the maintenance of the units once they are installed. The trustees also received a draft update to the town’s personnel policy to review in preparation for the work session set for Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Also on the agenda for that night will be a presentation by the town attorney on mobile home regulations, and by Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor on public safety.

Students say ‘thank you’ for dictionaries BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

To learn to read, children need to build and improve their vocabulary. What better way to help them learn than to give them a dictionary. As they have for more than a decade, last fall, Rotary Club of the North Fork members personally deliv-

ered dictionaries to local third grade students through the Rotary Dictionary Project. Last December, Rotarians delivered about 100 hardbound Scholastic Children’s Dictionaries to third-grade students at Hotchkiss and Paonia elementary schools and North Fork Montessori at Crawford.

In addition to words and their definitions, the dictionaries include colorful images, a thesaurus, guides to punctuation and idioms, and are updated to include new words and technology terms. Receiving a dictionary of their own is very exciting, said Rotarian Susie Coombe. “Parents say they find them

Photo by Tamie Meck

A letter written by Paonia Elementary School third grade student Perla is one of many thankyou letters the Rotary Club of the North Fork received after donating dictionaries to area third-grade students. The North Fork club has distributed dictionaries to local students for almost a decade.

reading their dictionaries at night with a flashlight.” For some students, it’s the first book they can call their own. “It’s so much fun to watch those kids get so excited about their first book,” said North Fork Rotary president Barb Heck. The Rotary Dictionary Project was established in the early 2000s through a matching grant project led by the Lamar, Colo., Rotary. Since then, more than 17 million dictionaries have been distributed to elementary-aged students across the country. While visiting schools, local Rotarians share information on Rotary, its global efforts to reduce the polio disease, local scholarship programs and other services it provides. North Fork Rotary budgets $1,080 per year for the program, said Heck. While they ask for nothing in return, they often receive thank-you letters. In January, the club received an envelope full of letters from third graders at Paonia Elementary School. Among their many and varied comments: “Thank you for coming and teaching us how to use a dictionary.” Gunnar and Kameron. “I will use it forever.” Klara. “I like the super cool stuff in the dictionary.” Lugha and

Adrian. “We are going to look up things and learn more about the world.” Cole and Coy. “I like to use the dictionary because I want to be a scientist when I grow up.” Jace. “At Christmas I will teach my little brother Kenny about my dictionary.” Renee. “We will learn a lot with our dictionaries.” Laylah. “What does Rotary mean?” Elly. “We are going to need them until we are 61. We are going to need them for maps and flags. Also, we will use them for researching presidents. We are going to need them for learning about rocks.” Perla. “I love the help you not only give to Paonia, but the world!” Elly. “We are going to use them for hard words and get smarter.” Emberlee and Bella. “We will use them for college and forever.” Addison, Ben and Ashley. Rotary welcomes donations for the dictionary program by mail at Rotary Club of the North Fork, P.O. Box 1543, Paonia, CO 81428. Rotary also meets the first four Thursdays of the month in the Community Room at Paonia Town Hall, 214 Grand Avenue. Lunch is served at noon, and each week, a different guest speaker gives a presentation.

B2 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Biodynamic farming conference coming to Hotchkiss this month

The Fellowship of Preparation Makers, a national collegial group of farmers, biodynamic preparation-makers and activists, is holding a conference at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss to address the North Fork area’s diverse agricultural interests. The conference and related events run Feb. 28-March 3, with a special on-farm event scheduled for March 4 near Carbondale. Sponsored locally by the Valley Organic Growers Association and The Learning Council, national and local speakers include Hugh Lovel, Ryan Herring, Lloyd Nelson, Patricia Frazier and Brook LeVan. Local speakers include Wind Clearwater, Dawn Rains and Alicia Michelson. A pre-conference event on Thursday, Feb. 28, is specifically designed for local farmers interested in transitioning to biodynamic farming practices. Some of those practices include biodynamic

growing of herbs, composting, Permaculture and biodynamic design marriage, and backyard gardening. The main conference, scheduled for March 13, focuses on the theme of “The head and heart of the biodynamic farm organism: Making formative forces visible.” Herring, a soil researcher from Washington state, will lead the discussion. Attendees will learn the

method of making chromatograms, and study their interpretations. Lovel, a worldrenowned biodynamic farmer and educator, regular contributor to Acres USA periodical, and the author of two books, “A Biodynamic Farm,” and “Quantum Agriculture,” will lead a study of the compost preparations of nettle and oak bark. Lovel currently consults for dairy farms, orchards,

Learn about salinity project funding at February workshops The Delta Conservation District (DCD) will be hosting a series of meetings to help anyone interested in obtaining funds to pipe groupowned ditches. A major source of funds is the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). It is expected that the USBR will accept applications in mid 2019 for funds avail-

able through its salinity reduction program. The Delta Conservation District meetings will focus on helping those who have never applied for the USBR salinity funds, but those who have applied before are welcome to attend. Topics include: • Pros and cons of piping group owned ditches

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diversified farming operations, vineyards, and biodynamic ally-managed hemp operations around the world. On Monday, March 4, Brook LeVan will host a post-conference, on-farm educational event at Sustainable Settings, located outside of Carbondale on Highway 133. Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 15. To learn more, visit www. thelearningcouncil.org.

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• Funding sources (USBR and others) • Organizational considerations for those applying for funding • How to choose and work with engineering firms The meetings listed below will be identical. Interested parties may choose the one that is most convenient to them. Feb 25: 2:00 p.m. Delta, Bill Heddles Recreation Center Feb 26: 6:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Memorial Hall Feb 27: 6:30 p.m. Cedaredge Civic Center Later in 2019 the Delta Conservation District will host meetings for both new and experienced applicants. Those meetings will focus on the specifics of the USBR 2019 application packet once it has been made public. Please contact Paul Kehmeier at 720-6144921 or Suzie Bilberry at 970-399-8194 for additional information.

Exceptional Eagles

On Feb. 1 the pictured Paonia Elementary School students were recognized for demonstrating SOAR behavior. From left to right the students are Eric Pantoja-Rodriguez nominated for achievement and respect; Bryan Staton nominated for respect; Klara Kiss nominated for order, achievement and respect; Mateo Pantoja-Torres nominated for achievement; Sayde Allen nominated for order, achievement and respect; Austin Blissett nominated for achievement and respect. Paonia Elementary School provides a SAFE and ORDERLY environment that promotes high ACHIEVEMENT and growth, individuality and RESPECT. Way to SOAR students!

Celebrate Mardi Gras, benefit area students Let the bon temps rouler and enjoy a Cajun feast while benefiting area students at Beta Sigma Phi’s annual Tools 4 Schools fundraiser, “Fat Tuesday on Saturday.” The Mardi Gras themed event takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. Sponsored by Kevin Parks State Farm, the evening promises a Cajun menu of shrimp gumbo, Mardi Gras king cake and pralines, and a silent auction featuring local treasure and services. Throughout the evening, DJ Steve will be spinning New Orleans-style jazz.

For the past seven years, the local Beta Sigma Phi chapter’s nonprofit Tools 4 Schools program has provided muchneeded school supplies to the area’s under-funded classrooms and kids. The Tools 4 Schools backpack program provides students with a backpack filled with school supplies to help them be better prepared to learn and complete projects. Backpack sponsorship opportunities will also be available at the event for $35 each. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and available by calling Jackie at 527-4585.

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 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 dis-

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trict 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 sec-

ond 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.

Social gathering for anglers The Gunnison Gorge Anglers will host a social gathering for area fishermen on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m.. It will be held at 2 Rascals Brewing Company, 147 N. 1st Street in Montrose. All are welcome.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Modern Music Festival features Hub New Music The Blue Sage Concert Series is pleased to present a Modern Music Festival featuring Hub New Music, a mixed quartet consisting of flute, clarinet, violin and cello. Hub New Music will be in residence in the North Fork Valley from Feb. 25 through March 2 with a series of outreach workshops in Delta County public schools and two performances on the Blue Sage Concert Series March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. The musicians are passion-

ate educators whose approach to teaching places contemporary music within the context of a rapidly evolving, centuries old musical tradition. The first program, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, features Hub New Music with guest artist Kojiro Umezaki (shakuhachi flute, Silk Road Ensemble) performing a new multi-disciplinary work by composer Angel Lam entitled “The River Whispers” in collaboration with and inspired by

the work of local conservancy group, the Western Slope Conservation Center. The second program features Hub New Music in a performance of Soul House by composer Robert Honstein exploring memory and childhood nostalgia. Pianist Susan Ellinger joins the group with a performance of Guggenheim awardwinning composer Kati Agocs’ quintet “Immutable Dreams”. This program is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2.

Tickets ($20-25) are on sale now at the Blue Sage Gallery located at 226 Grand Avenue in Paonia, 970-527-7243, or online at bluesage.org. Thanks to generous donors, students can attend concerts for FREE with advance ticketing. The Blue Sage Center for the Arts is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization located in Paonia providing education and expression in the arts and humanities in order to engage and enrich the North Fork community.

Founded in 1996, the Blue Sage serves about 10,000 residents of the North Fork Valley annually

Fines will be imposed for collecting shed antlers Since Jan. 1, restrictions on collecting shed antlers have been in effect on all public lands west of Interstate 25, through April 30. Additional restrictions apply in the Gunnison Basin. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials say anyone caught in possession of or collecting sheds illegally during this time — including shed horns and antlers and horns naturally attached to a skull plate — will face fines if they ignore the law.

The restrictions do not apply to private lands; however, CPW officials remind everyone trespassing laws are always in effect. The CPW Commission approved the annual restrictions in 2018, implemented to protect wintering wildlife from severe and constant stress from human activity, primarily shed collectors. “Shed collecting has become extremely popular over the past decade

Commissioners support Steckel application BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Feb. 5 meeting, Delta County Commissioners Don Suppes, Mark Roeber and Mike Lane sent a letter of full support for Kathy Steckel’s application for appointment to the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council. The commissioners noted that Steckel has worked faithfully for the North Fork Ambulance in both volunteer and paid roles for more than 20 years.

As executive director of the North Fork Ambulance, Steckel played a significant role in the successful 2018 November election to form and fund a new special district which will ensure ongoing quality ambulance service in the large rural area of Delta County. Steckel serves on the Delta County EMS Council and WRETAC and has the necessary perspective of pre-hospital EMS needs and a clear understanding of the unique challenges of those needs in a rural setting.

Cabin Fever Quilt Show set for March 15-17 The 2019 Cabin Fever Quilt Show will take place March 15-17 at Heritage Hall on the Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. The show will be open Friday and Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-3. Sponsored by S&B Quilters’ Guild of Hotchkiss, this show features beautiful quilts and quilted items. There will also be vendors and dem-

onstrations. Admission is free. Handmade items are available for purchase from the S&B Boutique, and the Calico Café will have coffee and treats. Tickets for the 2019 Raffle Quilt drawing will be on sale for $1 each. Grab a few friends and make a day of it. For more information, email sbquilters1989@ gmail.com.

because there is a significant potential for high profit,” said Area Wildlife Manager Bill de Vergie of Meeker. “That has led to a major increase in the number of collectors spreading out in areas where elk and deer are trying to find a little respite from winter. The last thing wildlife needs at this time of year are people speeding by on ATVs or snowmobiles, dogs running around offleash and so on. It’s a very serious problem.” Each winter, as the snow begins to fall, elk and deer move down to their traditional winter range to search for what forage they can find. Toward the end of the season, forage becomes very scarce and the animals survive primarily on the fat stores they developed during summer and fall. As deer, elk and moose begin dropping their antlers in late winter, hundreds of collectors begin an intense, daily search for the freshest sheds — considered the most valuable — while the animals are still on their winter range and essentially starving. In a few egregious cases, witnesses have observed some shed collectors chasing a herd of elk or deer with an off-road vehicle in an attempt to secure a fresh shed dropped by a startled animal. “If wildlife is pressed once a day or every other day, we would not have as much concern,” said de Vergie. “But these animals are constantly pressured now, often running from perceived threats dozens of times per day. People may not see it happen right away but severely stressed animals and their offspring will starve to death when their fat stores are depleted.” Despite an initial focus on education last year, wildlife officers wrote several citations and seized numerous sheds from blatant violators, including trespass charges on people attempting to skirt the law by collecting sheds on private property without permission. CPW officers say they are ramping up enforcement in 2019. “We’ve done what we can to educate folks about the restrictions and why they are in place,

including many face-toface conversations,” said de Vergie. “We hope that folks follow the rules and help us protect wildlife. If they don’t, we will enforce our laws to the fullest extent.” For each illegal shed, violators can expect a $50 fine plus an $18 surcharge. In addition, they will be assessed five points per shed against their hunting and fishing privileges. After 20 points, violators can lose their hunting and fishing privileges for up to five years. CPW officials remind everyone about a further restriction in Southwest Colorado in GMUs 54, 55, 66, 67, and 551 where the collection of shed antlers or horns is prohibited from Jan. 1 through May 15. In addition, collection and possession are prohibited in these GMUs between legal sunset and 10 a.m. from May 1 through May 15 each year. “We are not trying to keep people from collecting sheds,” said de Vergie. “We are just asking collectors to wait a bit, cut wildlife a break, wait until the restricted periods end then go out and get your sheds.” To report illegal wildlife activity, call your local CPW office. To remain anonymous, contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.

through classes, events, gallery exhibits, venue rentals and arts outreach into local schools.

Hub New Music

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Wine and chocolate fundraiser planned 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

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Photo by Julia Brown

Armchair travel

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.

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PAO N I A 133 Grand Ave. Paonia, CO 81428 (970) 527-4141

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

B4 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Dick Mott

Richard “Dick” DeVoll Mott died at his home in Paonia on Feb. 9, 2019. He was 82. He was born in Paonia Oct. 1, 1936, to Horace and Pauline Mott. He graduated from Paonia High School in 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at George Fox College in Oregon. On Nov. 2, 1958, he married Faye McCord. Shortly after, he was drafted into the Army and spent two years as a medic. Upon his honorable discharge, the couple moved to Paonia and then to Maher as they raised their family while running Mott Cattle Company. The ranching business took him to Mullen, Neb., Atoka, Okla., and Asuncion, Paraguay, through his retirement in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Faye; sons,

OBITUARIES

Todd (Annette) and Troy (Tina); daughters, Kelly and Sandee; eight grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and a sister, Nancy Haueisen. He was preceded in death by a son, Darren. For most of his life he was a member of Paonia Friends Church and had a heart for worldwide missions. Memorial donations may be made to Frontier Foundation, whose vision is to support the spreading of the gospel and discipling the nations. Checks may be sent to 102 Palmetto Lane, Largo, FL 33770. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Ed O’Donnell

Longtime Delta resident Edward J. O’Donnell died Feb. 6, 2019, at the HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 84. Memorial services were held Saturday, Feb. 9, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. A private family interment has taken place. Edward Joseph O’Donnell was born Jan. 25, 1935, to Emmet and Margaret (Thomas) O’Donnell in Idaho Springs. He spent his childhood and attended school in Idaho Springs,

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.

graduating from Idaho Springs High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Navy. On June 25, 199, he married Alice Joy McRee in Nucla. They moved to Delta in 1960. Mr. O’Donnell was a Colorado state trooper and also worked for the Colorado Department of Revenue for 36 years. He was a member of VFW Post 3571 and the Idaho Springs Elks Lodge. He served on the board of directors for the Colorado Association of Public Employees. He enjoyed golfing, driving, taking care of his yard and spending time with his family. He is survived by a son, Jeffery O’Donnell; daughter, Lori Sharon; companion, Sharon Dufrein; brother, Johnny O’Donnell; grandchildren, Danielle Sharon Justin (Mandy) Granzella and Amanda (Sam) Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Eli Sharon-Wolf and Layla Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Alice, in November 2008; and his siblings. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Bob Gerle

Delta resident Robert C. “Bob” Gerle died Feb. 6, 2019, at his home. He was 57. At his request, no formal services will be held. Mr. Gerle is survived by his wife, Lyn Gerle; two daughters, Sydney Gerle and Chari Gerle; his mother, Doreen Gerle; and two sisters, Melanie Fransen and Gaylene. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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Joseph Gallegos

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Lifetime Delta resident Joseph Gallegos died at his home on Feb. 6, 2019. He was 62. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, with Mass of Christian burial following at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Delta. Burial will follow at Mesa View Cemetery in Delta. Joseph Richard Gallegos was born in Delta Nov. 26, 1956, to Filbert and Eliza (Trujillo) Gallegos. He attended St. Michael’s Catholic school and Delta schools, graduating from Delta High School in 1976. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Delta. Mr. Gallegos spent all his free time working on cars, attending car shows or looking for the next car to buy. He also enjoyed music, dancing, weight lifting and power lifting. He had a diverse collection of music, from the blues and honky tonk to Ariana Grande and New Mexican Folk. He is survived by two daughters, Becky (Nathan) Schaeffer of Parachute and Heather (Carlos) Chavez of Delta; two brothers, Filbert Gallegos Jr. and Martin Gallegos, both of Commerce City; three sisters, Veronica Carbonell of Delta, Mary Ann Powers of Boise, Idaho, and Barbara Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla.; seven grandchildren and many others who referred to him as “Grandpa Joe.” He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest grandson, Santos Chavez. 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

Michael Masson July 7, 1970 ~ Jan. 18, 2019 Michael Edward Masson of Carlin, Nev., died in an off-road vehicle accident near Carlin, Nev., Jan. 18, 2019. He was 48 years old. Mike was born July 7, 1970, in Richmond, Ind. He grew up in Crawford, Colo., and graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1988. Mike was an U.S. Army Veteran, serving four years after high school. Following, he attended University of Northern Colorado and Ames Community College, both in Greeley, Colo., and earned an Associate’s degree in Fire Safety. Mike was a Federally Certified Master Blaster. He resided in Carlin for nearly 20 years and worked in the “Carlin Trend Mining District” where his friends called

him Mike “The Underminer” Masson. Mike was a devoted father, son, brother and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling and camping. He was known for the phrase “Let er Buck” and his nieces and nephews fondly called him “Uncle Rico.” Mike is survived by his parents, Margaret Christiansen

and Michael (Kathy) O’Neall; two children, Samuel Masson USAF (age 18) and Sawyer Masson (age 4); four sisters, Sarah (Stuart) Nelson of Red Bluff, Calif., Jennifer (Joe) Mandola of Houston, Texas, Ann Godfrey of Yuma, Colo., and Jo (Dale) Dexter of Delta, Colo.; and three half siblings, Ben, Andy and Susanna O’Neall. Mike was preceded in death by his sister Shelle Taylor, grandparents, aunts and uncles. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in Hotchkiss, Colo., at a future date. Condolences and memorial donations may be offered in care of Mike Masson, PO Box 1823, Carlin, NV 89822. Paid obituary

Ryan Lee Wells Nov. 13, 1988 ~ Feb. 3, 2019 Ryan Lee Wells, 30 years of age, died in a tragic accident on the Grand Mesa at Island Lake. He died as he lived — relishing adventure, enjoying nature, and spending time with his lifelong buddy, Ricky Colton. He lived in Delta, Colo., his entire life, growing up surrounded by fun-loving cousins. Together, they enjoyed creating a ruckus as often as possible. We fondly remember the time he and his cousin skipped seminary to put their classmates’ cars up on blocks in the church parking lot. Or, as a junior in high school, when, during the night, he took a dump truck full of fresh cow manure to school and dumped it in the senior parking spots ... and we all remember, and some try to forget, the infamous senior prank. Ryan loved nature. As a Boy Scout he developed an affinity for flytying. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, fourwheeler riding, and won the Delta County demolition derby for several years. Most importantly, he was an amazing father.

Providing his daughter with a strong foundation was easily Ryan’s greatest accomplishment in life. Ryan had a soft heart behind the sometimes gruff exterior. He was always willing to assist a friend, neighbor, or stranger in need. He was a man that was courageous enough to speak his mind. Ryan was brave enough to face life with a fantastic smile that was always bright, sincere, and laced with mischief. He was driven enough to find success in about everything he did, and versatile enough to find friends in all walks of life. He was the kind of man that most people would have been proud to raise or want their daughter to marry. Men

like him don’t come along often. We are so thankful to have shared this incredible life with him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Church; older brother, Jason Wells; younger sisters, Kacey Wells and her twin; and cousin, Layton Graf. He will be infinitely missed by his daughter, Isabella Wells of Delta; parents, Tom Wells of Delta and Crystal (and Ed) McGinley of Burleson, Texas; and three devoted sisters, MacKenzy Wells of Grand Junction, Alyssa Miller and husband Heath of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Cedar Martin and husband Jacob of Kalispell, Mont.; grandparents, LeRoy and Lillian Wells of Delta; and Granny Myra Church also of Delta; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

Richard Louis Colton May 6, 1988 ~ Feb. 3, 2019 Richard Louis Colton, known to his loved ones as Ricky, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in an accident on the Grand Mesa. He departed with his best friend since childhood, Ryan Lee Wells. Ricky was born on May 6, 1988, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D., to Robert and Sherrill Colton. He was raised in Delta, Colo., where he attended elementary thru high school and was a starathlete and student. While at Delta High School he participated in track and football. After graduation, he attended Colorado Mesa University where he studied Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He then went on to work for Montrose Interagency Fire Management where he protected the lands across the Western United States, including Colorado, Northern California, Texas and Idaho. He worked at West Elk and Oxbow Mines, working in rock-hard mining in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In 2014, Ricky began his HVAC training and was most recently hired by Snipps Heating & Air in Montrose, Colo. In 2008, he began

dating the love of his life, Chantel Leigh Sabartinelli. They married in Vegas on Feb. 20, 2011, in the company of a few family members and friends. They have two beautiful children together, Raiden Louis Colton, age 8 and Rainah Leigh Colton, age 4. The family would like you to remember Ricky as he was: passionate, energetic, with an infectious laugh that could be heard for miles. He was an incredible husband, father, son, friend, and community member. To be in Ricky’s presence, was to feel absolute joy and love. He was a friend to all and all loved and adored him. He is survived by his wife Chantel Leigh Colton and their two children, Raiden Louis and Rainah Leigh Colton; his parents, Robert and

Sherrill Colton; sister, Tiffani; grandparents, Patsy and Stan Rhea, Lynn Ertel and Nancy Long. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Louette Colton, and best friend, Ryan Lee Wells. The family asks in lieu of flowers or meals, please consider contributing to the Richard Colton Memorial Fund at Alpine Bank, 1660 Hwy. 92, Delta, CO 81416. Donations will be used for funeral costs and arrangements. If you would like to coordinate a special request, donation, or event, please contact Chantel’s sister, Felicia Sabartinelli at felicia. sabartinelli@gmail.com. The co-memorial service for Ricky and Ryan was held at Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue, in Delta, Colo., on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Veta P. Norvell

Delta resident Veta Norvell died on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 88. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Veta Pearl Norvell was born on Dec. 22, 1930. She spent her childhood and attended school in Delta. On Aug. 6, 1970, she married Samuel Roy Norvell in Delta. Mrs. Norvell resided

dling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

in Delta most of her life. She enjoyed reading. She is survived by her husband, Samuel Norvell of Delta; her son, Steve Gore, also of Delta; her two daughters; Sammie, Lynn (Dena Petrozzi) of Cedaredge and Kathy (Denny) Caples of Clifton.; four grandchildren; and numerous greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Debbie Ross. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is han-

Mary Caryl Perkins

Longtime Delta County resident Mary Caryl Perkins died on Feb. 8, 2019, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 88. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mary Caryl Coles was born Dec. 26, 1930 to Russell and Catha-

Rock E. Keim April 9, 1959 ~ Feb. 2, 2019 Cedaredge resident Rock E. Keim passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo. He was 59 years old. A private family celebration of life will be held in April. Rock Erwin Keim was born on April 9, 1959, to Ronald E. and Delores R. (Long) Keim in Plainwell, Mich. He spent his childhood and attended school in Michigan until he was 17 years old and moved to Colorado. On April 9, 1989, Rock married the love of his life, Winona Jean Houghton in Plainwell, Mich. Marrying Winona brought three children into Rock’s life where he gladly accepted the position of being the dad that he didn’t have to be. Rock and Winona were just a few months shy of celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. Rock surrendered his heart to God and was to join Winona at New Hope Church in Cedaredge. Rock and Winona

owned and operated an Excavation company, “I Dig Dirt.” Running heavy equipment was second nature to Rock. His Mother always said he was a Jack of all trades, master of none, but he mastered the art of running equipment. Rock was very much an outdoorsman who loved nature. He enjoyed hunting, camping, 4wheeling, the wildlife in his back yard and his Harley. But nothing came close to time he was able to share with his family, especially his grandchildren. Rock had a magnetic personality and as much as he shied away from people they couldn’t help but love him. He loved help-

ing people. He loved Bob Seger and could often be found listening to his favorite song, “Like a Rock,” which was how he viewed his life. Rock is survived by his wife, Winona Keim; sons, Mark Bray (Shanda) and Phillip Bray; daughter, Betsy Fernandez (David); brothers, Scott Keim (Dorothy) and Mark Keim; sisters, Sherri Bronson, Jeannie Volker, and Dawn Burwell; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his beloved fur babies Maxwell, Harley Bear, and Rylee Jean. Rock was preceded in death by his parents, niece Lorie Volker, brother-in-law Mark Bronson, sister-in-law Robin Keim, and nephew Jay Keim. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

rine (Craig) Coles in Collbran. She spent her childhood and attended schools in Craig, graduating from Moffat County High School in 1948. She attended the University of Denver. On June 7, 1951, she married Edwin Carroll “Bud” Perkins in Denver. When they first moved to Cedaredge in 1992, Mrs. Perkins was an active volunteer at Pio-

neer Town. She and her husband were members of the Cedaredge United Methodist Church where she participated in a ladies group and book club. Shel also belonged to PEO. She enjoyed caring for her family. Mrs. Perkins is survived by her children, Donald (Reiko) Perkins, Steven (Denise) Perkins, Reed (Hanna) Perkins, and Carolyn (Troy) --

Stumpf; sister, Patricia Steele, five grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years in 2009, and three siblings. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Edna Mae Whitener Nov. 4, 1927 ~ Feb. 6, 2019 Edna Mae Whitener, age 91 of Olathe died at Homestead in Montrose Wednesday morning. She was born to Arthur Wallace Caddy and Edna Viola Button on Nov. 4, 1927, in Montrose, Colo. She was raised in the Colona community where she completed her elementary schooling at the historical Colona School. She completed her high school education in Ridgway at age 17. She was independent at an early age and eloped at age 19 to marry a former Navy sailor, Raymond (Ed) Whitener on Dec. 14, 1946, in Flagstaff, Ariz. During their married years they lived on California Mesa farming the homestead. They are the parents of Peggy (Al) Mewes of Montrose and Tim Whitener of Olathe. She has five grandchildren: Adam Mewes (Katie), Deena (Andy) Wright, Aaron Whitener, Ryan (Kristin) Whitener, Kylee (Henry) Rodgers and five great-grandsons, two step greatgrandsons, and one step

great-granddaughter. Other surviving family members include her sister Wanda L. (Floyd) Miller of Colona, and sister-in-law Thelma Caddy of Montrose, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, on June 28, 2002; her parents; her brother, Donald A. Caddy; and greatgranddaughter Hayden Renee Whitener. Edna’s passion was her family, and she loved cooking for all kinds of events. She was the Fairview School cook for many years while her children were in elementary grades. She also worked summers at the drive-in movie theaters in Delta until they

closed. In later years she managed the Hi-Quality Packing sheds in Delta until the age of 86. Edna enjoyed her farm with a large garden, canning, and raising her animals. She also enjoyed sewing with her antiquated wood cabinet sewing machine. She had a special passion for reading and watching all teams associated with major league baseball and basketball. She will be missed by all her family, extended family and friends. At her request, arrangements are being handled under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 East Main Street, Montrose, Colo. Memorial services will be held at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at 10 a.m. with interment at Grand View Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Homestead of Montrose, 1819 Pavilion Dr., Montrose, CO 81401 or HopeWest, 645 S. 5th, Montrose, CO 81402. Paid obituary

LOCAL NEWS

Dale Brice Trubey Dec. 13, 1928 ~ Feb. 7, 2019 Dale Brice Trubey passed away at 4:41 p.m. Feb. 7, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. He was 90. Dale was born on Dec. 13, 1928 in Cheyenne, Wyo., the son of Sylvester Bryce Trubey and Lala Pearl Kunkel Trubey. He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1946 and shortly thereafter joined the Army. Dale was assigned to Troop B, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, where he obtained the rank of Private First Class, Specialty, First Scout. He served in the Army of Occupation of Japan from Sept. 5, 1946 to Dec. 13, 1947. After his honorable discharge Dec. 13, 1947, he attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1952. During the college years he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a surveyor’s helper and for the Wyoming State Highway Department. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Sheldon Dec. 21, 1951 in Riverton, Wyo. They later divorced in 1957. Dale started his career working from 1953 to 1957 as an abstractor for Fremont County Title Company in Riverton. Later he moved to Lander, Wyo., where he was a manager of the title company. In 1957, he became a landman with Kerr-McGee Corporation, based in Casper, Wyo. In 1961, he moved to Oklahoma City and was first promoted to senior minerals landman and promoted again to manager of the mineral lands department. He met his second wife, Gwen Lee Campbell, in Oklahoma City. They were married May 6, 1961, in El Reno, Okla. They were mar-

ried 57 years until her death Dec. 5, 2018. Dale worked for Kerr-McGee Corporation until 1978 when he became the Director of Land for the Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corporation based in Albuquerque, N.M. After retirement from the company in 1994, he continued to do contract work for the company for the next two years. He and his wife Gwen retired to Cedaredge, Colo., in 1996. Dale had a lifelong passion for fishing, going to favorite streams in the Snowy Range of Wyoming with his dad as a youngster and still fishing with his great-grandson Sawyer in August 2018 at Ward Lake on the Grand Mesa, Colo. He also enjoyed golfing with his buddies, photography, and gardening. He grew some mighty fine tomatoes over the years. In recent years, he enjoyed going to activities of a local Cedaredge veterans group that met once a month at Pondy’s. He was very proud of his time in the military. He was also a longtime member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. His favorite place in recent years was the backyard deck of his home where he could listen to the murmur of the stream, watch the hummingbirds and crows, observe the efforts of golfers, and enjoy the beautiful vista of the Grand Mesa while

drinking his coffee. He was steadfast in his devotion to his wife Gwen through her final illness; and he regularly enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always willing to share tall tales of the fish that didn’t get away and the almosthole-in-one; tease his sons-in-law, and drink coffee with his buddies at the Merc. He is survived by his daughter Terry and her husband Tim Rubald; daughter Susie and her husband Jeff Cupp; grandchildren Larry Rubald, Katie Cupp Brady, Barak Cupp, and Brody Cupp; and great-grandchildren Sawyer, Solomon, and Remy Brady. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Debbie and her husband Walter Tidmore and stepson Mark Snodgrass and his wife Diane, as well as grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle and Candice Tidmore, Tenisa and Michael Maddox, Eric and Christine Tidmore, Jesica Quitian, Michael Snodgrass and his wife April and Matt Snodgrass; and greatgrandchildren Dillon, Dalton, Laney, and Hope Tidmore; Vonne, A.J., and McCrae Maddox, Hunter, Justice, Lincoln, Race, Brave, and Canyon Tidmore; Ashlee Quitian; and Allison and Daisy Snodgrass. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the end. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent, in Dale’s honor to Delta County Quilts of Valor, 25611 Starner Loop Road, Cedaredge, CO 81413. A memorial service for Dale will be held at Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church, 110 SE Jay Avenue, Cedaredge, Colo., on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 at 1 p.m. Paid obituary

Archaelogical talk highlights historic preservation in 3D On Feb. 20 the Colorado Archaeological Society presents Casey Dukeman discussing the use of 3D camera-based photogrammetry and drones to research archaeological features and create fascinating models of sites and settings. He will present innovations in use of digital photogrammetry and

“Structure from Motion” technology to locate, document, and preserve cultural sites with examples from all around western Colorado. Dukeman is an archaeologist and technology manager with Alpine Archaeology of Montrose and past guest lecturer at Western State Univer-

sity in Gunnison. He has 25 years of experience working in the archaeology of Colorado and Wyoming, as well as teaching at both grade school and college levels. The talk will be 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Street. The public is invited; admission is free.

Alzheimer’s grant supports caregiver respite services The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $5,000 grant to Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging, in Montrose to provide respite care services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging was one of 15 organizations in nine states to receive grants as part of AFA’s Milton and Phyllis Berg Respite Care Grant program. Grant funding will support Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging’s caregiver respite services, provided throughout its six-county service area (Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties). The program facilitates a variety of respite care services, such as in-home, short-term assisted living, skilled nursing home and adult day, and lets caregivers choose which service is most beneficial to them and their loved one. The Agency also hosts an annual Caregiver Summit to support family caregivers. According to Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging, the AFA grant funding will enable them to provide an additional 250 hours of respite care to families in need. “Respite care is a crucial service for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease because it

improves quality of life for both the person living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Charles Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “Respite services provide engagement and cognitive stimulation for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and give caregivers time to take care of themselves. Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging is devoted to delivering this important care and services to families in their time of need, and we are pleased to support their work.” “As the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease grows, so too does the need for these important respite care programs,” said AFA board treasurer Barry Berg. “Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging offers a valuable service, and we are pleased to deliver this funding to help them continue their good work.” Eva Veitch, director for Region 10 LEAP Area Agency on Aging, said, “Region 10 LEAP is pleased to have the opportunity to increase the number of caregivers we serve and the number of respite care hours we are currently providing. This precious resource will be used in our most rural and frontier areas where few other options for respite are provided. These families desperate-

ly want to remain in their communities and this grant will help ensure that supportive services are available and easily accessible.” The Milton and Phyllis Berg Respite Grants are awarded to organizations that share AFA’s mission of providing support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide. The grants are named in honor of the deceased parents of Barry Berg, who has served on AFA’s board of trustees since 2004. Berg’s mother, Phyllis, lived with Alzheimer’s disease and his father, Milton, was her primary caregiver. Caregivers who need information about respite care services can speak with a licensed social worker by contacting AFA’s helpline at 866-2328484 seven days a week.

Memorial accounts established Memorial accounts have been set up at Alpine Bank, 1660 Highway 92 in Delta, for Ricky Colton and Ryan Wells. The two accounts are titled “Ryan Wells Memorial” and “Richard Colton Memorial.”

B6 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

SPORTS

SPORTS February 13, 2019

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta girl makes Colorado wrestling history

Koch pins way to mat title

BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

There was little fanfare or media hype last Saturday when Delta High School freshman Nicole Koch became a state champion. Koch (pronounced ‘Cook’) pinned her way to the 118-pound title at the Colorado High School Girls Wrestling Championships at Thornton High School. A total of 77 girls representing 39 schools and 10 weight divisions competed at the one-day, all-class tournament, the first all-girls state championship wrestling tournament in the state’s 83 years of high school wrestling. Her 24 points put Delta in eighth place. The tournament, and two state-qualifying regional tournaments held on Feb. 2 at Mead and Eaglecrest high schools, capped the first year of a two-year pilot girls wrestling program — a necessary step toward sanctioning of high school girls wrestling by the 2020-21 season under the Colorado High School Activities Association. Along with wrestling, the CHSAA

Photo by Tamie Meck

Nicole Koch poses at the Panthers’ wrestling wall of fame before heading to the ﬁrst ever Colorado girls state wrestling championships.

also approved pilot seasons for boys volleyball and unified bowling. Koch qualified for state at the Region 1 tournament at Mead. It was her first all-female event of the season, and one of her first ever allgirls events. But it was far from her first tournament of the year. Last December, Koch took the 120-pound spot on the Panthers varsity team. She is the first girl to make the team, said head coach Clayton Curtis. Others have tried, “But no one makes it past the first week. It’s a tough, grueling sport. I’m not sure why those other girls tried out, but her purpose was to wrestle.” Her 13-12 season, which doesn’t include her 7-1 girls record, includes two wins at the elite Central Warrior Classic, and a sixth-place finish at the Panther Invitational. “I didn’t have the best season,” said Koch. “Maybe it’s because I’m a freshman.” Her record, said Curtis, “is impressive, especially for a freshman. She’ll throw those boys around.” Last Friday, wearing her Panther green Delta wrestling team jacket while waiting to drive to Thornton, Koch spoke with the confidence she gathers when stepping onto the mat to face a ranked wrestler about her chances of winning a state title. “I think it’s possible,” she said with a smile. She just needed to get past one girl. Koch first took to the mat at about age six when brother Ben Koch started wrestling. Ben is now a 126-pound sophomore at Delta and is currently ranked seventh in the state. “He needed someone to train with,” said Koch. When he went to tournaments, she tagged along. After he won his first tournament, “That’s when I got into it.” Early on, her dad was her coach. She traveled with the team, and was soon competing. In mid-

dle school she competed at the regional and Rocky Mountain National tournaments, losing only a handful of matches in two seasons. In eighth grade she qualified for the state middle school tournament, but was too sick to compete. Koch also played basketball — girls basketball — in middle school. It’s great conditioning for wrestling, she said, but in high school the two seasons run simultaneously. Last fall, when it came to choose, wrestling won out. “She’s a phenomenal basketball player,” said Curtis. “It’s pretty cool that she decided to wrestle.” Koch learned early in the season about the pilot program, and had until Jan. 1 to declare a team. “My coaches recommended I do the girls, because they know I have a good chance at getting to state, and a good chance at winning it.” Against the boys, Koch said she relies more on skill than strength. “If you just try to use strength you can get caught and you can get thrown. You

can easily get beat,” she said. “But if you use skill you have a better chance of making it farther in tournaments.” The best wins are against ranked wrestlers. “You just feel a lot better because you beat someone who’s good... Otherwise, it’s just another win.” Good seeding, which freshmen don’t often get, helps a lot, she said. “If you’re placed in a good spot you have a good chance of winning the tournament. If you’re placed in a bad spot, it’s gonna be a little tougher.” But against the girls, said Koch, she can also rely on strength and knows she won’t get overpowered so easily. The regional tournament was her first allgirls event of the year. Based on her 0-0 record, she was seeded 13th. Not great, she said, but it also meant she’d be overlooked. Coach Luis Meza, who traveled with Koch to the tournaments, called Koch a hard worker. “Whatever we expect from our boys, we expect from her,” he said. She could

have wrestled more allgirls events, but only one was held on the Western Slope, and it fell on a day she couldn’t make it. In semifinals she faced a 23-1 freshman from 5A Chatfield and got caught in a headlock in the first round. She was down, 7-2, to start the second round. Because escapes aren’t her best move, “I picked top when I probably should have picked up or bottom,” she said. Her opponent stalled. Chatfield chose top in the third and Koch scored an escape-take-down combo. Chatfield again stalled, and Koch lost, 8-4. She went on to win both the consolation semifinal and third-place matches by fall. At state, Koch was seeded fourth. She again met up with Chatfield in semifinals. This time Koch pinned her in the third round. In the championship match she won by fall in the second round against an 18-4 junior from 4A Loveland. Koch was one of three Western Slope wrestlers to qualify for state. Montrose freshman Kier-

stin Myers (136) and Olathe senior Norma Alejandro (185) both placed fourth. While it was the first official season for girls wrestling, girls first appeared in the record books in 2006. In 2012, Cody Pfau of Grand Valley became the first girl in state history to win a tournament when she won the 106-pound division at the Delta Panther Invitational. This year, Colorado Mesa University offered women’s wrestling. Koch said she sees a good future and growth for high school girls wrestling. She also hopes to wrestle all through high school. A few people over the years have said their daughters or other girls they know started wrestling after watching her. “It’s pretty nice,” she said. “It’s pretty cool.” There’s talk of a few Delta middle school girls considering wrestling. We’re not sure how serious they are,” said Meza. But learning about Koch’s success can only help. “It’s a good start,” he said. “Anything to grow the sport.”

Photo submitted

Delta High School freshman Nicole Koch, front row center, joins nine other female wrestlers who made history Saturday after winning the 118-pound division at the Colorado High School Girls Wrestling Championships in Thornton. The tournament capped the ﬁrst year of a two-year pilot girls wrestling program necessary for sanctioning of the sport by the Colorado High School Activities Association.

Delta’s Barrios on path to second regional title BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Panthers will take a young team into this weekend’s 3A Region 1 tournament. Delta has three returning regional placers. Delta’s only senior, Aiden Barrios, is favored to repeat his win at 170 pounds. At Photo by Tamie Meck 195, junior Gauge LockNicole Koch controls a male wrestler last December at the Delta Panther Invi- hart placed third in 2018. His bracket has three tational, where she placed sixth. top-10 wrestlers in the state as ranked by On the Mat: Caleb Janowsky of Pagosa Springs (No. 2), John Foutz of Bayfield

(No. 3), and Lockhart, who is ranked third in the region and seventh in the state. Sophomore Ben Koch (126), who finished sixth at 120 pounds his freshman year, is favored to place in the top four. On the Mat rankings considers all top-10 ranked teams and all ranked wrestlers in its regional breakdown. Junior Colby Wilson (138), sophomores Jarrin Crandall (132), Jeffrey Griffith (160), Brandon Butler (182), and Eli

Miramontes (220), and freshmen Timothy Horn (145) and Royce Barrios (152) will vie for their first state qualifications. Delta is hosting the tournament, which will be wrestled on five mats. Over the season, “We’ve beat some key guys, lost to some key guys,” said head coach Clayton Curtis. “Some of the boys will have to beat some of those key guys” if they want to advance to next week’s state tournament in Denver. “It can be done,” said Curtis.

Bruin wrestlers poised for second consecutive regional wrestling title BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The defending 2A regional champion Cedaredge Bruins will compete at this Friday Photo by Tamie Meck and Saturday at the Delta senior Aiden Barrios wins the 170-pound match against Paonia on Feb. Region 2 wrestling tour7. Barrios will seek his second consecutive 170-pound title this weekend at the nament at John Mall High School in WalsenClass 3A Region 1 tournament at Montrose.

burg. On the Mat ranks Cedaredge first among the 14 teams in the region. John Mall is ranked second by OTM, and Centauri third. Based on OTM regional breakdowns, the Bruins could have seven top-

three seeds in the region, including freshman Lane Hunsberger (106), sophomore Trey Geyer (120); junior Sean Dale (132), and sophomore Adrien Nieto — both defending regional champions; seniors Toby Waddell BRUINS TO B7

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge 2A Region 2 - John Mall High School (Walsenburg) WEIGHT 106 113 120 126 132 145 152 160 170 182 195 220 285 126 132 145 152 160 170 182 195 220 285 106 113 120 126 132 138 145 152 160 170 195 220 185 106 113 120 126 132 138 145 152 160 170 182 195 220 285

NAME/GRADE Lane Hunsberger, FR Lucas Hoerr, FR Trey Geyer, SO Adrian Nieto, SO Sean Dale, JR Brian Hoerr, JR Austin Crawford, SR David Lopez, JR Toby Waddell, SR Brody Wagner, SO Kaeb Berardi, JR Taj Van der Linde, SR Derek Sanchez, SO Delta 3A Region 1 - Montrose Ben Koch, SO Jarrin Crandall, SO Colby Wilson, JR Timothy Horn, FR Royce Barrios, FR Jeffrey Grifﬁth, SO Aiden Barrios, SR Brandon Butler, SO Gauge Lockhart, JR Eli Miramontes Hotchkiss 2A Region 1 - Mont. Anthony Scanlon, SO Landen Mayberry, SR Robert Cochran, SO Presley Pene, SR Sergio Campos, SR Traycer Hall, SO JD Miller, JR Parker Pene, FR Ethan Guy, JR Jace Peebles, JR Teagan Sommer, SR Hector Elizalde, SO Christian Matus, SO Paonia 2A Region 1 - Montrose Damon York, FR Reagan Todd, SO Ethan White, SR Calen Utterback, FR Dawson Chesnik, FR Sackett Chesnik, SR Zeb Etter, JR Carlos Lozano, JR Grey Neal, JR Trenton Gaston, FR Anthony Miller, SO Anthony Felice, SR Austyn Norris, JR Levi Peterson, SO

2018 Regional Place/WT 3rd/120 1st/113 1st/126

3rd/182 3rd/220 2nd/285 6th/120

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Hotchkiss grapplers set for mat regionals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss opened the wrestling season with a few injuries that resulted in some of its top wrestlers coming into the season as late as January. But that’s in the past. “Everyone is healthy and wrestling now,” said head coach Richard Flores. The Bulldogs ended the season Saturday with a team win and seven champions at the annual Norwood/Nucla tourna-

ment. Hotchkiss placed third in 2A Region 1 last season and returns five state qualifiers: defending regional champions Sergio Campos (132), Traycer Hall (132), Jace Peebles (170), 2018 runner-up at 145, Robert Cochran (120), and Presley Pene (126). After failing to make weight last season, senior Landen Mayberry (113) is a top contender for the regional title. Cochran was over-

looked in the OTM regional breakdown, but debuted in the Week 10 rankings at No. 10. Based on that ranking, Cochran would be seeded third. Junior JD Miller (145), sophomores Anthony Scanlon (106), Hector Elizalde (220) and Christina Matus (285), and freshman Parker Pene (152) will wrestle for a top-four finish and a trip to the state tournament opening next Thursday at the Pepsi Center.

1st/170 3rd/195

3rd/113 3rd/126 1st/120 1st/132

2nd/145

6th/106 DNP 2nd/138 4th/126 1st/152

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Hotchkiss seniors Landen Mayberry (113), Sergio Campos (132) and Presley Pene (126) will likely be seeded ﬁrst in their respective divisions at the 2A Region 1 tournament, which opens Friday at the Montrose Events Center.

4th/182 4th/170 1st/285

Paonia will wrestle 14 at regional tournament BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss and Paonia wrestling teams will open the 2A Region 1 wrestling tournament this Friday at 4 p.m., at the Montrose Events Center. Paonia High School is hosting the tournament. Seeding and brackets will be posted on TrackWrestling.com Friday prior to the 4 p.m. start time. Saturday’s semifinal and consolation matches will begin at 9 a.m. The tournament will be wrestled on five mats and consecutively with the Class

3A Region 1 tournament being hosted by Delta High School. Paonia will send a full team to the 2A Region 1 tournament. Wrestlers have dealt with injuries and illnesses, including the flu, this season, said head coach Nate Wiggins. But for the first time all year, everyone is “fairly healthy. I guess if there’s a good time to have a full team, it’s now.” Based on On the Mat regional breakdowns, Paonia is favored to win the tournament. Seven Eagles are expected to get a top-three seeding.

Of those, four returning state qualifiers will likely be seeded first: Sackett Chesnik (138), Anthony Felice (195), and defending regional champions Grey Neal (160) and Levi Peterson (285). Junior Zeb Etter will compete for his third state qualification. At 113, sophomore Reagan Todd will vie for his first state qualification after placing sixth in the region last February. Sophomore Anthony Miller, who placed fourth in the region at 182 pounds, was cleared EAGLES TO 8B

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia sophomore heavyweight Levi Peterson wrestles at the Central Warrior Classic in December, where he ﬁnished ﬁfth. Peterson, who could wrestle at 220 but prefers the heavyweight division, is one of two defending regional champions for Paonia. Paonia will send a full team into the tournament, which opens Friday at Montrose.

Bruins defeat Cardinals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Cedaredge Bruins closed the 2018-19 dual wrestling season last Thursday with four pins and a 51-15 win over Grand Valley. Toby Waddell (170) opened the dual with a fall (1:41) over Cardinal Brayden Harper. Following a double forfeit at 195, senior Taj Van der Linde won by fall (0:43) over Asa Grice of Grand Valley. At heavyweight, Derek Sanchez won by fall (1:21) over Hayden Grice. Grand Valley got its first win at 113, with Derrik Medina winning by fall (2:35) over Lucas Hoerr, and followed with a 7-5 decision by Hector DelaCruze over Bruin Ryan Imhoff. Sean Dale won the 132-pound match by fall (1:06) over Aydan Fisher, and at 138, AJ Robidoux won by a 6-1 decision over Hector Arzate. At 145, Cardinal Isaac

Tigert won by fall (4:15) over Brian Hoerr. Bruin Joey Hoerr followed with a 12-10 win over Cardinal Anthony Fladeland. Bruin David Lopez wrapped up the dual with a 10-4 decision over Cardinal Cristian Barragan. Bruins Lane Huns-

berger (106), Trey Geyer (120) and Brody Wagner (182) won by forfeit. Bruins head coach Cutter Garrison called the dual a good win to take into this week’s 2A Region 2 tournament at John Mall High School in Walsenberg.

On Friday, the team ended the week with a good practice. “I didn’t want to go a week (before regionals) without competition,” said Garrison. “I see a lot of fire in the practice room this week. I think we’re right where we need to be.”

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Wrestling at 170, Cedaredge senior Toby Waddell scores back points against Hotchkiss junior Jace Peebles on Jan. 24. Waddell placed third in the region last season at 182 pounds. Based on current rankings he will be seeded ﬁrst this weekend at the 2A Region 2 tournament at John Mall High School in Walsenburg; Peebles who placed second his sophomore year will be a topthree seed in Region 1 tournament at Montrose.

Bruins CONTINUED FROM B6 (170) and Taj Van der Linde (220); and sophomore Derek Sanchez (285). Also seeking a top-four place and their first state qualifications for the Bruins are junior Brian

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Hoerr (145), senior Austin Crawford (152), junior David Lopez (160), and sophomore Brody Wagner (182). Cedaredge is the defending Region 1 champion. To address the significant travel in Class

2A wrestling, the Colorado High School Activities Association separated out the top eight teams, based on regional and state points earned, into four regions, taking points and geography into consideration.

Head coach Cutter Garrison said he’s not concerned about having to travel. “I think we’ve traveled plenty this season, especially late in the season,” said Garrison. “We’re a well-traveled team.”

B8 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta cagers rolling on BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Both the girls and boys basketball teams from Delta High School kept a firm grip on their chances to win 3A WSL titles. With two games remaining in the 3A WSL, Del-

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Kaley St. Peter scores a goal against Central in a 62-49 win for the Panthers.

ta’s girls are 7-0 in league play and 16-1 overall. The boys are also unbeaten in league play and own a 7-0 league record with a 13-4 overall slate. The Panthers hosted Central last week and both teams were winners, 62-49 for the girls and 50-48 for the boys. A Saturday trip to Aspen resulted in another win for the girls, 57-18, and the boys were 59-33 winners. Girls Delta 62, Central 49 Junior Sara Geddes led Delta’s offense with 12 points against the Warriors. Senior Missa Webb scored seven points in the in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 counters. Sophomore Keely Porter was also in double figures with 10 points. Central’s Leah Redding had 22 points and Mya Murdock had 18 to pace the Warrior’s

offense. Delta 57, Aspen 18 Delta had a 14-point lead after one period and led 30-16 at halftime. A devastating 22-2 third quarter put the game out of reach to initiate a running clock. Webb was the leading scorer in this game with 10 points followed by junior Haylin McCulloch, Porter and sophomore Alexa Huff chipping in nine points each. Freshman Erika Kuta finished with eight points. Boys Delta 50, Central 48 After trailing 21-15 at halftime, the Panthers stormed the rim for a 228 third quarter to take a 37-29 lead with one quarter left to play. A runner on the baseline by senior Jonathan Robinson broke a 48-48 tie to give Delta the 2point win. Senior Andrew Baier

DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia boys are in the thick of things in 2A District 5. An upset win against top-seed Vail Christian came on a lategame surge that netted the Eagles five points in less than 10 seconds. Jose Pantoja drove past the Saints defense and into the key for a goal. Vail Christian called a time out with four seconds remaining. David Lozano intercepted the inbounds pass and was intentionally fouled with 2.5 seconds remaining in the game. Lozano made the first free throw but missed the second. Paonia got the rebound and Pantoja hit another shot in the paint to make the final score 54-50. Vail Christian is the top team in the league with a 9-2 record and 12-

6 overall. Paonia is third at 8-3 and 11-7. Pantoja’s 16 points led Paonia scorers and David Lozano finished with 12. The Eagles soared past Rangely, 67-37, on Saturday with Lozano’s 18 points leading the way. Kyle Long had 14 and Soul Connelly finished with 10. Paonia’s girls lost 4034 to Vail Christian with Paige Fister and Poppy Lightfoot scoring 11 points each in the loss. A 52-31 loss to Rangely on Saturday ended the week for Paonia leaving the Eagles at 2-8 and sitting in eighth place. The Eagles host a pigtail game against 08 West Grand, Monday, Feb. 18. A win sends them to De Beque to face undefeated Meeker in district quarterfinals and seeding in districts.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta players, Kyle Mock (13) and Andrew Baier (21) watch the ﬂight of the ball near the rim of the basket during game action against Central. Delta won the game 50-48.

Hotchkiss girls split, boys drop two games

Paonia boys win, girls lose twice in basketball play BY TAMIE MECK

scored 12 points to lead Delta shooters and junior Hunter Hughes finished with 11 and senior Kyle Mock had 10 points. Central’s Caleb Davis was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points. Delta 59, Aspen 33 According to Delta’s boys Coach Rob Ames, “Aspen was a total team win. So many played well and it was another balanced scoring night for the Panthers. Nothing flashy, just another blue collar stingy night on defense and selfless team basketball on offense. We got off to a strong start and then kept the foot on the gas the rest of the way.” A 34-14 halftime lead led to 48-26 lead heading to the final period. Baier was the Panthers’ leading scorer with 12 points as all but one player scored at least two points for Delta.

BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss senior guard Elsie Vasquez scores two of her game high 19 points against Plateau Valley in a 63-50 win.

After splitting games last week, the Hotchkiss girls basketball team is 12-5 overall and 6-4 in 2A District 5 standings. Those numbers are good for third place. Hotchkiss won its Saturday game against Plateau Valley, 63-50 but lost to league leader Meeker, 76-32 on Friday night. Meeker had too much for the Bulldogs on Friday night in a dominating performance and clinched the 2A/1A league title with a 10-0 record. Senior guard Elsie

Vazquez was named Player of the Game for her 19 points, four assists and four deflected passes on Saturday against Plateau Valley. Carson Collins added 18 points in the win to go with her seven rebounds. Shay Glaser had 15 points and six assists in the win. The Bulldog girls will host a district quarterfinal game on Feb. 19 (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. District tournament schedules will be posted at MaxPreps.com for those interested in keeping up and attending tournament games.

On the boys side, it was a wipe-out after two losses dropping the Bulldogs record to 5-6 and a seventh place spot in 2A/1A WSL play. Hotchkiss lost to Meeker, 61-53 on Friday and fell to Plateau Valley, 53-29 on Saturday. On Monday, Feb. 18, it will host a pigtail elimination game starting at 6 p.m. A win will put the Bulldogs on the road for a quarterfinal game to determine district seeding. The three-day district tournament, opens next Thursday at De Beque High School.

Bruin girls ready to play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Despite growing pains of a young team the Cedaredge girls’ basketball team has done a great job of adjusting to life in the fast lane. More on just how much the Bruins have adjusted next week as the team prepares for district tournament play at Central High School. The Bruins are third in the 3A WSL with records of 6-2 and 14-4 going into the last week of regular season play. The Bruin boys, on the other hand, have had more downs than ups this season and are on the bot-

tom of the 3A WSL standings with a 1-7 league mark and 5-13 overall. Cedaredge’s girls won all three of their games last week beginning with Aspen (54-16) on Feb. 5, Roaring Fork (54-44) on Feb. 8 and at home against Grand Valley (3130) on Feb. 9. Against Aspen, the Skiers were no match for the Bruins. Kammie Henderson had one of her best games of the season and scored 19 points to lead the Bruins’ offense. Courtney Freeman was next high with 16 counters. Friday’s game in Carbondale was much tighter with the Rams keeping

the game close for much of the game. The Bruins led 25-20 at halftime and put the game away with a 29-24 second half. Freeman had 20 points in the win and Henderson and freshman Paige McGovern added 10 points each to the kitty and Makayla Kehmeier finished with nine. Kendall Bernot had 11 points to lead the Rams offense. A close game from start to finish against Grand Valley kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Cardinals held the lead for most of the way but couldn’t hold off Cedaredge the final few seconds of the game. Trailing by two points,

with seconds left in the game, Freeman drove the lane to draw in Cardinal defenders and then kicked the ball out to Kehmeier in the corner for a 3-point goal to give the Bruins a stunning 3130 win. “It was one of the most amazing finishes I’ve ever been a part of,” quoted coach Coleman. Henderson tallied 14 points for the Bruins with Kehmeier next in line with a pair of 3-pointers for six points. Senior Jared Reynolds led the scoring in all three boys games with seven points against Aspen, 12 points against Roaring Fork and 18 against Grand Valley.

Four pins, five forfeits give Paonia annual dual win over Delta

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BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

At last Thursday night’s annual dual between Paonia and Delta, Paonia won five matches by forfeit and four by pin to defeat the Panthers, 72-12. Paonia opened the dual with 24 points and four pins: Those earning pins

deadline: FEBRUARY 25, 2019

included Sackett Chesnik (138) over Colby Wilson, Zeb Etter (145) over Timothy Horn, Carlos Lozano (152) over Royce Barrios, and Grey Neal with his pinfall coming in the 160pound match over Jeffrey Griffith. At 170, Delta senior Aiden Barrios won by fall over Paonia freshman

Trenton Gaston, and at 195, Anthony Felice won by fall over Gauge Lockhart. At 106, Eagle Damon York won by fall over Panther Tavis Chaffin. Paonia won its 113, 120, 126, 132, and 285 matches by forfeit; the Panthers won the 182pound match by forfeit.

Photo by JH

Cedaredge’s Kammie Henderson catches a pass from the backcourt and makes it look easy.

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CONTINUED FROM B7 to wrestle after breaking his leg, said Wiggins. Juniors Carlos Lozano (152) and Austyn Norris are seeking their first state qualifications. Four freshmen, Damon York (106), Calen Utterback (126), Dawson Morgan (132) and Trenton Gaston (170) will also seek a top-four finish.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Wrestling at 138 pounds, Paonia senior Sackett Chesnik works toward a pin over junior Colby Wilson last Thursday at the annual Paonia-Delta dual. Both wrestlers will compete this Friday and Saturday at their respective regional tournaments — Paonia in the 2A Region 1 and Delta in 3A Region 1 — at the Montrose Events Center. Chesnik is ranked ﬁrst in the region.

SURFACE CREEK February 13, 2019

NEWS

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www.deltacountyindependent.com

New ways to support animal shelter BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

In 2018 the Surface Creek Animal Shelter adopted out 231 animals — 69 dogs, 52 cats and 110 kittens. In addition to adoptions the shelter also returns lost pets to owners. Last year they reunited 75 dogs and eight cats. The number of adoptions and intakes are limited to the size of the shelter, but Jacki Dapkus, of the Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control (FCAC) board, said they’ve had no trouble meeting the community’s needs. While the new building is bigger, the main difference is it allows for more space to separate sick animals, it’s easier to clean the cat rooms, and the felines have more play areas. “Overall, this new building is just better in terms of storage, environment and convenience,” said Dapkus. And this building was definitely the highlight of 2018 for SCAS. She also said since they’ve reopened, more people visit. Now in 2019 they hope to

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Romeo the cat’s kennel is currently sponsored by Lisa Joss. Sponsorships help support the SCAS efforts to provide a safe, warm space for homeless animals until they ﬁnd a forever home. continue to improve their ability to keep animals healthy, treated and minimize the length of stay as much as possible. In 2018 the average LOS for dogs was 13.7 days and cats 49.2 days. That number is a little skewed due to the short return of many dogs to

Veterans meet-and-greet marks first anniversary BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

This month marks one year since the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAFV) began sponsoring monthly gatherings for Delta County’s military veterans. Special ceremonies commemorating the anniversary will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19, when veterans next gather for their meet-and-greet coffee. The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at The Pondy in downtown

Cedaredge at 220 West Main Street from 10 a.m. to noon. All Delta County veterans are invited to drop in anytime to meet comrades and interact with veterans’ service officials. Those who have not already done so should bring their DD-214 discharge papers to be registered for WHAFV services. The Pondy provides free coffee and Stacy’s on Main serves up free treats. For questions, contact the alliance at 970-765-2210.

owners within three days but kittens can’t leave the shelter for two months. Dapkus said the 2018 statistics are normal and similar to those of prior years. However, it’ll still be worthwhile come December to see if the new facility has any impact on the shelter’s statistics. The new facility is complete and only needs a few small construction items like snow stops and becoming board approved to better help young animals like puppies. Recently the building got internet and now takes credit cards for adoptions, fees or donations. General fundraising was also successful in 2018. The shelter is operated entirely by volunteers but about $70,000 is still needed each year to meet operating expenses. The Shelter Shoppe, a thrift boutique in Cedaredge where proceeds go to the shelter, donated over $15,000. One food drive also brought in about 700 lbs. for the shelter for cats and dogs.

“Last year we had such great support from the community,” said Dapkus who’s been the secretary of the allvolunteer board for the last seven years. No fundraising events are on the immediate horizon. However, there are several ways to help the shelter during these winter months, most which are new. Financial supporters can name a pet, purchase a memory box, sponsor a kennel or purchase a memorial pet tile. Forms to purchase one of these are available at the shelter or by emailing surfacecreekanim alshelter@gmail.com. For $10 supporters can submit a pet name to use for an incoming homeless cat or dog. A great gift for kids, the shelter then emails a picture and story of the animal that received the name. The name and pet picture are also shared in their monthly email newsletter and on the website. Memory boxes are handmade and painted by volunteers to hold collars, balls or other memorable items from a beloved late pet. Small boxes are $20 and large boxes $25.

All proceeds benefit the shelter. Kennel sponsorships last for a year and are $100. A name plaque is posted to a specified cat or dog kennel. The custom tiles are a way to honor late pets by name and are permanently on display in the lobby of the new building. A six-inch tile is $100 while a larger one-foot square tile is $300. Also crucial to the operation of the shelter are volunteers. Over the next year SCAS would love to see its volunteer pool grow. Currently there are several ways to contribute time as a donation. Dog walkers and those willing to come and sit/play with cats are always needed. “The animals just want to be with someone,” said Dapkus. Dogs are walked each morning and afternoon. The Shelter Shoppe is a way to volunteer without being around animals (if allergic) or help in a different way. Volunteers work in shifts and sort through donations, stock shelves and run the cash register. ANIMAL SHELTER TO C2

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Memory boxes are a new way to support SCAS. Each box is wooden inset with stained glass and personalized with the pet’s name. Order forms are available at the shelter.

Historical Society celebrates a busy year BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

On Saturday, Feb. 9, a crowd of more than 100 citizens gathered in the vintage Stolte Shed at Cedaredge’s Pioneer Town to honor individuals who have been active in preserving area history. The occasion was the annual banquet and business meeting of the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society (SCVHS). SCVHS board president Greg Hart served as master of ceremonies and Alma Evans, PhD, presented an informative talk on the Ute Indians. Dr. Evans is a docent for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose. President Hart emphasized that the historical society and its 5.5-acre historic town are operated entirely by volunteers. This includes volunteers who serve on the board of directors, who coordinate day- to-day operations, and who assist with special events and grounds and facilities upkeep. In addition to Hart, returning SCVHS board members for 2019 include Bruce Joss and Ray Hanson. Stepping down this year are long-time board members Les Mergelman, Vernette Mackley and Richard Udd. New board members for

2019 are Judy Davies, Loree Gutierrez, Sherry Henrie and Brian McPherson. Jane Everett will continue as SCVHS curator and Kristen Green will continue as accountant. Coordinators for the welcome center, the gift shop, the grounds, the office, group tours, and other historical functions and features are in the process of being finalized for 2019. Over 100 2018 volunteers were listed by name in a special edition of the ‘Pioneer Town Gazette,’ an SCVHS newsletter which was delivered to banquet attendees by volunteer paper boys and girls. As part of the evening’s activities, volunteers and friends of the historical society were honored with awards. This included Sean Dale, a Cedaredge High School (CHS) student, who was recognized as history student of the year. Sean’s father, Brian, and his CHS social studies teacher, Nick Parsons, were on hand to celebrate Sean’s award. Receiving honors as SCVHS volunteers of the year were Roger Milway and Vernette Mackley. Chuck Harrington received a special achievement award. Milway has been instrumental in upgrading

Photo by Don Benjamin

Nancy Carlson painted a colorful barn quilt which will be placed on the east-facing wall of the Stolte Shed. The painting was commissioned by Surface Creek Valley Historical Society volunteers Chuck and Jan Harrington in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Among those honored at the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society’s banquet and annual meeting were (left to right) volunteer Chuck Harrington who was joined by his wife Jan; Sean Dale (history student of the year) joined by his teacher Nick Parsons; and volunteer Roger Milway. Not pictured is volunteer Vernette Mackley. Alma Evans, PhD, (far right) was the evening’s featured speaker. the museum’s computer and archival systems. Mackley was honored for her service on the board of directors and management of the Chapel of the Cross event and entertainment venue. Harrington was honored for his long service to Pioneer Town, the Historical Society Board, and management of the Tuesday work crew. A painting of a colorful barn quilt was displayed at the meeting. Chuck and Jan Harrington commissioned Nancy Carlson to paint the wooden design which will be added to the east-facing wall of the Stolte Shed. Jerry Weaver designed the frame. The CHS chapter of Future Farmers of America catered and served the event banquet. Mesa Rental & Supply of Delta and High Altitude Event Design of Cedaredge were recognized, respectively, for their roles in providing place settings and decorations for the evening. The society’s primary project for 2019 is an ambitious effort to make issues of the old ‘Surface Creek Champion’ more accessible to the public by converting the historic newspaper to digital media. (See related story on page C2.) The ‘Champion’ was a weekly newspaper that once served the Surface Creek Val-

ley. It was published by Clyde W. Brewer from 1904-1943. In keeping with its commitment to resurrect the ‘Champion,’ the historical society presented its pioneer award to Clyde and Alpha Brewer and their descendants, several of whom were in attendance to accept the honor. In order to finance the digital project the society has set a goal of raising nearly $11,000. This amount will allow it to secure additional matching grant funds.

The society welcomes contributions; especially donations to help them reach its goal of digitizing the historic ‘Champion’ newspapers. Contributions made out to the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society and specifying that the amount is designated for ‘The Surface Creek Champion Project’ can be mailed to P.O. Box 906, Cedaredge, CO 81413. For further information call 970-856-7554 or email scvhistsoc@gmail.com.

Help preserve history as member, volunteer New members and volunteers are always welcome at the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society and Pioneer Town. Call or email the society or visit the Pioneer Town website (https://www.pioneer town.org) to download membership and volunteer forms. Annual membership rates to join the non-profit organization are: $30 for an individual; $40 for a family; $50 for a contributing membership; and $100 for a sustaining membership. Businesses may join for an annual fee of $50 and a contributor will receive a life membership for $1,000. For membership questions,

contact board president Greg Hart at scvhistsoc@gmail.com or 864-505-6133. 2019 volunteers are needed for the following committees: membership; grounds maintenance; facilities maintenance; memorials; Chapel of the Cross; accession; public relations/website. The following events also need volunteers for planning, coordination, chairpersons, and support: annual banquet; silent/classic movie nights; soup supper; cleanup days; heritage day; night on the town; ice cream social; Applefest car show; volunteer dinner; and Chapel of the Cross concerts.

C2 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Animal shelter

Effort to preserve 40 years of historic paper underway

FROM PAGE C1 A new volunteer program is in development, too. In efforts to help the kennel techs SCAS will soon need volunteers to work a couple hours each shift at the front desk. Volunteers will greet people who stop by the shelter and answer any questions. To learn more about the SCAS, its website is

www.surfacecreekshelter. org and the phone number is 970-856-2346. Its monthly email newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date on events, fundraisers and volunteer needs. The shelter is located at 265 Southeast High Country Avenue in Cedaredge and is open every day from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

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RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

856-3841 ��

Delta County Independent

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

From 1904 to 1943 a weekly newspaper, “Surface Creek Champion” was published by C.W. Brewer in Cedaredge. Now the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society (SCVHS) is digitizing every issue, or about 12,000 plus pages. Upon completion these digital copies will be housed at the Colorado State Library and its Virtual Library site, Pioneer Town Museum in Cedaredge, Colorado State Historical Society and the Cedaredge Public Library. Essentially, anyone will be able to search a date, word or name and instantly scan those 40 years of print right from their own home. “Completing this project will mark us as the only small town newspaper that will have been digitized,” said Jane Everett, curator for Pioneer Town Museum. Previously accessing the newspaper copies was cumbersome. Some of the collection is stored on microfilm at the Cedaredge library but the machine able to read them no longer works. If

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Every issue of “Surface Creek Champion” is accounted for from its printing between 1904 and 1943. There’s no estimated ﬁnish time yet for the digitizing project. However, before beginning the SCVHS needs to fundraise about $12,000.

someone wanted to look “It seemed overwhelming ing ways to fundraise. up a family member in to us at first but we finalSome funds should be the paper or if a student ly realized this needed to covered through a small was doing research for a be done,” said Everett. grant through Colorado One reason the SCVHS Historic Newspaper Colproject they had to look by hand, gloved of course, board decided to tackle lection. “Our project is through hard copy bound the project now was due a good candidate but it volumes. to an opportune discount. won’t provide the full Often, Everett said, SCVHS will save about amount needed,” said people would “get lost eight cents a page (about Everett. in the excitement of the $1,000) thanks to a limTo cover the remaining history,” especially the ited time offer through a costs, SCVHS is asking ads, but never find what vendor with the Colorado for community support. they needed. The Brewer State Library. Donations can be made Thanks to the large via checks to the SCVHS descendants gave SCVHS the publishing rights and number of microfilm vol- noted for The Champion also are excited to see umes available they’ll Digitization and mailed this newspaper always also see savings. At the to SCVHS P.O. Box 906, be available for those in end of the project, board Cedaredge, CO 81413. members have offered to Surface Creek. “These newspapers are Estimations for the drive any missing vol- a fun piece of our local project are around umes across the state to history and I’m excited $12,000 to $15,000, be scanned. to see them digitized and However, they had to accessible to all,” said depending on the final number of pages digitized fully commit to the proj- Everett. “Community and the format (hardcopy ect before the discount effort is what will make Life Line Screening, a or microfilm) provided. closed. Now they’re seek- it happen.” leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will offer its affordable, noninvasive and painless health screenings at All Saints Lutheran Church on March 1. Five screenings will be offered. Register for a Wellness Package which includes four vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or Photo by Don Benjamin visit www.lifelinescreen More than a dozen descendants of Clyde W. and Alpha Brewer were on hand ing.com/communitycircle to accept a Pioneer Award presented by the Surface Creek Valley Historical or text the word circle to Society during its annual meeting on Feb. 9. C.W. Brewer published ‘The Sur797979. face Creek Champion’ from 1904-43.

Life Line screening

Photo by Cathy Brown

Exploring McInnis Canyon

On Jan. 30 the Senior Hikers went to McInnis Canyon near Fruita. The group’s regular winter hikes in canyons west of Delta have been a little too muddy and snow-packed lately, so they have traveled to sunnier areas in the winter. Pictured, from the left, are Kathleen Morse, Dave Rieso, Marv Kieca, Jeff Weiss, Jude Kieca, Coni Wolfe and Sonia Scott. Cathy Brown took the photo. The eight hiked six miles in this beautiful canyon system with the orange rock outcroppings against the deep blue sky. The Senior Hikers continue to cross-country ski and snowshoe up on the Grand Mesa Nordic Council trails on Mondays and Fridays.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

BRUIN TRACKS 970-856-6882

C EDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

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Joining Together Elisabeth Cole Co-Editor Practice. Practice more. Practice every day. More practice. Band students sit in their rooms with their music stands holding the concert pieces. They constantly practice the music they will need to play for the long awaited All County Band Performance. Checking every measure, counting, repeating. This cycle continues weeks upon weeks, hours upon hours. �� They settle in their chairs and begin practicing as a whole band. Mr.Wolcott gives helpful advice to his band students to help them improve. This process continues every day. Time �� All the hours dedicated to improving the songs come down to that day. The students climb on the bus and sit down. �� will pursue the same goal, making beautiful music. The band students enter the practice room and several people are right in front of them. A long day awaits the band students, but it will �� When the performance time comes, all the students change into concert attire and make their way to the stage as one group. The curtains are closed, and the audience is waiting. �� down beat, beautiful notes arise. This continues on throughout the night until the last song. The audience applauses once again, and the band students experience a sense of accomplishment. All of the practice hours, repeats, and anticipation is for this moment. The anticipation builds for the All County Band perfor�� for the awaited concert on the evening of February 11th. �� form at the Delta Performing Arts Center. A professional band director will conduct six pieces that all the students will play. �� County is a great opportunity for the schools in this area to get together and learn in a new environment with a different conductor. It gives all students a chance to participate in a group setting and improve our music skills. It gives us a chance to work with other great musicians and to play music written by local composers. It helps bring our high schools �� each other and our mentors, giving us a stronger bond and more unity between school and students. I think All County is a great annual music program to help uplift and inspire everyone through music.” The band students are completely dedicated to playing to the best of their ability to put on a great show. This is such an inspiring opportunity open for all of the county band students to attend. It shows each individual that so many other people out there love the same hobby. Coming together as a community like this allows for more bonds and a sense of togetherness to evolve.

What’s Bruin Inside Girls’ basketball continues a winning streak that clears the way to state. Makayla Kehmeier makes the winning 3-point shot that leaves Bruins ahead 31 to 30 against Grand Valley. The snow has arrived with a vengeance, and NHS has put their shovels into action.

Olivia Hohenstein �� to prepare for the All County Band performance. She practices one of her favorite pieces “Lament and Tribal Dances.”

Monday was allCounty Band and Choir. Band plays all day and prepares an evening performance. Choir does the same, and they walk away with ful�� of practice has made the difference.

Mariah Simler is proud to represent the Cedaredge High School’s high brass section as one of the two trumpet players in the band. She practices consistently to improve on the concert pieces.

Parent dedications due March 1st. Limited space, so turn them in now. Your last chance to say goodbye to a graduating senior. Sophie McCracken and Lance Knutson will head to JV state climbing at Übergrippen in Denver.

Singing Their Way to Denver Hannah Hohenstein Staff-Writer

Band had their fun; now it’s choir’s turn. Just like march�� to Denver this spring. This event is the Choir Music Festival.

Kasadi Laman is a member of the Cedaredge High School choir. Choir left on Monday for all-County competition. The students sing all day. and they celebrate their dedication to hard work.

It will take place on May 3rd through May 5th. They will

Marian Blanks and Olivia Lindsay qualfy for Varsity climbing and will also compete at Übergrippen. Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball on Thursday against Olathe. Senior Night, Valentine’s Day, what more can you ask for. Wrestling faces Regionals this week at John Mall High School. They compete Friday and Saturday and their hopes are high.

compete with choirs from all over the western slope. The trip will show the choir students the importance of hard work and dedication. Alex Padilla speaks highly of the trip by saying, �� through music and give them the opportunity to win a position in state. It encourages them [the students] to work hard as they possibly can to obtain a goal.”

Students face Mock Exams for their AP classes. This is the halfway mark for these classes, and they will the use the scores to focus for review during the year remaining.

The students will need help to raise the funds. The choir will �� The teacher with the most money by Thursday, February 14, will have to kiss a pig on the snout. The teacher with the least money amount will have to kiss the pig on its rump. The kissing will take place at the home basketball game in the evening �� Photo by: Tyla Wallace

C4 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins

Art Invites People Into The Soul Hunter Campbell Staff Writer They unleash energy as they step onto the mat. Throughout the winter sports season, the wrestling boys have continually improved their records with more and more pins added to their accomplishments. They continue to shine with their hard fought wins. They �� in a row at the Delta Tournament on December 8th and 2nd place at Rocky Ford on January 11th. At their home match on January 10th, they went up against the Paonia Eagles. They fought hard but were defeated in a very close duel. Lane Hunsberger and Toby Waddell defeated their match opponents by pinning them. A week later they came back strong and took down the Montrose Indians with a 44 - 33 victory and another trophy to add to their collection on January 17th. The Montrose duel was also their senior night. The three seniors for the 2018-2019 season are Toby Waddell, Taj VanderLinde, and Austin Crawford. Waddell said that this year has been, “one heck of a ride thanks to my teammates making my last season a good one.” He is a four year participant in Cedaredge wrestling. Waddell hopes to make a repeat trip to state and place �� year. Home duels are “pretty intense” and give the athletes an extra push as they step onto the mat to “break” their opponent. Students and fans continue to show support for their wrestling Bruins. Break ‘em.

Photography and art go hand and hand. Chaycelynn Urquhart captured both mediums perfectly.

Jordan Taylor painted Marilyn Monroe and showed Ms. Monroe’s power �� with the stroke of a brush.

Chaycelynn Urquhart is talented enough to be asked to paint this mural. Students showcase their work and help bring the schools hallways to life with their paintings.

Mr. Montoya teaches most of the high schools art classes. He makes sure to help guide every student.

Hunter Campbell found a beautiful passion in art. She creates many aquatic paintings with different types of mediums.

Abigail Williams sketched a sleeping fox and shows it’s simplicity. She is one of the best artists at CHS.

Chayclyn

To capture nature’s beauty in a painting shows amazing talent. Hunter Campbell makes this dif��

Chaycelynn Urquhart created this 3-D piece by �� deer’s antlers. Chaycelynn enjoys her art class and becomes better everyday.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Cedaredge

Bruins Übergrippen: Relief After Finding a Jug Hunter Campbell strategically moves her body up the wall.

Marian Blanks moves up the boulder�� add points to her score.

Grace Hatheway Co-Editor For the past four months Delta they can carry on after and outside of school since we live in such a County climbers have been competing around the western slope for great climbing region.” Throughout the season Mr. Long a chance at state. Four Cedaredge enjoys “the positive atmosphere athletes will be travelling to Übergrippen in Denver to compete in and comradery that comes with a state. Marian Blanks and Olivia low stress, individualized sport.” Lindsay will at competing at the He also enjoys “watching individuVarsity level, and Sophia al accomplishments and the support McCrackin and Lance Knutson will network to reach those goals.” be competing at the JV level, They Marian Blanks has been climbing are going to compete on February since the climbing club started. She 23rd with climbers from around enjoyed it so much that she decided Colorado. to join the team and compete. After Their coach Mr. Long has been February 23rd, she will have parclimbing for a long time. Without ticipated in two state competitions. him, there would be no climbing Last year she competed at the JV wall in Delta County. He started the �� program to “give students a chance the Varsity level. to take part in a non-traditional She enjoys climbing because “of sport that can be performed by any the climbing atmosphere. Everyage or ability” and “to introduce body cheers everybody on - even if students to a lifelong activity that they are from different teams.”

Sophia McCrackin uses small �� to maneuver her way to the top of the wall.

Lance Knutson grips the holds in attempt to start a challenging route.

Marian Blanks and Grace Hatheway advance up the �� complete the route.

Top Row: Grace Hatheway, Lucie Sachova, Wyatt Smith, Hunter Campbell, Lance Knutson, and Max Moore Bottom Row: Sophia McCrackin, Sam Campball, Keaton Sheppard, Marian Balnks, and Mr. Long Not Pictured: Emma Purvis and Olivia Lindsay

Students Speak Out and Much is Accomplished

Amber Lamm Staff Writer On Friday, January 31, select stubathroom stalls, but bathroom stalls dents from the Cedaredge High School were not the only thing talked about student body representing all grades though. New equipment for the town were asked to attend and meeting with park, a path from the middle school some of the Delta County School Dis- to the high school, and the preserva�� tion of the town were mentioned and meeting was held at Cedaredge High discussed. School with students of all grades �� from the high school and a few eighth to the biology lab. A video is going to graders in attendance. be developed and given to the mayor The selected students were called and school board for review. Savannah into the biology lab, introductions Baldozier, a freshman at CHS, says, “I were made and then the students were �� split into four groups. These groups like that we were able to express the had students from almost every grade, changes we felt needed to be made.” and from a wide range of social �� groups. They were then directed to because an example was given to the answer the questions asked at each students at the meeting that part of the table and write down the answers on reason the high school has a new road a sticky note. The meeting covered leading up to it this year is because of everything that the student body loves the concern expressed from the student about the school and community and, body. It is comforting to know that more importantly, what students would not all decisions are made entirely by like to change. An unusual topic was adults in the community, but that stubrought up many times throughout the dents have a voice, and not only that, meeting that included the locks on the but a voice that is heard loud and clear.

Max Moore starts moving his body up the bouldering wall to achieve a larger score.

Photos by: Kristin Hatheway

C6 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins

Teachers Have Homework?

The book, Neuro-Teach, helps teachers instruct students in a more comprehendable way. The analysis of ��ers in their daily lives. The book includes valuable information about how the brain works and how the brain receives information. Neuro-Teach requires that teachers solve online teaching challenges using their Neuro-Teach principles that apply to their daily teaching skills. A cartoon from the book represents the use of both sides of the brain. The teachers learn from this book that every person uses both sides of the brain equally. It takes training to train their brain to use both sides. The NeuroTeach book the staff must read includes a colorful cover to represent the pages packed with ideas and facts.

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

BRUIN TRACKS

Editor-in-Chief Hannah Gardner

Co-Editors Elisabeth Cole Grace Hatheway Kaitlyn Toothaker

Advertising Editor Hunter Campbell

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

Mr. Coleman catches up on his reading when he has time. He reads his Neuro-Teach book to help understand his students more.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Acoustic duo to perform at GMAEC BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Ag tour

Photo submitted

During the Cedaredge High School FFA trip to National Western Stock Show the members visited the “super bowl” of the livestock show industry and toured various agriculture industry entities. The tours included the Denver aquarium, Purina Dog Food, Countryside Vet Hospital, and Johnson’s Dairy. Here the students are pictured with a new calf at Johnson’s Dairy, which milks 6,500 jersey cows.

Haunting lyrics, soaring harmonies and dazzling instrument proficiency — that’s how the duo Moors & McCumber describe their sound and style. On March 9 they’ll take the stage at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center for an evening of music showcasing their newest album “Acrobats.” One song from “Acrobats,” “Nothing is Free” embodies the emotion and direction the duo takes with their art. The lyrics comment on social equalities and the struggles of the lower class while blending the melody with guitar and plenty of cello. According to James Moors, one half of the team, the song is one of his favorites they’ve produced.

Kort McCumber, a Colorado native, completes the other half. Each are singer-songwriters gifted at playing multiple instruments such as the bouzouki, guitar, mandolin and ukulele, which they’ll feature in their March 9 performance. The two started playing in 2005 after meeting at a festival. Prior they’d been solo artists but after several concerts the audiences began requesting records of the two, not just one or the other. “We love singing together,” said Moors. “After we sing that first note we become completely engaged and immersed in the bliss of performing.” Before performing, however, hours go into crafting their songs and perfecting them for the stage. Moors often finds himself waking up with

Orchard City trustees tackle transparency, town’s future BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Orchard City isn’t changing point of responsibility for water meters, is planning a community survey to gauge the town’s future, and trustees are still reviewing the drought task force recommendations. These are a few highlights from the board of trustees Feb. 6 work session. During the session one main focus was on the drought task force recommendations, namely on what to adopt for policies and resolutions. Trustee Doug Keller recommended accepting the entire document, particularly on the criteria of calling a drought. However, the other trustees disagreed. Town administrator Melissa Oelke ran into trouble running the equations outlined for determining drought risk. Essentially the equation calculated the health of the total springs flow, which should be a certain percentage of treatment plant usage. “This is an indicator, not a prognosticator,” clarified Keller. Education was also a highlight of the discussion. Particularly trustees considered how to educate citizens on smart water usage, timing and other issues. They decided to continue discussing the recommendations in the upcoming months since there were still seven other agenda items. Deputy clerk Polly Proctor then presented the community survey options. They’ve decided to first do a survey board to gauge feedback on overall direction for the town. Contracted it would cost about $6,000. She plans to make the boards and post them in eight locations with drop boxes instead of mailing a survey. “Whatever comes back from this kind of survey would influence next steps and of where we should go more indepth,” she said. “This is laying the foundation of the future town development.” Action will be added to approve the funds needed. Trustees again discussed the item of changing water line responsibility from the meter back to the main. “We’re opening up a can of worms by changing this,” said Mayor Volgamore. By keeping responsibility for the main to the meter, the town has a large financial liability as lines fail. Based on their conversation, this item will not be pursued further at this time. The last two items on the agenda were concern of Keller. First was about considering changing water shutoff procedures. Keller seemed troubled about

the town shutting off an elderly woman’s water due to lack of payment. He argued that the town needs more measures in place before turning off someone’s water and that if an elderly person suffered from a shutoff, the town could look bad. Oelke pointed out that it takes about four to six months of missed payments before someone’s water is shut off and that the town sends several notices. Kirkpatrick agreed, saying, “We’re doing everything we can to communicate with them.” Trustees decided to keep the procedure asis. In previous meetings Keller has voiced challenges with transparency,

namely on public notices regarding meetings. “If we’re going to meet and discuss something why can’t the public be invited?” he asked. He also highlighted how citizens tend to be confused on the use of public hearing and constituent time. However, even in work session the trustees allow dialogue and will typically take comments or concerns later in a public session if needed. Fuller pointed out that one issue with public posting of committee meetings is that if the meeting time or availability to meet changes, the citizens won’t know till they come to the meeting.

“If you want to know and be informed, call town hall,” concluded Oelke. “You keep saying ‘transparency’ Doug, but there’s so many opportunities for people to find out,” said Volgamore. Information about the board of trustees and Orchard City can be found at https://www. orchardcityco.org/. Barring special meetings or holidays, the Orchard City Board of Trustees meets for a work session on the first Wednesday of each month and for a regular meeting on the second Wednesday. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at 9661 2100 Road in Austin. The public is encouraged to attend.

Photo submitted

Moors & McCumber will perform at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center March 9. During the concert, each will play an instrument as they sing. “We incorporate elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues. More recently, we’ve also been inﬂuenced heavily by Irish music,” said McCumber in a published 2015 interview on their website www.moorsandmccumber.com. melodies and being inspired from something they’re doing. McCumber has a knack for arrangements and bridges. Together the two go in-depth with multiple instruments and as a result, “get into the magic of the Moors & McCumber sound.” To pinpoint an exact style for the two would be difficult. Listening to their music folk is an evident base but hints of pop and indie emerge. While based in Superior, Wis., Moors & McCumber aren’t strangers to the Western Slope. In recent years they’ve performed in Grand Junction and Montrose. A few people suggested to Moors and David Starr, vice president of the Arts Center board of directors, that the duo would be a good fit for the Arts Center. “Their seamless harmonies are what stood out to me,” said Starr. “I think people will also enjoy the versatility of the two as they use different instruments in their show.”

Particularly unique to this duo is their devotion and connection with their fans. Five of their seven albums were funded by Kickstarter. Four times a year the two travel to Ireland with a group of fans. Recently they started hosting rafting trips with fans in Idaho. Moors said the connection comes from performing in intimate venues of 100 seats or less, like at the Arts Center. “We’re proud of our community and they’re what keep us going,” said Moors. “We’re fortunate to have people come back to concerts again and again.” Tickets for the March 9 concert are still available and can be purchased online at https://www. grandmesaartscenter. com/events or by calling Starr’s guitars at 970856-2331. General admission is $20 and the show starts at 7 p.m. “I really want to thank people for their support of the shows we’ve had so far and can’t wait for the rest of the lineup we have this spring,” said Starr.

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C8 Wednesday, February 13, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

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 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 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.

What’s happening at your local 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. 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!). Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell.

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

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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, 399-7783. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. 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. 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. 21, at 11 a.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 Delta Library 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 February StoryWalk® at Sweitzer Lake State Park is “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. Find out how the story goes on the Sweitzer Lake trail, 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. Hotchkiss Book Club. Join the 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!). 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 October through May at 10:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to join! Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Valentine Card Maker Space. All supplies provided. Through Friday, Feb. 15. 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.

Armchair Travel: Bi-Polar Travels. Julia Brown will present “BiPolar Travels: Images of Antarctica and the Norwegian Arctic” for the Feb. 19 Armchair Travel program. Brown is a retired geologist now focusing on wildlife, conservation, and nature photography in the polar regions. She travels annually to both the Antarctic and the Arctic to photograph icescapes and wild inhabitants. At Paonia Library on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. Kids Movie and Popcorn. Kids are invited to Paonia Library for popcorn and an animated movie about a teenage Viking seeking to prove himself as a dragon fighter, but when he befriends an injured dragon, he begins to change his clan’s way of life. Thursday, Feb. 21, at noon. Teens Movie and Popcorn. Teens are invited to Paonia Library for popcorn and a movie about the light side overcoming the dark side in a galaxy far away. Friday, Feb. 22, at noon.

2019 Colorado Capital Conference seeks participants U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) together with Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado, and Colorado State University invite all Colorado residents to apply to the Colorado Capital Conference held in Washington, D.C. on June 5-7. One hundred Coloradans from a diverse cross-section of our state will be selected through a highly competitive application process to participate in this bipartisan conference. During the event, they will have an opportunity to hear from and interact with our nation’s leaders in an informal setting. “Without an informed public, representative democracy does not work. Events like the Colorado Capital Conference are an essential part of creating that informed public, and I’m grateful to CMU, CU, and CSU for organizing this gathering. This conference gives those of us in public life a chance to hear and learn from Coloradans,” Gardner stated. “The Colorado Capital Conference allows us to hear from Coloradans and

better understand what issues are most important to them,” stated Bennet. “It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with more of the people who make Colorado a great place to live and work.” Colorado Mesa University president Tim Foster is pleased that the university is again a sponsor. “A healthy republic relies upon active, informed citizen participation in every level of government,” Foster said. “This conference gives Coloradans an audience with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.” University of Colorado Denver Chancellor Dorothy Horrell believes the conference provides numerous benefits to Colorado residents: “Our democracy works best when we have informed and engaged citizens, and the Capital Conference helps achieve both those imperatives. It is an excellent overview of how the legislative process works and it provides insight into how our government works. We are proud to partner with Senators Bennet and Gardner, as well as Colorado Mesa University and Colorado State University to make this

opportunity available.” CSU president Dr. Tony Frank agrees: “CSU is proud to participate in the Colorado Capital Conference and help bring together citizens of our state with lawmakers in the nation’s capital. It is a unique public forum which gives voters of Colorado the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns directly to lawmakers, and it gives lawmakers an opportunity to speak directly to citizens about the legislative process and how policy is — and sometimes isn’t — enacted. It’s a benefit for everyone involved including CSU.” All applications must be received no later than March 22. Conference participants will be announced no later than April 12. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations (at a group rate) and airfare. There is a $375 registration fee, which covers most meals and conference materials. Guests are welcome to participate in evening events for a prepaid fee of $175. For more information on the conference or to apply, visit www.coloradomesa. edu/capital-conference or call 970-623-9388.

Classifieds

February 13, 2019

Real Estate

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BUY • SELL • TRADE

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Delta County Independent

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LANDSCAPE MANAGEment business for sale. �� Includes customer list, 6 1/2 x 10 trailer, two commer�� cial mowers, aerator, string �� trimmer, blower, fertilizer spreader, backpack sprayers, and Ingersoll Rand compressor. Interested party should have landscape management and sprinkler experience. 65k. ADVERTISE! 874-4421 SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421 970-260-8855. (3x7)

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Livestock 4-H PIGLETS, BLUE Exotics from AI sire “Tom Cat”, born 1-7-19. Very muscular, solid structure! Perfect for Montrose, Junction, or Delta fairs. Top two, $300 each, then $250 each. Pictures on Craigslist, Call or text 970-497-0800. (2x7) NEED TO SELL YOUR LIVEstock? Get results through the DCI Classifieds.

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ELSEWHERE STUDIOS, A small artist residency program in Paonia, CO, is seeking a parttime Development Director. The position will entail grant writing, donor development, fundraising, and creating a capital campaign for purchase of the Elsewhere building. For more information, see www.else wherestudios.org/jobs or email info@elsewherestudios.org. (1x7)

CDL A DRIVER (NO tanks or Hazmat) with light mechanical abilities. Full or part-time. Apply in person. Bring current DMV driving record to 686 Industrial Blvd., Delta. (2x7) NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874-4421.

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Help Wanted

HELP WANTED: THE CITY of Delta is now accepting applications for a Marketing Coordinator. Position is Full-time with an excellent benefit package; starting salary is $22.44/hr. Under direct supervision of the Parks, Recreation and Golf Director, promotes the City of Delta by preserving and enhancing our community while supporting all areas of marketing. Successful candidate will organize and coordinate a variety of new and existing City special events; facilitate citywide marketing and branding efforts; research demands for the City’s products and services; provide short and long term market forecasts and reports by directing market research collection analysis and interpretation of market data; facilitate competitor research; manage the City’s website and social media; and serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO). Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Tourism, Graphic Design or related field from an accredited college preferred, and two (2) years of work experience in marketing, customer service, tourism relations 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 March 1, 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 (3x7)

Public Service WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x7) 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. DELTA HAS A BOOKstore in the basement of the library featuring gently used books and magazines. Come check it out! 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. AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067. WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door).

PUBLIC NOTICES

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

DHS grad named to All-Wyoming Team

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Seven Northern Wyoming Community College District students were honored as members of the 2019 All-Wyoming Academic Team at the 2019 WACCT awards ceremony and legislative reception at Laramie County Community College recently. Each year, Wyoming community colleges nominate high-achieving students to represent them at the state level. Academic team members are eligible to receive several scholarships as well as national recognition. A total of 19 students from Wyoming community colleges were nominated to the 2019 academic team. NWCCD students were well represented, with three students nom-

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inated from Sheridan College and four from Gillette College. To be eligible, students must demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. In addition, they must be a member of their local Phi Theta Kappa chapter and complete an All-USA Academic Team application. Representing Sheridan College are students Sandra Coleman, Yanique Linton and Nadia Van Haele. Van Haele is a dental hygiene student who plans to enter the workforce after graduation. “This recognition is a

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NWCCD nominees to the All-Wyoming Academic Team stand with President Dr. Paul Young after receiving their awards at the 2019 All-Wyoming Academic Team at the 2019 WACCT awards ceremony and legislative reception at Laramie County Community College. From left to right are Nadia Van Haele, Sandra Coleman, Dr. Paul Young, Yanique Linton and Samantha Power.

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B A C K P A G E I

Delta County Independent

The business of romance Photo by Don Benjamin

Love was in the air last Saturday as eight Colorado romance authors sold and signed their novels at Grand Junction’s Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Front row left to right are RaeAnne Hadley, Marje Porter, D.P. Jones, and Annabelle Anders. Back row left to right are T.L. Christianson, Christina Hovland, J.D. Hart, and Barbra Campbell. Porter and Campbell have Cedaredge connections.

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

BACK PAGE

t will come as no surprise to women in their 30s that romance novels account for a quarter of all fiction sales in America, outpacing mysteries, fantasies and science fiction. In 2017 the Romance Writers of America® reported that 82 percent of romance readers are women in the 3539 age range and most read electronically using Kindle and other devices. The business of romance is a money-maker. Sources estimate that romance novels generate annual sales of $1.5 billion. It’s a dynamic industry

that includes traditional print publishing and self-publishing options as well as many subcategories which range from innocent flirtations to steamy sexual acrobatics. There is a formula to writing romance. Some writers develop a story in three acts. In the first act, a couple meets but doesn’t connect due to some conflict. The budding relationship survives a crisis in act two and everything reaches a satisfying climax in act three. Romance readPhoto by Don Benjamin ers have expectations based (seated in brown Porter Marje upon the sub-genre (such as contemporary or historical jacket) visits with customers settings) and the level of inti- at Barnes & Noble. macy. Some authors keep the

sex discreet with a so-called “closed door” format while others leave nothing to the imagination. Consistent with national trends, western Colorado is (you’ll forgive the expression) a hotbed of romance. It’s so warm that no fewer than eight romance writers gathered last Saturday at Grand Junction’s Barnes & Noble Booksellers store for an afternoon of book signing. The event was cosponsored by the bookstore and the Romance Writers of Grand Junction. Participating authors were Colorado residents Annabelle Anders, T.L. Christianson, RaeAnne Hadley, J.D. Hart, Christina Hovland, and D.P. Jones along with two women with Delta County connections: Marje Porter, a Cedaredge High School (CHS) alum and Barbra Campbell, a Cedaredge Photo by Don Benjamin resident. Decked out in red to interact with readers are Colorado Marje Porter is a 1972 romance authors (left to right) Barbra Campbell, J.D. Hart, graduate of CHS who speand Christina Hovland. Campbell is a Cedaredge resident. cializes in western historical romance. Her publisher is Wolfpack Publishing of Las Vegas. Her newest book, “Ties of Time,” features gentle romance and tells the story of three sisters who are reunited in Cripple Creek during the 1800s. She is a fulltime writer with three published novels and a sequel to “Ties” in the works. Marje and her husband Dan live in Mesa. Local author Barbra Campbell and her husband Hans live in Cedaredge. She is developing a series of contemporary romance novellas under the banner of “Tales of the Nightie.” She has invented a boutique which offers a gift certificate to customers who share their romantic stories. Barbra works with Amazon and other online publishers to promote her books through self-publishing. Her works are on the steamy side and she is enjoying her journey as she learns more about the publishing business and the art of storytelling. Ideally she’d like to make her writing a full-time profession. What does the future hold for her? “I don’t know how this will all work out,” she said, “I’ll Photo submitted Photo by Don Benjamin just have to turn the page and Cedaredge resident Barbra Campbell is a contemporary Marje Porter is a CHS graduate who writes western historisee what happens.” romance author. cal romance.