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Services for George “Ken” Jones

George Kenneith Jones
of Silver Cliff, CO

George Kenneth Jones, known to his loved ones as Ken or Kenny, passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 56 in Silver Cliff, Colorado. Ken was born on February 16, 1967, in Delaware. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Joanna Jones, and their children, Kaylie Jones, Weston Jones and Layna Jones, as well as his mother, Pat Jones and mother-in-law, Jeanne Love.

Ken and his wife Joanna moved to Custer County Colorado in 1998 where Ken worked in his own business as a Master Electrician. Throughout his professional journey, Ken was an adventurous entrepreneur and always enjoyed trying his hand at new things. Since 2011 Ken has been dedicated to his own health supplement retail business that has grown and flourished over the past decade.

In his free time, Ken found joy in fishing, boating, gardening, tinkering in his shop and spending time with his family. Ken was known by friends and family for his big personality, always bringing life and laughter wherever he went. He was a jokester and loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh as well.

Ken and his family were members of the Wetmore Baptist Church, where Ken attended and served for over 22 years. Here he found strength and renewed commitment in his faith and his personal walk with God through his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The church was an important part of his life and his family’s.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Wetmore Baptist Church. Following the service, Ken will be laid to rest in Ula Cemetery, surrounded by the peace and beauty of the mountain valley he and his family call home.

Ken will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His warm smile, kind heart, spirited laughter and unwavering dedication will always be remembered. For online condolences please visit: www.holtfamilyfuneralhome.com

 

2023 Spirit Campaign Begins!

Press Release

The Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce the official kick-off of the 2023 Spirit Campaign. The Campaign was launched on November 15th, by the mailing of the Spirit Campaign brochure and Financial Overview, followed by the Spirit Campaign Kick-Off Gala held at All Aboard Westcliffe (a local non-profit) on November 18th. Thank you to those who attended. The brochures, which contains extensive information on the campaign and associated nonprofits and funds, can also be found on the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation Website www.wmvcf.org/donations/spirit-campaign/ .
We are proud to feature 63 organizations in this year’s campaign. We appreciate all donations, and encourage specific donations to nonprofits of choice, as well as donations to the Make it More Fund. A direct donation to the Make it More Fund benefits every nonprofit and enhances the success of the campaign and each organization.
Over the past 19 years, the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation has distributed more than $5 million to nonprofits in support of their hard work and commitment to our community, close to half a million alone in 2023. The Community Foundation extends thanks in advance to our 2023 donors, who make it possible to continue this remarkable tradition of giving.
Donations will be accepted through midnight, December 31st. But don’t wait!! Visit our website at www.wmvcf.org/
donations to make your donation now!

Sangre Electric Meeting in Silver Cliff, Rate Increases Main Topic

Sangre Electric
Meeting in Silver Cliff
Rate Increases Main Topic

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association

(Meeting registration info at the bottom.)

SDCEA is set to consider a general rate increase at its November 29 meeting in Silver Cliff. For nearly seven years, SDCEA has not implemented a general rate increase, despite facing mounting operational costs. These costs include rising prices for materials, supplies, fuel and labor.
“We have tried to minimize expenses to keep our costs down, but we must now address this financial strain,” said SDCEA Interim CEO, Gary Kelly.
“We are facing a persistent inflationary environment, supply chain disruptions, and our wholesale power supplier is also raising rates due to inflationary costs,” said Kelly. “We also must make ongoing investments in the infrastructure of our electric system for safety and reliability.”
“In 2021, the electric industry experienced about a 14 percent inflation rate increase on all the material SDCEA purchases. In 2022, the inflation rate increased even more, and we experienced an additional 18 percent cost inflation on material. So, in two short years, the costs of all the material we use to build and maintain the electric system has increased by 32 percent on average. While inflation has slowed in 2023, we expect to end the year with an 8 percent material cost increase. That represents a 40 percent increase in material costs from 2020,” Kelly said.
A public meeting was held in Buena Vista on November 8th to discuss a proposed SDCEA rate increase. For the average residential consumer, this could result in an approximate monthly bill increase of $5-$13. The proposed rate increase will be discussed at the November 29 board meeting in Silver Cliff, and a decision by the SDCEA Board of Directors on implementation will likely be made at that time. If approved as currently proposed, the rate increase would go into effect February 1, 2024.
“SDCEA is also committed to providing transparency and open communication with its members,” Kelly said. The organization will be providing updates on the rate increase process and is available to answer any questions or concerns. Please visit an FAQ section on the homepage at myelectric.coop or call 844-395-2412 with any questions. Anyone who would like to submit comments on the proposal, please email sdcearates@myelectric.coop.
To register to attend the November 29 meeting in person or remotely contact SDCEA at (719) 395-2412 or info@myelectric.coop no later than 3 p.m. on November 28, 2023. Online registration must be completed no later than 4 p.m. on November 28, 2023.

Mass Shooting on Oak Creek Grade, Suspect(s) detained, awaiting extradition

Mass Shooting on Oak Creek Grade
Three Dead, One Wounded
Suspect Detained in N.M.

by George Gramlich

Three people were shot to death and one gravely wounded Monday, November 20, 2023 on Rocky Ridge Road, a private road on the west side of County Road 255 (Oak Creek Grade). Rocky Ridge Road is accessed off of Silver Circle which adjoins Oak Creek Grade at around the 8 mile marker.
Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith gave a press briefing outside the Sheriff’s Office at noon on Tuesday, November 21. The Sheriff stated that they received a 911 call around noon on the 20th that there were shots fired at the Rocky Ridge Road. Smith said that two deputies and the Custer County Coroner, Brad Baltzly, responded. The deputies treated the scene as a “high risk entry”. After a brief survey, assistance was requested and the entire CCSO deputy roster was called out. The Fremont County SWAT team was requested. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado State Police were also summoned.
Three deceased and one severely wounded person were found. The deceased were from two neighboring families. One person was able to flee the scene unharmed and gave the deputies information on the suspect, Hanme K. Clark who lived at the Rocky Ridge address along with his wife. A huge search of the area then ensued. The suspect was not found. The SO then focused on the suspect’s house and waited until they had obtained a warrant to enter and search the property. CBI assisted with the warrant request. The suspect was not in the house.
Smith noted that the shooting occurred in a wooded area near a “gravel road” and not on the suspect’s property.
Sheriff Smith said that there had been an ongoing property dispute between the suspect and the two neighbors. There was also a lawsuit in 2021 concerning the dispute. (Apparently the neighbors were traversing the suspect’s property to get to their own properties via an alleged easement. This appears to be at the core of the problem.)
During the search, drones, night vision and thermal imaging were employed.
Help from the U.S. Marshals was requested.
Sheriff Smith said that the suspect probably left the property before the deputies initially arrived.
An all clear was announced at 8 p.m. Monday night.
The crime scene was being processed by the CCSO, the CC Coroner and CBI.
The U.S. Marshals employed aerial assets traversing the crime scene up to Salida. The Sheriff said that they had a good tip on the whereabouts of the suspect. They believe he is in the Route 50 area around Poncha Springs. LEO from various jurisdictions are searching the area.
Smith said there is a warrant out for the arrest of Clark for three counts of first degree murder.
At the press conference, one news outlet said it was believed the suspect and his wife were Native Americans and asked if that was    part of the dispute, ie, discrimination. Smith said he could not comment on that.

Below is the Custer County Sheriff’s Office press release from November 20th:

PRESS RELEASE:

Monday, November 20, 2023: Westcliffe, CO:
Colorado Law Enforcement agencies are looking for Hanme K. Clark, who is wanted in connection with a shooting that took place mid-day Monday in Westcliffe, CO.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, at 12:59 p.m., the Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a report of shots fired on Rocky Ridge Road approximately eight miles North of Westcliffe, CO. At 13:22, Fremont County Sheriff’s SWAT reported on scene. Custer County Sheriff, Rich Smith, called for a shelter in place while they searched for the suspect.
The shooting occurred at 173 Rocky Ridge Road along the wooded property line. A property dispute is suspected as the cause of the incident. Four victims were shot. Three of the victims are deceased (two male, one female). An additional female victim is in critical condition and being treated in a trauma center.
At 21:10, Rich Smith, Custer County Sheriff, announced that the shelter in place for Custer County was lifted. Authorities are pursuing the suspect who is driving a white Ram 1500 pickup with a topper and Colorado license plate: BHLK27.
If you have any information to assist officials in the apprehension of Hanme K. Clark, call 911.

###

Press Release on November 21st.
Victims of November 20th Shooting Identified
Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Westcliffe, CO: The victims of Monday’s shooting in Westcliffe, Colorado have been identified by Custer County Coroner Brad Baltzly. The next of kin have been notified.
The three deceased victims are Rob Geers, Beth Wade, and James Daulton. The fourth victim, Patty Daulton, is being treated at a trauma center for her injuries.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Hanme K. Clark, who is still at large. State and Federal agencies are assisting with the search.

####

Editor: At our press time (early afternoon, Tuesday, November 21st), the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has released a press statement stating that the suspect might be in the Salida area south of Salida from the Fremont County line to Poncha Springs (along Route 50). They have issued a shelter in place order for that area which ended Tuesday afternoon.
Clark was often seen at various events in Custer County. He was always very polite and soft spoken. Some research has indicated that he was a long time martial arts devotee including competing in MMA and studying the fighting art of Pancrase.
One report stated that there was a surveyor at the scene and he fled unhurt. But that remains to be verified.
(Please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page for immediate updates or see our Facebook or website, sangredecristosentinel.com for updates.)

UPDATE

The Custer County Sheriff sent out another press release on
late afternoon on November 21st that the suspect had been detained in N.M.

 

On Wednesday, a final press release gave more information on the victims. In a press conference, the Sheriff noted that the focus now
needs to be on the community and their loss.

 

 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Shooting Suspect Arrested

November 21, 203, Westcliffe, CO: Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith received a call at 2:48pm today from US Marshall Kirk Taylor confirming that shooting suspect Hanme K Clark had been taken into custody near Albuquerque, by the New Mexico State Police and the US Marshalls. The suspect is awaiting extradition to Colorado.

Sheriff Smith requests that we turn the focus to the victims and their families.

The deceased are identified as Robert Geers, age 63, his wife Beth Wade Geers 73, and James Daulton 58. Patty Daulton survived and is being treated for her injuries at a trauma center.

If anyone is need of mental health support following this traumatic event please call the Westcliffe SolVista office at 719-783-0566.

###

For Immediate Release
Triple Homicide Arrest Update

Wednesday, November 22, 2023, WESTCLIFFE, CO:   1500 hrs

Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis is charged with accessory to a crime, pending the continuing investigation into the November 20, 2023, triple homicide in Westcliffe, CO. She and shooting suspect Hanme K. Clark are being held in New Mexico while awaiting extradition to Colorado.
For more information regarding this case please contact the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Canon City, CO.
###

 

BOCC: Finance Director Battle Continues, Public Comment Severely Restricted

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary
The November 15, 2023 Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting started at 9 a.m. in their gilded throne room across from the courthouse. All three commissioners were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Lucas Epp. There was a pretty good crowd of peasants in attendance.
In Commissioner Comments, Canda said Road & Bridge is meeting with the TV station engineers today on the hill where the transmitter is. (This is big progress.)

He also said the Upper Ark Water Conservancy District folks are going to go ahead with raising the level of Lake DeWeese by four feet. They need a bunch of money to do this, but they are comfortable that they can get the moolah.
Epp gave the Finance report. He said the adjusting entires needed to fix the problems that the audit revealed should be done by the end of the week. Finance is still gathering lease information (the lack of which caused the county to fail the audit). Epp reported that the auditor is having a class with finance on tangible and intangible leases.
In New Business, the Public Comment Guidelines agenda item, placed there by Epp ruffled some of the peasant’s feathers. Epp started with, “we have to be open, to be free here” then started listing a whole slew of restrictions of what the peasants can say, do, and the length of time they have to say it. Epp’s proposed guidelines started with the statement that, “these meetings are business meetings”, (whatever that means) and thus the following rules and restrictions apply: You must speak by your seat, you only get five minutes per person for each comment time, the comments must be directed to the commissioners, no questions or comments to other people, you have to avoid “grandstanding” (which should also apply to the commissioners), and on Agenda Items, the board may suspend comments. To finish his First Amendment kill shot, Epp told the peasants there (who took the time to come and participate) that “public comments are a privilege and not a right.”
Day, loving this clamp down on citizen comment (something he has been doing for a long time), said the meetings were out of control. Canda then said, “I agree we need it” but if a commissioner wanted to hear more after the five minutes he can ask for it. (This was absent from Epp’s proposal.) Epp then agreed with Canda on this item. Custer County’s Biggest Free Speech/First Amendment Warriors (REPUBLICAN!) then voted to accept the new rules with the caveat that they can change them later.

In Public Comment, the peasants were not happy campers. Len Arrigo said, “Public Comment is not a privilege, it is a right. We come here on our own time. It is our county. We pay your salaries.” Bill Parker said show me a statute that says we can’t speak. This triggered the county attorney, Dan Slater (a high ranking Colorado democrat operative), “the only people who have an absolute right to speak are the three commissioners…Public Comment is perfectly acceptable but this is a business meeting of the BOCC….There is not a right by law for the public to speak here.”
Three local libs then, of course, fully endorsed Epp’s motion to silence the people. A couple of citizens then knocked the proposal with one lady noting that with the total lack of leadership from the BOCC, citizen input is crucial.
Next up was the issue of the county selling a couple of lots in Silver Cliff to a local couple. This has been going on for a while. Canda is trying to get this done. He goes on a long rant about how long he has known this couple, on and on. Apparently, the couple put a bid in while the county has not requested bids on the properties. After an insane amount of time, it was decided that the county would request bids and the couple can bid on them.

Finally, the hot ticket Agenda Item came up: the Finance Director’s Job Description. (This is high drama, folks. The current Finance Director, Lisa Bivins, was hired as an assistant by the ex-Director, Braden Wilson, about two years ago. Apparently she had no accounting experience and did not have an accounting degree. Nor did Wilson when Day, Flower and Canda hired him. Before Wilson made his suicide mission move to County Manager, he “promoted” Bivins to be the County’s Finance Director. So now we have had two Finance Directors who did not have an accounting degree or real accounting experience. Then the 2022 County Audit came out in August, and for the first time the county had a “qualified item”, which is real bad and causes the state to get involved. The audit also listed a whole bunch of bad things that haven’t been fixed for years. This caused a citizens group to be formed, led by a CPA, who jumped all over this pointing out that having two Finance Directors in a row with no accounting degree and no real accounting experience was a disaster, and this had to be fixed. They came up with a proposed Finance Director Job Description/Requirements proposal that was given to the commissioners. This includes having at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and preferably a masters. They had a whole bunch of common-sense requirement also. This caused a huge issue at the BOCC meetings recently as, if this is adopted, the current Director, Bivins, who is clearly not qualified, would have to vacate the position when a new Finance Director is hired. This resulted in a bunch of people coming to the BOCC meetings recently saying she is qualified and should not be taken out. However, the understanding is, and this has not been spoken to enough, is that Bivins would be retained and simply go back to her previous position in Finance, as the assistant.)
Canda lead the charge of proposing the new job description. He went on and on how we need a qualified accountant to lead the department. On and on. He talked about how the mighty commissioners finally will separate Human Resources (HR) from the Finance Department as soon as they hire a HR head. Canda then knocked the county’s new accounting system (CIC) that our all knowing ex Finance Director bought which is super expensive, unresponsive, unreliable, and a total lemon. Finally, he moved to accept the job description.
Epp was next. He noted a whole bunch of bad things about the CIC system, saying, “We are at risk” with this system. Because we are probably going to get a new system, Epp concluded, “This is driving us towards needing this person (ie, a new, qualified Finance Director).”
Day, again, like the County Manager debacle, was on the wrong side of the issue. He knocked the process that took place to get the job description, as the county hasn’t posted for the position yet. (Day: you need a job description first, sir.) He asked, “If we approve this document, what does it do to any existing employees?” Epp replied, “Things just keep going on.” (Day knows exactly what is happening but is trying to do his martyr thing. Bivins is going back to the assistant job. Nobody is getting fired and we are finally getting a qualified Finance Director.)
Canda then said he had talked to her (Bivins) and “she is looking forward to working with somebody like this.” This caused Day to get a bit huffy as he said he had talked to Bivins and “she loves her job and wants to keep that job.” Day then said, falsely falling on his sword, that, “If we approve this document, I want to make sure we aren’t doing away with any existing employees. If it is, I will not support it.” (Total cow poopy. Day knows nobody is gonna get fired. This was flat out grandstanding. Bottom line: Day actually wants to keep Bivins in the job. As you will see, he later votes to NOT accept the job description!)
Public Comment on this Item was next. Len Arrigo, a CPA with extensive experience in private and public accounting (and architect of the Finance Director Job Description), said that the proposed job description requires the person to be a CPA and that is wrong and will narrow the potential candidate field dramatically.
He said there really is no difference in private and public accounting. Thus, the job description’s requirement that the candidate have public accounting experience should go. After some discussion, Epp and Canda agreed.
Citizen Carol Vayhinger then made her case to keep Bivins in the job, saying, “She needs the opportunity to compete. You can’t treat your employees like that.” Jimmy “The Plumber” McMahon retorted that the commissioners are “going down the right path” and “The position needs a very talented individual.”
Another citizen spoke up and said, “I think we need to go ahead with this, and it will take some time to get the right person. So we don’t wind up getting sued. I thank you for what you are doing.”
Day again tries to kill the whole process by saying “Are we putting the cart before the horse” implying by not yet voting to actually hire a new Finance Director, this process of developing a job description is wrong. (Again, Day wants to kill this whole thing and keep Bivins in there.)
This goes on for a bit. Finally they vote. Canda and Epp vote to accept the job description and Day voted no.
Canda then brought up the “Employee Counsel investigation” ordered by the ex-Finance Director, Braden Wilson, into a “personnel issue” in the Sheriff’s Office. Wilson did this on his own and only told Day about it. Canda says the investigators aren’t done and they are asking for more money, like $2k more. He said we already spent, “$4k or something.” When asked what the investigation is about, Canda said he didn’t know but it wasn’t an investigation of the Sheriff’s Office, it was a personnel issue. Canda said, “Somebody spent money and the commissioners didn’t know about it.” He said he is going find out what this is all about.
Later on, Canda brought up the proposed county mil levy reduction. He said he is going to meet with Bivins and our Assessor to get the ball rolling. He is looking for a only a 5% overall increase in the tax burden.

In the final Public Comment, former OEM Director, Cindy Howard Zoomed in saying she greatly appreciated the work of the concerned citizens, the “public group”, did here with regards to getting a new Finance Director. She said if it wasn’t for this group “we wouldn’t be looking at some of these things.” She noted that, “There is a persistent and complacent culture in this county that has to change.” (Kevin Day please note. Cindy has been inside the beast and knows the deal.)
The final Public Comment was by citizen Bill Parker, knocking Day for trying to kill the hiring of a new Finance Director. Parker can’t understand “why Day is reluctant to get this done.” (Parker knows, but he was just being polite.)
And that was that. Another episode of The Happy Valley Drama in the can. Stay tuned.
(Editor/GG: Small cor-rection on last week’s BOCC article: We said citizens Joy Anderson was an “architect.” She used to be but retired and handed in her license. We should have said, “retired architect.” )

25th Live Nativity at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran

Press Release
December 8th and 9th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church will continue its traditional
re-creation of the birth of Christ as a Living Nativity presentation. This is the 25th anniversary of the event.
Visiting the Living Nativity has become a tradition for many viewers, as well as the cast. New visitors are invited to join in the tradition at 801 N. Sheridan Avenue in Cañon City to help celebrate the Christmas season. There will be hot drinks and cookies served on the December 8th and soup and chili on the December 9th.
The origin of this event stems back to 1997 – 1998 when Pastor Ron Bock and Steve Hermanson suggested the idea and took action. Construction began on the set, which was built of plywood and painted. A stable was built, costumes designed and sewn, animals rented and lighting and sound systems developed, rounding out the production.
It was evident that years of setting up and tearing down the existing set had taken its toll. Pastor Bob Kippley called for a new group of interested members to review the current set status and provide recommendations. The result of these conversations was to replace the existing set in a totally new format that would be practical, sturdy and within the congregation’s financial means. The current Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church is Rev. Christine Hjelmstad.
72 feet of dropped canvas banners printed with both the scene of Bethlehem and the arriving Wise Men enhance the visual effect. The banners hang along the length of two sides of the church. The entire backdrop scene has been expanded, and many hours of physical labor were involved during the removal of large shrubs and covering the ground area with rock in order to accommodate the new backdrop. Art work and production of the backdrop were completed by artists in the Territorial Prison under the direction of Charles Graeber, Director of Correctional Industries in 2012. The artists who designed the project were: J. Tensley, A. Smith, W.Gilmore, S. Armstrong and A. Preston.
The cast, consisting of members of Shepherd of the Hills and Christ Episcopal Churches and other volunteers from the community, includes the Holy Family, angels, shepherds and wise men outdoors. Many others are involved behind the scenes. Over the years live animals have been provided by an individual from Penrose, the Royal Gorge Zoo, the Penrose Horses and Hounds 4-H group and since 2018 the Juan and Marlissa Gonzalez family from Wetmore. Donations of nonperishable food and cash will be accepted and given to Loaves & Fishes Ministries of Cañon City, which distributes food boxes to Fremont County families in addition to other services it provides. In some years the donations were given to Mercy Today Ministries of Cañon City.
Upon arriving at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 801 N. Sheridan, Cañon City, visitors may either drive through and observe from their vehicles, or they can park their vehicles and walk along the changing scenes as the story is told through Bible readings and music. Either way, visitors will be participants in the reason for the season, the story of the birth of Christ the Savior in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

Holiday Home Tour December 3 in Fremont County

Press Release
A “Holiday Home Tour” will be presented by the Fremont County Community Concert Association on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1 – 5:30 p.m. This is a self-guided tour of homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
Locations of the homes are: 507 Greenwood Ave., 907 Greenwood Ave., 802 Griffin Ave. and 298 Steinmeier Ave. in Cañon City and 217 West 3rd St. E. and 232 East Main in Florence. For those who would prefer, The Golden Age Shuttle will be available to transport Tour participants from the Golden Age Center in Cañon City to Florence and back to Cañon. Donations will be greatly appreciated. Transportation is not available for the Cañon City locations.
Tickets are $20 or two for $30. They may be purchased in advance at Tailored West, Touch of Love, The White Leopard and Petal Pushers in Cañon City and Treasures and the Baker’s Rack in Florence. They may also be purchased the day of the tour at the locations on the tour.
Photos of the locations are on the Fremont County Community Concert Association’s Facebook page.

HMHFBF Awards $50K to Children’s Health Fund

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival Awards $50K to Children’s Health Fund

Kathy Taylor, Chairman of Children’s Health Fund, Ron Terry, President of the Board, HMHF Festival Association , Polly Miller, Sponsorship Manager, HMHF , Jacke Barnes, Board Member HMHF, Committee Member Children’s Health Fund Courtesy Photo

 

The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association, sponsors of the annual High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival (HMHF), is distributing $50,000 in support of children’s health. The festival has donated $850,000 to Custer County charitable organizations over its twenty year life. Thanks to our attendees, our sponsors, and our volunteers for making it happen!
The Festival Association’s donation is being made to the High Mountain Hay Fever Children’s Health Fund for distribution, a designated and advised fund initiated by the Festival Association Board in partnership with the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation (WMVCF) in 2015. The focus of the fund is children’s health in Custer County under a broad umbrella that includes physical, emotional, social and educational needs. The funds are distributed through a grant process administered by the HMHF Children’s Health Fund Com Grant applications (available at www.wmvcf.org) can be submitted at any time with the next submission deadline being February 15, 2024.
The HMHF Bluegrass Festival is a well-established event that benefits the entire community. The 2023 festival featured Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, The Baker Family, Uncle Shuffelo and His Haint Hollow Hootenanny and DAYTON, along with other nationally recognized bluegrass performers, and festival host band Dry Branch Fire Squad. More information on the High Mountain Hay Fever Festival is available at www.highmountainhayfever.org , or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/highmountainhayfever/.
The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who work year-round to make the festival a success. The festival remains an intimate event, avoiding the sprawl and congestion of large festivals, while offering nationally recognized bluegrass talent, remaining true to its motto: “Small Scale, Big Time”.
Thanks to the community for supporting HMHF! We’ll see you next year, July 11-14, 2024, at Bluff Park.

Library to Hold Patron Appreciation Day

Library to Hold
Patron Appreciation Day

At the West Custer County Library, we love our patrons and our com-
munity! We have received so much support from the community we want to celebrate you. Please join the Library Co-Directors and staff for Patron Appreciation Day on Tuesday, November 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Enjoy FREE Coffee & Donuts
• Chat with the Directors
• Meet our mystery special guests
• See new collection items
• Share a favorite Holiday Recipe
• Make a button with our button maker
• Help us complete a puzzle
Drop off recipes beginning on Patron Appreciation Day, November 14th till Saturday, December 31st. Recipes can also be emailed to info@westcusterlibrary.org for posting. Come into the Library to view the recipes, jot down recipes
old-school style, or take a photo of the recipes to add to your recipe box. Treasured recipes give us the opportunity to share the joy of community, good food, and gather around the table with family and friends.
For more information, please contact the Library at 719-783-9138, visit www.
westcusterlibrary.org, or email info@westcusterlibrary.org.

Foster, McCarthy and Kriegh Win School Board Seats

Foster, McCarthy and Kriegh Win
School Board Seats
Props HH Goes Down in Flames

George Gramlich,
News and Commentary

These are the unofficial results of the November 7 Election. Based on the numbers don’t expect any changes. The Custer County School District C-1 Board of Directors – At Large election went down as expected with the three front runners easily outpacing the losing two. Regina “Reggie” Foster got the top vote count with 1,265 votes followed by Joseph McCarthy with 1,217 votes. The final winner, Jennifer Kriegh received 1,031 nods. Losers Linda Elaine Brown got 503 votes and Jeremy Hockett nailed 353 votes.
The dems nightmare tax grab, Proposition HH got hammered in Happy Valley with 1,987 (77.08%) voting to kill it and 591 (29.92%) insane people voting for it. It lost statewide too.
Proposition II also lost in Custer County with 1,356 (52.79%) voting against It and 1,217 (47.30%) voting for it. It passed at the state level.
Voter turnout in Custer County was pretty good for an off year election with 2,600 ballots cast with a voter roll of 4,460. (That would be a 58.3% turnout.) The statewide voter turnout was a pathetic 36.64% (1,441,848 ballots cast and 3,935,515 active voters). It looks like Happy Valley citizens are engaged politically.
At the state level, Proposition HH lost decisively with 856,182 voting against it and 566,663 voting for it.
With regards to Proposition II (which will funnel more money into the state’s dysfunctional education system), it passed big time with 946,617 saying yes and 471,522 voting against it.