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LOCAL Public meetings scheduled to discuss shared services for fire districts
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Three public meetings have been scheduled to educate the public on the findings of the proposed shared and cooperative services agreement being discussed between three Garf ield County fire departments. The meetings are scheduled for Aug. 8, 9, and 10, in Glenwood Springs, Silt and Rifle, respectively. The purpose of the meetings are to educate the public, and gain public input, regarding the proposed shared and cooperative services agreement that has been a topic of discussion between Rifle Fire Protection District, Burning Mountains Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Rural Fire District, and the city of Glenwood Springs which operates the Glenwood Spring Fire Department. “These meetings are open to the public. We encourage people to come and participate,� said Burning Mountains Fire Protection District Fire Chief, Brit McLin. The proposal to share services between the entities began after WestCare Ambulance stopped providing service to the towns of Silt and New Castle, in June 2010, which left Burning Mountains Fire Protection District to fill the gap. Conversations then began on how to minimize duplicated efforts between Rifle, Silt, New Castle and Glenwood Springs in areas of planning, pre-
paredness, and providing of essential services. Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), a third party consulting f irm, was hired to evaluate shared and cooperative service opportunities between the four entities. ESCI started the process of interviewing more than 100 stakeholders, in June of this year, according to Rifle Fire Protection District Fire Chief, Mike Morgan. ESCI interviewed elected off icials including county commissioners and city councilors, firefighters, hospital administration and others. The interviews spanned a three day period to get a snapshot of what the four entities do well, and where they each struggle, and to determine areas where improvements could
be made, according to Morgan. Along with stakeholders interviews, ESCI also analyzed five years of financials, emergency call histories, billing, collection rates on ambulances, and personnel policies, of the four entities as well. The next step is the round of public meetings to provide residents within the service areas with the findings of the ESCI process. “They are going to walk the community through what this is all about,� Morgan said. ESCI will take the public input gathered at the meetings and incorporate the information in to a draft report due in September, Morgan said. A final report is due the first week of October.
Public meetings calendar: DATE: MONDAY, AUG. 8
Time: 6 p.m. Location: Glenwood Springs City Hall, council chambers DATE: TUESDAY, AUG. 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Burning Mountain Fire Protection District facility, Silt DATE: WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10
Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Rifle Fire Protection District Station No. 1, Rifle
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A UGUST 25, 2011
LOCAL
Re-2 will ask voters for $3 million mill levy override JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
The Garfield School District Re-2 Board of Education voted unanimously, Monday night, to approve placing a mill levy override question on the Nov. 1 ballot. The district will ask voters to approve a $3 million mill levy override, to help cover a deficit left in the district’s budget which occurred through state funding cuts in recent years. According to District Superintendent Susan Birdsey, the mill levy override is the most favorable option to cover the deficit. “We have cut everything we can possibly cut without having a direct affect on the students,” Birdsey said. “If we have to cut, more kids are going to feel it more than they do now.” According to School Board Presi-
dent Jay Rickstrew the board thoroughly discussed the options and came to the conclusion that having voters decide to support a mill levy override, or not, is the only thing left. “I think that we really just have to ask our voters for support right now,” said Rickstrew, adding that the board understood the financial strains taxpayers currently face and that it may affect the outcome. But the fact remains that the district is deficit spending nearly $1.8 million this current school year to cover the gap in state funding cuts. And that amount will have to be made up next year, according to Rickstrew. “We can’t do that very long before we have to make some significant cuts that will, in my opinion, really hurt the classroom,” Rickstrew said. What the increase would mean for
taxpayers is an increase of approximately $18 per $100,000 of assessed valuation on residential property, according to Re-2 Finance Director Christine Hamerick. Commercial property owners would feel it a bit more as they would likely pay approximately $63 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of commercial property, on top of their current taxes. Board member Lee Krauth supports asking voters for a mill levy override, however, he said that he doesn’t think that voters will approve it during the current economic climate. “I’m not against the democratic process, giving the voters the option to vote,” Krauth said. “I’m going to wait and see what the voters tell us.” Krauth said that it’s his opinion that the district could make more cuts without having to increase taxes.
NEWS IN BRIEF RIFLE PROJECTS WIN TWO DOWNTOWN COLORADO AWARDS CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF REPORTS
Downtown Colorado Inc. announced Tuesday that projects in Rifle, Centennial Park and the East Second Street redevelopment , are two of the 10 winners of the 2011 Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence. The winners will be honored at the 2011 Governor’s Awards Gala on Sept.
22 in Durango. Centennial Park, a linear park that runs along Rifle Creek in downtown Rifle, won the statewide award for Best Downtown Park. The East Second Street redevelopment project, a joint effort by the city of Rifle and the Garfield County Library District to build the library, civic plaza and parking structure, won the Best Smart Growth Downtown award. Other communities winning awards in 2011 are Montrose, Milliken, Boulder, Louisville, Manitou Springs and Denver. Read next week’s Citizen
Telegram for a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to develop Rifle’s two award-winning projects. AMONETTE PLEADS ‘NOT GUILTY’ IN OFFICER SHOOTING CASE
Accused cop shooter Phillip Michael Amonette is headed to trial for allegedly shooting and striking a Rifle Police Officer in October 2010. Amonette, 54, pleaded “not guilty” to felony charges of first degree attempted murder and first degree as-
>NEWS IN BRIEF, PAGE 11
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September is Pet Wellness Month at Valley Veterinary Clinic!
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In 2009, only 20 percent of reported fires occurred in singlefamily homes or duplexes, but these fires caused 70 percent (2,107) of all fire deaths. Home fires also account for the largest share of injuries and direct property damage. These f igures are an improvement over the last 30 years, but such losses are unacceptable. The Building and Fire Research Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has studied the impact of smoke alarms and fire sprinklers in homes. The laboratory’s research has found that smoke alarms cut the chance of death by 63 percent, sprinklers cut chances of death by 69 percent, and the combined use of smoke alarms and sprinklers cut the risk of dying in a fire by 82 percent. While smoke alarms can alert residents to a home fire, they cannot extinguish a fire. Fire sprinkler systems can. What are the benefits? Safer fire service: The risk for f iref ighters decrease. Sprin-
klers reduce the intensity of the f ire by dousing the flame earlier. Fast response: Modern residential fire sprinklers are designed to respond to fire faster than commercial or industrial sprinkler systems because they are more sensitive to heat. Aesthetically pleasing: Residential fire sprinklers are smaller and less conspicuous than commercial or industrial types. Color variations are available and some can be installed flush with the ceiling. Reliable: Fire sprinkler systems exceed a 95 percent “fail-safe” status in laboratory testing. Sprinklers individually activate only if there is a fire in which the heat escalates past the sprinkler’s trigger point. Investment protection: Fire sprinklers can prevent devastating home damage by extinguishing flames quickly. Sprinklers can limit the damage caused by smoke and f ire and are less damaging than water damage caused by f iref ighting hose lines. Simple installation: Installing a fire sprinkler system in a home that is under construction or being remod-
eled requires minimal extra piping and labor. Low water requirement: Residential fire sprinklers can be connected to the domestic water supply and require less water than commercial and industrial systems. Low cost: Residential fire sprinklers cost about $1.61 per square foot. This cost is about the same as upgraded cabinets or carpet. Lower insurance: Installing a fire sprinkler system has the potential to lower insurance rates 5 to 15 percent by meeting code requirements. The U.S. Fire Administration wants all residents to be protected against death, injury, and property loss resulting from fire in their residence. The agency’s policy is that all homes should be equipped with smoke alarms and automatic fire sprinklers. The agency also recommends that all families should have and practice an emergency escape plan. Only f ire sprinklers can detect f ire and automatically control it, affording residents the time needed to make a safe escape and protect valuables and property.
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Ron caulked joints in his walls, replaced his old fridge and freezer, replaced his lights with more efficient models, and had new insulation blown into his attic. He’s now seeing a drop of roughly 20 percent in his electricity bills. Ron is participating in the Garfield Clean Energy Challenge. And Ron is an Energy Hero! You can be an Energy Hero, too! Call Rob or Erica at CLEER today (970-704-9200) to get started. Read more at www.garfieldcleanenergy.org. Be an Energy Hero.
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O CTOBER 6, 2011
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32 Annual Chamber Chili Cook-Off, Thurs. Oct. 13 CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF REPORT
The Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 32 annual Chili Cook-off at the Garfield County Fairgrounds on Thursday, Oct. 13. Booth set up begins at 3 p.m., judging starts at 5 p.m. and the doors open to the public from 6-8 p.m. Interested in entering your chili, jerky or salsa? Pick up an entry form and return it to the Rifle Chamber by Monday, Oct. 10. Registration is open to anyone who would like to enter. Cost is $30
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7 p.m. is the hotly anticipated Jalapeño eating contest. The contest is open to the first 10 entrants interested in testing their iron gut to the heat of the Jalapeño pepper. Sign up before 6:45 p.m. the night of the event to be entered in the contest. The Chamber Ambassadors will serve up a variety of beverages and deserts, the proceeds of which will go to the Chamber. There will also be music, beer, and wine served at the event.
Re-2, D-16 see enrollment gains JOHN STROUD GLENWOOD SPRINGS POST INDEPENDENT
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to register for up to four categories. Registration can be done online at the Chamber’s website at www.riflechamber.com, under the calendar of events link. There will be four categories to be judged including Red Chili, Green Chili, Salsa and Jerky. There will be judges for each category, and attendees can vote on a people’s choice award winner as well. Cost of entrance to the event is $8 for adults, $6 for kids 6-12 years old, and children under 5 get in free. Also during the event, starting at
Garfield District Re-2 in Rifle, Silt and New Castle, and District 16 in Parachute and Battlement Mesa appear to be back on the enrollment upswing as of the Oct. 1 count. Both districts had seen a loss of students with the downturn in the natural gas industry and the impacts of the recession in recent years. As of the Oct. 1 count, Re-2 appears to be up by about 47 students to a total of 4,720, or about a 1 percent increase, Re-2 spokeswoman Theresa Hamilton said. The district did not have a break-
out of its enrollment numbers by attendance area. But Hamilton noted that Rifle High School is up in enrollment by about 34 students, while Graham Mesa Elementary in Rifle is up about 14. Both of the district's middle schools are holding steady with large enrollment numbers. Riverside Middle School in New Castle had 734 students as of the Oct. 1 count, while Rifle Middle School had 757 students. “Those schools are our pressure points,” Hamilton said. District 16 schools, which had been the hardest hit of the area school districts by the economic downturn,
recorded a slight increase in enrollment as of the Oct. 1 preliminary count. The district counted 1,066 students this year, compared to the official count of 1,028 last school year, according to district administrative assistant Kim Bowen. All but one school in the district have seen small increases in enrollment to date compared to last year. The only exception is Grand Valley High School, which saw a slight decrease of about 10 students. The enrollment numbers for all the district are preliminary, and will not be finalized for state funding purposes until Nov. 10.
RIFLE POLICE REPORT Editor’s note: The Rifle Police Department reports the following incidents and arrests. Summonses or arrests merely indicate an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court. Driving under the influence: Officers stopped a motorist in the 1500 block of Railroad Avenue at 1:40 a.m. on Sept. 17. The driver, Michale Frank Bartucco, 22, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving while his license was under restraint and improper parking. Criminal mischief: Police are investigating a report of criminal mischief in the 200 block of Railroad Avenue on Sept. 17. Violation of court order: Police were called about loud noise in the 600 block of West 24th Street at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. Matthew E. Archambault, 38, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of violating a court order barring him from drinking. Violation of court order: Police were called to a disturbance in the 700 block of Whiteriver Avenue at 12:47 a.m. on Sept. 18. Crystal Lee Richardson, 33, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of violating a court or-
der barring her from drinking. At 9 p.m. that evening, police arrested Richardson on suspicion of making a false report earlier that day regarding claims of domestic violence. Driving under the influence: Officers stopped a motorist for littering at Fairway Avenue and Fifth Street at 1 p.m. on Sept. 19. Mary Catherine Yates, 49, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, unsafe lane change, tailgating and driving with a defective tail light. Warrant arrest: Officers responded to the 800 block of Whiteriver Avenue for a verbal disturbance and found that one person involved was wanted on a warrant. Nicholas Jory Dow, 21, of Rifle, was arrested on the warrant. No other charges resulted from the incident. Reports: Police took a report of an item stolen from the 1500 block of Railroad Avenue and an assault in the 200 block of West 20th Street on Sept. 19. Driving under restraint: Police stopped a motorist for speeding in a school zone in the 1200 block of County Road 294 at 8 a.m. on Sept. 20. Andrade Pena Rocendo, 33, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of
driving while his license was revoked for an earlier offense and speeding 10 mph over the limit. Warrant arrest: Police were called to the Rifle probation office at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 for a man there wanted on a Jefferson County warrant. Daniel Lee Happle, 34, of Rifle was arrested on the warrant. Vehicle theft: A resident reported his vehicle stolen from his residence in the 200 block of East 21st Street at 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 21. The vehicle was recovered later and the incident is under investigation. Shoplifting: Officers were called to Jon’s Liquors at 10 p.m. on Sept. 21 regarding a customer who concealed items and left the store without paying. The suspect is known and being sought by police. Violation of restraining order: An 11-year-old boy was taken into police custody in the 300 block of East Seventh Street at 4 p.m. on Sept. 22 after he walked by the home of a person who had a restraining order against him. The boy was released to his parents with a summons. Harassment: Officers are investigating a report of telephone or computer harassment reported on Sept. 22.
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THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM
O CTOBER 27, 2011
LOCAL Friends, family mourn Chesley, remember ‘a quality guy’ Rifle teacher, outdoorsman killed in mountain biking accident JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
Steve Chesley lived life as he died, always going forward and never looking back. “That has brought me comfort,” said Chesley’s son Brett Chesley. “Knowing that he was enjoying his life and that he wasn’t letting anyone hold him back.” Chesley died in a mountain biking accident outside of De Beque on Oct. 21. He was riding with longtime friend and mountain biking partner, Gary Miller. Chesley was 62. “Steve spent his last day very, very happy, and doing something he loved,” Miller said. “It is so sad that the day came to such a sudden and tragic ending. He is missed beyond measure.” Steve’s wife, Mary Kay Chesley, said Steve was a man with a variety of interests who did what he enjoyed and was always the voice of reason. He was the kind of man who would ride his road bicycle from Rifle to Kearney, Neb., for his 30th class reunion, just because it was something he wanted to do. “There are a lot of things I can say about him like that,” Mary Kay said. “But he never did it for show, or to be in the spotlight. He just did it because he enjoyed it.” That is just the kind of guy Steve Chesley was. He did what he wanted to do, and that was that. Steve was born in Callaway, Neb., on Sept. 19, 1949. He attended Kearney State College in Nebraska, earning a bachelors degree in education and art. He moved to Rifle in 1978 for a teaching position with the Garfield School District Re-2, where Chesley taught for the next 27 years. Steve married Mary Kay Dryer in 1979
PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA PRESTON
An avid outdoorsman, Steve Chesley enjoys fishing at a lake in Big Sky, Montana this past summer. Chesley was in Montana visiting his daughter, Tara Preston, and his son Brett Chesley, both of whom live in Bozeman, Mont.
and they had two children, Brett Chesley, 23, and Tara Preston, 28. Both live in Bozeman, Mont. Teaching brought Steve to Rifle, but his love of the outdoors kept him here. “He loved the small town,” said Tara. “He needed to be some place where he could be outside.” According to Tara, her father would walk through the woods for hours just to be outdoors and to look at the wildlife. That love
of the outdoors is something he’s passed on to both of his kids. “He taught me to have a respect for everything around us, the natural world, and to not take it for granted,” Tara said. Along with mountain biking, Chesley enjoyed a plethora of outdoor activities including: road cycling, skiing, hunting, backpacking, fishing and hiking. He also enjoyed sports, including playing and coaching basketball. And despite living in
Colorado for over three decades, he remained a loyal fan of Nebraska Cornhusker football. Longtime friend, hunting partner, and fellow instructor Brad Skinner remembered Chesley as a brother more than a friend. “He was such a quality guy, I don’t think I ever had a bad time with him,” Skinner said. “Whatever we were doing, we were having fun.” According to Skinner and other members of the Chesley family, Chesley didn’t care much for what others thought of him. He just did whatever he enjoyed doing. Skinner explained that while that may sound like a negative characteristic, it certainly was not. “He was so unassuming and he did so many things, but he never had the spotlight on himself,” Skinner said. Those who knew Chesley “are better for the experience,” Skinner said. “He made me a better person, there is no question about that.” Besides teaching math in Rifle public schools, Chesley also taught at Colorado Mountain College for close to 30 years and was instrumental in building the school’s ceramics arts program. Also a well-known local artist, Steve was a founding member of the Midland Arts Company in downtown Rifle. “As far as an artist, he was one of the most talented ceramic artists I’ve ever known,” said local artist and friend Alan Lambert. But, as far as a person, Lambert said he would trust Chesley with “anything and everything” and said that he was “an allaround great guy. “He is going to be extremely missed in this community.” Lambert said. Besides being active in his community, being a great friend to many, an accomplished artist and a well-know educator, Steve Chesley was, first and foremost, a husband and a father. He was a family man. “How do you sum up the most amazing man in the world? You can’t,” Tara said. “He was my daddy.”
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N OVEMBER 17, 2011
LOCAL Compare our prices, we can meet or beat retail!
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November is BOGO Month... Bring one pet in for an exam and get the second pet exam free. The Valley Veterinary Clinic 625-5035 • 317 West Ave • Rifle
Eating and shopping around Rifle just got more affordable. Thanks to dual programs by the City of Rifle and the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce, citizens should have no excuse but to shop and dine locally this holiday season. Rifle boasts two different “buy local” initiatives — both similar in mission, but a bit different in look and stipulations. Rifle Bucks, run by the city, requires customers to spend $60 before they can present a $20 “Rifle buck” to get $20 knocked off their total purchase. “Shop Rifle Certificates” run by the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce, operate essentially like a gift certificate for any Rifle merchant and don’t require any amount to be spent before using the certificate. Both programs reimburse local businesses for accepting both Rifle Bucks and Shop Rifle Certificates.
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Guadalaja a t s e ra i F Awarded Best Mexican Food In Town
RIFLE BUCKS Rifle City Council recently approved, for a third year, $60,000 to the Rifle Bucks Program — a local shopping and dining initiative that requires $60 spent before customers can present a $20 Rifle Buck — or, $20 knocked off their total purchase. In past years, the city has distributed the bucks through local newspapers. However, this year, Rifle Bucks can only be picked up at Rifle City Hall as the city is only printing 3,000 total bucks. Business owners can pick up 10 Rifle Bucks per day, 25 bucks on
Fridays and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Individuals over 18 years of age can pick up one buck per day. This year, business owners can offer Rifle Bucks to their customers when a total sale meets or exceeds $60. Patrons and business owners can pick up their Rifle bucks at the City Hall Finance and Administration Department starting Tuesday, Nov. 22. Rifle Bucks are certificated with a blue stamp and cannot be copyrighted and the bucks cannot be used to purchased services, groceries, alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, gas, medical marijuana or prescription medications. City of Rifle Government Affairs Coordinator Mike Braaten said the program is meant to support locally-owned and operated businesses during the economic downturn. “The city understands the last few years haven’t been the greatest,” Braaten said. “This program encourages folks to shop locally and provides that incentives to help our local economy.” Retailers and restaurants must collect and keep the Rifle Bucks and track sale receipts when the bucks were used and fill out and return a reimbursement request to the city’s finance department by Jan. 6, 2012 and the city will process each refund request within ten days. The Rifle bucks program runs through Christmas. For more information on the Rifle Bucks program, contact the City of Rifle at 665-6405.
Commerce “Shop Rifle Certificates.” These certificates, essentially are local gift certificates. Customers can buy the certificates at the chamber office for any Rifle merchant or service for any amount, not to exceed $100. Then, when the certificate is presented at any local business for a total cost, the business owner can later turn the certificate in at the Chamber with receipt, for full reimbursement. The difference between the certificate and the Rifle Buck — is that the certificates run year-round and they do not require the customer to meet a designated amount of sale. Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce President Frank Ladd said the certificates encourage citizens to buy local, just like the Rifle Bucks. “It’s great there are two programs, but they are different,” Ladd said. “This program essentially operates like local cash and we reimburse the business owner.” Ladd said the certificates, unlike Rifle Bucks, can be used for services – like a beauty salon or local auto mechanic store. Ladd said the chamber sells between 15 and 20 per month and the certificates make great gifts for the holidays. Business owners don’t have to be chamber members to accept and get reimbursed for the Shop Local Certificates, according to Ladd. In addition, there is no stipulation on how many certificates and be purchased or used.
SHOP RIFLE CERTIFICATES A second buy-local initiative in Rifle is the Rifle Area Chamber of
For more information on the Shop Rifle Certificates, contact the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce at 625-2085.
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble up
Publisher
Jenna Weatherred Editor
the Adoption Specials at Colorado Animal Rescue
Kids Eat FREE
1 Kid Meal Per Adult Entree Must Present Coupon
947-1670
503 Pine St. Glenwood Springs
625-2185 Due to the success of the deal, the offer has Hwy 6 & 24 Frontage Rd. been extended West Rifle
Sun - Thurs 11-10 • Fri & Sat 11-11
All dogs are available for only
$45
All kittens
$20
(1 year and younger)
Come by and visit with our amazing animals, they are all hoping to be home with you for
Thanksgiving Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
Story Idea?
(970) 625-3245 News Tip?
John Gardner (384-9114) Advertising Representative
Laurie Vagneur Reporter
John Gardner Contributing reporter (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
Jenny Lavey Photographers
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THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, Colorado 81650 • (970) 625-3245 • FAX (970) 625-3628 • e-mail: mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
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November is BOGO Month... Bring one pet in for an exam and get the second pet exam free. The Valley Veterinary Clinic
LOCAL
City reimburses $888,000 in overpaid taxes for 2010 Repayments will impact city’s General Fund balance
625-5035 • 317 West Ave • Rie one block west of railroad, between 3rd & 4th St
We pay
JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
for‌ Scrap Metal • Copper • Aluminum Brass Wire • Radiators • Electric Motors BBQ Grills • Bicycles • Batteries • Etc. FREE roll-offs available!
GREEN ZONE RECYCLING 2116 Horsehoe Trail • Silt, CO 81652 2 Blocks East of Silt Post OfďŹ ce M-F 10am – 5pm • 876-5941 OfďŹ ce
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble up the Adoption Specials at Colorado Animal Rescue
All dogs are available for only
$45
All kittens
$20
(1 year and younger)
Come by and visit with our amazing animals, they are all hoping to be home with you for
Thanksgiving Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
N OVEMBER 24, 2011
The City of Rifle has repaid more than $800,000 in overpaid sales and use taxes in the past couple of months. The oversight won’t have “significant� impacts to the city’s 2012 General Fund, said City Manager John Hi-
er, however it will impact the General Fund balance at the end of the year. The city reimbursed EnCana Oil and Gas more than $713,000 in overpaid sales and use taxes in July. Additionally, the City of Rifle expects to repay more than $175,000 to two other companies who also overpaid sales taxes in 2010. According to a report from Rifle Finance Director Charles Kelty to Rifle City Manager John Hier dated Nov. 9, Pyramid Tubular Products and McJunkin Red Man Corporation overcharged customers for products
purchased in 2010. “Pyramid Tubular Products and McJunkin Red Man Corporation sold products and charged city sales taxes to EnCana erroneously,� read the memo from Kelty. According to Hier, the city will refund $175,209 to the two companies, $128,754 to McJunkin Red Man Corp., and $46,455 to Pyramid Tubular Products. The funds will be repaid next year which explains the impact on the city’s General Fund balance, Hier said.
>SALES TAXES, PAGE 14
‘Friends’ to take over management of animal shelter City, nonprofit agree to management contract JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
The Rifle Animal Shelter will be under new management come the new year. According to an agreement between the City of Rifle, who owns and operates the shelter, and the Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter, a local nonprofit who helps with volunteer efforts, the nonprofit organization will take over management of
the shelter starting in January. And the new agreement has shelter manager Heather Mullen excited for the future. “I think it’s a great change,� said Mullen. “The city has done a great job but this will allow us, and the city, to serve the community better and it will open a lot of doors that the shelter will benefit from.� Rifle City Council unanimously approved the contract at its Nov. 16 meeting, absent of councilors Jennifer Sanborn and Alan Lambert. It’s a prospect that has Barb Clifton, who sits on the board of directors for the Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter, very excited as well.
“Our goal is to serve, not just the municipality, but also the citizens for the benefit of the animals,� Clifton said. Clifton told council that the organization’s plan is to expand the shelter and its services to include more of Western Garfield County, and not just specifically cater to Rifle residents. “This will allow us to expand our services a bit, and this is really just the first step,� Clifton said. Currently, the city owns the land and facility which the shelter is on and would lease the property to the organization for $1 per year, according to the contract. The organization will
Christmas in the Rockies
Publisher
Jenna Weatherred Editor
John Gardner (384-9114) Advertising Representative
HOLIDAY FINE ART, CRAFT & GIFT SHOW
At the Historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs Thanksgiving, 2pm - 8pm Friday, 1pm – 9pm Saturday, 10am – 4pm This year we will be featuring gourmet foods, book signing, ďŹ ne art, cra s and special holiday gi s for your holiday giving.
th
Anniversary Year!
>ANIMAL SHELTER, PAGE 14
Laurie Vagneur Reporter
John Gardner Contributing reporter (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
Dale Shrull Photographers
Kelley Cox John Gardner Circulation
Melissa Boutwell (384-9102) Art Director
Louie J. Atencio
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, Colorado 81650 • (970) 625-3245 • FAX (970) 625-3628 • e-mail: mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
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DECEMBER SPECIAL All shelter animals are only $45, all animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, medically and behaviorally assessed, and all are ready for their forever home. Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
LOCAL
Holiday cheer bountiful Saturday Events at Centennial Park, Library, downtown, Metro Park JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
TRENDZ CLOTHING CO TRENDY CLOTHES FOR MEN & WOMEN!
Tops • Jeans • Shoes • Jewelry • Accessories
970.625.2535 TrendZ Clothing Co. • 424 Railroad Ave • Rifle Open 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-5 Sundays
HOLLY DAYS & RIFLE BUCKS RETAILER
D ECEMBER 8, 2011
There is no shortage of holiday cheer this weekend in Rifle. Whether you are downtown on Third Street, at the Library, or at Centennial Park, you will have plenty to occupy the family. Prior to the 16th annual Holly Days and Parade of Lights Celebration, there will be plenty of activities to wear out kids and parents, alike. Starting at noon, Saturday, Third Street merchants will host a sidewalk sale for residents to pick up some early gift deals. It’s an event hosted in part by the Downtown Development Authority and the Visitors Improvement Fund, promoting local holiday shopping and to connect residents to downtown activities, according to Downtown Development Authority manager Helen Rogers. “It’s just to draw people downtown and to connect them to the event at the library and Centennial Park,” Rogers said. Additional festivities downtown include a Window Display Contest with the winner being determined by people’s choice; Santa will be downtown from noon to 2:30 p.m.; Radio station Drive 105 will have a remote
broadcast on Third Street as well. Girl Scouts will offer chili and hot chocolate, while the local Boy Scout troop will be selling Christmas Trees. Centennial Park 2nd Annual Tree Lighting In the second year of holiday festivities at Centennial Park, residents are once again invited to come out and enjoy the city’s award-winning park at the Second Annual Tree Lighting. Festivities kick off at Centennial Park from 3-5p.m., Saturday, with live music provided by Boogie Down Lights and Sound, and a dance performance from Sol De Mexico starting at 3:30 p.m. Families are also invited to create holiday tree ornaments at the Rifle Library. The Children’s Crafts event at the library is also from 3-5 p.m.. Kids and parents can create two holiday tree ornaments, one to take home, and one to hang on the trees at Centennial Park. Wagon rides, provided by Tally Ho Shires, will be available transporting folks from the Library to Centennial Park. Santa Clause will also make his way to the park for kids to inform him about their Christmas wish. With so much interest in this event last year, Rifle Special Events Coordinator Blair Bracken anticipates this year to be even more festive. “We were able to build upon the event from last year,” Bracken said. “With more lights, more entertain-
JOHN GARDNER / CITIZEN TELEGRAM FILE PHOTO
Centennial Park holiday tree lighting: Katelynn Rider, 4 (right), of Parachute, waits for the lighting of the first Centennial Park holiday tree lighting on Dec. 11, 2010. Katelynn, attended last year’s event with her brother, Blake Rider, 2, mother Coral Rider and her grandmother. The holiday tree lighting will again be held this Saturday at Centennial Park at 5:15 p.m.
ment, and we hope that it will be a successful event, bigger and better than last year.” Other entertainment from the Rifle High School Jazz Band at 4:30 p.m., will provide entertainment for all, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. From there, it’s all about the Parade of Lights and the Holly Days festival at Metro Park. “We are continually making this event larger, with more things for the community to do,” Bracken said.
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PA G E 12
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM
D ECEMBER 29, 2011
ANIMALS INK
High Tails Dog and Cat Outfitters adjusts to a changing economy AMY HADDEN MARSH SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — “I am the human chew toy,” says Robbi Villemaire, explaining her job as day care monitor at High Tails Dog and Cat Outfitters in Glenwood Springs. As she walks into a bright room resembling a handball court in the back of the store, it all becomes clear. Three dogs cavort around the room, chewing on tennis balls, running and jumping on each other, and generally having a good time. After this week’s holiday break, three times that many will fill the room. Villemaire is the playground lady, teaching dogs to play nicely and watching for bad behavior. “She makes sure toys don’t become bones of contention,” quips Laurie Raymond, owner of the store. Raymond has worked with animals since her teens when she trained and showed dogs in Cleveland. She operated a pet shop on Bainbridge Island, Wash., for 10 years in the late 1970s and was an activist with the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. “My first job was to stop the Navy from bringing its bottle-nosed dolphin training
program to Puget Sound,” she remembered with a smile. “We won the suit the day the first Gulf War started.” Raymond places high value on dog behavior. “Dogs have been ill-served by demographic changes in the past 50 years,” she said while sipping tea in front of the store’s cozy fireplace. “As more people began to work outside the home, dogs were relegated to the back yard.” She said dogs are second only to humans as a social species. When they’re deprived of stimulation or contact with others, bad behavior begins. Just like kids, dogs need a healthy play group. High Tails’daycare provides grooming, training and social interaction for all kinds of dogs. But, the store is getting ready for some big changes: Raymond wants to turn it into a co-op, the High Tails Companion Animal Cooperative. RECESSION LEADS TO CO-OP IDEA Raymond and her partner, Beth Byerly, opened High Tails on Valentine’s Day in 2004 as a full-service store for small pets, offering training classes, pet food, supplements and supplies. PetCo didn’t have a local store and High Tails filled a niche left
Introducing
KELLEY COX POST INDEPENDENT
Laurie Raymond, owner of High Tails Dog and Cat Outfitters in West Glenwood, spends some quality time with canine friends, Ariel and Oliver (with Ace in the background) at the store’s doggy daycare facility. High Tails is in the process of becoming a co-op.
empty by the demise of Marc’s Toys and Pets at the Glenwood Springs Mall. But High Tails took a hit with the recession.
“We purchased our Christmas inventory in July 2008,” recalled Raymond. “The economy tanked in October and no one
>HIGH TAILS, PAGE 13
CARE is asking you to support your local animal shelter!
Our Complete Pet Medical and Wellness Website. • Detailed Breed Profiles • Customized Life stage tips & Advice • Comprehensive Medical & Wellness Info • Custom Pet Medical & Wellness Info
www.healthypetu.com 317 West Ave. Rifle, CO 81650-2227 970-625-5035
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ADOPT a pet, we specialize in dogs and cats but have an Iguana and Gerbil available.
VOLUNTEER We have many new volunteer opportunities available.
FOSTER an animal in need of some time out of the shelter. When you foster an animal you are not only helping that animal but you are also helping other animals that are now able to enter the shelter. It is a great activity to enjoy with your kids especially during the summer, perfect if you are a traveler and unable to make the commitment of owning a pet. Help the life of an animal in need.
DONATE SUPPLIES or FINANCIALLY Our shelter cats use over 100 lbs of litter a week; our dogs eat over 75lbs of food a week; just to give you a glimpse of what we need on a daily basis. We always need financial support to keep our shelter doors open and to keep the animals happy and healthy.
Colorado Animal Rescue www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
970-947-9173
PA G E 4
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970 - 625 -1101
20 - 10% off Select Products!
1 Free Product
J ANUARY 12, 2012
LOCAL
with any $80 Service Booked. limited to scruples & pureology products
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503 Pine St. Glenwood Springs
625-2185 Due to the success of the deal, the offer has Hwy 6 & 24 Frontage Rd. been extended West Rifle
Sun - Thurs 11-10 • Fri & Sat 11-11
January 28th 11:00-2:00pm Low Cost Vaccine Clinic at
Colorado Animal Rescue $5 Vaccinations (Rabies, Da2ppv, FVRCP)
$30 Microchipping and
Pet Licensing (available through Garfield county and city of Glenwood Springs)
Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Rd. 114 GWS. CO Coloradoanimalrescue.org 970.947.9173
Got Metal? Get Cash! Next Generation Recycling in Rifle buys steel, aluminum, copper, brass, lead, wire and all other metals. Drop it off or let Next Generation Recycling haul it away. Either way Next Generation Recycling gives you cash! 6 to 30 yard containers also available.
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Monday-Friday • 7am to 5pm 232 Aspen Road • Rifle
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GARCO SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Fire consumes the house across the street from Rifle Creek Golf Course. The house was occupied by Kyle Daniell and Wes Cherry. Luckily, neither were at home when the fire started.
<ASHES, PAGE 1 crews were notified at 3:17 p.m. Friday, of the fire. Rifle Fire Protection District responded with 13 firefighters and equipment while Burning Mountains Fire Protection District responded with two pieces of support equipment and personnel. The residence was a double wide trailer home located on a property with another home. The fire was contained to the one structure and no other structures were threatened. However, Daniell’s house is a total loss. Rifle Fire Marshal Kevin Whelan said that he and other investigators would return to the scene this week to determine a cause. According to Whelan, “This fire grew excessively rapidly.” He said that within 10-15 minutes the house was half engulfed by fire before the fire crews were even onsite. Whelan used the fire at Kyle’s house to stress the importance of a fire suppression system such as fire sprinklers in residential homes. Sprinklers can help contain a fire to one room, he said, and can help reduce the damage to a home. “It may have been a different story if it were a house with sprinklers,” Whelan said. Whelan said that crews were on the scene for hours until the fire was finally out. *** Standing in front of the place he called home as it burned, the gravity of the situation was too much to handle. Fire engines racing. Fire crews spraying water on the burning structure. Emergency lights flashing. “I couldn’t watch,” he said. He realized that he needed to keep moving forward and not let this ruin his life. He wasn’t going to let it ruin his day. He still had a basketball game to coach and he’d be damned if he was
going to miss it. Along with being the head golf pro at the course, he is also the head coach for the Rifle High School boys basketball C-team, and the assistant coach for the boys Junior Varsity and Varsity teams as well. “It wasn’t too bad. It took my mind off of it,” he said about being at the game. “I don’t want to dwell on (the fire).” Daniell has lived in the house off and on for the past four years, wintering in Arizona and living during the summer in Rifle working at the course. This was his first season as the head professional at the course. “After I saw (the house on fire) I realized it could have been a lot worse,” he said. Soon afterword, his cell phone began ringing with calls and text messages. Over the next hour and a half he’d received 26 voicemails and about the same number of text messages. “As soon as the phone calls started coming in I knew it was going to be OK,” he said. The only thing to do at that point was to go to the basketball game.
*** Several friends of Daniell took immediate action. Rifle resident Mark Fergen was nearby and saw the fire as it was happening. Fergen knows Daniell pretty well and immediately wanted to help. “He’s a down-right good guy,” Fergen said. “It’s terrible that it had to happen to him.” Fergen turned to facebook and posted a comment about Daniell’s predicament, and asked for donations. Soon, he started getting responses. “I’m just thankful that everyone pulls together in this community when people are in need,” Fergen said. Fergen, who also owns Mountain Air Mechanical in Rifle, has opened
his business as a collection spot for donations of furniture, clothes, household utensils such as dishes and anything else. Donations can be dropped off at Mountain Air Mechanical located at 601 West Second Street in Rifle. Jay Rickstrew, President of Alpine Bank in Rifle, coaches basketball with Daniell. Rickstrew heard about the fire quickly and did what he could do. An account has been established at Alpine Bank for Kyle Daniell, for those willing to contribute. “I would expect there is plenty of support for Kyle,” Rickstrew said. “He’s a really good guy.”
*** “It’s all been a blur,” Daniell said Tuesday morning sitting in a small conference room at the Rifle Fire Station No. 1. He’d had time to accept his loss. He’d grasped the fact that everything he owned, including his golf clubs, was gone. “But everything we lost is replaceable,” he said. Two things made it through the fire, slightly charred, included a mount of a buck that he’d hunted in 2010. Besides the antlers being a little burned and the smell of smoke, “It made it,” he said. The other item was a coaching whistle that Daniell received from his father as a Christmas gift this past holiday. It was an old coaching whistle used by his grandfather who passed away when Daniell was 15 years old. The fire may have taken most of his earthly possessions, but Daniell learned something about himself and his community Friday. He learned that the importance of community and the importance of having friends. “I’d just like to thank the community for all its support,” Daniell said. “It’s just means so much to me.”
PA G E 2
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BUDDY’S FIREWOOD Cedar Free Local delivery to Rifle Delivery available elsewhere negotiable $75 per truck load
(970) 379-8527
J ANUARY 19, 2012
LOCAL
Ice fishing tourney returns Cold weather, beautiful for ice anglers JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
Guadalaja a t s e ra i F Awarded Best Mexican Food In Town
Kids Eat FREE
1 Kid Meal Per Adult Entree Must Present Coupon
947-1670
503 Pine St. Glenwood Springs
625-2185 Due to the success of the deal, the offer has Hwy 6 & 24 Frontage Rd. been extended West Rifle
Sun - Thurs 11-10 • Fri & Sat 11-11
KARATE CLASSES! Classes for adults, teens and kids Discipline Focus Self Defense Improve Self Image Womens Self Defense Classes Private Training Available
Will Travel Beginners Welcome Anytime! No Contracts Family Discounts Available Classes at ‘The Gym’ in Glenwood Springs
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for… Scrap Metal • Copper • Aluminum Brass Wire • Radiators • Electric Motors BBQ Grills • Bicycles • Batteries • Etc. FREE roll-offs available!
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January 28th 11:00-2:00pm Low Cost Vaccine Clinic at
Colorado Animal Rescue $5 Vaccinations (Rabies, Da2ppv, FVRCP)
$30 Microchipping and
Pet Licensing (available through Garfield county and city of Glenwood Springs)
Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Rd. 114 GWS. CO Coloradoanimalrescue.org 970.947.9173
The arctic-cold temperatures lately, have made perfect conditions for ice fishing. And even if it warms up a little, Rifle Chamber CEO and President Frank Ladd will still be smiling this weekend at the 14 annual Rifle Gap Ice Fishing Tournament. “It’s supposed to warm up toward the end of the week,” Ladd said Tuesday. But recent cold temperatures, well below freezing, have thickened the ice at the Gap over the past couple of weeks providing a solid foundation for the widely popular tournament. “We’ve got ice and we’re in pretty good shape,” Ladd said. According to the latest fishing report from the Colorado State Parks, the ice measured 9 inches at the thickest point on the west end near the boat ramp on Jan. 910. Other areas were reported at 7-8 inches, however, there remains a bit of open water near the eastern end of the reservoir that anglers need to be aware of. The ice is thinnest on the east end. The Chamber nixed the event in 2011 due to unusually warm temperatures. But, with the weather cooperating this year, the event is back. And Ladd expects good things. “We are looking forward to a big year,” Ladd said. Ladd said that turnout for this year’s tourney is pretty good, but there are still a few spots left for those last minute entrants. Space is still available. Entry fees for the tournament is $50. Kids 17years and younger fish for free. The fishing tournament is a two-day tournament. Space is limited to 400 adults and 200 kids, ages 17-years and younger, according to Ladd. Registration can be done online at www.riflechamber.org, or by going to the Rifle Information
CITIZEN TELEGRAM FILE PHOTO
Jim McCann, of Glenwood Springs, participates in the ice fishing tournament at Rifle Gap in 2008. The tourney has become a widely popular event over the 14 years that it’s been held.
Center and filing out an entry application. Entrants can register up to the start of the event at 8 a.m. Saturday, however, Ladd said that it’s preferred to have everyone signed up by noon Friday. Registered anglers can go to the Visitor Information Center in Rifle between 3-7 p.m. Friday to sign in and receive a gift bag. The tournament has three age categories including two youth divisions: 10 and younger, 11-17, and the adult division. Anglers in each age category will compete in three separate divisions of rain-
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bow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. Anglers in the junior divisions will receive prizes for the top place finishers while adults will compete for a cash prize of up to $500 and a chance to win $20,000. The tournament is organized by the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Rifle, Colorado State Parks and is sponsored by Rifle Comfort Inn and Suites, Rocky Mountain Liquors, and Well Master Corp. The event is also a fundraiser for the Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund.
PA G E 2
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BUDDYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIREWOOD Cedar Free Local delivery to RiďŹ&#x201A;e Delivery available elsewhere negotiable $75 per truck load
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LOCAL
The hunt continues Local â&#x20AC;&#x153;Huntressâ&#x20AC;? places second in national competition, may try again next season JENNY LAVEY CITIZEN TELEGRAM CONTRIBUTOR
SILT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jacquelyn Gross wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be going to Zimbabwe for an all-expense paid hunting trip this year. In early January, Gross found out she officially came in second in a national hunting competition called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Extreme Huntress Competitionâ&#x20AC;? run by Tahoe Films. Gross wrote an essay describing what makes her the most extreme huntress in North America and was selected as a finalist in the annual competition, decided solely by public voting. However, she landed in second place on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, when the online public voting closed. Only 289 votes separated Gross from the first-place finisher. Gross ended up with 2,619 votes while Tiffany Brewer of Texas took first place with 2,908 votes. Sue Bookhout, Melus Outdoors media spokesperson said the huntress contest gained more popularity this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started using social media this year, so the popularity of the contest on a national level really took off,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hits to our website really increased, so I think that helped the amount of votes as well.â&#x20AC;? This was the third year of the annual contest. Gross, who grew up hunting with her father and brothers, said winning the competition would have been a big accomplishment as a woman hunter in a field traditionally dominated by men.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACQUELYN GROSS
The Huntress: Jacquelyn Gross poses with a buck after her first successful deer hunt the first week of November 2011. Gross, a native of Louisiana, now resides in Silt competed to become the 2012 Extreme Huntress through a hunting competition hosted by Tahoe Films. Gross finished second in the competition.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though I placed second, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay because I know that all of the contestants are original in their own way. Each of us are unique, making us all extreme. It makes me more happy to know there are women who are enjoying the outdoors and sharing their passion for hunting. To me, we are all winners,â&#x20AC;? Gross said. Votes in support of Gross poured in from Colorado and her home state of Louisiana, according to Gross. She even did a little self-marketing on road trip down South for the holidays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before driving to Louisiana from Colorado we were looking at all avenues to try to get a vote or two during the 1,300 mile stretch, so we shoe polished my pickup for people to vote on Tahoe Films,â&#x20AC;? she said. Winning first place would have meant an all-expense expedition to the Omay Concession in Zimbabwe, Africa to hunt cape buffalo with Mar-
tin Pieters Safaris. The hunt would have been filmed for an episode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eye of the Hunter,â&#x20AC;? that will air this summer on NBC Sports. Although Gross didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t land first place this year, she may try again next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want everyone to know that it meant a lot for our communities to come together and try to help someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream come true and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for that.â&#x20AC;? Gross said. The contest is run annually by Tahoe Films, a company that films reality television shows in the traditions of the American sportsman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hunting, fishing and various survival shows. Contestants were asked to write a 500-word essay detailing why they think they are the most â&#x20AC;&#x153;extreme huntress.â&#x20AC;? The essays were read by the public, who decided the final winner by voting for their favorite entry.
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GarCo financial aid lessen Re-2 budgetary deficit Closure of schools at the bottom of priority list JENNY LAVEY
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F EBRUARY 2, 2012
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The RE-2 school district is busy crunching numbers. Faced with making up the difference from a failed $3 million levy override this fall, increased education cuts handed down from the Colorado State Legislature and increased growth in student population, the RE2 school district is joining the ranks of national public schools having to trim faculty and staff, programs and possibly even schools in an attempt to make ends meet. For the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, the RE-2 school district is short an estimated $1.6 million. Earlier this month, RE-2 school board members elected to deficit spends $1 million for the next four years, out of the district’s $12.3 million fund balance in an effort to meet the deficit. However, at the Jan. 24 school board meeting, board members got a bit of good news, despite hearing $48 million in education cuts is recommended at the state level for the upcoming school year. Christy Hamrick, district finance director, alerted school board members that Garfield County has been conducting audits on various energy companies. Due to underpaid taxes from several natural gas companies,
the RE-2 school district is a beneficiary of $1.15 million in underpaid taxes from various oil and gas companies. “This is one-time money and it’s great, although it’s just a point of conversation at this point,” Hamrick said. “This is something the board will take into consideration with a lot of other factors as we move forward.” Hamrick said of the $1.15 million, the district will use $608,412 to pay off previous bond payments, leaving $545,780 to potentially be deposited in the school’s general fund. This onetime funding from the county helped to booster the school’s general fund by $85,000. Given the projected $1.6 million shortfall, use of the $1 million in deficit spending and the underpaid tax revenue – this leaves about $600,000 in cuts that will be necessary in order to meet the 2012-2013 budget shortfall. School board members told staff and administration not to concentrate on finding figures detailing the potential closure of Kathryn Senor Elementary school in New Castle and Wamsley Elementary in Rifle that would each potentially save the district more than $350,000 each. Instead, the board encouraged staff to spend their time working with various committees researching the ramifications of reducing programs such as middle and high school sports, bus transportation routes, turning off cooling systems in gyms and the elimination of a planning period for high school teachers.
Director of District-wide Services Theresa Hamilton said the board also spoke about potentially moving the fifth grades back to the elementary school buildings, from their current position at the middle school. “There hasn’t been any formal consensus from the board as to taking action other than researching what some of the cuts would save and weighing the cost of these cuts on the students’ behalf,” Hamilton said. While several community members expressed concern regarding administrative salaries going up while teacher’s salaries remained stagnant, Hamilton said that no district staff person has seen a raise for several years. “There have been no raises given to administrative staff in the last three years,” Hamilton said in an e-mail. “Salaries across the board have been frozen.” Re-2 payroll staff said every district employee was required to take four furlough days without pay last year, however employees were reimbursed for those furlough days this current school year. The reimbursement will result in an ‘uptick’ in pay this year. However, no salary raises are expected. The school board is hosting budget meetings over the next several months regarding the fiscal position before having to adopt a final budget in June. To follow Re-2’s budget process, or to view detailed numbers regarding the budget, visit www.garfieldre2.co.us. The next school board budget meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Wamsley Elementary from 5 – 7 p.m.
See the following Local Phillips 66 outlets for Quality Gasoline, Premium Diesel Fuels, Trop-Artic Oils, Tune-ups, Snacks & Car Washes
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BLM accepting comments on wildlife habitat mitigation plan
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SILT — The Bureau of Land Management is developing a wildlife mitigation plan to streamline the approval process for wildlife habitat improvement projects designed to off-set potential impacts to wildlife from oil and gas development within the Colorado River Valley Field Office boundaries. As the BLM develops a programmatic environmental assessment that takes a broad look at possible projects in sagebrush, mountain shrub and pinyon-juniper habitats within the office’s boundaries, it wants to hear any issues or concerns from the public. These treatments typically involve creating a mosaic of openings within these vegetation types that provide a substantial increase in forage for wildlife, particularly big game. This work is done either mechanically, such as mowing or roller-chopping, or manually using hand tools. As a condition of approval for oil and gas development, the BLM may require oil and gas operators to con-
duct these kinds of treatments to help mitigate impacts to wildlife. Typically individual projects range from 25 to 200 acres. Last year five projects totaling approximately 300 acres were completed within the field office. This year the BLM anticipates more than 800 acres could be treated. This broad evaluation will provide a comprehensive document for individual projects to reference, which would eliminate the need for a separate, redundant analysis for each project.
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Site-specific surveys and clearances for special status wildlife, plants, and cultural resources would be required for each project plan area prior to implementing treatments. Comments should be received by Feb. 24. The proposal and map of the potential project area are available online:http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/c rvfo/GSFO_MasterPlansOfDevelopment.html. Written comments and
> SILT ISSUE, PAGE 3
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(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 816502318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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Good turnout in Rifle for Republican Caucus County goes for Romney, State goes for Santorum JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
Rifle Police Chief Daryl Meisner was not surprised to see a packed room at the Garfield County Fairgrounds facility Tuesday night as 114 Rifle residents gathered at the 2012 Republican Caucus. JOHN GARDNER / CITIZEN TELEGRAM â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the people are concerned about their future and they want to be Kip Costanzo (right) hands in his ballot in Tuesday's Republican Caucus at the involved,â&#x20AC;? Meisner said. Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. People like Elizabeth McKenzie The caucus process is the first step than give a vague idea of who voters who attended her first caucus Tuesday. in the election year political process, support for the Republican Presidenâ&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to see who else in the community was involved,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I which includes a county assembly, tial nomination, at least it was a good like to try and stay well informed and district assemblies, a state convention, opportunity to get a first hand look at wanted to be more vocal about the the primary election and the national the election process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an important opportunity for party conventions. Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s votes presidential process.â&#x20AC;? citizens of our country to make an imWhen all was said and done, Re- were nonbinding preference votes. Folks gathered at the indoor meet- pact on selecting their countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politpublican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum received 47 votes in the ing room at the fairgrounds at 7 p.m. ical leaders,â&#x20AC;? said Rifle Mayor Jay straw poll â&#x20AC;&#x201D; only one vote ahead of Garfield County Commissioner and Miller. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is real grass-roots AmerMitt Romney (46) in the five precincts Rifle resident Mike Samson was in at- ica.â&#x20AC;? Tim Kinion brought along his 15that caucused in Rifle, Tuesday. Newt tendance and spoke briefly about his year old son, Wyatt Kinion, to familGingrich finished with 13 votes and re-election campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to elect strong candidates iarize himself with the process. Ron Paul received eight votes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s us get a feel for who othThe results were not that surprising in county, state and national levels that share the same ideals that we do,â&#x20AC;? he ers in our precinct are supporting,â&#x20AC;? for Kip Costanzo. Kinion said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about how I thought it told the crowd. While Wyatt did not participate in Also in attendance, Ninth Judicial would turn out,â&#x20AC;? Costanzo said. While Santorum ended up second District Attorney Martin Beeson, the caucus, he felt that it was imporin Garfield County behind Romney, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also running for re-election, tant to attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been raised to be aware he walked away with a victory not on- spoke briefly to the crowd asking for of what is going on at the local and ly in Colorado, but in Minnesota Cau- their support. While the caucuses did little more federal governments,â&#x20AC;? Wyatt said. cus and Missouri primary as well.
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John Gardner Contributing Reporter (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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Summer concert series expands to 14 weeks Farmer’s Market and music on Sunday evenings JOHN GARDNER CITIZEN TELEGRAM STAFF
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Blair Bracken didn’t hear many complaints regarding last summer’s Centennial Park Concert Series, except for one. “The biggest complaint that I heard is that it wasn’t long enough,” Bracken said of the four-week 2011 concert series. She developed the series after becoming the special events coordinator for Rifle Parks and Recreation Department. A welcome option for something to do on a Sunday evening in Rifle, the series offered four weekly shows starting in June and culminating at the Independence Day celebration on July 3. This year, with a wealth of community support, the concert series will make a big leap to 14 weekly shows,
running from June 17 to Sept. 9. “I didn’t expect that at all,” Bracken said of expanding the series to 14 weeks. “I hoped for that, but I thought it was a far-reaching dream.” Concerts will still start about 5 to 6 p.m. on Sundays at Centennial Park, but with a new twist. Bracken said that the popular Rifle Farmer’s Market, previously held on Thursdays, will move to Sundays with the music series, and be renamed the Centennial Market. It will include artisans and craft vendors as well and fresh produce and local foods. “We hope to broaden and add more variety to the vendors there,” she said. The new market will open at 4 p.m. with musical performances beginning later in the evening. The whole evening will wrap up by 9 at the latest, and earlier as the season draws to a close. The move from four weeks to 14 is possible with a boost in funding for the series. The 2012 funding is $23,000, up from the $9,000 in funding for 2011, Bracken said. “When I did learn that I had that
much funding, I thought, wow, I really did something good here,” she said. Bracken said financial support for the series has come from generous donations from Alpine Bank, the 2012 primary sponsor, and Grand River Hospital District. The city’s Visitor Improvement Fund also contributed funds to the series. “Through conversations, the community has been very supportive and is excited for this series,” Bracken said. “They hoped it would be extended and I’m excited to be able to do that this summer.” Bracken said that she’s already booked about 75 percent of the musical acts. “I’m very excited about it,” she said. “I’m overwhelmed with all the work that needs to happen before June. It’s overwhelming but exciting.” In addition to the Sunday concert series, there will be a separate Independence Day show on Tuesday, July 3, thanks to a donation from the Brenden Mann Foundation, featuring Symphony in the Valley.
Re-2 Board considers busing cuts, four-day school week to trim $600,000 District may offer early retirement incentives to reduce faculty JENNY LAVEY CITIZEN TELEGRAM
The Re-2 School Board met Tuesday evening to discuss various options for another $600,000 in budget cuts for the 2012-13 school year. Discussions centered on the district’s busing system, the potential of going to a four-day school week, and offering retirement incentives that would prompt 15 to 20 teachers to take an early retirement. While there were no formal decisions made, the board directed administrators to keep researching potential benefits and ramifications of cuts. The board must approve a final budget by June. Re-2 Finance Director Christy Hamrick presented a rating sheet, called a rubric, developed by the district’s administrative staff to help guide the board’s decision-making. “The rubric is meant as formula to keep in mind the legal and professional effects of budget cuts on our staff, administration and organizational goals,” Hamrick said. “It will reflect commitments we legally and ethically have to make to our district as we move forward.” Re-2 District Superintendent Susan Birdsey recommended the board seriously consider the early-retirement incentive plan. “I think this is a good idea and is something you should consider pursuing as we move forward,” Birdsey said. The board requested a second reading of the proposed
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retirement plan at the next board meeting, when members are expected to begin making formal recommendations on the purposed cuts. The board has already agreed to deficit-spend $1 million per year over the next four years from the district’s $12. 3 million reserve fund. The next Re-2 school board meeting will be from 5-7 p.m. on on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle. To follow Re-2 budget’s process, or to view detailed numbers regarding the budget, visit www.garfieldre2.k12.co.us.
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Jenny Lavey (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colorado 81650 Main office: (970) 625-3245 Fax: (970) 625-3628 mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
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Kids Eat FREE
1 Kid Meal Per Adult Entree Must Present Coupon
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503 Pine St. Glenwood Springs
625-2185 Due to the success of the deal, the offer has Hwy 6 & 24 Frontage Rd. been extended West Rifle
Sun - Thurs 11-10 • Fri & Sat 11-11
Luxor
Fall in Love Puppy Palooza Starts February 14
LOCAL Re-2 considers four-day school week, early retirement incentives District needs to cut $600,000 from 2012-13 budget JENNY LAVEY CITIZEN TELEGRAM
Reuben
Adopt one of our many available puppies and get one free training session. All pups have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and we will send you home with a bag of food. Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
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F EBRUARY 23, 2012
Garfield School District Re-2 officials are weighing the shift to a fourday school week and of early retirement incentives for the district’s seasoned teachers as options for further budget cutting. In the coming months, the school board must find a way to pinch $600,000 out of the district’s budget for the 2012-13 school year. The board must adopt a final budget in May. Both budget-cutting options will be on the agenda for the school board’s next regular meeting, set for 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle. The board is also considering reduction to the school bus transportation system. The retirement incentive package would encourage the district’s highestpaid, longest-serving educators to retire early. Re-2 District Finance Director Christy Hamrick said the district could save $200,000 to $350,000, depending on the number who take advantage of an incentive offer. Savings would come from not refilling the positions or by hiring younger teachers that would come in at a lower slot on the salary scale, she said. Teachers working in the district for 20 years are earning salaries of $58,000 to $62,000, and in some cases more, while an entry-level teaching position pays $34,500. “It’s too early to tell how many
teachers would elect to retire early. The plan is only a proposal at the moment,” Hamrick said. Only teachers and staff who have been with the district for 20 years can apply for the plan. Hamrick said 26 teachers and 21 classified staff could qualify, although not all would be expected to apply for the incentive. FOUR-DAY WEEK CONSIDERED Director of Districtwide Services Theresa Hamilton said the board has also started to review the potential of shifting to a four-day school week. “We’re only beginning the research stage of this process, so we can’t project how much a four-day week would save the district at this time,” Hamilton said. “Once the board has more information, they’ll be able to move forward in their decision making.” Several Colorado districts have already moved to a four-day week in the face of decreasing state funding. Salida School District R-32-J, with 1,026 students enrolled, shifted to a four-day week for this school year, said district business manager Yvonne Little. “We are estimating a 2 percent savings of entire general fund budget, and so far we are on track,” Little said. The savings have come from lower utility bills, fewer hours for bus drivers and paraprofessionals, and lower fuel costs for school buses, she said. Plateau Valley School District 50 in Collbran is halfway through its second year of a four-day school week. Superintendent Greg Randall said the small district, which educates all 353 students in one school building, is seeing about a 4 percent savings. Randall said the district involved staff and parents in defining what the
four-day week would look like. For example, custodians had the option of all going to a 32-hour week or having their staff cut by one person. The school day is longer, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all grade levels, so students have the same total number of classroom hours as they did on a five-day schedule. “Even if the money came back, I don’t know that the community would want to go back to a five-day week. They love it,” Randall said. Both districts are taking Fridays off. CUTS DEPENDENT ON FINAL STATE FUNDING FIGURES Re-2 School Board member Patrick Burwell said the four-day school week and retirement plan proposals will depend on more research. “Before we can make any final decisions, we need more information,” Burwell said. “From a revenue standpoint, we’re still not sure what position we’re in because the state hasn’t told us exactly what they’ll contribute this year.” Burwell said the state Legislature is expected to issue education funding figures in March. Until then, Re-2 administrative staff is using a numerical rubric with ratings from 1 to 4 to analyze the proposed cuts. The rubric is meant to keep potential cuts in line with district goals, legal and policy obligations and the district’s highest priority — services to students. “There are repercussions of every budget decision, each of which needs to be weighed by the superintendent and the school board,” she said. “The superintendent and the administrative staff created the budget rubric to determine budget reductions that may have the least impact.”
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Jenny Lavey (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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New building activity in Rifle, Parachute remains slow Statistics reveal remodels, repairs, but little new construction JOHN COLSON CITIZEN TELEGRAM
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M ARCH 1, 2012
Building activity in Rifle and Parachute has been generally slow in terms of new construction over the past three years. So far in 2012, according to Rifle building permit clerk Nancy Sanchez, the city has issued seven permits, all for remodels or repairs — one in a commercial building and the other six in residential structures. That is the same number of permits the city issued in January of 2011, ac-
cording to statistics posted on the city’s website. According to the Rifle website, the city issued 247 building permits in 2011. None were for single-family homes or multi-family structures; two were for commercial buildings. In 2010, Rifle issued 202 building permits, including three for new single-family homes, one for a multifamily structure and three for commercial projects. The city issued 182 building permits in 2009, mostly for remodeling, repairs or other projects. Eight of the permits were for new, single-family homes. In addition to the residential permits, the town issued building permits for 12 commercial projects that year, and for one multi-family building.
Parachute, meanwhile, also has seen its building permits decline in number. To date in 2012, said finance clerk Christina Trout, the town has issued only one building permit, for construction of a foundation. Only four building permits were issued by Parachute in 2011 — one for a new home and three for remodeling projects. In 2010, according to the town, 10 building permits were issued, four for new construction and six for remodeling projects. The town issued 12 building permits in 2009, two for new homes, one for a new hotel and nine for remodeling projects. jcolson@postindependent.com
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Rifle police are seeking an arrest warrant for a suspect in the Tuesday evening robbery of the Kum-N-Go store at 1248 Railroad Ave., according to press release issued Wednesday. Police were called to the store at 6:55 p.m. Store employees reported that a man entered the store, demanded money and suggested that he had a weapon. The suspect then grabbed the store’s cash register and escaped on foot. The cash register and its contents were later recovered. No one was injured.
Grand River Hospital offers free mammograms STAFF REPORT
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Pathfinders, The Aspen affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Grand River Hospital District and the American Cancer Society are teaming up to offer free mammograms to women in need. The mammograms are offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at Grand River Hospital and Medical Center, 501 Airport Road in Rifle. The free mammograms are offered to women who are uninsured, underinsured, or at high risk for breast cancer. Advance registration is required on a first come, first served basis. Some restrictions do apply. To make an appointment, call the radiology department at Grand River Medical Center at 625-6442. Transportation assistance is also available from Pathfinders by calling Jennifer Glynn at (970) 987-1171. Representatives from the Pathfinders organization and the Aspen affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be at the hospital that day to answer questions. The Aspen affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure pledged a $10,000 grant to fund the event. When a woman finds breast cancer early, she has a 98 percent five-year survival rate. When she doesn’t, that number is 23 percent. “We are very excited that we have been able to team up with such great partners like Pathfinders, the Aspen affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society to offer this great program to the women in our community who need it most,” said Grand River Hospital Community Relations Director Annick Pruett.
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Jenny Lavey (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colorado 81650 Main office: (970) 625-3245 Fax: (970) 625-3628 mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
ODDS OF A CHILD BEING IN A FATAL AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT: 1 in 23,000
ODDS OF A CHILD BEING DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM: 1 in 166
To learn the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org
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M ARCH 15, 2012
LOCAL ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ is right here at home Rifle High School presents “The Wizard of Oz” March 15-17 Carrie Click Special to the Citizen Telegram
If you ever wondered where “somewhere over the rainbow” is, this weekend it’s at the Rifle High School auditorium as a cast of about 45 students presents “The Wizard of Oz.” Don’t expect exactly the same story as the famous 1939 film. Author Frank L. Baum wrote the book, “The Wizard of Oz,” in 1900. Subsequent theatrical and film adaptations of the story have surfaced since. “There are a few different versions,” said Rifle High School performing arts and English teacher Patrick Bondy, who’s directing the musical. “Some versions are really close to the classic movie version. Ours includes all the songs everybody knows, though the ending’s a bit different. I think most people will be pleasantly surprised.” A couple of other details will be different as well. For one, don’t expect to see a little dog running around. “We debated about Toto,” said Bondy about finding a dog up to the task. “But ultimately we decided not to have live animals on stage.” That decision extended to the flying monkeys as well. “Yeah, unfortunately, the flying monkeys are out,” said Bondy with a chuckle. What the RHS performance
“The Wizard of Oz” Featuring Dorothy: Sarah McCutchan Scarecrow: Alex Copeland / Jake Murphy Tin Man: Elijah Bjurstrom Cowardly Lion: James Maes Wicked Witch: Abby Bernat Sorceress of the North: Melissa Crow 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15 7 p.m. Friday, March 16 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17 Rifle High School auditorium, 1350 Prefontaine Ave., Rifle Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors at the door Info: 665-7725
does have are Jitterbugs, forest creatures that were written out of “The Wizard of Oz” movie script. Controlled by the Wicked Witch, they cause their victims to dance themselves to death. Although the Jitterbugs were featured in a musical number in the original movie version — their song is now a TV commercial jingle for Jitterbug cell phones — their part was edited out of the completed film. “They’re supposed to be cute and funny, but ours are creepier,” said Bondy. “Plus they’ve got cool masks that our Auntie Em [RHS’s Hannah Bernat] made for them.” Selecting a school play involves Bondy and RHS music teacher and director Daryl Gingrich. “He and I talk about what shows the community might like,” said Bondy, “and what can
Darcy Copeland / Captured Moments Photography / Citizen Telegram Contributor
The Sorceress of the North, played by Melissa Crow, entreats Dorothy, played by Sarah McCutchan, to come to the land of Oz. The two Rifle High School students appear in this weekend’s school production of “The Wizard of Oz.” best accommodate our students. We did really well with ‘Les Miserables’ a couple years ago, and we think we’ll do well with ‘The Wizard of Oz’ since it’s so widely known. We want to produce shows that will get the best response from the community.” Bondy and Gingrich also want RHS’s performing arts productions to benefit their students.
Certainly not every student who participates in a school musical such as “The Wizard of Oz” is going to go on to star on Broadway or have an acting career. But Bondy said the value goes way beyond the stage. “There are so many benefits,” he said. “Getting used to public speaking is a huge one. Especially in these modern times, learn-
ing how to speak in front of a group of people is so worthwhile. “And being in the play teaches students simple responsibility: the importance of showing up, knowing your lines, and being reliable because others are depending on you. It builds bonds. It’s like a sports team. It’s like a type of a family.”
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Jenny Lavey (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colorado 81650 Main office: (970) 625-3245 Fax: (970) 625-3628 mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
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M ARCH 22, 2012
POLICE BLOTTER Editor’s note: The Rifle Police Department reports the following incidents and arrests. Summonses or arrests merely indicate an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
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Theft: Police investigated a report of an electronic device stolen from a middle school student called in at 8:44 a.m. on March 12. Three teenage boys, ages 12 and 13, were cited for theft. Marijuana: Police contacted a man in the 800 block of South Whiteriver Avenue at 8:45 p.m. on March 12. Richard Large, 29, of Rifle was cited for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Warrant arrests: Officers went to the 100 block of West 16th Street at 10:58 p.m. on March 12 to take into custody a woman wanted on a warrant. Amanda Rae Sell, 30, of Rifle, was arrested and lodged at the county jail. While on the call, officers also contacted Wesley Kade Harris, 26, and Robert Stanley Choate, 41, both of Rifle. Both men were also wanted on warrants, and were booked in the county jail. Theft: Police received a report at 8:12 a.m. on March 13 of items stolen from a vehicle parked in the 300 block of West 24th Place. Criminal mischief: Police received a report at 2:17 p.m. on March 13 of a window damaged by a BB gun in a residence in the 2200 block of Ute Avenue. Trespass: Police were called to a disturbance involving an intoxicated man in the 300 block of East Avenue at 6:45 p.m. on March 13. Warren Allan Langstaff, 42, of Rifle refused to leave the residence and was arrested on suspicion of trespass. Driving under the influence: Police were called to the Rifle I-70 Rest Area at 10:09 p.m. on March 13 for a suspicious incident in which a woman suffered minor injuries. Following an investigation, Jeremy Alan Gardner, 36, transient, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, assault and domestic violence. The woman was treated for her injuries and released. Littering: Police took a report at 12:11 p.m. on March 14 of illegal dumping that occurred in the 800 block of West 24th Street. Gregory Roberton Blurton, 54, of Rifle was cited for trespass and littering. Drug paraphernalia: At 4:25 p.m. on March 14, police cited a 16-year-old boy for possessing drug paraphernalia at Rifle High School. Violation of restraining order: Police were called to a residence in the 500 block of Ash Avenue at 5:10 p.m. on March 14. Jamie Matthew Babcock, 24, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer, violation of a restraining order and domestic violence, and lodged at the county jail. Disorderly conduct: Officers were called to a disturbance in the 1500 block of Railroad Avenue at 1:14 p.m. on March 15. Following an investigation, Ruben Chavez, 18, and a 16-year-old boy, both of Rifle, were
cited for disorderly conduct. Harassment: Officers were called to the 1300 block of Railroad Avenue at 2:59 p.m. on March 16 for a report of theft and harassment. Police have issued a warrant for the suspect, who was not named. Warrant arrest: Police were called to the probation office at the Garfield County Courthouse on 18th Street at 4:25 p.m. on March 16 regarding a man wanted on a warrant. David James Copeland, 47, of Silt was taken into custody and booked at the county jail. Driving under the influence: Police stopped a motorist for speeding at Ninth and Whiteriver at 9:38 p.m. on March 16. John Robert Bierig, 25, of Rifle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and speeding 10 mph over the limit. Driving under restraint: Police contacted a motorist at Third and East at 9:42 p.m. on March 16 for a traffic violation. Tavorus Sutton, 32, of Grand Junction was arrested on suspicion of driving with an open container of alcohol and driving without a valid license. He was booked at the county jail. Curfew: Police contacted a 16-year-old boy at 2:34 a.m. on March 17 in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue for being out after curfew. He was cited, taken home and released to his mother. Suspected drugs: Police were called to the 100 block of East First Street at 5 a.m. on March 17 where someone reported finding paper currency folded and containing suspected cocaine.
Rifle woman dies in single-car accident Staff Report
DE BEQUE — A Rifle woman died and two men were injured early Sunday, March 18, when the car they were traveling in veered into the center median on I-70 near De Beque and hit a rock structure. The crash occurred at about 2:40 a.m. on eastbound I70 near milepost 66, according to Colorado State Patrol Trooper Bonnie Collins. Anthony Bracamontes, 21, of Rifle was driving east in a Chevrolet Impala when the vehicle strayed into and across the median and hit a rock structure. The vehicle rolled backwards after the impact and caught fire. Passing motorists stopped to pull Bracamontes and his two passengers out of the vehicle as it became engulfed in flames, Collins reported. Passenger Christina Flager, 19, of Rifle died at the scene from injuries sustained during the crash. Bracamontes and another passenger, Erick Fernandez, 26, of Grand Junction, were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Alcohol and excessive speed are believed to be factors in the crash, Collins said. The crash remains under investigation.
Silt woman killed by Amtrak train
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Staff Report
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SILT — A Silt woman was struck and killed after walking onto the mainline railroad tracks in Silt Saturday, March 17, according to Garfield County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Tanny McGinnis. The victim has been identified as Ashley Nicole Vale, 27, according to McGinnis. The accident occurred at 2:58 p.m. Saturday when a westbound Amtrak train passed through Silt, 20 miles west of Glenwood Springs, said Christina Leeds, Amtrak media relations manager. Leeds said the train was carrying 179 passengers, but none of the passengers or crew were injured. The train was delayed for an hour and 40 minutes before continuing its journey to Emeryville, Calif.
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Jenny Lavey (USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colorado 81650 Main office: (970) 625-3245 Fax: (970) 625-3628 mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
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THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM
M ARCH 29, 2012
ANIMALS INK
Murphy’s Animal Haven: A dream on its way to coming true for Rifle Animal Shelter Amy Hadden Marsh Special to the Citizen Telegram
On a sunny March morning, Rachel Luchaco and her three boys have come all the way from Meeker to adopt a dog from the Rifle Animal Shelter. “This morning, I asked them what they wanted to do with their day,” said Luchaco. “And they said they wanted a puppy dog.” So, after a dip in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the family dropped by the shelter on their way home. “What kind of dog do you want?” asked a visitor. Three-year-old Thad pointed to a brown and black hound named Jake and said, “That one.” Jake, all wiggles and wags, had been in the shelter for about a month, sharing a comfortable and clean — albeit small — space with 11 other dogs and four cats. The Rifle Animal Shelter, a one-story building north of town, was originally a dog pound operated by the Rifle Police Department. But, in 1998, it failed inspection and the city didn’t have enough money to complete the necessary renovations. Enter Garfield County Animal Welfare Foundation Inc., better known as the Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter (FRAS). For the next two years, this group of local residents raised funds and donated time and materials to renovate the shelter.
Kelley Cox Post Independent
Rifle Animal Shelter director Heather Mullen, left, and Terri Potter pose with adoptable dogs currently at the shelter. They are work>SHELTER, PAGE 12 ing together to create a new shelter, Murphy’s Ranch Animal Haven, northwest of Rifle on Hubbard Mesa.
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April 14, 2012 To schedule an appointment or for more information on the clinic call
(970)773-4030 • This event is offered to stallions between the ages of 1-4 years of age ONLY • Each colt will be anesthetized, castrated and appropriately vaccinated. Colts must be halter broke and walk on a lead rope • Cost for each colt will be $50-CASH ONLY • Appointments will be scheduled in 1 hour blocks. You MUST call for an appointment time. Talleyville Veterinary • Colorado River Veterinary Services, Inc • Pfizer
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THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM
A PRIL 19, 2012
LOCAL Compare our prices, we can meet or beat retail!
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Illustration courtesy Johnson Carter Architects
These architect’s renderings show two views of the proposed Rifle Recreation and Fitness Center. At top is a view from Railroad Avenue and 16th Street, looking northeast. Below is a view from 16th Street looking northwest, with Fred’s Hardware and Family Dollar in the white building in the distance at left.
Study to detail potential funding for new recreation center
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Dog & Cat Adoptathon
Join Colorado Animal Rescue for a Dog and Cat Adoptathon at Petco Saturday April 21st 11:00am - 3:00pm Come by and meet Bronco Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org PETCO Located on 105 East Meadows Rd Glenwood Springs, CO
Supporters of a new recreation center at Metro Park in Rifle will soon know what their fellow citizens are willing to pay to support the facility. A study that gauges the availability of public and private funding for the proposed recreation center will be released in May, according to Michael Langhorne, president of the board of directors for the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corp., which is funding the study. “The study will give us a basic go or no go,” on whether Rifle citizens are willing to help fund the center, Langhorne said. “Then, if the answer is yes, it will detail what funding could look like.” Previous surveys conducted by the city have indicated a strong demand for a recreation center in Rifle, according to Rich Carter, the chairman of the project management team overseeing the effort, and a member of the Rifle City Council. But this is the first specific look at funding availability. “We have a schematic of the design [for the center] and we have a busi-
ness plan,” said Carter. “This study is our next step.” At the center of the study is a series of confidential interviews currently under way with business leaders and influential citizens in Rifle. So far, the consulting firm National Community Development Services has conducted about 70 interviews, according to Langhorne. A representative of the firm could not be reached for comment. Interviewees have been asked to complete a survey asking what amenities should be included in the proposed recreation center, such as a lap pool, indoor track, gymnasium or climbing wall. The survey also asks whether respondents would be willing to support a sales tax increase to fund the construction of the facility, and whether their firm would be willing to make a private donation. “If the community sees that we have private support, I think they would be more willing to fund the project,” said Carter. Interviews are scheduled to conclude April 20. As currently conceived, the proposed recreation center would occupy Metro Park, between 16th and 18th Streets, and would include a weight room, track, climbing wall, basketball courts, a lap pool and numerous other amenities.
(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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The facility has been described as the flagship project of the economic development group, which was founded in 2007 to promote Rifle to the outside world, attract new businesses, and increase investment in the downtown core. Combined with the current remodel of the Columbine Market across the street from Metro Park by the owner of Silt’s Eagle Springs Organic farm, the project could significantly boost activity in that section of town. The survey notes an estimated $18 million in additional funds would be required to complete the project, and backers anticipate $11 million could come from public funding and $7 million from private funds. Assistant City Manager Matt Sturgeon said there has been speculation the existing one-cent parks and recreation sales tax could fund facility operations. The additional funds would be used for construction. If the study shows sufficient support for the recreation center is likely, backers will begin conducting public outreach to educate voters on the need for the center, and increase the likelihood of approval for a sales tax increase. “If the study says yes, we will do a publicity campaign,” said Carter. “And we’ll be looking for volunteers.”
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PA G E 2
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Kittens are Coming!
LOCAL Rifle chief of police finalists named Staff Report
Visit Colorado Animal Rescue to pick out your new cute and cuddly kitten! Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 947-9173 www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
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Seven final candidates for Rifle’s next police chief include the current administrative sergeant in the department and a former Garfield County undersheriff. Current chief Daryl Meisner is retiring in July after 39 years in law enforcement, all with the department. The finalists were selected from a group of 78 applicants. A community reception with the candidates will be held at the Rifle Municipal Court building, 201 E. 18th St., from 5-6:30 p.m., on Friday, June 29, and the public is invited. The selection process will also include a meeting with police department employees and interviews with the City Council, City Manager John Hier, and the city’s executive staff. The finalists, in alphabetical order, are: • Charles Baker — 33 years of law enforcement experience; currently a division commander for the Commerce City Police Department; Baker has served as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, deputy chief and interim police chief. He has also worked in all divisions of the police department and as a K–9, bike patrol, SWAT and field training officer. Baker holds a master of criminal justice degree with an emphasis in executive leadership from the University of Colorado at Denver, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives, as well as the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program for public managers at CU — Denver. • Keith Caddy — 23 years of law enforcement experience; currently a division commander with the Montrose Police Department; joined the department in 1994 after serving as a police officer in Cortez;
has served as a police officer, corporal, sergeant and commander of both divisions in the agency. Caddy is a certified firearms instructor and has been a DARE officer, working in schools. He attended Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) in Grand Junction, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Caddy also holds a master of criminal justice degree in executive leadership from the University of Colorado, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives and the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command. • John Garavaglia — 39 years of law enforcement experience; currently a captain serving as a division commander with the Golden Police Department, where he has been for nine years; also served as a division commander with the Arvada Police Department, deputy chief of police for the Glendale Police Department, and police chief for the Fort Lupton Police Department. As a commander, he oversaw the national accreditation of the Golden department, and has served in all divisions of police organizations, including investigations, patrol and support services. He holds a bachelor of science degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Utah, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives and the Western Institute of Police Administration through the University of Colorado at Denver. • Kenneth Koch — 23 years of law enforcement experience; most recent assignment has been interim deputy chief of police with the Flagstaff, Ariz., Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, public information officer, and acting deputy chief. Koch has experience in administration, investiga-
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tions, patrol and police operations, earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Northern Arizona University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives. • Vaughn Miles — currently the administrative sergeant for the Rifle Police Department, where he has served since 1979. Miles has been a sergeant since 1991, including as a patrol and special services sergeant. Miles is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives, and holds a bachelor of science degree from Metropolitan State College (now University) in Denver. • James Szakmeister — 28 years of law enforcement experience; currently a captain with the Fort Collins Police Department, where he has been since 1988. Szakmeister was also a police agent for the Lakewood Police Department and a police officer in Evans, Colo. Szakmeister has served as a patrol and traffic officer, detective, sergeant, administrative lieutenant, watch commander and division commander. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Bible College and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police as well as the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program for public managers. • Timothy Templon — former undersheriff of Garfield County; currently serving as a law enforcement advisor to the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Templon was a member of the Glenwood Springs Police Department for 10 years, where he served as a detective, sergeant, and drug task force commander. He was also a patrol deputy for the Broward County, Fla., Sheriff ’s Department and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for police executives.
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J UNE 21, 2012
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(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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PA G E 2
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ANNOUNCING Eagle Springs Crossing
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for info contact Debbie 970.379.0495
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J ULY 5, 2012
LOCAL Blood donors needed in face of shortage Grand River Hospital lab techs seek local help to boost supply Niki Turner Citizen Telegram Contributor
“Every tomorrow needs a blood donor today.” That’s the headline on a Grand River Hospital promotional poster, where laboratory staff are engaged in a campaign to increase public awareness about the need to donate blood in the face of a nationwide shortage. The American Red Cross, which supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood products, said late last month they received 50,000 fewer donations than expected this month, leaving the nation’s blood supply at emergency levels. “Approximately 6 percent or less of the population donates blood,” said Robert Salti, a Grand River laboratory medical technician. “The number one reason for not donating is a lack of understanding.” One major trauma can tap a small hospital’s blood supply in a matter of hours. If the hospital runs out, the lab has to request a “hot shot” — blood brought in from another hospital or blood bank via taxi or other means, which is expensive and time-consuming, Salti said. According to the Red Cross, 97 percent of people will either need, or know someone who needs, a transfusion during their lifetime. In October 2010, Salti was on duty when a man was brought to the emergency room after an altercation with police during a domestic dispute. The man, who is awaiting trial next month on charges of shooting a police officer, almost “bled out” in the emergency room. “He was really bad,” Salti said. “Every time we put a unit [of blood] in him, it bled right out the wounds in his back.” By the time the man was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Salti had used all the Onegative blood on hand. Fortunately, the police officer, who had also been shot, was wearing a bulletproof vest and didn’t need a transfusion. Grand River keeps four units each of A-positive, Opositive and O-negative available, as well as a small supply of frozen plasma on hand. The three blood types are the most common in the U.S. For those who don’t know their own blood type, “Just ask when you go in to donate,” said Grand River phlebotomist Laura Harrington. According to Salti, knowing your own blood type gives the hospital a “head start.” Patients whose blood type is unknown (as in an emergency) receive O-negative, the “universal” blood type.
Niki Turner Citizen Telegram
Grand River Hospital District phlebotomist Laura Harrington demonstrates a blood donation procedure on fellow phlebotomist Ryan Reeves. The two want to help educate and encourage local people to donate blood for transfusions, so more is on hand and the hospital does not run out.
Niki Turner Citizen Telegram
The Grand River Hospital District lab’s blood supply includes 12 units, or pints, of the most common blood types: A-positive, O-positive and O-negative. Currently, St. Mary’s Regional Blood Center serves as the donor center for 30 hospitals on the Western Slope, including Grand River. St. Mary’s mobile blood van, or bloodmobile, visits quarterly. The van’s schedule is available by calling (970) 298-2555, online at www.stmarygj.org/stmarys-bloodmobile, call the hospital at 625-6433 or visit www.grhd.org. Eligible donors can give blood every eight weeks. “You don’t have to wait for the bloodmobile to be in Rifle,” Harrington said. “Find out where the blood van is going to be and fit a donation into your regular schedule.”
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Odds of a child becoming a quarterback in the NFL: 1 in 100,000 Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 150
(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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PA G E 2
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Eagle Springs Crossing
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J ULY 19, 2012
LOCAL All I need to know about wildfires ... Helicopters, fire sites, hands-on experience helps teachers Mike McKibbin Citizen Telegram Editor
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Kittens Kittens Kittens
The rotors didn’t spin and the shiny, red helicopter just sat on the runway at the Garfield County Regional Airport on Tuesday. But it was the center of attention nonetheless for 30 educators from Colorado and New Mexico, who crowded around to learn all they could about how the A Star helicopter, based at the Rifle Interagency Fire Center, is used to help battle wildfires. They were taking part in the weeklong Fire Ecology Institute, held for the 11th year by the Colorado State Forest Service, this year in Rifle and Glenwood Springs. Teachers in grades 4 through 12 had the chance for hands-on learning in outdoor classrooms that included a recent fire near the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at the Canyon Creek exit on I-70, and the historic Coal Seam and South Canyon fire sites. Foresters, firefighters, biologists, ecologists and hydrologists oversaw field demonstrations, experiments and activities and educators learned how to build fireline. “The intensity of this year's fire season highlights the increasing importance of education about wildfire and forest ecology for learners of all ages,” said Shawna Crocker, Project Learning Tree coordinator for the Colorado State Forest Service. “Our group this year included three teachers who also happen to be volunteer firefighters.” One of those volunteer firefighters is also the fire chief in Brush, Paul Acosta, who teaches fifth grade to Beaver Valley Elementary in that eastern plains town. Acosta said he
Mike McKibbin Citizen Telegram
Bryan Leone, right, a mechanic for Brainerd Helicopters, explains the operation of an A Star helicopter he helps maintain at the Garfield County Regional Airport on Tuesday. Listening are Paul Acosta, left, a fifth-grade teacher from Brush and the town’s volunteer fire chief, and Alex Bond, a teacher at Keystone Science School in Summit County. More than 30 teachers visited the interagency fire center at the airport as part of a weeklong forestry and wildfire workshop for educators in Rifle and Glenwood Springs. was impressed how federal and local agencies work together to battle wildfires. “It’s like the best of both worlds,” he added. “It looks like the agencies work together amazingly well.” Acosta said in Brush, local departments work well together, but state and federal agencies are not as involved, since there’s much less public land than in the western part of the state. Alex Bond has taught at the Keystone Science School in Summit County, and his family has a home that was threatened by the devastating Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs this summer. “Fire is much more personal to me, now,” Bond said. “Our family home was about a half-mile from the flames, but that made me want to find out as much as I can about what firefighters are all about, the helicopters and tools they use.” Many children who attend Keystone Science School come from across Colorado, Bond added, and most know someone affected at
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Join Colorado Animal Rescue This Saturday, July 21st from 11-3 at Petco for a kitten adoptathon. We will have many cute and cuddly kittens available for adoption. Colorado Animal Rescue 2801 County Road 114 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
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one time by a wildfire. Learning and then sharing what he and the others learn at the week-long institute is important for that and other reasons, he said. Bryan Leone is a mechanic for Brainerd Helicopters and answered question after question about the helicopter he helps keep flying. “These things usually have a half tank to three-quarters of a tank of jet fuel,” he said. “That can keep them flying for two-and-a-half or three hours. They burn about 40 gallons an hour.” The copters dip 144- or 180-gallon water buckets into rivers and lakes to help douse flames and are especially useful in high altitude fires, he added. Air conditions due to heat and other factors can prevent the huge Huey helicopters from flying, Leone said. Federal Interface Program grant funds cover virtually all costs of the workshop for the educators, including materials, field trips, instruction, lodging and most meals at Colorado Mountain College.
Publisher: Stephanie Schafer sschafer@postindependent.com (970) 384-9100
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(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
THE CITIZEN TELEGRAM www.citizentelegram.com 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colorado 81650 Main office: (970) 625-3245 Fax: (970) 625-3628 mail@citizentelegram.com Colorado Mountain News Media, Publisher
PA G E 2
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A UGUST 2, 2012
LOCAL
Rifle shows off $14 million in projects State officials tour parks, police HQ, Brenden Theaters Nelson Harvey Citizen Telegram Contributor
Rifle’s landscape has changed a lot over the last decade, with the construction of Centennial and Deerfield parks, a new police headquarters and the Brenden Sevenplex Theater, among other projects. What many of these amenities have in common is a state agency called the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). In the last seven years, DOLA has granted more than $14 million to the city of Rifle, according to Government Affairs Coordinator Mike Braaten. In doing so, the agency has leveraged more than $40 million in city funds and other grants, which have gone toward numerous civic projects throughout the city. On July 25, Braaten led several Denver-based DOLA representatives on a tour of those projects, intended to acquaint agency staffers with the real impact of the grants DOLA provides. “We want to ensure the state revenues we depend upon continue to flow,” he said, standing in front of City Hall after the tour. Braaten noted that city officials are currently developing project ideas for the next round of DOLA awards, which will be announced in late spring of 2013. The bulk of DOLA’s influence in Rifle has come through the agency’s energy and mineral impact assistance program, which funnels state and federal money to
Colorado communities impacted by extractive industries. Over the last seven years, DOLA has granted $750,000 to Rifle for construction of Deerfield Park, and $25,000 for engineering work on the Brenden Theaters. The agency also helped Rifle officials find funding for the restoration of the Ute Theatre, and granted some $5.3 million for wastewater improvement projects, including the design of the West Rifle wastewater treatment plant. Finally, DOLA granted Rifle $500,000 for construction of Centennial Park. “Before this space existed, Rifle didn’t have a social spot, and now we get up to 500 people here listening to music each week,” Braaten said. He noted the DOLA program plays a key role in ensuring Rifle reaps some benefits from the presence of extractive industry. Since there are no gas wells within the city limits, he said, Rifle would receive no direct revenue from drilling without the state distributing funds from taxes and royalties. Byron Deluca, a legislative analyst for the Joint Budget Committee of the Colorado General Assembly, accompanied DOLA officials on their July 25 Rifle tour. As an analyst, Deluca makes recommendations to state legislators on how much funding agencies like DOLA should receive each year. Visiting local communities where the agency has made grants is a vital part of this process, he said. “Its ridiculous if we’re in there debating these things and we don’t have any idea of what’s happening on the ground,” Deluca added.
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MUTT MIXER at the Village Smithy
Sat. Aug 4th
RIBBON ROPING AT FAMILY RODEO
Darcy Copeland Captured Moments Photography, snappedya.com
Tanner Vines, 11, of Silt, pulls the ribbon off the calf his mother, Tammi, roped during the calf roping event Monday night, placing third. To complete the competition, Tanner had to give his 9-year-old sister, Emily, the ribbon and a kiss on the cheek before she could return to the gate with the ribbon to stop the timer.
SIGNS CLEANUP FROM 1 some people go overboard and it gets to be what others consider a junky mess.” “Some businesses, like Linda Hunter, probably do need to do more,” Lambert said. “Sometimes a lighted neon sign can get you more attention, but not every time.” Hunter noted that while private businesses are limited to displaying banners, the city and others fly banners all the time. “They take away all the ways we have for free advertising, our business will suffer and we won’t be able to pay taxes,” Hunter said. “Then who will be hurting, when the city doesn’t get its sales tax?” The code allows banner signs to be permanently placed inside a window, as long as it covers no more than a quarter of the window.
ASPHALT
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Lindquist said businesses could seek a code change to address the issue, which would not require an extensive process. He said it would mean one meeting of the planning commission and one City Council meeting. Lambert said he could see some room for “tweaking” the code to allow for exceptions or changes. “What we have to remember is if a change is appropriate for a downtown business, compared to somewhere else,” Lambert added. “Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to have one law apply to all. And if we make an exception for one business, someone else could come in and make the same argument. Then we have an ineffective code.”
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Enjoy a great breakfast while you mingle with some adoptable mutts!
Mike McKibbin mmckibbin@citizentelegram.com (970) 384-9114
the 3 Gen er V nex alley ation s t ye – w ar & e’ll in yea be he rs a r fte e r.
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(USPS 466 040) is published every Thursday at 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650-2318. Periodicals postage is paid at Glenwood Springs and at other offices. Published by the Citizen Telegram, a division of Colorado Mountain News Media Company. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Citizen Telegram, 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206, Rifle, CO 81650 Colorado Statutory Publication, CRS 24-70, et.seq.
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