Category Archives: Uncategorized

February 29 BOCC

BOCC: Donated Fuel Tanker, Finance Rumblings, UACOG Money Woes,
Late EOM Grant Issues

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary

The February 29, 2024, Custer County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting started at 9 a.m. in their gilded throne room in the building across from the courthouse. All three Commissioners were in attendance: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Lucas Epp.

In Commissioner Items, Canda noted that the State of Colorado will be donating a fuel tanker truck to the airport. This can be used to refill rescue and fire helicopters in emergencies. It will be available in April. Continue reading February 29 BOCC

David McConnell Retires from Clinic

McConnell

by Fred Hernandez
“Fading into the sunset” is an appropriate description often used with affection and admiration for someone leaving office. For someone who served well and with distinction. That is the perfect description for the retirement of one who served his country in time of conflict, one who served his community diligently day after day for a long period of time, one who continues to serve his county as a man of God. That man is David McConnell. He will be retiring soon from the local clinic and will be sorely missed. Continue reading David McConnell Retires from Clinic

Custer County Is MAGA Country

Custer County Is MAGA Country
Huge Turnout for Trump, Biden
Takes a Whoopin’

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary
Despite the influx of left leaning migrants to Happy Valley the last decade or so, Custer County is still solid red with a big time Republican turnout in Tuesday’s Colorado primary election. The Custer County Republican vote turnout was FOUR TIMES higher than the Democrat turnout with 1,957 voting Republican and only 477 voting Democrat. (Note results are unofficial as of this date.)
For the County as a whole, there was a 55.45% voter turnout with 2,450 ballots cast out of 4,418 Active Voters.
There were seven candidates on the Republican ticket with Trump and Nicki Haley being the only ones getting significant votes: Trump trounced Haley with 1,434 votes (73.28%) to 474 votes (24.22%). On the Dem side, Biden got 430 votes (90.15%) with 20 votes (4.19%) voting for “Noncommitted Delegate”. (The “Non-committed” vote is a protest vote by democrats saying they want another, unspecified, Democrat to run for President. You can’t blame them. Dementia Joe ain’t gonna make it.)
What will be interesting, if we can find out, is how many Unaffiliated voters voted in the election. In Colorado; if you are registered Unaffiliated in a Primary, you get two ballots: one for the Republican candidates and one for the Democrat candidates. They can either not vote, or vote Republican or Democrat. There has been a LOT of news on how left leaning Unaffiliated who are opposed to Trump, are voting for Haley on the Republican ticket. We asked our County Clerk if it was possible to get that data for Custer County. We will let you know if we can obtain it.
Statewide, voter turnout was a lot lower than
politically-tuned-in Custer County with only 35.98% of Active Voters casting ballots: 1,361,999 ballots cast out of 3,785,419 Active Voters. There were 534,271 votes cast for Democrat candidates against 818,560 votes for Republican candidates. (Showing big time voter interest on the Republican side and low motivation for the Democrats.)
The state results show the minority Republican Party turned out big time to support Trump: Trump got 63.27% (517,884 votes) of the Republican ballots with Haley only getting 33.45% (273,809 votes) of the cast ballots.
On the Democrat side, Sleepy Joe got 83.55% (446,395 votes) of the Democrat votes cast with a significant number of anti Biden protest votes for “Non-committed Delegate”, 8.135 (43,439 votes).
Nationally, Trump put a whoopin’ dance on Haley wining all the state primaries except for wacko Vermont where he barely lost.
(This impressive Trump win nationally will panic the Dems and they will double down on their “lawfare” attempts at civilly suing Trump and trying to put him in jail via bogus charges. Folks, this November’s Presidential election will be the most consequential election in our lifetime. It is the last chance to save our country from the deranged left. It is gonna be some ride….)

February 24 BOCC: Money “For the Children”, UAWCD Manager Drama, Audit Cavalry Coming

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary
The Custer County Board of County Commissioners meeting held on February 24, 2024, occurred at that Wetmore Community Center. All three Commissioners were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda (via Zoom from France) and Lucas Epp. From the Zoom video, it appeared that only one meeting spectator was present.
In Commissioner Items, Epp mentioned that the accounting consulting firm they selected (Redlands Consulting) will be starting next week and will work Monday through Thursday on the audit and adjusting entries issues.
Old Business was next: Epp talked further about what Redlands was going to do next week. They will put in 40 hours of work analyzing the issues and put a plan together to get the mess fixed. This includes the audit issues plus a bunch of accounting problems we are having. They will then present the plan and the cost to the Commissioners hopefully in two weeks’ time. Epp gave a shout out to our IT guy, Vernon Roth, who is putting a lot of time in at Finance to keep the ship from sinking.
In New Business, Day presented his Agenda Item, Money for Playground Equipment for Wetmore. Day said Ruth Roper has been working for years trying to get a playground built in Wetmore “for the children”. She has found a piece of playground equipment from a company that is on sale for $9,281. Day said we have money in the LATCF fund and
the CTF fund that can be used for this. Day said there are around 30 children in the area.
Epp wasn’t too happy with the timing of this request. He said we just turned down two department head’s requests for a vehicle so they can do their jobs two weeks ago and giving money away for playground equipment now is not right. Epp said the state of the LATCF AND CTF funds is unknown, and it would not be wise to tap into those now. He said he will look into their status. Epp concluded saying we have several purchases that have to be made and we need to prioritize them.
Canda then piped up from the Riviera in southern France and said he agreed with Epp, that the timing for this is bad. He requested that we “table this until we understand how much money we really have.” He continued, “We had issues with the LATCF stuff. Can we wait a few weeks?”
Day, trying to salvage the spending “for the children”, said “we don’t have to move on it today.” But he added that this price is special and if that equipment is sold, we have to pay more for it down the line. (Day should have pulled this Agenda Item. Absolutely the wrong time to ask for money when we can’t even provide a crucial vehicle for county employees. But Day lives in Wetmore and this is gravy for his homies.)
Canda responded, “We need to make sure we have the money for priorities.” Canda ended with, “I think we ought to wait.”
Epp noted that he will “look into” the LATCF slush fund and see what is left.
They then decided to hold off on this until a later date.
The next item was Consideration of Signing a Letter of Recommendation for Greg Felt. This letter is a recommendation for Mr. Felt to become the next General Manager of the Upper Arkansas Water Conservation District (UAWCD). (This is a big deal. UAWCD is the big water player around here and very powerful.) Canda put this Item on the Agenda. Canda does a love minute dance for Felt saying he knows the guy, blah, blah, blah. Felt is also on the UAWCD Board.
But Epp smells a rat. He asked Canda, “Is there anybody else running for the same job?” Canda responded, “There are several others. I know one other that is qualified is a Mr. Jord Gertson.”
Epp turns the screws with, “This letter carries a lot of weight. If we are going to endorse someone else, we need to know about the other candidates. I don’t know the other candidates.” Canda replied, “I will send you Jord’s resume.” Day then chipped in, “We need to reach out and get information on the other candidates.” Epp finished with we need to put it on the Agenda “before the deadline.”

(Here is the skinny on this UAWCD Manager opening. The current Manager Terry Skanga, who helped start UAWCD is stepping down. Our very own ex Board Chair of UAWCD, local Bob Senderhauf’s choice is one Jord Gertson. Jord is a professional water guy who has worked for UAWCD for a long time (he’s their resident hydrologist) and even has his own water consulting business. He also has a B.S. in Watershed Science from Colorado State University. His resume is astounding. His has done everything you can think of re: water management. Bottom line, if Senderhauf wants this guy, HE IS THE ONE. Canda’s boy, Felt, has very limited actual water management experience and no degree. He owns a rafting company on the Arkansas River and with him on UAWCD there could be conflicts of interest. Plus, and I can hear the snowflakes whining already, he is supposedly a Democrat and the last thing you want is someone with that lib orientation running a locally powerful organization controlling our water.
Canda should not have recommended this guy without giving out the resumes of the other candidates. In fact, the BOCC doesn’t know jack about water and the UAWCD and should probably not endorse anyone. If they insist on it, they should definitely invite Senderhauf in and let him educate them on the candidates.)
At the end of the lovefest, Epp said the February 29 BOCC will be on Thursday so that Day can attend some meeting on Wednesday.

Obituary: Michael John McCarty

Obituary

Michael John McCarty

Michael John McCarty, a cherished father and resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, passed away on November 17, 2023.
Michael found serenity in retirement, living peacefully in his log cabin alongside his loyal dog, Shadow. His memory will be lovingly honored by his daughter and son, who reside in Denver. Michael’s kind spirit and warm presence will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.

Obituary Tyrese Von Dale Moore,

 

Tyrese Moore

Tyrese Von Dale Moore, 24, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tyrese was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on January 6, 2000, the
son of Dawn Markel and Daniel Moore, Jr.
Throughout Tyrese’s life, he loved many things but above all his biggest accomplishment was being a full-time father to his beautiful daughter, Zayla Michelle Moore. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and working out. He had many hobbies and businesses including Sangre De Cristo Locksmith and Moore Spore Store. He was a mycologist and had developed alternative therapies to help those struggling with mental and physical issues as well as people struggling with addiction. Tyrese was a loving and kind man with many friends and family from every walk of life. He loved without judgment or prejudice.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Daniel Moore Jr. (2023); his grandmother, Tina Moore (2013,) and his brother, Artadius Moore (2024).
He is survived by his daughter, Zayla Michelle Moore; his mother, Dawn (Montgomery) Markel; his brothers, DeAndre (Carissa) Hedrick, Ethan Moore, Daytryan Moore and Lyrik Ruane; sisters, Tesa Moore (Arlo Garner), Holly Dilbeck, Madison Atkins and Sawyer Barkley; grandparents, Dexter and Brenda Hedrick and great grandmother, Audrey Hedrick along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will not be a public visitation as cremation has been chosen. Services will be held at New Resurrection Church, 1500 Forrest St., Hutchinson, KS 67501 on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Charles R. Crumble Sr. presiding. A butterfly release will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Please bring your bikes and cars. Wear casual clothes, or whatever is comfortable. Let’s do it big for Tyrese’s final ride to paradise. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the “Zayla Michelle Moore Trust Fund” and can be sent to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502.

Custer County Deputy Arrested and Fired

by George Gramlich
On Tuesday, February 26, 2024, an Arrest Warrant was issued by the Custer County Court for Custer County’s Sheriff Deputy, Jason Ryan Salbato. He was charged with violating two Colorado Revised Statutes:
19-3-304 Persons required to report child abuse or neglect (M2) and
18-3-208 Reckless Endangerment (M2).
Both are second degree misdemeanors.

According to the Affidavit for Arrest Warrant issued by 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Investigator, Andrew Corey.  Corey was
requested by District Attorney Linda Stanley to investigate “possible criminal charges on Sgt. Jason Ryan Salbato of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.”
The Affidavit states that Sgt. Salbato was contacted by an individual on January 23, 2024 by a Custer County resident and that the individual wanted to talk to a Deputy. Salbato contacted the individual and the individual informed Salbato that he had been told that a certain father of a minor female “had been beaten on the back with a belt.” Salbato told the resident that “he would look into this matter and contact the Department of Human Services.”
Sgt. Salbato actions after the contact are described in the Affidavit:

Per Sgt Salbato’s report 24-0065 at approximately 1l:57a.m on January 24, 2024, he contacted Alexis Enslow a DHS Supervisor via telephone and while discussing another matter he was called away and unable to report this incident.
Per Sgt Salbato’s report 24-0065 on January 29, 2024, He went to Ms. Enslow’s office, she was engaged in another matter. He was again dispatched to another matter.
Per Sgt Salbato’s report 24-0065 on January 30, 2024, at approximately 9:26 a.m. He contacted Ms. Enslow via telephone. Ms. Enslow informed him she was contacted regarding child abuse involving. XXXXXX. Sgt Salbato informed Ms. Enslow Mr. Vandeusen had reported the information to Sgt Salbato on January 23, 2024.
It was later found that XXXXXX had taken. XXXXXX with him to California.
Sgt Salbato had many opportunities to send a text. message, email, phone call or voicemail to the Department of Human Services over the entire seven-day period from the day it was originally reported to him. Sgt Salbato also could have opened a case and investigated the information he had received.
Based upon the foregoing information, your Affiant is requesting that a warrant be issued for the arrest of Jason Ryan Salbato (DOB XXXXXX), for the offense(s):

CRS 19-3-304 Persons required to report child abuse or neglect

(M2) CRS 18-3-208 Reckless endangerment (M2)

Sgt. Salbato was arrested in Custer County on February 26th. Bail was set at $500 on a Personal Recognize Bond.
Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith declined to comment as it is an “HR issue”.  However, he did state that Sgt. Salbato was no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office. Smith noted that the Sheriff’s Office is an “at will” employer. This status allows the Sheriff to remove a person from employment immediately and that is an important tool for law enforcement agencies.
(Our thanks to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office for their transparency, accountability and concern for the public)

Dance and Dinner Fundraiser: “Stompin’ for the Stampede”

The WMVSC Rodeo Royalty girls are hosting their BIGGEST fundraiser of the year on March 9, 2024 – also known as the queen’s ball. ” They have been hard at work planning every detail so the whole community can enjoy a night of dinner, dancing, and having tons of fun with rodeo royalty.
The dance will be held at the Saddle Club building (90 CR 241) accompanied by the local favorite band “Silver Lining.” For extra fun, join the line dancing class that starts at 5 p.m. for $5/person and then use your new moves at the dance starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25/adult, $20/student 12+, $10/child 11 and under, and 3 and under are FREE! Tickets include entry into the dance, homemade lasagna/spaghetti dinner, opportunity to bid on silent auction items, and a night of fun for the whole family.
They are raising money to support their 2024 reign adventures – attending clinics, away rodeos and parades, and giving them the most growth opportunities possible this year.
Help us support these girls!
Bring your dancing boots, your appetite, and your wallet to help these girls have a fantastic year as your 2024 WMVSC Rodeo Royalty!

Service for Buddy McNutt in Texas

 

Obituary

Buddy Norman McNutt

Buddy Norman McNutt of Alvarado, TX, went to be with his Lord on February 10, 2024 at the age of 87.
Buddy was born December 4, 1936, in Fort Worth, TX, to Muriel Love and Paul McNutt. and died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and traveling. He spent time work-camping in Alaska, Colorado and Michigan. He also spent winters camp hosting in the Texas State Parks in Tyler, Austin, and Eustace. Buddy and his wife, Jane, lived in the Deer Mountain area from 2005 to 2013, where they attended the Cotopaxi Community Church.
Buddy never met a stranger. He worked in construction and was a crane operator before he got leukemia.
Survived by his wife Jane Golaszewski McNutt. and children Sheila Henderson Mitchael, Melissa Henderson Williams, Fred Henderson, Lori McNutt. Culbertson, N. Bryce McNutt., Shawn McNutt. Nichols , Suzann Hawes Mulder , Brian Hawes , Mark Hawes , 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Texas House of Prayer, 4000 County Road 401-B, Alvarado, TX on Saturday, March 23rd,
at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone NC 28607 or www.samaritanspurse.org

The Great Pizza “Saucesquatch”

IT’S ON! The Great Pizza “Saucesquatch”
Chow Down
Tony’s Challenges All Comers

Alex Carpenter, Tony’s Mountain Pizza owner, Johnny Winton, and Larry Lavey with the Saucesquatch challenge set before them.
Photos by Fred Hernandez

by Fred Hernandez
Yes it is the challenge of all time, first ever in Custer County. Tony’s Mountain Pizza dares one and all to accept its bold challenge to tackle a giant pizza and get it for FREE plus prizes. The challenge kicked off on Friday, February 9th, at the main dining area when two young gentlemen accepted the first bout of man against pizza. It was a whopping 24 inch diameter monster. That’s two feet in diameter, topped with delectable pepperoni, sausage and cheese. It weighed in at an awesome ten pounds. There were eighteen slices in all.
The contest rules are simple:
1. A two person team against the pizza. They can share it half and half or one can eat more than the other as long as both members consume the whole pizza in forty five minutes or less. A staff member or manager must witness and has authority to decide if a rule has not been followed.
2. Once the timer starts competitors cannot leave the table for the duration of forty five minutes.
3. Napkins for the hands will be provided but they must remain flat at all times to ensure no food is being expelled.
4. Contestants must stop if they are feeling nauseated.
5. Named the Saucesquatch Pizza it has two layers of homemade dough, garlic butter sauce and delicious homemade sauce topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, cheese at a cost of $50.
6. If the team manages to eat the entire pizza the cost is refunded, plus the team gets a victory T-shirt, a hundred dollars and their picture on the wall at Tony’s
7. Tony’s reserves all rights to any media, photographs, videos taken during the contest and all contestants will be asked to sign their consent before the contest.
The first challengers ( pizza gobblers) were two young men:. Alex Carpenter age thirty four from Cañon City, 5 Ft. 10 inches tall weighing 185 lbs. The second one was 35- year-old Larry Lavey, 6 ft. 2 inches, from Colorado Springs, weighing in at a hefty
275 pounds.
The two men were given 45 minutes on the clock to consume the ten pound flatbread delicacy. If they were successful the feast was free of charge plus a Tony’s T-shirt for each and a hundred dollars to split between them. If they failed the cost of the meal would be fifty dollars even.
Tony’s Mountain Pizza owner, Johnny Winton, personally brought the pizza pie to the table. And so, the signal was given and the pizza gobblers went quickly to work. They started out strong and fast gobbling down two pieces each in quick succession. Then a third slice.
At twenty two minutes on the clock there were ten slices to go out of eighteen and both contestants were breaking out in perspiration. Tension was rising among the small group of spectators. Johnny on the sidelines grinning with confidence.
Then unexpectedly, at fourteen minutes to go on the clock, gobblers raised both their hands and called for a truce. The monster pizza had won with nine slices to go! It was a good contest but the pizza got the best of them. Amidst cheers from family and friends the two men good naturedly took a bow and acknowledged their
defeat. Tony’s Pizza scores-one; and gobblers—zero.
And so, the challenge goes out to one and all. Come to Tony’s and go up against the monster pizza. Ten pounds, two feet in diameter, topped with Italian sausage. pepperoni, cheese and the special Tony’s sauce that makes this one of the best pizzas in the state. You win, it’s yours for free plus one hundred bucks, a victory T-shirt and your picture on Tony’s Wall of Fame. It will be a lot of fun plus truly great pizza at Tony’s.