2013 grand valley echo march

Volume 5 Number 6 FREE Mid-March / Mid-April 2013

Providing a voice for community-based organizations and individuals that enrich the life of the Grand Valley

INSIDE

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Groundbreakingpage 3

Our schoolspages 10-12

• Serving the Grand Valley since 2008 •

New oil and gas company purchases mineral leases under Battlement Mesa, inand around Silt, and in the Piceance Basin

By Carrie Click, Echo editor

Described by one of its executive staff as a “tiny” oil and gasexploration and production company, the Houston-headquarteredUrsa Resources Group II has joined other energy industry playerswith interests in the Piceance Basin’s and Grand Valley’s natural gasreserves.

The privately-held Ursa Resources paid $325 million lastOctober for mineral leases previously held by Antero Resources,which is a much larger publicly-traded company with corporateheadquarters in Denver. Although the purchase was made last fall,Ursa’s actual operations start on March 31.

According to Don Simpson, Ursa’s vice president of businessdevelopment, Antero sold its Colorado assets because of Antero’sgrowing focus on its eastern operations in West Virginia,Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The lease sale includes about 60,000 acres located in four areas:the Piceance Basin north of Parachute; the Battlement Mesaplanned unit development (PUD) and areas surrounding it; on landboth north and south of Silt; and in the Thompson Divide areasouthwest of Carbondale. Nearly all of the acquired leases arelocated in Garfield County, with a small portion in Mesa and Pitkincounties.

Of particular interest to Parachute and Battlement Mesa resi-dents is what Ursa plans to do with the mineral leases the compa-ny now owns directly underneath Battlement Mesa. For those liv-ing in the area, reaction about the acquisition runs from optimismover the possibilities of gas field jobs coming to the area to curiosi-ty about what will happen next.

“We in Battlement Concerned Citizens [BCC] are waiting to hearwhat Ursa’s plans are for natural gas development in and aroundBattlement Mesa,” said Dave Devanney, a member of BCC, thelocal citizens’ group that monitors local energy industry activitiesand how they may affect area residents. “We are hoping to hear thatUrsa will be able to extract their natural gas without drilling in thePUD by using current drilling methods and hopefully horizontaldrilling methods.

However, Simpson said Ursa Resources is not intending to drillin the PUD anytime soon.

“We will try to stay out of the PUD as long as we can,” saidSimpson. “We have no immediate plans to drill this year in thePUD; however, we do have plans to drill outside [of the PUD].”

Who is Ursa?The company, which was founded in 2008, has about 20 people

working at its Houston headquarters. Fifteen staff members areemployed in its Denver office, and five employees work at its office

in south Rifle. In contrast, Antero employs about 150 people. Ursa has established offices in Denver and Rifle in anticipation of

generating natural gas production in the area, and Simpson hasmoved to Denver from Houston

For a relatively new company, Ursa’s principals and employeesrepresent hundreds of years of experience in the oil and gas indus-try.

“About 80 percent of us are ex-Shell employees,” said Simpson.“That’s by design. Shell is a big company with a good reputation.We work well together.”

Like Ursa’s eight other principals, Simpson has an extensiveenergy background. Besides earning a bachelor’s in petroleumland management and general business from Louisiana StateUniversity and an executive MBA from the University ofHouston, he moved on from a 25-year career at Shell to becomea part of Ursa’s team.

He is joined by Ursa President and CEO Matthew Steele, whoworked at Shell and was an independent consultant and foundingpartner of several oil and gas prospecting companies before headingup Ursa. Matt Hackworth, Ph.D., vice president of new ventures,also worked at Shell in several capacities worldwide, as did DanWrona, vice president of subsurface for Ursa.

Providing the capital for Ursa’s acquisitions and operations isDenham Capital Management, a $4.5 billion private equity firm.

“We have some of the wealthiest energy investors in the worldinvesting with us,” Simpson said. “And they’re not just providing

Farewell Antero, hello Ursa

Don Simpson is Ursa Resources' vice president of business development. Ursapurchased local mineral leases from Antero Resources last fall; Ursa beginsoperations March 31. Photo courtesy of Ursa Resources

continued on page 5

, GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2013

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a voice for local

schools, nonprofit groups and civicorganizations; to bring attention tothe individuals and local businesses

that are the fabric of the Grand Valley region; to contribute to

the vitality of our small town life.

The Grand Valley Echois published monthly, and is distributed

throughout Battlement Mesa and Parachute.Subscriptions are available

for a $35 annual fee.

PUBLISHER/DESIGNERALYSSA OHNMACHT

EDITORCARRIE CLICK

ASSISTANT COPY EDITORJAE JULGRAN

ADVERTISING SALESBARBARA PAVLIN

285-7634

DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATIONSTEVE PAVLIN

Dawn Distribution • 963-0874

274 REDSTONE BLVD., REDSTONE, COLORADO 81623970-963-2373 • [email protected]

All copy submitted to The Grand Valley Echo will be edited and reviewed by our staff for style, grammar and content. The Grand Valley Echo reserves the right to refuse publication

of any submitted material that does not meet the publisher’s standard for a positive, informative, educational community newspaper.

Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Ursa Resources, Annick Pruett, Rifle Funeral Home,

Julie Lana, Sara McCurdy, KSUN, Renelle Lott,

Don Chance, Keith Lammey, Mary Anderson,

Anne Huber, Bob Haynes, Rob Ferguson,

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce,

Jeanne Mills, Cassie Tigert, Addyson Harper,

Jessie Pressler, Charlie Hornick, Debbie Crawford

Grand Valley Center for Family Learning,

Sierra Berger, Miguel Valles, Haley Johnson,

Tanner Zimmerman, Tarianna Lawrence,

Ivan Arizaga, David Walck, Kathy Germano,

Barbara Barker, Ann Galloway,

Kimberly Henrie, David Boyd

Send us a letter. Got something on your mind? We’ve expanded our word-count limit to 500 words or less forLetters to the Echo to give you plenty of space to express yourselves. The Echo welcomes your input, opinions, thanksand whatever else you’d like to share with our readers, provided it’s written in a respectful, civil way. (Please, nounsubstantiated attacks, etc.) The Echo reserves the right to edit and proofread letters. Send your words to The GrandValley Echo, [email protected], or 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623. Please be sure to includeyour name, title if necessary, and where you live. Thanks.

L E T T E R S T O T H E E C H O

Have a story idea?Contact the Echo

[email protected]

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Nalini's Restaurant257 1ST STREET • PARACHUTE

285-0199Now Open 6am-7pm

New Breakfast Menu• Omelettes • Eggs Benedict • Eggs any style • Avocado Eggs

served with country • French Toastpotatoes, fruit, or • Crepes sliced tomatoe • Variety of Pancakes

Also, a variety of pupusas and Mexican food

Mother Nature and Father Time

Dear Echo:If I can find a lawyer to take the case on contingency, I will file a suit for parental abuse. Having

reached the number of 87 years, I believe I am exhibit A evidence and will not need additionalproof of damage.

Guilty parties are Mother Nature and Father Time with the possibility of adding Old ManWinter. I asked my older brother to join the suit and he said he would. He added that I should seektriple damages.

Jack E. BlankenshipBattlement Mesa

HAPPYSPRING

GRAND VALLEY ECHO • Mid-March/Mid-April 2013,

G R A N D V A L L E Y N E W SObituaryJames Leland RhodesDec. 7, 1946 – Feb. 20, 2013

James Leland Rhodes ofParachute passed away Feb. 20at Grand River Hospital in Rifle.He was 66.

Jim was born on Dec. 7,1946 in Fort Collins to ClarenceL. and Isla Ruth Rhodes. Hegrew up in Spokane, Wash.where he graduated from WestValley High School in 1964.

Jim was active in youth pro-grams at Spokane Valley UnitedMethodist Church. Jim loved tosing and toured the Pacific Northwest as part of theValliairs Trio. After graduation he worked for the rail-road and in Alaska on a survey team.

As a young man Jim lived and worked in the Denverarea as a Realtor. In 1990, while living in Montana, hemet his life partner, Maxine. Together they moved toSpokane where Jim owned several businesses.

In 2001, he moved to Parachute, joined the RoyalOrder of Moose and eventually retired.

Jim's greatest passions were fishing, classic cars,football, his golden retriever Buddy and an ice coldbeer. Jim will be greatly missed by his loved ones andmany friends.

Jim leaves behind his life partner, Maxine; daughterDawn M. Rhodes and daughter-in-law Jan Cormackboth of Dalbeattie, Scotland; daughter, Jennifer andson, Christopher; brother Larry (Claire) Rhodes, niece,Sarah and nephew Stephen all of Surrey, BritishColumbia; Aunt Alice Louise Mooney of GlenwoodSprings; and Aunt Lois Rhodes of Denver.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial servicewill be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations toHospice of the Valley in Basalt or the Food Bank of theRockies - Western Slope

Online condolences may be made at riflefuneral-home.com.

From left, Grand River Health CFO Randy Glassman, E. Dene Moore Care Center Administrative Director DustyDodson, Grand River Board Treasurer Mike Miller, Keith Lammey, Grand River Health Board Member Tami Sours,Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Parachute Town Manager Bob Knight, Parachute Mayor JudyBeasley, Director of Clinic Services Lois Kame, Grand River Board Vice President Marcia Kent , Grand River CEOJim Coombs and Dr. Kevin Coleman. Photo courtesy of Annick Pruett

Grand River Health ClinicWest breaks ground

More than 150 community members from Parachute and Battlement Mesa gathered on March5 as Grand River Health officially broke ground on its new 36,000-square-foot medical facility inBattlement Mesa.

The new facility will offer a state-of-the-art medical clinic, an occupational health and safetycenter, physical therapy, and lab and diagnostic imaging services and is scheduled to open in thefirst quarter of 2014.

– Annick Pruett, Grand River Health

Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op has becomea part of the Parachute/Battlement Mesacommunity. The co-op is distributed at theGrand Valley Fire District Station on Stone

Quarry Road.Parachute participants can order on a

weekly basis. As a group, the co-op is able topurchase high quality produce at wholesale

prices and then items are distrib-uted evenly among site partici-pants. It is a great way to bringhealthy food to the table at anaffordable price.

Bountiful Baskets is not a busi-ness; it is a completely volunteer-run food cooperative that utilizesits purchasing power as a group tobuy items at wholesale prices.Conventional produce baskets areoffered every week. The contribu-tion is $18 a week for first timeparticipants and $15 for returningparticipants plus a processing feeof $1.50 each week to cover costs.Organic baskets are also available

for an additional $10.Baskets contain a variety of fruits and veg-

etables from order to order. Participants maychoose from extra items (at extra cost) suchas breads, specific fruit or vegetable packs,granola and cases of fresh fruit.

Participants may order as often as theylike. All orders are made online at bountiful-baskets.org, beginning at 12 p.m. on Mondayuntil 8 p.m. on Tuesday each week. Basketsare picked up the following Saturdaybetween 10:45 a.m and 11:30 a.m.Participants who do not pick up their basketsduring the set time donate their baskets tothe fire station.

If you are interested in Bountiful Baskets,please stop by the fire station any Saturdayduringpick-up times to see what types ofitems are available.

– Julie Lana, Bountiful Baskets

Bountiful Baskets now delivering weekly to Parachute


GO GRAND VALLEYYour calendar for goings on in and around Parachute and Battlement Mesa

Help our calendar grow; let us know. Send public event items to [email protected]. Be sure to include the five Ws (who, what, when, why and where), contact info, cost and anything else readers need to know.

• March 16: 1 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at theParachute Branch Library by going

green. Come to the library for face painting lessons, searchfor the gold coin and more. This program is limited tomiddle school students. Free. 285-9870.

• March 17: Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

• March 19: 12 p.m. Ladies Who Do Lunch Bunch meet atthe Parachute Branch Library for a discussion of “Headingout to Wonderful” by Robert Goolrick. Enjoy a potlucklunch. 285-9870.

• March 21: 1 p.m. Wii Bowling Challenge: Grumpy OldMen vs. The Gracious Ladies at the Parachute BranchLibrary, 244 Grand Valley. Cabin fever setting in this win-ter? Sign up for a Wii Bowling Challenge and have morefun and exercise than you have had in years. Learn whata Wii is, and then learn to bowl the modern way.Participating men will challenge the ladies. Wii Bowling isfun to play and to watch. Free. 285-9870 or gcpld.org.

• March 25: 3 p.m. Anime Club at the Parachute BranchLibrary, 244 Grand Valley Way. Do you love Manga and Anime?Join us to talk about your favorites, get recommendations, andpractice your drawing skills. Free. 285-9870 or gcpld.org.

•March 26: 10 a.m. The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Clubhosts Welcome to Golf Season Coffee at the Fairways Cafepro shop. Women golfers of any and all ability levels arewelcome to have some coffee, catch-up after a long win-ter, and preview the coming season which will include aSolheim “Experience.”

• March 26: 1 p.m. Make & Take Ornament Club at theParachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley. If you startnow, you'll be set for the holidays. Every month the libraryholds a class on crafting a different, one-of-a-kind orna-ment. This month’s ornament is an easy to cut and handsew felt ornament. Participation is free, but registration isrequired. Call 285-9870 or stop by the Parachute BranchLibrary to register and to receive a materials list.

• March 27: 1 p.m. Popcorn and a movie at the ParachuteBranch Library, 244 Grand

Valley Way. Kids are invited to come to the ParachuteBranch Library for a matinee screening of “Diary of aWimpy Kid: The Dog Days.” Popcorn will be served. Free.285-9870 or gcpld.org.

• March 28: 10:30 a.m. Marble marble madness at theParachute Branch Library, 244 Grand

Valley Way. Free. Kids in grades 1-8 are invited to createamazing marble mazes

Come celebrate spring break with some marble madness.For more info 285-9870 or gcpld.org.

• March 28: 2 p.m. Photo U at the Parachute BranchLibrary. High school students are invited to explore theworld of digital photography. Whether you’re interested inlandscape photography or

portraiture, check out this program to learn about captur-ing the picture and then what you can do with it. Bringyour own camera or check out one of ours, and begin thejourney. Sign up is required. To check out a camera youneed a valid GCPLD library card. Call 285-9870 with anyquestions or to pre-register.

• March 30: 1 p.m. The Grand Valley-Parachute KiwanisClub will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on the groundsof the Grand Valley Recreation Center. In case of inclementweather, the hunt will be held inside the center. Parachuteand Battlement Mesa children through the age of 10 areinvited to hunt for some of the 1,000 eggs that will be hid-den. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance so parents cantake a keepsake photo of their children.

• April 1: April Fool’s Day.

• April 2: 9 a.m. E-mail for beginners at the ParachuteBranch Library. Email is an environmentally friendly, supereasy and fast way of communicating, and, it’s free. This isa five week class, with classes held every Tuesday throughApril 30. By the end of the program, you will be very com-fortable with all the features of e-mail, specifically Gmail.Reserve your seat today by calling 285-9870 or for moreinfo visit gcpld.org.

• April 4: 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Energy Advisory Board meet-ing to encourage positive communication and responsibleenergy development is at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 EastAve., Rifle. For topics and more, go to garfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or con-tact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

• April 8: 3 p.m. The Good the Bad and the Gross: Oil &Water Don’t Mix edition, at the Parachute Library.Designed for 4-6 graders, this is a hands-on learning expe-rience, challenging youngsters to be ready for the good,the bad, and, yes, the really gross. Program is limited tothe first 15 participants who sign up by calling 285-9870.

• April 9: 10 a.m. Tackle it Tuesday at the ParachuteLibrary. Calling all quilters, stampers, needle crafters andscrapbookers. There will be tables, irons, ironing boardsand cutting mats all set up for your convenience. Drop inand bring your project for a day of crafting, food andfriends. Bring your own lunch, refreshments will be pro-vided. 285-9870.

• April 11: 6 p.m. KSUN’s annual meeting is at the GrandValley Recreation Center featuring keynote speaker, CecilLammey, Denver Sports ESPN Station’s NFL Insider. Alasagna dinner will be served. Tickets are $15 can be pur-chased at the Grand Valley Recreation Center and atAlpine Bank. 285-2246.

ONGOING

• March Madness Marble Counting. Come to theParachute Branch Library anytime in March for MarchMadness Marble Counting. Check out our jar of marbles,and guess the correct numbers of marbles (without losingyour marbles), and win our Cabin Fever basket.

• The Parachute Branch Library hosts Story Times, includ-ing Toddler Story Time, Ready to Read Story Time andBilingual Story Time on a regular basis each week. Lots ofother reading clubs and events for all ages meet at thelibrary as well. 285-9870.

• Call Wells Fargo at 285-7848 to see if you qualify and tomake an appointment for free tax preparation assistancethrough the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.Wells Fargo, 71 Sipprelle Dr., Suite 2, Battlement Mesa.

• The Grand Valley Recreation Center has a variety of exer-cise classes for preschoolers to seniors. Call Anne, 285-9480.

• Every Monday at 11 a.m. come to the Parachute BranchLibrary for Ready to Read, and interactive storytime withMiss Marie. 285-9870.

• Every Monday from 12:45-4 p.m., Party Bridge is held atthe Battlement Mesa Activity Center. All levels welcome.

• Every Monday from 12-1 p.m. the Grand Valley UnitedMethodist Church serves a free soup lunch at the churchat 132 Parachute Ave.

• The second Monday of every month at 1 p.m., theGrand Valley Citizens Alliance meets at the Rifle BranchLibrary community room. Leslie, 618-0890.

• The fourth Monday of every month, the Grand Valley Sewand Sew Quilters meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Battlement MesaSchoolhouse. Call Sew and Sew Chairwoman Adelia Inmanat 285-9096 or Patsy Noel at 285-2472 for more info.

• The last Monday of the month, an Alzheimer’s caregiversupport group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the Grand ValleyUnited Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute Ave., 800-272-3900, 987-3184.

• Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of GrandValley/Parachute meets at the Community Room of theParachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, inParachute. Coffee is at 7 a.m., program begins at 7:30 a.m.

• The second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. theBattlement Mesa Service Association’s Oil and GasCommittee meets at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center.

• Pinochle club, every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Want to learnto play pinochle or improve your skills? At the Valley SeniorCenter, 540 N. Parachute Ave, Parachute. Enjoy pinochle,a good time and snacks. Instructors are happy to assisteveryone of any age, and the group meets to enjoy thegame and to socialize. Feel free to drop in any Tuesday.Call 285-9755 for more information.

• Neighborhood Watch meets the second Tuesday of themonth at 7 p.m. at Parachute Town Hall, 222 Grand ValleyWay, Parachute. 285-7630.

• The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Supportfor Survivors After Suicide – is open to anyone who hassuffered the loss of a loved one through suicide – no mat-ter how long ago. This peer group meets the secondTuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First UnitedMethodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the BethelChapel entrance of the church, 824 Cooper Street. CallPam Szedelyi, 945-1398, e-mail [email protected].

• The second Tuesday or Wednesday of every month at6:30 p.m., the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation District board of directors meets at the recre-ation district office, 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementparkandrecreation.org.

• The third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., theBattlement Mesa Service Association meets at the GrandValley Recreation Center.

• Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. bring your youngster toToddler Time, storytime designed just for toddlers. Cometo the Parachute Branch Library to enjoy games, fingerplay and more. 285-9870.

• Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Parachute ValleySenior Center hosts a luncheon prepared by the RifleSenior Center. $2.50 for those over 60. Reservations takenMondays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; call 285-7216.

• The first and third Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m.,the Battlement Mesa Architectural Committee meets atthe Grand Valley Recreation Center. Open to the public.285-9432.

• Every last Wednesday of the month from 5-6 p.m., anAlzheimer’s caregiver support group meets at AlpineHospice, 1517 Blake Ave., Suite 100B in Glenwood.Andrea, 471-9312.

• Battlement Concerned Citizens meet the second andfourth Wednesdays of every month at 1:30 p.m. at theGrand Valley Recreation Center to discuss issues of con-cern to the Battlement Mesa community. Open to thepublic. Dave, 285-2263 or Paul, 285-7791.

• Common Ground meets the fourth Wednesday of themonth at 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Recreation Center.The group is comprised of citizens from Parachute andBattlement Mesa who are committed to working togetherfor a better community. All residents interested in con-tributing their time and energy for the betterment ofBattlement and Parachute are encouraged to attend.

continued on page 14


Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club sea-son starts April 2

The Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club is hostinga Welcome to Golf Season coffee at 10 a.m. onMarch 26 at the Fairways Cafe pro shop.

Women golfers of any and all ability levels arewelcome to have some coffee, catch up after along winter, and preview the coming season.

The 2013 ladies golf season will begin on April2, with a general meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed bya 1-2-3-Waltz shot gun start at 10 a.m.

– Sara McCurdy, Battlement Mesa Ladies Golf Club

2013 KSUN annual meeting to featureCecil Lammey, ESPN Radio’s NFL Insider

Cecil Lammey is the keynote speaker for KSUNCommunity Radio’s upcoming annual meeting onApril 11 at the Grand Valley Recreation Center inBattlement Mesa. KSUN, Battlement Mesa’s com-munity radio station is planning an excitingevening of football conversation, along with alasagna dinner.

Cecil Lammey is an NFL Insider for the DenverSports ESPN Station 102.3; he is also a fantasy foot-ball expert for The Denver Post. Come listen to hisbreakdown of the courtship between the DenverBroncos and Peyton Manning.

Lammey’s experience comes from the numer-ous games, Super Bowls and NFL drafts he has

attended and covered. Hear his take on theupcoming NFL draft and what it will bring for theBroncos.

Complementing the evening’s entertainmentwill be a wonderful lasagna dinner prepared byAlain Senac, former owner of Easy Cuisine. Doorsopen at 6 p.m. with a cash bar available.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at theGrand Valley Recreation Center and at Alpine Bank.

– KSUN

New online payment portal forGarfield County property tax payments

A new system for online payments is availablefor Garfield County property taxpayers. The newpayment portal allows taxpayers to complete prop-erty tax payments by credit cards or Echecks, withautomatic posting to property tax records andimmediate verification of payments.

To utilize the online payment portal, taxpayersmay visit the Garfield County website treasurer’shome page at garfield-county.com/treasurer.

Online payments have a $3 additional fee forEcheck payments, and a 2.5 percent conveniencefee charge for credit card payments. There is aminimum charge of $3.95.

Payments for property taxes may also be madeto the treasurer’s office by cash, check or moneyorder, or through bill pay options offered by banks.

The state legislature has funded the SeniorHomestead Exemption for tax year 2012. The

exemption appears on the tax notice as a reduc-tion of the total amount of taxes due. Qualifyingseniors must have owned and lived in their homessince Jan. 1, 2002, have attained the age of 65 byJan. 1, 2012 and filed the exemption applicationby July 15, 2012.

– Renelle Lott, Garfield County

Parachute Visitors Cabin needs volunteers

The Parachute I-70 rest stop Visitors Cabin isopening for the season on April 1.

The cabin is staffed by volunteers from theParachute and Battlement Mesa areas. Additionalvolunteers are needed for the upcoming season. Ifyou are interested, contact Dave Devanney at 285-2263 or Don Chance at 285-5627.

Volunteers may serve any day of the week,including weekends. The morning shift runs from

9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the afternoon shift from 1-5p.m.

Volunteering at the cabin is an interesting andrewarding experience. You will meet and greettravelers from all over the world, answer their ques-tions and assist them with maps, brochures andtravel directions.

Wi-Fi is available in the cabin so that visitors andvolunteers may use their laptops, tablets andsmartphones.

– Don Chance, Visitors Cabin volunteer coordinator

Echo Briefs

funding for natural gas. They’re also [backing] alternative energylike solar, geothermal and wind.”

Business friendlySimpson said the company has not had much opposition to

its energy industry activities in other parts of the country. “We didn’t have much pushback in North Dakota and

Montana,” he said. “They’re pretty business friendly.” He said Colorado is different. He’s seen more divergent

groups coming forward to express their opinions – more so thananywhere else – and he’s worked in the energy industry in mul-tiple regions around the world.

“I’ve never witnessed so many splintered groups as I havehere,” Simpson said. “There’s Common Ground, the Rifle, Silt,Parachute, New Castle [RSPN] group, there’s Silt, there’s PeachValley, there’s the Thompson Divide Coalition and WildernessWorkshop… so many people want a say.”

Simpson said that Ursa’s bottom line is to reach energyreserves with minimal impact. He explained his company’s phi-losophy to a community meet-and-greet gathering in BattlementMesa on March 5.

“This [was] an opportunity for the community to meet andask questions of some members of Ursa’s team and for Ursa’steam to meet the community and share its current plans ofdevelopment with the community,” said Kirby Wynn, GarfieldCounty oil and gas liaison.

“We all need to work together,” Simpson added. “It’s better towork things out.”

Cover story from page 1


Battlement Mesa Service AssociationBattlement Mesa’s oil shale historyBy Keith Lammey, Battlement Mesa Service Association

Based upon the size of the crowd that attended Andrew Gulliford’s talk about Coloradooilshale’s past and future, there seems to be a lot of interest in that segment of our local his-tory.

Andrew Gulliford’s book, “Boomtown Blues” tells much of our area’s oil shale history. Dr.Gulliford’s hour-long talk was both informative and entertaining. He is a professor at FortLewis College in Durango and a former Silt resident.

Most residents know that any local history discussion wouldn’t be complete if it didn’tinclude the boom and bust history of the area. Nearly everyone who lives in or has visitedthe Grand Valley has heard the sad tale of one of Parachute’s first residents, Mike Callahan,and his cabin:

Despite warnings from Native American residents, Callahan built his fireplace out of shalerock. When he built a fire in his new fireplace, the kerogen in the shale rock burned, whichthen caught his new log cabin on fire.

Despite the lessons of Mike Callahan and his unfortunate loss, many Parachute andBattlement Mesa residents don’t seem to really understand what shale rock is, how plenti-ful it is in western Colorado and Utah, and why it is so difficult to extract the kerogen fromthe rock. Anyone wishing to know more about shale should read, “What Every WesternerShould Know About Oil Shale: A Guide to Shale County” by the Center of the AmericanWest. A copy of this 61-page report is available on BattlementMesaColorado.com.

The report’s authors describe Colorado’s Piceance Basin oil shale beds as “the richestknown deposits.” They refer to an estimate of the shale deposits’ size by James Bartis, a sen-ior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, who, in 2005, estimated the combinedColorado, Utah and Wyoming Green River Formation shale deposits at 800 billion barrels,or more than triple Saudi Arabia’s proven reserves. (One barrel equals 42 gallons of oil).

The first oil shale boom began 100 years ago in 1913 when the US Geological Surveyidentified the large oil shale deposits in our region. Three years later, in 1916, PresidentWoodrow Wilson withdrew 45,444 acres in Colorado and 86,584 acres in Utah from thepublic domain and designated it as the Naval Oil Shale Reserve.

The year 1916 was just prior to World War I and the US was worried about having anadequate source of fuel during the anticipated war. It is amusing to read now, but thenSecretary of the Interio, Franklin K. Lane assured us that, “it is now possible to work select-ed deposits of shale in [economic] competition with the oil from oil wells, and that theseoil-shale reserves can be considered of immediate importance to the oil industry and to thedefense of the nation.”

According to the report, by 1922 approximately 100 firms were fully engaged in theeffort to extract kerogen from oil shale but any hope of success was wiped out by the sub-sequent Great Depression.

Interest in oil shale re-ignited during World War II as the result of oil shortages. In 1944Congress passed the Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act and the Bureau of Mines opened a newresearch project at Anvil Points, near Rifle. Work at Anvil Points ended in 1956 when thegovernment suspended the funding for the Anvil Points facility, in part, because the war hadended and oil seemed plentiful.

The period of plentiful oil came to an abrupt halt following the 1979 Iranian Revolutionand subsequent oil embargo. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter, signed the Energy SecurityAct of 1980. The act created the Synthetic Fuels Corporation which provided loans, priceguarantees and other financial incentives for so-called synfuels projects.

In May 1980, Exxon paid $400 million to buy out Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)and The Oil Shale Company (Tosco) to develop the 22-square mile Colony Oil Shale Projectnorth of Parachute. The project was projected to cost $5 billion, according to Exxon. Mostresidents thought they’d struck gold until it all ended on May 1, 1982, also known as BlackSunday, but you probably know that story.

NEED STORAGE AND A WORKSHOP?

WOW- 665sq.ft. oversized garage,flagstone walk way and courtyard,

stucco ranch, golf course subdivision. Battlement Mesa - $360,000

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES Newly remodeled, versatile unit withoffice/ store front space and a 1400sq.ft. workshop with garage door.

High traffic area close to I-70, restaurants and shopping.

Rifle - $199,900

WALL TO WALL SPACIOUSNESS Well designed and maintained ranch,laundry room, aggregate driveway and

patio, move-in ready . Battlement Mesa - $195,000

ROOM FOR ANYTHING ANDEVERYTHING

Family room down, living room up,five bedrooms, chef's kitchen with

island bar, open space scenery. Battlement Mesa - $289,900

TILED FAMILY ROOM, WET BAR Cathedral ceilings on main floor of

this elegant townhome, loads of room,chef ready kitchen.

Battlement Mesa - $199,000

GEORGEOUS GOLF COURSE VIEWS

Beautiful stucco home in park-like set-ting, hot tub, bonus room for guests,

walls of windows.Battlement Mesa - $489,000

FLEXIBLE FAMILY FLOOR PLAN Very large kitchen with center island,built-in hutch. Laminate flooring in

living, family and dining. Battlement Mesa - $176,900

BETTER THAN RENTING MF home, cul-de-sac street location,split bedroom plan, extended patio,

walk to elementary. Battlement Mesa - $89,900

WILDLIFE, SPACE AND PRIVACYWalk-out ranch - 3600+sq. ft. playroom, living and family room, fivebedrooms, large deck, brick patio.

Parachute Rural - $415,000

A TOWNHOME TO LOVE Finished walk-out lower level, two liv-

ing areas with gas fireplaces, largehobby/work room with shelving.


IMMACULATE, EASY CARE RANCH

Transom windows add sunlight andviews, xeriscape landscaping, cozy

den/office, eat-in kitchen. Battlement Mesa - $158,000

WALK OUT FINISHED BASEMENT Entry courtyard with deco fence, tiled

kitchen, entry and laundry, livingroom with vaulted ceilings.


CUSTOMIZED MASTER CLOSET Custom bookcases in library and loft,

wet bar, very large laundry with lots of storage and sink.


LAND:

NEW WORKSHOP ON 8.38 ACRES Premium views in all directions, utili-

ties to property line, well in place,1500 sq.ft. brand new workshop.

Parachute - $225,000

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS LOT Nice home site in a covenant protect-ed subdivision. 1600 sq.ft. minimum,

great amenities.Battlement Mesa - $45,000

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY Impact fees are paid, beautiful views ofthe Colorado river, 2200 sq.ft. mini-

mum. Battlement Mesa - $75,000

BEST BUY IN EAGLES POINT Enjoy the amenities of BattlementMesa, Great subdivision with views

and walking trails.Battlement Mesa - $39,900

BREAK GROUND THIS SPRING Upscale golf course subdivision, lotoverlooks 17th tee with spectacular

views of the Battlements. Battlement Mesa - $68,000

THE SCENERY IS FOREVER Expansive lot , golf course subdivision,serene setting, tap fees paid, versatile

building envelope . Battlement Mesa - $65,000

ONE OF THE LAST LOTS LEFT Monument Creek Village subdivisionin amenity filled Battlement. Site spe-

cific building plans available. Battlement Mesa - $42,900

LOOKING FOR A GET-AWAY? Secluded 160 acres north of De

Beque, unimproved acreage borderingsome BLM, 360 degree views.

DeBeque - $215,000

Mary Lee Mohrlang, CRS, GRI 970-216-5058Brandy Swanson, 970-319-3574

73 Sipprelle Drive, Suite J-1, Batlement Mesa, CO 81635

Virtual Tours www.MohrlangSwanson.com

mohrlang • swansonThe NAMES that mean EXCELLENCE in Real Estate…

The Colorado Heritage Group


S P O R T S & R E C

Sponsored byParachute/Battlement Mesa Park & Recreation District

285-0388 • Where the Fun Begins"

Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Closed Sunday

We are a full service salon offering:Family Hair cuts, Framesi Italian Colors, Perms, Waxing, Tanning,

Spa Pedicures and Nail enhancements along with Shellac Nail Color.We have a vast variety of handbags and wallets as well.

101 CARDINAL WAY IN PARACHUTE, CO • 285-6664285-6664

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District -“Where The Fun Begins”

Spring and summer mean base-ball, softball, soccer – and moreBy Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and RecreationDistrict Executive Director Mary Anderson

Current programs:• Youth Sports - baseball, softball, soccer, tiny tot soccer, t-

ball and wrestling. Call 285-0388 for program information.• Adult sports - softball. Call 285-0388 for program informa-

tion.• The Sunlight Winter Sports Bus requires that all passengers

have a reservation and a signed registration form to ride the bus.For reservations and cost, call Rifle Recreation at 665-6570, rifle-co.org or register at the Rifle Parks and Recreation office, 202Railroad Ave., Rifle.

• Sarno Sports Talk, a national sports radio show with a localtwist is live on KSBP-KSUN Community Radio 103.9 FM. Catchthe show Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. withhost Eric Sarno. Also available on the web at ksunradio.org , e-mail [email protected] or on twitter @SarnoSportsTalk.KSUN Radio is located at the Grand Valley Activity Center. Formore information call 285-2246.

This summer:• The second annual Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp

returns this summer. There were more than 60 participants lastyear. The camp runs Aug. 5-9. For more information, visit chal-lengersports.com or call Eric at 285-0388.

The recreation district’s five-member board of directors holdsmeetings on the second Tuesday or Wednesday of each monthat 7 p.m. at the district office, 259 Cardinal Way. The boardmembers are elected biannually by the members of the commu-nity. Current board members are Jason Fletcher, DeniseGallegos, Ron Palmer, Michael Richards and Marilyn Bulger.

Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation is at 259 CardinalWay, Parachute, 285-0388, parachutebattlementmesaparkandrec.org.Check out the website; it’s updated frequently.

LX Maui Midnight and Mary Anderson bar-rel racing in Arizona. LX Maui Midnight andMary Anderson won $900 and a trophyheadstall. LX Maui Midnight and MaryAnderson ran five competitive barrel racingruns in seven days.

Photo courtesy of Mary Anderson

Battlement Mesa Tae Kwon Do held testings in January and February for promotion in rank. From left, SeniorMaster Bob Haynes, Cayden Sproles, Conner Sproles (both promoted to first gup high red belt); Caleb Hughes,promoted to seventh gup high yellow belt, and Bruce and Allen Hoggan promoted to eigth gup yellow belt.Congratulations to all who tested!

Attending the February testing, top row from left, Senior Master Bob Haynes, Joy Kelty, Gordon Hoyt, Dr. BruceHoggan, Caleb Hughes, Master Dan Griffin (testing official); second row, Bailey Hoyt, Connor Sproles, CaydenSproles, Allen Hoggan. Kneeling, Ben Lopez, testing conductor. Photos courtesy of Bob Haynes

Battlement Mesa Tae Kwon Do


Chamber News

PARACHUTE RADIO SHACK 316 E 1st street next to Napa Auto Parts

M-F 9 am – 6 pm and Sat 9am -4 pm

970-285-2111

MARY LEE MOHRLANGCell (970) [email protected]

The Colorado Heritage Group73 Sipprelle Drive Suite J-1Battlement Mesa ,CO 81635

BRANDY SWANSONCell (970) 319-3574

[email protected]

Shop locally and support your local chamber businesses!

parachutecolorado.com

The next general membership meeting is Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. at the Battlement Mesa Firehouse.

Vinnie Tomasulo is a newmember of theParachute/Battlement MesaChamber of CommerceBoard of Directors. By return-ing to Parachute in 2012,Vinnie is coming home to thetown where he grew up andgraduated high school beforegoing off to college.

Vinnie has a degree in eco-nomics and business from theUniversity of New Mexico and has worked inbanking and real estate and is now combining edu-cation and life experience as the manager of Clark’sMarket in Battlement Mesa. Citing a May 2012Echo article, it’s Vinnie’s way of giving back to hishometown.

Vinnie says he joined the chamber because he

feels it is very important thatClark’s be an active memberin the community in everypossible way and the cham-ber is a great vehicle for that.He agreed to be a boardmember because he felt hecould be an asset and bringsome new blood to the board.

As for goals, he reallywants to do everything hecan to ensure the continued

vitality of the local economy. He feels that all busi-ness organizations in our community, no matterwhat size, should be working together to keep ourmoney local when possible because buying andselling local benefits us all.

– Anne Huber, Parachute/Battlement MesaChamber of Commerce

WHY SHOPLOCALLY?

Invest in the community: Local businesses areowned by people who live here, work here andare invested in the community with much morethan just their dollars. According to buylocal-rogue.org and localfirstchicago.org, this makeslocally-owned and operated businesses less likelyto leave and more likely to be invested in howtheir business decisions affect the community.

– Parachute/Battlement Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Clark’s Market’s Vinnie Tomasulo joins chamber board


Fire district ramping up for wildland fire seasonBy Deputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson

Grand Valley Fire Protection District covers a wide areaof residential, commercial and some very remote areaswith fire suppression, emergency medical services, fireprevention, public education and training in cardiopul-monary resuscitation (CPR). The district covers roughly321 square miles. This is I-70 from mile marker 66.4 tomile marker 82.5, and all the way north to Rio BlancoCounty and south to Mesa County, including three-quar-ters of a square mile of Mesa County.

For the month of February 2013 the fire district responded to 52 calls for service:

8 fire incidents5 fire alarms/carbon monoxide alarms3 fire outside/trash/rubbish31 emergency medical calls5 vehicle crashes4 public assists3 gas leaks/hazmat assignments3 dispatched and cancelled enroute

Training hours per crew:108.5 Green Crew76.5 Black crew108.5 Red Crew

The fire district is starting to ramp up for wildland fire season. We will be testing ourpumps, inspecting hand tools, and testing our fire hoses. Staff will conduct their annualwildland pack test. This is a three-mile hike with a 45-pound backpack that each personmust wear and they must complete the hike in no longer than 45 mins and 45 seconds.We will also be doing our annual refresher classes for wildland firefighting.

We are still issuing burn permits up until Memorial Day. No burning is allowed afterdark. Once the winds start kicking up, all open burns will need to be extinguished by nooneach day. Please remember to have enough clear space between your home and any brushto minimize your home’s risk to wildland fires. This area could be 30 feet or more depend-ing on vegetation and how steep the slope is of your property. Residents should be awarethat the fire district will not be conducting any prescribed burns this year. This is as a resultof last year’s prescribed burns throughout the state.

The fire district has started a smoke detector battery program. If you are unable to buya battery or you simply could use some help changing out the battery in your currentsmoke detector, give the fire district a call. We will come out and replace your old or deadbattery with a new one. Make sure your smoke detector is clean and has a good battery init. You should be testing your detector monthly and replacing batteries every six months.If your smoke detector is making a short, chirping sound that usually means the batteryneeds to be replaced. Remember if you have a question you can always call the fire districtoffice and we will be glad to help you.

If you should have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contactDeputy Fire Chief Rob Ferguson at 285-9119 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Grand Valley Fire Protection District

If you shouldhave an

emergency, please call

911 as soonas possible!

Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District oversees the operations of thewater and wastewater plants and also owns Grand Valley RecreationCenter. The BMMD website has valuable information about all districtoperations, district management, documents and employment. TheBMMD Board of Directors meetings are held at the district office; 401Arroyo Drive (across from the Recreation Center) on the 4th Thursdayof each month at 9 AM. November and December meetings are the3rd Thursday. Meetings are open to the public.

www.bmmetrodistrict.com

970-285-9050Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

GVRC CAN BE A PART OF YOUR 2013 FITNESS GOALS

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PERSONAL TRAINERor sign up for a weight room safety class

TIFFANY CHAPMAN – 970 234 6867 • TOM MOHER – 625-2847

Ongoing Classes – Join Anytime –Zumba, Cardio Sculpt, Total Body Fitness, Taekwon Do, Tiger Kung Fu, Indoor Cycling, Water Aerobics & Yoga

New Morning Classes forIndoor Cycling, Cardio Sculpt Lite &

Introduction to Taekwon Do

For hours, class schedule and prices call 285-9480 or check the website:

www.gvrc.net

GRAND VALLEYRECREATION

CENTER

103.9 FM

TUNE IN!

KSUN COMMUNITY RADIO398 Arroyo Drive, Battlement Mesa • 285-2246

www.ksunradio.org

KSUN THANKS ALL OF OUR DEDICATED MEMBERS.YOUR MEMBERSHIP KEEPS OUR STATION ON THE AIR.

2013 KSUN ANNUAL MEETING WELCOMESCECIL LAMMEY, AN ESPN NFL INSIDER

Please join us on April 11th which will be held at the Grand Valley Recreation Center. This year’s keynote speaker will be Cecil Lammey, an NFL Insider for the

Denver Sports Station 102.3 ESPN. He is also referred to as a fantasy football expert. He has been covering

NFL happenings since 2003, including trips to numerousbowls and the NFL drafts. Let’s hear what he thinks

of the 2013-14 Denver Bronco draft hopes.

Our event will include a lasagna dinner, prepared by Alain Senac (formerly of Easy Cuisine)

and a great time with our keynote speaker. Tickets are $15.

Hope you will find time to tune your radio to KSUN – 103.9 FM.

You can catch all of the high school basketball games live!


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16www.garcoschools.org

O U R S C H O O L S

Terrific Kids for February 2013The Parachute/Battlement Mesa Kiwanis Club sponsors Bea Underwood

Elementary School and Grand Valley Center For Family Learning’s Terrific Kids.The program promotes character development and self-esteem. “TERRIFIC” is anacronym meaning Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Inclusive, Friendly,Inquisitive and Capable.

Bea Underwood Elementary SchoolFebruary’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, first row, Bill

Coelho (Kiwanis representative), Mallory Goodman, Colton Clark, AriannaAdams, Opal Morganthaler (Kiwanis representative); second row, SamualHemmert, Adrian Mancinas, Emilio Garcia, Kayla Rider; third row, Kathy Keeling(BUE principal), Clayton Baker, Kenlei Edgar, Savannah Drinkhouse, and JacobAndersen Photo courtesy of Jeanne Mills

Not pictured: Bailey Gaskin

Center for Family LearningJanuary/February’s Terrific Kids from Bea Underwood are, from left, back row

Bill Coelho (Kiwanis representative,) Opal Morgenthaler (Kiwanis representa-tive,) Talia Velasquez, Andrew Horner, Rachel Swidell, Clancy Swindell, VictorChaparro, Kadence Johnson; front row Mrs. Ruland, Leela Lutz, Josias Carrasco,Madelyn Chavarria, Rebekah Tollefson, Giselle Ortiz, Kaelee Sabata, and ChloeWilliams

Photo courtesy of GVCFL

Grand Valley Middle SchoolBlack bear attacks in Colorado By Cassie Tigert, GVMS

Did you ever wonder if people really get attacked by black bears in Colorado? In fact,people do. Most victims are hikers who go really far up in the mountains and get attackedby black bears. In 2012, lots of people got attacked by black bears.

Most black bear attacks happen in the mountains. Some attacks happen in Aspen.Black bears can get into homes, and if a bear is in the house, it could attack those insideand kill them.

People don't expect to get attacked by black bears, so we should make some kindof warning to let residents know what kind of bears are here in Colorado. We shouldmake signs to put up saying, “Black bears in the area,” to let the hikers know they areat risk.

Bikers and joggers get attacked regularly. When most joggers are jogging, they listento music and cannot hear what is around them, so it’s easy to imagine a bear attackingthem unexpectedly. Bikers could get attacked because they ride their bikes down the trailsso fast, bears could easily be hiding in the bush, waiting for the noisy biker to come with-in range. If bikers hear a noise in the bush, they probably won't have time to stop, andthey might lose control and crash in the bear’s territory.

Black bears might look cute and friendly, but don’t let the face fool you. Black bearscan be dangerous. People who feed bears are breaking the law and doing somethingextremely unsafe. If you keep feeding bears, they will keep coming back regardless oftime or convenience. If you stop feeding them, they will come to get the food becausethey know it’s there.

All and all, there are many reasons people get attacked by black bears here inColorado. So please, be careful while you’re hiking in the mountains and keep your trashcovered.

Are children smarter or more socialized because of the internet?By Addyson Harper, GVMS

These days, children and teenagers are wasting their lives away on electronics, but areany of these devices actually benefiting our youth in some way?

Today, 87 percent of 12-17 year olds are online, according to a 2005 Pew ResearchCenter report. That is a 24 percent increase in the past four years, and some parents areconcerned with the information being given to their children.

Michigan State University psychologist Linda Jackson, PhD, performed tests thatshow that internet use may improve standardized reading test scores. The thought is thatspending so much time on the computer and on various social networks can even helpyounger children learn to read. Some people even prefer their children to learn onlinebecause you can combine the fun of learning with activities that seem like games. Theinternet is actually a classroom masked in social networks and search engines.

Think about how often you use the computer in your average day. Weekly? Daily?Hourly? Maybe by the minute? Even if the internet is helping our reading capabilities, itmay not be helping our physical physique.

These days if you get a new cell phone it’s the best thing since cotton candy; but what-ever happened to getting a new board game, sitting with the family and doing somethingproductive? Just because you have a cell phone doesn’t mean you should spend all of yourtime texting until your thumbs are sore. You should go outside every once in awhile aswell. It’s a good idea to also go outside and stay active, no matter what.

Make sure you're making the right choice because technology can either benefit yourlife or control it.

Let’s make it illegalBy Jessie Pressler, GVMS

I think that it should be illegal to smoke cigarettes.There are many reasons smoking cigarettes should be illegal. To start, there are way

too many young people starting to smoke, who aren't even the legal age. There are smok-ing ads in other countries which show children smoking probably so adults don't thinkit’s that bad. The legal smoking age is 18, but teens think it’s really cool to smoke and theypressure their friends into it. Usually, teens get away with smoking cigarettes if they havea smoking parent, because they won't be able to smell it on them or anything.

Another reason smoking should be illegal is that it can kill you. Nicotine is a drug andcigarettes could have rat poison in them.

Smoking should be illegal for all people, and we should make it illegal right away inAmerica and possibly in other countries as well. The public could save a lot of moneywithout so many more new people becoming addicted each year. America should makesmoking illegal because it will make our country healthier and happier. This is why Ithink that cigarettes should be illegal.


THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY:

GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 16www.garcoschools.org

O U R S C H O O L S

Grand Valley High School News

Varsity boys round up for their last home game for the2012-13 season. Photo courtesy of Sierra Berger

Fighting Until the Very EndBy Sierra Berger, GVHS

The Grand Valley Cardinal Boys Basketball teamfought hard from beginning to the end. No matterwhat came their way, victory or defeat, they alwayspushed themselves to greatness.

The boys proved that they aren’t a team to messwith and that they are full of talent. They started offplaying on a rough patch. Many key players wereinjured but the others stuck together and playedtheir hearts out. Every player put everything theyhad into each game and fought for each other.

After school the boys would be in the gym work-ing hard to show up at the next game prepared toplay better than they did in the game before.Practices provided the boys with confidence in theirminds, hearts and basketball shoes. Cardinal boysproved that they’re a team capable of defeating anyteam in the state.

Senior Trent Reidle said, “It didn’t end the waywe wanted, but we fought back from a tough start.Sometimes things don’t always go as planned, butthat’s how we learn from things and keep movingon.”

Even though their season was cut short, the boysstill played well. They played not only for them-selves, for Grand Valley High School and the com-munity that they have made so proud.

The boys had a season full of ups and downs, butthey always walked off the court with their headsheld high. Good job Cardinal boys.

Most Improved Student Jesus MarinBy Ivan Arizaga, GVHS

The Most Improved Student for the month goesto senior Jesus Marin. With his strong work ethic hehas earned this award and proven to both the staffand his peers that he is committed to academic suc-cess.

This is Jesus’ first year here at Grand Valley andit has been tough. However, he has always pushedhimself forward to continue achieving.

When asked how it feels to be rewarded forbeing the most improved student of the month, heresponded, “I felt successful, confident, and known.”Three words that say it all.

He also stated “I studied for tests and didn't messaround. I'm sure I did what I had to do to earn theaward.”

Congratulations Jesus for getting it done inschool and being responsible for your education.

Student of the Month Trent ReidleBy Haley Johnson, GVHS

Grand Valley High School selects four studentsevery month out of the whole student body for thecommunity and the school to honor for their per-sonal achievements.

Senior Trent Reidle is honored as a Student of theMonth.

When asked what his greatest achievement are,he stated, “Winning All-State in football for thewide receiver position.”

And when asked who motivates him, he answerssimply “My teachers and coaches.” His plans for thefuture consist of majoring in economics at DennisonUniversity.

Although Trent is going off to fulfill his dreams,his legacy will be left behind him at Grand Valley asa hard worker, a good athlete and an outstandingstudent.

Student of the Month Jordan ScottBy Tarianna Lawrence, GVHS

Jordan Scott is an exceptional person who hashigh goals and is determined to succeed. GrandValley High School is proud to present her with theaward of Student of the Month.

What did you have to do to earn this award?Jordan: “I am very involved and keep my grades

up.”What activities are you involved in?Jordan: “I am in volleyball, basketball, soccer, key

club, and F.C.A.”What do you plan on doing when you get out of

high school?Jordan: “I plan on pursuing further education

going wherever the good Lord takes me from here.”Who is your hero?Jordan: “My hero is my Mom. She always has a

smile on her face and is truly an inspiration; I loveher to death and I know that I can come to her withanything.”

Jordan deserves this award. She has a great rela-tionship with her peers, with God and with herfamily. Congratulations Jordan, on receiving thisaward. Grand Valley wishes you the best of luck inyour future and hope you achieve all your dreams.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives mestrength.” (Philippians 4:13).

GVHS state competitors get ready to begin their fight tothe finish. Photo courtesy of Miguel Valles

The best in the westBy Tanner Zimmerman, GVHS

Exhausted GVHS senior wrestler Michael Salazarfound his arm raised in victory after the WesternSlope regional wrestling tournament championshipmatch.

The tournament was a success for Salazar, whowrestled and defeated four opponents to win the160-pound title at the tournament in his home gym.

The road to the last match wasn’t easy. “The sec-ond match, I found myself almost getting pinned, Iscrambled to bridge and get out of the move thatwould have pinned me. I honestly got lucky, but Iwas determined to ride the match out because I wasup in points to win. There’s no feeling that canexplain how I felt after my hand was raised to beGrand Valley’s only regional champ; it was a dreamcome true,” said Salazar.

Salazar was also proud of his fellow GVHSwrestlers Jr. Stagg, Cody Pfau, Will Hinkle, BryanHegwood and Tucker Shultz who did not win theirweight classes but advanced to state.

Salazar was pleased with his performance at theregional tournament and was excited to representhis school for the fourth time at the state tourna-ment at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

Wrestler Cody Pfau also made huge strides bymaking history not only for the school, but forfemale wrestlers at a state level meet by winning herfirst-ever state wrestling match.

All the wrestlers worked tremendously hard tomake it to state and the results included: State levelJunior Will Hinkle went 0-2. Senior Tucker Schultzwent 1-2 and finished his career. Senior Stagg went3-2 and finished 6th, ending a great career at GVHS.Senior Michael Salazar went 3-2 and finished 6thending his great career at GVHS. Junior BryanHegwood went 2-3 and finished in 6th place.

Needless to say, we are proud of our wrestlingprogram and the success our athletes have had,along with legendary coach Rick Gallegos whoalways puts an exceptional team on the mat. Now,it is time for the wrestlers who still have time left toput in the time and effort to better themselves fornext season, looking for a shot to be crowned bestin the west.


O U R S C H O O L SCardinal Tracks

Cardinals wrestlers go to State3A TournamentBy David Walck, assistant principal, Grand Valley High School

Grand Valley High School (GVHS) activities update:

• A huge thank you to the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the 3ARegion 1 Wrestling Championships a success. We had many volunteers whostepped up to make the regional event one of the best in recent years. Thanks toAlpine Bank, Wells Fargo, Josten’s, Rick and Denise Gallegos, Clark’s Market, CityMarket and Daylight Donuts for their donations.

• The GVHS Wrestling Team completed their season with much success, com-peting in the 3A Region 1 Tournament at GVHS. The Cardinal team took fifthplace out of 12. At 106 pounds, senior Cody Pfau took second, qualified for stateand earned All Conference Honorable Mention. At 113 pounds, sophomore JacobHegwood took sixth place. At 126 pounds, Jr. Miguel Valles took sixth place. At138 pounds, senior Tucker Schultz took third, qualified for state and earned AllConference Honorable Mention. At 145 pounds, senior Junior Stagg took third andqualified for state. At 152 pounds, junior Will Hinkle took second, qualified for

state and earned First Team All Conference. At 160 pounds, senior Michael Salazarwas Regional Champion, qualified for state and earned First Team All Conference.At 170 pounds, junior Bryan Hegwood took second, qualified for state and earnedFirst Team All Conference. Congratulations to Coach Gallegos and Coach Frink onsending six athletes to state.

• GVHS then competed in the 3A State Tournament. Senior Cody Pfau madewrestling history by winning her first round match to become the first ever femalewrestler to do so. Unfortunately, she went 2-2 and finished her illustrious careerwithout a medal. Junior Will Hinkle went 0-2 and did not place. Senior TuckerSchultz went 1-2. Senior Junior Stagg went 3-2 and finished with a sixth placemedal and a great career at GVHS. Senior Michael Salazar went 3-2 and finishedwith a sixth place medal and a great career at GVHS. Junior Bryan Hegwood went2-3 and finished with a sixth place medal. Congrats to all the GVHS wrestlers.Also, a huge thanks to senior Jordanne Williams for all of her efforts managing theteam.

For more on the wrestling team, see Tanner Zimmerman’s story “The Best in the West”page 11.

• The GVHS Drama Club and International Thespian Society members raisedan amazing $1,431.03 for their “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser that benefitsleukemia research.

• Our spring sports programs have started their seasons with success and opti-mism. Go to garcoschools.org for up-to-date information and a calendar of sched-ules. If you would like to get the weekly announcements, send an e-mail to [email protected] to be added to the mail list.

• GVHS Band and Choir students competed at the CHSAA Solo and Ensemble.The participants are given a score of one through four, with one being the highesthonor. GVHS senior Sam Vaskin received a one in percussion; junior HannaCornelius received a one; freshman Jon Smith received a one; sophomore EthanBall received a one; junior Kayla Epperson received a two; freshman ChandraDavis received a two; and junior Desiree Smith received a two. Congrats to all.

• Congratulations to senior Patrick Avila, junior Shania Burns, and senior AlexHughes on representing GVHS at the regional National History Day competitionat Colorado Mesa University.

• Congratulations to senior Tanner Zimmerman on signing to play football atColorado Mesa University. We are proud of you.

• Parents of athletes and activity participants, go tolynnjshorephotographist.zenfolio.com to check out pictures from different GVHSevents. The pictures are for sale.

•GVHS is working on a grant to improve the athletic facilities. We are hopingto use our facilities in conjunction with Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park andRecreation programs and other entities. If you are interested, you can help supportthis project with a financial contribution so that we can make the 30 percent need-ed to earn the grant. We have already raised $230,000 and still need to raise$70,000.

If you have any questions please, contact Assistant Principal and ActivitiesDirector David Walck at 285-5705 or at [email protected]. As always, thanksfor supporting the GVHS Cardinals.

Senior Tanner Zimmerman, center, has signed to play football with Colorado Mesa University,with mom Angie, father Jim, and coach Mike Johnson standing by.

Photo courtesy of David Walck


S E N I O R SMesa Vista NewsSpring has sprung at Mesa VistaBy Kathy Germano, Mesa Vista Assisted Living Residence activity director

Spring is in the air and Mesa Vista residents had their first outing to CornLake in Grand Junction. We fed the hungry geese and ducks and had a wonderful time.

Mesa Vista is again hosting a the toenail clinic in every even month: April, June, August, etc.There will be a registered nurse available for diabetic patients. Please call 285-1844 to schedule yourappointment. This is a free service sponsored by Columbine Health. Donations are welcome.

We are very excited about the new medical clinic being constructed in Battlement Mesa and theresidents enjoyed the groundbreaking ceremony.

The residents are also very excited that there will be a new park practically outside their frontdoor.

We will be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with a party on March 15 at 7 p.m. Snacks, beveragesand karaoke are planned.

We are starting a new program called “Paying it Forward for Seniors.” We invite the communi-ty to join our senior residentsfor lunch Monday,Wednesday, Thursday orFriday at 12:30 p.m. The costis $5 and reservations shouldbe made a day ahead by call-ing 285-1844. We look for-ward to the community shar-ing lunch and time with ourresidents.

Celebrating the onlybirthday in March isGeorgianna Hathaway onMarch 8. Happy BirthdayGeorgianna.

AUTOMATEDPROPRIETARY CHARGE

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Car Wash / Dominos / Shommy’s RestaurantShommy’s Restaurant Now Open – Asian/American Cuisine

RED RIVER QUICK MART1-70 at South Rifle • 702 Taghenbaugh Blvd.

Dominos Pizza - 625-0505

THE CORNER STORE & LASER CAR WASH9th & Railroad • Rifle

Touch Free Carwash / Convenience Store

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SWALLOW OIL COMPANY • 945-8823WHOLESALE GAS & OIL

Rifle - 970-625-1467 • Eagle - 970-328-7788

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**

Carolyn at Corn Lake. Photo courtesy of Kathy Germano


Living

Tips and HintsHousehold How-to Hints

Light your grill with spaghettiBy Barbara Barker

• To clean pull cords on Venetian blinds, put an oldsock on your hand, dip it in a combo of dish soap andwater and rub up and down on the cords against yourother hand covered with a towel to catch the drips. Rinsethe cords with another old sock dipped in clean water. Ifthe cords are really dirty, use a scrub brush and soapywater.

• Old cell phones can be donated to a good cause atcellphonesforsoldiers.com. Old or broken phones are soldto a recycling company; the profits buy phone cards forsoldiers overseas.

• When drying clothes, throw a microfiber cloth in thedryer. This works much better than dryer sheets.

• To keep the shower curtain liner from billowing inand clinging to you while you shower, either safety pin orsew fishing weights or heavy metal washers every six to12 inches at the bottom of the liner.

• Years of grime and dirty hands can create a sticky sur-face. Use a microfiber cloth and some apple cider vinegarto remove the gunk. Pour a little vinegar on the cloth andrub back and forth with the wood grain. Do one smallsection at a time, then wipe with a clean water-damp-ened cloth and buff dry. If this does not work, use a woodcleaner, not a furniture polish that can leave a waxybuildup.

• Clean leather couches that are cracking with a dropof gentle liquid fabric soap in a cup of water, using adamp microfiber cloth, or use a leather cleaner. Dry witha clean towel. Recondition yearly with a good commercialproduct. Oil does not help and saddle soap is a leathercleaner, not a conditioner.

• To clean lace curtains that have become discoloredfrom water in rusty pipes, soak them in full-strength whitevinegar overnight. Wash with detergent, rinse in coldwater and air dry. Last ditch idea: Tint them beige usingtea bags.

• Recycle wrapping paper tubes by covering them withacid-free tissue paper and roll your clean linens aroundthem to prevent the fabric from creasing when stored.

• Toasting nuts before using them in baking recipesintensifies their flavor. Also, toasted nuts are not as likelyto end up on the bottom of the baked goods.

• Stop chasing the pie dough around the counter whilerolling it out. Wipe the countertop with a damp sponge,and then place waxed paper on the damp surface.

• Vinegar keeps frost from forming on your car. Wipeor spray the outside of the car windows with a solution ofthree parts white vinegar to one part water. This treat-ment will last for several weeks.

• To condition tools and keep rust from invading, rubthem down with hair conditioner when you clean them.

• Going on vacation? Do not announce your plans onFacebook. Newspapers piled up on the driveway are asign no one is at home. Also, have someone check yourdoor for flyers and announcements. Have someone maketracks in the snow and shovel the driveway in winter.

• Use a piece of spaghetti to light the grill or the hardto reach wick of a candle in a vase.

• If you have a wireless mouse, use it on a light-coloredsurface to prolong the life of the batteries. Using themouse on dark, dull, or rough surfaces forces the trackingsensor to work harder, thus depleting its battery power.

She’s back by popular demand. After a break, BarbaraBarker of Battlement Mesa is writing her column for the Echoagain. Enjoy.

• Every Thursday at 10 a.m. (except the first Thursday of the month), the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets atthe Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute, Parachute. Call Sharon, 285-2318, or thechurch, 285-9892, to join in.

• Every Thursday at 7 p.m. Celebrate recovery from alcohol & drug addiction downstairs at the CrownPeak Baptist Church, 101 W. Battlement Pkwy, Parachute. All denominations welcome. Call 285-0217.

• The second Thursday of every month, One Moment meets, which is a support group for bereaved par-ents who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or early infant loss. Meetings are led by MarciaVillarreal and Amanda Emerson-Burger at the Glenwood Insurance Agency, 1605 Grand Ave., Glenwood,from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 963-7110, 379-5387.

• Seniors age 60 and older and disabled of any age may ride The Traveler, a wheelchair-accessible van withdoor-to-door service from Parachute to Glenwood Springs and to various towns and locations in betweenin Garfield County. Suggested donation is $8 round trip. The Traveler also travels from Parachute to GrandJunction the second Thursday of the month. Donation is $20 round trip. Call 48 hours in advance for reser-vations and information at 625-1366

• Every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m. “Community Connections” hosts interviews with community members onKSUN 103.9 FM.

UPCOMING

• April 9: 3:30-5 p.m. The Battlement Mesa Service Association’s Oil and Gas Committee meets at theBattlement Mesa Activity Center. The public is welcome. 285-9432.

• April 15: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Parachute Branch Library is hosting the St. Mary Bloodmobile for a

special blood drive.One donation can help as many as four people, and the St. Mary's Regional BloodCenter supplies blood to all hospitals on the Western Slope. It's safe, fast, and the easiest way to save a life.Donors must be 16 and older, and donors ages 16 and 17 must present a photo ID. For more info. 285-9870 or visit gcpld.org.

• April 20: 7-10:30 p.m. Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse Community Dance. Come at 7 p.m. for a danceclass; dance starts at 8 p.m. Dances are held monthly, on the third Saturday of the month. Free, thoughdonations gratefully accepted. Susanne, 250-6262; Judi, 285-9696.

• May 2: 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Energy Advisory Board meeting; to encourage positive communication andresponsible energy development at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., Rifle. For topics, more, go togarfield-county.com/oil-gas/energy-advisory-board.aspx, or contact Denice Brown at 625-5915.

Calendar continued from page 4


March is National Nutrition Month:"Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”

By Ann Galloway, NP-C, Grand River StudentHealth Center

March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM), which theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics created to focus attention on the importance of healthy food choices and goodeating habits by providing nutrition education and information. The 2013 NNM theme is "Eat Right, Your Way,Every Day.” This theme reflects the influence of culture, ethnicity, personal preference and lifestyle on a person'snutrition, and encourages each individual to develop a personalized nutritional plan that reflects these influences.

Below is a short quiz developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for NMM: True or False: Snacking may keep you from becoming very hungry and overeating at meal-

time.True. Eating healthy snacks such as fat-free yogurt, fresh fruit, or whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese in

small portions can provide your body with enough fuel to prevent hunger and make it less likely to overeat at meals.True or False: A healthy eating plan includes only low-fat foods.False. The goal should be to eat food low in solid fats such as saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Use

oils instead of solid fats when preparing foods.True or False: Vegetarian diets are healthful.True. Most people, including children, can healthfully follow a vegetarian diet with good planning. A well-

planned vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy or dairy alterna-tives. It is low in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Protein sources depend on thetype of vegetarian diet and may include eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, soy-based products, rice, beans and nuts.

True or False: Eating too many carbohydrates will cause weight gain.False. Eating too many calories will cause weight gain whether the calories come from carbohydrates, fats

or proteins. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole such as whole grain breads, cereal, rice andpasta. Inactivity adds to the risk for weight gain. Adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity most daysof the week. Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

True or False: Fad diets work.True. It is true that many people lose pounds quickly on fad diets but over the long term, it is difficult to

maintain that loss. Fad dieters often return to poor eating habits and regain the weight they lost. Many faddiets require you give up foods or entire food groups that are needed for good health. The best way to reachand maintain a healthy weight is to develop a healthy eating plan you can follow for life and get regular phys-ical activity.

True or False: Eating sugar causes diabetes.False. If you don't have diabetes, eating sugar won't cause you to get diabetes. Foods high in sugar are high

in calories and eating too much of high calorie foods can lead to weight gain. Being obese and inactive increas-es the risk of developing diabetes.

True or False: A person's daily salt intake should be limited to about 1 teaspoon.True. According to the 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans, daily sodium intake for most people should

be 2,300 milligrams or less. That is the approximate amount of sodium in a teaspoon of salt. Limiting sodiummay reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Most sodium comes from processed foods so reading the nutri-tion facts on food labels is very important to see how much sodium is in each serving of food.

True or False: Frozen or canned fruits or vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh.False. There is little nutritional difference between fresh and frozen or canned fruits or vegetables. In fact,

canned or frozen produce is generally processed at its peak, so it may contain more nutrients than fresh pro-duce. However, many frozen or canned produce have added sugar or salt so carefully read the food labelsbefore purchasing these items.

True or False: A person will gain about 10 pounds a year by eating an extra 100 caloriesa day.

True. Adding a 100 calories per day adds up to about a pound of weight gain per month. But the reverseis also true: you can lose 10 pounds a year by cutting 100 calories per day and increasing your physical activ-ity to 30 minutes per day.

Do you have healthy eating habits? Do you:Consider nutrition when making food choices?Avoid skipping meals?Include three or more whole grain foods daily?Eat at least two cups of fruits and two cups of vegetables daily?Vary vegetables with dark green and orange varieties?Include three cups of low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt or cheese daily?Choose lean meats and poultry?Vary protein with more fish, beans and nuts?Try to limit saturated fat and trans fat?If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, congratulations: You are a healthy eater.

Ann Galloway is a certified nurse practitioner who works at the Grand River Student Health Center in Parachute.

Echo health briefsSecond annual Health and Wellness Expo scheduled for April 27 in Glenwood Springs

The second annual Health & Wellness Expo, a nonprof-it community event, is being held at the Ramada Inn inGlenwood Springs on April 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stephanie Stanfield has been appointed the event’s co-chairperson. She has facilitated and chaired a wide varietyof events throughout the valley and state, including healthfairs, competitions, workshops and seminars. Stanfieldoffers energy therapies, angel card readings and muchmore through her company, Live Your Present Moment.

You can learn more about energy modalities, preven-tion and stress management during the expo.

You may reach Stephanie Stanfield via e-mail [email protected]. For more information about theHealth & Wellness Expo, visit healthandwellnessexpog-ws.com.

Call for vendors for Health & Wellness Expo

Vendor and sponsorship applications are currentlybeing accepted for the second annual Health & WellnessExpo in Glenwood Springs.

The event will be held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on April27 at the Ramada Inn and Suites.

The Health & Wellness Expo is produced locally to pro-vide information and education about integrative healthand preventative wellness solutions that are availablethroughout the valley. The event will feature more than30 educational vendor booths, informative speakers andinteractive activities for all ages.

For more information about this event or to obtain abooth vendor application, visit healthandwellnessexpog-ws.com or call Dr. Stephanie Stanfield at 379-4193.

– Kimberly Henrie, KingHenrie Health and Fitness

Grand River Health Women’s Health Teamwelcomes Dr. Mary J. Glode

Dr. Mary J. Glode, FACOG recently joined Grand River’sexpanding Women’s Health team in Rifle.

Dr. Glode received her medical degree in 1997 fromCreighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb.She later completed her OB/GYN residency at theUniversity Of Missouri-Kansas City.

In 2001, Dr. Glode began her practice with Women’sHealth Associates in Glenwood Springs, where she offereda full scope of OB/GYN services.

When asked why she has chosen to practice at GrandRiver Health in Rifle Dr. Glode says, “I decided to focus mypractice on GYN only,” she said. “I wanted to stay localand continue the relationships I have built over the yearswith my patients and colleagues.

“Grand River is doing some amazing things,” she con-tinued. “They are constantly investing in cutting-edgetechnology and they are dedicated to expanding theirservices to meet the needs of the community. Grand Riveris a top-notch facility. The focus on quality and personalcare is exactly what I was looking for. Taking care of eachpatient, as a person first, with a hometown feel is exactlywhat I want for my patients and for myself.”

Dr. Glode currently lives in Glenwood Springs with herhusband, Dr. Kelly Glenn, and their two dogs, a St.Bernard named Hank and mastiff named Lila. In her freetime, she enjoys hiking, traveling and reading.

Dr. Glode began seeing patients at Grand River Hospitaland Medical Center on March 11 and she will offer full-scope gynecology including surgical and hormonal servic-es. To make an appointment, please call 625-1100. Formore information, please visit grandhriverhealth.org.

– Annick Pruett, Grand River Hospital Districtt


Of course…taxesAs I looked up over my stacks of paper, I realized that I need-

ed to get my column done for this month. As I always tell every-one, do what you do best, so here is my column about taxes.

Every royalty owner in the state of Colorado receives a spe-cial form that just arrived from the operator of the wells. It is aform that looks similar to a W-2, but it is specific for filing a sev-erance tax return in Colorado. For those folks who get royalties,three returns should be filed: Federal, Colorado and Severance.

Last year, the state of Colorado legislature passed bill HB 12-1314 that exempts those people who have had less than $250severance tax withheld and their tax liability is less than $250.This means that you could choose to not file the severance taxreturn if you had less than $250 withheld and you do not oweany more severance tax. This also means that the state ofColorado gets to keep your money if you do not file to get yourrefund.

Just a little bit about where the severance tax dollars go. Themoney received from severance tax does not go into the generalfund to be used in any way that the state sees fit. Severance taxdollars have special assignments and one of them is for the pur-pose of grants to local communities, particularly ones that haveoil and gas impacts. Did you know that some of the parking lotof the Grand Valley Recreation Center was funded with sever-ance tax dollars? Local governments, schools and communitiescan apply for the grants if they have projects that will benefit theregion.

Well, back to work….the deadline approaches.

Mary Ellen Denomy, CPA, is a Battlement Mesa resident and anAccredited Petroleum Accountant She has been nationally recognizedas an expert in oil and gas issues. Mary Ellen is the immediate pastpresident of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the NationalAssociation of Royalty Owners. If you have questions, contact her atthe naro-us.org website or through The Grand Valley Echo.

GRAND VALLEYENERGYA monthly column by M.E. Denomy, CPA

Echo BLM BriefsBLM extends Grand Junction Resource Management Plan comment period

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended the public comment period on its GrandJunction Resource Management Plan (RMP) until June 24. When finalized, the plan will provide aframework for subsequent management decisions for the next several decades on more than a mil-lion surface acres and 1.2 million acres of subsurface mineral estate in Mesa and Garfield counties,with small amounts in Montrose and Rio Blanco counties. BLM released the draft plan for publicreview on Jan. 14.

BLM is extending the public comment period on the draft an additional 60 days in response torequests from the Mesa County Commission and others.

BLM has scheduled the additional community meeting April 6 at 4 p.m. at the Two RiversConvention Center, 159 Main St. in Grand Junction. Written comments will be accepted at themeeting.

More than 500 people attended the five public open houses BLM held in January and Februaryto kick off the public review and comment period of the draft.

Following the close of the public comment period, BLM will use the comments to help developthe proposed RMP and travel management plan, which are currently expected to be completed inwinter of 2014.

For additional information including how to provide comments or to view a copy of the draftRMP, visit blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo/rmp/rmp.html.

As with other submitted public comments, your entire comment, including your personal iden-tifying information, may be made publicly available. While you can ask in your comments to with-hold your personal identifying information from public review, there is no guarantee that BLM willbe able to do so.

BLM requests public comment by March 30 for new management plan for Roan Plateau

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is conducting additional environmental analysis for theRoan Plateau planning area in northwestern Colorado. The new planning effort and supportingenvironmental analysis will address deficiencies in the BLM’s earlier environmental analysis andResource Management Plan Amendment identified by the U.S. District Court for the District ofColorado.

The announcement initiated a public scoping period, which is an opportunity for the public toidentify issues and review planning criteria. For more information about the supplemental eniviron-mental impact statement and how to provide scoping comments, visit on.doi.gov/wyiqos.

The BLM held two scoping meetings to help answer questions and take written comments.Scoping comments need to be received by March 30 and may be sent to: [email protected],via fax at 876-9090 or can be mailed to BLM, Colorado River Valley Field Office, Roan PlateauComments, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652.

Be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may bemade publicly available. While you can ask in your comments to withhold your personal identify-ing information from public review, there is no guarantee that BLM will be able to do so.

Following the scoping period, BLM will develop a new management plan and a SEIS that willanalyze a full range of alternatives for extracting the natural gas resources associated with theplateau, including the so-called “community alternative” and a no-action alternative, and considerthe cumulative effects on air quality of oil and gas drilling in the surrounding region. When a draftof these alternatives is complete, it will be released for public review and comment.

BLM Grand Junction accepting comments on special recreation permits

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office is accepting public com-ment on 32 Special Recreation Permit (SRP) renewal applications.

The BLM requires SRPs for commercial activities, as well as for competitive and organized groupevents on BLM public lands. SRP applications are available for review at the Grand Junction BLMoffice.

The BLM uses a permit system for managing economic aspects of recreation, and to ensure sus-tainable and diverse recreational opportunities for all visitors. Supporting local economies and pro-viding quality recreation experiences for the public by making public lands available for these activ-ities is integral to BLM’s management objectives. Not only does the BLM collect “fair value” onbehalf of the public when any of these types of activities take place on public lands, but the BLMalso manages commercial recreation to protect the natural resources that make recreation on pub-lic lands desirable.

To find out whether a particular activity on public lands requires an SRP or to provide commentson these renewals, contact Carrie Surber, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, [email protected]. Comments must be received by March 20.

Be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may bemade publicly available. While you can ask in your comments to withhold your personal identify-ing information from public review, there is no guarantee that BLM will be able to do so.

– David Boyd, Bureau of Land Management


• The Echo Worship Directory •To be listed in The Echo Worship Directory, please contact

[email protected] to set up an account, there is a small monthly fee of $10.

As I See It

Put on your best yes faceBy Pastor Charlie Hornick, Grace Bible Church

We must never underestimate just how vital the “yesfaces” in our community are. What is a yes face?

Perhaps the best way to describe it is to point one out.Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a group of people whowere travelling with Thomas Jefferson during his presiden-cy; these travelers were about to cross a swiftly movingriver with waters that had peaked due to a recent down-pour. One lone and fearful traveler who came upon thegroup watched as one man after another crossed on horse-back with great caution but also with a looks of fearbecause of the danger of the swiftly moving current.

Then the lone traveler asked Jefferson if he would takehim across, to which he readily agreed. The man climbedbehind the president on his horse and the two began thecrossing together. When they made it safely to the otherside of the river, somebody asked the lone traveler, “Whydid you ask the president for this favor?” The man wasshocked when he discovered whom he had just asked tohelp him. He then replied, “All I know is that some of yourfaces had ‘No’ written on them and on some the answerwas ‘Yes.’ His was a yes face.”

Yes faces can take on many forms and lots are needed tocounter all of the no faces we encounter along our life’s jour-neys. “No, I don’t want you around;” “No, you can’t do that.And I dare you to even try;” “No, your kind aren’t welcomehere;” “No, it can’t be done;” “No, I don’t think you’re goodenough;” “No, not if I have anything to say about it.”

But then, it’s like an oasis in the desert when the yes facecomes around. “Yes, certainly, I want you here with us;” “Yes,it is so good to see you;” “Yes, you can join us and be a partof our team;” “Yes, you are welcome anytime;” “Yes, it canbe done;” “Yes, you can do that. We have faith in you.”

Certainly we all know that it is appropriate to say no aswell as yes depending on the circumstances, but we allhave to say that there are definitely yes faces who havemade a significant impact on our lives. Their love, encour-agement, truth, support and courage is read on their facialexpressions as well as displayed by their actions and wordstoward us. Their eyes seem to be brighter, their smilescheerier, their countenances more welcoming. Even whenthey may have to say no, they continue to have a yes face.

Who are the yes faces making such an impact in theParachute and Battlement Mesa area? The parents, teach-ers, coaches, administrators and staff at the school alongwith community members who show up for games, meets,matches, science fairs, concerts, plays, talent shows, etc.and display their enthusiasm with excitement and encour-agement. They are the Kiwanis, Scouts, 4-H, and othercommunity volunteers who are there to increase the joyand the opportunities for each of the youth.

The yes faces are those in our community who not onlysupport local events but also local businesses. The econo-my has had its effect on local businesses. The yes faces sayto local establishments, “Yes, we are glad you here.” “Wehope you can weather the present storm.” “You are vital toour community.”

Proverbs 27:10 says, “Better is a neighbor who is nearthan a brother far away.” Yes faces in a community arethose who have learned that they can add to their extend-ed families by being there for each other, during times ofjoy as well as hardship.

You can also find several yes faces in our churches. Overthe past weeks our community has grieved the deaths ofseveral individuals who have made a major impact on ourlives. Those who died happened to be yes faces but therewere many yes faces who surrounded the grieving familieswith love and support. Even in the midst of grief, their facessay, “Yes, you can and will get through this.” A resurrectedSavior has a yes face.

F A I T H

All Saints' Episcopal Church150 Sipprelle Dr.Battlement Mesa285-7908Pastor's mobile: 985-5797The Reverend Edmond-Joseph Rivet,

Priest-in-chargeWebsite: allsaintsepiscopal.infoChurch e-mail:

[email protected] e-mail:

[email protected]

Sunday Eucharist: 11:00 a.m.Choir: 9:30 a.m.Children's Sunday School: 11-11:30

WOW: Worship On WednesdayEucharist: 6 p.m.Repast 6:30 p.m.Study: 7 p.m.

• • •

Crown Peak Baptist Church101 W. Battlement ParkwayParachute285-7946crownpeakbaptist.com

Rick Van Vleet, Senior PastorDan LaRue, Associate PastorMike Metcalf, Associate PastorTim Hughes, Youth PastorBrian Jarrett, Minister of Music

Sunday Morning Worship – 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Bible Study for all ages – 9:45 a.m.

(Children's Church offered during 11 a.m. service)

Wed. Night Dinner 5:30 p.m.Wed. Night Programs 6:30 p.m.(Adult, Children & Youth Groups)

Small groups meet throughout theweek ... Visit our website for moreinformation.

Come -- Experience God's Power for life & living

Know -- Christ through a loving family for fellowship

Grow -- In Christ through a foundation of discipleship

Go -- With Christ in a ministry of service with a focus for evangelism

• • •

Faith Baptist Church235 N. Railroad Ave.ParachuteJohn Yadloski, Pastor285-7424

SundaySunday School: 9:45 a.m.Morning Worship: 11 a.m.

Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday

Bible Study: 7 p.m.Grace Bible Church0755 Spencer ParkwayP.O. Box 6248Battlement Mesa, CO 81636285-9862

Charlie Hornick, PastorJed Johnston, Family Life PastorChasity McGillivray, GBC Child CareDirectorJonathan & Bethany Koehn, Ministryin SpanishStephen & Amanda Chapman,Church Planting

SundayBlessing Up for Church Broadcast

8:00am 103.9 FMSunday School: 9:30-10:15amMorning Worship: 10:30amYouth / Children’s Activities

Grace Bible Church Child Care: Mon – Fri.

Boy Scouts – Call for days/timeAwana: Wednesdays 6:30pm

(Sept. – April)Middle & High School Youth

(Call for times)Boy Scout Troop # 255 –

Mondays at 6:00pm

*Bible Studies, Special Activities (Call for times and places)Email: [email protected]: www.grace-bible-church.com24-Hour Prayer Line: 256-4693

• • •

Grand Valley Christian ChurchSecond Street & Parachute AvenueParachute

Richard Counts, Pastor 285-7597, 260-1080e-mail: [email protected] Church Office 285-7597

Sunday worship 10:00 a.m.

• • •

Grand Valley United Methodist Church132 N. Parachute Ave. Parachute, Co. 81635970-285-9892grandvalleyumc.qwestnetoffice.comgrandvalleyumc@qwestoffice.net

We are a Christ-centered congrega-tion committed to biblical and theo-logical openness and inclusiveness.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULEAdult Sunday School: 8:30 a.m.Children’s Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time with refreshments at11:00 a.m.We have a Communion Service onthe First Sunday of every monthOur “Awakening Chorus” Choir prac-tices on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

We Invite you to Attend our SpecialServices on Thanksgiving, ChristmasEve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday,Good Friday Tenebrae Service, EasterSunrise Service and Breakfast.

We offer many volunteer opportuni-ties to support community agencies.We host a free luncheon everyMonday open to all.We offer a community garden that isfree to all.

Meditation and Spiritual GrowthGroup twice a month at 7:00 p.m.

Our church has been active in servingthe area for 122 years!Come Join Us This Sunday!

• • •

The Lighthouse(Assembly of God)1833 S. Battlement ParkwayBattlement Mesa285-7236 or 379-5947

(Pastor's cell)Pastor: Dr. Robert C. McNew

ServicesSunday school:

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.Worship service:

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.(Children's Church & Nursery)

Ladies’ Bible study and luncheon:

Tuesday, 12-2 p.m.

• • •

Shepherd of the Mesa (WELS)(A member of the WisconsinEvangelical Lutheran Synod)

We worship on the St. JohnCommunity Center Campus (just offof Stone Quarry Road) at 10:00 amon Sunday Mornings and at 7:00 pmon Wednesday Evenings. EveryoneWelcome! Weekly Schedule:Monday9:00 am Ladies Bible Class 9:45 am Kids’ Club, pre-schoolthrough 2nd Grade1:00 pm 8th Grade Catechism2:00 pm 7th Grade Catechism3:00 pm 3rd through 6th GradeBible HistoryTuesday9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Pause to Praise RadioProgram on KSUN 103.9Wednesday9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Soup, Sandwiches andScriptureThursday

9:00 am – 12 noon Office Hours 7:00 pm Leadership Meeting 3rdThursday of the Month Sunday10:00 am Worship 11:00 am SIS (Sisters in Service)meets the 3rd Sunday of the Month3:00 pm Youth Group meets the 2ndSunday of the Month

Pastor Bill CorneliusPastor’s Cell Phone (970)-987-3093E-mail [email protected] site:www.shepherdofthemesa.org

• • •

Wellspring of Life Churchat Grand Valley Middle School0364 Sipprelle DriveParachute

Pastor David Bartlett

Sunday Service Time: 10 a.m.Youth and Children’s Sunday School

210-5795210-5849

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Where’s Redstone?PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Where’s Redstone – and why should you care? The Grand Valley Echo’s nine-year old sister, The Crystal Valley Echo, is based in Redstone and is the monthly newspaper forthe Crystal Valley. Besides, Redstone is a perfect, quick getaway for Grand Valleyites. Get toknow your sister: Come visit.

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REDSTONE CASTLE TOURSSaturday, Sunday • 1:30 p.m.

(Daily tours start May 14th)Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, children 5-18

Children under 5: FREE(FOR GROUP TOURS CALL 970-963-9656)

Tickets available at Tiffany of Redstone, and the Redstone General Store

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.redstonecastle.us

For more information and and upcoming events visit:

redstonecolorado.com

Come to Redstonefor EasterBy Carrie Click, Echo editor

Spring comes to Parachute and Battlement Mesa a bit earlierthan it does in Redstone, but spring does come to the CrystalRiver Valley during late March and April.

This has been a fairly mild winter, though Redstone and theCrystal River Valley still have a layer of snow covering theground. It’s a perfect time to make a wonderful escape so closeto home.

Easter is celebrated in the Crystal Valley on March 31 at thearea’s two churches and with a memorable sunrise service ontop of McClure Pass high above the valley.

The historic Redstone Inn is offering its Easter Sunday Brunchand spring lodging specials abound at the inn and at area lodges.And spring provides visitors to take full advantage of the inn’samenities, which include a full restaurant and bar, car-riage rides, and tours of the Redstone Castle on theweekends.

Just getting to Redstone is a pleasant experience asyou leave the busy highways and cruise along theWest Elk Scenic Byway starting in Carbondale. Thetwo-lane road winds along the Crystal River and issoon surrounded by the towering cliffs of red sand-stone that give the town its name.

Redstone is located on Highway 133, 18 milessouth of Carbondale. Take I-70 to Glenwood Springsand Highway 82 to the junction of Highway 133 atCarbondale. Hope to see you in Redstone!

For the western adventure of a lifetime…

• Hourly or full day trail rides • Carriage or wagon rides

• Pack trips to scenic Avalanche Lake• First-class, fully guided or drop camp hunts for elk,

bear, mule deer, mountain goat or bighorn sheep

UNDER SPECIAL USEPERMIT FROM USFSOUTFITTER # 2463

Bolling Jones, OwnerRandy Melton, Outfitter

970-963-1144

www.redstonestables.com • [email protected]

Sleigh Rides

Winter TrailRides

Book your winter adventure bycalling 963-1144 or

(229) 221-4590

Mount Sopris looms in the background scenic drive up the Crystal Valleyon your way to Redstone. Photo by Alyssa Ohmacht


TTOO RRUUNN YYOOUURR AADD IINN TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD VVAALLLLEEYY EECCHHOO SSEERRVVIICCEE DDIIRREECCTTOORRYY CCAALLLL 228855--77663344 TTOODDAAYY!!

#1 IN A #2 BUSINESS24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE!

DEBEQUE TO ASPEN

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL

• Electronic locate • Rooter work• Unclog lines and drains • RootX Treatments• Hydro-jet of lines/grease traps • Septic tank inspections• Camera/Video inspection of lines 2” to 36”

CALL RICK or SCOTT

970-930-0124P.O. BOX 1349 • RIFLE, CO 81650

• Basic and Full Service Oil Changes• Automatic Transmission Flushes• Tire Sales• ASE Certified Mechanic on duty full-time

285-9217

120 S. Columbine Ct. • Parachute

THE GRAND VTHE GRAND VALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADSALLEY ECHO CLASSIFIED ADSOnly $10 for up to 40 words!

(25¢/word after that).

Classified ads MUST be prepaid.Mail your check to: 274 Redstone Blvd., Redstone, CO 81623and E-MAIL YOUR AD COPY TO: [email protected]

THE ECHOCLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT:FOR RENT: Battlement Mesa - 3 bedroom (1 master withlarge walk-in closet), 2 bath upstairs, end unit condo.Laundry room with washer and dryer, AC, balcony withstorage closet. 1 car garage with 6x8 separate room andcloset for storage and a storage closet outside.$1,050/mo. rent, security negotiable, NS, pets consid-ered, Rec Center dues included. Call 704-0373.SERVICES:SERVICES: Mike's Home Maintenance Service - Providinghome service for the Battlement area. Lawns mowedfrom $15-35. Leaf removal/gutters cleaned. Generalhome maintenance. Minor plumbing. House painting.Tree trimming and clean-up, $45-70/tree. (Note: Globewillows shed multiple limbs and excess leaves - this canbe controlled with correct trimming.) Call Mike 285-9330. 12-3 pdSERVICES: Laptop or desktop all brand repair. Brokenscreen? Running slow? Blue or black screen? Virus? Weprovide SALES, REPAIR, TRADE-IN, OR RECYCLING. Wecan fix most problems quickly. Free pick-up and delivery.We accept all credit cards. Call Dick at 250-5154 tfnFOR SALE: FOR SALE: Exercise bike for sale - $25. Good condition.Call Barbara, 970-285-7634.FOR SALE: Laptops for Less. Giving a computer as a giftor just need one? Order from COMPUTECH today. Dell,HP and Toshiba laptops from $180 and up. Fully loadedwith programs and guaranteed! We now accept all cred-it cards. Call Dick at 250-5154. tfnWANTED: WANTED: Cash for your records. Buying and selling oldrecords 33s, 45s and 78s. Clean out your garage andyour storage. Jack's Album Attic 285-0215, jacksalbu-mattic.com, [email protected] or [email protected] Helping to keep the music playing. pd11-3

Logos • Brochures

Advertising

Book layout & design

Alyssa Ohnmacht • 963-2373

SERVICE DIRECTORYSERVICE DIRECTORY

Charles “Chick” Dassance, Ph.D. named interimpresident of Colorado Mountain College

In his first two weeks as interim president of ColoradoMountain College (CMC), Charles “Chick” Dassance, Ph.D. hashit the ground at a gallop.

He is learning quickly about the college, its students andemployees, and the communities it serves. He’s been meetingwith as many people as he can, reading reports and budgets anddocuments of every stripe.

As a former president of two community colleges, Dassanceknows something about bringing stability to institutions whilecontinuing to pursue innovation. In 1996 he was hired as presidentof what was then known as Central Florida Community College,in Ocala, Fla. During the next 15 years, he led the college’s trans-formation into prominence and record enrollment.

Among the initiatives he oversaw there was the introduction ofbachelor’s degrees, something CMC introduced last year. AfterDassance retired in 2011 from the renamed College of CentralFlorida, he was honored with the title of president emeritus.

Dassance is overseeing the 11-location community college innorth-central Colorado while CMC’s elected board of trusteesseeks and appoints a president for the permanent position.

“The board of trustees clearly wants CMC to be a college thatwill be a source of pride for the citizens of our service area, and Ilook forward to working with the board on finding the right leaderfor the college’s future,” Dassance said.

– Debbie Crawford, Colorado Mountain College

Charles “Chick” Dassance, Ph.D. is the newinterim president for Colorado MountainCollege. He is overseeing operations at all of thecollege’s 11 learning locations in north-centralColorado. Photo courtesy of CMC

2013 grand valley echo march

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