Delta County Independent, Jan. 11, 2017 by Delta County Independent

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JANUARY 11, 2017 VOL. 134, NO. 2

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

It’s official: Police chief takes oath BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Luke Fedler promised to “keep Delta the safe and treasured community we have grown to expect,” during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 3. The ceremony took place during the first Delta City Council meeting of the year. The oath of office was administered by John Baier, municipal judge. Fedler’s wife Angela pinned on his badge. “Over 16 years ago, during an interview with Chief [Kelly] Shea for a job as a patrol officer with the Delta Police Department, he asked where I envisioned my career path going,” Fedler commented. “My answer was simple and direct: Someday sitting in your chair as the chief of police. Now, almost 17 years later, I feel I am living proof that setting goals, working hard and doing the right thing do pay off and today, I stand before all of you as the new chief of police for the City of Delta.”

Fedler acknowledged the “core group of exceptional DPD employees” who have endured an immense amount of turnover, turmoil, state of limbo, and constant unknowing over the past few years on the direction and mission of the organization. He promised to provide leadership and create an environment “where personal growth and successes are attainable, recognized and endured.” He vowed to work with other departments within the City of Delta, outside organizations throughout the state and county, and most of all the citizens of Delta. Success, he concluded, will not be measured in the number of arrests, traffic citations or response calls to times, but in the reduction of crime and the safety and satisfaction of Delta’s citizens. Many employees of the Delta Police Department, as well as Fedler’s colleagues from the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, attended the ceremony. A short reception took place at the conclusion of the city council meeting.

New Year’s baby

William Andrew Gowen was expected at Christmas, but waited until Jan. 3, 2017, to come into the new year. Dr. Lewis and his daddy assisted with the birth, which clocked in at 9:55 p.m. William Andrew weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20.75 inches in length. He’s pictured above with his parents, Savanna and Wes Gowen, and siblings Henry, 3, John, 5, and Caitlynn, 18 months — all born at DCMH, as well. On the right his grandmother, Sheryl Loyer; Dorothy Loyer, his great-grandmother, is pictured on the left. The hospital put together a gift basket to welcome the ﬁrst baby of 2017.

Sentence modification denied for Trever Rawson’s killer BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After apologizing to the family of Trever Rawson for yet another court hearing, Judge Keri Yoder denied a modification in the six-year prison sentence handed to the man responsible for the death of their son and brother in 2013. Mark Valdez and a friend, Kevin Keener, were hunting just south of Crawford in rural Montrose County when the tragic death occurred. During an attempt to retrieve an elk they’d shot, they stretched

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Angela Fedler pins the chief’s badge on her husband, Lucas “Luke” Fedler, the newly designated chief of police for the City of Delta.

Bowie withdraws gasification request BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Bowie Resources, LLC., has withdrawn its application to the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety in Denver for a technical revision in the permit application for the Bowie No. 2 Mine located near Somerset. The request was dated Jan. 5 and sent on behalf of Bowie Resources by Tamme Bishop, project engineer with J.E. Stover & Associates, Inc., in Grand Junction. It was addressed to Jason

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B4-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

Musick with the DRMS. The letter provides no reason for the request to withdraw the application, or any indication whether Bowie will reapply in the future. Approval of the revision would have allowed Bowie to construct a DAXIOM plant that would convert coal mine waste to synthetic gas, which could then be turned into either diesel fuel or fuel oil, according to a public notice published Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 in the Delta County Independent.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

a rope across Highway 92. Rawson stuck the rope while riding his motorcycle and was killed instantly. Initially, Valdez and Keener left the scene, then claimed Rawson “just crashed,” and that they did not see anything. Finally, a 16-year-old boy accompanying the two men came forward with the truth and the case went to the grand jury. Lengthy indictments were handed down against both Valdez and Keener in April 2014. As the judicial process inched forward, numerous

counts were dropped and the men were allowed to enter into plea agreements. In January 2016, Judge Jeff Herron sentenced Valdez to six years in prison. Because Keener did not have a clear view of the events as they transpired, he was sentenced to two years in prison. Valdez was undergoing physical therapy for a workrelated injury and his attorney requested his sentence be postponed. The judge denied that request. In Montrose District Court SENTENCE MODIFICATION TO A3

Yager to be retried; DA adds first degree murder charges BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In late 2016, the Colorado Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of Nathan Yager, who is serving a prison sentence for the murder of his estranged wife, Melinda, in Paonia in 2011. Yager pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but the insanity plea was taken off the table just prior to closing arguments. The jury deliberated less than two hours before convicting Yager of second degree murder in November 2012. Yager’s attorney successfuly argued on appeal that the trial court erroneously refused to instruct the jury on the defense of insanity. The case has been transferred back to Delta County District Court and Yager is expected to follow soon, although he will remain in custody. The district attor-

ney’s office has filed a motion to amend the complaint adding a charge of first degree murder — after deliberation, a class 1 felony. District attorney Dan Hotsenpiller explains that under Colorado law, a defendant must be held without bail if he is charged with a capital offense (first degree murder) and the “proof is evident or the presumption is great” that the defendant committed the offense charged. Hotsenpiller and the public defender attended a status hearing in front of Judge Steven Schultz last week. Judge Schultz emphasized that, by law, he has just six months to retry the case and the clock is ticking. While a plea could not be entered without Yager’s presence, scheduling concerns were addressed. The judge noted the previous trial took 2 1/2 weeks; the only similar block of time he has

available begins May 16 and runs into early June. Even then, he said he will have to move a couple of trial dates and locate an alternate courtroom because his will be tied up. The trial date will be finalized at a hearing Jan. 31. At the same hearing, the judge will hear from the public defender, who is objecting to the amended complaint. A series of other motions/preliminary hearings was outlined to keep the process moving forward. Yager was originally sentenced to 42 years in prison. According to the Colorado Department of Corrections website, he is housed at the Centennial Correctional Facility. The defense never presented any alternate suspects, instead saying Yager’s actions were the result of “unprovoked passion.”

9-1-1 fee increase proposed

DCED hosts info session

An application has been filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to increase the 9-1-1 surcharge from 70 cents to $1 per month. The increase will affect all users of exchange telephone, wireless, wireline and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telecommunications services within Delta County. If the application is approved by the PUC, the increase will take effect Feb. 21. The requested surcharge increase is necessary to pay for and maintain the county dispatch center, which serves all law enforcement, fire and ambulance services without imposing user fees. A $500,000 upgrade is anticipated this year, with half the cost being funded by a Department of Local Affairs grant. Comments or objections may be filed with the PUC at http://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/real/CCTS_oWEB.comment.form. Comments may also be mailed to the offices of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202.

Delta County Economic Development is hosting an informational meeting Friday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m., with representatives from the Colorado Fresh Food Financing Fund. Individuals who are connected to grocers or fresh food retailers are invited to learn more about the program. DCED is located at 145 W. 4th, Delta. The Colorado Fresh Food Financing Fund (CO4F) is a statewide fund that provides loans and small grants to grocers and other healthy food retailers. CO4F can support existing stores with upgrades/new equipment as well as help to create new stores. The fund was just renewed for an additional two years. More information on the program can be found at https://www.chfainfo. com/co4f.

A2 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

OPINION

LETTERS It’s time to privatize Delta County’s golf courses Dear Editor: Last week, Angie Many of Eckert expressed an interest in a financial analysis of Delta County’s golf courses. I can’t speak with much confidence about the Cedaredge golf course, because I haven’t looked over the figures quite yet. Though when I see headlines like “Golf course needs cash infusion” (DCI, Oct. 26), I believe that it is safe to assume that things are not going as planned. When it comes to Devil’s Thumb in Delta, “not going as planned” would be an understatement. For the last 10 years, this grassy boondoggle has run over $3 million in deficits. For something so green, there is

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

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certainly an alarming amount of red with this golf course. To make up for this huge deficit, the City of Delta transfers approximately $300,000 a year from its utilities funds to help Devil’s Thumb break even. Interestingly enough, almost half of this transfer — $145,000 annually — goes toward debt service. (All of these financial records are open to the public, and I’d be happy to share what I received from the City of Delta. Send me an email at jstooksberry@gmail. com if you’re interested.)

Considering these figures, it’s a safe bet to assume that the grass is greener on the other side. This unsustainable investment — that the City of Delta doesn’t own outright — is draining funds from other public accounts. And, apparently, the loan for the golf course is due to balloon in 2020 — so we have that to look forward to. It’s time to privatize all golf courses in Delta County. Jay Stooksberry Outreach Director Libertarian Party of Delta County

What does ‘opting out’ mean? Dear Editor: At Delta County Memorial Hospital we will be “opting out” of Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act (Proposition 106) but what does that mean? Let us explain what that will mean to our community: DCMH will not provide medical aid-in-dying medications. We feel it will be more appropriate for patients to do this in the privacy of a location of their choice, outside of the hospital. DCMH will assist a patient in transfer to another participating hospital or physician, if

necessary. We will continue to provide all other end of life/palliative care measures and respect a do not resuscitate request and or physician order. As always DCMH will continue to provide support to our patients, their families and our providers when facing a terminal illness. We will continue to offer an environment of professionalism and dignity to all of our patients. If you have further questions you can contact Elaine Sakala, risk management, 874-7681. Elaine Sakala Delta County Memorial Hospital

Delta County Independent

Consider the term ‘great’ Dear Editor: Arguing in abstracts and superlatives is not something that is at all convincing to some of us, as it is all too frequently used to conceal very base, selfish and self-serving motives. Two of those terms encountered are “hero” and “great.” Now, perhaps some like to be called a hero, but those who do are really doing nothing but demanding praise and admiration from others. Real heroes, some of us have found, are quite reticent about being referred to as such, as what they did they considered nothing but their obligation and duty to do at that time, and in that particular situation. We then encounter the term “great”; i.e. “Make

America great again,” a mantra used by one of the candidates in the last election. When some of us encounter that word “great,” we begin to wonder what they mean by “great” and if they actually want to be “great” or merely want to be considered “great.” When looking at what they put forward as evidence of “greatness,” it is abundantly clear that the case is the latter. Some of us have encountered many individuals who have impressed us as “great” individuals, but that had absolutely nothing to do with titles, positions or money, but rather because they did what they needed to do when it needed doing, and on a daily basis. They never

point backwards to what they had done at any time in the past. “Look at me and see what I did” is not their way of thinking. How they think is rather, “What do I need to do, and what needs to be done, today and tomorrow?” History has amply documented that those who are constantly looking backwards to what they have done, and attempting to live from past accomplishments, are actually consuming the present and the future. They are no different than a farmer who, having raised a bumper corn crop one year, does nothing the following year and ends up eating the seed corn. Robert I. Laitres Delta

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta with a $10,000 bond. Harlan D. Watkins, Police Department: 25, homeless, was arrested and jailed for alleged Jan. 3: Betty J. Houseweart, second degree burglary 70, of Hotchkiss was and violation of bail bond issued a ticket for alleged conditions. failed to yield right of Jan. 5: Justin A. Bell, 27, of way after being involved in a two-vehicle crash at Delta was arrested and the intersection of High- jailed on two warrants way 50 and Highway 92. with a total of $11,000 in No injuries were reported bonds. or observed. Both vehi- Jan. 6: Jennifer M. Barnett, cles were driven from the 22, of Delta was arrestscene. ed and jailed for alleged Jan. 4: Joshua D. Horvath, 25, third degree assault. Victor A. Maffetone, of Montrose was issued a ticket for alleged shoplift- 30, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged dising. Kenneth C. Meagher, orderly conduct. 41, of Delta was arrested Jan. 7: Joshua D. Jensen, 34, and jailed on a warrant of Austin was arrested and jailed on a warrant with no bond. Joshua D. Jensen, 34, of Austin was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting. Sarah M. Eller, 37, of Paonia was issued a ticket for alleged failed to yield right of way after being involved in a twovehicle crash in the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 92. No injuries were involved. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Aaron W. Alloway, 21, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged violation of a protection order. Citations: Two tickets for traffic violations were issued this week, none for speeding. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Jan. 4: The theft of a tractor blade was reported from a Cedaredge address. Jan. 5: Kayla Pitt, 28, of Paonia was driving

southbound on Highway 133 near Hotchkiss at about 10 a.m. when she lost control of her Dodge pickup on the icy roads. The pickup slid across the northbound lane and over an embankment. Hotchkiss firefighters helped extricate Pitt and bring her back up to the highway, where she was loaded into a North Fork ambulance for transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was later airlifted to St. Mary’s. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. The theft of a WorkPro power washer, gray in color, was reported from the Senior CommUnity Care center in Eckert. The gas-powered power washer, valued at $600, disappeared sometime between Dec. 22 and Jan. 5. Jan. 6: The lock on a storage unit near Austin was reportedly cut off, then replaced. The unit is rented to a former resident who now lives in New Jersey. It was determined model trains, a telescope and saddles valued at $3,600 were taken from the storage unit. The absentee owner is preparing a descriptive list of missing items. At about 4:30 p.m., real estate agent John Renfrow reported the lock box had been cut from the door of Industrial Systems, Inc., at 5513 Highway 348. The building is vacant and had previously been emptied of its contents. Alpine Bank is the owner of the building. Jan. 8: An SUV slid off the road on Mathews Lane, outside of Paonia, at about 5 p.m. Two occupants were transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident, which is being investigated by the Colorado State Patrol.

Hotchkiss Fire District photo

Kayla Pitt lost control of her Dodge pickup on icy roads outside of Hotchkiss at about 10 a.m. Jan. 5.

KUDOS Thanks from St. Nicholas Dear Editor: The St. Nicholas Project board would like to thank this generous community for their support. Thanks to the open hearts of many, the St. Nicholas Project was able to provide Christmas for over 20 families. This includes gifts for all members of the family, a full turkey dinner, as well as a box full of non-perishable food items. Donations varied between food items, purchased gifts, or even monetary donations. St. Nicholas Project has been serving Delta County and surrounding areas for the last six years. If you are interested in making a donation for next year’s Christmas season, you can send donations to Delta County Federal Credit Union. Thanks again for your amazing generosity.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Atchley to serve as BoCC chair BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

County Commissioner Doug Atchley, District #2, was chosen Tuesday to serve as chairman of the Delta Board of County Commissioners during 2017. District #3 Commissioner Mark Roeber was chosen vice chairman at the new commission’s first meeting. One of the principle items of business each January is for the Board of County Commissioners to reorganize. The commissioners themselves, county staff, and others in community service roles are assigned to serve on various councils, committees and boards. Work responsibilities go far beyond the twice monthly commissioner business meetings held at the county courthouse. In addition to their individual roles, the Board of County Commissioners as a group is responsible for participating with the Delta County Library District Board, Fair Board, and the county housing authority. Commissioners are sometimes the county’s voice in the 7th Judicial District, Club 20 and the Airport Advisory Board. In perhaps the commission’s most important role of all they are responsible ultimately for administration of the county’s $31.5 million budget for 2017. There are nearly 60 positions that have to be filled and/or ratified by the commissioners to maintain the organization’s functioning. The commissioners appoint staff to represent the county in public

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lands and economic development forums, such as county administrator Robbie LeValley serving as BLM cooperating agency representative and with Club 20. Others receiving appointments for the year are county attorney Jin D. Ho Pack; county emergency manager Jeff Wright; and regional emergency medical services representative Kirby Clock. But the commissioners themselves also take on numerous roles from the county level to those with statewide influence. Some of the organizations that benefit from representation by county commissioners include Colorado Counties Inc., at which Roeber will represent Delta County on the all-important legislative affairs committee. Among his other duties this year, Roeber will be the county’s representative on the Gunnison Basin Roundtable, Gunnison Valley Transportation Committee, BLM Resource Advisory Committee for the Southwest Region and the 11-county Gunnison Sage Grouse Steering Committee. A few of the duties taken on by Doug Atchley for the coming year include representing the county on the DominguezEscalante National Conservation Area Advisory Council and the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Advisory Council; the local broadband steering committee; the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium; chair of the county’s Board of Health and Board of Human Services; and as the county’s emergency preparedness commissioner. Commissioner Don Suppes, in addition to representing commissioner District #2, will serve on the Delta County Housing Task Force, Juvenile Diversion Board, Delta County Transit Advisory Committee, Delta County Economic Development and the Delta County Tourism Cabinet.

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Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Delta County Commissioner Mark Roeber of Crawford is shown with his wife, Jody, following his oath of ofﬁce for a second term of ofﬁce representing District #3.

DMTC bid for vacant building falls short BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Commissioner Don Suppes’ wife Beth and twin sons, Christian and Harrison, joined him for a swearing in ceremony conducted by Judge Sandra Miller Tuesday morning.

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�� BoCC support sought �� for Fort Uncompahgre �� lums, and even possible trucks will replace three BY HANK LOHMEYER

expansion with new dis- older trucks. Staff Writer During the BoCC’s plays of native flora. Miller asked for the final meeting of 2016, commissioners received commissioner’s finana report about programs cial support for the fort’s being offered at Fort many programs and Uncompahgre. Chris projects. Commissioner Miller of the Western Doug Atchley said that Colorado Interpretative some GOCO funds that Association, who gave the are available to him for presentation, got a pledge helping with eligible profor some financial help grams in within his com�� from the county to help missioner district. �� In other business at with the fort’s expanding list of projects and attrac- recent meetings, the �� Board of County Comtions. �� approved Miller told commis- missioners �� sioners that the fort con- spending $84,225 on ducts educational tours three patrol F-150s for for more than 1,800 sheriff deputy use. The fourth graders from 70 three units ($28,412 each �� plus $270 each for hitch schools each year. �� Miller also reported receivers) were bid by �� that Fort Uncompahgre Hellman Motor Company. �� is entering its third year Four bids were received three dealerships of a five-year plan and from �� and Hellman’s bid was is moving forward on an �� ambitious and energetic “the lowest by quite a �� list of interpretive proj- bit,” said Undersheriff �� ects, year-round curricu- Mark Taylor. The three ��

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Sentence modification

FROM PAGE A1 — before a different judge and represented by a new attorney, Dan Schaffer — Valdez requested a modification in his sentence �� that would allow him to �� move into a community �� corrections facility on the �� Front Range where he could undergo physical therapy. Again the judge denied his request. Judge Yoder noted the matter was previously considered by Judge Herron, who has since retired from the bench. In addition, Valdez has already gotten the benefit of a reduced sentence by virtue of the plea agreement �� which dismissed most of the 10 charges initially levied against him. He is incarcerated at the Delta Correctional Center and is likely to be released on parole long before six years have passed. �� She also agreed with �� family members, who told the judge they don’t believe Valdez has accept�� ed responsibility for his �� actions. He continues to refer to Rawson’s death �� as an “accident”; both the �� judge and family mem�� bers said it was much �� more than an accident, �� because it was the result �� of reckless conduct and �� was totally preventable. �� In the original sentenc�� ing hearing, Judge Her�� ron called the incident �� “one of the most stupid �� things I have ever seen.” At the hearing last �� week, Valdez asked the �� family for forgiveness, �� but failed to generate any �� empathy when he called �� Rawson’s daughter by �� the wrong name. �� While Valdez can �� petition to the court for �� reconsideration of his �� sentence, district attor�� ney Dan Hotsenpiller

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School superintendent Caryn Gibson reports that a bid on the old City Market building was declined. As detailed in the Dec.

28 edition of the Delta County Independent, the site was eyed for DeltaMontrose Technical College expansion, a business incubator and Delta County Economic Development offices. “The owners of the site came back with a high counteroffer, but it is not feasible for the tech college to purchase the site, remodel and make all the upgrades at this time,” Gibson said. “The technical college is pursuing other sites or can add to the current facility.”

pointed out Trever’s family doesn’t have that right. They can’t seek out a new attorney, come before a new judge and ask for a longer sentence, although that’s exactly what they’d like to do. They have steadfastly objected to the plea agreement and to hear that Valdez is already close to parole eligibility is “brutal to hear for these people,” Hotsenpiller said. “The sentence was appropriate and the evidence does not justify modification,” he told the judge, who agreed with his assessment. Hotsenpiller said Colorado Department of Corrections records indicate Valdez will be eligible for parole in May 2018.

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A4 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

IOOF officers installed District 28 Oddfellows and Rebekahs held a public installation of officers Jan. 28 in Delta. Past district deputy grand master Glen Conger and district deputy president Joyce Conger officiated. Marshals were Terry Dalpiz, Delta Oddfellows #116, and Carol Mendenhall, Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106. Musician was Myrna Bertram, Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106, and district chaplain was Bob Malard, Uncompahgre Oddfellows #65. Thirty-four members and one guest were present. Awards were given for perfect attendance

to Myrna Bertram, Carolynn Andersen, Grace Farmer and Bonnie Pope, Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106, and to Margaret Hogan, Margaret Blair and Pat Monger of Olathe Rebekah Lodge #99. Outgoing noble grand Bonnie Pope of Elberta #106 received a gift certificate to Rocky Mountain Pantry in Delta and outgoing noble grand Toni Conger of Katherine Rebekah Lodge #65 received from her father, Glen Conger, the past noble grand jewel he received when he was 18 years old. Health concerns were expressed for Evon and

Sonny Carpenter, Ruth Dawson, Gale Conger and Dolly Wilson. The next district meeting will be April 23 in Delta with the Montrose lodges as host. A big thanks to all who braved the bad weather to come for the installation. The wish was expressed for a good year of fellowship for each lodge in District #28. The meeting was adjourned and refreshments were enjoyed by all.

Community dance set for Jan. 21 Route 66 will provide music for the community evening dance Saturday, Jan. 21, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The dance takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a friend and a snack to share. Coffee and lemonade will be provided. The cost is $5 at the door. For more information, call 874-0923.

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Photo submitted

Gifts for the kitties

In December, Daisy Troop 15056 from Hotchkiss visited the Surface Creek Animal Shelter with handmade gifts for the dogs and cats. The kindergarten and ﬁrst grade troop members also brought dog biscuits, cat and dog food and made a small donation for shelter operations. To earn their pet care patch, the Daisies toured the shelter, held the kittens and learned how animals get adopted out.

Blood draw, health fair registration is now open SPECIAL TO THE DCI

Delta County residents can mark their 2017 calendars for early blood draws and health fairs in Paonia, Cedaredge and Delta, according to Patti Kalahar, manager of education/marketing for Delta County Memorial Hospital. Lions Club members in Delta, Cedaredge and Paonia and DCMH volunteers will be partnering in the annual community health fair events again this year. Online registration opens Jan. 9 for both the early blood draws and health fairs. Visit the hospital website at delta hospital.org for details. Just click on the health fair heart artwork on the home page to be immediately connected to an online registration process that is very user friendly. Residents may select a location in Paonia, Cedaredge or Delta and a date for early blood draw events during early February or health fairs scheduled

for mid-March. Appointments can also be made by telephone. Call-in appointments will take place two days only, Jan. 19 and 20, on a dedicated toll free number, 888-592-6255 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily. Early blood draws will take place in Paonia Feb. 8, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Delta-Montrose Technical College campus; in Cedaredge Feb. 9, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Civic Center; and in Delta Feb. 10 and 11, 6:30 to 10 a.m., at the

Early blood draw - 2016

BIRTHS Beatriz and Manuel Govea of Hotchkiss are the parents of a daughter, Katheryne Govea, born Dec. 5, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 10.4 ounces and was 20 inches in length.

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Chantel Denham and Derek Munyon of Delta are the parents of a son, Eli Noah Denham, born Dec. 10, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20.25 inches in length. Bobbiann and Nick Mccary of Cedaredge are the parents of a son, Bricyn Allen Mccary, born Dec. 13, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19.75 inches in length.

Penn Hines, born Dec. 16, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 5.6 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Shelby Oard and Jordan Jones of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Paisley Rose Jones, born Dec. 15, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 4 pounds, 1.4 ounces and was 18.25 inches in length.

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Michael and Jen Peretti of Paonia are the parents of a daughter, Maci Lou Peretti, born Dec. 30, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 2.8 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Porter of Delta are the parents of a son, Phoenix Porter, born Dec. 27, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

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Justin and Ravin Raley of Eckert are the parents �� of a son, Hunnter Raley, �� born Dec. 27, 2016, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 Sponsored by: pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Colby and Tegan Hines of Delta are the parents of a son, Dylan

DCMH Oncology Building. The health fairs are scheduled March 15, 16 and 17 — in Paonia March 15, 6:30 to 10 a.m. at the DMTC campus; in Delta March 16, 6:30 to 11 a.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center; and in Cedaredge March 17, 6:30 to 10 a.m. at the Civic Center. Appointments are recommended for the health fairs to diminish long wait lines for blood work. In addition to blood draws, the March health fairs will offer free blood pressure screenings. The March 16 health fair at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta will include exhibitors with health-related products and services. “For the second year, Quest Diagnostics will be providing the health screen results in a booklet format to help health fair participants easily understand the meaning of each of the health screen results. We are expecting the mailings from Quest to go much smoother in 2017, as some of the initial issues experienced last year have now been worked out,“ commented Kalahar. Delta County Memorial Hospital only accepts cash or checks for the blood work at the health fair events. No credit cards are accepted and there is no way for DCMH to bill various insurance companies. Fasting for 12 hours is required for all health screens requiring blood draws. Drink plenty of water, one cup of coffee is permitted, and take medications as usual.

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SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Vision Charter Academy has a lot to celebrate Last spring Vision Charter Academy knew that it needed more space. A growing number of local families are choosing the individualized experience provided through Vision Charter Academy. Thus the “modular project” began and has recently culminated in four new classrooms on the Vision Charter Academy Delta campus. By adding the class-

rooms, there is not only more room for the learners in the class-based path, but meeting space for the parent-guided learners, their families and their highly qualified coordinators in the main building is once again available. Additionally, exploration classes for parent-guided learners will have the room to be the robust project-based experience on campus it

was designed to be. The campuses of Vision Charter Academy in all three locations — Surface Creek, Delta and the North Fork — are learning centers for all three paths (parent-guided, class-based, and blended) offered by Vision Charter Academy. A communitywide event for many areas of celebration is Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. at the

VCA Delta campus. The ceremony will include a ribbon cutting for the new classrooms, a dedication of the new flag pole, acknowledgement of the Food for Thought storage facility, membership in the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce and the presentation of the $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant check. Similar events are planned for all campuses as VCA joins Cedaredge, Paonia and Hotchkiss chambers of commerce and celebrates the grant with the big check. This celebration is to acknowledge the amazing

community support for Vision Charter Academy in its growth and development and to thank everyone who voted for Food for

Thought. Please plan on attending. Learners will be giving tours, answering questions and there will be refreshments.

Photo submitted

Student council members organize Food for Thought boxes.

Photo submitted

Terriﬁc Kids

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Jan. 10. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics. Students receive a certiﬁcate, a token for their ROAR necklace, and a prize from the prize box, sponsored by the Kiwanis. The following students were recognized for outstanding characteristics: (front row, left to right) Joshua Garcia (responsibility), Alex Ortega (kindness), Maylene Parra (respect), Kaden White (respect), Aaliyah Salas (kindness); (second row) Adrian Russell (diligence), Jaidyn Nelson (responsibility/respect), Kenadee Mabry (leadership), Tristan Justus (generosity), Aubri Davis (kindness/respect).

Photo submitted

Third-fourth graders (in back) Logan Kevan, Eliana Fancher, Aliyah Corbridge, Sasha Stephens, Jesse Ware; (front) Drake Hanson, Madison Fine, Mark Downey, Corey Dunlap, Ricky Davis and teacher Jackie Johnson are thrilled to be moving into a bigger classroom.

Future educators can apply for scholarship

Garnet Mesa’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terrific Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and first grade students (front row, left to right) Zen Vigil, Olivia King, Chloe Surber; (back row) Isabella Barry, Ben Morfitt, Hailey Kelly, Vanessa Campos. Below are second and third graders Nevaeh Lujan, Erma Bloom, Rylee Griswold, Theodore Ling, Matthew Brewer, Destiny Martin, Kloey Ingram and Pacey Smith.

Delta Kappa Gamma’s Chi Chapter is offering a scholarship of $500 to $1,000 to be awarded to a senior girl from Delta or Montrose county who intends to enter the field of education. Applications may be obtained at the counseling offices of area high schools. Completed applications must be submitted to the counseling offices by Feb. 17. Call 249-8958 for more information.

PEOPLE

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IN THE NEWS

Scholarships available for western Colorado students The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is accepting applications for a wide variety of scholarships available to students residing in western Colorado. A total of 32 different scholarship funds managed by WCCF are available to students through one online application at www.wc-cf.org. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000+ and many are renewable for up to

four years. Criteria varies from financial need, to GPA scores, to chosen field of study and covers both four year degree programs and vocational institutions. Deadline for applying is March 1, 2017. For more information contact Cecile Aday at 970-243-3767. In 2016, WCCF committed $722,125 in scholarship awards, paid out over the next four years, to help 95 students from

Western Slope counties attend college and pursue their dreams. The Western Colorado Community Foundation serves seven counties in western Colorado, managing charitable funds for community good. Currently, the Community Foundation manages 230 charitable funds totaling nearly $60 million in assets and awards over $2 million in grants and scholarships annually.

Paula Strickland of Delta has been named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for the fall 2016 term. Full-time students who achieve a grade point average of 3.600 or higher at the end of any Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean’s List at the college. Elmira College is a private, coeducational, Phi Beta Kappa college founded in 1855, located in Elmira, N.Y. The college has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,200 full-time mostly residential students and is the guardian of Quarry Farms where Mark Twain summered for decades and where he wrote many of his most iconic novels.

SHOP LOCALLY

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Shelbi Ledesma

Delta High School

Students of the Month Shelbi Ledesma

Age: 18 Parents: Todd and Chris Ledesma

Favorite subject: Math Favorite teacher: Mr. Ames Most influential person in your life: My mom, Chris. She’s always supported me in both my academic and athletic life. After graduation I plan to attend college and obtain a degree. Favorite saying: “Either you run the day or the day runs you.”

~Jim Rohn Favorite musician/song: I like all music aside from jazz and opera. Favorite TV show: Vampire Diaries Activities: I am involved in volleyball, soccer, National Honor Society, Key Club, Leo Club, ASTRA, Health Occupational Students of America, Spirit Club and Future Business Leaders of America. In my spare time I like to bake, watch Netflix, play volleyball and hike.

Congratulations to Derek Kendrick Elks/DCI Student of the Month for November

youneed needhealth health insurance insurance for DoDoyou for2017? 2017?

A6 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Joe Martinez

Joe Nemecio Martinez died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Larchwood Inn in Grand Junction. He was 100. Rosary and a funeral service took place Jan. 10 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Delta. Interment followed at Mesa View Cemetery. Mr. Martinez was born in Parkview, N.M., July 10, 1916, to Elemin and Carmelita Martinez. He spent his childhood and attended school in Parkview and Los Brazos, N.M.

OBITUARIES

On July 3, he married Frances Ruybal in Alamosa. They were married 64 years before her death in 2001. Mr. Martinez was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed riding horses, fishing, cutting firewood, working around his house and yard, and spending time with his family. He is survived by six sons, Tony, Art, Will, Steve, Martin and Anthony Martinez; four daughters, Elva Crespin, Geraldine Gallegos, Elizabeth Dahl and Carmen Abeyta; a sister, Mary Martinez; 37 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons, two sisters and a brother. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online

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Interment will follow at the Kremmling Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hotchkiss Senior Center. Carlson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Byron Benson

Byron Benson died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2017. He was 86. He was born in Austin to Clarence and Urgal (Ament) Benson on July 25, 1930. He graduated from Cedaredge High School and enlisted in the military. He served two years in the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home, he began farming and ranching in Delta. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Ellen Broadwell of New Bern, N.C., and Cheryl Benson of Delta; and one sisterin-law, Edna Benson of Grand Junction. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Avon Benson and Clarence “Mike” Benson; and one sister, Eunice. Viewing will be held Jan. 11, between 4 and 7 p.m. Memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose. Interment will follow at Delta City Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Ruth Doll

Ruth Aileen Doll died Jan. 10, 2017, at Horizons Care Center. She was 87. Survivors include her son, John Doll of Delta. Services are pending with Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Delta County Independent

Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Eleanore Forster

Eleanor T. Forster of Whitewater, Kan., died Jan. 7, 2017. She was 94. She was born in Seward, Neb., July 11, 1922, to Stanley and Anna Marie (Komanda) Horacek. She graduated from high school in Gypsum. She married Walter Forster in 1945. They lived on the Sheephorn in Eagle County and later retired to Kremmling, then to Hotchkiss. Mrs. Forster was active as a Democratic committee woman and with the Hotchkiss Senior Center, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She is survived by her son, Bruce Forster of Hotchkiss; daughter, Michelle “Shelly” (Barry) Black of El Dorado, Kan.; grandchildren, Charlene (Cory) Miller and Alan (Sandy) Black; greatgrandchildren, Cally and Cami Miller and Tayle and Taevyn Black; and extended grandchildren, Mende, Rich, Steve and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Stanley; and sisters, Anne Marie, Irene and Marcella. A short memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home in El Dorado, Kan. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kremmling.

Melvin Schroeder

Chuck Hardon

Charles R. “Chuck” Hardon died Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 85. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Cedaredge Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by Grand Mesa VFW Post #9771. Mr. Hardon was born in Kearney, Neb., Sept. 13, 1931, to John and Mary Hardon. He joined the Navy in 1950 and served primarily in Korea until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and served as commander of the Grand Mesa VFW Post #9771 in Cedaredge for two years. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anna Hardon; his sons, Gregory (Micheline) of Grand Junction, John (Stephani) of Brighton and James of Kaysville, Utah; his daughter, Laura of Nutley, N.J.; six grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2754 Compass Drive #101, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Melvin “Roy” Schroeder died Dec. 26, 2016, at his home. He was 79. He was born July 21, 1937, in Green Ridge, Mo., to Herman and Mary Schroeder. He moved to Denver as a small child and then to Hotchkiss, where he attended school. On Sept. 29, 1962, he married Myrneta Neil. They had four children: Emma (James) Holiman, Loretta (Alan) Downey, Melvin Schroeder and Larry Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder was a coal miner, propane truck driver, ditch rider for Orchard City Irrigation District and water commissioner for the State of Colorado. He was also a tremendous fruit tree picker and pruner. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing with family, camping, four-wheeling and gardening. He also enjoyed being a grandfather to 13 grandchildren and great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Loretta Downey; one sister, Carolyn Cunningham; and two brothers, Ron Schroeder and Charles Schroeder. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

LOCAL NEWS

Make 2017 your year to quit ��

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If you’re one of the nearly seven in 10 U.S. smokers who want to quit, why not make a New Year’s resolution to get started in 2017? Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, and quitting now can cut your risk and leave you feeling stronger and healthier. Beatrice, a former cigarette smoker living in New York, made the decision to quit in 2010. She had smoked regularly since the age of 13 and finally quit for good after 25 years of smoking. Beatrice’s greatest motivator was her son, who wrote her a letter at age 11 asking her to quit. “When I was going through the process of quitting, that letter was very motivating for me,” she says. She encourages anyone who wants to quit smoking to do it — and to get help. Beatrice found additional support online from friends who encouraged her to stay smoke-free, as well as from her family. “You’re going to need support, because it’s not always easy,” she says, “but the main thing is, you really have to want to quit.” In the video titled, “I told everyone I stopped smoking,” from CDC’s Tips from Former Smokers™ campaign, Beatrice describes some of the quitting techniques that helped her recognize and avoid her smoking triggers. Although it was hard to do, by making a plan and sticking to it, she beat her addiction to cigarettes and stopped smoking for good. Develop a Quit Plan Beatrice quit smoking in 2010. Like Beatrice, most smokers who want to quit try several times before they succeed, but you can take steps that can improve your chances. Planning ahead is a major part of successfully

quitting smoking. Smokefree.gov offers details on how to create an effective quit plan, including: •Pick a quit date. Starting the new year smokefree is a great idea. • Let loved ones know you’re quitting so they can support you. • List your reasons to quit smoking. • Figure out what triggers make you want to smoke so you can avoid them, especially during the early days. • Have places you can turn to for help right away, including the free resources listed below. Use Free, Effective Resources There are many free resources for people trying to quit smoking: • 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855335-3569) (for Spanish speakers) or coquitline. org. This free service offers a lot of resources, including coaching, help with making a quit plan, educational materials and referrals to other resources where you live. • Smokefree TXT found on smokefree.gov website is a free 24/7 texting program sends encouragement, advice and tips to help smokers quit smoking for good. To get started, just text QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving messages. • Smokefree App. from smokefree.gov is a free app that tracks cravings, moods, slips and smokefree progress to help you understand your smoking patterns and build the skills needed to become and stay smokefree. • Delta County Memorial Hospital offers a community tobacco cessation program. Classes are held on Thursday evenings. Call the cardiac and pulmonary rehab at 970-874-2412.

Find a Medication That’s Right for You Talk to your health care provider about medicines that may help you quit smoking. Because cigarettes contain nicotine, a powerfully addictive drug, when you first quit, your body may feel uncomfortable until it adjusts. This is known as withdrawal, and there are medications that can help lessen this feeling and the urge to smoke. Studies show that smokers who use medicine to help control cravings, along with coaching from a quitline, in a group, or from a counselor, are much more likely to succeed than those who go it alone. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider before using any medications if you: • Are pregnant or nursing • Have a serious medical condition • Are currently using other medications • Are younger than 18 Many options are available if you are considering using medications to help you quit smoking. The most common

smoking medications are nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), which give your body a little of the nicotine that it craves without the harmful chemicals found in burning cigarettes. Examples of Food and Drug Administration-approved NRTs that you can buy over the counter include: • Nicotine patches • Nicotine gum • Nicotine lozenges NRTs that need a prescription include nicotine inhalers and nasal spray. Your doctor can also prescribe medication that does not contain nicotine (such as bupropion or varenicline) to help you quit smoking completely. Although quitting was difficult for Beatrice, and she had made several attempts, today she has more energy than when she smoked. You too can begin a healthier life in 2017 by making a quit plan, using free resources, and finding a smoking medication that’s right for you. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, you can use this article to help a friend or family member become smokefree in 2017!

Count it a win

Photo submitted

Vision Charter Academy learner Brandon Miller won the seventh-eighth Math Counts competition and will advance to regionals in February in Grand Junction. Pictured (left to right) are Brandon Miller, ﬁrst place; Casey Egging, second place; and Simon Cox, third place.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

�� 2017 hunter ed classes listed ��

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Mark your calendar for the hunter education classes scheduled at the Delta-Montrose Technical College for 2017. Persons interested in signing up for any of these classes need to go online at www.cpw.state. co.us. Navigate to: About Us; Education; Hunter Education. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must have successfully completed an approved hunter education course sanctioned by a state or province before applying for or purchasing a hunting license. Unless an emergency occurs, it is required that a student attend all of the class time.

An absence may require that the hunter education class be repeated. If a student chooses to take the internet classes instead of the full classroom sessions, make sure to sign up with an instructor. To receive a hunter education card you would have to attend an internet conclusion course. An online course certificate of completion is required to participate in the internet conclusion course. Space is limited as we take a maximum of 30 students per class. 2017 Dates Monday, Jan. 30 Thursday, Feb. 2, 5:30 to 9 p.m. (approximately 14

hours). Monday, March 6 Thursday, March 9, 5:30 to 9 p.m. (approximately 14 hours). Saturday, April 1 — Internet conclusion course, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximately seven hours). Wednesday, June 14 Friday, June 16, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (approximately 14 hours). Thursday, July 13 Friday, July 14, 5:30 to 9 p.m. — Internet conclusion course (approximately seven hours). Thursday, Aug. 17 - Friday, Aug. 18, 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Satur-

day, Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximately 14 hours). Wednesday, Aug. 30 Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30 to 9 p.m. — Internet conclusion course (approximately seven hours). Approximately the last two to three hours of every scheduled class would be for review. The final test is shooting a .22 cal. rimfire to determine gun handling skills. The shooting exercise will take place at the Delta-Montrose Technical College shooting range. If the range is not available, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife shooting trailer will be utilized.

Explore Black Canyon on snowshoes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has opportunities to get outdoors. Snowshoe walks are offered Wednesdays (1 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m.) and Sundays (1 p.m.) from Jan. 11 through March 4. Meet at South Rim Visitor Center. No special skill is needed to participate in these 1.5 mile walks. Allow two hours for the program. Snowshoes are

Potato bar to benefit ambulance district The Eckert Presbyterian Women are hosting a potato bar fundraiser Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. All donations will go to the Delta County Ambulance District. No need to plan or cook the evening meal — just stop by the church at 13025 Highway 65 in Eckert on Jan. 18.

Smart Driver program offered Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; call Carol Layman at 399-3113 to register.

NACP annual meeting scheduled The annual meeting of Native American Cultural Programs will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Delta Library, 211 West 6th Street. Current and past members, as well as anyone interested in furthering the Native American culture, are invited.

available to use, free of charge. Reservations are required by calling 2491914, ext. 423. Full moon snowshoe walks: Thursday, Jan. 12, and Friday, Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m. Meet at South Rim Visitor Center. Experience a moonlit winter night on snowshoes. No special skill needed to participate in this walk. Allow 90 minutes for the program and be prepared for cold weather. Snowshoes are available to use free of charge. Hot drinks will be available after the program. Reservations are required by calling 249-1914, ext. 423. Winter night skies: Feb. 25 and March 25, 7 p.m. Meet at the South Rim Visitor Center. Join Sky Rangers and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society to learn more about what is happening in the night sky. The evening starts with

a special program followed by night sky viewing. If the weather looks bad, call 249-1914, ext. 423. Be prepared for cold

Archaeologist traces Diego Rivera’s travels On Wednesday, Jan. 18, local archaeologist and author Steven Baker will trace the 1765 Spanish exploring expedition of Diego Rivera through southwest Colorado in an illustrated talk on the route of this historic visit across Montrose and Delta County. Drawing from the translated journals of the expedition, he will present the highlights of the trip and Rivera’s observations on the archaeology of the area, as well as research into the location of Roubidoux’s 1828 trading post on the Gunnison River

Stepping On class helps reduce falls Delta County Memorial Hospital will offer a Stepping On class beginning Jan. 18. Stepping On is an evidence-based seven-week workshop that helps seniors reduce falls and build confidence. The class will be held in an oncology classroom on the Delta County Memorial Hospital campus.

Babysitter training course set for February The City of Delta Parks and Recreation Department will offer an American Red Cross babysitter training course Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class will be repeated April 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course is designed for participants ages 1016. The fee is $85, which includes both babysitter training and pediatric CPR/AED/first aid. Registration deadline is three days prior to the start of the class. Contact John Volk at 874-0923 or john@cityofdelta.net for more information.

weather. The South Rim Visitor Center winter hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

Each week participants meet for two hours in workshops led by a registered nurse and physical therapist. Guest experts provide information on exercise, vision, safety and medication. In addition participants learn exercises to help them improve balance and strength. Stepping On class is designed specifically for people who are: 1) At risk of falling, or have a fear of falling, or who have fallen one or more times. 2) Live in their home or independent apartment. 3) Are able to walk without the help of another person. 4) Do not use a walker, scooter or wheelchair most of the time indoors. 5) Are cognitively intact. 6) Understand the language being used by the Stepping On leader. For questions about whether this Stepping on workshop is right for you, or an older adult you are concerned about, please call Lisa Waddington, RN, trauma nurse coordinator, emergency department at Delta County Memorial Hospital at 874-2425.

near present day Delta. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Baldridge Hall, 19 S. Park Street, Montrose. The public is invited; new members are always welcome. There is no charge, but donations are accepted.

Learn CPR and first aid Bill Heddles Recreation Center is hosting an American Red Cross community CPR/AED and first aid class Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class will be repeated Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must register and pay the $85 fee three days prior to the start of the class. For more information, contact John Volk at 8740923 or john@cityofdelta. net.

Square dance classes start Feb. 1 The Delta Hubwheelers square dance club has scheduled square dance lessons starting Feb. 1 and ending April 6 in Delta. This is a great opportunity for those interested to join the growing square dancing fun locally. Classes will be held Wednesday and Thursday evenings, weekly, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Garnet Mesa Elementary School, 600 A Street, Delta. Tuition is $5 per person, per session. Those who have previously learned square dancing are welcome — bring a new recruit to join the fun! For more information, call 970-835-8666 or 8564187.

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A8 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Building renovation progresses BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Stepping�

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The day before snow started falling in Delta, crews finished the exterior repairs of Davis Clothing, on the southwest corner of 4th and Main. The building suffered extensive damage Thanksgiving Day, when a Grand Junction woman, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed her RV through the side of the building. The popular mural depicting Delta County fruit labels was also damaged. Project manager Ron Murphy, with the help of Karl Schwinn of KS Construction and other volunteers, has handled the structural repairs while business owner Brad Davis carries on day-today operations. “All the structural work is done and we’re at a point now where we have to do the finishes on the inside,” Murphy said last week. “There’s quite a lot of work still to do, detailed work to match the old and new construction, but it’s going quite well. Our goal was to get the outside done before we got bad weather and fortunately the good Lord was taking care of us.” The interior wall toward the rear of the store was lined with shelves that reached to the ceiling. An antique rolling ladder provided access to the shelves, which stretched from floor to ceiling from the front of the store to the rear. The rear portion of those shelves was smashed when the RV punctured the wall. The RV created an opening in the wall that roughly follows the lines of an old archway that was used to bring horses in and out of the livery stable that

originally occupied the building. From a header along the top of the archway to the ceiling, the brick will be repaired. From the header to the floor, the wall will be sheetrocked. Murphy and Davis are discussing replacement shelving that could include cabinets and countertop work space. The exterior brick work was handled by John Whitney of Keystone Design Masonry. A former resident of the Front Range, Whitney has extensive experience in masonry repair and restoration, including work on Denver’s historic Union Station. The biggest hurdle, he said, was locating matching brick. The building was constructed in 1884, prior to the production of Delta Brick, but Delta Brick was available when the arch was filled in. “What was in there was fired and smooth on the outside and didn’t match the original brick,” Murphy said. After searching countywide, they found a very good match at the Hotchkiss Barn, which was damaged in a wind storm several years ago. The brick was made during roughly the same period of time as the bricks for the livery stable. After cleaning and

sorting through the varying sizes of brick donated by the Hotchkiss family, Whitney then took the time to tool the mortar joints so they’d look the same as the original. Some additional demolition was also required, which Whitney described as a “really delicate process.” “You have to know how much to take and when to stop,” he said, “but I’ve done this so many times I know the behavior ... the character of this type of wall.” The porous sand bricks were covered with several coats of primer to protect them against the elements. What appears to be a white splotch of paint is simply “gorgeous” to the men who appreciate the effort it took to match the bricks and joints. The wall is ready for mural repairs in the spring. Cedaredge artist Connie Williams, the creator of the popular mural, has agreed to make those repairs. She still has access to the original paints and to the templates of the labels. Everyone involved in the project expressed appreciation for Dan Reardon, City of Delta building inspector. Murphy said Reardon helped expedite the permit-

ting process so the work could get done before bad weather arrived. Fundraising efforts for the restoration project continue. Davis was not insured and it’s not likely the RV driver was, either, since her license had been revoked. Davis said he has not been able to obtain building insurance because of the antiquated electrical wiring. If any funds are left after restoration, they’ll be used to upgrade the wiring. For more information, call Brad Davis at 8744370. To make a donation, stop by First Colorado National Bank.

During the renovation of Davis Clothing, care was taken to match the texture and pattern of the bricks used in the original construction.

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

Shop Your Local Merchants!

Photo by Pat Sunderland

First Colorado National Bank matched the ﬁrst $500 donated to the Davis Clothing historical renovation fund. Presenting the check last week were bank representatives Natira Orr, teller; Deanna Olsen, assistant branch manager; and Al Formicola, personal banker. Also pictured (from left) are Brad Davis, John Whitney, Karl Schwinn and Ron Murphy. The interior repairs (in progress) can be seen in the background.

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AmeriGas ignites Telluride’s Fire Festival

The third annual freeto-the-public Telluride Fire Festival ignites Jan. 19 with a reception featuring Burning Man photographer Scott London, free fire performances at Mountain Lodge and then three nights of free fire art installations and fire dancing in Telluride starting Jan. 20. Delta’s AmeriGas is donating all the propane to be able to fire up all the fire installations. “We wouldn’t be able to afford to offer the free tothe-public family friendly event without their support,” stated Chris Myers, board president of the nonprofit festival. Houston fire artists Sparky Anderson and Kenny Browning will showcase their impressive 24-foot tall fire tornado — Dorothy — in Mountain Village along with three other fire installations. Sparky Anderson is a volunteer firefighter, flames operator and event safety coordinator for fire events across the country. Award-winning artist Kenny Browning is also a master gas fitter, licensed flame effects operator and welder. His two art cars, The Roachster and The Iron Maiden, have won many awards. The festival also offers a variety of fire-related art workshops prior to and during the festival weekend: welding, glassblowing, fire spinning and aerial silks. Students can apply for a scholarship to

any of these workshops by emailing erin@telluride firefestival.org. The Fire Ball will be a night like no other. Aerial silk performers, fire spinners, LoveTribe and other live entertainment will entertain guests. Scrumptious food will be available for purchase and a cash bar. Costumes will be de rigueur for this carnival-like soirée. Three fire sculptures are planned. Two are interactive and one involves audience participation to

create the flames. The finale for the outdoor fire art experience will be the burning of the 40foot tall wood sculpture, al la Burning Man style. Tickets can be purchased online at telluridefire festival.org/fire-ball for $35 or at the door for $45. For more information about workshop instructors, fire dancers, musical entertainment and sculptural fire artists visit http://telluridefire festival.org/artists/.

Swain qualifies for recertification Chalmer Swain, owner of Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory, recently qualified for recertification of the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Swain is a lifetime member of the academy. A number of professions grant special recognition to members upon completion of specified academic and professional programs; CFSP is the funeral service’s national recognition. The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, since its 1976 founding, has had as its goals to recognize practitioners who have voluntarily entered into a program of personal and pro-

fessional growth; to raise and improve the standards of funeral service; and to encourage practitioners to make continuing education a life-long process in their own selfinterest, in the interest of the families they serve, and the community in which they serve. To initially receive this award, the practitioner must complete a 180-hour program of continuing education activities and events. The practitioner is required to accumulate 20 hours per year to recertify. Credits are awarded by the academy for work leading to personal and/ or professional growth in four areas — academic activities, professional activities, career review, and community and civic activities.

NORTH FORK January 11, 2017

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Hotchkiss to update master plan in 2017 BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Town of Hotchkiss is preparing for a periodic review of its community master plan in 2017 and is hoping for public input and participation. The Hotchkiss Community Master Plan, in part, provides a statement of community goals and objectives and an assessment of the town’s needs, said Tom Wills, a trustee and lead planner on the Hotchkiss Planning Commission. The plan addresses recreation, land use, public facilities and transportation, economic development and the downtown core, senior citizens, and tourism, as well as small town atmosphere, and community spirit. The plan was written in 2006 following a series of planning meetings starting in 2003. It was updated in 2012 by the town planning commission and staff. Two addendums, the 20152020 Community Downtown Core and Highway Corridors Improvement Plan, Sidewalk and Trails Plan and subsequent Sidewalk Ordinance also came out of the last revision process, said Wills. The master plan contains a lot of data that has to be updated on occasion, said Wills, who briefly described the process. The first step is to update “non public-input items,” including updates on projects completed and steps taken since the last review process to meet the plan’s goals and objectives. A good example, said Wills, is last year’s sanitation line upgrade

project. The next step is to reach out to the community for input. The town plans to complete and mail out a survey to all town utility and trash billing addresses within the next two months, said Wills. The hardest part about the whole process, said Wills, who has been involved locally in planning for almost 30 years, is getting input and participation from the public. In updating the plan, “It’s not supposed to be our opinion, it’s supposed to be everybody’s opinion.” In September the town put out a call for suggestions for questions to be included in the survey. Some input, including from the Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce and Hotchkiss Fire District, has been submitted, but not much has been received from citizens, said Wills. Throughout the year there will be ample opportunity for the public to comment, said Wills. Notice of all meetings will be posted in advance. The town also plans to simultaneously update its mobile home park regulations. Wills asks people to get creative in their comments and questions. “What would you ask about the future of the town if you had the chance?” Delta County is also undergoing a review of its master plan in 2017. “That the county is going through the process will be very useful to the town,” said Wills. It will allow the town to understand what the county wants for the community and for the community to attend county master plan meetings.

Photo by Tamie Meck

An icon of the North Fork Valley, the Midwest style barn with matching cupolas and weather vanes at Midway stands out against a backdrop of white following last week’s snowstorm. The barn was built in 1928 and is owned by Mark and Debbie Shaffer. After purchasing it in 2003 they restored and painted it and are using it for its original intentions of storing hay in the loft and sheltering farm animals. “The original construction was excellent,” said Mark Shaffer.

Crawford recall ballots to be mailed the week of Jan. 17 BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Ballots for the Feb. 7 election to recall Crawford Mayor Wanda Gofforth will arrive in mail boxes as early as Jan. 18. Delta County chief deputy clerk Rene Loy Maas said the county expects to mail out ballots the week of Jan 17. Voters have one choice for a replacement, Gill Saunders, and can choose to vote or not vote for Saunders regardless

of how they voted on the recall question, said Loy. Should voters pass the recall, Saunders will become the new mayor. Ballots are due no later than 7 p.m. on election day. A ballot drop-off box will be at Crawford Town Hall beginning Jan. 18. A drop-off box is also available at the Delta County North Fork Annex, 196 W. Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss, which is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to

4:30 p.m., and closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Ballots can also be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. The annex and Crawford Town Hall will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Crawford residents not registered to vote have until the day of the election to register in order to vote in the election. Registrants must have been a resident of the state for no less than 22 days.

Paonia welcomes high-speed connections Elevate Fiber service viewed as economic boost to Delta County BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When Mike and Gretchen King moved to Paonia to start Revolution Brewing, they brought with them an unconventional business model based not so much on profit as on progressive ideas that support the community. It’s worked well, said Mike King. The Rev will celebrate its ninth anniversary this May. When they moved to Paonia, Gretchen telecommuted to her job with University of Alaska creating on-line publications. The job required transfer of large files through the internet, which could take half a day or longer to upload and send, said Mike King. She eventually gave up the job. Last October, the Rev became the first customer in the North Fork Valley to receive high-speed fiber-optic internet service from Elevate Fiber, a wholly-owned, forprofit subsidiary of DeltaMontrose Electric Association. DMEA is in the process of offering its more than 28,000 co-op customers in Delta, Montrose and Gunnison counties up to 1 gigabit of internet service. In the six months since it launched, more than 4,000 have pre-registered for the service.

DMEA recognized the Rev’s role in the community and invited them to be Elevate’s first customers in the North Fork area, said King. On Oct. 14 the service was connected and the Rev threw a party, tapping into a keg of Elevate Ale, a seasonal brew using fresh local hops and served in custom Elevate glasses. They offered online demonstrations and door prizes. For every pint sold, 50 cents went to the North Fork Youth Project. “I think broadband stands out as one of the greatest economy generators in the valley,” said King. “It makes moving here feasible for a lot of people.” King said the service increased the speed of the Rev’s point of sale system and improves efficiency. It’s also good for public relations. If they order a pint, “They get a password.” Broadband is viewed by many as an economic stimulator. It makes streaming of videos a breeze and can benefit schools, hospitals, libraries, businesses and other entities that require the sending and receiving of large amounts of information. It can also enhance public safety and support advancing agricultural technologies. The project also means jobs in a time when coal mining, once a major provider of highpaying jobs in the North Fork Valley, is in decline. Elevate contracted with Hotchkiss-based Lightworks Fiber & Consulting to install fiber-to-the-premise hookups.

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Paonia High School alumni Cody Clawson, Rhett Chesnik and Myles Cumpston connect a home in Paonia to Elevate Fiber broadband internet service for Hotchkiss-based Lightworks.

Lightworks co-owner Teresa Neal said that in 2016, Lightworks went from 18 to more than 60 employers, between 80-90 percent of whom are former mine employees. Build-out of Phase I expected to take five to six years, which means steady employment and allows former mine employees to remain in the area, said Neal. Cody Clawson, Myles Cumpston and Rhett Chesnik graduated from Paonia High School in 2012 and are employed by Lightworks. Clawson and Cumpston are former miners. People are happy to see them coming, said Clawson. “Everyone has been absolutely all about it.” Fiber optics transmit information by sending pulses of light, one of the fastest speeds known, through the fibers. That allows Elevate to offer 100 megabits (100MB) and 1 gigabit (1G) options to its customers. Efforts to bring fiberoptics to all parts of the country have been compared to the Rural Electrification Act of the 1930s, which brought power

to even the most rural areas of the country. In 2016, DMEA board member John Gavan, who represents the service area north of the Montrose County line, called DMEA’s decision to invest in fiber optics “... the most important one made by DMEA since it was founded in 1938.” Evidence is mounting that “investment in fiber improves the economic performance of a community as well as its quality of life,” said Heather Burnett Gold, president and CEO of the Fiber to the Home Council. It can also affect property values. The FTTH council released a study in 2015 showing access to fiberdelivered internet service “boosts home values by up to 3.1 percent.” Heidi Hudek is a social media consultant and manager of The Hive Paonia, a coworking space providing modern technology and workspaces. Its roughly 30 members include software engineers, web designers and web-based business owners, said Hudek. Most of the Hive’s members

need reliable, fast internet service. She views the service as providing “more possibility for economic development.” Delta County has lost business opportunities due to a lack of high-speed, reliable service, said Hudek. With fiber optics now in the North Fork area, “A person can live a quieter life and still make the money they could make in a big city.” In a recent member survey of the service, web-based business owners Michael Lage with Lage Tech and Teresa Shishim with Yoka Design lauded its benefits. Photographer Ben Lehman said it’s a way to attract people from other parts of the state or country “whose work requires only a fast internet connection” to the area. Income made from outside of the valley can be spent in the valley, “helping the town in myriad ways.” That translates to a “better quality of life, better education, and a more connected community.” BROADBAND TO B2

North Fork group to join Denver Women’s March BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A grassroots effort to have the North Fork Valley represented at the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Denver is growing. The march is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Denver’s Civic Center Park. The Denver March is one of dozens of sister marches to the national Women’s March on Washington, D.C., planned in cities and towns in all 50 states and in at least 25 countries. Once the word got out that people from this area are planning to attend the Denver march, about 30 immediately committed, said Elaine Brett of Paonia, who is assisting with efforts to gather and disseminate information on the event. Those committed thus far include males and females, farmers and ranchers, lawyers, social workers, teachers, health care professionals and business owners. In age they

range from young grandchildren to 84 years old. The march isn’t just about women’s rights, said Brett. And it isn’t intended to be a protest of anything or anyone. Rather it’s a show of support and solidarity for the basic human rights of all. They also recognize that vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of the country. A North Fork banner designed by artist Mary Smith will be carried in the march. It depicts the area’s water, mountains, recreation, wildlife, arts and agriculture. “That will let people know who they represent,” said Brett. “There are so many issues that all fall under that message of unity and protecting our rights,” said Brett. Because of that, people wanting to express specific issues will carry their own signs. The important thing is to keep it peaceful and keep the bigger issues of human rights and equality in the forefront,

said Brett. She believes the national organizers are doing a good job of that through the website and social media. “This is not an ‘anti’ message, but standing up for things we worked for and fought for in the last 30 years. We don’t want to go backwards,” she said. The environment is also a concern for Brett, who grew up on Lake Erie where industrial steel mills left the waters poisoned and the air polluted. “If people don’t speak up, this is what will happen again.” A national issue that could directly affect the North Fork Valley is the possible sell-off of public lands. About 50 percent of the NFV is federal land, said Brett. “What if it’s sold off? The people making the decisions have no idea what goes on here. Small towns are the ones that are going to get hurt and need protection.” Sister marches are also planned for Grand Junction, WOMEN’S MARCH TO B2

B2 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Hart fundraiser set for Saturday BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Photo submitted

Exceptional Eagles

On Jan. 9, the Paonia Elementary School students pictured above were recognized for demonstrating S.O.A.R. behavior: (left to right) Riley Abney for achievement and respect; Easton Tribble and Carmen Rodriquez for order, achievement and respect; Ryaunna Rhoades for achievement and respect. Paonia Elementary School provides a SAFE and ORDERLY environment that promotes high ACHIEVEMENT and growth, individuality and RESPECT. Way to S.O.A.R. students!

Casino Night raises funds for scholarships The North Fork Valley Rotary Club will host its annual Casino Night from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at ShadeScapes, 122 E. Bridge Street in Hotchkiss. The event will include poker, blackjack, prizes, a silent auction and lots of fun. The event includes food, beer and wine. Tickets are $20 per person and available at Hightower

Cafe, Paonia Farm and Home in Paonia, from Rotary members, and at the door. Proceeds go to Rotary scholarships for students in the North Fork Valley. Rotary meetings are held at noon Thursdays, at Paonia Town Hall, and include a guest speaker. The public is welcome, and cost for lunch is $10.

Broadband FROM PAGE B1 For Paonia-based KVNF Public Radio, “It’s about what we’re going to do in the future,” said general manager Jon Howard. “The potential is tremendous.” The station is developing a satellite studio in Montrose. It’s like adding another broadcast studio in Paonia, said Howard, who has worked in broadcasting more than 20 years. “That would not be feasible without broadband.” It also allows the station to better serve listeners in its 10,000square-mile broadcast area, and will improve KVNF’s ability to air live events like the Summer Concert Series, which is done via the internet. For those waiting for the service, it may seem slow to arrive, said Virginia Harmon, manager of member relations at DMEA. Unlike established companies that can provide service right away, “We are physically building a fiber network from the ground up.” That includes establishing billing and other systems. “It’s a huge undertaking” that is going to take time. To determine where to provide service first, DMEA divided its service area into roughly 50 zones based not on traditional boundaries, but on the electrical feeder system for their more than 33,000 meters, said Harmon. Elevate will install fiber in zones that meet pre-registration numbers. Those numbers can be followed in real time at join. elevatefiber.com (visitors can either hover over their zone or enter their

address to see how close they are to reaching their goal). “People are watching the site like hawks,” said Harmon. Orchard City and downtown Montrose zones have also met their goals. Pre-registration isn’t a commitment to service, but they are seeing decent follow-through, said Harmon. The few that have canceled are in a contract with another company or they have moved. Cancellations, along with some small shifts in zone boundaries, can affect pre-registration numbers, which can be very frustrating to those following the site, particularly in rural areas, said Harmon. Harmon said DMEA works to protect the financial interest of all DMEA co-op members. It’s not financially feasible or wise to go build infrastructure in a zone that hasn’t met its pre-registration goals, she said. Since DMEA is a co-op, and Elevate is a for-profit subsidiary, initially, Elevate fees will cover the cost of infrastructure and services. As the infrastructure is paid for, Elevate’s profits could be funneled back to DMEA to offset the cost of providing electricity to its co-op members. Or, as a for-profit subsidiary of DMEA, Elevate’s profits could be allocated to customers in the form of capital credits. Based on customer responses, Elevate plans to provide voice and TV/video service in the future. “We’re working on solutions for both of those products,” which could be available as early as 2017, said Harmon.

Whether you’re a master at the game of pool, or you just want to do something to support a good cause, hustle down to Thomas Waldo’s this Saturday and support the fundraiser for Clarence “Bill” Hart. Hart, a 15-year veteran officer on the Paonia Police Department, military veteran, husband and father of three, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 small-cell lung cancer. Everyone is welcome to the event. Entry fee is $10, with registration

beginning at 1 p.m. Prizes are yet to be determined, but most likely will be gift certificates, said Thomas Waldo’s server/bartender Tina Lord. Several businesses and community members have donated items to the fundraiser, including a carpet cleaning, a house cleaning and a massage, and several gift certificates. A drawing will be held for the donations. Tickets range from $5-$20 and coincide with items according to their value. Revolution Brewing has donated a keg for the occasion, with all keg

sales going to the Hart family, as well 25 percent of all bar sales for the day. The tavern also has a cash donation jar available at the bar. Since it opened on New Year’s Eve of 2006, Thomas Waldo’s has held at least one fundraiser a year, said Lord. Its first fundraiser benefited people with multiple sclerosis, and it has helped numerous causes and citizens throughout the years. There’s always something worth holding a fundraiser for, said Lord. Donations are still being accepted and would

be greatly appreciated ASAP to allow time to organize the drawing. Following the tournament, karaoke by Dancing Monkey Entertainment begins at 9 p.m. Soups and sandwiches are available. For more information on the fundraiser, call 527-5797. In addition to the fundraiser, an account has been established at the Hotchkiss and Paonia branches of First State Bank of Colorado under the names of Bill and Sam Hart. Donation jars are also set up at various businesses in both communities.

Catching up with Sharon’s Kids SPECIAL TO THE DCI

The Crawford-based organization Sharon’s Kids wrapped up a successful 2016 with a snowboarding trip on Dec. 30 to Powderhorn. The outreach program provides year-round activities to deserving elementary and middle school kids in the North Fork area and Delta County. Activities include swimming, llama trips and lots of camping. In 2016, kids attended camps at YMCA Camp Santa Maria in Bailey, Western State Colorado University at Gunnison Computer/Adventure Camp, where they stayed in campus dorms for a week, and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts’ Camp Rocky in Divide. Sharon’s Kids also went rafting on the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, camping and to the Glenwood Adventure Park and Caverns. They also performed volunteer work that included helping with the Crawford aid station during he West Elk Bicycle Classic in September and made Christmas gifts. The organization is currently focused on sending children to summer camp in 2017. Elementary students are selected by their schools, based on economic hardship, to attend camp at no cost to their family. Transportation is included. The program benefits in ways beyond their expectation, said Sharon Riegel, who heads the program. The experienc-

Christian discipleship series begins North Fork Baptist Church is hosting a great Christian discipleship series as part of its ongoing adult Sunday school class. It is taught by Reverend Steve Hoekstra, Colorado Baptists, director, western Colorado office. “This is something I enjoy teaching,” Reverend Hoekstra said. “I’ve seen many miracles with this and it will be exciting to see what God has in store for us this time.” North Fork Baptist Church is located at 639 Samuel Wade Road in Paonia. For more information, call 527-4644.

es can have significant impacts on the parents as well as volunteers. “I am going to stay in Sharon’s Kids until I’m in college,” said one 16-year-old. “I’m going to stay in Sharon’s Kids forever,” said a 17year-old. Riegel said the kids who participate “are a

blessing and now part of a big family.” Sharon’s Kids, which is not tax-exempt, is funded by donations and grants and relies on volunteers and donations. Major donors in 2016 include the Peace Circle of the Hotchkiss United Methodist Church, Western

State Colorado University, Maher-Onion Valley Club, Needle Rock Club and numerous individuals. Donations can be sent to PO Box 30, Crawford, CO 81415. For more information, contact Sharon Riegel at msriegel@tds. net.

Photo submitted

Dick Moore and Sharon Reigel took a group of “Sharon’s Kids” snowboarding on Dec. 30 at Powderhorn. The kids are (milddle row, from left) Mikayla, Dana, George, Robert Cyrus and Skye; standing: Byron, Daniella, Jade. (Not pictured: Sue Everest, Dan and Bev Burke.) Sharon’s Kids is a nonproﬁt that works with children in the North Fork Valley and Delta County “to cultivate an awareness, understanding and appreciation for the outdoors.”

Women’s march FROM PAGE B1 Aspen and Carbondale, as are Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Dolores. Those interested in joining the march are invited to an informational gathering at 6:30 Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Paradise Theatre. Information will be provided and people needing or offering transportation or lodging can meet and make plans. Grand Junction encourages participants

to march in honor or memory of family or friends. Marchers can gather beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the old R5 school at the corner of Seventh and Grand. The march begins at 1 p.m. and travels along Main Street from Seventh to First avenues, where speakers will address the importance of empowering women and girls. The Women’s March for Grand Junction and Denver have Facebook pages; the D.C. website,

www.womensmarch. com, contains information about the national march, including routes and alternative routes, links to all the sister marches, and other resources. A Facebook page, Women’s March on Denver — Official, has been established to provide information and an informal count of the number of people who plan to attend. Marches can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter.

North Fork artist Mary Smith designed the banner that will be carried by North Fork residents in the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Denver. The march is one of dozens of sister marches to the Women’s March on Washington, D.C., planned in all 50 states and at least 25 countries.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Let Armchair Travel take you away ty to travel to far away, exotic, and intriguing Delta County Libraries For more than six places simply by finding years now, local residents their way to the Paonia have had the opportuni- Library during the cold,

winter months. The Armchair Travel Series has transported attendees across the globe for a unique glimpse at the culture, people, landscape, wildlife, cuisine, architecture and history of an impressive lineup of unique locations. Mongolia, Peru, Iceland, West Africa, India and Cambodia have all made an appearance in the community room at the Paonia Library. Jim and Elaine Brett are slated to kick off 2017’s series on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The Bretts have also spent time as passengers at previous presentations. “Delta County Libraries makes a concerted effort to reach out to the community by offering a series of programs for the young, the old, and everyone inbetween,” Jim Brett says. “We have attended various Armchair Travel presentations and decided to participate as a way to Photo submitted support this particular The Armchair Travel Series at Paonia Library will program.” The Bretts traveled to kick off with Jim and Elaine Brett’s experience travOkinawa for the internaeling to Okinawa for the Uchinanchu Festival.

tional Uchinanchu Festival. They will be sharing their experience through an array of stunning photographs and engaging stories. “The Armchair Travel Series aligns with the saying ‘Think globally, act locally,’ ” Brett shares. “The program allows the community to understand different cultures and countries visited by other locals who had the opportunity to travel. It is also a mechanism to encourage locals to travel outside their immediate environs in order to expand their own horizons. The festival we attended revealed Okinawa’s past, present and future in a unique and rewarding way. That experience needs to be shared.” Departure time for each presentation in the series is 6 p.m. and aspiring travelers should consider being there early to ensure the availability of a seat. Over the years, the series has acquired a dedicated following and the space almost always reaches maximum occupancy. “We know our patrons seem to have more time to attend programs during the winter, when they’re not so busy The following students were named to the honor roll at Paonia Junior/Senior with gardening, hiking or High School for the first semester of the 2016-17 school year: other outdoor pursuits,” Kassidy Rapke Aneta Czepiel Sophia Cox Eighth Grade Seventh Grade says Laura Lee Yates, Randi Rapke Harley Ewert Jessica Deaton 3.25-3.49 3.25-3.49 Paonia Library staff Sabrina Leighton Lene Sharer-Meneley Grace Deck Ceylon Carter Ricardo Carrillo member and key orgaPoppy Lightfoot 12th Grade Carly Horn Landen Englehart Mia Cowan 3.25-3.49 Taralee Mautz Ada Keenan Dawson Morgan Patrick Delaney nizer of the Armchair Jaquelin Mora Verdeja Garrett Beck Ian Stanfield Saffire Dykema Black Aspen Lopez Travel program. Yates’ 4.0 McKenna Hartigan Leaf Michelsen 3.5-3.99 Wyatt Harper inspiration for the series Jade Ellenberger 3.5-3.99 Sadie Miller Larissa Cotton Maria Mojarro came from her own long11th Grade Sophia Anderson Samuel Mock Hazel Dirk 3.5-3.99 3.25-3.49 Blake Benson Grey Neal Jessica Johnson Maleah Bejarano ing to travel vicariously Clayton Campbell Allen Harper Alexis Newland Jose Mojarro Liza Eller through others. Antonio Gonzalez Brittany Kendall Audra Niermann Princessa Mora Dominic Felice Along with the January Hunter Norris Joe Martinez Kai Sorensen Laurell Norris Allison Godwin Okinawa presentation, Benjamin O’Rourke Triston Mautz 4.0 Shaylee Odle Sadie Lee Kayden Seriani Warren Minerich Nicole Jefferis William Ramsay IV 4.0 Yates is in the process Katya Schwieterman Isaac Stanfield Elena Niermann Samuel Roberts Riven Badgett of scheduling dynamic Seraya Talbott-Carey 3.5-3.99 Macy O’Rourke Hailey Emmons Irene Shenk presenters for February 10th Grade Marcos Edmondson Kelsey Stroud Cleya Hartter Mason Van Vleet Brooke Hillman 3.25-3.49 Brittney Thliveris Sean Maulhardt 4.0 and March. Stay tuned Derek Holt Jesse Burns Courtney Van Vleet Taneal Mautz Arjun Bacigalupi for more information on Emily Miller McKenna Johnson 4.0 Alyster Birk Abby Reedy the upcoming Armchair Soul Petmezas Jaden Miller Ethan Eller Simon Cox Ninth Grade Travel events as well as Connolly Timothy Helmer Julia Peterson Kaya Crawford 3.25-3.49 Dantrick Reed Slater Podgorny Haley Park Alejandro Garcia Kristal Camacho the multitude of other Emily Pieper Morgan Rister Kaitlyn Wist Ellia Carlson Sofia Gonzalez programs offered at Delta Ethen White 4.0 Dagan Rienks Abby LaBounty Lyla Hayutin-Baril County Libraries by visit3.5-3.99 Nora Dransfield Colby Simpson Shane Odom Alexandria Leighton ing the online event calCyrus Malek Madani Alexis Triantos Celine Audin Leona Myers Dagan Schwartz Ethan Bartylett Caden Meilner Lydia Puckett 3.5-3.99 endar at http://www.delta McKenna Palmer Shyliea Clark Anna Bailey libraries.org/calendar/.

BY TRACY IHNOT

Paonia JSHS honor roll

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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Peart, Sweet Lillies perform Saturday BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia singer/guitarist Sam Peart will scratch an item off of his bucket list when he opens Saturday night for The Sweet Lillies at the Paradise Theatre. Peart describes the publicly-owned Paradise as “a gorgeous theater” with a rich history. Since moving here in 2015, playing at the Paradise has been a dream. “It’s a real gig,” he said. “It’s flattering to me to have people appreciate what I do.” Peart, a long-time musician and former jazz singer, will be joined on stage by guitarist/singer Josh Livaudais. He describes their performance as an acoustic blend of 1950s blues, contemporary pop, hip hop and original tunes. “There’s no genre we won’t do.” The longtime friends complement each other on stage, said Peart. He holds his own on guitar and has strong vocals, while Livaudais is an adept guitarist. Born in England in the 1980s, Peart moved to the U.S. and to Colorado with his family at age 3. Before

moving to the North Fork area he spent five years in the farming community of Tonkawa, Okla., where he was an active member of the Tonkawa Area Arts & Humanities Council and spent three years as a jazz singer. He found Paonia a couple of years ago through a Google search of “cool mountain towns.” He arrived in the fall when the annual Harvest Festival was under way, and got his first gig playing Louie’s Loft on Harvest Festival night. Since then he’s played several venues including Revolution Brewing and Delicious Orchards, where he was a regular last summer. He’s also a volunteer DJ at KVNF, where he hosts “The Freak Show” the third Thursday of the month. Livaudais and Peart met in Oklahoma and have collaborated on several musical projects. The same day Peart got his gig at Louie’s, Livaudais was hired there as a pizza maker. “It feels like they rolled out the red carpet,” he said. “It’s an embrace that I’ve never felt.” Primarily a self-taught musician, he found his love for music through karaoke. “I turned it into a career,” he said. For many years he expressed his thoughts through cover songs; now he finds healing in writing and performing his own songs,

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia singer/songwriter Sam Peart will open this Saturday night for The Sweet Lillies at the Paradise Theatre. He’ll be joined by guitarist/ singer Josh Livaudais.

Carolyn Shaw of Paonia earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 9-10. A total of 753 undergraduate and graduate degrees were awarded.

and through his work as a massage therapist. “Music and massage therapy are my passions,” he said. Since moving to the valley he’s lost 100 pounds and recovered from years of crippling back pain. He calls it “a miracle in the mountains.” Of The Sweet Lillies, Peart says the group’s sounds remind him of music from the soundtrack of “O Brother Where Art Thou.” The Sweet Lillies are based on the Front Range. According to their website, their “high-energy, melodic tunes have quickly captured the hearts and musical souls of fans in Colorado and beyond. The band credits its appeal to the original and compelling songwriting” of members Melly Frances on vocals, Julie Gussaroff on upright bass, Becca Bisque on

viola and Dnajo Lynn on banjo. This combination gives the band “a soulful, rare, alluring sound that blends Americana and bluegrass, creating a style all its own.” The Sweet Lillies have shared the stage with Peter Rowan, Vince Herman, Kyle Hollingsworth, Andy Hall, Bill McKay, Jake Wolf, Dave Aber, Leftover Salmon, Yarn, and the Drunken Hearts. They are “continually expanding their audience and reach, building fan and critic support through an unwavering commitment to creativity, a contagious love of music, and a get-up-and-dance attitude that spreads lots of love and smiles.” Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and available at the Paradise and The Cirque, or online at brownpaper tickets.com.

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B4 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

SPORTS

SPORTS January 11, 2017

Delta County Independent

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Paonia wins Montrose meet BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Paonia’s wrestling week began with a 53-22 victory in Olathe on Jan. 5. There were six forfeits in the match and 11 pins expediting the conclusion of this match. The Eagles also competed in the 15-team Montrose Indian Invitational on Saturday. Paonia was the top performing team in the tournament and scored 179.5 points to capture the team title. Cedaredge placed second with 172.5 points. Paonia 53, Olathe 22 The Eagles won nine of 13 matches on their way to the big win. Beginning with the 106-pound match, the Eagles’ Zeb Etter pinned Sergio Gonzales for a 6-0 lead. Dillon Coe (113) and Gabe Ferguson (120) took forfeit wins for an 18-0 lead heading to the 126pound bout. Olathe’s Andrew Godfrey stopped the scoring run by the Eagles with his pin over Eli Etter at 126. Clay Yarnell scored a

major decision (9-1) over Grey Neal at 138 to score four points. Sackett Chesnik picked up five points for his technical fall (15-0) over Olathe’s Brent Gray. Clay Campbell added a pinfall over Teagon Harris at 145 to give the Eagles a 29-10 lead through the lower weights. The Pirates scored their final 12 points with pins at 152, Keenan Mansker over Jesse Burns, and Caleb Jolley over Carlos Lozano at 160. Paonia received forfeits at 170, 182 and 220. There was a double-forfeit at 195 and Cyrus Malek-Madani finished with a pin over Daniel Alejandro at 285. Indian Invitational Paonia Eagles Paonia only had two first-place finishes at last weekend’s Indian Invitational. The five secondplace finishes went a long way toward building points toward a team title. First place finishes were earned by Chesnik (18-4) at 138 and Trevor Smith (16-1) at 220.

Chesnik’s win over David Schipmann of Cedaredge was a pinfall at 2:30 and Smith had Palisade’s Wesley Buford on his back for a pin at 1:37. Ferguson (12-4) was second at 120 after falling to Cedaredge’s Sean Dale (13-4) in the title match. Berthoud’s Austyn Binkley won by major decision over Paonia’s Grey Neal (11-5) at 132 in the title match and Campbell (16-5) suffered an agonizing 1-0 loss to Palisade’s Austin Bernal in the 145-pound championship match. Paonia’s Jaden Miller (16-5) reached the title match against Palisade’s Terrance Williams where he was outpointed 15-0 to lose by technical fall. Malek-Madani (2-1) faced Montrose’s Sam Distel in the finals and was pinned by the Indian’s wrestler to finish second. At 126, Eli Etter (128) got a pin at 1:23 to earn third place points for the Eagles. Zeb Etter (7-9) was fourth at 106 and Anthony Felice (9-6) lost to Palisade’s Isaac

Maestas to finish fourth The Eagles are back Jan. 12 for a 5 p.m. start at 170. on the mat in Cedaredge against the Bruins.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Alex McCracken (top) works to gain control over Paonia’s Eli Etter during a 126-pound semiﬁnal bout at last weekend’s Indian Invitational in Montrose. McCracken won the match and advanced to the ﬁnals against Olathe’s Andrew Godfrey. McCracken lost to Godfrey to earn second place and Etter placed third with a pin against Golden’s Drake Taylor.

Cedaredge matmen solid BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

By all accounts, Cutter Garrison’s Cedaredge Bruins had a successful week of wrestling. The Bruins faced Salida, in Montrose on Friday, and scored a 33-12 win. Cedaredge also took part in the Indian Invitational on Saturday, as did Salida’s Spartans. Paonia had a good tournament on Saturday and was the team winner in the tournament with 179.5 points. The Bruins Photo by Wayne Crick were a close second with Cedaredge’s Sean Dale (left) has control over Sali- their 172.5 points. da’s Will Zielinko in a 120-pound match at the Indian Bruins 33, Spartans 12 Invitational. Dale won the match and advanced to take on Paonia’s Gabe Ferguson for the title. Dale claimed the title with a pinfall.

There were six matches that did not produce scores as no wrestlers were on the mat to compete. Weights not having wrestlers included 126, 152, 160, 170, 195 and 220. Cedaredge got pins at 106 (Ryan Imhoff), 138 (David Schipmann), 182 (Toby Waddell) and 285 (Taj Van der Linde). Zach McMillan recorded a 10-3 decision at 120 bringing Cedaredge’s final point production to 33. Salida had pins at 113, and 132 for its 12-points. Indian Invitational Cedaredge Bruins

Cedaredge posted points in 10 of 13 weight divisions last Saturday in Montrose. perforFirst-place mances came from Sean Dale at 120, Zach Anderson at 160 and Tre’ Labossiere at 195. Dale’s (13-4) title came on a pin against Paonia’s Gabe Ferguson (12-4) at 5:22. Anderson (18-4) dispatched Olathe’s Caleb Jolley (20-5) with a 9-4 decision and LaBossiere scored an 8-3 win against Aiden Cullen of Palmer Ridge. Helping build team points for their sec-

ond place finishes were Brian Hoerr (11-7) at 113 pounds, Alex McCracken (11-5) at 126, Schipmann (13-5) at 138 and Brandon O’Hern (7-5) at 170. Third place finishes were earned by 220pounder Van der Linde (10-6) and Jeffery Hieb (3-1) at 285. Cedaredge hosts Paonia on Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. and hits the road for competition at the Highland tournament Jan. 14. The Bruins are scheduled to host Montrose Jan. 18 with a start time of 6 p.m.

Eagles roll on in hoops BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Paonia’s Brianna Van Vleet scores two points against Plateau Valley’s Cowboys last Friday night in Paonia. The Eagles remained undefeated (8-0) after wins over Plateau Valley (72-22) and Caprock Academy (76-3).

Paonia High School began its week on the hardwood with a contest against Plateau Valley on Jan. 6. Paonia’s girls had little trouble with the Cowboys in a 72-22 win. The Eagles’ boys were equally successful in their 79-45 decision. A Saturday trip to Grand Junction for a game against Caprock Academy produced onesided games for the Eagles. The Paonia girls coasted to a 76-3 win while the boys sailed to a 75-31 victory. Girls Paonia 72, PV 22 Paonia’s offense didn’t get serious until the second and third quarters in this game. A 14-6 first quarter was good enough to get their opponents attention. The Eagles upped their effort in the next two periods to score 22 and 21 points respectively. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ defense smothered Plateau Valley’s ballhandlers and held its offense to four points in the second frame and just two in the third. Plateau Valley almost doubled its score in the fourth quarter with a 10-point burst. Paonia’s 15-points in the quarter made the final score 7222. Paonia’s McKenna Hartigan and Sophia Anderson canned 15 points each with Emily Pieper tossing in 14 and

Brianna Van Vleet added another 10 counters. Anderson also finished with eight rebounds and Pieper had 10 steals. Paonia 76, Caprock 3 Caprock’s defense could not stop Paonia’s offense, nor could its offense penetrate the Eagles’ defense to produce points. The results ... a 76-3 finale. Van Vleet’s 16 points paced Paonia’s offense with teammates Mckenna Palmer and Brittany Kendall collecting 10 points each. Pieper finished the game with nine assists and Anderson had six. Paonia outshot Caprock 68-20 in the game. The Eagles play at home Jan. 13-14 facing Soroco on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Hayden on Saturday at 4 p.m. Boys Paonia 79, PV 45 The Eagles were in complete control of this game after a 16-8 opening quarter. More defensive pressure and some good shooting had the Eagles ahead 38-22 at halftime. Things didn’t get any better in the second half as Chase Roeber’s Eagles flew past the Cowboys, 41-23, for a final score of 79-45. The Cowboys’ Noah Castro and Fabian Juarez had double figure scoring days (16 and 10, respectively) but didn’t have enough help to make a difference against leagueleading Paonia.

Paonia 75, Caprock 31 Paonia’s big opening quarter produced 20 points offensively while its defense stymied the Eagles to allow just two points. Three straight 20-plus quarters for Paonia had the visiting Eagles ahead 61-18 with one period left to play. Caprock won the final quarter, 14-13, but lost the game 75-31. Drew Van Schaick had

13 points and Aaron Dollar 11 in a losing cause. Up Next Paonia’s boys host Soroco on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. contest and play Hayden on Saturday. Against Hayden, the girls junior varsity game is scheduled for 1 p.m., girls varsity game at 4 p.m. The boys junior varsity game is set for 2:30 p.m. and the boys varsity will take the court at 5:30

Photo by Wayne Crick

Paonia guard Sean Devlin (21) keeps the ball away from a Plateau Valley defender as he watches for a cutter in the Eagles’ offense. Paonia moved to 7-1 with its two wins over Plateau Valley and Caprock Academy.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Church wins TOC title at 285 in Vernal, Utah BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s wrestling week began on Thursday, Jan. 5. The Panthers were in Rifle for a triangular meet where they fell to the Bears, 3736 on a tie-breaker. Friday and Saturday were spent in Vernal, Utah competing in the 20-team Tournament of Champions. Grand Junction won that tournament. Rifle 37, Delta 36 Each team won six matches by pinfall. A one-minute riding time tie-breaker went to the Bears providing them with the victory, 37-36. A double-forfeit at 106 started the evening. Rifle won the next four matches (113, 120, 126 and 132) before the Panthers got back into the match with a pin at 138 from Roger Burns, Kole Roberts’ forfeit win at 145 and Chance Dillingham’s pin at 152.

Rifle picked up pins at 160 and 170 before Livan Santander’s pin at 182 started a three-pin run. Sam Komives won the 195-pound match with the 220-pound slot a double forfeit. Logan Church ended the match with his pin and a 36-36 tie. TOC Delta Panthers Delta’s Panthers were in Utah for the annual Tournament of Champions in Vernal on Jan. 6 and 7. Grand Junction High School won the tournament and had several wrestlers earning titles. Delta had four wrestlers place in the prestigious tournament. The Panthers’ top performer was junior Logan Church who won the 285-pound division with a 5-2 decision over Duschesne, Utah, wrestler Aaron Veruzco. Both Church and Verduzco were unbeaten coming into the match. Church is 19-0 following

last weekend’s competition. The Panthers had a pair of fourth place finishes with Kole Roberts pinning Duschesne’s Matt Taylor in the 145pound division. At 152 pounds, Chance Dillingham decisioned Worland’s (Wyoming) Travis Tatkenhorst, 11-7. Roberts stands at 12-5 on the season while Dillingham is 17-4. Kylar Massano picked up an eighth place finish at 132 after a loss to Moffat County’s Ethan Powers. The Panthers host Palisade on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. and are in Florence

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Logan Church (top) is one of the top wrestlers at 285 on the western slope. Church has been ﬂawless in 19 matches with no losses so far this season. Delta’s Panthers ventured out of the state last weekend to participate in the Tournament of Champions in Vernal, Utah. Church won that tournament and looks to keep his winning streak alive against Palisade this Thursday in Delta.

Delta hoop teams split BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

With the winter break over, athletic teams returned to competition last week. Not all teams returned with the full readiness desired. Delta High School’s girls weren’t in mid-season form during their matchup with Roaring Fork last Friday night. Delta came away with the win, 37-33, but exhibited some chinks in its armor. One of the shortcomings was a nine for 24 performance from the free throw line. In boys action, Delta had a bit of rust that led to a 44-36 deficit at the end of three quarters of play. Delta outscored the Rams 15-9 in the fourth quarter but ran out of time in its comeback bid to lose 53-51. Girls Delta 37, Rams 33 The Panthers’ defense was a bright spot for three quarters. Delta gave up four points in the second quarter and only one Photo by Randy Sunderland point in the third frame Joyclie Webb makes a move toward the basket, to lead 24-16 heading to looking for an open teammate to pass the ball to. the final stanza.

A desperate Rams’ team scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, including seven of seven from the charity stripe and two threes to close the scoring gap down the stretch. Emily Nortnik took over the offensive lead in the fourth quarter and scored six of the Panthers’ 13 fourth-quarter points. Nortnik finished with nine points to lead all scorers in the game. Jo Webb and Emily Baier had seven points each. Lilly Ramos and Katie Weimer scored eight points apiece for the Rams. In junior varsity action, Aubrey Jones had eight points in the second quarter for the Panthers and finished the game with 13 points, including nine of 10 free throw shooting. The Panthers lost the game 38-37. Boys Rams 53, Delta 51 With its offense lacking, Delta’s Panthers found themselves down by six after one period. Roaring Fork’s Aldo Pinela had the hot hand

with six points in a 13point run in the opening frame. The Panthers regrouped in the second quarter to score 13 points, six from Jaspar Carmichael, but team fluidity was still missing. Delta trailed 29-20 at halftime but outscored the Rams 31-24 in the second half to fall short of victory by three points. Carmichael and Logan Freed were Delta’s scoring leaders with 14 points each. Roaring Fork was led by Justin Thompson’s 17 points with double digit help from Pinela with 12 counters. In boys junior varsity play the Panthers could not overcome a slow first quarter where they were outscored 16-8. Roaring Fork had nine threes in a

52-44 win over Delta. Joe Bules scored 10 points for the Panthers. The two teams will meet again on Feb. 11 in Carbondale. The Rams and Basalt are leading in overall records with 61 records. The Panthers are near the middle of the 10-team league with a record of 3-3. Delta is in Montrose Jan. 13 for girls varsity action set for 6 p.m. with the boys taking the floor at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers will host Gunnison on Jan. 14 for varsity action beginning at 4 and 5:30 p.m. The following week, Jan. 17, Delta travels to Cedaredge for a league contest against Cedaredge. Girls varsity action is set for 6 p.m. with the boys set to go at 7:30 p.m.

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Photo by Randy Sunderland Photo by Randy Sunderland Delta’s Logan Freed takes the ball hard to the hoop

Delta’s Emily Nortnik drives to the hoop against Friday night against Roaring Fork. Freed scored 14 Roaring Fork. Nortnik scored eight points for the on the night. The Panthers lost the non-conference game 51-53. Panthers in their exciting 37-33 win.

Hotchkiss wrestlers win Eagle Valley mat tourney BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Hotchkiss Bulldogs are making statements about themselves with success everywhere they go. Their latest accomplishment is a huge win at last weekend’s Eagle Valley Invitational. The Bulldogs blitzed the 23-team field with 237 points. Hotchkiss’ closest competition was from Buena Vista which placed second with 137.5 points. The Bulldogs placed four wrestlers on the top step of the awards podium. Beginning in the lower weights, Sergio

Campos (14-4) earned a title at 113 pounds with his hard-fought 3-1 decision over Grand Valley’s talented wrestler, A.J. Serna (16-3). Colton Hall (17-3) continued his winning way at 132 with a pin against Buena Vista’s Anthony Quintana (15-6). Hotchkiss’ third titlist was 160-pounder Wade Katzdorn (15-3) after his 6-3 decision over Steamboat Springs’ Hayden Johnson (17-4). The fourth top performer for the Bulldogs was Devin Curtis (14-4) who scored a major deci-

sion (12-1) against Soroco’s Sky Carlson (13-6). Hotchkiss gobbled up plenty of points with five second-place finishes in the tournament. Presley Pene, at 120, started the second-place parade after a 5-1 loss to Grand Valley’s talented JT Latham. Other second-place finishers for the Bulldogs included Colton Deluzio (7-4) at 138, Parker Katzdorn (7-7) at 182, Kevin Chavez (9-7) at 220 and Joseph Nault (10-3) at 285. Hotchkiss’ 106-pounder Landen Mayberry (10-

3) led a trio of third place finishers. Chris Lovato (5-4) at 126 and Kaden Murray-Owens (7-10) at 170 pounds complete the list of third-place finishers. Jamal Helm (3-2) was fourth at 113 and Jared Cantrell finished fourth at 170. Hotchkiss will return to the mat this week with a triangular at Grand Valley (Parachute) on Jan. 12. The Bulldogs will face the Cardinals and Glenwood Springs. Olathe will visit the Bulldogs on Jan. 18 for a match at 6 p.m.

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B6 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

‘Dogs lose games to PV 11 points with Kaleigh Little and Josie Hiatt netting 10 points each for Hotchkiss’ Bulldogs the winners. played a pair of basketHotchkiss led 35-5 at ball games this past week, halftime and cleared its beginning with Caprock bench in the second half Academy on Jan. 6. and still generated 36 Hotchkiss’ girls left more points for a 74-11 little doubt as to who win. the winner was going Cowboys 44, HHS 39 to be with a 27-0 sprint The Bulldogs’ offenthrough the first quarter sive firepower wasn’t as of play. With double-digit prolific as it was against figures in each of the four Caprock on Friday night. quarters, Hotchkiss finPlateau Valley wasn’t a ished the game with 74 ball of fire either but led points while its defense 9-5 after the first period allowed just 11 points for had ended. their opponents. Photo by Wayne Crick Hotchkiss took a 16-15 The Bulldog boys were Hotchkiss guard Braxton Trujillo shows patience as successful as their halftime lead with an 11as he waits for the offense to develop. Trujillo and counterparts and outpoint effort in the second the Bulldogs showed patience and scoring ability pointed Caprock’s boys quarter. in a 73-38 win over visiting Caprock Academy last 73-38. The Cowboys held Friday night. a two-point lead at the On Saturday, end of the third period Hotchkiss’ girls fell to and added another three points with an 18-15 fourth quarter. Firor was Hotchkiss’ leading scorer against the Cowboys with 17 points and Collins finished with eight points. Lacey Rodriguez was next with seven points. Hotchkiss fell to 4-5 with the loss and is even at 1-1 in 2A WSL District 5 play. Boys Bulldogs 73, Eagles 38 Hotchkiss had control of the Caprock game from the start with a 21-9 first quarter. An even better Photo by Wayne Crick second period produced Delta senior Landre Whelan (right lane) swims the 200m freestyle for the ﬁrst time this season to work a 20-3 run for a halftime on her conditioning. Delta hosted an invitational swim meet last Friday and is scheduled to host a second lead of 41-12. The Bulldogs’ bench meet on Jan. 20 to celebrate senior night.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Plateau Valley’s Cowboys by a 44-39 decision. The Bulldog boys also stumbled in Collbran and lost a 67-57 battle against the Cowboys. Girls Bulldogs 74, Eagles 11 The 27-0 romp in the first quarter was more than enough to score a win against Caprock Academy last Friday night. The Bulldogs were doing everything right and sophomore Carson Collins did her part in helping Hotchkiss win. She poured in a career high 29 points in the win and pulled down eight rebounds for the Bulldogs. Collins got plenty of help, offensively, with Kaiya Firor chipping in

saw considerable time in the second half and their offense cooled off a bit. Still, the Bulldogs controlled the second half of play with a 32-26 point advantage to win going away, 73-38. Game statistics for the Bulldogs were not available. Drew Van Schaick and Aaron Dollar had 14 points each for the Eagles. PV 67, Hotchkiss 57 Hotchkiss was in the game for three quarters but lost contact in the fourth frame when the Cowboys went on an 188 run. Plateau Valley led 2219 after one and 35-31 at halftime. The Bulldogs outscored Plateau Valley 18-14 in the third quarter to tie the game at 49-49. Noah Castro provided Plateau Valley with 20 points on offense. He was joined in double figures by teammates Marlon Castillo (11 points), Jesse Klingler (11 points) and Ivan Galindo’s 10 points. Up Next The Bulldogs play host to De Beque’s Dragons on Jan. 14. The first game of the day will be a girls junior varsity contest beginning at 1 p.m. The girls varsity follows at 2:30 and the boys varsity at 4 p.m. Hotchkiss will host Paonia on Jan. 19 with varsity games (G/B) set for 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Bruins win, lose hardwood battles BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Against Olathe on Jan. 6 the Cedaredge girls basketball team suffered a 49-31 loss in league play to the Pirates. Cedaredge’s boys were able to keep the Pirates looking for victories with a 63-49 setback. Girls Olathe 49, Bruins 31 Cedaredge took a 1513 lead after one period and looked to be in a rythym to compete at a high level. The next three quarters, however, were far from the Bruins’ accustomed offensive output with just 14 points being

scored the rest of the way. Olathe had its offense working well enough to surge to a 12-4 second quarter scoring burst for a lead they would not relinquish. Neither team was able to produce double figure scores in the third quarter. A big run in the final quarter produced 19 points, and sealed the win, for the Pirates while Cedaredge tallied just six points. In what could arguably be the lowest scoring output in some time, Cedaredge got just six points from Courtney Freeman, Grace Andrews and Jade Gummo. One of

the Bruins’ top scorers, Hannah Gilmore, was held to just two points. McKayla McKinney pulled down seven rebounds for the Bruins in the loss. Next up for the Bruins is Rangely on Jan. 13 at Cedaredge High School. The girls varsity contest is set for a 6 p.m. starting time. Delta will visit the Bruins on Jan. 15 for a 3A WSL contest that begins at 6 p.m. Boys Bruins 63, Olathe 49 In boys action the Bruins were successful in their first game back

from Christmas break with a 63-49 win over Olathe. Cedaredge got doubledigit scoring from three players to help the Bruins keep Olathe in the cellar for 3A WSL standings with a 1-7 record. The Bruins’ record improved to 4-3 with the victory. Senior Christian Reynolds tossed in 18 points to lead Cedaredge’s offense. Junior Peter Carlson wasn’t too far behind with 15 points and senior Isaac Swoffer contributed another 10 counters in the win. Olathe’s Jorge Gon-

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Photo by Wayne Crick

One of the three skills tested last week at the Nuggets Skills Challenge was passing the ball at a target on the wall.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The third skill tested at a Nuggets Skills Challenge is dribbling through a pattern of cones with guidelines applied.

Nuggets Skills winners posted

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zales paced the Pirates’ offense with 16 points and was joined in double figures by Daniel Vernon with 11 and Austin Hemphill with 10 points. Christian Reynolds was also the Bruins’ leading rebounder with eight and Carlson hauled in another seven while Jacob Lewis snagged six carroms. The Bruins take on Rangely Jan. 13 in Cedaredge with game time set for 6 p.m. On Jan. 17 the Bruins host Delta at 7:30 p.m. for a 3A WSL matchup.

Photo by Wayne Crick

A second skill tested at last week’s Nuggets Skills Challenge was shooting, demonstrated by Peyton Huntley.

The winners are

The 2017 version of the Denver Nuggets Basketball Skills Challenge took place on Monday, Jan. 2, at Bill Heddles Rec Center in Delta. This event is a basketball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in dribbling, passing and shooting. The program is produced by the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Parks and Recreation Association with support from the City of Delta. Winners of each age group advance to a sec-

tional competition with winners there advancing to the state championship to be held in conjunction with a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center in March. This year’s winners are Peyton Huntley (girls 7/8 years old), Lilly Nelson (girls 9/10 years old), JP Gallegos (boys 9/10 years old), Jessica Black (girls 11/12 years old), Landan Clay (boys 11/12 years old), Payten Hodgin (girls 13/14 years old) and Gideon Gilmore (boys 13/14 years old).

Photo submitted by Whitney Lear

Youngsters ranging in age from seven to 14 years old gathered at Bill Heddles Rec Center in Delta on Jan. 2 to participate in the annual Denver Nuggets Skills Challenge. The photo above has each winner from the seven divisions of competitors. From left to right are Payten Hodgin (girls 13/14), Gideon Gilmore (boys 13/14), Landan Clay (boys 11/12), Jessica Black (girls 11/12), Lilly Nelson (girls 9/10), JP Gallegos (boys 9/10) and Peyton Huntley (girls 7/8).

SURFACE CREEK January 11, 2017

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

‘Vintage’ label said to be wrong for Cedaredge BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

An open community discussion may begin soon as some Chamber of Commerce board members think town hall’s chosen marketing identity label for Cedaredge — Vintage — is the wrong one for promoting business and commerce. The Vintage label emerged from a “Branding Summit” held last summer. Chamber criticism of the “Vintage” label was aired at the chamber board meeting on Jan 3. Singled out for particular criticism is a town hall sponsored idea for holding an “Old Fart Dart” 1k race event in conjunction with the Celebrate Cedaredge street fair. Some, but not all of the chamber board members, were critical of the “Old Fart Dart” idea saying it plays into the image of Cedaredge that businesses are trying to shed — the image of a retirement community offering little that is energetic, exciting or new. The “Old Fart Dart,” as described at the meeting, is a

1,000-meter race for fun. Participants dress up in costume and traverse the course using any means of conveyance they choose so long as it is not motorized. The “Old Fart Dart” idea, combined with the Vintage branding and the community’s reputation for retirement living, create an identity for the community that fails to attract a younger demographic with money to spend, according to comments made during the open discussion at the chamber meeting. Attending the meeting was Cedaredge Town Administrator Katie Sickles, who said the “Old Fart Dart” event is one used by younger demographic college communities. Also adding a more positive note, Main Street businessman and chamber director David Starr noted that the community needs to focus across a spectrum of young and older people to have a positive impact on commerce. What is needed, he explained, ‘VINTAGE’ LABEL TO C2

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

More than winter

When a big snow storm arrived in Surface Creek Valley last week, it meant more than the arrival of winter. It also meant creation of a true seasonal scenic delight along Surface Creek Trail for enjoyment of the local, natural setting by its visitors.

Orchard City searches for ways to fund budget BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Orchard City trustees, at their Jan. 4 work session, opened a dialog on the problem of declining town revenues, dwindling cash reserves, and on possible ways to reverse the trends. Among the ideas suggested was whether to allow marijuana businesses to operate in town and so provide more tax revenue for local government. No decisions were reached at the work session, but further discussions are planned. Mayor Ken Volgamore said the issues will be taken up again at the next work session on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at town hall beginning at 7 p.m. The work session will be open to the public. (See related story). Trustee Dick Kirkpatrick presented a report he had researched, detailing financial challenges being created by the declining trend in town revenues that is requiring big spending from reserves. He reported declining revenue trends and declining cash reserves in the water fund, the general fund, and in the road fund. “Solutions will be difficult,” the report states. Kirkpatrick concludes in the report, which is based on current and past budget numbers, “It is prudent that we maintain our reserves at or above the level they are currently at, and increase the reserves back to a more acceptable level.” The report goes on to say, “The trending deserves our attention,” and then it turns attention to the town’s allimportant water fund saying, “The water fund is by far the worst of all the funds and has

been experiencing large decreases in reserves since 2012 . . . The water fund is experiencing the fastest decline in revenues and we need to address a rate increase to stop this trending to a negative balance.” Water fund revenues remain fairly constant in the face of continually increasing expenses. To fill the growing money gap, cash reserves in the water fund have been spent down and dropped from a high of $1.84 million in 2012 to $1.14 million in 2016, explains the report. The 2017 budget year will see another drop of $373,000 in water fund reserves, according to the 2017 town budget. The report concludes that if current financial projections hold true, “We are looking at approximately three years before [water fund reserves] go negative, and this further flags the reality that we need to act soon and reverse this trend.” In the general fund, “Revenue for 2016 is $332,000 and that is the lowest in the past eight years. The revenue ranged from the highest $518,000 in 2009 to this year’s low,” states the report. Projections for 2017 see a further decline of $108,000 in general fund reserves. The fund is expected to see total revenues of $261,000 which will come up short of meeting expenses that will total $369,000 this year. Declining revenues for the road fund have caused depletion of its cash reserves also. Needed road repairs will make expenditures outpace revenues by $90,000 in 2017, Kirkpatrick’s report states. The report lays out four pos-

sible ways of increasing town government revenue, including the option of allowing marijuana businesses to operate in Orchard City. “We have been approached with a request for the town to allow growing and manufacturing operations for both medical and retail marijuana. This could generate funding via excise taxation,” the report states. The report’s next paragraph adds a second marijuana option: “We have also been approached with a request for the town to look at allowing the retail sales of marijuana. This could generate funding via a sales tax strictly on the retail sales.” A third option proposed is to raise the town’s water rates. This idea could include a rate hike sufficient to help cover costs of the town’s governmental obligations to residents including roads. A fourth possibility would be asking voters to approve a first-ever town sales tax. A possible rate of 2 to 2.5 percent on the approximately $5 million of annual taxable retail sales in the town could yield $125,000 per year for roads, and for other uses. Trustees have noted that a sales tax could also require imposition of a business license in order to track tax collections and payments data. Should the sales tax option be pursued by the town board, voters can demand ahead of any vote that the proposed uses for any tax money raised be specifically stated in the tax vote ballot question. The report compiled by Kirkpatrick also suggests issues that the trustees should

be focused on as they try to address the downward trends in town finances. Those issues include: • Trustees need to determine a level of reserves maintained in each of its budget funds (i.e. roads, water, etc.). Delta County aims to keep a 25 percent-of-budget cash balance reserve in each of its departmental budgets and in each of its budget funds. The county’s $31.5 million in projected spending next year includes over $600,000 taken out of reserves, according to the county administrator. Budget documents provided by the Town of Cedaredge show it will

spend over $151,000 from its reserves across all of its budget funds in 2017. • Can a recovery in the minerals leasing and severance tax revenues be expected with new activity at North Fork Valley mines? • Will a sales tax be enough to maintain needed levels of general fund and road fund? • Is a professional [water] rate study needed? • If the community rejects the idea of marijuana business taxes as a means of funding town government, then are higher water rates and a town sales tax the only available options?

Mayor seeks citizens’ input BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Mayor Ken Volgamore has scheduled a town board work session discussion about the issues of declining town revenues, dwindling cash reserves in town budget funds, and ideas for addressing the two problems, ideas that include allowing marijuana businesses to operate in Orchard City as a means of generating tax revenue. The work session which will be open to the public is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1, at town hall beginning at 7 p.m. The issues are not included on the agenda for the town board’s regular monthly business meeting set for Jan. 11. Work sessions are not public hearings. Official decisions

are not made at work sessions. Work session discussions may take place without allowing public input; however, the Orchard City board has routinely allowed public input at work sessions in the past. In addition, Mayor Volgamore told the DCI that he wants to get as much input as possible from town residents on the idea of allowing marijuana business in the town in order to increase tax revenues for the general fund, road fund and water fund. The mayor said that public input is also being encouraged on any ideas for reversing the negative financial trends being experienced by town government revenues and fund balances.

Marijuana taxes eyed as possible solution Orchard City eyes marijuana businesses as possible way to balance budget BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The idea of Orchard City turning to marijuana as a town government tax source first came up at the end of a budget work session last September. Mayor Ken Volgamore took a straw poll of trustees on the marijuana-as-revenue issue. No decisions were made at that time. The mayor later told the DCI that he felt he had a near unanimous positive response from the straw poll. He explained that the town had been in contact with “a woman in Cedaredge” who

was involved with developing a large, indoor, commercial marijuana growing and processing operation in Saguache County. The contact with the woman, the mayor said, had come through his son, Chris, a building contractor whose construction business was connected with the Sagauche project. The few details available at that time were vague. Trustee Dick Kirkpatrick was tasked to research issues and report back to the full board. Kirkpatrick presented the results of his research — a town budget analysis and a marijuana industry report — on Jan. 4 at the trustees’ monthly work session. In his report, Kirkpatrick dealt with the town’s declining revenues and reserve fund depletion, and with ideas for increasing town revenue including allowing retail and commercial marijuana businesses in town as a means of

raising tax money. (See related story.) The DCI has learned that the woman in Cedaredge to whom Volgamore referred back in September is Shauna DeMoss, the principal of a company called Vanguard Consulting and Development LLC located near Cedaredge. The company filed its LLC with the Colorado Secretary of State last March. In an interview with the DCI, DeMoss described her business as a consultancy that helps business startups and particularly including marijuana businesses needing help with various government permit requirements. During the interview, DeMoss explained that her company is involved with developing a large, commercial marijuana project in Saguache County, which allows commercial marijuana operations. The businesses are permitted and regulated through that

county’s land use planning process. DeMoss said that her association with Chris Volgamore was one of asking his construction company to submit a bid for work on the Sagauche project. She explained that she had found out “through the grapevine that Orchard City is interested in augmenting” its town revenues. She also told the DCI that she was approached “by individuals” to provide information to Orchard City. DeMoss is the author of a seven-page report, “Legal Cannabis Industry Overview,” that was distributed to the town trustees as part of Kirkpatrick’s research report during the Jan. 4 work session DeMoss emphasized repeatedly that she has had no official contact with Orchard City about any proposal to develop marijuana businesses in Orchard City “at this time.”

She added, “The truth is that I and my company, the people I am involved with, would consider bringing a legal cannabis project” to the Orchard City/Delta County area. “In the future it might come up,” she noted; but, only if the social and political climate opposing marijuana business were to change During his Jan. 4 budget presentation, Kirkpatrick said, “There have been no positive votes on [marijuana business] in Delta County.” His budget report cites landslide opposition from Orchard City voting precincts to the state constitution question on legalizing marijuana. There has never been an Orchard City-only, up-or-down vote on the marijuana issue. The Orchard City Town Board has adopted local “opt out” ordinances prohibiting medical marijuana and recreational marijuana businesses MARIJUANA TAXES TO C2

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Chamber elects board, chooses 2017 officers BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Directors of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce held their first board meeting of the year on Jan. 3. Newly elected to serve

on the board were Nancy Snowdon, psychologist, to serve a one-year term; Nick Streza of Deer Creek Village Realty to serve a two-year term; Mitchell Gronenthal of Reve Portraits and Arc of West-

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ern Central Colorado to serve a three-year term; and, Bruce Hovde, former Delta County commissioner, to serve a threeyear term. Returned to positions on the board were Dottie Whitlock and Nancy Hovde to three-year terms. The elected members joined continuing board members David Starr, Cindy Starr, Frank St. Peter and Phyllis Hoffman.

Officers for the coming year were also ratified. They are Nancy Hovde, president; Phyllis Hoffman, vice president; Frank St. Peter, secretary; and, Mitchell Gronenthal, treasurer. Kayla Brown of Bank of Colorado/Cedaredge was appointed to serve as chair of the chamber’s Ambassador Program. Some business matters were taken up by the board at its first meeting. Discussions included

a presentation by Welcome Western Colorado, a business described as “an updated version of the Welcome Wagon.” There was also a report from Town Administrator Katie Sickles on delays in the Jay Avenue Bridge replacement project due to need for relocating a six-inch-diameter water line. The original end-of2016 completion date has been moved out now to April 1. Sickles asked that a

representative be designated to give a chamber report at the monthly town trustee meetings. There has been no one to report on the chamber’s activities at several recent meetings, and Sickles said the mayor wants to know whether to keep the chamber report item on his monthly agenda. A call was issued for volunteers to help with the Feb. 4 Island Lake fishing contest.

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Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce board members elected or re-elected on Jan. 3 are, from left, Nancy Snowdon, Mitchell Gronenthal, Dottie Whitlock and Nancy Hovde. Not pictured are Nick Streza and Bruce Hovde.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce ofﬁcers for 2017 are, from left, Frank St. Peter, secretary; Phyllis Hoffman, vice-president; Mitchell Gronenthall, treasurer; Nancy Hovde, president; and Kayla Brown; chair of the Ambassador Program.

Marijuana taxes FROM PAGE C1 of any kind in the town. Therefore, as it was noted during the Jan. 4 work session, it would take only a town board repeal of either or both ordinances to pave the legal way for marijuana business in Orchard City without a vote of the peo-

ple. About two years ago, Cedaredge dealt with a similar situation created when a Redlands Mesa businessman proposed a marijuana edible products manufacturing enterprise in a vacant meat packing plant on East Main Street. Cedaredge,

‘Vintage’ label FROM PAGE C1 is to project a different image of the community’s demographics that will help with commercial marketing. Several at the meeting questioned the appropriateness of the “Vintage” branding label for businesses who are trying to attract a younger demographic. The project to come up with a “branding label” for Cedaredge was conducted by town hall last summer. The initiative to pick a brand for the community was part of a larger overall push to promote tourism in Delta County. Creating specific brand labels for other communities and areas of the county was part of the overall idea. The Cedaredge brand of “Vintage” was decided on at a meeting held at the Civic Center last summer. There, a group of about 15 people attended a “Branding

Summit” session. Those who showed up for the meeting included some from town government, business and interested citizens. Attendees with ties to the Chamber of Commerce were at the meeting as well, but they were not officially representing the chamber that evening. The Vintage label was suggested for Cedaredge’s brand and voted on by those present. The “Branding Summit” had been arranged by Town of Cedaredge and so results of the ad hoc vote were taken as official. At the chamber board meeting, Hovde called for a committee to discuss the issue. However, she told the DCI later that the full chamber board had met together later and decided to approach the town trustees directly with a presentation at their next meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 19.

like Orchard City, has adopted ordinances against marijuana businesses of all kinds. The business proposal was turned down by trustees following strong citizen outpouring in opposition at a special public hearing that was held. The report that DeMoss prepared for the Orchard City trustees deals with various issues and information about the legal marijuana industry. Among other matters, it deals with industry regulation, access restrictions to commercial facilities, product safety, security, and requirements for state licensed owner/ operators. Of particular interest to town trustees is information detailing projections for tax revenues available from commercial and from sample retail marijuana business models. The DeMoss report is highly friendly to the marijuana industry. She told the DCI, “The legal cannabis industry is something totally different from all the things people have heard about illegal marijuana.” One Orchard City town trustee who might take exception to that view is Craig Fuller. He was the one trustee who voiced opposition, strongly, during the mayor’s straw poll on marijuana business back in September. Fuller has provided the

executive summary of a federal law enforcement report covering three states. Compiled by the Rocky Mountain HighIntensity Drug Trafficking Area, it documents, among other things, the increases in traffic crashes, increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, linked to marijuana use, and increased marijuana use by minors since Colorado voters first legalized marijuana. The full 170-page report has been found online at: www.rmhidta.org/reports The current discussion about marijuana business in Orchard City is neither the first nor the only occurrence of the issue coming up here. Marijuana business entrepreneurs see the abundant land and water at Orchard City available far cheaper than that available elsewhere in the state. During the Jan. 4 work session, a local real estate broker in attendance told the board, “They’re waiting to come.”

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Birds of the Western Slope

This Lewis’ woodpecker was photographed by Bill Schmoker in Cottonwood Canyon in Baca County. tree. In her “Guide to Colorado Birds,” Mary’s description is delightful: “...a handsome bird that seems to not have read the ‘How to be a Woodpecker’ handbook. It flies like a crow . . . doesn’t peck into tree bark for food but instead sallies out from a perch to hawk insects in flight like a flycatcher, gleans insects from leaves like a warbler, and breaks nuts into pieces to wedge them in bark crevices like a nuthatch. It’s more likely to be seen

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perched atop a fence post than clinging to the side of a tree like any selfrespecting woodpecker should.” And I was able to observe it all! And the greenish-black back is contrasted with a rosy pink breast, a white collar and a dark reddish face patch. A remarkable bird with a strange set of habits and an endless pack of tricks. They/he would take our peanut butter and stuff it into the cottonwood. He’d sit on the phone line (tittering a bit), and give his call (a “cherrrr”). But progress? New folks moved in and I never was able to connect the shotgun and the dead bird. But now they’re gone too. My Lewis’ was named for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Although my birds’ colony is gone, I often hear them along Myers Road. I stop to admire and wonder how long it took for the original colony to form. I do miss them!

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Garden club plans for 2017 BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

The members of the Plant & Dig Garden Club gathered at RJ’s Restaurant in Cedaredge on Dec. 16 for a Christmas luncheon and gift exchange. The staff had set up a beautiful table for the luncheon and provided another table for gifts. The food was great, the service excellent, the gift exchange full of fun and laughter. Our thanks to all at RJ’s who made our celebration so special. Our January meeting will be held on the 20th when new officers will be installed. Our members will also have an oppor-

tunity to share plans for the upcoming gardening season as well as set club goals regarding community service commitments and the scholarship fund. 2017 looks to be another stellar year for the club with outstanding programs and activities that will enhance our gardening knowledge. In February, Kathleen Ray (our newest member and the recipient of the 2016 scholarship for the Master Gardening program sponsored by Colorado State University Extension Center in Grand Junction), will be presenting a program entitled, “Awakening the

Garden Within.” We look forward to learning Kathleen’s methods of bringing the tranquility and beauty of our gardens into our inner selves. The members of this club are committed to expanding our gardening knowledge, community service through projects at Pioneer Town and Horizons Care Center, and always the cultivation of friendship among our members. We invite all who share our goals to join our club. For further information you may call 8567077 or 856-3897.

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LEISURE TIME SPORTS

Management group forming to help fight spruce beetle The Public Lands Partnership (PLP) is accepting nominations of individuals who represent specific stakeholder interests to serve on a collaborative Adaptive Management Group (AMG). The primary purpose of the group will be to assist the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest in the implementation and monitoring of treatment projects designed to respond to the spruce beetle epidemic and decline of aspen stands occurring in specific priority areas on the GMUG. The anticipated timeframe for full implementation is anywhere from eight to 12 years. The following interest groups have been identified to have “seats” at the AMG table to ensure diverse and consistent representation throughout the multi-year implementation process: • County commissioners or designee — seven seats depending on interest from counties in which projects are occurring (Delta, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel); • Environmental/conservation groups — two seats; • Forestry processors — one seat; • Forestry loggers — one seat; • Community memberat-large from each timber zone: — three seats; • Water resources — one seat; • Recreational user groups — one seat; • Wildlife and fish interests — one seat; and • Education — one seat. Some of the suggested

tasks that can be expected are the following: • Help with articulating monitoring questions • Active engagement annually in implementation and monitoring, i.e. providing input/feedback on priority treatment areas, treatment designs — more strategic than at overall program level • Serve as a conduit between SBEADMR and their constituents or stakeholder group • Having representation at the annual review with GMUG leadership team and Science Team • Anticipate roadblocks that may arise and work with the Forest Service to resolve Please submit your name(s) and/or an individual(s) you would recommend and contact information to Chris Miller, coordinator, and Public Lands Partnership at info@publiclands partnership.org no later than Feb. 1. For more information visit the GMUG National Forest website @https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/ ?project=42387 or the Public Lands Partnership website at www.public landspartnership.org. The annual meeting for the Spruce Beetle Epidemic Aspen Decline Management Project is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, in Montrose. An RSVP is recommended to be assured seating. For more information please contact Chris Miller, coordinator, Public Lands Partnership at 970-640-7076 or send request to info@publiclan dspartnership.org.

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A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn Lewis’ Woodpecker This is the first serious snow that we’ve had — I wish it would go away! I never liked the cold or the snow, but it means water for us in the summer so I’ll just have to put up with it. But I can’t go anywhere. So I’ll just think about my birds. When we first came to this area, there were woodpeckers . . . lots of them! They make up an interesting group with about 20 species in North America. They range from the 18inch ivory-billed (likely extinct now) to the downy at just over five inches. But the woodpeckers that were the greatest interest to me were the ones that lived in our cottonwoods, right in front of our window! I noted behavior and then found it described in Mary Taylor Gray’s field guides. Most woodpeckers are solitary nesters, but Lewis’ is colonial, with an extended family “owning” a particular

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Conference helps create healthy land, food, people Passionate about raising the most nutritious food possible, in the best soil possible, for the healthiest people possible? Head to the state’s premier sustainable agricultural gathering, the Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum, in Montrose Jan. 20-21. Registration is open for half-day pre-conference workshops Friday and the forum all day Saturday. The forum celebrates its fifth anniversary with nationally known speakers, such as Ray Archuleta, Greg Judy and Andrew Smith of the Rodale Institute. Twentytwo workshops designed for advanced to beginning producers include sessions on maximizing vege-

table production in saline soils, innovative livestock management, soil and livestock health, organic and hemp research, food safety, organic standards, water law, orchard manmarketing agement, strategies, grants and more. Limited tours of South River Aquaponics are also on the agenda. Saturday, keynote speaker Ray Archuleta addresses “Understanding the Social, Cultural, and Ecological Context of Soil Health.” “Ray the soil guy” promotes local and global movement toward regenerative agriculture based on internalizing how wholes relate and how humans think. “The human mind is one

Ray Archuleta

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of the biggest obstacles to improving soil health and regenerative agriculture. To make small changes, change how you do things. To make major changes, change how you see things!”

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Greg Judy, author of “No Risk Ranching” and “Comeback Farms,” hosts a half-day pre-conference workshop on profitable ranching and mob grazing techniques. At the conference he leads a session on how production increases when more solar energy is harvested using multispecies grazing. Rodale Institute, the oldest organic research organization in the U.S., presents a half-day workshop, “Maximizing Nutrient Density to Improve Production and Health Outcomes,” led by Andrew Smith, PhD. The interactive session at the Montrose County Fairgrounds covers the effect of nutrient decline on health, balancing

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a post conference bowling night,” says organizer Carol Parker. Valley Food Partnership producers provide local food throughout the day. Attendees receive discounts when they attend both the pre-conference workshop and the forum. Scholarships are available to FFA, 4-H and beginning farmers or ranchers. The Valley Food Partnership, CSU Extension, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, National Young Farmers Coalition and Shavano Conservation District organize the conference collaboratively. For a complete list of topics or to register please visit foodfarmforum.org or call 970-249-3935.

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soil minerals to increase nutrient density, crop selection, foliar feeding and interpreting soil tests. The National Young Farmers Coalition hosts a half-day water boot camp. Topics include the history of Colorado water law, ins and outs of local irrigation administration, policy and funding that impact your irrigation decisions, and what you need to know about water when looking for land. “The conference is designed to provide a rich menu of options and to encourage networking among participants during a chili dinner Friday, a farmer-to-farmer invention convention, roundtable sessions and

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January 11, 2017

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HELP WANTED RFP FOR JANITORIAL Services Delta County Public Library District is requesting sealed proposals from qualified vendors for janitorial services at the library facilities in Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss, and Paonia. Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly full service cleaning of the 5 locations is required. The service is expected to be done when the buildings are closed to public use. This can include evenings, weekends and varying weekdays when the libraries are closed. For a complete scope of work, building specifications, bidder qualifications and other requirements, bid form and submission requirements please contact Susan Spencer at 970399-7876 or by email at dcpld@deltalibraries.org. The deadline for receipt of completed proposals is Monday, January 30, 2017. (2x1) TOWN OF PAONIA Notice of Full-time Police Officer Position. This position is a certified position as required by the POST Standards and Training Act. This is general law enforcement work, responsible for protecting life and property and enforcing laws and ordinances within the Town. Duties include investigations, special detail assignments, conduct traffic enforcement, prepare reports, participate in required training, administrative duties and other special assignments as assigned by superiors. Requirements: Must be POST certified, have a valid Colorado driver’s license, be able to pass psychological exam, background checks and pre-employment drug test. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Please submit proof of POST certification with your application. Salary DOQ. Application Procedure: Obtain and complete a Paonia Police Department Application from the Town of Paonia website or in person, at 214 Grand Ave., Paonia, CO 81428. Completed applications must either be dropped off in person or mailed to P.O. Box 460 Paonia, CO 81428 Attn. Sergeant Neil Ferguson. For more information, Email: nfergusonppd@townofpao nia.com. Applications must be received by February 3rd 2017. (2x2) HELP WANTED: DENTAL Assistant needed for busy, fun dental office. Experienced, bilingual a plus. Please call Comfort Dental, 744-4887. (3x2)

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DELTA BUILDING CENter is accepting applications for a Class A, CDL driver. Offering competitive pay. Local deliveries, home each night. Please pick up application at1796 Hwy. 50, Delta at the Delta Building Center. (1x2) PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS in the classifieds. 874-4421

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Colorado Statewide �� Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $350 $275, contact your local newspaper or call SYNC2 Media at 303-571-5117.

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BOOKS MAKE GREAT stocking stuffers. Find books at great prices in the basement of the Delta Public Library.

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Delta County Independent

HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X1)

YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant SUPPORT THE DELTA women in Delta County can Public Library. Give a gently now get help to quit smokused book in the Downstairs ing and get something they Book Store. can really use after their NARCOTICS ANONY- baby arrives — free diapers. mous meets at 9th and Healthy moms have healthy Palmer, Delta, Mondays and babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program Fridays at 8 p.m. today. Contact the Delta HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS County Health Department Wanted! Delta County at 874-2165 or your local Memorial Hospital needs physician. hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. THINK YOU'RE PREGThere are currently open- nant? Abused? Need help? ings in the ER, Oncology, The Pregnancy Resource Gift Shop and some addi- Center in Delta offers free tional areas. If you are service, support and advice interested, please contact to all teenagers and women Volunteer Coordinator, in crisis pregnancy situaPercy Ake at (970) 596-7458 tions. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. for an application.

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HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area mid-OctoberApril. Call us at 970-7738290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www. DeltaAbrahamConnection. org. FARM WORKER HEALTH Services: We offer assistance with medical, dental and medicines. If you work in agriculture you may qualify for our services. For more information call 3230538.

Shoppers are less willing today to accept advertising that is spooned out to them. They seek out advertising on their own. Newspapers are the medium shoppers use most for shopping in an average week More than half (52%) use newspapers, exceeding others like television (36%), ads appearing in search engines (11%) or ads on general interest websites (16%) Frank N. Magid Associates 2011.

DELTA COUNTY

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778. HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. thru December 24. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 872-3780. CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Public Library.

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in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180.

Community Newspaper

SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. 548, Delta, CO 81416. THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta. Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m., closed (Alcoholics only) at Friends of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open (others may attend) at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door).

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D4 Wednesday, January 11, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

What’s happening at your local library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Cedaredge Friends Meeting. Learn about the homeless shelter in Delta and make a meaningful contribution. Donations of cleaning supplies, paper goods, powdered drink mixes, coffee, coffee creamer and individually wrapped food items are being accepted. Regular meeting to follow. Thursday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. The Earth Beneath Our Feet. Have you ever wondered about the geology in the vicinity of Orchard City? Join Dr. Dave Noe for a tour of

the surrounding mesas, ’dobies and uplifts, and the results of many years of geologic mapping by the Colorado Geologic Survey. Thursday, Jan. 12, 5:30 p.m. at the Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town. Computer Basics. Learn the basics of the computer in this handson class that is geared directly to your skill level. Friday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. Teen Scene. Teens are invited to come hang out and have fun. Friday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. January StoryWalk®. “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn and Mark Buehner will be up through the month of January on the Surface Creek Trail. January Maker Space. Invisible Ink. Send a secret, hidden message or make a treasure map! All supplies provided.

for details at 874-9630. Birthday for Pooh. Celebrating Winnie the Pooh’s birthday. Crafts, movies, cake and punch. Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. Packaging Seed Party. Volunteers needed Thursday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m. Kids’ Craft Day. Stop by the Delta Library between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. every third Saturday and get crafty. January’s theme: Winter. Hotchkiss Hotchkiss Book Club. This book club will meet the third Thursday of every month in the Addams Room of Memorial Hall and is for adults. January’s book club will discuss “All the Wild That Remains” by David Gessner. Thursday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. Seed Sorting Party. Calling all volunteers, seed library supporters

Crawford Cabin Fever Book Sale. Presented by the Friends of the Crawford Library at the Crawford Town Hall Community Room. Friday, Jan. 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delta Friends of the Delta Library Meeting. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. Genealogy 101. Join this informational presentation at the Delta Library and learn strategies for researching your genealogy. Presented by Mickey Watts. Thursday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m. Teen Book Club at Delta High School. This club will meet the second Thursday of each month in the fishbowl during ACCESS. January book: “The Weight of Silence” by Heather Gudenkauf. Contact the Delta Library

and seed sorting enthusiasts! Join us at the Hotchkiss Library for an evening of seed organizing, good company and tasty treats. Come by anytime Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. January Maker Space. Come and enjoy making your own unique snowflakes throughout the month of January. Paonia Kids’ Game Day. Ultimate Bey Blade Tournament, puzzles and board games! Snacks provided. Thursday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. Armchair Travel Series. This annual series kicks off with Jim and Elaine Brett regaling us with their experiences at Okinawa’s Uchinanchu Festival, featuring stunning photography and engaging stories. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. Teen Book Club. Join the teen book club at the

Paonia Library. January book: “The Lie Tree” by Frances Hardinge. Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. Knit Crochet Day. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow knitters and crocheters; always tea and cookies too! Saturday, Jan. 21, at noon. Paonia Reads. Join the community! Read the book! See the film! Paonia Reads is brought to you by the Paonia Literary Committee in collaboration with Delta County Libraries, Blue Sage Center for the Arts and The Paradise Theater an effort to bring the community together to read the book “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” by Sherman Alexie and then view the accompanying film at The Paradise Theater on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. Call the Paonia Library for details at 3997881.

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Delta County Independent

Unexpected turns...

Photo submitted

Mark and Joei Malone were used to snow and cold when they moved to the North Fork area from Heeney, Colo., via Clear Creek County, where they lived off the grid. On Christmas day Joei compared their home in the North Fork Valley to living in their own snow globe.

BY TAMIE MECK

Staff Writer

ometimes life takes an unexpected turn that can change one’s course forever. For Mark and Joei Malone, that unexpected turn happened two years ago on a road trip to explore the possibility of relocating from Summit County to Montrose. At the time, they were living off the grid in Heeney, Colo. Both multi-talented artists, their art studio was a one-room school house complete with stage and blackboard and a ghost named Bob Farris. If you haven’t heard of it, Heeney is a “census-designate place” — an unincorporated concentration of people counted by the government for census purposes only. It’s situated on the shores of Green Mountain Reservoir. Its closest neighbors are Dillon, Kremmling and Silverthorne, and its sub-arctic climate is marked by periods of bitter cold winter weather and high winds. Those living there are a hearty and independent lot, and Mark and Joei were no exception. Joei started out in Ohio and has slowly migrated west. She used her degree in computer sciences and studies in childhood development to run a cell phone business and special needs daycare in the Denver area for 14 years. Her electronics company also provided education to teens about texting and driving. About seven years ago she faced one of her biggest challenges when she was diagnosed with a rare brain disease that, in part, leaves her vulnerable to seizures. She

Mark Malone used his graphic arts skills to create the new logo for West Elk Mountain Rescue.

Artist Mark Malone, who paints from memory, created this oil on canvas, titled “North Fork Kaleidoscope,” based on his ﬁrst impressions of Paonia and the North Fork Valley. He describes the painting as covering 30 miles in ﬁve feet. retired and went to work on a ranch in Clear Creek County. There she met Mark, an artist, hard rock gold miner and local bachelor. “He rescued me,” says Joei, whose attraction to Mark likely led to a lot of broken hearts. Their first home was an off-the-grid bus. Mark was the night watchman at the Poor Man Mine. When winter settled in, they relocated to the Resumption Mine and lived in a cabin and a Winnebago. They then lived in Heeney and eventually made the decision to leave and seek a warmer climate. They set their sights on Montrose. A friend in Summit County had told them to check out a little town along the way called Paonia. “Neither one of us had ever even heard of it,” said Joei. They never got to Montrose. After dropping off of McClure Pass, they took a left turn off of Highway 133, stopped in at The Diner, and fell in love with the place. That was just over two years ago. “I think it really is the people,” that make it such a special place, said Joei. Mark marvels at the dichotomy. “You can go down to The Diner and you’ve got hippies sitting next to cowboys.” They rented a house on Main Avenue for 18 months and were looking for something to buy when someone told them about a small property on Minnesota Creek that needed a little TLC. It just felt right. “We’ve never lived in a place where people were so

“Snow Kachina” is a multi-media piece Malone created using spray paint and stencils and oils on canvas. A collection of his paintings are listed on ebay.

happy and welcoming to have us move in,” said Joei. The property was littered with decades of junk, and the cabin needed work. But the hardwood floor was salvaged from the old Delta County Court House, and the ceiling was from a house once owned by Debbie Reynolds. A two-seat outdoor privy hauled down from Bowie was among the outbuildings. The place had potential. Most of the junk is now in the landfill, but moving some of the old equipment will require removing the trees growing up through it. Shortly after arriving, a series of Mark’s oil paintings was featured in a show titled “Awaiting Summer,” at the Paonia Public Library. Mark grew up in the Denver area. His love for the arts began with drawing comic strips in second grade of “Gigantor,” a “bigger-than-big, strongerthan-strong” futuristic cartoon robot superhero of the 1960s and 1970s that was controlled by a 12-year-old boy. He later studied advertising design at the Colorado Institute of Art, now The Art Institute of Colorado, in the Capitol Hill area of Denver. Full disclosure: For the past two years Mark has worked one day a week in the DCI mailroom. He’s also very active in the community. He uses his skiing and other backcountry skills to serve on West Elk Mountain Rescue where he’s involved in high-altitude training and rescue. The organization covers western Gunnison County and assists rescues for the National Parks Service in the Black Canyon of he Gunnison National Park area. “It’s a really nice organization run by a nice bunch of people,” he said. This past year they had no fatalities and some very interesting rescues. “He loves it,” says Joei. “He gets a rescue call at 2 a.m., and he gets excited.” Mark is a carpenter by trade, an occupation he’s worked in for 30 years. He’s made many custom signs, including the Phoenix Gold Mine sign in Idaho Springs and the three-dimensional “Falling Waters” sign made of metal, logs, with twisted branches for the waterfall. He’s also a furniture maker and recently made a table

Photo submitted

Mark Malone works on a three-dimensional, mixedmedia waterfall sign in Summit County. from cedar burned in the Wake Fire on Wakefield Mesa near Paonia in July of 1996. He’s working on perfecting a folding rocking chair based on a design by his grandpa Malone and made of No. 1 pine. The canvas sling-style seat, made by Joei, is decorated with a custom silkscreen design. It’s a great camping chair, he said. “I call it ‘grandma’s fishing chair.’” He also dabbles in graphic arts. In 2009 he designed the label for a collector’s edition frosted glass bacon-infused vodka bottles for the bar at Arapahoe Basin. Most recently he designed a new logo for West Elk Mountain Rescue, which he said was only possible with technical help from some of the members. Mark is also an accomplished painter. He doesn’t paint on-site or from photographs, but rather from memory, often incorporating scenes of other places he’s been that have stuck in his mind. He’s currently working on a series of oil paintings that put skiers and wild animals on the same canvas. One painting represents his impression of the North

Fork area from the day he and Joei arrived. The painting, he said, covers 30 miles in five feet and stretches from the orchards of Paonia to the desert. It was dead of winter and the remaining leaves on the orchard were red. “Colors I’ve never seen before,” said Mark. Joei keeps busy making her original spiral design hats for family and friends and handcrafting soaps, which are sold exclusively at The Heart of the Dragon in Paonia. Most people have no idea how soap is made, she said. She wants her business to remain small, and she loves having her work displayed at the store. It’s been a long and often difficult path, but Mark and Joei said they’ve found their home. Standing out in the heavy snowfall on Christmas day, a fire crackling in their outdoor fire pit, dog Sophia at their heels and a flock of juncos flitting about, the garland strung around their house lit by strands of colorful Christmas lights bouncing off of the icicles gave the place a peaceful and quiet glow. Said Joei, “I feel like I live in the center of a snow globe.”

“Native Sunset” is an oil on canvas by Mark Malone of Paonia.