NORTH FORK TIMES
SURFACE CREEK NEWS
RED CARPET WEEK
Two big events will bring crowds to the North Fork Valley, B1
SPORTS
RETHINK, REUSE
BACK-TO-BACK WINS
China’s import policies impact local recycling efforts, C1
Skylyn Webb caps stellar collegiate career with 800m title, B5
DELTA COUNTY
JUNE 12, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 24
75¢
INDEPENDENT
www.deltacountyindependent.com
Community rallies around Vietnam Wall BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
Although the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall drew fewer visitors to Delta than anticipated, organizers feel the Salute to Armed Services Festival met its goal — to pay tribute to the men and women who have fought for our country, and particularly those who lost their lives in the Vietnam Conflict. “It was a very powerful and emotional weekend,” said event director Mat Gallegos. The four-day festival provided a forum for the community to pay tribute to veterans past and present. “If the wall touched just one person, then it fulfilled its mission,” said John Barron, who delivered the wall to Delta. The 80% replica is one of two traveling Vietnam walls owned by American Veterans Traveling Tribute, a small business owned and operated by veterans. Barron noted a steady stream of visitors throughout the wall’s stay in Confluence Park. Gallegos estimated visitors at 5,000 to 7,000. Thursday’s opening ceremonies and
recognition of the 75th anniversary of D-Day drew the biggest crowds, he said. Saturday was the second biggest day, although music offered in the park failed to draw a big crowd. At 8 p.m. each night, Richard and Chris Weldon played “Taps.” Throughout the festival, Loveland resident Ed Aiken shared his memories of Vietnam and put the events of 1955-1975 into perspective for visitors of all ages. Other volunteers included Civil Air Patrol cadets and the Delta High School JROTC squad, both of whom were described as “phenomenal” help. Area veterans organizations pitched in to help, the American Legion’s Department of Colorado color guard posted the colors, and Iraqi/ Afghanistan veterans who make up Warriors First traveled from Colorado Springs to volunteer. The event would not have been possible without widespread support from individuals and sponsors. “It’s been great to have so many people who wanted to be part of this event,” said volunteer coordinator Donna
Justin. Gallegos said the intent is to establish an annual tribute to veterans, with a broader
focus that does not entail the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. “I’m looking forward to seeing what next year
brings,” he said. “We want to continue to celebrate the men and women who have served our country.”
Photo by Tamie Meck
Bill Kaup of Colona carries a staff given to him by fellow Marine Lee Walls. Kaup touched all of the panels of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall on Thursday, June 6. The wall contains the names of 58,272 service members, including eight women, killed in action. Names are arranged chronologically according to date of casualty. When asked about his service, Kaup said it’s too emotional to talk about.
CMU provides economic snapshot BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
An economic update provided by the business department of Colorado Mesa University proved of great interest to community leaders and business professionals from throughout Delta County. They filled the conference room at Grand Mesa Oncology Center on Thursday, June 6. Greg Pope, a member of Uncompahgre Development, said the audience was twice as large as anticipated. Uncompahgre Development led the effort to secure the economic update with financial support from Delta County, Region 10 and Colorado Mesa University. Before introducing the presenter, Dr. Nathan Perry, Pope shared the history of Uncompahgre Development and the role it has played in the county’s economic prosperity. Dr. Perry is an associate professor of economics at Colorado Mesa University who has provided quarterly economic analyses for Mesa and Montrose counties. The members of Uncompahgre Development felt the same type of data would prove useful in answering the question, “Are we moving the needle in the direction we want to?” This question can only be answered over time. Dr. Perry has done just three quarterly updates for Delta County, which can be found on the Colorado Mesa University website. Just type the words “economic development” into the search window. In summary, Dr. Perry noted:
INDEX
Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Business ........................ A8 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ............................ D3 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ......................C6 School ........................... A6 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B5-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4
• Delta County’s economy is holding steady at a 4.77 percent unemployment rate. • The employment and labor force growth of the last two years stalled in the second quarter of 2019, however it has not reversed. Health care and construction have shown the strongest growth in total wages over the past three years. Dr. Perry called the growth in health care employment “solid”; construction is less so because it is dependent on business cycles. • Coal production/employment has stabilized since 2016. Total production from the West Elk Mine is down 15.64% from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019. However, average monthly employment for the same time period increased from 254 to 298. • Farm employment has been stable for the past three years. • Demographers predict steady growth in the county’s population, even though the death rate is higher than the birth rate. Both Delta and Montrose counties will rely on migration to keep the population growing. By 2050, Delta’s population is estimated at 40,236. More robust growth is anticipated for Montrose, based on the airport and its proximity to Telluride. Dr. Perry said he thinks Delta County might end up growing slightly faster than anticipated because of its proximity to outdoor recreation, as well as Montrose and Grand Junction. • Real estate prices continue to climb, with median sales prices increasing from
Delta Proud The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce hosts “Delta Proud” Friday, June 14, at Fort Uncompahgre. This event replaces the Downtown DeltaFest of past years, but still showcases the area’s culture and heritage. Come discover all that Delta has to offer from 5:30 to dusk June 14. The event will include kids’ activities, a climbing wall, food, live music, wine and beer tastings, and youth registration for summer fun. Don’t forget to grab your lawn chair. For more information, call the chamber at 874-8616.
$186,400 to $235,483 since the same quarter last year (a 26% increase). The real estate market continues to be strong, but some indicators are softening. Days on market have increased from 110 to 140, which could indicate a move toward a buyers market. Generally, Dr. Perry said, under
four months is considered a sellers’ market and over six months a buyers’ market. • City and county sales tax collections are up from last quarter and from last year. Dr. Perry believes this is a result of the strong national and local economy, strong consumer confidence and a result
of growing employment in the county and region. Dr. Perry concluded with an overview of national economic indicators. The national economy continues to move forward, with unemployment at April at 3.6%. Unemployment has not been this low since the late 1960s.
Murder suspect seeks suppression of statements BY KATHARHYNN HEIDELBERG Montrose Press
Whether statements made to law enforcement can be used against murder suspect Edgar Macias-Moreno hinge on the court’s determination of when he was “in custody.” Macias-Moreno, who is charged with first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Hotchkiss resident Madelaine Loh almost a year ago, wants what he told Delta County Sheriff ’s Office investigators early June 27, 2018, to be suppressed. Although Macias-Moreno was advised of his rights once the decision was made to arrest him, and although he was up until that point told he was free to leave, his defense contends that he was functionally in custody from the moment then-investigator Quinn Archibeque began talking to him, so the Miranda warning he was given came too late. Macias-Moreno was interviewed in a secure area and was escorted to and fro when he went out for a smoke or
the restroom, plus he was in the presence of armed officers who were pumping him for information in a room with a camera and recorder, but no phone, public defender Shandea Sergent said during a four-hour hearing Wednesday. “Mr. Macias-Moreno was not in a position where he felt he could leave. ... He clearly was in custody,” she said, arguing for the entire interview to be suppressed. But Assistant District Attorney Barbara Sanford said Macias-Moreno came to the DCSO voluntarily that morning, chose the time of his visit, and volunteered information to Archibeque, who initially did not know any crime had been committed, and who only asked reasonable followup questions prior to making an arrest. Macias-Moreno was properly advised once the decision was made to actually take him into custody, and no further questioning took place after he invoked his right to counsel, Sanford said.
When Macias-Moreno arrived at the DCSO shortly after 5 a.m. June 27, 2018, both he and Loh, his girlfriend, were the subjects of a missing persons report made about a week prior. Authorities allege MaciasMoreno, now 25, fought with Loh, 27, at their Hotchkiss camper trailer over money on or about June 19 of that year and during the argument, he strangled her. Macias-Moreno then allegedly put Loh’s body into her SUV, loaded up her dog, and drove toward Utah, turning the dog out on the highway in Mesa County. The dog was recovered alive; Macias-Moreno has also been charged with animal cruelty. He is further charged with concealing a death. Prosecutors allege MaciasMoreno dumped Loh’s body in the remote Utah desert, then drove to Las Vegas, where he gambled away his money. An arrest affidavit says he begged some gas money and drove back, trying to find MACIAS-MORENO TO A3
Arts center celebrates first birthday The public is invited on Saturday, June 15, to help the fledgling Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC) celebrate its one-year anniversary. A birthday bash is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. at 195 West Main in downtown Cedaredge. Those attending will be treated to music, appetizers, and one free glass of celebratory champagne. Throughout the center’s first year of operation, corporate sponsors have stepped up to provide significant monetary and in-kind contributions. It has been an outpouring of support for which the nonprofit organization is abundantly grate-
ful. According to Deborah Shaffer, GMAEC executive director, “Our most valuable support comes from donations and sponsorships from local community members, organizations, and businesses.” Now comes the challenging part — sustaining the momentum. While continuing to seek business sponsorships and external grants, GMAEC is launching initiatives to encourage individual supporters to become sustaining members. Further details will be presented at the June 15 birthday celebration.