Ouray County

24 Pages·2012·19.58 MB·English

New OCRA Ridgway Local
Leader Basketball Produce
50¢
Stands
4 17 10
OURAYNEWS.COM YEAR 134 THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF RIDGWAY, OURAY AND OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO NO. 36 FEB. 9-15, 2012
DDiissttrriicctt 5599
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Plaindealer Staff Report
[email protected]
Patrick Swonger Michael McLachlan
Plaindealer photo by Jessi Plaindealer courtesy photo
Marlatt
Durango attorney Michael McLachlan said this week he
will announce his candidacy as a Democrat for the
Colorado House of Representatives on Feb. 9. The
announcement follows on the heels of Silverton resident
Weehawken’s All Fired Up opens in two weeks with paint your own pottery, hand building, wheel throwing and more. See Patrick Swonger's statement that he will continue his bid
story page 7. Plaindealer photo by Jessi Marlatt for the Democratic nomination to the District 59 seat,
despite a party ruling that he is ineligible. The winner of the
RReeaall eessttaattee mmaarrkkeett bbeetttteerr tthhaann mmoosstt Democratic primary will face incumbent Republican J. Paul
Brown in the November general election.
Swonger's candidacy was derailed in January when the
By Jessi Marlatt said Kari Wage, a real estate agent for said Judy Snelling of Keller Williams,
state Democratic party said he had not switched his party
[email protected] over 20 years, broker agent of who has been a practicing real estate
affiliation from Republican to Democrat in time.
Ponderosa Real Estate and former broker since 1998.
Ouray County is not immune to the Candidates must be registered Democrats 12 months prior
president of the Montrose Real Estate According to Wage, the nation is
current housing crisis sweeping the to the general election, and Swonger missed the deadline by
Association. “We are even more pro- looking at a two to three year recovery,
nation, but some real estate agents feel two or three days.
tected,” said Wage. but “ours might come a little sooner,"
this rural area has been spared from On Feb. 2 Swonger issued a press release stating that he
Most properties in the county have although it could take five years to
the worst. intended to petition onto the primary ballot using a proce-
lost about 20 percent of their values, regain the property values, she said.
“We are a little buffered here in dure authorized by state law, under which he must collect
which in comparison with other places “I see it all coming back up,” said
Ouray County because we don’t have 1,000 signatures of registered Democrats living in District
across the nation is not very much,
the same core density as other places,” REAL ESTATE A12 59 by April 2.
"I did not make this decision lightly," Swonger said in
last week's statement. "I was looking forward to participat-
ing in our precinct and convention process and remain
respectful of those institutions. I've been urged by my sup-
porters not to let a technicality with state party rules end my
campaign."
Swonger heard from the Colorado Secretary of State on
Monday that his petition format passed muster, so he has
begun collecting signatures.
"I'm very optimistic and feel this is a blessing in dis-
guise," Swonger said. "I'll get to meet over 1,000 Democrats
face to face," he told the Plaindealer. Swonger will visit
Ridgway and Ouray all day on Feb. 14, meeting voters and
The A Team-OHS gave the returning champs a run for their money in the San Miguel Power Association and Mt. Sneffels Edu- gathering signatures. That evening, he will attend the
cation Foundation Trivial Bowl Tuesday night. Left to right are Patrick Link, Nick Pieper, Ali Daughtry and Daniel Degenhardt. Rodeo and Juliet concert at the Wright Opera House.
See page 2 for full story. Plaindealer photo by Beecher Threatt DEMOCRAT A11
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Serving Ouray County
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THE CITIZENFS SoTArT E9B8A NYKeOaF rOsURAY OOuurraayyRReeaallPPrrooppeerrttyy..ccoomm Shirts 644 MAIN ST., OURAY
[phone]
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MEMBER FDIC OURAY(970) 325-4478 • RIDGWAY(970) 626-5462 Gifts MountainFeverShirts.com
22 FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER OURAYNEWS.COM
OURAY COUNTY OURAY COUNTY
SSllaasshh bbuurrnn oorrddiinnaannccee oonn ttrraacckk
RRiiddggwwaayy ttoowwnn
Kathryn Sellars told the BOCC that Seventh Judicial District would prose-
By Beecher Threatt
the county does not have an intergov- cute violations had to be deleted. The tteeaamm pprroovveess
[email protected]
ernmental agreement with District ordinance may be enforced by the
With one revision, the county slash Attorney Dan Hotsenpiller that would Ouray County Attorney, however.
burn ordinance mandated by the state allow his office to enforce the new The slash burn ordinance will
and adopted by the Board of County ordinance. become effective 30 days after its pub- iittss ttrriivviiaalliittyy
Commissioners passed second reading The section of the ordinance stating lication in today's Plaindealer. See
on Tuesday. Interim county attorney that the district attorney for the page 22 for the full ordinance.
CITY OF OURAY By Beecher Threatt
[email protected]
CCoouunncciill aaggrreeeess ttoo ppuurrcchhaassee IIccee PPaarrkk
In a repeat performance, Team Minutiae Men took home
the 2012 Trivia Bowl Trophy on Tuesday night at the San
Miguel Power Association and Mt. Sneffels Education
By Caleb Stento
The council passed the third item lated quantities of sauce were deplet- Foundation fundraiser. With a flurry of correct answers in
[email protected]
with fervor. The land being purchased ed, and the Bon Ton stepped up to the the waning minutes, team members Rick Weaver, John
The public portion of the city coun- from the USFS is the land used for a plate and replenished sauce supplies. Clark and Eric Johnson, representing the Town of Ridgway
cil meeting on Monday was brief. portion of the Ouray Ice Park. The All items on the Consent Agenda (all town councilors) came from behind by knowing that
Action items for the evening, which all city's ongoing effort to purchase the passed unanimously. A resolution Connecticut is the Nutmeg State and the Missouri is the
passed unanimously, were repealing land finally ended successfully. releasing funds for the city’s water longest river in the U.S.
Board of Adjustment and transferring Members of the council gave spe- tank project referred to $150,000 that "We always considered ourselves trivial people and
duties to the Ouray Planning cial thanks to Tim Tucker, co-owner of is the remaining balance of a larger tonight we proved it," Weaver said.
Commission; granting a temporary the Bon Ton Restaurant and St. Elmo sum previously borrowed and ear- The event raised $4,637 for the foundation.
liquor permit to the Bon Ton Hotel. Tucker, who was present at the marked for the project. In the final round, The A Team from Ouray High School
Restaurant and St. Elmo Hotel; and, meeting, was hailed for the role his After approximately 20 minutes, came in second place and gave the Minutiae a good battle,
acceptance of land appraisal and restaurant played in Saturday’s ROCC the council adjourned to executive correctly answering questions like what bone is the only
agreement to purchase land from the spaghetti dinner. Due to the number session for legal advice on a specific one not connected to any other (hyoid) and the name of the
U.S. Forest Service. of attendees at the dinner, pre-calcu- legal matter. current that warms northern Europe (Gulfstream). Team A
members were Patrick Link, Nick Pieper, Ali Daughtry and
OURAY COUNTY
Daniel Degenhardt.
Also in the final round was team "We're Missing 'Glee'
HHoouussiinngg aassssiissttaannccee pprrooggrraammss pprreesseenntteedd ttoo BBOOCCCC
for This, Nick Sustana!!!", with members Erin Latta, Kim
Kelly and Eric and Phyllis Fagrelius.
Corporation, which dissolved years or as a loan for home rehabilitation, Ridgway Superfans, sporting neon green hair, pompoms
By Beecher Threatt
ago, Diaz told the board. DHA ended removal of barriers or energy efficien- and Ridgway High School tee-shirts, won the costume con-
[email protected]
up with the funds and has been using cy measures. Residents whose income test. The loudest applause of the night was for Ouray
Low income county residents could them housing assistance in Delta, is at 80 percent of the Area Median fourth-grader Rae Sustana, who correctly named the nurs-
soon get help with down payment Montrose and San Miguel counties. Income are eligible. For Ouray County, ery rhyme character who suffered from arachnophobia
funds for a home purchase or loans for Ouray County has been overlooked, that translates to $54,650 or less for a (Little Miss Muffet).
home rehabilitation, according to Diaz explained, because its housing family of four. After five preliminary rounds, the three teams with the
Shirley Diaz, president of Ouray authority did not have staff members BOCC instructed staff and the highest score moved on to the final round. In the prelimi-
County Housing Authority and execu- to administer funds. But they were interim county attorney to review a nary rounds, teams could use mulligans to purchase various
tive director of San Miguel Housing intended to be used in the region, so if draft intergovernmental agreement benefits, such as asking an audience member for the answer
Authority. On Tuesday Diaz told the the BOCC and DHA enter into an presented by Diaz and report back to ($50).
Board of County Commissioners that agreement, funds can be administered commissioners. Starting with $650 in contributions, about six times
Delta Housing Authority has funds in Ouray County. "This is just a re-affirmation of our more than any other team, Minutiae spent mulligans freely,
intended for use in the entire region. With a $500 administration fee (Ouray County's) existence in the orig- asking former team member Jen Coates, in the audience
DHA's Todd Wicklund outlined the paid by the county, a low income resi- inal program," Commissioner Mike with her laptop, for answers. After the judges declared that
programs for the board. dent could potentially receive $25,000 Fedel said. "It's a very economical way two of her answers were wrong, Minutiae went silent, but
The funds are left over from the in housing assistance. Money is award- to start down the path of affordable they had enough points to make the final round by then
Western Colorado Development ed either as down payment assistance housing." anyway.
Minutiae Men have it all under control at the SMPA and Mt.
Sneffels Trivia Bowl Tuesday night. Plaindealer photo by
Beecher Threatt
OURAYNEWS.COM OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 33
OURAY COUNTY
TThhee pprroobblleemm wwiitthh IInntteerrnneett sseerrvviiccee iinn OOuurraayy
By Caleb Stento upload speeds are lacking. (ISPs) to justify investing in the infrastructure. Places like
[email protected] If you happen to work from home like Craig Kaminsky Ouray, Ridgway and Silverton are low priority for ISPs. “We
does, the upload speeds are not sufficient. Kaminsky writes get the short end of the stick, and Silverton was left without
This is the first in a series of articles in which the
programs for a living. Once he finishes a program, he has astick,” John Lorimer, Ouray resident and owner of Lornet,
Plaindealer examines the issues surrounding broadband
to get it to his client. Craig’s finished programs vary in size, an IT consulting firm, said.
access in Ouray County.
but logically, the larger the program, the longer it takes to There is good news. As part of the governor's Bottom-up
Slow and unreliable Internet causes more than just
send. Because the upload (sending speed) is slow, it can initiative, the Broadband Committee formed to tackle one
inconvenience. It can adversely affect our livelihoods.
take hours to get his finished product into a client’s hands. of the county's five identified goals. The committee is
It’s an inconvenience when you get to the register after
“I start around 10 or 11:00 in the evening and it may fin- attempting to tackle the speed and redundancy issues — a
waiting in line and see a handwritten sign that reads
ish up at two in the morning,” Kaminsky said. His efficien- big undertaking. Right now we are still at the mercy of the
“Machine out…Cash Only.” It’s bothersome when Netflix
cy is hobbled. Time is money, especially in the high-tech Telecoms. There has to be a solution out there. After all,
slows to a crawl. It’s unfortunate when your streaming
field. necessity is the mother of invention, and right now we need
music keeps skipping.
Another paramount issue is broadband redundancy. better broadband infrastructure.
It’s bad for business when you lose sales because the
When a main data line goes out, there is no secondary line
lines are down and your customers don’t carry cash. It hurts Call O’BRIEN‘S
for backup. Any business that relies on a data connection to
business when your customers rely on your online pres- the outside world is vulnerable under these conditions. One For Custom Welding
ence, but your Internet connection fails. It takes a toll on
outage can result in customer loss.
business when what should take minutes, takes hours. Insured Certified Experienced Reliable
Lack of infrastructure also impacts our communities’
Kevin O’Brien • 970-626-3953 • 970-316-1629
Internet speed and redundancy are two of the challeng-
potential for growth. “The Ouray area would be a lucrative
ing issues with broadband in Ouray. Granted, speed was Visit www.obrienscustomwelding.com for more information
location to many larger Information Technology (IT)-based
improved after a recent CenturyLink upgrade.
companies for a satellite office. Because there is no redun-
Ridgway Community Church
Unfortunately, DSL connection speeds degrade with dis-
dancy, they won’t even consider it,” Kaminsky said.
tance, so the further you live from 5th Street in Ouray, the Non-denominational Praise & Worship
Companies can’t run the risk of being forced offline for any
slower your connection gets. Adult Sunday School: 9 a.m.
period of time.
Generally, if you live in the city limits, your connection Worship: 10 a.m.
Why, with all of today’s technical advances, does this
should be good enough to stream movies and music. But if problem persist in Ouray County? Basic economics plays a 685 W. Sherman, Ridgway • [phone]
you use your connection for other purposes, you may run www.ridgwaychurch.com
part. There aren’t enough people and businesses in this
into problems, because the download speeds are decent, but
area to make it lucrative for Internet Service Providers
SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO RIDGWAY
SSMMPPAA MMeetteerrss
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AA WW SS ,,
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ffoorr aavvaallaanncchhee Special to the Plaindealer WWeeddnneessddaayy,, FFeebbrruuaarryy 2222,, 66::0000ppmm..
[email protected]
AA ttiimmee ooff pprraayyeerr,, rreeaaddiinngg,, mmuussiicc,,
mmiittiiggaattiioonn San Miguel Power Association, Inc. (SMPA) will be rreefflleeccttiioonn aanndd tthhee iimmppoossiittiioonn ooff
installing advanced meters in the Ridgway area during the
aasshheess ffoorr tthhoossee wwhhoo wwiisshh..
months of February and March. Members in this area can
expect to see a meter technician from HD Supply installing AAllll aarree wweellccoommee!!
advanced meters on local homes and businesses beginning
on the corner of Lena & Charles St.
By Alan Todd next week.
[email protected] Whenever possible the technician will make contact with RReevv.. HHaarrrryy SSttrroonngg,, PPaassttoorr
997700--662266--55880033
the property owner(s) before installing the new meter. It is
Red Mountain Pass, along with Molas and Coal Bank not necessary for members to be home during their meter affiliated with
passes, were closed Tuesday morning for avalanche mitiga- change out, but they should expect their clocks to be blink- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
tion. According to Nancy Shanks, Public Information ing when they return home. A brief power interruption will United Methodist Church
Officer at the Colorado Dept. of Transportation, most work be necessary in order to change the meter. Presbyterian Church (USA)
centered around Red Mountain Pass which was closed Members who wish to keep their old meter can opt out United Church of Christ
from approximately 6:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. of an advanced meter for a $25 monthly fee. An advanced wwwwww..UUCCSSJJrriiddggwwaayy..oorrgg
In all, 14 avalanches were mitigated, three of which meter opt out form is available at each SMPA office and
were natural. Eleven hit the highway. On Red Mountain online at http://www.smpa.com/EE/AMI.cfm. Members
Pass, the biggest was four feet high and 360 feet long along must complete the opt out form for eachaccount on which The February 2012
Senior Scoop
the highway. Of the natural avalanches, the largest was six they would not like an advanced meter installed.
feet x 60 feet. According to Shanks, they were all “small, For more information about SMPA’s advanced meters
but nothing to bat an eye about.” call [phone] or [phone].
FRIDAY – SUNDAY, FEB 10 - 12
Health Goals Achieved Ridgway Area Winter Arts & Crafts Festival
Ouray County Arts Association
Chamber of Commerce
Holistic Alternative
Business Ouray Community Center
Psychology
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30
After Hours
LLiiffee DDiirreeccttiioonn ffoorr HHeeaalltthh && HHaappppiinneessss!! “Rodeo and Juliet,” An OCPAG Event
BEYOURMASTEROVERBODY& MIND Wright Opera House
Thursday, February 16 • 5:30 - 7:30 pm
**** WWeeiigghhtt LLoossss -- CChhrroonniicc DDiiss--eeaassee **** P D WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2:00
ALLADIN ESIGN
Using Behavior Modification Program Movie Matinee - “Mr. Holland’s Opus”
610 WEST CLINTON, RIDGWAY
you will have tools for change! Ouray Community Center
$6.00 includes 2 drinks and hors d’oeuvres
FFeebb.. 77 && 99,, 22--44::3300ppmm or
Members Only • Not a member yet? TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 5:00 PM
FFeebb.. 1111 •• 99aamm-- 11ppmm
Please come as our guest “Fat Tuesday” Pancake Supper
$40/person, $70/2 people
St Johns Episcopal Church, Ouray
Welcome to our newest
7480 Pleasant Point Dr., Ridgway
Call Debby 970-729-0226 RACC Members! WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 12 NOON
Megapixel Digital Imaging, Montrose Lunch at St. Johns Church, Ouray
DDeebbrraa LLoobbeerrggeerr
San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours, Ouray
Holistic Psychology Practitioner COME JOIN THE FUN!!!
Skin Caring Services & Products, Ridgway
wwwwww..hheeaalltthhggooaallsscchhiieevveedd..ccoomm
150 Racecourse Rd
For Transportation
[phone]
NEWS FROM YOUR BACKYARD! Call Neighbor to
• www.ridgwaycolorado.com
Neighbor:
OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER • [email protected]
• facebook/RidgwayArea 325-4586
To Subscribe Call 325-4412 ChamberofCommerce
44 FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER OURAYNEWS.COM
CITY OF OURAY
RRoossss eexxcciitteedd aabboouutt rroollee iinn OOCCRRAA
By Caleb Stento
goes a long way to ensure the continuation be high on the priority list as the board is
[email protected]
of successful events and the expansion of attending a retreat in hopes of solidifying
Brandy Ross — owner of Switzerland of others. their relationships. Ross said she wants to
America, Inc. — is the new Ouray Chamber Ross also feels strongly that working with create a platform where the board members
Resort Association (OCRA) president. With Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce can engage and challenge each other.
new blood comes new goals and aspirations. (RACC) will be beneficial. “They bring “The board is ready to put energy into
Ross is a community driven individual and manpower and energy," Ross said. The two putting things together and making things
desires to do what is right for the communi- communities don’t have the same resources happen. Bottom line is that we have a lot of
tythat OCRA serves. but are trying to accomplish many of the different talent. If we can figure out how to
According to Ross, her vision for OCRA same things. She sees the relationship with put it all to use, we will benefit by leaps and
istocontinue to expand its role in the com- RACC serving as the cornerstone for work- bounds,” Ross proclaimed.
munity and to utilize other local organiza- ing with other communities and organiza- One of the new events OCRA is excited
tions. “We have a lot of non-profit organiza- tions. about is Mud Fest. The concept was hatched
tions. Those organizations have similar Last year new talent was added to the early in 2011. The board wanted to create
goals,” Ross said. She feels that when every- OCRA board. “They are doing a great job,” an event for the shoulder season. Two Brandy Ross begins her journey as OCRA’s
one works together it produces a synergistic Ross said. She is looking forward to utilizing requirements for the event would be that it president. Plaindealer photo by Caleb Stento
effect. Not everyone has the same resources, the energy and drive of the new members. could generate some lodging tax and at least
therefore it would behoove organizations to What she has seen so far has given her con- make or break even. The event will be a has heard visitors take notice of the volun-
pool their assets. This type of collaboration fidence for 2012. In fact, chemistry seems to large undertaking and require a lot of teer effort, and it is such a commendation
organization. Once again, this event was for the area.
based around the community's plentiful Ross is married with two children; both
resources. And, in April, there will be plen- are boys, ages 7 and 17. Ross was born and
ty of mud. raised in Arizona. Her grandmother was
How will Ross measure success? “I think originally from Grand Junction and she
LOW INCOME . . .
success for me will be seeing people work would come here pretty much every year
together collectively towards the same goal. growing up. Even when she was a little girl
When people see what is going on in their she knew this was home. She says the
community they tend to give more of them- mountains are where she has always felt
HIGH HEATING COSTS ?
selves. It will also be how everybody is feel- most comfortable. In 2005 she and her hus-
NOW THERE’S HELP! ing at the end of the year. It's about atti- band purchased a home, and in 2007 —
tudes.” after mulling it over for some time — she
One thing that Ross says sets the local purchased Switzerland of America. She
community apart is volunteerism. “The loves her business because it introduces, or
LL EE AA PP
people in the community really work reintroduces, people to the mountains. “I
together to get things done. This is the year love the starry-eyed look the customers
for people to be involved,” Ross comment- have when they get back off the mountain,”
ed. She recounted the countless times she Ross concluded.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
TOWN OF RIDGWAY
LEAP is designed to help eligible households with winter
home heating costs. LEAPis not intended to pay the entire cost of MMeeeett tthhee nneeww PPoossttmmaasstteerr
home heating. LEAPbenefits are available to all eligible persons
without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, national origin,
political beliefs or religious beliefs.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You qualify for LEAP if:
• You pay home heating costs to an energy provider, fuel
dealer or as part of rent.
• You are a permanent legal resident of the United States
and Colorado.
• Your maximum family household income falls within the
guidelines given below.
“Household” means people who live with you
and for whom you are financially responsible.
HOUSEHOLD SIZE MAXIMUM MONTHLY INCOME
1 $1,361
2 $1,839
3 $2,316
4 $2,794 Ridgway has a new postmaster, Reneé Rexford. Plaindealer photo by Jessi Marlatt
5 $3,271 By Jessi Marlatt performing audits at other post offices
throughout the region. Rexford has the title
[email protected]
6 $3,749
of official Postmaster.
7 $4,226 Reneé Rexford recently relocated to Rexford was born in Greeley, Colo., and
Ridgway to become its official Postmaster. moved to New York with her husband 20
8 $4,704 She has worked for the U.S. Postal Service years ago. Her children live in Steamboat
since 1996 and has been a Postmaster since Springs, and her mother lives in Arizona.
Each additional person $478 2003. In the last eight years she has been in Rexford moved to Ridgway on a "family
charge of five offices throughout the state of hardship," which is a request for a transfer
New York. based on personal reasons. Her hardship
For more information call
Rexford said she will be here until she was to be closer to her mother who will be
Ouray/San Miguel County Social Services 369-5446 moves or gets offered a better position with- moving to Ridgway so that Rexford can be
in the postal service, describing herself as a her caregiver.
“company girl.” Rexford moved up the Cross-stitching, crochet, hiking, garden-
FOR INFO ON FREE WEATHERIZATION
ranks from clerk to Postmaster more quick- ing, horseback riding and 4-wheeling are
PROGRAM CONTACT DEBRAAT HOUSING RESOURCES ly than most. She replaces Denny Merrill, some of her interests. “I grew up in the west
the previous Officer in Charge for Ridgway and am glad to be back,” said Rexford.
970-249-4774 and clerk from Telluride. Merrill will be
OURAYNEWS.COM OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 55
ANNIVERSARY YOUTH
SSppiirreekkss aatt 5500
LLiinnkk sseelleecctteedd ffoorr SSMMPPAA lleeaaddeerrsshhiipp pprrooggrraamm
Special to the plaindealer Resort for a week of hands-on leader- the neatness of their applications, their
[email protected] ship activities. The primary objective extra-curricular and community
of the camp is to teach the cooperative involvement and the quality of their
San Miguel Power Association, Inc. business model and how it works. essays. This year’s essay topic was
(SMPA) selected the following stu- “Patrick and Shelby will be excel- “Describe how electric cooperatives
dents to participate in the co-op’s sum- lent representatives for San Miguel operate based on the seven coopera-
mer youth leadership programs. Power. These programs are unique tive principles. Tell which of the seven
Patrick Link, Ouray, was selected to learning opportunities, where the kids cooperative principles is most impor-
represent SMPA at the National Rural will develop leadership skills, meet tant and why.”
Electric Youth Tour in Washington students from across the country and Learn more about the Rural
D.C., June 14 – 21, 2012. Link will learn about the impact cooperatives Electric Youth Tour at
join thousands of students from across have had on our country — all the http://www.youthtour.coop/. Learn
the nation for a seven-day adventure while having a ton of fun,” said Kevin more about the Cooperative Youth
touring the city, visiting historic land- Ritter, SMPA General Manager. Leadership Camp at
marks, meeting U.S. Senators and Link and Brier were selected from http://www.smpa.com/Youth/leader-
Representatives and learning about a total of 18 applicants from across the ship-camp.cfm.
the electric cooperative industry. service territory. They were judged on
Link is currently a junior at Ouray
High School. He is involved in cross-
country, track, Knowledge Bowl,
Future Business Leaders of America
and student council. In his free time
Link enjoys scouting, stage crewing for
the Weehawken dance troupe and
working toward his goal of one day
working for the Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA). He also volunteers in
his neighborhood to clear snow from
sidewalks and participated in a med-
ical mission trip to Kenya in 2011.
Shelby Brier, Norwood, was select-
Dick and Mary Ellen (M-E)
Spirek of Ridgway celebrat- ed to represent SMPA at the Patrick Link, Ouray, was selected by SMPA to visit Washington D.C. in June for a
ed their 50th wedding Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp leadership program. Plaindealer courtesy photo
anniversary on Feb. 3 with in Clark, Colo., July 15 – 20,
family and friends at their 2012. Brier and nearly 100 Ron Smith ARE YOU SERIOUS?
daughter’s home in Barring- other high school students Financial Advisor Need a 2nd opinion?
ton, Ill. from Colorado, Wyoming, 970-252-1819
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FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING
NEW CLIENT DISCOUNT OF 10%-20%
INTHIS GUIDE, OFFYOUR LASTYEAR’S TAX PREPARER’S FEES
Sabrina Adkins • 325-2004 MEMBER COLORADO SOCIETY OF CPAS SINCE 1962
[phone] • [phone] • Fax [phone]
C.J. Olin • 626-6863
P.O. Box 25, Montrose, CO 81402
66 FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER OURAYNEWS.COM
CALENDAR HAPPENINGS
HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
THURSDAY, FEB. 9 FRIDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 10-12
FLU SHOTS– Ouray County Public Health Department gives flu shots
EEvveenntt--STUDIO TOUR-Weehawken Creative Arts will host a stu- EEvveenntt--WINTER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL- Registration will by appointment. $25 adults; $14 children. Call 325-4670.
dio tour from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Firehouse Studio, 185 N. Lena, be Feb. 10, 1 to 7 p.m., Feb. 11,10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Feb. 12, from
CHILD IMMUNIZATIONS -Ouray County Public Health Department
Ridgway. Light food and drink will be served. Tours of the historic noon to 3 p.m. You may enter any art or craft such as fine art, jew-
provides child immunizations at $14 per injection with maximum fee of
Ridgway Jail will also be available at this event. elry, needlework, etc. Bin work is accepted. There will be an award
$40 or sliding scale ability to pay. By appointment only. Call 325-4670.
of $50 for People's Choice. Ouray Community Center. For more info,
FRIDAY, FEB. 10 go to ourayarts.org or call 626-3212. HIV TESTING - Ouray County Public Health Department offers free
rapid HIV test. Results in 15 minutes. Preferably by appointment. Call
CCllaassss--JEWELRY/SILVERSMITHING 101 IN A DAY-
SATURDAY, FEB. 11 325-4670.
Weehawken presents a class taught by Lisa Issenberg at the Issenberg
Studio. Learn a few basic silversmithing techniques in order to create CCllaassss--LIFE DIRECTION FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Weekly open meetings in Ridgway at
your first silver pendant. Use behavior modification program to have the tools for change. the Church of Christ (Highway 62 & S. Mary St.) on Wednesdays &
EEvveenntt--OPEN HOUSE -Morning Song B&B, located at 316 6th Ave From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Debra Loberger 729-0226. Sundays, 8 p.m. Weekly open meetings in Ouray at the Public Health
Ouray, will serve light appetizers and drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. CCllaassss--SOCIAL NETWORKING- Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Clinic (3rd Ave. & 2nd St.) as follows: Monday, Women - 7 p.m.;
EEvveenntt--TRANSITION OURWAY-Movies will be shown about the LinkedIn, etc. The emphasis will be on figuring out how to navigate Tuesday - 7 p.m. (non smoking); Friday - 9 a.m. (Big Book); Saturday -
Transition movements in the USA as well as the UK at 7 p.m. in the these wild and crazy new social fads. From 10 a.m. to noon, $20. Call 9 a.m. (beginner). Info:325-4847 or 708-1269.
Ridgway Community Center. Admission is free. the MacDoctor to sign up 970-417-8434. AL-ANON/ALATEENmeets Wednesdays at Ridgway Church of Christ,
AA&&EE--CUPS UNPLUGGED-Ted Yoder & Kevin Marquis will be SUNDAY, FEB. 12 corner of Highway 62 and South Mary Street, 5:30 p.m. Info: 318-
playing live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Wear red for $1 off drinks. Cups 6966.
has a full bar, coffee, teas, smoothies and apps. For more information AA&&EE--OPEN MIC/JAM-Hosted by Mark Berenson at the True WATER EXERCISE CLASS at Ouray Hot Springs Pool, 10 a.m. on
please call 626-3272. Grit. Open Mic from 3 to 6 p.m. Jam Begins at 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All you need is a swim suit and
AA&&EE--MOVIE-Second Sunday Cinema presents the indie drama, admission to the pool. If you are 75 or older you get in for free!! Info:
BIRTHDAYS Martha Marcy May Marlene, 1 p.m. at the Fox Theater in downtown 325-4441.
Montrose (27 S. Cascade).
RECREATION:
TUESDAY, FEB. 14 SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONDITIONS - To get up-to-date trail
FFeebb 99:: Clifford Ary,Fay Hinkson,Rich Rawson conditions in relation to grooming, go to www.snowmobilecolo.com
AA&&EE--CONCERT- Rodeo and Juliet, a Special Valentine's Day
FFeebb 1100:: Lynn Scoggins,Liane Hall,Debra Howser,Jeff Concert presented by Ouray County Performing Arts Guild. $15 for and click on the “Trail Reports,” then select any of the area symbols
around the state for club reports.
Karsh,Bill Scheinert,Elinor Sorenson adults, $5 children. 7:30 p.m. at the Wright Opera House. Call Sue
FFeebb 1111:: Sandy Storey,Lee Buckholz,Mary Tucker Hillhouse, 626-2970 for more info. OPEN CLIMBING WALL NIGHTS – 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday and
Thursday nights, beginning Tuesday Oct. 4 and lasting through the
FFeebb 1122:: Tyler Benke,William Spencer,Lisa Wabel,Max SEEtvvillee nnintt --RiMdgAwRaTy IwNitIhS AAlmNoDn dT RKiUssFtiFnLi EanSd- CRohmocaonlcaete a Tt rtuhfefl eTsr. aOil pTeonw 4n school year. The climbing wall is located at the Ridgway Secondary
Clark,Thelma Caddy,Nathan Warswick,Richard to11 p.m. School, 1200 Green Street. $5 adults/ $3 students. Youth under age 15
Jorgensen,Mark LaGree must be accompanied by an adult belayer. For more information or to
EEvveenntt--SAN MIGUEL OPEN HOUSE AND PROJECT TOUR-
FFeebb 1133:: Walter Bennett,Beverly Simoens,Daryl Trehal, Telluride Community Room, 231 E. Pacific. 11:00 - 1:00. Learn about volunteer as a proctor, visit www.ridgway.k12.co.us, call Voyager
Youth Program at 626-4279 or email [email protected]
Aileen Williams,Ellen Williams,Laura Guidroz SMPA’s newest energy efficiency initiative.
PICK-UP BASKETBALL - Sundays at noon, Ouray School gym.
FFeebb 1144:: Sandy Palumbo,Tony Schmidt,Sue Garrison,Nina WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15
COMMUNITY:
Elmshauser,Suzanne Baeke,Christopher & Dion
EEvveenntt--OPEN HOUSE -Ridgway Town Hall will host an open house INDOOR WINTER MARKET - 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month,
Alvarez Wedding Anniversary from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for the community to meet John Hatfield, the Nov.-April, 10 a.m-1:00 p.m. Downtown Montrose, South 1st and
FFeebb 1155:: Tom Hurd,Cynthia Collin,Mollie Etheridge, Ridgway Community Building Inspector. Uncompahgre streets, at Centennial Plaza. 209-8463 for information.
Virginia Marsh,Dion Alvarez,Angie Henn THURSDAY, FEB. 16 MOUNTAIN SUNSHINE -New in town? Know someone new? Call
Mountain Sunshine to schedule a short visit from a volunteer who will
33rrdd aannnnuuaall EEvveenntt--BUSINESS AFTER HOURS-Palladin Design will host BAH bring a special bag of goodies including information about services,
from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6 for members and a guest. organizations, and valuable shopping and dining coupons. Call Cindy
PPaaJJaammmmyy JJaamm FRIDAY, FEB. 17 McCord, 325-9934.
OURAY KNITTERS GROUP – 10:30-noon on Saturdays at the Painting
EEvveenntt--MARDI GRAS-Live music with the Neck Romancers, cos- Marmot, 612 Main St., Ouray. It's fun, it’s social, it's free for anyone
ddjj ffuunnkkoo ddeelluuxxee tumes and more at the Trail Town Still in Ridgway. who knits or wants to learn how. Crocheters welcome, too.
wwiitthh
EEvveenntt--TRANSITION OURWAY-Movies will be shown about the RIDGWAY OURAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL (ROCC) - meets third
Transition movements in the USA as well as the UK at 7 p.m. in the Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Ridgway Community Center.
Ouray Community Center. Admission is free. Anyone interested in joining or participating is welcome to attend. For
AA&&EE--CUPS UNPLUGGED-Vanessa Root &Jack Sherman will information, call 626-2599.
play live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cups has a full bar, coffee, teas,
RIDGWAY LIBRARY BOOK CLUB - meets the first Monday of every
smoothies and apps. For more information please call 626-3272.
month, Sept.-May, 7 p.m. Call 626-3990 for information on meeting
SATURDAY, FEB. 18 place and book.
CEDAR HILL CEMETERY – Do you have questions about how to
ssaattuurrddaayy nniittee CCllaassss--IPHONE, IPAD & IPOD TOUCH-From 10 a.m. to noon, arrange for a burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery, how to purchase or sell a
$20. Class is held in the small meeting room at Ridgway Town Hall,
plot, or how to conduct research about who’s buried in the cemetery?
and is open to drop-ins, with no sign-up necessary, call the MacDocter
Call sexton/caretaker Stan Knoll at 596-4862.
ffeebbrruuaarryy 1111 for more information 970-417-8434.
1100ppmm CHIEF OURAY GUN CLUB- third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
CCllaassss--FLY TYING- RIGS 10 a.m. Greg Ray's innovative patterns at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ouray. Info: Gayle Buske, 325-9923.
should not be missed. His depth of knowledge has been developed fly
SENIOR LUNCH - Mondays at noon at the Ouray Community Center.
fishing over the better part of thirty years.
772266 MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett •• 332255--44338866 Catered by Secret Garden Catering Company. A Neighbor-to-
TUESDAY, FEB. 21 Neighbor event. For information and reservations call 325-4586.
WOMAN’S CLUB OF OURAYmeets at 1 p.m., the third Tuesday of each
EEvveenntt--WOMAN’S CLUB MEETING- Susan Maybach - Earth,
F Weekly Special- 2 Large Drinks, 1 Medium Buttered Wind & Rock Landscaping. Public welcome and personal month, Sept. through June, in the San Juan Room of the Ouray
OX Popcorn & a Large Candy an $12.50 value for $10.50 hygiene/cleaning products requested for the Food Pantry. San Juan Community Center. Info: Vicki Caldwell, 325-4816.
FOX 1 Liam Neeson Room of Ouray Community Center at 1p.m. Info: 325-4816. OURAY MASONIC LODGEmeetings second and fourth Wednesdays
THEATRES THE GREY of month, 7:30 p.m., Ouray. Info: 325-4277.
(R) DONATIONS:
27 S. Cascade 7:00 & 9:15 (3:00 Saturday & Sunday) FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED - The Ridgway Community Food
Montrose FOX 2 Daniel Radcliffe Pantry seeks non-perishable food item donations. It is located in Trail
Town, across from Ridgway Christian Center. Pantry is open Thursdays
249-8211 THEWOMANINBLACK from noon to 4 p.m. Drop off boxes are at Mountain Market, Ridgway
(PG-13)
7:10 & 9:00 (3:15 Saturday & Sunday) Post Office and Ridgway Christian Center. For more information call
Adults: $8.00
Brenda Hernandez at 318-8993 or Dick Gingery at 258-4073.
Children: $5.50 PENTHOUSE- DOLBY DIGITAL5.1
Seniors (60+): $5.50 Ewan McGregor
Matinees Adults: $6.50
Matinees Child: $5.50 STARWARS: EPISODE1
Matinees Seniors: $4.50
PHANTOMMENACE3D
February 10 (PG)
7:10 & 9:40 (3:30 Saturday & Sunday)
We are open the entire week of
SECSOUNNCDDINAYEMAMSAuRnTdHaAy,, FMebArRuCaYr,y M12AthY ,• M1:0A0R pLE.mNE. (R) Valentine’s for your dining pleasure.
All Seats $6.50 at the door
Say, I Love You
EASTMAIN& HILLCREST
MONTROSE
to your Valentine with a delicious dinner
February 10
at the Bon Ton
Adm: $8.00 adult; $5.50 ages 3-11, 60+. ssMatinees: $6.50, $5.50, $4.50
Special Valentines Day Sneak Preview Tuesday Feb. 14th “This Means War” PG-13
7:00pm only No 7:20pm showing of “Chronicle” 9:05pm only BOOK YOUR RESERVATION ONLINE
THEATER 1 Denzel Washingotn
AT WWW.SSTTEELLMMOOHHOOTTEELL.COM
Safe House
(R)
OR CALL US
7:00 & 9:20 (3:00 Saturday & Sunday)
SSTT.. EELLMMOO HHOOTTEELL //
THEATER 2 Rachel McAdams
BBOONN TTOONN RREESSTTAAUURRAANNTT
The Vow
(PG-13)
426 MAIN STREET • OURAY, CO
7:10 & 9:15 (3:10 Saturday & Sunday)
997700..332255..44995511
THEATER 3 Michael B.Jordan
Chronicle
(PG-13)
ouraynews.com
7:20 & 9:05 (3:20 Saturday & Sunday)
OURAYNEWS.COM OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 77
CITY OF OURAY TOWN OF RIDGWAY
GGeett ffiirreedd uupp ffoorr
NNaasshhvviillllee aanndd lloovvee aatt tthhee WWrriigghhtt
WWeeeehhaawwkkeenn’’ss AAllll FFiirreedd UUpp
live in Ridgway. Chris and Jan are celebrat-
Special to the Plaindealer
ing 33 years together, “hanging in through
[email protected]
the good, bad and the ugly.” Jan has a love By Jessi Marlatt
tary donations. People often decide they are
On Valentines Day, Tuesday Feb. 14, the for smoky ballads from the 40s; Chris [email protected]
going to start potting and the wheel just sits
Wright Opera House gets a taste of love with admires The Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash
Weehawken’s All Fired Up is opening a in the garage for years, said Wallin. If the
a little Nashville sprinkled in. Husband and and Roy Orbison.
new clay center in Ridgway’s historic busi- tools and materials are in good shape,
wife singer song writer duo Chris and Jan In addition to the music on Valentines
ness district on Cora Street, above Salon Weehawken will put them to use.
Harris are touring as “The Adventures of Day, a few war stories will be told from work-
DeJaVu and just across the street from Thai Clay is a medium for the average person
Rodeo and Juliet,” and Ouray is the next ing in every corner of the music industry
Paradise. The center will be open for walk- who might be too intimidated to pick up a
stop on their national tour. The intimate with artists such as Ray Charles, Stevie Ray
ins on Thursday evenings and on Saturdays paintbrush and a canvas, said Wallin, who is
acoustic evening, presented by Ouray Vaughn, Loretta Lynn, Kristin Chenoweth,
and will offer classes in wheel throwing, currently working on a full class schedule
County Performing Arts Guild, will include Dolly Parton and even The Chipmunks. In
hand building and paint-your-own through- which will be available at the open house.
performances of original songs and selected the early years Jan sang background vocals
out the week. Private and semi-private lessons will also
covers. Tickets are $15 each. They can be on records, toured the country with Amy
An open house is scheduled for Friday, be offered on request, as well as monthly
purchased at Buckskin Booksellers and Grant and raised their two sons. During this
Feb. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be pizza and pottery nights, holiday driven
Mouse’s Chocolates in Ouray, Cimarron time Chris was writing, producing and
refreshments and live music and glazing courses, birthday parties and a “clay night
Books in Ridgway, Coffee Trader in singing national commercials. This path led
activities for children. out” social event on Thursdays, where peo-
Montrose or online at www.ocpag.org. to production and singing on country, pop
Weehawken has offered pottery classes in ple can BYOB for a social event.
Tickets will also be sold at the door, depend- and gospel records. They also had the honor
the past, but this is the first time it will have
ing on availability. The Victorian Inn and of singing the national anthem at a Rockies
a full time studio to utilize. Robbie
theBeaumont Hotel in Ouray are offering a game last summer.
Stellmacher will be the Clay
25 percent discount to concert-goers who Over the years they’ve learned to keep it
Room Manager and will be O C
want to make it a really special evening. fun, laugh at life, laugh at each other and URAY OUNTY
teaching many of the classes
Additionally, there are coupons on the back not get bogged down with the little things.
alone, with other local pot- A A
for drink and chocolate specials in Ouray. Wherever life takes them, they are riding RTS SSOCIATION
ters and occasionally with
The Harrises fell in love with the out the rest of their days as “The
guest potters, said Arts
Western Slope 24 years ago while they were Adventures of Rodeo and Juliet.” Right
Weehawken Director of Arts
living and working in Nashville. They now now, they’ve been led to Ouray County.
Programming Stephanie
TOWN OF RIDGWAY Wallin. &
Stellmacher owned a
FFiirreehhoouussee SSttuuddiioo ttoouurr ttoo bbee paint-your-own studio in
Connecticut for seven years Crafts
before moving to Ridgway
hhoosstteedd bbyy WWeeeehhaawwkkeenn
full time four years ago.
“Basically I had a studio in a
Festival
box for three years and it
Weehawken Studio Tours in the coming
Special to the Plaindealer year, please contact Weehawken to let them was my dream to work with
[email protected] know at [email protected] or Weehawken. Stellmacher
and Weehawken began
Weehawken Creative Arts will host a stu- 970.318.0150. Ouray Community Center
throwing around ideas in
dio tour on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5:00 to
November, and the studio is February 10th-12th
7:00 p.m. at the Firehouse
nearly finished.
Studio, 185 N. Lena, Variety of demonstrations available
Weehawken is actively
Ridgway.
seeking material and mone-
OURAYARTS.ORG
The Firehouse Studio is a
Ridgway landmark and is
owned by artists Michael
McCullough and Lucy
Boody. McCullough has
been a Ridgway resident and
sculptor since 1975. He has
10 monument bronzes in
Western Colorado and works
primarily in representation-
al artworks, though he does
also create some forms in
theabstract. Boody has been Firehouse Studio owned by Michael McCullough and Lucy
a mixed-media artist for Boody. Plaindealer photo by Caleb Steno
many years. Her first artistic
passion developed with
sewing. Boody noted,
“Becoming involved with
fibers again makes me feel
like I’ve come home again!
Texture, shape, design, tech-
nique and color make my
world goround!”
During the Open Studio
Tour, Boody will show her
felted scarves and demon-
strate nuno felting, needle
felting and knitted felting.
Michael will offer a life cast
of your hand with any new
or renewed Weehawken
Creative Arts membership
purchased during the tour.
Light food and drink will be
served. Tours of the
Ridgway jail, which is at the
back of the Firehouse prop-
erty, will also be available.
Ages 10 – adult, please.
For more information,
contact Weehawken
Creative Arts at
9710.318.0150, or if you are
an artist who would enjoy
being part of the
OO CC
UU RR AA YY OO UU NN TT YY "Bottom line is that we have a lot of different
talent. If we can figure out how to put it all to
O p i n i o n
use, we will benefit by leaps and bounds.”
Brandy Ross, OCRA President
Page 4
OURAYNEWS.COM OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER • PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2012
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Passing the gavel to next mayor
Dear Editor: friends. It's now time for me to hand the
I want to let you know that I have decid- gavel over to somebody else.
ed not to run for re-election as Ridgway's For me personally, I am certainly not
Mayor. My current term will end when a going away. With a little more free time, I
new mayor is sworn in Wednesday April 11, want to pay more attention to our local
12 years after I was first elected. Words can- efforts to revive the Sherbino Theater and
not describe how much I have enjoyed turn it into a community-owned arts venue.
being part of the Ridgway team. It's been Likewise, I am planning on stepping up my
one of the highlights of my life. Ridgway's participation with the Ridgway Summer
got a lot going for it.... starting with location, Concert-in-the-Park series to help raise the
location, location, but matched by wonder- additional funds to build a permanent stage
ful citizens, a great staff of employees, and a in Town Park. And last but not least, I am
dedicated and hard working group of vol- contemplating a run for County
unteers who have stepped up to serve on its Commissioner next fall as an Independent.
Councils, commissions and committees. We'll see. In the meantime, I thank God and
Together we have had a lot of ups, and for my lucky stars that I get to live here.
sure a few bumps, but I think we negotiat-
ed those bumps quite well, really. The bot- Pat Willits
tom line for me is that it has been a honor Future Ex-Mayor
COMMENTARY to have been Ridgway's Mayor for the past Ridgway
12 years, and a pleasure to call you all
Planning for long-term success
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Cartoonist missed the taxing point
Ridgway Schools recent- these details are the focal
ly published and released point for most of our efforts.
our annual report to our Aside from our focus on
community. Unfortunately, Cheryl our learning plans we are Dear Editor: erty in the county. For the record, patented
the report is pretty dull in Gomez turning our attention to the I am offended as a taxpaying family on mining claims have all the vested surface
nature, due to state require- future. Specifically the both patented and un-patented claims, and right plus mineral rights as any other piece
ments. We encourage our future our children will private property in both Ouray and San of private property in the U.S. That is why I
community to seek addi- experience. We must be Juan counties for the past 64 years, by the pay county property taxes on my patented
tional details about our programs at progressive in our quest for excellence. cartoon you published in the opinion sec- mining claims just like anyone with a man-
www.ridgway.k12.co.us. Striving for the Their lives will include technology applica- tion of the Ouray County Plaindealer. I sus- ufactured house on a lot in Colona or a
next level of success and accomplishment as tions unknown to us today. It is our respon- pect the cartoon artist does not understand multi-million dollar mansion in Telluride.
an organization is our top priority. This let- sibility to help integrate their use of tech- private property rights as they pertain to
ter is intended to serve as a bridge between nology as it relates to their learning and mining claims as he makes no distinction Sandor Ringhoffer CPG
the annual report and the realities of our performance. We will begin the design of a between un-patented claims, patented Ouray
program goals. district technology plan this spring. claims and fee simple, deeded private prop-
Historically, our overall student achieve- Community input will be critical to the suc-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
ment has been strong. Maintaining and cess of this effort. Anyone interested in
improving our programs will require us to being part of the initial committee planning Backs Wilderness proposal
keep our focus on results and refinement. It team should contact the district office.
is our aim to ensure the academic growth of Another detail that supports the long
every student, every year, without excep- term success of our students is our annual
Dear Editor: servation easement with the Colorado
tion. Our attention is focused on taking calendar. Traditionally our students return
A note to Congressman Tipton: Cattlemen's Association and has grazing
every aspect of our program to the next from winter break, complete a few more
As you are about to finish collecting data permits within the proposed wilderness
level. One piece of this includes ensuring weeks of instruction and then take semester
and public input concerning the expansion expansion. It is so important that we recog-
that our learning goals and instruction are finals. It is our belief that finishing the first
of the San Juan Wilderness proposal, I urge nize the value of nature and wilderness and
driven by daily authentic data and individ- semester prior to the winter break will
you to support it. Recognizing the years of we must do our best to ensure that they
ual student needs. Strategies for accom- prove to be a significant dynamic for stu-
grassroots community, agency and flourish. Sincerely,
plishing this include strengthening our dents and staff. Accomplishing this goal
Congressional collaboration and negotia-
monitoring and identification processes. fuels our commitment to maximizing our
tion that have gone into the current version, Liza Clarke
Interventions and support for students will collaborative opportunities with Ouray
please introduce a bill that is similar to the Ferguson Family Ranch
be implemented within the classroom. Schools. Calendar proposals that address
bill that is currently in the U.S. Senate. Ridgway
While this is not a complete representation this goal will be discussed during the
My cattle ranch in Ridgway is in a con-
of our vision for maintaining excellence, SUCCESS P22
CONTACT US
BEECHERTHREATT CO-PUBLISHER [email protected] 970-325-2838
ALANTODD CO-PUBLISHER [email protected] 970-325-2838
CALEBSTENTO REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER [email protected] 970-325-2839
JESSIMARLATT REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER [email protected] 970-325-4412
C.J. OLIN ACCOUNTMANAGER [email protected] 970-626-6863
SABRINAADKINS ACCOUNTMANAGER [email protected] 970-325-2004
Official newspaper of the Town of Ridgway, the City of Ouray and the County of Ouray. The Ouray County
Plaindealer (USPS 415-260) is published every Friday at 280 fifth Avenue, Ouray, Colorado. Second class
postage paid at Ouray, Colorado.
Postmaster, Send address changes to:
Ouray County Plaindealer, Box 607, Ouray CO 81427
Telephone: [phone]
[phone]
In-Person: 280 Fifth Avenue, Ouray coloradopress
133 N. Lena St., Ridgway ASSOCIATION
E-mail: [email protected] 2011Member
Fax: [phone]
One Year Subscription: $36; Two Year Subscription: $65
OURAYNEWS.COM OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 99
LOOKING BACK
From the Ouray County Herald and Ouray Tourism Board during a Feb. 6 meet-
Ouray County Plaindealer: ing in executive session. The ad hoc propos-
al was rejected by the chamber, which want-
50 YEARS AGO, Feb. 8, 1962 ed to negotiate with the Tourism Board
Loose and unlicensed dogs are heard about certain recommendations.
chasing deer up in the amphitheater almost
every day. To round up these animals and 10 YEARS AGO, Feb. 8, 2002
impound them is next to impossible. The Why move? You’re already here in one of
only manner in which the situation can be the best small-town places to live in America.
handled, it appears, is to shoot all unlicensed The March edition of Men’s Journal says it’s
canines. The dogs run the streets in packs of so with a cover headline of “The 50 Best
six and eight. Some who have had unfortu- Places to Live. The Healthiest, Safest and
nate experiences with dogs are even afraid to Most Fun Towns in America” overlaying a
go to the post office around noon when it scenic photograph of Ouray, with a mountain
seems there is a concentration of the animals biker in the foreground, taken from the
hanging around the door. Camp Bird Road.
40 YEARS AGO, Feb. 10, 1972 From the Ridgway Sun:
The Chamber has invited Forest Service
officials to discuss the county’s trails system, 25 YEARS AGO. Feb. 12, 1987
and to provide information concerning the That cooperation between the various
Forest Service’s current evaluation of public community organizations, city and county
lands in this area for reclassification and for governments is the key word for economic
wilderness characteristics. Much confusion growth in Ouray County seemed to be the
and misinformation exists concerning this consensus of those present at the Ouray
latter study, and this meeting is the place to County Chamber of Commerce meeting
bring your questions, and to get it all straight Monday. At the meeting, Bob Hunter, chair-
prior to the official meetings set for February man of Ouray County Economic
23 in Grand Junction from 7 to 10 p.m., at Improvement League, presented the prelim-
the Colorado-Ute Auditorium. inary draft for developing and implementing
an economic master plan for Ouray County,
30 YEARS AGO, Feb. 11, 1982 and asked for the chamber’s support of the
A Petition For Referendum is being circu- plan. Hunter said the idea for the plan devel-
lated for signatures this week in Ouray, oped about a year and a half ago when the
which will demand that the Ouray City chamber and others were working to put an
Council either repeal Ordinance No.1, Series “umbrella” on the tourism program for the
1982, or put it to a vote of the people. The county.
controversial ordinance just passed second
reading with a a number of changes from the 15 YEARS AGO, Feb. 13, 1997
original version at the last council meeting, Ridgway parents and school officials have
February 1, and was published in last week’s kept dialogue ongoing in an effort to iron out
(2/4/82) issue of the Plaindealer. It is to differences over discipline and other issues,
become effective thirty days from that date. but significant differences continue to exist.
The Petition For Referendum reads, in part: The parents group met last week in a work-
“ Whereas (Ordinance No. 1 Series 1982) shop with the Ridgway School Board and
purports to make substantial amendments, had scheduled a second group meeting for
additions, and deletions to various portions tonight. At last month’s school board meet-
of the Ouray Municipal Code…Therefore, ing, with over 100 parents attending, a peti-
we the undersigned registered electors of the tion signed by 79 parents protested some of
City of Ouray Colorado, protest against the school’s practices, particularly concern-
Ordinance No. 1, Series 1982.” ing discipline.
20 YEARS AGO, Feb. 13, 1992 5 YEARS AGO, Feb. 14, 2007
An attempt to separate and define the What’s a new house worth in Ouray
roles of two of Ouray’s most powerful County? How about $473,000? That was the
tourism promotion groups fell flat last week. average valuation reported Monday by Land
A Ouray Tourism Board ad hoc committee Use Administrator Greg Moberg at Monday’s
appointed in January presented its report of monthly meeting of the Board of County
recommendation to the boards of the Ouray Commissioners with department heads and
County Chamber of Commerce and the elected officials.
Sifting Through Sands of Time, Identity and Home
Madera Canyon, Ariz.: Amidst memories very thing I seemed to my childhood playground, ter place on earth? “These things run in
of a desert childhood. lack, “attention.” As soon eavesdropping on colorful families,” explains Dr Phil. Indeed, Mom
I must be dreaming. It is a mid-winter’s as the window comman- songbirds, falling water and Dad were gypsies of “God's will,” a
day and I am outdoors… comfortable, warm deered my gaze they would and darting chipmunks in moving target, if you ask me. But if the
Mark
even, in shorts and an “I Love Ouray” tee call on me. Kids learn dif- search of their next meal. measure of spirituality is not church, and
Johnson
shirt. My Colorado home seems a million ferently, and I was/am not Sleep nibbles at conscious- the measure of wealth is not assets, doesn’t
miles away, but a long day’s drive landed cut to sit with folded hands ness… I come to, beside a it follow that the measure of Freedom is not
me in a time-warp where “the weather suits at a desk all day. creek with no ice. I was wandering? One would think.
my clothes.” Yes, “Changes in latitude… Unfortunately, personality traits outside the dreaming but this is not a dream. Under a wooded canopy I boulder a ser-
changes in attitude.” Bell Curve often resulted in labels like, I’ve waged a long war with Restless Male pentine creek back to camp. Soon, I’m sip-
In spite of never having raised a literary “daydreamer, short attention span,” or Syndrome so I speak with a measure of ping a full-bodied IPA and savoring the
eyebrow, I find myself playing the loose role “slow.” Once in the “record,” those kinds of authority; we take many “lovers” in aroma of steak sizzling over embers of
of "roving columnist" for Ouray County’s labels cast a long shadow… one that pre- attempts to sever roots, outrun the reaper mesquite. Though far removed from Lovely
weekly rag (one must take delusions of ade- ceded my arrival to the next grade level. and sate freedom’s thirst. To each their own; Ouray, further from an RMS cure than ever,
quacy where they find them). Editor Todd It almost sounds “Dr. Phil,” but we have I haunt orphaned back roads, wilderness somewhere near the bottom of a second
granted me a somewhat vague “leash"; as a only to look as far as our parents to find out trails, ragged coastlines, sky piercing moun- Long Hammer I sensed that, as with lovers,
“rover,” I am compelled to test its length who, how, why and even where, we are. tains and Saguaro strewn deserts… places it is good our separation, home and me, for
and strength. Make no mistake; each of us charts our own that suspend time. absence grows a fonder heart.
I am a rover; of that you can be sure. I path. But if we could step off our treadmills "I would like to thank my parents… Jack Yes, my mind does tend to wander, and it
played rover on more softball teams than I long enough to have a look around, we just Kerouac, and Charles Kuralt," I say to my pleases me greatly that it takes my body
care to remember. In school it didn’t take might notice footprints of our progenitors. I disinterested foraging friends, "for both the with it.
long for coaches and teachers to grasp that came by roving honestly via heredity and gift and curse of their gypsy ways during my “Go where he will, the wise man is at
I had the attention span of a lightning environment; vagabonds beget vagabonds, impressionable youth." Songbirds chirp home.”Emerson
bolt… a guy like me tends to fall asleep dreamers beget dreamers. Thus I peck out agreement from thorny-limbed, ebony
playing right field. Eventually a coach with this column from somewhere near the end mesquites, while ivory skinned Sycamores, Mark Johnson is a restless soul who lives
a minor in Psych tried me at “roamer,” and of my “leash,” camped at the mouth of smooth as a lover's cheek, touch a cobalt sky. in Ouray, Colorado with his wife, Bobbie. He
discovered that the freedom to move Madera Canyon where a most verdant My wandering disability makes so little is happiest when exploring the West's nooks
around kept my head in the game. Lesson? Sonoran Desert intersects the pine-topped sense I’ve given up trying to explain it. What and crannies, hiking, climbing and moun-
Don’t force square pegs into round holes. Santa Rita Mountains. defective gene is responsible for RMS? tain biking. He authors two "wanderlust"
In the good ol’ days before Attention Up canyon I sit alone beside a creek, What drives the inexplicable need to roam based blogs: www.Artfulrvadventures.com
Deficit Disorder was invented, teachers kept bone-warm, reclining against a speckled from a perfectly warm and cozy hearth in and www.Boxcanyonblog.com.
my head in the “game” by giving me the granite boulder targeted by the sun. I survey Lovely Ouray when I know there is no bet-
1100 FEBRUARY 9 - 15, 2012 OURAY COUNTY PLAINDEALER OURAYNEWS.COM
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
CCoommmmeenntt ppeerriioodd ooppeenn oonn ssppeecciiaall rreeccrreeaattiioonn ppeerrmmiittss
Special to the Plaindealer
whether the proposed SRPs support the
[email protected]
THE FOUR NEW SRP BLM’s objectives in recreation management THE SRP RENEWAL APPLICANTS ARE:
APPLICANTS ARE: The Bureau of Land Management’s and resource protection. •Elk Ridge Trail Rides (Gary Nelson) – guided horseback
•Gunnison River Pro Uncompahgre Field Office is seeking public Written comments may be submitted by rides in Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
(Chris Mortimer) – logis- comments on 15 Special Recreation Permit mail, e-mail or fax. Please be specific in •Mild to Wild Rafting (Alex Mickel) – rafting on the San
tics, supplies and equip- applications, including four new applica- describing your concerns or how the pro- Miguel River
ment outfitting for pri- tions and 11 applications for renewals. posal may affect you. Please send com- • Further Adventures (Boot Doctors) (Bob Gleason) –
vate, self-guided rafting rafting on the San Miguel River
The BLM issues commercial SRPs to ments no later than Monday, Mar. 5, 2012.
in the Gunnison Gorge •Telluride Outside (John Duncan/Tom Craddock) – raft-
provide recreation businesses the opportu- Send written comments to Edd Franz,
•Ridgway Independent ing and walk/wade fishing on the San Miguel River; raft-
nity to operate on BLM public lands, to pro- Outdoor Recreation Planner, Uncompahgre
Guide Service (Tim Pat- ing and float-fishing from Gunnison Forks to Austin on
vide the public the opportunity to use a Field Office, 2465 S. Townsend Ave.,
terson) – rafting, float- the Gunnison River within Gunnison Gorge NCA
guided service for recreation activities, to Montrose, CO 81401, [email protected] or
fishing and walk/wade •Telluride Flyfishers (Eric Reeser/Midnite Scholtes) – raft-
implement recreation management deci- fax to [phone].
fishing on the San ing and walk/wade fishing on the San Miguel River
sions and to ensure a fair return to the pub- Please note that comments and informa-
Miguel River •4 Corners Whitewater (Matt Wilson of Telluride Kayak
lic for commercial use of public lands. tion submitted regarding this project,
•Gunnison River Expedi- School) – rafting, paddle-boarding, kayak instruction
Details about SRP applications are including email addresses and street
tions (Al DeGrange) – and Swift Water Safety training
available for review in the Interagency addresses of respondents, will be available
rafting, float-fishing and •Dvorak’s Expeditions (Bill Dvorak) – rafting and boating
walk/wade fishing on the Public Lands Center located at 2505 S. for public review and disclosure. Individual instruction on the San Miguel River
San Miguel River Townsend Ave. in Montrose. The BLM respondents may request confidentiality. If •Colvig Silver Camps (Clay Colvig) – rafting on the Gun-
• Stonefly Anglers (Justin requires SRPs for commercial activities as you wish to withhold your name, e-mail nison River in Dominguez-Escalante NCA
Perry) – walk/wade fish- well as for competitive and organized group address or street address from public view •Peregrine River (Tom Klema) – rafting on the San
ing on the San Miguel activities or events on BLM public lands. or from disclosure under the Freedom of Miguel River
River The BLM is soliciting comments on such Information Act, you must state this promi- •Scenic River Tours (Matt Brown) – rafting on the San
issues as resource concerns, compliance nently at the beginning of your written Miguel River
history, health and safety, conflicts and comment. Such requests will be honored to •Echo Canyon (Andy Neinas) – rafting on the San Miguel
diversity of the extent allowed by the law. All submis- River
services. sions from organizations or businesses, and
These com- from individuals identifying themselves as OURAY COUNTY
O C
URAY OUNTY ments will representatives of officials of organizations
FFaarrmm pprroodduuccee ssttaannddss aa
help the or businesses, will be made available for
C ’ A BLM deter- public inspection in their entirety.
ATTLEMEN S SSOCIATION m i n e pprriioorriittyy ffoorr BBOOCCCC
58 A
TH NNUAL NEED PROTECTION? By Beecher Threatt
[email protected]
B D COVERYOURASSESTSWITHATRUST
ANQUET AND ANCE
The Board of County Commissioners took steps on
A P Tuesday to allow agricultural operations in the county to sell
VOID ROBATE
products from produce stands or markets onsite. Revising its
Prime Rib Dinner
-
list of land use priorities for consideration by the Ouray
Manage Your Current County Planning Commission, the BOCC added produce
-Collector’s Rifle Auction Assets & Estate stands and placed it above other items in the priority list.
County Planner Mark Castrodale brought commissioners
a possible amendment to the definition of farming/ranching
Dance to Opal Moon in the Land Use Code, requested by commissioners in a
-
work session, which would be the most efficient way of
accomplishing their goal. Commissioners agreed to send the
Saturday February 11, 2012 issue to the OCPC and await its recommendation.
Castrodale and interim county attorney David Masters
came up with wording that would add as an agricultural use
Social 6:00 p.m. • Dinner 7:00 p.m. • Dance 9:00 p.m. "on-site, outdoor, seasonal, direct-to-consumer produce
stands or markets, which are incidental to the primary
OO CC 44--HH EE CC RR
UURRAAYY OOUUNNTTYY VVEENNTTSS EENNTTEERR IINN IIDDGGWWAAYY function of the property as a working farm or ranch, that
offer for sale products produced within Ouray County."
TTIICCKKEETTSS AARREE $$2255 AANNDD SSOOLLDD IINN AADDVVAANNCCEE Commissioner Lynn Padgett suggested broadening the
definition to include sale of any item produced, crafted or
AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE AATT TTHHEE FFOOLLLLOOWWIINNGG created on the Western Slope. That would allow sale of food
LLOOCCAATTIIOONNSS:: items made by farmers and produce brought in from near-
by farms, such as Olathe corn and Palisade peaches.
Citizens State
Keep Shoveling. A related issue is the placement of signs directing buyers
Bank, Ridgway to such stands or markets, which will require revision of
Spring is almost here. section 8 of the Land Use Code. That would be a priority for
Hardware,
OCPC, but it may not be addressed and implemented in
Murdoch’s and The days are getting longer.
time for this year's growing season. Commissioners asked
Producers Co-op interim county attorney Kathryn Sellars to draft a resolu-
MIKI GABALAC LEGAL SERVICES tion that would allow signs, with certain restrictions, until
in Montrose
[phone] Dec. 31, 2012. That would give the county an opportunity
to see how allowing signs would work and would bridge the
LLeeggaall HHeellpp aatt HHeellppffuull PPrriicceess gap until the OCPC can take it up.