Delta County Independent, Feb. 27, 2019 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

WATER DEEMED SAFE

Restaurants re-open as boil order is lifted in Paonia, B1

SPORTS

BACK IN THE SWING

HOOPS TEAMS PLAY ON

Golf course plans restoration, prepares for promising season, C1

Geyer, Van der Linde bring home the gold for Cedaredge, C3

DELTA COUNTY

FEBRUARY 27, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 9

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Tourism tax sees 21 percent increase BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Meeting with Delta County Commissioners during their Feb. 19 meeting, Kelli Hepler, coordinator for Delta County Tourism Cabinet, shared highlights of the cabinet’s activities in 2018 and its plans for 2019. “In 2018 we responded to a growing interest for outdoor recreation,” Hepler said. “After launching a number of social media apps and campaigns to showcase the recreational assets that dot the landscape of Delta County, there was an almost immediate increase in the data on our social media channels. “Partnerships with local chambers, BLM, the Colorado Tourism Office, arts groups and entrepreneurs have improved and the benefits from these relationships have been reflected in the increase of lodging tax. We realized a 21 percent increase in the tax collections and, for the first time since the tax was approved in 1988, the cabinet saw the collections go over $100,000 to $104,887,” Hepler said. In addition to the increase in lodging tax, Hepler cited

other accomplishments for Delta County: two new wineries and a brewery were opened in the county; a CRAFT grant was received for the Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway; the City of Delta received a CRAFT 201 grant, including a mentor, for marketing and promotion; an agritourism group was started in Cedaredge; the cabinet supported the Colorado Creative Corridor; and a star gazing picnic program was launched in Crawford. Hepler said the cabinet will capitalize on the momentum from 2018 in 2019 by increasing and improving its branding voice through video, social media, media familiarization trips, and training of front line staff. They will aim their messages to a younger audience and be more mindful of photographers in their tourism mix. Plans are underway to apply for specialized training in 2020 from the Colorado Tourism Office to enable Delta County communities to be on the cutting edge for future tourism efforts and branding the county in a manner consistent with its local character, Hepler said.

Jones’ defense keys in on collection of evidence BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Heather Jones, accused of second degree murder in the death of Paonia resident Ryan Redifer, is expected to stand trial in early April. In advance of her trial, a hearing on a defense motion to dismiss based on improper police procedures was held in Delta District Court on Feb. 26. Defense attorney Brandon Luna contends Paonia police officers and sheriff ’s deputies failed to preserve exulpatory evidence — evidence that could convince a jury that Jones is not guilty. The court heard from law enforcement witnesses about how they collected evidence from the scene of the shooting in January 2018. Jones allegedly shot Redifer as he was entering his home, then called 911. Body camera video, still photos and documents were admitted as exhibits during the hearing. The focus of the hearing, however, was an 18page report formulated by an expert in the field of crime scene reconstruction and death investigations. Jonathan Priest was questioned via telephone, first by defense attorney Brandon Luna and then by district attorney Dan Hotsenpiller. Luna focused on four pieces of evidence he contends were not properly handled by investigators. Of specific note were a backpack and a Bible that Priest said could be examined to help determine

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D2-3 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ......................B8 School Zone .................. A6 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................C3-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-2 TV Listings ..................B4-5

trajectory of the two bullets that were allegedly fired by Heather Jones. A T-shirt reportedly worn by Redifer was also brought up. Although Priest had not an opportunity to examine the T-shirt in person, he said “bullet swipe” from holes in the T-shirt could be used to determine directionality of the rounds. Luna also questioned Priest about a window into the home, following up on a defense theory that because Redifer entered his own home through a window, Jones could easily have assumed he was an intruder. Hotsenpiller quickly seized on that statement, demanding to know where it was ever reported Redifer came in through a window. Early in the hearing, a sheriff ’s deputy said he understood Redifer and Jones had said the shooting was accidental. When he arrived on the scene, Chief Neil Ferguson said he was focused on delivering medical aid to Redifer, who he testifed was yelling and screaming in pain. “She shot me,” Ferguson reported Redifer as saying. After considering the four key points of evidence in question, Judge Stephen Schultz agreed with the DA’s office that dismissal was a “drastic remedy.” Mere failure to investigate does not consistute suppression of evidence, he said.

Gunnison River Basin Time Series Snowpack Summary Pct of Normal: 122% Pct of Avg: 113% Pct of Last Year: 189% Pct of Peak: 92% Normal Peak Date: Apr 06

Graphics courtesy the Natural Resource Conservation Service

Optimistic water outlook

With about a month left to accumulate snowpack, the outlook for this year’s water supply is looking good. As of Feb. 25, the SNOTEL monitoring system operated by the National Resource Conservation Service was showing snowpack, and the water equivalent, at above-average levels across the state. In the Gunnison River Basin, it is 122 percent of normal and about 189 percent of last year. Interestingly, the system shows that 2016 was basically a normal year, 2017 was an exceptionally heavy snow year, 2018 was an exceptionally low snow year and 2019 is above normal. The above graph compares the accumulation of snow over a season for last year, this year and the median. By early April the snowpack begins to drop, marking the beginning of spring runoff.

City, police department turn attention to animal control BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Animal control, the animal shelter and feral cats dominated the conversation during a Delta City Council work session on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Delta Police Chief Luke Fedler introduced Mark Bowen, the new code enforcement/animal control officer who’s been on the job for about six weeks. In that short amount of time, the full-time position has been moved from community development back into the police department. Bowen is now wearing a full uniform, carries a badge and proper identification, and is equipped with self-defense tools and a handheld radio so he can be contacted by dispatch. Animal licensing is also being handled at the police department. “We are being much more attentive to animal control issues,” the chief noted. The blotter issued weekly by the police department reinforces that statement. But the city is faced with complex issues that are going to take more than six weeks to solve, the chief continued. He said the city-owned animal shelter, which is operated by TAILS, does not meet state standards — even if TAILS is doing everything right. After meeting with an inspector from PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act), which licenses shelter, Fedler came up with a lengthy list of needed improvements: an isolation room for sick animals with its own sink and air flow system, additional kennels

and fencing. Plus, the boiler is on the verge of failing and must be replaced. On Feb. 7, Fedler said he and Bowen met with TAILS to discuss the current state of the shelter, proposals for expansion and new programs proposed by TAILS. Fedler brought up issues he identified during surprise visits to the facility, and TAILS is responding by modifying fencing and cleaning up the exterior. Fedler and Bowen also addressed PACFA violations reported in 2018. In one instance, PACFA inspectors determined kittens had died from disease and malnutrition. Fedler plans to follow up with more site visits. Among the new programs proposed by TAILS is a trap/ neuter/release, or TNR, procedure for feral cats. “We have a serious feral cat issue in Delta,” Fedler said. From that point on, feral cats dominated the conversation, just as it has on social media the last few weeks. A number of years ago, the city adopted regulations concerning the management of feral cat colonies. With a change in personnel at city hall, those policies have largely been abandoned. Dr. Gretta Carmichael, a local veterinarian who was present at the meetings when those regulations were discussed and adopted, said the problem has only gotten worse. “There’s no good answers,” she said. While a TNR program may reduce the cat population over

time, Dr. Carmichael said the bigger question is how much it will cost and how successful it will be in a community where many residents don’t spay or neuter their pets, much less vaccinate. As a result, upper respiratory issues and feline leukemia “run rampant” in the city. “The only way to tackle the issue is to look at the big picture and come up with a program, whether it’s TNR or euthanasia. Do your research, find out what will be best for the city, but if you do a little bit here and a little bit there, it won’t fly.” And be prepared for resistance, especially from the “crazy cat ladies” most identified with the city’s feral cat colonies. Fedler and Bowen said they’re ready and willing to address the issue, based on direction from city council. “This can has been kicked down the road for 20-plus years,” noted Mayor Ron Austin. “We need to address it as a council, as a city.” He asked code enforcement to come up with a recommendation and bring it back to council for review. Bringing the conversation back to TAILS, Delta resident Jay Stooksberry suggested city representation on the TAILS board. He and Dr. Carmichael also expressed concern about dogs and cats that are being brought to the facility from out of the area, even out of state. Both agreed it’s refreshing to have a police department and city council willing to tackle these issues.

Coffee with the Chief

School board appointee

Voters to be polled

Chief Luke Fedler and the Delta Police Department invite the community to “Coffee with the Chief” Thursday, Feb. 28, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center conference room. All are welcome. Chief Fedler intends to utilize this time to build open communication between the department and the community. He will be sharing the state of the department and presenting the new ALICE (active shooter) program. Coffee and pastries will be provided by the Delta Police Department.

After interviewing two candidates to fill a vacancy on the Delta County Board of Education, school board members voted to appoint Hotchkiss area resident Dan Burke to the seat. He will fill the vacancy until the November election, at which time he can elect to run for a four-year term if he chooses. Burke and his wife Bev have lived on Rogers Mesa for 36 years. He retired from the school district after 28 years as a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, principal and director of testing and assessment. Before moving to Delta County he taught in Kansas for seven years.

In early March, Delta County Libraries will be conducting a public opinion poll of registered voters. The purpose of the poll is to learn voter opinions of library services, operations and facilities. The poll will also educate voters regarding the library’s budget and gauge voter support for possible mill levy increase on the November 2019 ballot. The poll will be conducted via telephone. It is expected to begin March 4 and will continue until a target number of responses are completed.

A2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

OPINION

LETTERS Dear Editor: The Electoral College incentivizes presidential candidates to visit less populated areas of our nation, like the Western Slope, during their campaigns. That may change soon. The Second and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution protect, respectively, your rights to bear arms and to due process. That may change soon. The Colorado General

Assembly, our state’s legislative body, is currently debating legislation that challenges these fundamental elements to the American tradition of self-governance. Unfortunately, majority forces — in both houses and the governor’s office — are prepared to erode certain rights in pursuit of an agenda that is antithetical to the checks on government overreach enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

What’s the rush? Dear Editor: Tailgaters. I’m not talking about parties you have in the back of your car at football games, but about the kind that follow too close in your car on roadways. I have had numerous incidents with

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

cars (usually trucks) following too close behind me. And so have other people I have talked to. It is a very dangerous and distracting problem. Colorado driver’s handbook says you should leave at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front. This occurs on Hwy. 65 going to the Grand Mesa. The speed limit is 55 mph, and only two lanes, and not much room to pull over and no passing lanes. People should allow themselves more time to get places. I mean, this is western Colorado, why such a rush? These people should get traffic citations. Denise Burton Cedaredge

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How Opportunity Zones can help struggling communities BY MICHAEL FIELDS Executive Director Colorado Rising Action

Your legislator, your liberty At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government was created by the delegates. He famously responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin’s brevity promotes the most important aspect of self-governance: you. Yes, you — the one reading this letter at this very moment. The choice is yours as a citizen: sit idly by or take action. If you choose the latter, I am here to offer a constructive first step: meet and chat with your state representative, Matt Soper. Soper has graciously agreed to provide insight into pending legislation that directly impacts your personal liberties and — most importantly — what you can do as an engaged citizen to effectively fight back. Open to anybody interested in civil conversation, this event is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, from 2-4 p.m. at Needle Rock Brewing. Please email jstooksberry@gmail.com for more information. Jay Stooksberry Chair, Libertarian Party of Delta County

Delta County Independent

Even though our economy is ranked #1 in the nation, too many Coloradans are being left behind. I believe that, as a state, we should be judged not on how the people at the top are doing, but on how much opportunity the least fortunate have access to. It is long past time for our lawmakers and community leaders to focus on how to encourage more economic prosperity in struggling areas. Colorado has too much going for it to leave these communities behind. The question is, how do we get people to look at economically-distressed communities where there are hard-working, skilled people, but little appetite for investment? The Opportunity Zone program encourages long-term investment in low-income, high-poverty areas. It provides tax incentives to boost investment in real estate and has the potential to drive angel and capital investment into struggling neighborhoods. For Colorado’s 126 federallydesignated Opportunity Zones this means crucial investment, access to jobs, and the chance at prosperity. The concept was first found in a bill co-spon-

sored by Senator Cory Gardner before it was eventually inserted into last year’s Republican tax reform bill. The U.S. Treasury has estimated the program will bring $100 billion in private capital into low-income regions across the country. The federal government is also steering more resources towards supporting grant funding, crime prevention, and infrastructure improvements in these areas. This means that Colorado’s Opportunity Zones could end up seeing billions of dollars of new investments. New ideas like this are vital to our future. Colorado is the second most highly educated state in the country, but only 35 percent of us have bachelor’s degrees. That means that almost two-thirds of us are on a different path. It’s clear that to sustain economic success, college can’t be the only path to economic mobility and prosperity. Nationally, we invest 13 times more in financial aid for college students than in public workforce systems that help low-income workers find jobs. We have to rethink how we do things. Colorado will benefit from this national initiative, but we can do even more. Colorado’s legislators should be looking at

similar ideas to pass at the state level — which would compound the effects and bring even more opportunity to underserved areas. But in order for an initiative like this to be truly effective, it’s going to take bipartisan support and collaboration with the communities. We know what hasn’t worked: government picking winners and losers, cronyism, like Hollywood handouts and electric car subsidies that only benefit the wealthy. Instead, I encourage the legislators to create policies where the free market can decide what is worthy of investment within economically-distressed neighborhoods. Let’s all encourage our General Assembly to focus on enacting policies that ensure all Coloradans have a pathway to prosperity. (Editor’s note: Delta County Economic Development (DCED) is partnering with the State of Colorado to host an informational meeting about Opportunity Zones Monday, March 4, at the Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center on the campus of Delta County Memorial Hospital. Contact Stacey Voigt, executive director at Delta County Economic Development, to RSVP for this event: 970-847-4992, stacey@deltacountyed.org or on Facebook.)

Delta police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Feb. 14: Department (edited for Code enforcement length): responded to E. 9th Street and Hastings Street on a report Feb. 10: of four dogs running loose Officers responded to and creating a traffic hazard. Maverik on a report of pos- The dogs were caught and sible drug violation. Enrique returned home with a verbal Cano-Zuniga, 23, of Delta was warning. arrested and jailed for alleged Officers responded to Conpossession of a controlled fluence Drive and Highway substance (methamphet- 348 on a report of a twoamine). vehicle accident. Lacey Reya Luke Aaron Frazier, 19, of Gray, 32, of Delta was issued Delta was arrested and jailed a ticket for alleged failure to for alleged possession of a yield right of way from a stop controlled substance (meth- sign. amphetamine) and violation An officer responded to the of bail bond conditions. Fra- 700 block of Grand Avenue on zier was also issued a tick- a report of theft and littering. et for alleged driving while An officer responded to license cancelled/denied and Walmart on a report of a coundefective vehicle-tail lamps terfeit $100 bill. required. Gerald Mark Simpson, 63, Feb. 11: of Delta was arrested and An officer responded to jailed on a warrant with a 6th and Meeker streets for $2,000 bond. a two-vehicle accident. Juan Joshua E. S. Smith, 24, Lizaldi Gonzalez, 75, of Delta of Delta was issued a ticket was issued a ticket for alleged for alleged shoplifting at City careless driving. No injuries Market. were reported or observed. Officers responded to Benjamin Brent Davis, 31, Walmart on a 911 call for a of Delta was issued a ticket for vehicle on fire. A bystandalleged shoplifting. er had already used a fire An officer responded to extinguisher to put the fire Maverik on a report of a per- out. Delta Fire Department son attempting to use a coun- responded. terfeit $100 dollar bill in the Feb. 15: store. An officer responded to As a result of a traffic Lincoln Elementary School, stop, Derek Ross Bate, 18, of to follow up on a Safe2Tell Hotchkiss was issued a ticket report. for alleged speeding and illeBenjamin Brent Davis, 31, gal possession/consumption of Delta was arrested and of marijuana by an underage jailed on a warrant with a person. $5,000 bond. Code enforcement issued Troy Martin Messano, 52, a ticket to Kenneth Floyd Burk- of Delta was arrested and doll, 28, of Delta for alleged jailed for alleged violation of nuisance animal and city ani- a protection order. mal license required (x2). Feb. 16: Officers responded to a Officers responded to 152 residence in the 700 block Main Street on a report of of Meeker Street on a report criminal mischief. A large of an assault. Ashley Nicole window was broken. Another Groda, 30, of Delta was business in the 400 block of arrested and jailed for alleged Main Street also reported a unlawful possession of a con- broken window. trolled substance (methamNicholas Joshua Sean phetamine). Danyluk, 40, of Delta was Ashley Nicole Groda, 30, of arrested and jailed for allegedDelta was arrested and jailed ly displaying fictitious license on six warrants with a total of plates, theft of license plates, $8,500 in bonds. driving with a suspended Feb. 12: license and unlawful possesAn officer responded to sion of a controlled substance 1430 Highway 50 on a report (heroin). of a two-vehicle accident. Nicholas Joshua Sean No injuries were reported or Danyluk, 40, of Delta was observed. Both vehicles were arrested and jailed on two driven from the scene. warrants with a total of $4,000 An officer responded to in bonds. Round Up Club Arena on a Officers responded to a report of criminal mischief. disturbance at Bill Heddles A theft was reported at Recreation Center. A 12Needle Rock Brewery. year-old female of Delta was Feb. 13: arrested and jailed (at Grand A two-vehicle accident Mesa Youth Services) for was reported at Salvation alleged menacing (a class 5 Army. Kevin D. Jordan, 41, felony offense). of Orchard City was issued a A burglary was reported at ticket for alleged unsafe back- a residence in the 200 block of ing. No injuries were reported Columbia. or observed. Both vehicles An officer conducted a trafwere driven from the scene. fic stop on a vehicle for havOfficers responded to a ing a broken tail lamp (illumiresidence in the 700 block of nating white light). The driver Main Street on a report of a was given a verbal warning disturbance. Lyle David Nitzel, for the tail lamp violation. 46, of Delta was arrested and Tresa Elaine Wright, 37, of jailed for alleged disorderly Delta was arrested and jailed conduct and failure to verify for alleged unlawful posseslocation as a registered sex sion of a controlled substance offender. and first degree introduction Isaac Jacob Gallegos, 27, of contraband. Bryan Joseph of Delta was arrested and Dean, 32, of Delta was arrestjailed on a warrant with a ed and jailed for alleged vio$1,000 bond. lation of a protection order Isaac Jacob Gallegos, 27, and unlawful possession of of Delta was arrested and a controlled substance. Jenjailed for alleged unlawful nifer Lynn Wieben, 53, of possession of a Schedule 2 Cedaredge was arrested and controlled substance (meth- jailed for alleged unlawful amphetamine). possession of a controlled

substance. Jessica Dawn Prisbrey, 37, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Feb. 17: An officer responded to a residence in the 600 block of Grand Avenue on a report of suspicious activity and found property. A purse was reported stolen from a shopping cart in a parking lot. Feb. 18: An officer responded to Advanced Hearing, 2050 S. Main Street, for criminal mischief. Oxygen Plus, 1410 Valley View Drive, reported an attempted theft. An officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 100 block of W. 1st Street. The driver ran from the vehicle. A hit-and-run accident was reported at Delta Ace Hardware. The hit vehicle was parked and unattended. Feb. 19: Code enforcement responded to the 800 block of 1575 Road on a report of dogs running loose. James Billy Williams, Jr., 52, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged dog running at large prohibited (x2) and city animal license required (x2). Feb. 20: Code enforcement issued a written warning at a residence in the 1000 block of Meeker Street for alleged keeping of junk. Officers responded to a disturbance in the 1600 block of H-38 Road. Code enforcement impounded a brown, older adult female hound type dog from the area E. 10th Street and Grand Avenue. Feb. 21: Officers responded to 1325 Highway 50, Grand Mesa Motor Sports, for an audible alarm. The building was broken into and a black and orange Polaris side by side was driven from the scene. Alan Scott Hawk, Jr., 34, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on three warrants with a total of $1,100 in bonds. Feb. 22: An officer responded to Tara’s, 341 Main Street, on a report of criminal mischief. Graffiti (spray paint) was found on the building in the alley. Officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of W. 4th Street for an alleged overdose. Skye Lorel Colburn-Erickson, 20, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $1,500 bond. Jacob William Wells, 22, of Durango was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $250 bond. Feb. 23: An officer took a report of a runaway juvenile. Officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Columbia on a report of trespass. Officers responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of Leon Street. Officers responded to Abraham Connection, 480 Silver Street, to assist with an adult male who was having a medical emergency. 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. 19: While on routine patrol, a deputy discovered graffiti (blue paint) on surfaces at the Escalante State Wildlife Area overlook west of Delta. Feb. 20: Deputies responded to an alleged protection order violation at a residence on Timothy Road near Cedaredge. Deborah Cook was arrested and charged with violation of two no contact protection orders, four counts of bail bond conditions resisting arrest and obstruction. She is being held at the Delta County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Feb. 21: At about 6:30 a.m., deputies responded to mile post 2 on Highway 348 to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a one-vehicle, no injury accident. A short time later, deputies responded to an address on 2100 Road in Orchard City to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a one-vehicle, no injury accident. As a result of a traffic stop in Hotchkiss, the K-9 unit was brought in to conduct an exterior air sniff around the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the seizure of seven grams of suspected methamphetamine, items associated with the distribution of methamphetamine, a suspected meth pipe and prescription pills. A warrant for the female suspect will be obtained. Feb. 22: Deputies responded to the intersection of F Road and Highway 348 to assist the Colorado State Patrol with a onevehicle accident that occurred at about 9:15 a.m. Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a traffic accident on Highway 50 near G50 Road. Feb. 23: A Crawford area resident filed a complaint about multiple abandoned vehicles parked on Saddle Mountain Lane. The owner was given seven days to remove the vehicles. A Cedaredge area resident reported the theft of license plates from an auto parked on Surface Creek Road. Deputies responded to a Hotchkiss area address in response to possibly suicidal male. He was found to be in good health. Another male was taken into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol. Feb. 24: Deputies assisted the Hotchkiss Marshal’s Office with a domestic incident. A female was charged with false imprisonment for refusing to allow a male acquaintance to leave the premises. Deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence on 2100 Road. The two male parties were separated and advised the deputies they did not wish to pursue charges. At about 5:40 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of 2100 Road and Austin Road for a one-vehicle rollover accident. An adult female was transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital due to injuries sustained when she was ejected from the vehicle. Deputies responded to Surface Creek Road, near the round corrals, for a welfare check.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Learn about Opportunity Zones at informational meeting potential for investment opportunities for property development, foundation, education and special initiative projects funding source. This is a free event. The discussion will take place Monday, March 4, at the Grand Mesa Oncology Center, 1501 E. 3rd Street. There will be two sessions. Session one, from 10 a.m. to noon, features Jana Persky of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Kimberly Bullen, Department of Local Affairs, Trish Thibodo, rural response, recovery and resiliency (4R) manager with DOLA, and the Telluride Foundation. Come and learn what

an Opportunity Zone is, development resources, how communities can support private investment, funding options and investor recruitment strategies. Session two, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., will consist of a workshop to identify and target potential investments for community projects and to encourage and recruit investors to the community. Contact Stacey Voigt, executive director at Delta County Economic Development for more information or to register. You can attend one or both sessions, but please RSVP as seats are limited: 970-847-4992, stacey@deltacountyed. org or on Facebook.

All about soil health

Soil health principles were the focus of the ninth annual Western Colorado Soil Health Conference, held in Delta Feb. 21 and 22. Above, Lance Gunderson discusses nutrient management. Key points were reiterated in a Natural Resources Conversation Service handout: Disturb the soil as little as possible; grow many different species of plants through rotations and a diverse mixture of cover crops; plant cover crops around harvest to keep living roots growing in the soil for as much of the year as possible; and keep the soil surface covered with residue year round. Practical tips for achieving these goals were covered during keynote presentations and breakout sessions throughout the conference.

DPD raises awareness of sexually violent predator BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

As required by state statute, the Delta Police Department held a community notification meeting last week concerning a 37-year-old male who has been identified as a sexually violent predator. Sex offender registry information is made available to citizens so they can better protect themselves and their children from known sex offenders. The individual in question has moved into a residence on Howard Street. Neighbors were notified via a notice in the DCI and CodeRED telephone

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messages. The Delta Police Department reports that this individual has completed sentencing requirements and is no longer on parole or probation. Still, he is being continually monitored by the police department and neighbors are asked to report any suspicious activity in the area. Additional details can be obtained from the Delta Police Department at 215 W. 5th Street. Citizens requesting additional information must provide identification or proof of residence. Citizens must also agree not to use the sex offender registry information to harass, threaten or intimidate any registered sex offender or his family. No law enforcement agency has the legal authority to direct where

a sex offender may live. Unless court restrictions exist, they are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose. Sex offenders have always lived in our communities but they were not required to notify law enforcement of their residence until registration laws were implemented pursuant to the Jacob Wetterling Act in 1994. Law enforcement may now share that information with members of their communities. In the case of sexually violent predators, law enforcement must actively notify citizens. Additional information about sex offender registry can be obtained from two websites: https// sotar.us/ and sor.state. co.us. Questions may also be directed to the Delta Police Department, 8747676.

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Are you signed up for CodeRED alerts? Are you currently signed up for CodeRED Emergency Alerts for Delta County? Attention Elevate Customers! The CodeRED Emergency Notifications System (ENS) is a system that allows Delta County to immediatly notify citizens within a designated area of current or potential life-threatening information via their land line telephones and cellular telephones. Should ENS be activated, a recorded voice message will be “launched” by the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office or the Delta County Office of Emergency Management. This message will deliver precise information to the homes and

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businesses within the designated area. Please note: If you changed your phone service from the traditional wired service (Centurylink, Spectrum or TDS) to Elevate and kept your telephone number from your original carrier, you will not need to go back onto CodeRED and sign your home telephone number up again. If you received a new number with Elevate, you will need to go in and sign up your new number. For more information, or to sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts for Delta County, please visit: www.deltacounty. com/80/EmergencyAlerts.

Watercolor Class Pet Portrait with Arleta Pech, March 2 and March 3, 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-4 p.m. Feng Shui for Western Homes with Deborah Shaffer, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life, a

four-part series, Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 23, 6-7:30 p.m. Alcohol Ink Class with Carol Ann Rasmussen, March 8, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Good To Go Book Signing & Presentation with local author Christie Aschwanden, March 10, 4-6 p.m. Books for sale. Suggested donations, $10 to cover facility and speaker costs Voices of the Western Slope Suggested donations of $10 to cover facility and speaker costs. First in a four-part series on Water in Surface Creek Valley, Intro to Water in Surface Creek Valley, March 14, 6 p.m. Fundraiser for Paul Dill Kicking Cancer One Step At A Time, March 17, 4-7 p.m. Swing into Spring Country Western Swing Dance Workshop, Deb Aspen - In Step Dance Academy, March 24, 1-3:30 p.m. Rocking Through the Decades Dance March 30, 6-10 p.m. Come dressed in your favorite decade! $10 at the door, $5 bowl chili/soup, $5 beer/wine. Movement Classes Iyengar Yoga with Julie Locke, CYT, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9-10:15 a.m. Nia Dance with Lorna Beard, Nia Blue-belt teacher, March 9, 16 & 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dance Fit with Linda Dysart, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.

Legislative update set for March 2 Chatting with your state lawmaker just got a lot easier for Delta residents. Representative Matt Soper (R-Delta) will provide a legislative update on March 2 from 2-4 p.m. at Needle Rock Brewing Company, during an event titled “Your Legislator, Your Liberty.” This event is hosted by the Libertarian Party of Delta County (LPDCO). “Everybody is encouraged to attend; it doesn’t matter whether you are a Libertarian, Republican, Democrat, or unaffiliated,” said Jay Stooksberry, LPDCO’s chair. “This is your chance to chat with your state representative

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and learn more about statewide legislation that will potentially impact your civil and economic liberties.” A brief Q&A session will follow, where attendees will be able to get feedback on other legislative issues not previously discussed.

Fill up on pancakes at St. Luke’s Mardi Gras means FAT Tuesday! Delta’s St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5th and Palmer, is hosting its annual pancake supper celebrating Shrove Tuesday, March 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Supper includes ham, eggs, buttermilk pancakes, orange juice and tea or coffee, all for a suggested donation of $8, $4 for children. Bring the whole family! Come and gain some weight before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, March 6. For further information, call or text Tom McLamb, 970-399-7145.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

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SPRING COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES

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

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Delta County Economic Development (DCED) is partnering with the State of Colorado to host an informational meeting about Opportunity Zones — a “once-in-a-generation” chance for both investors and communities. The Opportunity Zone (OZ) program was enacted as part of the 2017 federal tax reform package. The incentive is a potential deferral, reduction or elimination of certain federal capital gains taxes when eligible investments are made within the identified OZ. DCED will host a discussion about creating OZ prospectus for attracting private investments to community projects in Delta County. OZ has the

A4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

VFW post hosts District 11 award ceremony Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3571 and its auxiliary recently hosted the VFW District 11 meeting and award ceremony in Delta. Honored were the district winners of the Voice of

Democracy, a patriotic speech competition for students in grades 9-12; Patriot Pen, an essay competition for students in grades 6-8; and the Teacher of the Year competition, divided into

Photo submitted

Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Department ofﬁcers David Stone and Kathy Carlson pose at the Veterans Memorial Tree planted near Arby’s in Delta.

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Shop Your Local Merchants!

Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Community Center (Tuesday-WednesdayThursday), Delta Senior Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (MondayWednesday-Friday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday-Wednesday-Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 874-

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place. All three of the teachers honored were from Delta, and all have advanced to the state level. State placement has not yet been released. Kathy Alves teaches at Garnet Mesa Elementary, and both Diane Car-

lill and Jackie Thibeau (representing middle and high schools respectively) teach at Vision Charter Academy. Each of these teachers has the potential of representing Colorado at the national level and winning up to $1,000 for themselves

and a matching amount for their school. The district meeting was attended by the state VFW and Auxiliary representatives, David Stone of Colorado Springs and Kathy Carlson of Monument, who assisted with the awards ceremony.

Photo submitted

Winners of Veterans of Foreign Wars District 11 youth and teacher programs included (left to right): Nathen Black, Zoey Shean, Kathy Alves, Diane Carlill, Lyla Baril, Lilyan Mina and Dathen Stewart.

Senior CommUnity meals for March

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three levels, elementary, middle school and high school. Veterans of Foreign Wars District 11 includes nine posts and six auxiliaries in the Grand Valley from New Castle to the Utah border, the Gunnison Valley, the Uncompahgre Valley and the North Fork. Three posts are in Delta County — Cedaredge, Delta and Hotchkiss. Two of these posts, Delta and Hotchkiss, sponsored winners in one or more of the competitions. The honored Voice of Democracy winners included Caleb Frazier, Delta, first place; Lyla Hayutis Baril, Hotchkiss, second place; and Lilyan Mina, Palisade, third place. The honored Patriot Pen winners were Zoey Shean, Grand Junction, first place and fourth in state; Dathen Erik Stewart, second place; and Nathen Black, third

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5302; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through March 29 follows: Friday, March 1 — Baked chicken breast on fettuccine alfredo, candied bacon Brussels sprouts, roll and apple crisp. Monday, March 4 — Chicken pot pie, threebean salad, onion roll and tropical fruit. Tuesday, March 5 — Beef and sausage lasagna, Italian veggie blend, tossed salad, garlic breadstick and fruited Jell-O. Wednesday, March 6 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, kidney bean salad, broccoli, wheat roll and birthday cake. Thursday, March 7 — Barbecue chicken breast, potato salad, bell pepper, carrots and onions, oatmeal roll and honey fruit dessert. Friday, March 8 — Cheddar cheeseburger on whole wheat bun, lettuce/onion/tomato, potato

�� Angela Blake and Mike �� Joslin of Delta are the �� parents of a son, Isaiah �� David Joslin, born Feb.

BIRTHS

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18, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 10.4 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

wedges, baked beans and fruit cocktail. Monday, March 11 — Italian chicken breast, pea and cheese salad, potatoes O’Brien, stewed tomatoes, roll and peach crisp. Tuesday, March 12 — Potato-crusted cod, fish house coleslaw, potato wedges, whole wheat roll and fresh apple. Wednesday, March 13 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh veggie salad, sweet corn, whole wheat roll and fruit compote. Thursday, March 14 — Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, bacon ranch pea salad, California blend vegetables, whole wheat roll and birthday cake. Friday, March 15 — Beef and sausage lasagna, tossed salad, green beans, garlic bread and peaches. Monday, March 18 — Chicken enchilada casserole, Spanish rice, hot black bean salad and pineapple tidbits. Tuesday, March 19 — Chili con carne with cheddar cheese and diced onion, cornbread, tossed salad and fruit cocktail. Wednesday, March 20 — Pizza mac casserole, Italian bread, garbanzo bean and tomato salad, Italian bread and honey fruit dessert. Thursday, March 21 — Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and carrots, three-bean salad and Greek yogurt with blueberries. Monday, March 25

Stacy Shilts and Shaynan Southerland of Eckert are the parents Sponsored by: of a daughter, Everleigh Elizabeth Southerland, born Feb. 20, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and Seven local artists �� was 20 inches in length. have had their paintings accepted in the 29th annual Rockies West National 2019 exhibition sponsored by Western Colorado Watercolor Society. The exhibit will hang from Feb. 26 through March 30 at the Art Center in Grand Junction, 7th and Orchard. This annual show represents top water media artists from all over the United States. The reception is Friday, March 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The award �� ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. The public is wel�� come.

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— Ham and broccoli casserole, peas and pearl onions, orange spinach berry salad, cornbread and baked apple slices. Tuesday, March 26 — Beef stroganoff over egg noodles, pea and cheese salad, cauliflower, oatmeal roll and peach crisp. Wednesday, March 27 — Oven-fried chicken breast, whipped sweet

potatoes, rice salad, green beans, wheat roll and deluxe banana pudding. Thursday, March 28 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian vegetables, breadstick and diced peaches. Friday, March 29 — Pork and green chili stew, corn tortilla, pinto beans, fiesta veggies and PBOK cookie.

Photo submitted

Valentine sweethearts

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, individual valentines and small boxes of candy were passed out to everyone attending the senior meal on Feb. 14. Art and Gwen Cannon were named valentine sweethearts. They have been married about 60 years and have lived in Delta most of that time. Steppin’ Out, a quartet from the Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus, also sang, courtesy of Paul Ash.

Watercolors from seven local artists juried into GJ exhibit

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The exhibition is made possible through a grant from Grand Junction Commission for the Arts and awards are sponsored by Alpine Bank, ANB Bank, Quality Inn, Ranae Coffman of Edward Jones in Delta, Alpine Publishing

of Crawford, AppleShed and Connie Williams, Mattes & More of Cory, Delta Fine Arts Visual Arts, Glenwood Arts, Montrose Visual Arts and many art suppliers with merchandise and artist supply awards.

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Lily By Betty McKinney

Peace Like a River By Judy Chapman

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

43rd annual hospital volunteer banquet held Each year the Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) volunteers come together to celebrate the previous year and learn more about the hospital. This year marked the 43rd annual banquet. The banquet started with a lighting of the candle ceremony honoring volunteers or spouses who passed away. Longtime volunteer Lynn Williams honored her mother, Amy Phillips, who was also a volunteer for many years at DCMH. Over 50 volunteers attended the Spring Fling themed banquet and enjoyed a meal from C & J Café. Founding members of the volunteer group were acknowledged, including Dorothy Loyer, Peg Lucy and Sondra Webb. Jason Cleckler, hospital CEO, was the keynote speaker. Cleckler thanked the volunteers for over 14,000 hours of service to DCMH in 2018, noting they are a tremen-

dous part of the team. [No matter who you are within the hospital] we don’t work or volunteer for the hospital, we work with the hospital.” Cleckler’s keynote focused on the state of the hospital over the past year and looking forward in 2019. He spoke of the challenges in 2018 in regards to reform and funding streams. “However, there were many things to celebrate,” stated Cleckler. “We were picked three years in a

Jason Cleckler

row as a Top 100 hospital. We added 14 new providers ... adding just another layer of service and quality.” Other areas of growth were the collaboration with local and regional partners to address the rising need for mental health services in the area. “We are working with people who are in crisis and even before they get to that point. It is about taking ownership in our own communities, to care for people who are in crisis.” Cleckler highlighted areas of success for the hospital to include “having one of the best ACO (accountable care organizations) in the nation ... saving Medicare over $2 million.” Some of the services the ACO provides free Medicare wellness visits and nurse navigation. “Truly the success of the hospital is how many we keep out of the hospital and how healthy we keep people,” noted

Cleckler, talking about increased services in the coming months in the hospital’s Home Health Department (DeltaMontrose Home Health). “Home health is the future hospital. [It is estimated that] 80 percent of treatments will be done in the home.” The volunteers were then presented with pins for the number of hours donated and years of service: 100-hour pin: Saundra January, Glenda Keenan, Jo Leftwich, Nola Milts, Carolyn Norris, Terry Randall, Judy Shumway, Connie Stewart, Barbara Sweigart and Deann Thomas. 500-hour pin: Connie Berry and Vicki Kraschuk. 1,000-hour pin: Wilma Reever and Eleanor Wagner. 2,000-hour pin: Joyce Anderson, Avara Grosshans, William Raley, Betty Trembly and Ida Walden. 3,000-hour pin: Mary

Library district launches new website BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

The role that a library website plays in providing community access to library services is vital. With that in mind, Delta County Libraries is announcing the launch of a new website on Friday, March 1. “During our strategic planning process, community members identified the website as a top priority,” says Lea Hart, district director. “We have spent time researching the components of a good library website and we believe our efforts have paid off. The new site is

user-friendly, compatible with a wide variety of computers and devices, and easy to search. “The current website launched back in 2009 has been very cumbersome and time-consuming to manage,” Hart explains. “A huge benefit of the new site is the ease and cost-effectiveness of in-house administration. “We contracted with local web designer Christy Eller last fall to design the overall site,” says Hart. “Since January, the responsibility for creating and managing content has slowly shifted

from Christy to library staff. It has been a great deal of work but has come together nicely and we are very excited for the launch.” Among staff, the library district’s website is often referred to as “the sixth library in Delta County.” That is because of the vast number of resources that are available to library users through the website. “Downloadable books, audiobooks, music and movies, online subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, online classes, and research resources are all available for

Veterans host Valentine’s, Presidents Day events Members of the Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 and its Auxiliary were honored to host a Valentine’s Day “Lady and the Tramp” dinner at Confluence Café. They thank the staff at Confluence Café and all members of the community who support-

ed them for their help. A few days later, post members raised awareness for Presidents Day by offering free hot dogs at their “Hot Dog Burn” at Delta Ace Hardware. Again they would like to thank the staffs of Delta Ace Hardware and the Dollar Tree and all of

the members of the community who stopped by to have a hot dog and a chat. Community support is greatly appreciated. What’s next? Here’s a clue: It’s a “pot of gold” luncheon. Watch for details on this fun-filled event.

Remembering Alice Penick

free through our website with a library card,” explains Hart. “Also, the website provides access to our extensive catalog system, patron login to request or renew items, library card application and renewal, our events calendar, and materials request forms,” states Hart. “Our website is one of the key services we provide for the community and is an incredible tool for accessing all kinds of valuable information.” In an effort to encourage people to explore the new website, a scavenger hunt will be available online and in the libraries beginning March 1. “We will collect completed scavenger hunts and do a grand prize drawing for a Kindle,” Hart says. Check out the new website beginning March 1 at www.deltalibraries. org to take part in the scavenger hunt and learn more about Delta County Libraries.

Claxton, Shirley Clayton, Cherrie Gilliam and Joyce Raley. 5,000-hour pin: Carlene Dougan. Five years: Mickel Adams, Dora Allen, Dorinda Capodice, JoAnn Carrington, Barbara Hall, Elaine Heinz, Liz

Lilien, Glendy Reaves and Eleanor Wagner. Ten years: Joyce Anderson. Fifteen years: Mary Claxton, Carlene Dougan, Marion Hofman and Joyce Picard. Twenty years: Nancy Hunter.

Photo submitted

Volunteer ofﬁcers include Wilma Reever, Ida Walden, Pat Moore and new president Barbara Hall.

Yard sale benefits veterans, their families The Harry A. White American Legion Post 65 in Delta and its Auxiliary are having a yard sale this Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2, at the post home at 15th and Howard (across Howard from South Main Auto Sales and across 15th from the Conoco station). Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. both days, and since everything is inside it will be held rain, snow, or shine. A wide variety of wonderful treasures await you, and remember

that all funds will be used to help local veterans and their families. Veterans — the post service officer (or his contact information) will be available to help answer your questions about veterans benefits or to assist in filing a claim with the Veterans Administration. For additional information or to donate items, contact post Commander Greg Jackson at 318-4236722 or Auxiliary president Debra Jackson at 318-423-6379.

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ACCURATE TAX

& ACCOUNTING SERVICE ��

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Photo submitted

PEO members from Chapter BK in Delta were pleased to present a $500 nursing scholarship to Stephanie Lemelin Belvill at the recent luncheon that honored the Technical College of the Rockies nursing students. The scholarship is given in memory of Chapter BK’s beloved member Alice Penick. Pictured left to right are Susan Triebwasser, Carol Phelps, Stephanie Belvill, Ann Renfrow and Birdie Young.

MARCH 8, 9 & 10 ��

A6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Students tackle hunger and fill Food for Thought shelves A big thank you for the generosity of students and teachers at Cedaredge Elementary, Garnet Mesa Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Vision Charter Academy campuses for participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring food drive

contest to support Food for Thought. This “kids feeding kids” program is offered through Vision Charter Academy. Participating schools teamed up to tackle local hunger and donated 2,339 pounds of food. The winning classes were served

Photo submitted

a banana split party and the winning teacher received a Daveto’s gift card. Thank you to Daveto’s for helping with the gift cards. Congratulations to Mrs. Lampton’s class from Cedaredge Elementary with 183 pounds of donations. Ms. Virginia’s Vision Charter Academy class contributed 242 pounds. Ms. Naomi’s Vision Charter Academy class in Cedaredge gathered 60 pounds, and Mrs. Theobald’s class at Garnet Mesa Elementary contributed 72 pounds. Lincoln Elementary held a food drive in December and is always great to help support Food for Thought. Thank you to all who participated to help provide food for not only Delta and Cedaredge, but all of Delta County!

Area schools teamed up for a food drive to beneﬁt Food for Thought. Pictured above are the donations from the Cedaredge community.

Students of the Month

Photos submitted

January Students of the Month were recognized for the character trait of honesty. Among other commentaries, these Delta Middle School students were mentioned as being righteous and honorable in their intentions and having great integrity. Pictured above are eighth graders Lizzie Cooper, Ellie Ames, Janelle Marushack and Kyle Chafﬁn.

Seventh grade Students of the Month for January were Martin Lamas, Randee Ahlberg, Ana Asavei and Tyler King. Not pictured: Enrique Carrillo.

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Photo submitted

Denise Theobald was the winner of a Daveto’s gift card.

Sixth grade Students of the Month for January were Joachim Jones, Joey Siennicki, Aiden Barber and Zach Wesson.

Calling all youth with musical talent Vision Charter Academy is using a donation from the Music Has Value Foundation to hold a vocal and instrumental music competition to

give local kids a chance to experience auditioning and performing. There will be two divisions, senior 9-12 and junior K-8. The senior

division first prize is a $1,000 scholarship and a review of the performance by Big Machine Label, Nashville, Tenn. The junior division win-

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ners will receive savings bonds. Additional prizes and swag will be given to all participants. Auditions are open to all youth and will be held on March 15 at the Delta Center for Performing Arts. A panel of judges of music teachers from schools and businesses will choose the finalists. The finals will be held March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Delta Center for Performing Arts. There will be additional musical entertainment. Tickets will be $5 at the door. The form to sign up for an audition can be found on the Vision Charter Academy Facebook page.

DMS to host competitive events Delta Middle School will host the third annual middle school Battle of the Books on March 6. Students will compete by answering trivia questions over 10 preselected books they have had the opportunity to read. The school district Knowledge Bowl meet will be at DMS on March 12 for sixth grade and March 13 for seventheighth grades. DMS will also host a wrestling tournament March 9 starting at 8:30 a.m.

Blood drive planned at Delta High On Thursday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Delta High School will host a communitywide blood drive in the school gymnasium. The blood drive is sponsored by St. Mary’s Regional Blood Center and DHS Student Council. Donors must be 16 years or older, and must bring photo ID (driver’s license, ID, passport, etc.) All community members and drop-ins are welcome. Email shawna. magtutu@deltaschools. com if you need to request a specific appointment time. All community walk-ins will be moved immediately to the front of the line.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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The Jersey Tenors are on tour in the midwest and will appear in Delta on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue under the sponsorship of the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association. The concert begins at 7 p.m. The Jersey Tenors are a rock/opera mashup sensation that creates an explosive blend of the most popular opera classics alongside such rock ‘n roll greats as Queen, Journey, Elton John and Billy Joel to name a few. BUT — they are also “Jersey Proud” and do not forget where they came from as they highlight some of Jersey’s finest, including Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and the

Gang and even Whitney Houston! Every member of this quartet has Broadway credits, including the leader, Brian Noonan who spent 17 years performing in such shows as “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Noonan is joined by Danny Calvert, Cameron Johnson and Vaden Thurgood. Noonan and Johnson lead the operatic selections, while Calvert and Thurgood

Camera club meets monthly Black Canyon Camera Club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and at 11 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the First Church of God at 11th and Howard in Delta. As always, you can bring up to three pictures for review. This month’s program is on photographing lightning. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. See blackcanyoncamera club.com or contact raeanns@live for more information.

bring their rock ‘n roll chops to the performance. All four are classically trained and the quartet has found a sound that really works, producing the exact blend to share their musical experiences on the stage each night. The Jersey Tenors grew out of a Frankie Valli tribute band and the Unexpected Surfer Boys, who performed a very successful 38-concert tour in the 2013-2014 season. These four charm-

Jersey Tenors

Fascinating history of Fort Uncompahgre to be presented Author and fort volunteer historian Dave Fishell will present a fascinating program on the fort and the trail Tuesday, March 5, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The free program will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public.

During the early 1800s Fort Uncompahgre, once located near today’s town of Delta, was a busy fur trade era post. The northern branch of the Old Spanish Trail also connected the fort with Santa Fe, N.M., and southern California. This

It’s time to ante up for annual Kiwanis poker tournament The Kiwanis Club of Delta is holding its eighth annual poker tournament at Bill Heddles Recreation Center on Saturday, March 16. Registration is at 4 p.m. with tournament play beginning at 5 p.m. and lasting until approximately 8 p.m. The tournament is a partnership between the Kiwanis Club and Western Slope Poker Tour LLC, owned and operated by Mel Lutz and Johnny Hicks. Approximately $1,000 worth of prizes will be raffled off throughout the evening, and the Key Club from

Delta High School will be serving food at a nominal cost. Cold beer will be provided for the evening fun. Businesses can sponsor a table for $200 which allows all their employees/guests to receive their first $100 in poker chips for free. Interested sponsors or players can contact Clay Speas at 970361-2950 to sponsor a table or pre-register for a spot at a table. Some of the proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used to provide summer reading opportunities in Delta County. Kiwanis is join-

Wildlife biologist to discuss greater sandhill cranes On Thursday, March 7, Van Graham will present a program on the Rocky Mountain population of greater sandhill cranes in Colorado. He is a retired wildlife biologist who lives in Grand Junction and formerly worked for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The program will include many of his photographs, historical information related to the decline of the crane populations in the late 1800s and early 1900s, crane biology and management of crane populations, and various other topics of related interest. Come to the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta,

starting at 7 p.m. There is no charge for this program, sponsored by the Black Canyon Chapter of the National Audubon Society. For more information, call Sandy Beranich at 970-497-0376 You’ll also want to mark your calendars for Eckert Crane Days, March 15, 16 and 17. Join club members at Crane Point or the causeway on the north side of Fruitgrowers Reservoir at 9 a.m. to celebrate the annual migration of sandhill cranes through western Colorado. Check the March 6 edition of the DCI for additional details.

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ing guys will raise the roof with their powerful voices and will have you singing along before you know it. From Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli to Figaro — they do it and you’ll love it, from their perfect harmonies to engaging humor and elegant costumes. Single admission and season tickets will be on sale at the door, which opens at 6 p.m. For further information, contact Bob Brown, 835-4480.

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ing forces with Delta County Libraries to offer events, special activities, books and T-shirts for over 800 kids in the county. The remainder of the funds raised will be used to provide youth programs and activities in Delta County, including college scholarships, sponsorships for Key Club members to attend leadership conferences, and grants to numerous youth-related activities in the community.

vast region was then part of Mexico. Fishell will also cover horse stealing, the slave trade that probably passed through the fort, flintlock rifles and how not to throw a tomahawk. A replica of historic Fort Uncompahgre is located at the entrance to Confluence Park in Delta. In September 2017 the facility was officially designated by BLM and the National Park Service as the first non-federal visitor center certified as an Old Spanish National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. It’s the only visitor center on the entire Old Spanish Trail between Santa Fe, N.M., and Los Angeles, Calif. The fort is open to the public March 1-Dec. 31. The fort is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information please call 970874-8349 or go to www. fortuncompahgre.org.

Benefit shoot, auction planned for Abila family Delta Trap Club will host a benefit shoot to raise money for Clayton Abila and his family. The event will be held Sunday, March 10, and will include prizes, a raffle, bake sale, silent auction and jackpot money shoot. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Clayton, a student at Delta High School, was in the middle of his junior year baseball season when he began experiencing persistent chest pain. After numerous trips to the emergency room, Clayton was sent to Children’s Hospital. After two days of testing, he and his family were told he had a large mass sitting on his heart. The diagnosis was primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma.

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Clayton has completed an intense chemotherapy regimen with great success. The tumor has shrunk to the size of a golf ball, and Clayton is not a candidate for radiation. He visits the doctor for monthly check-ups and travels to Children’s Hospital every three months for scans. Clayton is looking forward to getting back out on the baseball field and pitching for the Delta Panthers this year. The Abila family is very appreciative and thankful for all the love, prayers and support the community has shown them. To learn more about the March 10 benefit, call Bobbie Carmichael at 970-314-1247 or Cindy Kokesh at 970-234-4291.

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A8 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Extraordinary nurses recognized at DCMH Nurses at Delta County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) were honored Friday, Feb. 15, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The 14 DCMH DAISY recognized nominee RN recipients were Misty Armendariz, April Bonata, David Brodhead, DeEtta Frank, Rhonda Galvin, Lisa Garcia, Cindy Hirsch, Elizabeth Knob, Cristina Liddick, Tiffany Morford, Taneesha Rodriguez, Lorie Spencer, Kelsey Stark and Kathy Wiley. The DAISY award winner for this quarter overall was April Bonata, RN, a medical/surgical nurse nominated by two of her patients. The

application letters highlighted her compassionate care and ability to listen, along with a positive attitude and researching unanswered questions. “April demonstrated compassion by listening skills and straightforward approach to answering my questions and explaining drug effects and treatments as well as the desired outcomes of treatments. Her empathy and team work were noted... [Her] patience with a myriad of questions, excellent communication skills, a funny sense of humor and amazing kindness are some of her admirable attributes. “She demonstrates patience, love of nursing and selflessness by putting her patients’ needs first. She loves her job and it shows, “said Dawn Arnett, medical/surgical unit nurse manager.

“April is dedicated to her profession and demonstrates daily how she engages in patient care at the bedside. I am honored to have her recognized and so proud of her compassionate care.” The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Alpine Bank VP earns financial planner certification Alpine Bank vice president and wealth management client executive Lisa Isaacson has just received her prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ or CFP® certification. Isaacson is one of a select few individuals worldwide who have met the rigorous ethical requirements, base of experience, course of study and marathon exam as demanded by the CFP® Board. “Earning the CFP has broadened and deepened my level of knowledge allowing me to better serve clients and help them achieve their goals ... which is the ultimate purpose of a financial planner,” Isaacson said. On average, it takes 1,000 hours of study to complete the coursework and then pass the seven-

hour exam. Isaacson’s curriculum covered the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning. CFP® professionals also agree to meet ongoing continuing edu-

Lisa Isaacson

cation requirements and to uphold the CFP board’s code of ethics and professional responsibility, rules of conduct and financial planning practice standards. Isaacson, who joined Alpine Bank in 2018, has spent over 25 years in the accounting field working in a variety of industries. She expanded her focus by transitioning into financial planning/wealth management three years ago. In addition to her CFP® certification, Lisa has earned personal financial specialist (PFS) and certified public accountant (CPA) credentials. She serves wealth management clients in the greater Montrose, Delta, Ridgway and Ouray communities.

Nurses can be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The quarterly DAISY award recipient is chosen through a scoring rubric recognizing the nurses’ PETALS (passion, empathy, trust, admirable attributes, love and selflessness). Awards are presented four times throughout the year at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, handcarved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. “The kind of work the nurses at DCMH are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award,” commented DAISY coordi-

nator Dawn Arnett. “We are proud to be among the health care organizations participating in The DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their

work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.” To nominate a DCMH nurse and for more information go to: http://delta hospital.org/DAISY.

Photo submitted

DAISY award winner April Bonata (center) is pictured with Dawn Arnett, medical/surgical unit nurse manager, and Jody Roeber, chief clinical ofﬁcer.

USFS, sheriff’s office adopt annual cooperative agreement perform these activities training. The commissioners and ensure the officers Sheriff Mark Taylor meet the standards of signed the agreement. presented to Delta County Commissioners Don Suppes, Mark Roeber and Mike Lane the cooperative law enforcement Briscoe, vice president; agreement between the BY ANNETTE BRAND Bill Crank, treasurer; Delta County Sheriff ’s Staff Writer Office and the U.S. Forest At recent meetings and Ann Eddins, secreService at the commis- Delta County Commis- tary. Cemetery boards sioners’ Feb. 19 meeting. sioners Don Suppes, Kristen Green, The annual coopera- Mark Roeber and Mike — Cemetery; tive agreement docu- Lane made appointments Cedaredge ments a cooperative effort and reappointments to Pamela Anderson, Cory Cemetery; Bobbie Jones, between the U.S. Forest the following boards. Service and the sheriff ’s Airport Advisory Board Eckert Cemetery; Don office to enhance state — Frank Graham Meyer Emmons and David Hurr, and local law enforce- and Karl Schwinn, Blake Paonia Cemetery. Delta County Tourment in connection with Field; Larry Garrett and activities on Grand Mesa, Mike Wiley, North Fork ism Cabinet — Jeremy Uncompahgre and Gun- Airport; David Hiney Flanders, at large; Tony nison National Forests, and Reg Cridler, at large Vervloet and Yvon Gros, North Fork area. and to provide for reim- members. Youth Shooting Sports bursement to the sheriff ’s Delta County Libraroffice. ies — Ann Eddins and Advisory Board — George The sheriff ’s office pro- Gail Davidson. Officers Baier, Delta area; Jerry vides uniformed officers of the board are Laura Read, Surface Creek with marked vehicles to Earley, president; Judy area.

BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Commissioners make appointments to boards

SPRING COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES ��

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Know Your Neighbor

Technical College of the Rockies expands programming, geographic reach

Technical College of the Rockies (TCR) has been providing career, technical, and community education in Delta County and the Region 10 area, for over 50 years. TCR prides itself on providing short-term technical training and education that is affordable and relevant in today’s economy. The courses offered at Technical College of the Rockies are taught by industry professionals, which provide the students with an opportunity to learn what they need to know about their career of choice, from the very best. In addition to all of the onsite education courses offered in Delta, TCR is now offering Medical and Dental Assisting, and Day CNA courses, at the PIC Place, in Montrose. They also have many community education classes that they are offering this spring (see accompanying ad).

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Automotive mechanics

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ROCKS! • Mineral Specimens • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Hand-made Gifts • Metaphysical Supplies

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Law enforcement academy

TCR’s vision is that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality technical education. As a key member of the community, they are committed to a high standard of training for all students. That means they are focused on equity, on the experience of the whole person, and on the larger role they serve in our community. For more information on Technical College of the Rockies, or to take a campus tour, you can contact them at 970-874-7671, find them on Facebook, or visit www.tcr.edu.

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Technical College of the Rockies is led by Michael Klouser, who has been the director since 2017. In that time Technical College of the Rockies has gone through some major changes, starting with a name change from Delta Montrose Technical College to Technical College of the Rockies. We have also rebranded, have added many new programs to their course offerings, and have recently expanded into Montrose and Gunnison. The future is looking bright for TCR, as they plan to continue to develop new programming with industry partners; in addition, they will bring a TCR campus to downtown Delta, and will continue to expand in Montrose and Gunnison.

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CNA classes

Cosmetology training

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COLOR LASER PRINTING

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NORTH FORK February 27, 2019

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia water deemed safe as boil order is lifted BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

An emergency boil-water order issued for the town of Paonia on February 18 was lifted around 10 a.m. on Friday, February 22. The order, originally issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), had required residents to avoid consuming unboiled tap water and it also required that all retail restaurants and other food handling establishments close to the public until the boil-water order was rescinded. The boil-water order and restaurant closures were implemented in response to a significant leak in the town’s water system which resulted in a precipitous drop in water pressure. A break which results in loss of pressure in a delivery system increases the risk of untreated water and harmful microbes entering the system and so precautions were taken to safeguard the public. The break which led to the pressure loss was traced to a water main that ran beneath the town’s West 4th Street and to fire hydrants associated with that main. Cold weather may have contributed to compromising the hydrants and the location of the water loss was not at first apparent. Usually leaks are visible due to surface disturbance but in this case the leaking water seems to have run beneath the surface and into the nearby North Fork of the Gunnison River. Notices rescinding the boilwater order were distributed on February 22 instructing residents and businesses how

to transition back to normal water use. Written instructions issued to residents by the Town of Paonia recommended that people “flush your lines and replace any filters on your personal system or appliances.” The instructions also indicated that “an elevated level of chlorine will be present for an extended period of time but be advised, the levels are within the state required levels.” The process of sanitizing the town’s water lines in the wake of leak repairs utilized a concentration of chlorine. Residents with questions should contact Paonia Town Hall at 970-5274101. Restaurants and other food handling businesses received a detailed “Equipment Startup Checklist” issued by the Delta County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division. The checklist included instructions on how to sanitize water filter systems, dishwashers, sinks, and icemakers as well as beverage dispensers and commercial coffee/tea brewers. Any business with questions about these procedures should contact the Delta County Department of Health at 970-874-2165. Meanwhile, town officials have pronounced the water safe. Corinne Ferguson, Paonia town clerk, posted an update on February 22 indicating that the town had repeatedly passed all test samples processed during the boil-water period, as well as samples taken following the repair of the leak and subsequent flushing, recharging, and disinfecting of the system.

Paonia water users urged to continue conservation measures BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

While the town of Paonia’s boil order has been lifted and water is flowing from most water taps, the town is urging all water users to conserve water as much as possible until further notice. Water users are asked to take short showers and do laundry only when necessary, and turn faucets off while brushing teeth or performing other activities. Because the amount of water flowing out of the town’s two-million gallon Lamborn Mesa tank exceeds the amount flowing in, town administrator Ken Knight said Tuesday that “Yes, absolutely, people need to conserve on water.” After last year’s unusually low precipitation, town water production from springs is less than 25 percent of normal winter production. “The springs didn’t re-charge quickly,” said Knight. “We really need to get one-third to one-half full or we will re-create the (emergency) situation.” On Tuesday, the town informed all private out-oftown water companies, excluding those serving Pitkin and Bone mesas, that their water would be shut off to allow the tanks to re-fill. The move ensures that schools and businesses can continue to have enough water to remain open and in operation, said Knight. For those without water service, bottled water continues to be available at Town Hall, and customers can fill containers from a potable water truck parked behind Town Hall. The town was also waiting on a raw water tank from Delta County, which can be used for flushing toilets.

Updates will continue to be posted regularly on the town website, www.townof paonia.com, and on the “Town of Paonia, Colorado” Facebook page.

Fundraiser to help impacted workers To help those whose jobs were affected by the recent Paonia water crisis, resident Cindie Sorensen established a fundraiser, “Love our Paonia Food Handlers,” on Facebook. Funds raised will help local food service and preparation workers who lost income while restaurants and other food-related businesses were shuttered by order of the Delta County Health Department during the fiveday boil-order. Sorensen set a goal of $12,000 based on estimates of income of about $300 per week for about 60 workers. Sorensen established the fund on Feb. 22, and contributed $100 to get it started. As of Tuesday, 33 individuals had donated $1,405 toward the cause. “These men and women have bills to pay and families to support,” wrote Sorensen on Facebook. “Please make a donation to help your favorite wait staff, deli worker, barista, cook, dishwasher, bartender and others.” Checks, made payable to Kids Pasta Project or KPP, can be dropped off at KVNF from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday.

Photo by Don Benjamin

The town of Paonia stockpiled bottled water to give out during the town’s temporary water problem. Even though water issues have been resolved, the town is continuing to distribute water to residents and businesses as needed.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Travis Loberg, Town of Paonia public works director, was busy last Friday checking water connections. This hydrant location near the North Fork of the Gunnison River was the site of one of the leaks which compromised the town’s water pressure and led to a state-issued boilwater notice and the temporary closure of town restaurants. In an interview on February 22, town administrator, Ken Knight confirmed that samples taken during the boil-water order and following subsequent repairs and disinfection “were all clean.” Knight stressed that throughout the process the town complied with all state and county health guidelines as precautions to protect public health. The town followed the rules, he said, even though “there was no evidence that there was ever any contamination of the town’s system.” The need for the boil-water order was a product of what Knight called “a perfect storm” of circumstances. The flow and pressure of Paonia water is typically low in winter due to the icy condition of springs which are the source of the town’s water supply. Then sudden and large leaks drastically reduced water pressure and

those leaks were difficult to detect. When large leaks occur, their location is usually accompanied by surface evidence but in this case the breakage was subterranean and not immediately apparent. By Wednesday, February 20, the break zone had been isolated to an area behind the public library and a leak locator was employed to pinpoint the below ground breaks. Excavation and repairs were completed on Thursday and disinfection of the system began. Reflecting on the water situation, Knight said he wished to “thank everyone for their incredible patience” and he praised town staff for their work in keeping the public informed and in tracing the leaks and completing necessary repairs. The town is continuing to deal with water pressure

issues affecting some residents. Another noticeable affect is the lingering odor of chlorine. The chlorine odor may persist for a time and, although the water has now been pronounced safe, the town will continue to make bottled water available to residents and businesses while the odor persists.

Space to Create presentation A community meeting to present the results of the Space to Create Paonia Arts Market Survey will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Paonia Town Hall. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

Businesses glad to reopen BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

When Paonia’s sudden lack of water pressure forced a boilwater notice, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) ordered the Delta County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division to notify restaurants and other food handling businesses that they must shut down until further notice. That meant that, from February 18 until the morning of February 22, over a dozen establishments had to close their doors to the public. Everyone complied, including 74-year-old Linda Little owner of Linda’s Bistro on Third Street. Little has been operating her modest business on and off for twentythree years and this is the first time in her memory that local businesses have been so drastically impacted. “I worry about all the young workers who lost wages,” she said. Businesses contacted by telephone on the weekend following the rescinding of the boil-order notice were busy with start-up procedures and thankful to be reopening. Laura Chittenden, owner of Indigo Autumn Health Food Store, was thrilled to receive the all-clear and she’s anxious for things to get back to normal. Mike Gillespie, owner of the Living Farm Café and Inn is “relieved that we got open earlier than we thought” although he’s concerned that his employees missed nearly five full days of work. His concerns were echoed by the folks at Backcountry Coffee who were “glad to be back open” but who reiterated that no business can afford to be closed for long.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Laura Chittenden, owner of Indigo Autumn Health Food Store in downtown Paonia was pleased to learn that the town’s boil-water order was rescinded last Friday. On February 22 all local restaurants and related food-handling businesses received notice that they could reopen after completing a checklist of startup procedures.

Paonia care center ‘didn’t skip a beat’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

During the five days town of Paonia water users were under a boil order by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, intown food service businesses were shut down by order of the Delta County. But the Paonia Care & Rehabilitation Center on the east end of town “didn’t skip a beat,” according to administrator Mitchell Aldridge. The center received “multiple compliments” from both Delta County and com-

munity members for its handling of the five-day water emergency, said Aldridge. The 60-bed facility keeps a three-day supply of potable water in storage for such emergencies, said Aldridge. That back-up supply allowed the kitchen to continue regular meal preparation operations. The town of Paonia also supplied the facility with plenty of drinking water, said Aldridge. “The town and the whole community really wrapped its arms around us and helped us out.”

B2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

CodeRED put to test as events unfolded BY DON BENJAMIN AND TAMIE MECK Staff Writers

Training the trainers

Photo by Tamie Meck

George Hunter, a trainer with the national ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training Institute in Florida, leads an exercise during a recent two-day ALICE Trainer Training course at Technical College of the Rockies in Paonia. Participants are taught science-based techniques for surviving and protecting students from harm, should an active shooter enter school property. At the end of the course, members of the Paonia, Cedaredge, and Delta police departments, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, and Delta County School District teachers, staff and administration were certified as trainers. School district assistant superintendent Kurt Clay said trainers will now train all school staff in ALICE response procedures. They, in turn, will train students. Like fire drills, schools will eventually hold regular ALICE drills. “Like fire drills, it becomes a part of what we do,” said Clay. Coincidentally, the course was completed on Feb. 14, the one-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

The now-resolved water situation began in the early morning hours of February 18 when alarms alerted town staff to a substantial leak in the Paonia water system. The resulting loss of water pressure was reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and, in accordance with state regulations, the Denverbased department issued the boil-water order and also instructed the Delta County Department of Health, Environmental Health Division to notify Paonia food-handling establishments that they must close to the public until further notice. The Delta County Emergency Management department issued CodeRED emergency alert once the boundaries of the water crisis

were identified by the town, according to Delta County Public Information office Darnell PlaceWise. The CodeRED system allows the county to notify citizens of current or potential life-threatening situations via land line and cell phone. Cell phone numbers must be registered with CodeRED to receive emergency notifications, but land lines are automatically registered, with one exception. Place-Wise explains that those who switch their phone service to DMEA/Elevate VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, service need to register their phone numbers with the county’s CodeRED system if their phone number has changed. Those keeping their original land line number will remain in the system. To register cell phones and new VoIP numbers, visit the county web-

site, www.deltacounty. com and click on the “CodeRED Sign Up” icon on the lower right side of the page. The Paonia Police Department also went door to door to inform water users of the boilwater order. According to town sources, some 1,200 notices were handed out. Social media was also utilized to communicate with citizens. Corinne Ferguson, Paonia town clerk, published continual updates about the situation on the town’s website and Facebook page. The DCI also posted to Facebook as the boil order was issued and published a detailed story in the Feb. 20 issue. Radio station KVNF also made announcements. Meanwhile, as news of the alert was being circulated, Travis Loberg, the town’s public works director and his staff worked to test the water for safety while also conducting a comprehensive search to find and repair the leak. The town also stockpiled bottled drinking water which it continues to make available to citizens and businessRobert Honstein explores. ing memory and childhood nostalgia. For the second half of the program, Hub will be joined by the artistic director Susan Ellinger in a per- IN THE NEWS formance of Kati Agocs’ quintet Immutable Paonia resident and Dreams. Agocs is a Gug- Azusa Pacific Univergenheim award-winning sity student Tiffany composer. Clock made the academConcert tickets are ic Deans’ List at Azusa available at http://tiny. Pacific University. Clock, cc/fs872y. a biology major, is honContact info@bluesage. ored for a fall semester org or 970-527-7243 for 2018 academic standing more information or visit of 3.5 or better gradebluesage.org. point average. Clock is The Blue Sage Cen- joined by 1,976 other stuter for the Arts is at 226 dents receiving the same Grand Avenue in Paonia. honor.

Blue Sage will host a Modern Music Festival Blue Sage in Paonia announces a Modern Music Festival on March 1 and 2. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Friday, March 1, will be the world premiere of “The River Whispers” composed by Angel Lam, performed by Hub New Music Ensemble and Kojiro Umezaki. Saturday, March 2, will be “Soul House” with performances by Hub New Music Ensemble and Susan Ellinger. On Friday evening, Hub and Kojiro Umezaki will perform new works for quartet and shaku-

hachi flute and the world premiere of a new work by award-winning composer Angel Lam. In collaboration with Western Slope Conservation Center, Lam’s work will explore themes of humanity’s relationship with nature working together to restore and protect habitat. Visual images and footage from WSCC will be juxtaposed with poetic descriptions of historic Colorado to create a nostalgic and exhilarating musical world evoking nature’s pristine beauty. On Saturday evening, Hub will present “Soul House,” a new work by

PEOPLE

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Delta County Colorado

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss trustees do not act on donation request BY ROBBIE WINNE Staff Writer

The Hotchkiss Town Council presented a full agenda for its Feb. 14 meeting. The opening items quickly gave way to lengthier presentations and requests. Under the heading of old business, Elaine Brett requested a donation for the upcoming Rural Philanthropy Days, slated to take place in Hotchkiss for one day, and in Paonia for two days from June 12-14. She presented a comprehensive picture of the benefits associated with the event, which is

tailored to introduce local nonprofits — of which there are 235 in the valley — to funding sources. The program offers three days of workshops and the opportunity to network with 50 funding organizations. The cost of participation to a non-profit is $150 and scholarships are available. Applications are now available online at the Community Resource Center website. Preference is given to those applications received before April 21. Esther Koontz asked for a specific dollar

Leading the pledge

amount that the organization was requesting. Brett suggested a $500 cash donation and a $500 in-kind donation. The motion was presented to the board, but no trustees seconded the motion. The request was taken off the table for this meeting but will be on the agenda for the next meeting. Robin Slater requested $458 for the Center for Mental Health’s new crisis walk-in center in Montrose. The new center would facilitate the treatment of adolescents experiencing a behavioral emergency crisis

Photo by Tamie Meck

Students from Hotchkiss K-8 BELA preschool teacher Lynette Clock, left, and BELA volunteer aid Tiffany Clock lead the Pledge of Allegiance before the Feb. 14 start of the Hotchkiss High School basketball games against rival Paonia. Students also led the crowd in “America the Beautiful” in both song and American Sign Language. Their custom red T-shirts were donated by Lasting Impressions.

in a local setting, where their families could support their treatment. The new center is a dedicated facility with 24-hour staffing. Slater stated that Delta County figures as one of the highest risk counties for adolescents in crisis. The request was approved as a budgeted item. The trustees thanked Slater for her efforts in the community. The lengthiest portion of the meeting concerned Dan Bolton’s request for a variance on zoning for his property on 480 Cedar Drive, Hotchkiss. Esther Koontz recused herself, as her property is adjacent to the property under discussion. Bolton said that his property, which he is attempting to sell in parcels, would benefit from a change from R1 zoning (low-density single family residential zone) to DR zoning (developing resource). The trustees did not offer a motion, therefore the application failed on the table. Billie Marti presented an update on the renovation of the floor of the Senior Citizens’ Center. The cost for the new flooring was $35,605.75 with $10,000 provided by the Senior Citizens Committee. The trustees provided the “grunt” work that made the improvement possible. Mayor Wilkening thanked all involved for the muchneeded upgrade.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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Crawford trustees learn about Public Safety Initiative BY ROBBIE WINNE Staff Writer

The Crawford Town Council trustees began their monthly work session on Feb. 20 by informing the audience of about 12 about the successful ongoing efforts to install two new swamp coolers for the community room. Bruce Bair, the Public Works director, stated that the society was collecting bids for the job. The council continued the discussion about property owners shutting off water valves at the town meter pit, or calling on public works to shut off private valves, both problematic solutions to pipe breaks. The council debated its previously proposed draft of establishing a penalty and fee for water shutoffs. The council wondered about initiating an informational effort via a mailing or public posting of a new policy, once that policy is adopted by the council. Public works director Bruce Bair is reviewing the council’s list of recommendations. Delta County Sheriff, Mark Taylor presented the department’s new Public Safety Initiative. Despite threats from rising levels of drug, felony and criminal activity in Delta and adjacent counties, Taylor noted that at this time only three deputies cover 1,140 square miles daily. Taylor cited a 50 percent increase of felony filings in the county. He described the effects that a one percent addition to the county sales would have on local law enforcement needs. The increase in sales tax revenue would garner an estimated $2.9 million a year. This would provide funding for more patrol deputies, more detention and dispatch staff and would support an aggressive effort to go after growing “criminal strongholds.” The proposal will go to the vote of county residents on the November ballot. Sergeant Gates Shaklee took the floor to describe the Citizens’ Police Academy. The academy will be held at

the Technical College of the Rockies in Delta every Thursday in March, April and the first Thursday in May from 6 to 9 p.m., depending on the topic. Topics include: gun safety, patrol, investigations, K-9, SWAT, dispatch and traffic enforcement. The classes present simulations and offer a ridealong to each Citizen Cadet. There is a link to the application on the website: www.delta county.com/679/CitizensPolice-Academy. Interested parties can also call Sergeant Shaklee at 970-874-2000 for information. There were several other items of new business, each prompting extended discussion, and they will be reviewed in future meetings. The council discussed the need for the implementation of guidelines for mobile homes moving into Crawford. The council considered issues of public safety, code compliance, inspection options and enforcement capabilities. The trustees agreed to revisit the question. A fence ordinance was also considered, with differing opinions on the particulars of drafting a town ruling regarding the height, aesthetics, placement and enforcement of fencing. The council agreed to consider the question and to revisit it after further research. Personnel policy was also addressed, specifically as regards to the public works department, which finds itself understaffed and overextended, especially in light of the challenges of this heavy snow winter. The trustees acknowledged that the town seems to be in need of a consistent and workable policy that manages sick leave, comp time and overtime for its employees. The session closed with an update on bidding progress for the concrete going into new sidewalks for Crawford. Bair also mentioned that he had offered free water to Paonia in view of the town’s water crisis.

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

March 3, 2019

12:00 Noon - 3:00 p.m.

Prices at the door will be Adults $10.00 Children (12 yrs. & up) $6.00

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

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

B6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

FFA WEEK

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss FFA Chapter plans a week filled with fun

Photo submitted

These Olathe FFA members are learning that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art.

FFA Week celebrated locally Feb. 25-March 1 FFA chapters in Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss and Olathe celebrated National FFA Week Feb. 16-23. Because of school schedules, all four chapters postponed special events until this week. The Olathe chapter kicked off a week of fun with a petting zoo on Monday, and “Ag in the Classroom” on Tuesday, both at Olathe Elementary School. On Wednesday, Olathe Middle School students will learn valuable lessons during Safety Day. On Thursday, Ag Olympics will take place at the ag shop at Olathe High School. The week wraps up with dodgeball competition against Montrose

FFA and a chapter dance. FFA Week embraces more than 91 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. Nearly 670,000 members will participate in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels. These members have a passion for agriculture. Designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday, National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday and gives FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their school and

community learn about FFA and agricultural education. Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural and hands-on learning, they are preparing for more than 250 unique career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry.

As the 2017-2018 school year wrapped up, the Hotchkiss FFA chapter spent its summer wisely by attending the Colorado State FFA Convention. The 90th Colorado State FFA Convention was held in Pueblo in June 2018. We had over 20 members attend this past year. Before the convention even got started, Coley Wondra, Hotchkiss FFA advisor, planned a trip to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and said they can’t wait for more trips! State Convention consisted of the state officers’ retiring addresses and keynote speakers. Apart from the actual convention, members had activities they could participate in such as the volleyball tournament against chapters from across the state. We also had two of our members, Amber Mattler and Karsen Sommers, achieve their state degree. We had one member, JD Miller, speak at the state level in prepared speaking, which was very exciting. State Convention is always a great FFA experience for the new and old members. With the new school year starting up, we have a new officer team in place. Amber Mattler (president), Ruby Shiftlet and Teagan Sommer (covice presidents), Sydnie West (secretary), Alyssa Palecki (reporter), JD Miller (treasurer), and Gilly Knott and Hunter Bryant (co-sentinels). The new year started with our

annual family barbecue. All members and parents were welcomed to come to hang out, visit, and enjoy well-prepared food. Henceforth, the new freshman FFA members appeared at the “Becoming Involved as a Greenhand” (BIG) Conference in Montrose. This was a really fun and successful event, considering this assembly is a freshman’s first chance to really be introduced into the family effect that FFA has. October also held events for the FFA members to enjoy and experience. On Oct. 3, 2018, District Leadership Conference (DLC) was held in Collbran. We had over 16 members come along to this conference along with the two district officers from Hotchkiss, Amber Mattler and Alyssa Palecki. DLC is a great way to get into the FFA lifestyle. The district officers prepared a great set of workshops about leadership, influences on people, and more. With the last full week of October 2018, we had four members and two coaches attend the 90th National FFA Convention and Expo. We left on Sunday, Oct. 21, and spent the entire week in Indianapolis, Ind. This year we had our ag mech team, consisting of Teagan Sommer, Will Ela, Karsen Sommer and Nathaniel Mattler, compete on a national level. This was a huge accomplishment as they placed in the top 20. National Convention is the cherry on top of FFA conventions. Tens of thou-

sands of members attend every year and experience something that is breathtaking. With October wrapping up, we held our local Halloween party again. Every year it is a big hit and personally, I think it improves more and more every year. With 2018 coming to an end, we had our local speech contest on Nov. 9. We had three members move onto the district level that competed a week later on the 14th. We did not have anyone place first and qualify for state, but everyone was very well placed and they all had a great time. Starting off the new year strong we had the quiz bowl contest on Feb. 13. Hotchkiss didn’t win, but it enjoyed it nonetheless. FFA Week is Feb. 25 through March 1 and Hotchkiss has a week planned full of fun. We will be having a movie night, stick horse races, hay bale relays, and much more. Also coming up is our annual labor auction on March 27. Advertising will be out shortly for this event. Please be sure to be involved with our chapter by liking our Facebook page “Hotchkiss FFA Chapter” to be informed of all upcoming and current events. Alyssa Palecki Hotchkiss FFA Reporter

At the district speech contest, Bailey Miller was reserve champion creed speaker and a silver award winner in extemporaneous speaking. Sydnie West was reserve champion in prepared public speaking, The ag mechanics team from Hotchkiss High School placed in the top 20 at and JD Miller was the silthe National FFA Convention. Team members were Teagan Sommer, Will Ela, ver award winner in preKarsen Sommer and Nathaniel Mattler. pared public speaking.

Photo submitted

FFA helps members discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give them the tools to achieve real-world success. ��

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FFA WEEK

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Delta FFA Chapter is learning, doing, serving The Delta FFA Chapter has been active and growing during the 20182019 school year. The students have been working hard and learning about various facets of the agricultural industry, agricultural education, and the FFA organization. These students have stayed committed and enthusiastic with the events throughout the year. The Delta FFA Chapter attended BIG Conference, to expose firstyear agriculture students to the organization. All 44 students were given

the opportunity to learn the different aspects of FFA, meet members from other chapters, and learn leadership skills. Delta FFA students then attended the District Leadership Conference (DLC), where members rotated through seven different leadership workshops hosted by the district officers and state officers, including two of Delta’s own: Morgan Redden and Makayla Kortz. One of the ways our chapter has been involved with the high school and

community was by serving dessert at the Homecoming football game. FFA members also participated in face painting for community members and created boutonnieres for the fall sports parents. We also participated in the 10-Gallon Challenge; a nationwide challenge to support local dairies and those in need. We have purchased 30 gallons of milk from Rocking W Dairy and donated it to Abraham Connection. The chapter hosted a petting zoo during Halloween High to bring

agricultural knowledge to younger students. We had a great turnout and the community loved seeing the animals. The Delta FFA Chapter took eight students to National Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind. The attendees went to the first and fourth general sessions, visited with industry experts and colleges, discovered the future of agriculture, and practiced careerreadiness skills. While in Indiana, students also toured Fair Oaks Farm and Hunter’s Honey

Delta High School FFA Chapter

Cedaredge members are ‘Transforming Purpose to Action’ In Delta County, the conclusion of February break brings with it the beginning of National FFA Week for the Cedaredge FFA Chapter. Our members will celebrate the week of “Transforming Purpose to Action starting Feb. 24-March 2. FFA Week allows ag students the opportunity to celebrate the organization they love, while at the same time educating the public, providing service to the community and engaging in fun activities. With nearly 8,000 FFA chapters across the country, there are 650,000 members celebrating Just One during this special week in agriculture education. Since our beginning in 1981, the Cedaredge FFA has always made FFA Week a special time of celebration while focusing on our foundation of education, support and involvement. This year we will continue our mission of utilizing FFA week to show our pride

throughout our school and community, educate and inspire future agriculturalists, give back to our community and generate sustainability and support for the FFA, while also having a lot of fun. Our week will kick off with members taking the opportunity to give back to the community through a day of service. In conjunction with Cedaredge police, members plan to help clean up local parks and recreation areas. In an effort to share pride in our organization, and celebrate FFA, Monday will find the chapter members preparing a hamburger fry lunch with the entire high school. Cedaredge High students will enjoy burgers, beans, chips and cake provided in shared efforts with the Cedaredge FFA alumni. Tuesday will be dedicated to teaching the elementary students about agriculture and hopefully inspiring the youth to participate in FFA. With

lessons ranging from soil, dairy products and the apple cycle, to honey production, and equine sciences, the day is a favorite of many, both elementary students and FFA members. The highlight of the week comes Wednesday with the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Member Auction. Uniquely, the oyster fry is prepared entirely by the FFA members and will provide an all-you-can-eat oyster and chicken dinner with endless sides to nearly 500 community members. We invite everyone to a delicious meal followed with great entertainment and an opportunity to purchase students for spring clean-up and various work hours. The auction is designed to allow members to volunteer hours in the community, while providing service and labor to successful bidders in the auction. The dinner kicks off at 5:30, and auction commences at 7 p.m.

Cedaredge FFA Chapter

Tickets are available at the door for $12 for adults and $7 for elementary students. The night promises good food, fun times, and great laughs. The festivities don’t seem to slow down much as Thursday and Friday are filled with a teacher appreciation breakfast, barbecue and recruitment at the middle school, and ag Olympic games at the high school. Friday evening, the gym will be filled with FFA members and dodgeball as Cedaredge will host Hotchkiss and Delta FFA in a dodgeball tournament. Saturday concludes the week with a little relaxation and fun at the chapter trap shoot. As you can see FFA Week for Cedaredge FFA will be dedicated to celebrating Just One through service, education, support and involvement. Please make sure you join us on Feb. 27 for the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Member Auction.

farm. Two of the attendees had never flown, and for all students, this was an incredible opportunity for learning, exposure, and growth. In the beginning of November, we hosted the Oyster Fry and Member Auction. This tradition is a great event to bring the community together and provide an opportunity for partnership. This evening allows students to network with industry and community members by providing hours of labor in exchange for financial contributions to the chapter. Students are making tremendous career and work connections, while learning valuable life skills. The chapter plans to continue this tradition of holding it in the fall, please look forward to attending in fall 2019! Delta FFA hosted the district speaking contest in November, which required significant effort from our members, both to organize and compete. Delta FFA had four members compete at this contest — Bailee Hulet and Anysia Hovel, both freshmen, competed in the FFA Creed contest. Sierra Nelson, a senior, competed in prepared public speaking. A sophomore, Darcy Parker, competed in extemporaneous speaking and prepared public speaking. All four of our members placed silver. The speaking portion of the night was followed by dinner for all district FFA members; overall, this was a very successful night. Also in the month of November, members sold fruit and Homestead meats to raise money for the chapter to support student trips and opportunities. Furthermore, Delta FFA has done its best to serve the community and assist when possible. The chapter served at the Delta County Livestock Association banquet. Students have also participated in career opportunities by visiting Rocking W, Homestead Meats, and Denham Ranch and Feed Yard. Continuing into this year, the Delta FFA will participate in many more events. In February, Delta FFA brought six first-year ag students to compete at the District Quiz Bowl contest. These young members were great representatives of Delta FFA and Delta High School and the chapter was proud of their success. We are celebrating National FFA Week this week by fulfilling all components of the FFA mission: premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. We will

be volunteering at the Willow Tree Care Center, playing games, helping with manicures, assisting in exercise classes, and much more. Our chapter meeting that week will include a tractor display to educate students on the machinery and career opportunities in that field. We will be honoring our teachers with a teacher appreciation breakfast on Wednesday. Our students lunch will be designed to promote the beef and agriculture industry by serving hamburgers and displaying agricultural facts during the meal. Friday, students will practice teamwork and communication while participating in a districtwide FFA dodgeball tournament. During class that week, students will conduct leadership workshops, practice their career development events, and learn about the history and importance of FFA and agricultural education. Later in the spring, we are planning to give back to our community with a highway clean-up day. We currently have four career development event teams actively competing: Floriculture, Vet Science, Meat Judging, and Horse Judging. They will compete three times in the spring and at the state contest in May. The floriculture team is creating centerpieces and bouquets and would love to contribute to the community. If you have an event or desire for flowers, please let us know! On May 3, we will be hosting our annual FFA banquet at which we will be awarding Greenhand degrees, chapter degrees and honoring those who have earned their state degrees. We will also be honoring our Alumni Association and granting honorary FFA degrees. Overall, our 20182019 school year is off to a great start and we have many great events in store for the future. We are grateful for those who have helped and are helping us through this school year and the ones to come. We are appreciative for the places that have let us serve them and the assistance the community gives us. We are indebted to the businesses that we get to visit, learn from and inspire too. We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with the communities around us and the vast business of the agricultural world. The chapter will continue to seek opportunities to portray the FFA motto of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve.”

Delta High School’s ﬂoriculture team will create centerpieces and bouquets for your community event.

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Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency 270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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B8 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

David Arnold

David Paul “Dave” Arnold died at his home in Sidney, Neb., on Feb. 17, 2019, after a short battle with cancer. He was 73. Cremation has taken place and the family will conduct a special private ceremony at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions be made to SRMC Hospice in Sidney, The Night of Hope or the American Diabetes Association. Mr. Arnold was born on June 10, 1945, to William and Lillian Arnold at his family’s homestead in Roubideau Canyon near Delta. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961, serving during the Vietnam War. Mr. Arnold served on the USS Glacier and was assigned as a crew member for an admiral. He also spent 22

OBITUARIES

years as a truck driver and as a ranch foreman for 12 years at the Ellison Ranching Company in Nevada and at the Escalante Ranch outside of Grand Junction. During the last 10 years of his life Mr. Arnold was employed at Pennington Seed, most recently as a production computer operator. He also lived in Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico. Mr. Arnold enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, making jewelry, cooking, reading, working on classic cars, watching old westerns, arrowhead hunting and travel with his wife, Pam. Mr. Arnold is survived by his wife, Pam Ray of Sidney, Neb.; daughters, Joann Salazar of Craig and Corlynn Arnold of Twin Falls, Idaho; son, Davin (Amanda) Arnold of Lodgepole, Neb.; stepson, Jason Ray of Fort Collins; and stepdaughter Linsey (Matt) Haden of Lincoln, Neb.; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his seven siblings, Virginia, Alice, Gloria, Shirley, Sharon, George and Robert; and his previous wife, Sue (Green) Arnold. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service handled arrangements.

OBITUARY POLICY

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

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close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings. A memorial celebration is planned Sunday, March 3, at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Delta. Memorial gifts may be given to the church.

Thelma Walker

Thelma Magdalene (Zimmer) Walker died on Feb. 18, 2019. She would have been 94 on Feb. 23. A celebration of life was held Feb. 25 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Austin, with Pastor Paul Rosin officiating. Cremation has taken place. Mrs. Walker was born in San Antonio, Texas, to William and Elsie (Fries) Zimmer on Feb. 23, 1925. After graduating from Breckridge High School, she worked for the CocaCola Company in San Antonio, Texas, until 1946. She married Ben Walker on May 12, 1943. In 1946, the Walkers moved to Delta. She was a partner with her husband in Benzart Studio from 1946 until they retired in 1983. Mrs. Walker enjoyed needlework, camping, gardening, reading, entertaining, motorcycle trips with her husband, her family, church, friends, and her dog, Roxie. She is survived by her two daughters, Carole Scheuerman of Lamar and Loretta Walker of Delta; and two grandchildren, Joshua Scheuerman, and Kelsie Scheuerman. Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Ben Walker; and her sister, Marjorie (Zimmer) Tracey. Donations may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Rd., Austin, CO, 81410. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Franklin Schoen

Franklin “Frank” Joseph Schoen, Jr. died Jan. 23, 2019, in Yuma, Ariz. He was 67. He was born Sept. 5, 1951, in Neillsville, Wis., to Franklin Sr. and Lila Schoen. Mr. Schoen served in the Navy before moving to Colorado where he worked as a diesel mechanic in the mining industry. He owned several cattle ranches on the Western Slope while raising his family. He is survived by his four biological children, Melissa Schoen, Kimberly Priebe, Franklin Jr. Schoen and Jonathon Schoen; and a step-daughter, Stefani Chinery from his 26-year marriage to Teresa Schoen. Teresa died in 2017. A memorial will be held in Rifle on Friday, March 22, at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Rifle.

Lisa Duran

Lisa Duran of Delta died Feb. 12, 2019, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 61. She was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 3, 1958, to Jacob and Pearly Duran. She moved from Arizona to Delta in 2014. She was baptized into the fellowship of First Baptist Church on Sept. 27, 2015, in the Gunnison River at Confluence Park. She was active in her church, serving as an Awana leader, on the flower committee and on the diaconate board. She enjoyed her cat and dog, Daisy. She is survived by two sons, Christopher Tod and Jeremy Tod, both of Arizona; and several

Thomas Lawley died at home in Santa Fe, N.M., on Feb. 3, 2019, after battling cancer for four years. He was 72. Mr. Lawley was a resident of Paonia from 1970 to 1986. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Paula; daughter, Sunshine; grandchildren, Bella and Jesse; and extended family. A memorial celebration will be held in the spring.

Wesley Beebe

Delta resident Wesley Dwight Beebe died Feb. 23, 2019. He was 88. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Delta City Cemetery. Mr. Beebe was born on Sept. 5, 1930, to Aaron and Marjorie (Anderson) Beebe in Loveland. He graduated from Timnath High School in 1948. Mr. Beebe married Dorothy Severs on May 16, 1953. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in Loveland, Los Banos, Calif., Montrose, and Boise, Idaho. He retired in 1979 and went to Western Bible College. He graduated from Rockmont College with a degree in Bible study. Mr. Beebe and his wife moved to Grand Junction where he worked as a pastor for 11 years. Beginning in 1999, the couple led worship services at The Fountains and The Commons in Grand Junction. He preached every week for 20 years, driving from Delta every Sunday. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy; his sister, Rhoda Mae Slensker; two daughters, Alicia Ernst and Nancy (Richard) Streza; granddaughters, Katrina Stre-

Mary Newton

Lifetime Delta resident Mary Rose Newton died Feb. 20, 2019, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta. She was 85. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 1, in the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Veronica Smith officiating. Interment is to follow the service in the Mesa View Cemetery. Mrs. Newton was born to Art and Lily (Zanni) Carter on Nov. 16, 1933, in Hotchkiss. She spent most of her life in Delta. She married Wallace “Newt” Newton on Oct. 14, 1961. Mrs. Newton enjoyed homemaking, sewing and cooking for her family and friends. She is survived by her son, Steve Newton of Delta; and her grandchildren, Sarah Newton, Madison Newton and Ty Newton. Mrs. Newton is preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Newton; and her daughter, Rena Newton. Memorial contributions can be made to the Willow Tree Care Center, 2050 S. Main St., Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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za and Calee (Jacob) Lee; and great-grandchildren, Audrey and Owen Lee. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Thomas Lawley

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Delta County Independent

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BLM, USFS lower grazing fees The federal grazing fee for 2019 will drop to $1.35 per animal unit month (AUM) for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and $1.35 per head month (HM) for lands managed by the USDA Forest Service. This represents a decrease from the 2018 federal grazing fee of $1.41 per AUM. An AUM or HM — treated as equivalent measures for fee purposes — is the use of public lands by one cow and her calf, one horse, or five sheep or goats for a month. The newly calculated grazing fee was determined by a congressional formula and takes effect March 1, 2019. The fee will apply to nearly 18,000 grazing permits and leases administered by the BLM and nearly 6,500 permits administered by the Forest Service. The formula used for calculating the grazing fee was established by Congress in the 1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act and has remained in use under a 1986 presidential executive order. Under that order, the grazing fee cannot fall below $1.35 per AUM/HM, and any increase or decrease cannot exceed 25 percent of the previous year’s level. The annually determined grazing fee is established using a 1966 base value of $1.23 per AUM/HM for livestock grazing on public lands in Western states. The figure is then calculated according to three factors — current private grazing land lease rates, beef cattle prices, and the cost

of livestock production. In effect, the fee rises, falls, or stays the same based on market conditions. “The BLM and Forest Service are committed to strong relationships with the ranching community and work closely with permittees to ensure public rangelands remain healthy, productive working landscapes,” said Brian Steed, BLM deputy

director for programs and policy. “Fifty percent of the collected grazing fees deposited into the U.S. Treasury are returned to the Range Betterment Fund for on-the-ground range improvement projects. Portions of collected fees are also returned to the states for use in the counties where the fees were generated.” The grazing fee applies in 16 Western states on

public lands administered by the BLM and the Forest Service. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Permit holders and lessees may contact their local BLM or Forest Service office for additional information.

Mitigation fees released to Hotchkiss Fire District BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Feb. 19 meeting, Delta County Commissioners Don Suppes, Mark Roeber and Mike Lane passed a resolution releasing $10,000 in fire mitigation fees to the Hotchkiss Fire District. The $10,000 will be used as a down payment on a fire engine. Hotchkiss Fire Chief Doug Fritz requested funds for the down payment on a fire engine at the commissioners’ Feb. 5 meeting. Chief Fritz told the commissioners that the existing fire engine is worn out and, although under constant repair between fires, breaks down when it is being used on a fire. The commissioners agreed that the fire engine qualifies as a fire mitigation device to be used to fight fires over the Hotchkiss Fire District. If water lines are not adequate to support a fire hydrant at the time of development, county

subdivision regulations require the developer to place in escrow with the county a non-refundable fee of $500 per lot. The escrowed fees must be used within the fire district of the development. Funds are released at the recommendation of

the district fire chief and with the approval of the county commissioners. County treasurer Lisa Tafoya affirmed that the Hotchkiss Fire District has $10,500 in funds available under the adopted subdivision regulations.

Winter baby

Photo by Don Benjamin

One of this season’s calves sports a coldweather coat along Peach Valley Road.

SURFACE CREEK February 27, 2019

NEWS

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First Tee introduces golf to local youths BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

In 2018 the Ladies Golf Club saw a need. In a community with a large municipal golf course, not many youth knew about the course or how to play. They decided to start a nonprofit, Friends of Cedaredge Golf, to raise money and bring a national program, The First Tee, to the Cedaredge Elementary School. One way they fundraised was through a tournament that brought in over $6,000. Since the nonprofit has been such a success, the money they’ve earned will support

other activities like clinics, a three-day camp and even provide memberships on scholarship. “We wanted to show the children that this is their golf course, too,” said club member and FOCG board member Barb Stoermer. “The response we’ve received has been incredible. Parents are ecstatic to see their children outside and learning golf.” Essentially, The First Tee provides curriculum to the physical education classes to introduce golf and build character through the nine core values like persistence and honesty. The First Tee of Den-

Photo courtesy Friends of Cedaredge Golf

Thanks to the Friends of Cedaredge Golf nonproﬁt, golf is now being taught as part of the physical education curriculum at Cedaredge Elementary and Middle Schools.

ver provided the equipment to get started. In September CES students spent four weeks learning golf skills as part of their physical education class. Golf was also introduced at the Cedaredge Middle School through a three-day segment during the winter, though it wasn’t part of The First Tee. FOCG hopes to integrate nine-core curriculum into the middle school in the near future. Doing so would help create continuity for students learning the sport from elementary onward. “A long term goal is to eventually provide scholarship for high school students,” said Stoermer. These scholarships would go to students interested in playing golf in college or invited by a college to play on the team. However, for this year they’re focusing on getting more youth from the county onto the course. For example, FOCG raised enough last year to award 40 golf membership scholarships this season. These will be awarded on March 31. “In a community of 2,200 people we have a thriving junior golf community,” said Erik Hanson, golf club house operations director. These scholarships will go to youth from all over the county. This is the first year awarding the scholarships so they were selected based on attendance. In the future, Hanson said they might be based on interest and need. Additionally Hanson has planned several activities for youth in association with The First Tee. First he will provide FIRST TEE TO C2

Golf course plans restoration, prepares for promising season BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Last year’s historic drought left no lawn, yard or garden unaffected. Many are curious what the Cedaredge Golf Club is planning to do for restoring any damaged areas on its course. For now, nothing definitive is planned but come spring it’ll better access the green. Restoration will be based on water, according to golf club house operations director Erik Hanson. Reseeding and spot fertilization will likely be needed. Some parts of the course, like the back nine, may need to be closed temporarily. “We won’t know our exact approach until April but we’re really optimistic,” said Hanson, referring to how the course has been covered most of the winter. “In light of the conditions we still had tremendous turnout last year.”

The 2019 season is already beginning to look promising, with plenty of events already scheduled. Hanson estimates the course will open the first or second week of March. The latest they’ve opened since 1992 was March 15. Last year, for the first time in eight years, the course was open all of January and February due to the drought. One focus for Hanson this season is player development. Those who are unsure but want to try golf can attend a free 30-minute clinic on Mondays in April. Different techniques and areas of the game will be covered. Clinics begin 30 minutes before the various clubs go and play. The Birdies Club, the ladies social golf, meets at 11 a.m. for 9 hole. The men in the Century Club meet at 1 p.m. for 9 hole. In addition to helping bring in those new to golf, Han-

son is hoping to increase the number of season pass-holders by offering more options. A limited pass, more affordable and targeted at working people, will be valid after 2 p.m. on weekdays, unlimited on weekends and holidays and includes a cart. Fundraisers are also a core part of the Cedaredge golf season. Last year over $65,000 was raised for local organizations. For example, in May they will host a fundraiser for the fire department in a fourperson format and open to all. In August the rotary club golf tournament raises scholarships for high school students. “We’re hoping to see a great turnout this year on the course,” said Hanson. To view the full spectrum of events available at Cedaredge Golf Club go to cedaredgegolf. com (under calendar).

Breaking trail

Photo by Kim Taylor

Craig Andrews-Jones enjoyed Grand Mesa’s abundant snowfall last week; the view from Sunset Trail was spectacular.

Council updated on library, food bank and more BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

While only a couple actions were required, the Cedaredge Board of Trustees had plenty to discuss and review at its Feb. 21 regular meeting. To start, constituent Roy Sivello shared his concerns about the recent water violations. “When I received the newsletter, I was appalled about the water issues,” he said. His concern focused on health. Mayor Gene Welch clarified that the violations were due to incompatible logging of forms, but that they are being monitored. He also assured the citizen that the water in Cedaredge is safe and pure. “The state required us to use that language to notify citizens,” said town administrator Greg Brinck, referring to the newsletter wording that may have caused concern. “Essentially, everything was being logged and done correctly to ensure safe water for the citizens but some were done on spreadsheets not approved by the state, which was a public works error that they apologized for at the work session. Local Organizations The Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce is discussing a Fourth of July event, parade and food. This would be a collaboration between the VFW, the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and the

chamber. Delta County Libraries assistant director LaDonna Gunn reported that the district as a whole is struggling with declining budgets. A public opinion poll will be conducted starting March 4 to gauge response on a mill levy increase. The poll will be done through telephone and come from an 801 number in the evenings. The seed library will be available March 1 to check out free seeds. Additionally, the Cedaredge Library has partnered with the Nature Connection to again offer fly fishing this summer and add on hiking. She also shared about the upcoming program for the Voices of the Western Slope series. March 14 starts the first of a four-part series, “Water 101.” Panelists will go through a presentation about Surface Creek water both domestic and irrigation. Surface Creek Community Services (Cedaredge Food Bank) chairman Ken Christenson thanked the town for its contribution toward the leased space and utilities for the food bank. “We give away about 400,000 pounds of food a year,” he said. Collectively, about 35 volunteers contribute over 6,000 hours of time a year to help serve over 200 families. COUNCIL UPDATE TO C2

Veterans’ group celebrates anniversary BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Delta County military veterans assembled last week to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their meet-andgreet coffee gatherings. As part of the celebration, Danny Cerise, an Army veteran, was honored with a commemorative wooden cane. Cerise served from 1967-1973 and attained the rank of sergeant. He was awarded a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam. The tradition of presenting canes to veterans dates back to the Civil War. Each cane is hand-fashioned by members of the Black Canyon Wood Carvers, the Montrose Area Wood Turners, and the Woodworkers Guild of Western Colorado. To date, more than 500 canes have been presented to honor the service of area veterans. Those wishing to nominate a veteran to receive a cane can contact Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAFV) at 970-765-2210. Cedaredge merchants

whose volunteer efforts have supported veterans were presented with plaques of appreciation. DJ and Barb Hladik, owners of The Pondy Tavern, were thanked for providing the group’s meeting space and coffee. And Stacy Malmgren, owner of Stacy’s on Main, was thanked for providing bakery goods and other treats. Mike Trickey, executive director of WHAFV, emphasized that the alliance has been successful in providing services to veterans for two reasons: the work of over one hundred volunteers and the strong support of Western Colorado communities that honor those who serve. The Welcome Home Alliance sponsors the coffees which are held from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Tuesday of every month at The Pondy in downtown Cedaredge. In addition to interacting with other veterans, those who attend the coffees also have the opportunity to meet with veterans services providers.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Delta County military veterans have been meeting monthly in downtown Cedaredge since February 2018. Among those present, from the left in the front row were April Heard, Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAFV) administrative assistant; DJ Hladik, owner of The Pondy; Army veteran Danny Cerise who received a commemorative cane honoring his service; Stacy Malmgren, owner of Stacy’s on Main; and Mike Trickey, WHAFV executive director. At the far right in white is Brian Ayer, Delta County veteran service ofﬁcer.

C2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge UMC to host World Day of Prayer service The United Methodist Church of Cedaredge, 3rd and Aspen, will host the annual World Day of Prayer service at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1. All are welcome. Each year the World Day of Prayer program is fashioned by women in countries all over the globe. The 2019 program was created by the World Day of Prayer committee of Slovenia. Based on the

After gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, residents of this small country of Slovenia, located in the heart of Europe, are once again free to worship as their grandparents did prior to World War II. A salad bar luncheon, provided by the United Methodist Women, follows. For more information, contact the church at 856-3696.

scripture reading found in Luke 14, the women of Slovenia titled their program “Come (to the table) — everything is ready.” Women and men from the churches in the Surface Creek Valley gather to perform the program that will lead to a better understanding of the role of Christianity in a country that was once under the rule of communism.

First Tee planned this season. A SIZZLER tournament in August will support The First Tee Program and silent auctions also bring in funds. However, Stoermer said huge support comes from sponsors like US Bank, Colorado Bank and DMEA who contribute thousands each year to support the program. “Our goal in 2019 is to purchase additional children’s equipment to have available for use for those unable to purchase and bring their own,” said Stoermer. They also contributed to the golf restoration plan. “We’re hoping by having the children involved that more people will see the value in having the golf course here.” Those with questions about the activities offered as part of The First Tee and Cedaredge Golf Club, visit www. cedaredgegolf.com or call (970) 856-7781.

the season a First Tee Junior tournament is planned for Tues., Aug. 6 with various age categories. “I hope we get youth from all over the Western Slope,” said Hanson. “We’re really trying to get more kids involved in golf and love seeing families get excited and playing with their children.” To continue supporting these activities the FOCG have several fundraisers

FROM PAGE C1 be taught using The First Tee nine core values and attendees will also play on the Green Lizard Par 3 course. A First Tee Junior camp will run June 24 to 26 for ages five to 17. The first two days will be mostly instruction followed by a golf tournament and pizza party. Last year over 45 kids participated. Finally, to finish out

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Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and Delta County Libraries, as part of its ongoing “Voices of the Western Slope,” will offer “Introduction to Water in the Surface Creek Valley”; a four-part series beginning in March that brings together representatives from various water agencies to discuss pertinent topics regarding water use in the Sur-

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questions and answers

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BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

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Have you ever considered involving your children in the planning and design of your garden spaces? Well, you should. Too many children these days have very little connection to the outdoors and the things that grow there. They spend much of their time engrossed

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Eight former Cedaredge FFA members received their American FFA Degree; six were fortunate enough to travel to Indianapolis to receive the honor in person. The Cedaredge FFA Chapter is celebrating FFA Week, the highlight of which is the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Member Auction on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The community is invited to the dinner at 5:30 p.m., to be followed by the auction at 7 p.m.

Council update FROM PAGE C1 Last year they received a grant to purchase Colorado Community Food and a walk-in cooler to “provide fresher, local food.” USDA-provided senior boxes will soon be available, including delivery for homebound citizens. Finances and Department Reports Trustees passed a resolution amending the 2018 fourth quarter budget to increase the Conservation Trust Fund for golf superintendent wages. Otherwise finances are going well, including sales tax being up five percent. The new public works employee has been hired and will start March 11. The golf course restaurant is still in discussion with one interested operator to lease it for the season.

Kami Collins, town clerk, has been actively working on economic development. She met with agricultural and agritourism producers in the Surface Creek to better understand their needs. As a result, a grant has been applied for that would fund a training workshop regarding culinary and agritourism. She is also forming an economic development advisory committee. About nine people will be needed from the Surface Creek Valley. “We want those who are interested in helping shape economic policies, goals and visions,” she said. Letters of interest will be accepted until March 15. Police Chief Dan Sanders reported that unfortunately crime is up, but

face Creek Valley. Water 101, the first presentation in the series, features a panel of representatives from Grand Mesa Water Conservancy District, Grand Mesa Water Users Association, Orchard City Irrigation District, and the State of Colorado Department of Water Resources. Austin Keiser will moderate. “Introduction to Water

in the Surface Creek Valley: Water 101” will be held at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center Thursday, March 14, at 6 p.m. There is a recommended donation of $10 at the door to cover presentation costs. For more information, contact Cedaredge Library at 399-7674 or Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center at 856-9195.

more information on that will come at a later presentation. As many may have heard, K9 Tigger has been sold. “If we didn’t have two dogs to support us in the county, I would work to keep him,” he said. “We have canine support just not directly here.” K9 Tigger is now working in Adams County. Officer Jake Hernandez and Sanders both recently went to active shooter, ALICE, training. They are now certified instructors and will share their knowledge with schools and businesses. He encouraged anyone interested, such as church groups, to call about the training. Next the trustees attended to business items. First was the Hwy. 65 waterline project final contract. The board moved to keep with the previously determined 55 percent of the additional requests, about $66,000. Mayor Gene Welch voted no, but the motion passed otherwise. Trustees passed two resolutions regarding building permit fees and the Surface Creek Saddle Club water rates. The March 14 work session will be moved to 4 p.m. so the trustees can attend the “Water 101” event at 6 p.m. at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center.

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in TV and their smart phones. Garden spaces oriented toward children need to be welcoming and instill a sense of security. This can be achieved by adding fencing and lockable gate entrances. While older children often favor privacy, younger children may feel uncomfortable and intimidated when isolated from parents. Solutions could include adding connecting paths to other garden areas, providing viewing opportunities from windows and decks, and including gaps in landscape plantings to allow peek-in views. Play facilities for young toddlers might be incorporated into patio or deck areas where children and parents can interact. When it comes to planning outdoor areas for children, one of the most common shortfalls is underestimating the amount of space required. Play equipment, storage space, tables and chairs for arts and crafts, etc. can all take up a lot of space. Visit equipment suppliers and other children’s gardens to help you estimate how much square footage you might require. As tots mature into teenagers, their interests and physical abilities change dramatically. Toddlers, who often love their fairy gardens, soon graduate to playhouses and tree houses and later, as teenagers, to shady patios to relax and read a book or spread out their

yoga mats. Our computerdriven digital world has also made the garden a place for interacting with friends on social media or a location to show outdoor movies. The key is to remain open minded, flexible and prepared for lots of change as family members mature. As children age, outdoor structures that once entertained them can become passé. Don’t despair — these same facilities can be adapted and repurposed. A sandbox could become a large planter or, with the insertion of a liner, a water feature. The oncepopular playhouse could be repurposed into a potting shed. The overhead beams of a child’s swing set could become part of a new pergola. There are many possibilities. Once you’ve established how much space you’ll need, it’s time to personalize it. This helps children take ownership of those areas. It could include painting an outdoor playhouse in bold colors or supplying a chalk wall to accommodate outdoor artwork. Pathways leading to a playhouse or child’s vegetable garden could be bordered by painted stones decorated with decals of favorite animals or beloved cartoon characters. You’ll be surprised by youngsters’ creativity, given the opportunity. While children have life-stage-specific needs, there are activities that cross age boundaries. Vegetable and wildlife gardens, for example, provide important learning opportunities that can foster motor skills, strength and provide stress relief. In a

small city garden, it may not be feasible to have a dedicated children’s vegetable garden. In such a case, the family vegetable garden allows parents and children to work together sowing seeds, weeding, watering and, best of all, harvesting and eating the produce. It’s critical that children’s tools are sized to their age and that parents tackle the heavier tasks. Wildlife gardens provide a further opportunity for adults to introduce children to nature’s mysteries. This could include building and installing nesting boxes, bee homes, caterpillar feeding sites and, perhaps, even a toad house. Growing plants that encourage pollinators and other beneficial creatures is another valuable family project. Next time I’ll delve into age appropriate garden ideas, garden structures, plant selection and some safety rules you may need to follow. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS February 27, 2019

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Geyer, Van der Linde golden BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Cedaredge High School added two state titles and a trophy to its wrestling résumé. The Bruins were the Class 2A runners-up after placing four wrestlers and scoring 96 points at the 83rd annual Colorado High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships, held Feb. 21-23 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Sophomore Trey Geyer won his second straight 120-pound title. Geyer now has a rare opportunity to become a fourtime state champion. Senior Taj Van der Linde ended a successful high school career with the 220-pound state title. Geyer, who won the 120-pound title as a freshman, was seeded second. In the championship match, he faced the No. 1 seed, 36-3 Rocky Ford senior Dillon Jaramillo. A 2017 state champion, Jaramillo was injured last season and finished sixth at state. Recalling the match, Geyer said Jaramillo scored first on a lowsingle takedown and got an under-hook. Geyer whipped him onto his butt, and at 1 minute, 47 seconds, got him in a cross-face cradle and pinned him. Geyer said he didn’t expect to win so quickly. “I figured it’d be, like, second or third period by the time I got to that point, but I just kind of went for it, gave it all I had,” said Geyer. “I just kind of went a little wild with it and caught him.” Coach Cutter Garrison wasn’t surprised by the short match. “That’s Trey,” said Garrison. “He’s got a motor. He’s a grinding kid, a good kid, and he just went out there and took care of business. He comes out on top, gets the reverse, ties the kid’s arm. His cross face is there. He tries once. Didn’t get it the first time and goes back to it and seals the deal. “He loves the sport; he loves wrestling,” said Garrison of Geyer. Even in practice, “He battles with a lot of fire.”

Geyer, who ends the season with a 36-3 winloss record, is also known for his humble nature. He didn’t give a second title, much less the possibility of four titles, much thought this season. “I just try not to think about it. I don’t like putting that kind of pressure on myself,” said Geyer. “I just go out there and wrestle the best I can and hope it goes the way I want.” After his grandfather passed away about three weeks ago. “I decided to get it done for him,” said Geyer. Geyer’s win put Cedaredge in fourth place in team standings with 92 points. While they were more than 70 points back from Wray, the Bruins were 1.5 points behind Paonia, which held on to second place while waiting to wrestle two in the upper weights. To place second, said Garrison, “A lot of stars have to align for us.” Van der Linde, who was seeded second, faced the No. 1 seed, 41-0 senior Jayce Bauer of County Line. In the 2018 state quarterfinals, Van der Linde defeated Bauer, 90, and ended the season with a 34-5 record. Standing before Bauer Saturday night, said Van der Linde, “He wouldn’t even look me in the eyes. I saw that and I said, ‘I’m gonna go get him.’” Van der Linde controlled the entire match. He tried for a winning combo in the second period, “but he wouldn’t budge.” The final score was 4-0. Cedaredge now has eight individual state wrestling titles. Van der Linde’s points were what the Bruins needed to bring home the secondplace trophy. Flashing back on his career, Van der Linde credited Garrison for believing in him, and assistant coaches Jeremy McCracken, Kris Nieto and Jason Robidioux for their endless support. Like all state tournaments, this year was tough. Of the Bruins’ 13 state qualifiers, seven lost their opening match. On day two, three more dropped to consolation

rounds on quarterfinal losses. The biggest upset was junior Sean Dale, a two-time state placer and 2018 state champion at 126 pounds. After a regional upset, Dale was seeded 12th in a highly competitive 132-pound bracket and lost his opening match to the No. 5 seed from Holly on a 10 decision. Two matches later he lost, 12-6, to the Monte Vista senior that upset him at regionals. Two returning state qualifiers also medaled. Sophomore heavyweight Derek Sanchez (36-11) placed fifth, and senior Toby Waddell, who finished sixth his junior year, was seeded 12th and placed sixth. While some fell short of their goals, said Van der Linde, “They still pushed the team.” For Cedaredge, he said, this was an exceptional year. Every wrestler wanted to be in the training room every single day. “I’ve had years where some people don’t want to be in that room, don’t want to wrestle,” he said. “It’s just not the right attitude. This year, every single person

wanted to get better and better and better.” Geyer, whose No. 1 sparring partner is Dale, felt his losses. “It was

a little rough because I really wanted Sean to be out there with me again,” said Geyer. “I was hoping we’d be right back, back

to back, winning it. But things happen. We’ll just have to work hard and get him in the finals with me next year.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Cedaredge Bruins were the Class 2A state runners-up at the Colorado High School Activities Association’s 83rd State Wrestling Championships. Trey Geyer, front row left, and Taj Van der Linde hold their weight brackets from the 2019 state wrestling tournament.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Trey Geyer became a two-time state champion Saturday night after winning the Class 2A 120-pound bout over Rocky Ford senior Dillon Jaramillo at the CHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Pepsi Center in Denver. He is the ﬁrst two-time champion for Cedaredge and is on track to be a four-time state champion.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cedaredge senior Taj Van der Linde works toward a 4-0 state championship win over Jayce Bauer of County Line Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Bauer was undefeated and seeded ﬁrst going into the match.

Campos shines silver at state BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss qualified eight wrestlers for the 83rd annual Colorado High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships. Senior Sergio Campos made it all the way to the championship match, where he was runner up at 132 pounds. On day two of the three-day tournament, as the team waited for Campos to wrestle in semifinals, all eight Hotchkiss wrestlers were still alive. In all of his years of coaching at Hotchkiss and Highland, “I’ve never had my wrestlers all weigh in on the second day,” said head coach Richard Flores. “All of our kids are wrestling really well,” said Flores. From top to bottom, wrestlers won matches they shouldn’t have won. “I think we had rough seeds, but, of course, so did everybody else.” Three wrestlers, Robert Cochran (113, 197), JD Miller (145), and Landen Mayberry (113,

27-11), who placed after losing his opening and consolation semifinal matches to the No. 5 seed from John Mall. “We knew we were going to struggle with that one,” said Flores. Mayberry kept fighting. “He’s not just going through the motions; he’s going like a winner,” said Flores. “He’s finishing the season the right way.” Sometimes seniors focus on the championship, then quit after a loss. Not Mayberry, said Flores. Junior Jace Peebles (170, 30-9) was 4-2 for the tournament, ending on a fifth-place pin (1:59) over Cedaredge senior Toby Wadell. Sophomore Traycer Hall (138, 28-9) and junior JD Miller (145, 2523) finished sixth on a 7-6 tiebreaker win over Highland. “I really didn’t know much about the kid. I just went in and wrestled my match,” said Miller. With six seconds remaining, grabbed a wrist and held on. A first-time qualifier, Miller credited extra time

in the weight room and sparring partners like Peebles, Hall and Campos for improving this season and placing. Senior Presley Pene (126, 39-10) was seeded fifth. Pene lost in quarterfinals to the No. 4 seed from Centauri on a 3-2 decision. “I just wish he would have pulled that one through,” said Flores. Pene, who finished sixth in state his junior year, “is my team leader.” Sophomore Robert Cochran, who spent the first half of the season recovering from a football injury, was seeded ninth and defeated higher seeded wrestlers from Wray and Peyton. Heavyweight sophomore Christian Matus was 2-2 for the tournament. He was up, 4-3, in semifinals when he got pinned. Flores said he believed Matus would win that one, “But that’s the state tournament.” Hotchkiss ended the tournament in 10th place. Throughout the tournament, all eyes were on Campos. After winning his opening match, Campos, who was seeded

sixth, upset the No. 4 Monte Vista senior Tyler Vigil in quarterfinals and won his semifinal match on a 3-0 decision over seventh-seeded Blaze Brophy of Yuma. “Nobody gave him a shot at placing,” said Flores. On the Mat didn’t even rank him. On Friday, said Flores, “He turned

it on.” With 10 seconds remaining in quarterfinals, with Vigil in control and Campos down, 6-5, he scored on a reversal for the win. In semifinals, Campos was ahead, 1-0, with Brophy trying to escape. With three seconds remaining, Campos took Brophy down for a 3-0 win.

His journey to his final state championship match wasn’t easy. Campos is a three-time regional champion and four-time state qualifier who placed third as a freshman and second as a sophomore. Last year he was seeded first and missed the state tournaCAMPOS TO C4

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss senior Sergio Campos ﬁnished his high school wrestling career on a 132-pound championship match loss to John Mall Saturday night at the Pepsi Center. His four-year record of 129-20 includes three top-three places at state, three regional championships, and one regional second-place ﬁnish.

C4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Paonia wrestlers win silver, bronze medals junior Grey Neal (160, 34-5) was seeded fifth and placed third. In quarterfinals he lost by a 7-5 decision to fourth-seeded Centauri senior Zach Sadoval. Neal won three matches by fall, including a firstround fall (1:28) over the wrestler he placed second in the region to a week earlier, Norwood’s No. 2 seeded senior, Austin Overholt. In the battle for third place against 32-7 sophomore Trent Elliott of Merino, Neal chose bottom to start the third round and scored an escape with 48 seconds remaining, winning the match, 1-0. Paonia wrestlers scored 93.5 points to place fourth out of 48 teams. While they didn’t place,

sophomore Reagan Todd (113, 28-17), and juniors Carlos Lozano (152, 28Paonia sent seven 12) and Austyn Norris wrestlers to the 83rd (220, 18-20) all scored annual Colorado High valuable team points. School Activities AssoSenior Sackett Chesnciation State Wrestling ik (138, 35-7) finished Championships and his high school career brought home two silver on a win. A four-time and two bronze medals. state qualifier who never Senior Anthony Felice placed lower than fourth, and junior Levi Peterson Chesnik said he tends wrestled for the state to overlook his accomtitle. At 195 pounds, plishments “because I’ve Photo by Tamie Meck Felice was seeded first. In always wanted a state Sackett Chesnik works toward a pin over Jade Cozart of Cheyenne Wells to Saturday night’s champititle. After I think about ﬁnish third in the 138-pound division at the 2A State Wrestling Championonship match he was tied it, getting third twice, ships in Denver. Chesnik is a four-time state qualiﬁer and top-four placer. at 4-4 against 40-3 Rocky fourth, and second, it’s Ford junior Jesse Tapia pretty good.” in the first-round sudden Despite battling injuvictory when Tapia scored ries his junior year, a takedown for the win. Chesnik wrestled to a Peterson was already 42-4 record and a state down, 7-1, against No. 1 bronze medal. After seeded Centauri senior that, he said after winBennie Chacon when he Barrios battled back said Lockhart, still catchBY TAMIE MECK ning the regional title at was pinned at 1:49. ing his breath, “I believe to the third-place match DCI Sports Writer PAONIA TO C5 In his third state meet, When it comes to post that if you think about on a 3-1 sudden victory season wrestling, Delta something over and over over Fort Lupton, and a junior Gauge Lockhart again, it’ll come true if fall (0:28) over Bennett. sees it this way: “People you work hard enough at In consolation semifinals, rise to a different level. it. I just had a vision in Barrios upset the No. 2 Everyone’s coming into my mind that I was going seed from Holy Family in a 4-3 ultimate tiebreakthe season giving it their to pin this guy.” In round three, Lock- er. all. Everyone’s wrestling hart took a shot, Foutz Barrios met Johnson better.” At last weekend’s drove into him, and Lock- again in the third-place Colorado High School hart put Foutz on the match, and lost on a 1-0 State Wrestling Champi- mat on a lateral drop. decision. The tournament’s onships, Lockhart wres- With the pressure on and tled tough. One of five the adrenaline flowing, “been real tough,” said state qualifiers for Delta, “It worked,” said Lock- Curtis. Delta was expectthe junior 195-pounder, hart. Three minutes, 45 ing to get three, Barrios, who didn’t place at the seconds into the match, Lockhart and 126-pound 2018 3A State Wrestling Lockhart locked Foutz in sophomore Ben Koch into Championships, was a half Nelson and pinned the semis, said Curtis. him. Koch, who also qualified seeded 12th. Lockhart thanked for state as a freshman, Following an opening round upset over the No. head coach Clayton Cur- was one win away from 5 seed and a 2-0 quar- tis and assistant coach placing and went out on terfinal upset over the Luis Meza “for always an 8-5 loss to No. 2 seedNo. 4 seed from Platte pushing us in the mat ed Sterling senior Zach Valley, Lockhart saw his room, and always having Loft (41-3). First-year qualifydream of wrestling in the a good outlook and a good ing sophomores Jeffrey championships disappear laugh.” “That was a great way Griffith (160, 23-19) and on a semifinal round loss to top-seeded senior Holt to end the tournament,” Eli Miramontes (220, 12said Curtis. “I kept tell- 19), were 0-2 for the tourBrashears of Salida. Lockhart geared down. ing him, we’ll get Foutz nament. “It’s great experience In consolation semifinals, when it matters. And he for them,” said Curtis. Photo by Tamie Meck he pinned the No. 10 seed believed it.” Lockhart was one of Looking to next year, Delta senior Aiden Barrios works toward a 22-7 technical fall over La Junta at at 1:24, to advance to the third-place match against two placers for Delta. At Delta will have four the 3A State Wrestling Championships. third-seeded junior John 170, Delta’s only senior returning state qualifiers state qualifier, Aiden and one returning state Foutz of Bayfield. This wasn’t Lockhart’s Barrios, placed fourth. placer. While things didn’t go first rodeo with Foutz. In He opened the tournaJanuary, Foutz pinned ment on a 22-7 techni- as planned, Delta scored Lockhart twice at the cal fall over La Junta. In 38.5 points to place 14th Mel Smith Husky Invi- quarterfinals he was tied, out of 46 qualifying 1-1, against fifth-seeded teams. “To bring only five tational. Heading into Satur- Berthoud senior Brock guys and end up in the day’s match, Lockhart Johnson (22-7) and lost top 15, that’s not bad at had no doubt that he in the final seconds on a all,” said Curtis. “We’ll take it.” would win. “You know,” takedown.

BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

Lockhart, Barrios earn medals at state meet

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta junior Gauge Lockhart puts together a winning take-down/pin combo against John Foutz of Bayﬁeld to place third at the CHSAA State Wrestling Championships.

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CONTINUED FROM C3 ment due to a medical emergency. Campos lost the first half of the season to a shoulder injury. After losing a couple of matches he should have won, halfway through the season, he knew he had to work harder. Within a couple of weeks he was winning again. But the win he wanted most was just out of reach. In Saturday night’s championship match, trailing 3-2, Campos was pinned at 4:38 by ninth-seeded John Mall senior Anthony Aldretti. “I just got caught,” said Campos. Campos ends his career with a 129-20

record. He started wrestling in kindergarten after Coach Flores’s dad, Henry Flores, got his dad and uncle started in the sport. He won two state middle school championships. With a couple exceptions, Campos’s worst high school tournament was a fourthplace finish at the Warrior Classic his sophomore year. Holding his silver medal, he said he feels “pretty good” about the last few years. “You know, a lot of kids, they don’t make it four years in a row. I thank God for the fact that I did. I know that a lot of the kids would like to be in the same position... Just

being able to come out here and wrestle is a blessing.” He thanked his teammates, especially sparring partners Hall, Peebles, and No. 1 practice partner and cousin, Presley Pene. Campos struggled to find the right words to thank his coaches for all their support. They’re like brothers, he said. They push him in practice, give him good advice, “and always keep me pumped. They’re always there for me. They always tell me to keep my head up.” After the interview, Campos walked back into the Pepsi Center arena with his head held high.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Bruin girls 2nd in districts BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The 2018-19 basketball season has been another successful opportunity for the Cedaredge girls basketball team to showcase what it takes to have a winning team. Cedaredge does not have dominating height, speed or a plethora of threepoint shooters. What it does have is character and a bond that has earned it one of the top finishers in the 3A WSL and a berth in the coming regional playoffs. Cedaredge finished third in a competitive league with a 7-2 WSL record and a sparkling 17-5 overall mark. The Bruins are ranked 10th in Class 3A standings and 10th in the all-important RPI rankings. The Bruins began their journey to postseason with a home win over Coal Ridge, Feb. 19, 49-45. In the semifinal round of the 3A District tournament at Central High School, the Bruins had a squeaker, 30-27, over Moffat County and

fell to Delta’s Panthers on Saturday in the championship game, 40-25. Bruins 49, Titans 45 Junior Makayla Kehmeier held the hot shooting hand against Coal Ridge in a quarterfinal game against the Titans on Feb. 19. Kehmeier scored

seven points in the second quarter and another five in the fourth frame to spark Cedaredge’s win over the Titans. In all, Kehmeier finished with 17 points to share gamescoring honors with Coal Ridge’s Taylor Wiescamp and her 17 counters.

Cedaredge made 16 of 31 free throws in the game while the Titans were good on 15 of 23. Coal Ridge had a big third quarter where Adriana Vargas scored nine points in a 20-11 run by the Titans. Vargas was perfect at the

charity stripe in her four attempts in the period. Kashley Morgan dropped in six points and Wiescamp another five to account for Coal Ridge’s 20 points. The Bruins built a 2514 halftime lead and led 36-34 with one period

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Bruins were the 3A Western Slope runners-up last Saturday after losing to top-seeded Delta to ﬁnish second and earn a berth in the coming regionals. Where teams play and who is in their bracket was to be released on Feb. 26. Pictured, from the left, is Elizabeth Gilmore, Aspen Furubotten, Hannah Carlson, Kammie Henderson, Makayla Kehmeier, Dalia Alejandre, Courtney Freeman, Camie Baldozier, Hannah Gardner, Paige McGovern, Kimberley Milholland, Coach Russell Coleman and Sophie Andrews.

Hotchkiss 3rd in girls play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

You must go back to the 2012-13 basketball season to note a winning record for the Hotchkiss girls basketball team. Josh Kaspar had the Bulldogs rolling with a 6-3 league record and 14-

9 overall. Hotchkiss finished third in District 5 with a 40-38 win over Rangely. The Bulldogs were eliminated from the 2A state tournament after a loss to Limon in regional play at NJC. Haillie Taylor’s tenure at the helm of Hotchkiss’s

program began in 201617 with a record of 3-8 in league play and 6-13 overall. This year’s marks are 7-4 and 15-7. The Bulldogs finished third in this year’s 2A District 5 and placed third in district tournament play in De Beque

this past weekend. Hotchkiss’s fate in regional pairings has yet to be determined due to late games, caused by severe weather, in district tournaments at various sites in the state. Regional pairings are scheduled to be released by Tuesday, Feb. 26. Interested fans may see those pairings at CHSAANow.com. 2A District 5 Girls HHS 63, Hayden 48 The Bulldogs hosted sixth place Hayden, 4-7 and 13-10, last Monday, Feb. 18 in a first round contest in Hotchkiss. The Bulldogs started strong

with a 32-18 first half and held off the Tigers for a 63-48 win with a 34-30 second half. Carson Collins had 17 and Shay Glaser 11 counters to lead Hotchkiss. Hayden’s Gracie Day scored 21 points to lead all scorers in the game. Soroco 49, HHS 47 Hotchkiss was the stronger team in the first half with its offense generating 23 points in the first half while its defense allowed 19 points for the Rams (No. 2, 9-2 and 18-4). Both teams struggled HOTCHKISS TO C6

left in the game. Of the 13 fourth-quarter points scored by Cedaredge, 10 came at the free throw line. Joining Kehmeier in double figures for the Bruins was Courtney Freeman with 11 points, including three 3-point goals. Bruins 30, Bulldogs 27 Neither team scored double digits in any of the four quarters of the game. Moffat County led 8-7 after one period and was leading 17-15 at halftime. Each team scored seven points in the third quarter and the Bruins had an 8-3 run in the fourth to put the game away on clutch free throws and a field goal from Freeman, who finished with nine points to lead Cedaredge in scoring. Emaleigh Papierski also had nine points to lead Moffat County shooters. Championship Delta 40, Bruins 25 Only five points separated these two teams after one period. A 10point difference in the second quarter did the real damage giving Delta a 25-10 lead at halftime. After that, the Panthers used their defense to control the game the rest of the way. Both teams finished with 15 points in the second half to make the final score 40-25. Freshman Erika Kuta and sophomore Keely Porter scored 10 points for Delta and pulled down six rebounds each in the win. Porter added an assist and four steals to her stats while sophomore Alexa Huff grabbed seven rebounds. Cedaredge’s leading scorers were Kehmeier with eight points and sophomore Kammie HenBRUINS TO C6

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss center Carson Collins scores under heavy coverage in the Bulldogs’ 63-48 district quarterﬁnal win over Hayden on Feb. 18. Hotchkiss lost to No. 2 seed Soroco, 49-47, and placed third in the district on a 55-40 win over Rangely. The Bulldogs are in Yuma this week and take on No. 15 Highland. No. 2 Yuma and No. 31 Dayspring Christian play in the other Region 2 game.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Heavyweight Levi Peterson of Paonia and Derek Sanchez of Cedaredge vie for control in the quarterﬁnal round of the 2A state wrestling championships. Peterson won the match by fall and was state runner up; Sanchez placed ﬁfth.

Paonia CONTINUED FROM C4 Montrose, “I kind of lost my confidence.” This season, aside from a bout with the flu, he’s healthy. He started the season at 152 pounds, but was struggling to get wins. By the new year he was back at 138 and his confidence was returning. The turning point, he said, was in placing second at the Tournament of Champions in Vernal, Utah, on a 7-3

loss to a three-time Wyoming state champion. Chesnik is the last of his family to wrestle for Paonia. Three other Chesniks are on Paonia’s “Faded Glory” wall of champions, and brother Luke won a state 3A title for Paonia in 2000. “I was always sitting in the seats, right next to Dad, watching,” he said. Chesnik said he struggled a few times with why he wrestled, but he never considered quit-

ting. Instead, “I would think about when I was little and how much I loved wrestling.” Chesnik goes out with a 173-33 career record. While he wished for another shot at the state title, he said he’s okay with placing third. “No one wants their last high school match to be a loss,” said Chesnik, “You’ve kind of got to bear with it. If you lose, it is what it is. You can’t do it over.”

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C6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta hoops teams win titles BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Delta girls basketball team had an advantage all year long with the top record in 3A WSL play. The Panther boys were, more or less, in the driver’s seat as well. Both teams had their foot on the gas this last weekend vying for postseason playoff berths. And both are set to host regional play this coming weekend. That word is not official at press time and fans will need to check in at CHSSANow.com to find out when and who will be joining the Panthers in a hosting role. The feat marks the first time, maybe in the history of Delta High School basketball, both the girls and boys teams have won league and district titles in the same season. Delta’s girls began their playoff week with a 74-37 win over Basalt Feb. 19. In a quarterfinal round at Central High School, the Panthers squeaked past Grand Valley 48-43 and won the title on Saturday with a 40-25 win over Cedaredge. Delta 74, Basalt 37 Delta (9-0, 21-1) was in total control from start to finish in this match-up. A 43-11 first half provided a huge margin the Longhorns could not recover from. Sara Geddes scored 17 points, Keely Porter had 12 and Alexa Huff finished with 11 for the Panthers. Gracie Reardon had 14 points to lead Basalt (3-6, 6-15) Delta 48, Cardinals 43 This game was a bit more challenging with Grand Valley sticking around all the way to the end. Delta led 27-21 at the half and was clinging

to a 31-27 lead going to the fourth quarter. Delta hit 20 of 29 free throws in this game and the Cardinals (6-3, 16-6) were 12 of 19 at the charity stripe. Geddes was 11 of 16 from the line and finished with 15 points to lead all scorers. Shaya Chenowith topped Grand Valley shooters with 11 points. Delta 40, Bruins 25 The previous meetings between these two teams were wins for Delta. Saturday’s game began much the same way the others had, slowly. Delta took a five-point lead to the second quarter and rode the shooting of freshman Erika Kuta (six points) to outscore the Bruins 13-3 for a 2510 lead at the break. Each team scored 15 points in the second half as two strong defensive teams checked the other team’s offensive output. Kuta and Porter finished with 10 points each for the Panthers. Courtney Freeman had eight points and Kammie Henderson finished with seven for the Bruins (7-2, 17-5. Delta’s boys took the snow from under Aspen’s Skiers in a 72-23 start to their week, Feb. 19. The win advanced the Panthers (9-0, 18-4) to Central High School for a semifinal round contest against Coal Ridge (6-3, 12-8). Delta found a miracle to win this thriller, in overtime, 56-54. The title game Saturday afternoon was close all the way until the final quarter where Delta pulled away for a 50-39 win. Delta 72, Aspen 23 Senior Kyle Mock went on a rampage and scored 18 points, including 10

Hotchkiss boys end hoops year BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Hotchkiss High School’s boys basketball team ended its season on a loss in the 2A District 5 tournament in De Beque. The Bulldogs worked their way into the tournament with a play-in game against Hayden Feb. 18 on a 68-43 win.

Hotchkiss then traveled to Plateau Valley (Collbran) for an opening round contest against the Cowboys, losing a 58-23 decision, to drop into the consolation bracket where they faced longtime rival Paonia in the semifinal round. The Eagles eliminated Hotchkiss with a 62-49 win.

points in the first quarter helping the Panthers race to a 37-14 halftime lead. A 35-9 second half sealed Aspen’s fate resulting in a 72-23 victory in the first round of tournament play. Mock was joined in double figures by senior Joe Bules’ 11 counters. Delta 56, Rams 54 OT There were some fantastic shooting and playmaking in this game. Small leads were the norm for most of the game until the third quarter. Delta accelerated on offense to run to a 16-6 advantage in the frame but nearly lost it all when Roaring Fork stormed back for a 13-7 run to tie the game at 46-46. The two teams battled back and forth in the extra period with Delta needing a 3-point goal to tie the game in the waning seconds in overtime. John Ames drove to the left baseline and was attempting a shot when he was blocked by waving arms. In an agile contortion of his body, Ames was able to avoid the arms

and shot the ball from an awkward position. The ball gently brushed the back of the rim and seemed to bounce back and forth in the net for the needed 3-point shot to tie the game at 54-54. Senior Jonathan Robinson was fouled a short time later and without reserve, sank both foul

shots to seal Delta’s first undefeated league season and an outright league title in quite some time. The Rams had one last shot, and it was a great look at the rim, before time expired on the rebounded miss. Mock was high point again with 17 points with Robinson adding a

baker’s dozen. Graham Pietsch scored 17 points to lead Roaring Fork. Pairings are to be released Feb. 26 for regional play. Delta is projected to host a four-team site with the regional winners moving on to the Sweet 16. Check CHSAANow.com for regional bracketing.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The Delta Panther girls ran the table for a 9-0 league record and ﬁnished 211 after district competition. Delta will likely host a regional bracket. In the photo, from the left, is Marcy Schaal, Reagan Clay, Madison Gieck, Kaley St. Peter, manager Jenna Sutliff, Missa Webb, Keely Porter, Sara Geddes, Alexa Huff, Haylin McCulloch and Erika Kuta.

Paonia boys place fifth in 2A District 5 tourney BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Paonia High School boys basketball team will be one of five teams advancing to the next round of the 2A state basketball championships. The Eagles began their run to the playoffs last Tuesday, Feb. 19, with a 31-29 loss in Paonia to the West Grand Mustangs. That loss sent Paonia to the consolation semifinals of the 2A District 5 district tournament in De Beque. The Eagle’s next contest would be against old rival Hotchkiss, a 58-23 loser to Plateau Valley on Feb. 19. Paonia prevailed, 62-49, to advance to the finals and play number four Soroco on Feb. 23. The winner would finish fifth in the tournament and qualify for a state playoff berth in a regional match up. Paonia won the contest 48-41. WG 31, Paonia 29

The Eagles were leading by three after one period but trailed by three at halftime to the Mustangs. Heading into the fourth quarter, Paonia trailed 21-19. Each team scored 10 points in the final period making the Mustangs a 31-29 winner and sending Paonia to the consolation bracket. David Lozano was Paonia’s leading scorer with 11 points. Consolation Semis Paonia 62 HHS 49 This contest was deadeven after one period of play with each team scoring 17 points. A 17-4 second period gave the Eagles a big advantage in the game’s outcome with a 34-21 lead at halftime. There wasn’t a winner, in points, in the second half with each team funneling 28 points through the nets to maintain the 13-point lead at halftime for the Eagles. Lozano and Jose Pan-

toja shared scoring honors for Paonia with 16 points each and Soul Connelly was next with his 15 points. Eagles 48, Rams 41 Paonia fans were feeling anxious at halftime of the consolation finals with Soroco holding a 2723 lead. The Rams added another point to its lead in the third quarter causing fidgeting in the seats of Paonia fans. Not to worry ... a monster effort from the Eagles produced a 17point fourth quarter, coupled with a defense that allowed just seven points, to win the final District 5 playoff berth.

Lozano was Paonia’s top scorer with his 19 points and Connelly followed closely with another 14 counters. Paonia’s boys finished the regular season with a 9-3 2A District 5 record and now own a 14-8 overall mark following last week’s action. Pairings for the next round of playoffs has not been established with late games across the state postponed until Sunday and Monday to determine qualifiers. Those state tournament pairings are scheduled to be released Tuesday and may be viewed on CHSAANow.com.

Bruins CONTINUED FROM C5 derson with seven. The Bruins enter regional playoffs this next week and are likely on the road for their next

competition. Pairings for regional play were scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Feb. 26 on CHSAA’s media site CHSAANow.com.

Hotchkiss CONTINUED FROM C5 with possessions and had multiple turnovers and miscues throughout the game. Hotchkiss scored double digits in each of its second half quarters, but the defense could not stymie the Ram’s offense in a 30-24 second half battle. Glaser had seven of her team-high 17 points in the second quarter with teammates Vazquez and Collins contributing nine points each. Soroco’s Chloe Veilleux shared the game’s top scoring numbers with 17 points and Rams’ teammate Kayla Wilke chipped in 11 to give Soroco two players with double digit scoring. Third Place HHS 55, Rangely 40 These two teams met on Jan. 26 at Hotchkiss High School. The Bulldogs were winners in that first meeting, 58-43, and nearly matched those totals with their 55-40 win in last weekend’s third-place match up in the 2A District 5 tournament in De Beque. Rangely (5-6 and 10-12) wasn’t thinking offense in the first quarter and fell behind 18-9 after one quarter. The Panthers found some rhythm on offense in the second frame and closed the gap on Hotchkiss with a 14-12 advantage to trail 30-23 at halftime. A 14-6 fourth quarter gave the Bulldogs a 15point win, 55-40, after each team scored 11

points in the third period. Elsie Vazquez sparked Hotchkiss’s victory with 21 points and Collins chipped in an additional 14 for the Bulldogs. Hannah Wilke had 20 points for Rangely and Skylar Thacker finished with 13. When asked about this year’s team, Coach Taylor responded with, “It’s very exciting not only for me but especially for the girls. They have worked so hard this season and definitely are earning every game. I would have to say our guard-post offense has really helped make us a threat. Our guards (Kaiya Firor, Elsie Vazquez and Shay Glaser) have really stepped up their outside game and shooting to create that double threat of inside, with Carson (Collins) and outside with the guards.” Taylor was quick to give praise to the other side of the ball as well. “But, without solid defense you can’t win them all. The girls have given everything to have the best defense they can every game, and it shows how much they want to win in their defensive game.” The next step for the Bulldogs is unclear and Taylor knows her team is at the mercy of the selection committee. “We will be coming in as a ‘teen’ in the RPI and expect to be traveling, but we hope not to the other side of the state.”

Classifieds

February 27, 2019

Real Estate

D SECTION

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

Delta County Independent

Real Estate

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

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Livestock SELLING AT DELTA Sales Yard on March 7. 5 registered lim-flex and 1 purebred limousin coming 2-year-old bulls. All black and polled. PAP tested at 8200 ft. Fred & Bette Benson 970-596-1479 or 970-6411783 or bensonlim@msn. com. (3x8)

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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 YOUR LISTING HERE! enhancing our community �� call now... 874-4421 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 Rentals Rentals �� 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; man�� age the City’s website and �� social media; and serve as Public Information Officer �� a(PIO). Bachelor’s degree �� in Marketing, Business, �� Tourism, Graphic Design or �� related field from an accred�� ited college preferred, and �� two (2) years of work expe�� rience in marketing, customer service, tourism rela�� tions or related field. Will be required to pass a pre�� Pets employment drug screen �� and background check. �� Submit completed City of �� 2 BEAUTIFUL, WELLDelta employment applica�� behaved Australian tion to the City of Delta, �� Shepherds, both 12 years Attn: Human Resources, �� old; female; ready to be 360 Main Street, Delta, CO �� adopted. See at Surface 81416 by deadline date of Creek Animal Shelter, 265 March 1, 2019 by 4:30 p.m. SE High Country Ave. (1x9) Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta.net. RENEGADE MANAGE- HELP WANTED, EXPER- Incomplete applications or ment Inc. is seeking appli- ienced Ditch Rider for applications submitted after cants for a full-time posi- Forrest Ditch in Cedaredge, the deadline will not be contion in Guest Services at Eckert area. Please have sidered. EOE (3x7) ROOM FOR RENT IN ECKour Bear Ranch LLC loca- a working knowledge of A DRIVER (NO ert. Utilities included. No tion in Colorado. Persons water law. Call Richard at CDL smoking. No pets. Month to interested are asked to call 970-644-1249 leave mes- tanks or Hazmat) with light mechanical abilities. Full or month. 970-309-5912. (4x8) 970-929-5336 for an applica- sage. (2x9) part-time. Apply in person. tion and job requirements. DO YOU HAVE AN UNBring current DMV drivRenegade Management wanted item that is taking Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Seeking Employees? ing record to 686 Industrial up space in your closet? Blvd., Delta. (3x7) Employer. (4x8) Advertise in the Sell it through the DCI ADVERTISE! 874-4421 Classifieds! Call 874-4421. SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421

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DOG SITTER NEEDED IN Delta on semi-regular basis. Starting March 28-31. Drop in twice a day or stay overnight. Pay negotiable. 928814-6754. (2x8) SUBSCRIBE!

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CROSSROADS SENIOR Living Memory Care is hiring Health Care workers, QMAPS, and PCPs. Will train the right candidate. Please apply at 1379 Aspen Way, Delta. (3x9)

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Help Wanted WARD’S LANDSCAPE IS seeking individuals to help with mowing, pruning, and/or helping install landscapes. Must be able to take direction and work with others. Experience is helpful but not necessary. Valid driver’s license is needed. Position is full time for summer and fall. Background and driving record checks will be done. Pick up an application at 20143 Austin Rd., Austin. (2x9) HELP WANTED: THE CITY of Delta is now accepting applications for a Parks Part Time Laborer position in the Parks Department. This is a 28 hour per week position with a starting salary of $11.43 per hour. Under the direction of the Parks Manager or Parks Lead Municipal Service Worker, performs a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance and construction work on city parks, cemetery and other public facilities. Works with hand tools necessary to fill graves, spray weeds, mow grass, irrigate parks and cemetery. May operate weed cutters, riding mowers, dump truck and pickup truck. May run hand power equipment including power mowers, compactors and chains saws. Any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of general labor experience. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Will be required to pass a pre-employment 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 8, 2019 by 4:30 p.m. Full job description and applications available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta. net. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. EOE. (2x9)

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) 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”

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It’s time for Dancing with the Stars

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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 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 to raise money for their favorite charity are:

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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

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Jones supporting Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. Team San Juan supporting Montrose Rec. Foundation. Team Zumbana sup-

Let the good times roll at Fat Tuesday fundraiser Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) and Colorow are throwing a Fat Tuesday fundraising celebration! Join the two nonprofits on Tuesday, March 5, at the Montrose Pavilion at 6 p.m. for a creole feast, live jazz band, photo booth, silent auction and more. All proceeds will benefit the partnership between

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Colorow and the BCBGC. So grab your Mardi Gras beads and head out for a festive evening. Tickets are $50 and are available online at www.bcbgc.org/events, at Colorow Care Center at 885 S. Highway 50 Business Loop in Olathe or at the BCBGC Montrose Unit at 2900 Sunnyside Road in Montrose.

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porting Haven House. 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.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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D6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

From home to hangar Photos submitted

Ray Veatch is intimately acquainted with every part of his Zenith 750 STOL, having built it from a kit with the help of his wife Margie and the members of the local Experimental Aviation Association. Ray decided not to paint or wrap his plane in vinyl, preferring the unadorned aluminum, which is highly resistant to corrosion.

The company representa- plane, but if I did, I’d call enjoy the view.” "9 0!4 35.$%2,!.$

Managing Editor

or much of his life, Ray Veatch has been interested in airplanes, particularly World War II fighters and bombers, but he avoided actually climbing into a small plane. “I get airsick,” he told Pam Smythe when she invited him for a ride in her plane. “You can cure that,” she responded. “Yeah, right.” “Tell you what, I’ll take you for a ride and let you know what I’m doing every step of the way.” He climbed aboard with trepidation and they headed west across the Uncompahgre Plateau. They flew around the LaSal Mountains in Utah, and got an intriguing glimpse of the red rock canyons surrounding Moab. By the time the wheels of Smythe’s Comanche 250 touched down in Delta, Ray was hooked. He started looking into flying lessons. He was just starting to build his insurance business and money was tight, so when his instructor suggested it would be cheaper to buy than to rent an airplane for his lessons, he checked out that option. He wound up buying a Cessna 150 for around $16,000. “That plane was so low powered I couldn’t even fly out of the valley, but it got the job done.” Ray got his pilot’s license, sold that Cessna for $15,000 and began progressively working his way up to complex airplanes with retractable landing gear and constant speed propellers. He ultimately ended up with a Comanche 250. Ray and his wife Margie soon decided if they couldn’t get where they wanted to go in that Comanche 250, they just wouldn’t go. That’s how delighted they were to leave behind the stress, inconvenience and physical confines of commercial aircraft. Then, as they approached retirement, they began reversing the process, working their way down to less expensive airplanes to avoid the expense of required annual maintenance on certified aircraft. That took Ray to the realization he could build his own plane. “I found out that I could do the maintenance on it, and I could do the annual inspections on it, if I built it myself.” In-depth research and a close look at their needs led them to a company called Zenith Aircraft, based in Mexico, Mo., which specializes in first-time builders. “That was important,” Ray says. “If we were going to get into it, we certainly wanted something that was simple enough to build.” They visited Zenith’s factory in Missouri to get a closer look. “I wanted to make sure Margie could get in and out of these airplanes,” Ray says.

tive assumed Ray, the pilot and primary builder, would want the first test flight. “No,” Ray said, “I don’t even want to feel this airplane unless my wife likes it. You take her first. If she comes back and likes it, then I’ll take a ride and we’ll go from there.” As the airplane was taxiing back to the hangar, Ray recalls seeing Margie grinning from ear to ear. “I turned to the company rep and said I just bought an airplane.” He placed an order shortly after, confidently telling the sales rep he believed he could have the project completed in three to four months. “Little did I realize that from beginning to end, it would take two years.” Three gigantic cardboard boxes full of parts arrived in January 2016. “We inventoried the parts in those boxes for about the first three weeks,” Ray recalls. The engine was in a box of its own, with a quick-build fuselage — meaning the factory had done most of the work. Shortly after the Veatches placed their order, Margie fell and broke her leg. Ray decided to move initial assembly into their house so she could still be involved. He took out the dining table and built a 4-foot by 12-foot work table in its place. They started with the rudder, moved on to the horizontal stabilizer and then assembled the elevator. “That’s the beauty of the way Zenith works their plans,” Ray says. “You start with the easiest part, which is the rudder, and progressively learn as you go. It gets more and more complicated until you’re finally at the far end.” Margie, of course, was involved every step of the way, and friends and family members occasionally stopped by to help. But the biggest boost came from the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “Those guys, when they found out we were building, started showing up to help.” One member brought by some aluminum and rivets, and taught Ray how to rivet. “It’s quite a learning process,” he says. “You’ve got to drill the holes, debur the holes and make sure there’s no rough edges, then make sure the rivet sets flat.” It turned out to be a valuable lesson — Ray’s plane has 10,000 to 12,000 rivets. “Part of the whole experience was having these guys from EAA come in and teach me how to fit connectors, how to wire the instruments properly. Graham Meyer is the electronics wizard in our club, and other guys came in with helpful advice. When you build an airplane, sometimes you have to unbuild it to get things right.” “It seemed like we had a constant flow of those guys in here,” Margie says. “I never named this air-

it Dracula because when you work with metal you’d better expect to bleed a little,” he says. They built the wings, rudder, elevator, flaps and slats in the house, then moved the assembly operation into their spacious, but unheated, barn. The plane was finished and certified by the FAA in September 2017, one of five EAA aircraft certified by the FAA that year. This year, Ray expects EAA members to complete two to three more. “These experimental amateur built airplanes are a real force to be reckoned with in aviation,” he says. “I don’t know for sure but I think probably as many of them are being built now as certified airplanes. And they’re just as safe.” While Ray’s plane is designated “home built,” he says he was always conscientious about making sure it was built well. He knew his life depended on it, as well as those of friends and family members. “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime,” he says. Grateful for the expertise and assistance of fellow EAA members, he’s now paying it forward. “It’s my time to give back, to help the people who are building their own airplanes. Our club is small, but we’re a very tight group. Anybody needs help, we try to give them what they need.” Ray’s Zenith 750 STOL is now housed at Blake Field, and he takes it out whenever the weather allows. STOL stands for short takeoff and landing, which means Ray can get off the ground in 300 feet. He and Margie agree the two-seater is very comfortable with amazing visibility. “It’s got a view to kill for, just like a helicopter,” Margie says. Cruising speed is 90 to 95 mph, compared to Ray’s other planes that could cover 120 to 180 miles an hour. “This plane is really designed to fly low and slow, so you can just

He says that’s somewhat counter intuitive to what he was taught. It’s commonly accepted that altitude is a pilot’s friend. If your engine quits and you’re 6,000 feet up, you’ve got plenty of choices for landing. At 500 feet, your options are narrowed. But Ray is confident in the integrity of his construction, and

he knows that a big part of flying is just thinking ahead. Having bought and sold a number of the planes over the years, Ray was asked if he would ever part with this one. “This is my last airplane. At some point I will have to sell it.” But until then, he’s flying high and enjoying the freedom of his 750 STOL.

Ray wanted to make sure his home-built plane would be simple to ﬂy — meaning he wouldn’t have to push a bunch of buttons or ﬂip a lot of switches. “And that’s what I got,” he said, pointing to this photo of the glass panel with all the instrumentation.

Ray and Margie built the airplane wings, rudder, elevator, ﬂaps and slats in their house before moving the operation into a large garage on their property.

Ray and Margie worked continuously through the winter, even though their garage was not heated.