A12 Wednesday, May 23, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
Delta County Independent
Hazmat plans are ‘off again’ explained commission chair Olen Lund on MonThe county’s long- day. delayed, “on again, off again” household hazardous materials facility is off again. Following the announcement last month of the facility’s opening at Adobe Buttes landfill, the Walk on a team for the county’s landfill manager submitted his surprise Delta County Relay for Life and help in the fight resignation. The Board of County to triumph over cancer. Commissioners had origi- The annual event will be nally thought to continue held June 29 at the Delta with the scheduled open- High School track. Relaying two weeks ago, but ers walk all night and have since reconsidered. raise funds for cancer “We are waiting until research and local patient we find a new person services. Visit DeltaRelay [to take over as county forLife.com for more inforsolid waste coordinator],” mation or to sign up.
BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer
Gather your team for Relay for Life
Photo by Randy Sunderland
River float A half-day float trip on the Gunnison River ended with a lunch and silent auction at Confluence Park in Delta Saturday. The weather was ideal for the 13th annual River Awareness Float Trip hosted by Gunnison Gorge Anglers - Trout Unlimited and the NFRIA/Conservation Center. Participants had the opportunity to pass through a previously inaccessible stretch of river between Austin and Delta. Reconstruction of the Hartland Diversion Dam has improved habitat for sensitive fish species and enhanced recreational opportunities on the Gunnison.
Relief Ditch gets funding Calvary Baptist Church
Father’s Day Bike & Car Show SUNDAY, JUNE 17 Registration & Check-in from 8-10 a.m. Father’s Day Service at 10:30 a.m. BBQ and Show Start at Noon
Car or Bike Entry $25 (Includes BBQ, T-Shirt and Gift Bag)
Non-participants $5 for BBQ Trophies include “People’s Choice”, “Best in Show”, and more
1290 A Street, Delta Call (970) 874-9497 for more information
Shop Your Local Merchants!
The Colorado River District Board of Directors awarded nearly $250,000 in financial assistance to a variety of water projects, including ones in Delta County, during its April board meeting. Relief Ditch diversion modification project in Delta County was awarded $90,000 toward replacing a push-up dam with a permanent diversion and grade-control structures. In addition, the ditch will be equipped with a modern headgate and the riverbank rehabilitated. The North Fork of the Gunnison Invasive Weed Removal in Delta County was awarded $15,000 to address tamarisk and invasive weeds along the river above Paonia extending north toward the Paonia Reservoir. “Your grant program to assist in the removal of these invasives helps us
bridge the gap between other organizations that are attempting to address invasives in the North Fork of the Gunnison River,” said Ralph D’Alessandro, vice president of the Delta Conservation District Board of Supervisors. “The grant also benefits private landowners who would otherwise not be able to participate in a cooperative invasive weed control,” he added. Schott K-Line Irrigation System in Delta County was awarded $24,000 toward converting a dirt ditch flood irrigation system to a K-line
sprinkler irrigation system for 28 acres of mixed grass, alfalfa and clover pasture. James and Carol Schott thanked the district for assisting with this on-farm project. “It was a big decision on our part to move ahead with this. We are already being looked at by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a demonstration project,” James Schott said. Leon Park Reservoir Company in Delta County was awarded $11,400 toward the repair of the reservoir outlet. Projects must meet one
or more of these objectives: develop new water supplies; improve existing water supply projects; improve water use efficiency; improve sediment control; improve water quality; undertake a watershed action or implement tamarisk control. This is the third year that the Colorado River District has operated a unified program for large and small grants. The program received requests for more than $991,000 from 24 qualified applicants. Awards are made on a cost -sharing basis.
Delta chamber plans First Saturday Market BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
Instead of the block parties which changed locations last year, the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce is staying put for First Saturday Markets in July, August, September and October. Before proceeding with the new concept, the chamber had to get approval from the Delta City Council, which had set aside $5,000 to help fund the block parties. Linda Sanchez, the chamber ’s executive
director, board president Gynee Thomassen and event chairman Jessica Good first approached the council on May 1. Their initial presentation left some questions unresolved, so they returned to council May 15 to clarify those issues. While the block parties seemed to be a good concept, they didn’t get the attendance the chamber had hoped for, Sanchez explained. They plan to take some elements of the block party, including live music, but keep the First Saturday Markets in one location to make it simpler for everyone involved, including the people who want to attend the event. The chamber plans to submit a request for closure of 3rd Street from Main to Palmer once a month, which also requires council approval. The hours will also change. The block parties were typically held on Friday evenings; the First Saturday Market will take place Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those hours are best for freshly picked summer produce, which Sanchez believes will draw people to the event. One of the unresolved questions from the May 1 meeting was the potential involvement of the growers who take part in the farmers’ market in
the parking lot near the fire station. Sanchez spoke with the organizer of that event, and reported to council that they prefer to remain in their current location. So Sanchez will be using a list of countywide growers to come up with other interested vendors. She also has plans for cross-marketing with the farmers’ market. Although locally grown fruits and vegetables will be part of the First Saturday Market, Sanchez went on to explain how the chamber event will differ from the farmers’ market which also takes place on Saturday mornings. “We are planning a festive, family event,” Sanchez said. Food vendors, live music, balloon animals and face painting will hopefully create more “stopping power,” she explained. While council unanimously agreed to redirect the funds for the block parties, councilmember Mary Cooper said she fears the money will be used for the same purpose as last year, just under a different name. “It’s their money,” said councilmember Robert Jurca. Several councilmembers disagreed with that statement, saying they are still responsible for stewardship of taxpayer funds.
Billy Kissner formally advised BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
During his first court appearance since posting bond, Billy Kissner waived further advisement on the charge of second degree murder. He was represented in court by R.L. Benjamin, an associate of Harvey Steinberg, who also waived the 30-day rule for a preliminary hearing. Judge Sandra Miller said preliminary hearings usually take less than an hour, but the seriousness of the offense
warrants additional time. Benjamin and the district attorney’s office, represented by Barb Sanford, agreed a half day would be sufficient. After checking the calendars of both Steinberg and district attorney Dan Hotsenpiller, the preliminary hearing was set for the afternoon of Monday, June 25. The judge also cautioned Kissner on the importance of being on time for court appearances after he walked in the door 20 minutes late.