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By John Stoeber Chief Operations Officer
Safety is a critical aspect of any electric utility, particularly in rural electric cooperatives that serve vast and often remote areas. As your local rural electric cooperative, GCEA provides essential electrical services to the communities it serves, ensuring that homes and businesses have safe, reliable power. However, the delivery of electricity comes with inherent risks, making safety a top priority for both our GCEA employees and the members we serve.
to raise awareness about electrical safety in homes and businesses, as well as enjoying safe recreation. These programs highlight the dangers of downed power lines, the importance of using electrical equipment properly, and the need for keen awareness of electric infrastructure around recreational opportunities. GCEA distributes safety tips through school presentations, social media, community meetings, and newsletters, thereby fostering a culture of electric safety within our communities.
GCEA emphasizes rigorous safety training programs that cover proper equipment handling, emergency response procedures, and safe work practices.
One of the primary safety concerns in rural electric cooperatives is the maintenance and operation of power lines. GCEA’s overhead lines span long distances, often through challenging terrain. Lineworkers are frequently required to work in hazardous conditions, including extreme weather, rough landscapes, and high-voltage environments. To mitigate these risks, GCEA emphasizes rigorous safety training programs that cover proper equipment handling, emergency response procedures, and safe work practices. Regular safety checks and continuous education ensure that employees are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Additionally, GCEA has a safety advisory committee composed of cooperative employees who voluntarily meet to discuss safety-related topics and set initiatives for workplace safety. The committee also administers a safety incentive program to encourage safe practices among employees. The program provides employee recognition for demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety, fostering a work environment where safety is valued and prioritized. For GCEA members, safety is equally important. GCEA invests in public education programs
Another significant safety measure is the implementation of advanced technology to monitor and manage the electrical grid. Smart grid technology allows electric cooperatives to quickly detect and respond to outages, identify potential hazards, and perform preventive maintenance. Automated systems reduce the need for manual inspections, minimizing the risk to workers while enhancing the reliability of the power supply.
Safety in rural electric cooperatives also extends to environmental and regulatory compliance. GCEA must adhere to stringent safety standards set by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Electrical Safety Code. Compliance with these standards ensures GCEA’s operations are conducted safely and efficiently and protect employees, members, and the environment.
Safety is a cornerstone of electric cooperatives. Comprehensive training programs, public education initiatives, advanced technology, regulatory compliance, and more ensures we at GCEA maintain a strong focus on safety.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety of our employees and the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
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If you look up “lineworker” in the dictionary, you’ll find a definition — but it won’t tell you the whole story.
Lineworkers keep our homes and communities humming. We can cook dinner, stay connected with friends and family, access entertainment — this list is endless — thanks to the skilled professionals who dedicate their lives to helping people.
These individuals are our friends and neighbors. We see them at the grocery store, at our kids’ Little League games, at community events. What we don’t see is the moment their phones buzz at 10 p.m. during a severe storm. We don’t see their exhaustion after working through the night to restore power.
Dictionary definitions aside, here’s my attempt at defining “lineworker”:
• Lineworker: a skilled professional who creates and maintains the electrical grid
• Lineworker: the boots on the ground, an unshakable individual whose grueling work begins when disaster strikes
• Lineworker: a helper-hero who keeps our communities thriving
• Lineworker: the unseen first responder who sacrifices time, sleep, and comfort so the rest of us can live in the light
Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18 — let’s thank the crews that keep Colorado powered.
STAFF
Cassi Gloe, Publisher cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org
Kylee Coleman, Editor kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org
Melinda Taylor, Editorial Assistant mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org
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Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216-1731. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. ©Copyright 2025, Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. View advertising and editorial policy terms and conditions online at coloradocountrylife.coop.
Denver Corporate Office 5400 Washington St. Denver, CO 80216
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Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities, and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
Alineman’s day is very diverse and can often change unexpectedly, differing from planned activities. The foreman does his best to coordinate member jobs and manage maintenance or annual compliance projects as time permits. Days often start early and include long hours, unpredictable weather, and the need to stay alert. Whether fixing downed lines or managing emergencies, linemen face danger while prioritizing safety. Crews are flexible, and all linemen understand that the project they are working on may change at any moment.
Each day begins with a morning meeting that includes the working foremen, engineering, metering, warehouse staff, mechanics, and line locator. During the meeting, duties are delegated and crews are assigned. The meeting also provides an opportunity for anyone to ask questions about specific projects and discuss upcoming ones. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and allows for any necessary adjustments to the day’s plans.
After the morning meeting, the crew heads out to work on member jobs or maintenance projects. If any issues arise during the day or if a member calls with a problem, the crew will discuss these changes and adjust their activities as needed.
At the end of each day, the line superintendent speaks with each foreman to review how the day went and discuss any requirements for the following day. Reviewing the day’s activities ensure that all crew members are accounted for and can head home safely for the night.
GCEA appreciates our linemen.
CRESTED BUTTE LINEMEN
Jeff Hanggi - Working Foreman
Andy Holsteen - Journeyman Lineman
Mike Pendy - Journeyman Lineman
Zach Bever - Apprentice Lineman
Kevin Fox - Apprentice Lineman
GUNNISON LINEMEN
Dustin Cadwell - Working Foreman
Robert Summer - Journeyman Lineman
Justin Hulick - Journeyman Lineman
Ty Percival - Apprentice Lineman
Kevin Purkat - Apprentice Lineman
LAKE CITY LINEMEN
Brent Boyce - Working Foreman
Logan Rhodes - Journeyman Lineman
Kendall Gardner - Apprentice Lineman
After 18 years of dedicated service, Lake City Foreman Brent Boyce is retiring from his role as an electrical lineman, marking the end of a career that has been both demanding and rewarding. As an important part of the GCEA linecrew, Brent ensured that power flowed safely and reliably to homes, businesses, and communities. Whether restoring power after storms, performing routine maintenance, or responding to emergency situations, he was always ready to lend a helping hand.
As Brent retires, there is a sense of pride in knowing that the torch is being passed to the next generation of linemen. Longtime GCEA Journeyman Lineman Logan Rhodes will take over as foreman. Logan joined GCEA as an apprentice lineman and earned his journeyman certification in May 2015. His extensive knowledge of the area and years of experience as a journeyman lineman make him an excellent fit for the position. Please join us in congratulating Logan on his new position; he is a valued member of our GCEA team!
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the memories of teamwork that I’ve experienced over the years. A long time ago, I learned the true meaning of working for the members of a cooperative, and that lesson stayed with me.
Our job is to ensure that the power remains on, which can sometimes be quite challenging, but we never leave until we’ve accomplished that goal. I want to thank those who helped me get started in this field and those who have supported me along the way. Most importantly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my wife and two sons for their understanding during all the times I had to leave to restore power for our members.
By Alliy Sahagun Member Relations Supervisor
When Gunnison High School student and GCEA member Paden Davis was assigned to select a project for his environmental science class, he knew he wanted to work on an assignment that would have lasting effects beyond the classroom and his grade.
Following the HEART Force (Hazard Education, Awareness, and Resilience Task Force) curriculum, Gunnison High School science teacher Krystal Brown introduced students to action-oriented educational opportunities and invited several community collaborators into the classroom to discuss wildfire resilience topics.
After visiting with long-time Red Cross volunteer Arden Anderson, Paden felt inspired by the class’s discussion on the growing need for communities to become more resilient through education, preparation, and planning. As an avid outdoorsman interested in the environment, Paden chose to focus his resiliency project on educating and protecting our local agriculture community.
Anderson encouraged Paden to connect with Hannah Cranor Kersting, the County Director and Agriculture Agent at the Colorado State University Extension Office. Kresting further connected Paden with Dan Frazen, Agriculture Emergency Coordinator for the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture. Frazen was delighted by Paden’s enthusiasm for the project and explained the need to share information through social media to educate the agriculture community about topics like vegetation management, farm preparedness, wildfire mitigation, and livestock preparedness. Paden quickly accepted the assignment and, together with Ms. Brown, created the Colorado Ag Resilience Network project funded by HEART Force and the RISE Challenge Colorado. The project aims to “provide information and resources to landowners, farmers, and ranchers in Colorado from the Department of Agriculture to share preparedness, mitigation, and recovery strategies.” So far, Paden has created an Instagram account to share severe weather warnings and preparedness tips. He plans to involve students in Scott Nordberg’s high school ag classes to share project information and influence their social circles to grow project awareness and following. As Paden has become acquainted with members of the ag community, he has been impressed by how well-connected and supportive they are. “Through the Colorado Ag Resilience Network, I would like to further the connection with more community members,” Paden notes. “So much information deserves to be shared, but there are limited resources to do so. If I can grow a network of students to promote these
efforts, my time on this project will have been well spent.”
Ms. Brown, Paden, and other Gunnison High School science students will attend the Colorado Youth Climate Summit held in Carbondale at the beginning of May. While there, Paden plans to share with summit participants how they can be involved in the project by spreading the word in their communities.
Brown is excited for her group to interact with other students from around the state and to have the opportunity to continue learning from industry professionals. “Bringing students together with community professionals creates
an exciting collaborative process, elevating the learning experience and providing a pathway for professionals to impart their knowledge to the rising generation to help guide their creative ideas.”
Resiliency depends on a wide network of individuals working together. With the continued success of the Colorado Ag Resilience Network, Paden and others will keep that collaborative spirit alive.
To receive updates and preparedness tips from the Colorado Ag Resilience Network, follow @coagresilience on Instagram.
A n n u a l M e e t i n g A n n u a l M e e t i n g
TUESDAY, June 24, 2025 TUESDAY, June 24, 2025
HEADQUARTERS
Calling all students, pre-K through 12th grade! National Lineman Appreciation Day is Friday, April 18. Send a thank you to GCEA’s dedicated team of linemen for their exceptional service by coloring a page for them. Enter GCEA’s Thank a Lineman coloring contest for a chance to have your
artwork featured in GCEA publications and win a $25 gift card! Scan the QR code to download the coloring page and enter. Email your page to gcea@gcea.coop or deliver to GCEA offices by April 15.
By Mary Peck
What’s not to love about springtime? It’s a season rich with ancient symbolism, rituals, and traditions — including spring cleaning. The practice holds long-standing significance for societies across the world, from the practical need to clean soot and ash from winter fires to the symbolic idea of clearing out the past year’s bad luck to welcome a new season of life and prosperity.
A deep spring cleaning, as opposed to regular surface cleaning, involves tackling the corners, nooks, and crannies where dust and grime have accumulated all winter. While there are many ways to approach it, postwinter decluttering is a natural first step to clear the way for deeper cleaning.
Meghan Jackson, a professional organizer and owner of Colorado Springs-based Joyful Spaces, advises focusing on progress not perfection. She says it can be overwhelming to feel the need to organize every corner of your house and recommends breaking tasks down into achievable goals — which are different for everyone.
“Set a timer for 15 minutes to tackle one thing — it’s a great start. If you want to level up, you could do one specific space like a drawer or closet ,” she says.
After decluttering, make a spring cleaning plan that works for you. The American Cleaning Institute recommends first taking an inventory of your cleaning supplies, then coming up with a strategy. For example, clean one room at a time or tackle one task at a time, such as washing all the windows. Remember it’s okay
to delegate tasks and enlist help from friends, family, or cleaning pros as needed.
The results can be surprisingly impactful. Spring cleaning has been found to boost your mood, reduce stress, benefit physical health, and even increase focus and productivity.
“One of the biggest hidden benefits is emotional clarity,” Jackson says. “Managing space and being organized is a skill that can be learned, and if you start with something small and do it well, you can do that again.”
Here’s to the welcome sense of optimism and possibility that springtime delivers every year. Happy cleaning, and happy spring!
• Clean baseboards, door trim, and window sills
• Dust cobwebs from walls, ceiling, and plants
• Vacuum and wash vents
• Shampoo carpets and mop floors
• Wash windows, curtains, and blinds
• Clean light fixtures and lamp shades
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and pillows
• Deep clean kitchen appliances
• Wash all bedding
• Clean bathroom tub, shower, and accessories
• Sweep front and back porch or deck
• Clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Mary Peck connects Coloradans with practical tips, ideas, and information to help them prosper.
By Dennis E. Smith
The Mother’s Day caddis hatch on the Arkansas River is one of those events Colorado fly-fishers look forward to every spring, although how it came to be named the Mother’s Day Hatch is anybody’s guess since it usually starts mid-April and is pretty much over with by the time Mother’s Day rolls around in mid-May. In truth, the calendar has little to do with it; the bugs start hatching when the water temperature reaches into the 50s. I’ve heard 54 degrees is the magic number.
The phenomenon has more to do with the sheer volume of bugs than anything else. Caddis flies of the genus Brachycentrus erupt from the river in swarms so thick they can blanket the water from bank to bank, plaster the windshields of passing cars, and in some instances, even grease the streets. If you’re in the river fishing, you can spend as much time brushing the bugs from your eyes, ears, and nose as you do casting your line. A guide in Salida says, “You have to learn to breathe through your teeth to fish this hatch.”
When the hatch comes off, it can seem as if every trout in the river magically appears to feed. The emergence usually begins in the lower river near Cañon City and progresses upstream as water temperature and sunshine dictate. Locals suggest fishing upstream or downstream of the main hatch so your fly doesn’t have to compete with the millions of others just like it on the water.
Size 14 and 16 dark-bodied dry fly caddis patterns are effective, but pupae, larvae, and emerger imitations are important too. Check local fly shops for their recommendations. Dry fly anglers like drag-free presentations, but skating or skipping your fly across the surface can be effective too, because the little bugs are highly animated, and mimicking their fluttering behavior often draws strikes from aggressive feeders. Another technique is to avoid the dry fly altogether, and swing a soft-hackled wet fly downstream on a tight line to imitate the struggles of an emerging caddis.
There’s about 117 miles of river between Leadville and Cañon City, but not all of it is prime, public, or accessible. Because the hatch draws anglers from all over the state and more than a few from across the country, it would behoove you to avoid weekend crowds or hire a guide who has access to private water if you have limited time to fish. Guides and outfitters are available at most of the fly shops in Cañon City, Salida, and Buena Vista as well as Denver and Colorado Springs. Go now — if you wait for Mother’s Day, it could be over before you get there.
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By Patricia Logan
Electric lineworkers put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us; they just happen to be flame-resistant jeans so the worker’s skin doesn’t melt if things go sideways with a hot wire. They like to eat dinner with their families, too, but it can come with a side of apprehension when snow is falling, wind howling, or thunder cracking.
The call could come anytime.
“I think they are kind of the forgotten first responder,” says CREA Director of Safety Curt Graham.
It’s their job to head outside so the rest of us can stay safely indoors.
“Nobody thinks about a lineman until their lights go out. A lot of people don’t realize there is a unique skill and person to go do this, to stay out all night long to get your power back on,” Graham continues. “Not everyone can grab 14,000 volts and go up in a snowstorm and put up a wire. You can’t have any quit in you. Not
everybody is built to do this job.”
Casey Krening is among the roughly 475 co-op lineworkers in Colorado who are built for this job. Krening, a journeyman lineman for Y-W Electric in Akron, has been preventing and responding to power emergencies for 11 years.
“Probably the worst is at night when it’s blizzarding, low visibility. Everything is different at night,” Krening says. “You can go someplace a hundred times in the day, but when you see it at night, you’re totally turned around and lost.”
Winter is tough, but so are spring and summer. A tornado hit near Akron in 2023, taking dozens of poles down. A couple of weeks later another storm scattered 75 to 100 poles
across a roadless area. Krening and his crew cut through fences and drove up sandy hills to get poles upright and lines lifted. He worked a bunch of grueling 14-hour days during that stretch.
One customer brought his crew cookies after the twister. But when the power is out, some folks get frustrated.
“Every lineman that’s working on it is trying to get the lights on as fast as they can,” Krening says. “We’re not napping under the shade tree when people are out of power.”
Sometimes they take on extra risk to avoid shutting off power. “We also do hot work, when the entire job is done with an energized wire. There’s times when it’s not feasible to shut 300 consumers off — especially during the irrigation season,” Krening says.
There are no typical days, but there are constant physical demands including wearing heavy rubber gloves and sleeves for hot work. There is a lot of climbing — lattice, ladders, and poles — and working at a height of about four stories in a bucket or strapped directly to a pole.
On the ground, he and his crew haul heavy tools and equipment and operate hydraulic machinery to repair, take down, or set new poles weighing 700-1,200 pounds. Luckily, that’s what Krening signed up for.
“I like the physical labor. Growing up and going through school I wanted to be outside; I didn’t want to sit still. I wanted to do something creative and work with my hands,” Krening says. He also likes the teamwork. “It’s a big deal when you can trust and know that the guy who’s got your back is doing what he’s supposed to be doing and you don’t have to worr y about it.”
“For the most part, we can control a lot of the dangers by doing stuff the right way and the safe way,” Krening notes. “But I think there are risks that you can’t avoid in our job; it’s a dangerous industry.”
Lineworkers are paid well for those risks, but that’s not the most important thing. “I feel pretty good when I get to go home and I’ve been safe and everybody I work with has been safe,” Krening says. “You take the hard hat off and go be a dad for a little while, and that makes everything worth it. I’ve got a wife and two rambunctious boys. I’ve got a bunch of people depending on me.”
His kids are 1-1/2 and almost 4. They’re growing up in the same town he did. His wife teaches at the local school. Krening’s neighbors are customers. He often thinks about the person at the end of the line. “I like being able to help people,” he says. “I love it. I love what I do.”
Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18. Cookies are optional. A smile and a wave go a long way too.
Patricia Logan is a Colorado writer and filmmaker who loves to learn and share stories about this precious earth and its fascinating people, places, plants, and animals. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado where she also taught journalism.
By Suzie Romig
Photos by Sue Broderdorp
Odin, named for the Norse god of frenzy, and Bane, which means glorious defender, were the energetic hometown favorite K-9 officers at the High Desert Police K-9 Challenge competition last May in Craig.
The 6-year-old Belgian Malinois and 5-year-old German shepherd showed off their skills and extensive training for the audience by competing in obedience, agility, speed, and muzzle fighting, plus events to determine who has the strongest grip. The hometown heroes serve with their human handlers and law enforcement partners at the Craig Police Department in tasks such as patrol work, handler protection, illegal-drug detection, tracking, and apprehension.
The annual spring exhibit of canine skills serves as a public education opportunity, friendly competition, and fundraiser for the nonprofit High Desert Police K-9 Association. Established in 2020, the association offers training and certification for canine teams in law enforcement, search and rescue, hospital security, and cadaver detection for smaller agencies and organizations in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.
The association currently has 50 canine teams, largely in police and sheriff’s departments. The outdoor competition at the high school football field had audience members in the stands cheering for the abilities of some 20 teams in three different dog age groups.
“You can see the tails on these dogs,” says event announcer Ginny Chase, a retired police officer from Grand Junction. “They are happy to be out here, happy to be working and making their handler proud.”
A merchandise tent sported the furry faces of the working dogs on magnets and coffee mugs. Souvenirs for Odin and Bane sold out quickly.
Audience members ranged from curious dog lovers to family supporters wearing canine team jerseys. The announcer described the skills performed by such dogs as Diesel, Moose, Reese, Te Ka, Bones, Cholo, Jocko, Moki, Teg, Max, and Murray.
Most of the competition was disciplined and sometimes fierce when dogs were commanded to take down a target wearing a padded bite suit. Then
handlers called off their dogs and rewarded their four-legged partners with playtime with a favorite toy, often a canvas tug.
If anyone might consider trying to outrun a patrol dog, they should note the fastest canine clocked during the 2024 challenge was just over 3 seconds for a 40-yard dash.
A few times during the challenge, the younger dogs could not resist participating in some cute and funny antics. One younger dog got a little too excited about a stuffed flamingo floating in the kiddie pool that was meant to remain part of the obstacle course and took the pink toy on a short side trip.
Corporal Grant Laehr with Craig Police and president of High Desert says the public image of police dogs has expanded through the years, and community members have become much more comfortable around the law enforcement dogs.
“There was a little bit of a persona that they are just angry dogs and just wanted to bite people, and I believe that perception has changed over the years,”
Laehr says. “These dogs are highly trained, and the primary application nowadays is for detection.”
Breeds commonly employed as K-9 officers include German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, black Labrador retrievers, and sometimes a German shepherd/Malinois mix or a German shorthaired pointer. Those breeds of dogs are high energy, determined, and intelligent.
Dog duties, depending on how each dog is trained and certified, may include tracking people such as lost children and older folks with dementia, finding evidence, and apprehending suspects. Some are trained to sniff out illegal drugs including heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
The spring challenge helps the association raise funds through sponsorships and sales of raffle tickets and T-shirts. These funds support the medical needs of retired K-9 officers, send handlers from smaller departments to training, and host regional trainings for handlers to learn new techniques and sharpen skills with their canines.
The day before the public challenge in Craig, the canine teams competed in more-sensitive tasks with no crowds watching. These tasks include detecting both indoor and outdoor explosives, narcotics, and simulated human remains.
During the second day of competition, the loyal K-9 officers were excited to go to work with some straining at their collars or barking while awaiting commands. In the agility course, the dogs were impressive, tackling everything from jumping through hanging tires to walking a teeter-totter.
At home off duty with their handlers, the dogs can be as playful as family dogs. Laehr says his 85-pound partner Bane gets along great with the family’s goldendoodle and cockapoo.
You’ve
got a partner who is your best friend that you know would do anything for you. Being able to deploy them and take substances that are killing people off the street is incredibly rewarding.”
—Corporal Grant Laehr, Craig Police Department
At home, Bane is out of his work uniform of a special harness and leash, so he knows he is off duty. The German shepherd knows the routine of getting into the police vehicle and wearing his work harness indicating he is on duty. Most handlers use commands spoken in German or Czech to deploy dogs on duty.
High Desert association Vice President Kali Henderson, an officer with the Delta Police Department, says her Belgian Malinois partner of four years, Raico, knows he is on duty by his special collar. Laehr says working canines recognize those rituals. “[Bane] is an entirely different dog in the backyard than he is as the patrol dog. He knows when we are going to walk up to a vehicle to do a sniff; he gets happy and excited to go to work.”
Bane likes to play tug and is very toy driven, so after the dog indicates a detection by sitting and pointing, he is rewarded with ball playing time. During five years of work, Bane has been used in 159 deployments.
Some of the law enforcement dogs come from specialized training programs in the United States or Europe, but other dogs are retrained after being initially raised in a civilian environment.
“What we are looking for is the right type of dog with the drive to work and wanting to please,” Laehr says. “You need to have the right dog for the right handler. That relationship is so important.”
Handlers say the work to keep their canine partners in reliable, top shape requires many hours of rigorous and ongoing training — usually 16 hours per month.
You need to have the right dog for the right handler. That relationship is so important.”
—Cpl.
Grant Laehr
“The work that goes into handling a police canine is pretty intensive,” Laehr says. “We train more with canines than probably any other discipline.”
Each year High Desert presents awards in five categories for achievements in tracking, patrol and apprehension, narcotics detection, evidence detection, and cadaver detection. In 2023, Laehr and K-9 Bane were recognized with the Narcotics Case of the Year Award.
Bane’s skills in alerting to drug odors for cocaine and methamphetamine in a hotel room helped put three drug dealers in prison. The dealers also had hundreds of illegal fentanyl pills. A dog trained in narcotics detection alerting to illegal drugs can give police officers probable cause needed to proceed to arrests, Laehr says.
“Over his career, the amount of drug seizures we’ve had is pretty remarkable, especially for the size of the town and local community,” Laehr says. “The bottom line, it probably saved lives by preventing overdoses.”
Last year, K-9 Raico in Delta alerted to a vehicle where a drug dealer was transporting 5,000 illegal fentanyl pills and a large amount of methamphetamine, Henderson reports. That dealer is now serving prison time.
Henderson says that Raico is also a valuable asset in community relations, as he is often used in demonstrations and social visits at schools, libraries, and nursing homes.
Although time consuming, handlers say the work with their canine partners is fun and rewarding. “You’ve got a partner who is your best friend that you know would do anything for you,” Laehr says. “Being able to deploy them and take substances that are killing people off the street is incredibly rewarding.”
Laehr and Henderson say K-9s used in smaller police departments are on the rise because they are used for detection to help stop the flow of illegal drugs along state highways.
The nonprofit, all-volunteer Colorado Police Canine Association, based in Arvada and founded in 2003, also works to establish professional standards for canine handlers and provide certifications for police service dogs in Colorado. Canine partners can be used to help with security at airports, transit stations, high schools, music festivals, conventions, and sporting events.
Colorado Police Canine Association, with information at Facebook.com/cpcak9, includes 127 canine teams from 43 different agencies, says Krista Schmit, association secretary. This year’s membership represents an increase from the previous year that had 113 teams from 39 agencies.
In Colorado, other specially trained dogs work in fire investigations. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control uses dogs to track and detect ignitable liquids and decomposing human remains. Currently the division’s officers include two yellow Labs named ROTC and Ash trained to identify accelerants, German shepherd Moose trained as a cadaver dog, and bloodhound Hiccup trained for tracking and trailing.
Fire investigator Brian Eberle says the dogs also are available for public education visits and to help fire departments around the state with investigations.
The teams from High Desert Police K-9 Association will be competing again and serving as energetic law enforcement ambassadors at this year’s challenge scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Delta High School. Admission is free, but other dogs are not allowed. More information can be found online at Highdesertpolicek9association.org or Facebook.com/HighDesertPoliceK9
High Desert collects donations to help pay for medical care for member’s retired police dogs. When the K-9 officers retire, their expenses become the responsibility of the handler instead of the department. Henderson notes police dogs usually work to age 8; four High Desert dogs retired in 2024 with three scheduled to retire this year. The big dogs work hard throughout their careers, so injuries or illnesses could last through retirement.
Suzie Romig is a degreed, award-winning journalist who lives near Steamboat Springs and has lived, worked, and explored in Colorado since 1990.
People should always ask a handler first before trying to approach a K-9 officer. The canines are protective of their handlers and their patrol vehicles, so approaching without prior permission is not advised.
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How can landscaping help lower my energy bill?
A: There’s a lot going on in the space around our homes. Competing factors of aesthetics, safety, energy efficiency, water conservation, and more are a lot to consider. Thoughtful planning and good design can address these factors.
Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a typical household’s energy use, according to the United States Department of Energy. When selecting trees and other foliage, research what is best for your elevation and climate. Select native species naturally adapted to your location for lower maintenance.
Strategically placed deciduous trees allow for summer shade and passive solar heat gain in the winter when leaves have fallen. Slower-growing trees might take longer to provide maximum shading benefits, but their roots are typically deeper, and branches are stronger. These factors can also make them less likely to be damaged by wind, snow, or ice and be more drought resistant.
Plant large trees far enough away from your home to prevent damage from falling branches or root damage to your home’s foundation. And if you have a rooftop photovoltaic solar system, even a small amount of shade can significantly reduce energy production. Consider smaller plantings closer to
the home to shade walls, windows, or hardscaped surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.
Keep landscaping clear of dryer vents, heat pumps, and air conditioning units to ensure access for maintenance and airflow around those locations.
When landscaping, always consider safety first. Call before you dig to ensure you know where any underground utility and sewer lines are located. The national 811 Underground Service Alert program routes you directly to your local resources. Call 811 or visit call811.com before you dig.
Be mindful of overhead power lines too. Look up and check the surroundings before setting up ladders. Be thoughtful when planting new landscaping that could encroach on power lines. Utility equipment should have at least 10 feet of clearance, when possible.
As you prepare to refresh your yard for the coming spring and summer, consider ways you can boost your energy efficiency for more comfort and savings year-round.
Remember when…
Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?
As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life.
So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life?
Check all the conditions that apply to you.
Arthritis Dry Skin
Insomnia Anxiety
Diabetes Mobility Issues
Lower Back Poor Pain Circulation
Then read on to learn how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help. Feel better, sleep better, live better
A Safe Step Walk-In Tub lets you indulge in a warm, relaxing bath that can help relieve life’s aches, pains and worries.
A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.
It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub:
• Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to nish.
• MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System – helps oxygenate and soften skin while offering therapeutic bene ts.
• Pain-relieving therapy – Hydro massage jets target sore muscles and joints.
• Safety features – Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence.
• Free Safety Package
By Melinda Taylor Editorial Assistant
Plan a trip to the southern part of the state to experience the great outdoors at Lathrop State Park, just 3 miles west of Walsenburg. Nestled in San Isabel Electric’s stunning service territory, the year-round playground has endless activities for all stripes of outdoor enthusiasts.
Lathrop is the only Colorado state park with two beautiful lakes for all things water recreation. Martin Lake has a sandy beach and is best for swimming and speed boat activities. Horseshoe Lake is less developed and is best for wildlife viewing and wakeless boating. Both lakes are open to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and fishing.
Lathrop has numerous lakeside picnic tables around scenic Martin Lake, but you can find a great spot to picnic anywhere in the park! Grab your picnic fare from Charlie’s Market in La Veta (visit Charlie’s Market on Facebook), Walsenburg Mercantile (walsenburgmercantile.com), Safeway, or any of the area’s restaurants.
Book six months ahead for one of the park’s 103 campsites — cpwshop.com. The park maintains group campsites (one is lakeside!), single tent sites, and RV sites with electricity. Regardless of your site, you’ll enjoy dark skies and excellent stargazing.
The Hogback Nature Trail offers a great hike. Lathrop State Park Manager Stacey Koury says the view at the top of Hogback is her favorite: “Hike to the top and it’s like you’re looking at a giant map of the park.” The Cuerno Verde Trail encircles Martin Lake and is a wheelchair accessible, paved 3-mile loop for cyclists and walkers. North Side Trail allows mountain biking and hiking. All trails are dog friendly.
Make your next family meal quick and tasty with a recipe that calls for common ingredients and simple preparation. These southwest salmon patties are ideal for busy weeknights, bringing everyone together for a meal around the dinner table.
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp. grated lime zest
4 tsp. lime juice
3 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
1 lb. skinless, boneless salmon filets, chopped
4 oz. whole green chiles, drained and chopped
2 scallions, thinly sliced
½ cup vegetable oil
In medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, ¾ cup breadcrumbs, salmon, chiles, scallions, and 3 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture. Form salmon mixture into four patties. Cover patties with remaining breadcrumbs.
In skillet, heat oil. Add breaded patties and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.
Serve with the remaining mayonnaise mixture and enjoy!
Serves: 4
Source: Culinary.net
Explore the all-new Colorado Country Life website! It’s the same trusted source you love — now with a fresh look and new features to make exploring even easier. Whether you’re looking for past stories, entering a contest, or sharing your favorite recipe, it’s all just a click away.
• A fresh look that’s easy to navigate
• Improved accessibility for all readers
• Searchable archives to find past stories
• A place to share your travel photos and recipes
• Fun contests with great prizes Visit us online at coloradocountrylife.coop and take a look around!
CONTROL
By Kylee Coleman Editor
A few times each year, we feature books by Colorado authors. This month’s roundup has something for everyone, and we hope you find the perfect book for some spring reading. Enjoy!
by Scott A. Wilson (Firefly Books, 2025)
Gardener Scott’s Guide to Raised Bed Gardening by Scott A. Wilson is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to create thriving gardens.
Better known as YouTube’s Gardener Scott, Wilson is a Colorado-based master gardener. His approachable teaching style and expertise shine in this visually stunning guide that features step-by-step plans for building and using raised beds; expert advice on soil blends, planting techniques, and pest management; and tips for garden planning, year-round maintenance, and maximizing yields.
by Patty Latham, DVM (2024)
Veterinarian Dr. Josie Tate attends a demonstration on taming wild horses and decides to give gentling mustangs a try, to sculpt trust between wild and human.
But after an arson fire at her horse barn, the specter of revenge from Justin Perry, the convicted animal abuser that Dr. Josie testified against in court, clouds her everyday work with small and large animals alike.
But with Perry still jailed, is there a new madman on the loose, endangering their lives, their animals, and their land?
This is the third book in the Dr. Josie Tate series by Colorado novelist Patty Latham; it can be found at your favorite online book retailer.
by Brandon Tosti (B2 Ventures,
LLC, 2024)
Game day pomp and pageantry, the traditions, the mascots, the cherished rivalries, and the coveted trophies — it’s all just pure entertainment for folks watching from the stands or the comfort of a couch. But behind the scenes, there’s a very different team from the ones competing: the team that makes it all happen.
For Colorado author Brandon Tosti, 18 years of working in the sports industry came with wins, losses, and hard-earned perspective. A memoir woven with true stories from other members of the “team” and advice for those aspiring to work in the sports industry, Bright Lights & Long Nights takes the reader along for a captivating ride through Tosti’s nearly two decades in the sports industry.
by Karen Morgan (Clavis, 2025)
Could you take a nap while standing? Or taste with your feet? Some animals and plants can!
Animals and plants can do countless remarkable things that people could never do. Take a wondrous journey through the fantastic world of nature in Colorado author Karen Morgan’s second book. Can You Hide Like a Chameleon will teach your early reader about 11 animal and plant species and their extraordinar y abilities.
by Annie Herzig (Simon Kids, 2024)
One magical morning, a little girl makes a new snow friend. She calls her Wonder. Everything is new to Wonder, and she and the little girl spend many enchanting days together. But as winter turns to spring, Wonder must go. Without her friend, the little girl is sad … until one day when she rediscovers her own sense of wonder. Suddenly, the little girl can see the beauty all around her again. As the seasons continue to change, she collects more pieces of wonder to share. All she needs now is the first magical snow of winter to bring her friend back home. Colorado illustrator and author Annie Herzig’s debut picture book was released by Simon & Schuster in October 2024 and can be found at book retailers.
by J. David Holt (2025)
On the forest floor, camouflaged by dry leaves, lie delicious — but hard to spot — morel mushrooms. One has to be present and purposeful, or it’s easy to overlook these hidden treasures. And this is just one of the valuable life lessons at the heart of the new children’s book from J. David Holt, The Mystery of Mushroom Valley: A Tale About the Magic of Nature and the Power of Kindness.
This coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of an age-old foraging tradition, promises to captivate the hearts and minds of young as well as older readers and inspire them to connect with nature as they appreciate the wonders around them. Find it online at amazon.com
their CCL magazine in
Mountain View Electric member Gretchen Stockwell and friend Gina Hadly take a girl’s trip with CCL to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, to see the northern lights. Gretchen reports that the temperature was minus 50 degrees about midnight on February 13.
Marketa and Jan Barkova take a break after a run to enjoy CCL at the Bad Hofgastein ski area in Austria.
Teresa Bruecken and family visit Kauai, Hawaii for a nice break from the cold Colorado weather. Here she is at Tunnels Beach — “The view is so beautiful,” she reports.
Show us where you enjoy CCL for a chance to win! Take a photo of someone (or a selfie!) with the magazine and share it with us on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop. Each month we’ll draw one photo to win $25. See all the submitted photos on our Facebook page @COCountryLife
Highline Electric Association board member Lisa Schilke (third from left) takes her copy of Colorado Country Life to Phoenix, Arizona, to take a break from the cold and to visit cousins. Looks like a fun crew!
Mountain View Electric Association member Stephen Brock brings the magazine to New Zealand and Australia to celebrate birthdays, a 45th wedding anniversary, and Christmas. He says, “Milford Sound, reported to be the wettest place on Earth, is very beautiful.”
Poudre Valley REA members the Hebberts bring CCL to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, an iconic UNESCO HinduBuddhist 12th century temple.
An initiative of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in coordination with the American Public Power Association, Light Up Navajo brings electricity to families living on the Navajo Nation.
Crews from utilities across the United States travel to Navajo Nation to set power poles, run power lines, and prepare homes to receive electric service. Beginning in April, volunteer linecrews from eight Colorado electric co-ops will participate in Light Up Navajo VI.
More than 10,000 families on the Navajo Nation live without basic electricity at home. Bringing power to these homes will provide families with modern conveniences such as electric lighting, refrigeration for food, and access to electric heat and air conditioning.
You can make a difference for those in need. Donate to the Colorado Electric Educational Institute today and support Colorado’s electric co-ops in this important and impactful work.
