BOCC: Oh My! Flower Thrown Off Upper Ark Water Board, Airport Out of Fuel, HR Proposes Four-Day Work Week
for County Courthouse Employees
by George Gramlich
News and Commentary We are so blessed this week with having TWO just wonderful BOCC meeetings.
The Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) July 5, 2022 meeting:
All three of our truly royal mighty musketeer commissioners were there: Chair Kevin Day and muskies Bill Canda and Tom Flower. Mercifully, the Commissioner Items,
where our royalty tell us all the wonderful things they have done since the last muskie fest, was short. Even Flower was somewhat brief.
Somewhat.
Day brings up the first item of business: the Upper Arkansas Water Conservation District (“Upper Ark”) sent the commissioners a letter asking them to replace the current BOCC’s ex officio representative, muskie Tom Flower, with another muskie. Day reads the letter. (Basically, Upper Ark doesn’t want an elected official who was just “convicted” of multiple state ethics violations on their board. Fair enough and good move.) There is a slight pause. (Flower knew this was coming.) Continue reading BOCC: Flower Thrown Off Upper Ark Water Board→
First-Gracie Johnson and Grumpy, Second- Aubrynne Cozzetto and Moana, Third-Kaitlyn Grossardt and Luna, Fourth-Kailynne Evert and Bruno, Fifth-Keller Johnson and Larry
GRAND CHAMPION CAT: Gracie Johnson
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION CAT: Kaitlyn Grossardt
Dog Show Results
Showmanship:
Junior Novice: Maecie Shank-Red Award, Second Place
Junior Open: Jaliane Gonzalez-Blue Award, First Place
Born to Frances M. Kochevar and Phillip J. Yaklich, in the small mining town of Crested Butte, Colorado, “Eddy” was the youngest, with three siblings: Phil, Frances and Fred. Though all proceeded him in death, their influence persisted throughout Ed’s 101 years. He was enormously proud of his parents’ coal mining and hard-working heritage. Stories of 4 a.m. cow milking, followed by after-school milk peddling, in a horse-drawn sleigh through chest-high snow, burrowed into many conversations.
A student at the University of Colorado, Ed became smitten with his future wife, Jeannette Luther, at a Student Union dance. “It was that yellow seer sucker dress and that gorgeous smile” that caught his eye. Their romance collided with WWII’s call to service. Ed trained to become a Naval pilot. Upon earning his wings, with a three-day layover, snatching two strangers off the street as witnesses, Ed and Jeannette (Jan) were married in Pensacola, FL. on March 7, 1944. After the war, they moved back to Boulder, where Ed finished law school. By the time they moved to Pueblo, Colorado to set up a practice, three of their children, Phil, Ronnie and Joanie were on the scene. Judy arrived later.
A liberal Democrat, Ed had strong convictions that embraced diversity and equality. He shook the hand of John F. Kennedy with the same vigor as a migrant farmworker. Discrimination was abhorrent to him. His law firm hired the first female attorney in Pueblo when all other firms closed their doors. He collaborated to install the first handicap-accessible sidewalk in Colorado, served as President of the Easterseals, Southern Colorado Democratic Chairman, as well as District Judge.
Ed loved parties! The more the merrier. The more often the better. He embraced his mother’s adage, “Wherever the sheep are gentle, there is always room for another”. Whether at legendary Christmas parties in their castle-like house in Pueblo, their ranch in Westcliffe, or his La Paz home, Nuesta Casa, all were welcome and hundreds came. Quick to share insights and stories, Ed’s intergenerational circle of friends loved his company, many considering him their mentor. A trusting handshake meant more to him than a contract, and friendship was paramount. His desired epitaph carved onto his stone was the driving principle etched into his life: “His only footprint: to be and become a friend.”
From daughter Joanie’s heart: “Dad had the heart of a poet and musician. He often said he would have liked to have been a conductor. He loved to listen to me play my violin, and piano and sing. I would see my music come alive in his brilliant blue eyes. My heart smiled every time.”
From daughter Judy’s heart: “I knew my Papa as both flawed and fabulous. Like all of us, he could cause great pain, but also great joy. I knew him to be brave and foolish. exasperating and endearing. I count it my deep privilege to be alongside him as he grew old. I miss him desperately, and am grateful he is now fully fledged… finally free.”
Ed’s three remaining children, Phil, Joanie Houston, and Judy Mandeville, six remaining grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren will treasure his legacy and the memories we hold so dear.
There will be a Rosary at 10 a.m., slide show to follow, Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 20th, at Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Westcliffe, CO. The interment immediately follows at Ula Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at Shangri-La Ranch, 1180 County Rd.129.
Dr. Jon Eugene Wallestad, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday July 17, 2022.
Preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Eleanor Wallestad; twin sister, Joan Henderson (John), and his loving wife of 51 years, Carol A. Wallestad. Jon will be missed dearly by his beloved family; wife Charlyn “Elizabeth” Cleere-Wallestad; brothers, Rick Wallestad (Sandi), and David Wallestad (Brenda); children Amy Carrell (Clay), Emily Anderson (Troy), and Daniel Jon Wallestad; grandchildren, Andrew Jon Carrell, Klara Carrell, and Lindsey Jo Anderson; step-children Jared Cleere (Terri), Camy Cleere, “Paul” Cleere (Anastasia); step-grandchild Daniel Cleere; many other loving family and friends.
Jon grew up in Minot, ND. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, then married Carol Timmons on June 29th, 1963, in Glenwood, MN. Jon and Carol lived in Minneapolis where he graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and Carol worked as a Medical Technologist. Jon served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to Vietnam. When he returned, they were stationed at the Naval Air Station Glenview, IL. Jon resigned his naval commission in December of 1970 and the couple returned to Minneapolis, MN, where Jon completed a four year orthopedic surgery residency. Jon practiced in Anoka, MN, until his retirement to the mountains of Westcliffe, CO, in June of 2001.
After Carol passed away, Jon married Charlyn “Elizabeth” Cleere in 2016. They resided in Westcliffe, CO; Claremore, OK; then Cañon City, CO, shortly before his death.
A Funeral / Celebration of Life service will be held August 6, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Westcliffe, CO. Following the service, there will be a graveside service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery, and a reception at Hope Lutheran Church.
Memorials preferred to All Things Possible Ministries (victormarx.com) or Mashiah Foundation (mashiah
foundation.org).
Martin Paul Holmes was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in North Platte, NE, on June 8, 1954. Marty grew up in Nebraska. His dad, Jack Holmes, was a WWII Navy Veteran. His mom, Lois Holmes, was
an R.N.
In high school he played football and track. Marty graduated from college in Logan, UT, with a Bachelor of
Science-Range Science, attending Utah State University, College of Natural Resources. Marty’s career began working for U.S. Dept. of Interior-Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-Forest Service. Later on, he worked for Kaiser Coal/Perma Mining Corporate Office. Then Burlington Northern/Meridian Land and Minerals Corporate Office. Marty’s career really took off in 1988, as he pioneered the growth of a small nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to one of the largest of its type in the U.S. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation through 2006. Then jumping on board with Safari Club International Foundation. 2011-2021 Marty was a Regional Director of the Mule Deer Foundation.
Locally, Marty served as the Silver Cliff Museum Curator. He was on the Board of Directors for Frontier Pathways. Marty worked for Valley Ace in a new job position for a few months before he became too ill to work. Marty loved to hunt, country and western dance, ride horses and spending time with his family. Marty and Deb met in 2013, at the Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church, fell in love and were married. Marty was adopted by his three step children, Daniel Gasper, Jeremiah Gasper and Nicholle Curtis, all family residing in Custer County. Marty Holmes went to be with our LORD on June 27, 2022, was a very fine person and will be deeply missed by all.
To help with the Estate and the increasing medical bills there has been a GoFundMe.com fundraiser set up for those wishing to make a donation. Please contact Deb for additional questions. 719.371.3734.
A Celebration of Life is being held for Marty Holmes at the Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church in Westcliffe, CO, on July 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. 60260 State Highway 69, Westcliffe, CO 81252
New Director of Planning and Zoning Director, Dorothy Carsten. SDC Sentinel Photo by Fred Hernandez
It is with great enthusiasm that the Custer County Board of County Commissioners announce Dorothy Carsten as our new Director of Planning and Zoning. Carsten most recently served as the BOCC Administrative Assistant after a successful career owning her own home care business. She is excited to serve the community in this position and shares that she “has some big shoes to fill”. For those who have been affected by the transition in the Planning and Zoning Office, we wholeheartedly thank you for your patience and ask for your continued support and understanding as the new Planning and Zoning team build the office back into a thriving service to our community.
Victor Glee Barnes Jr., age 80, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022 at his home in Westcliffe, Colorado. Vic Barnes was born on May 19, 1942, to Victor G. and Anita (Walker) Barnes and raised in Colorado Springs. Vic graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and
a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology. While at CSU, Vic was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He completed his graduate work on the activity of Black Bears in Yellowstone National Park. Vic was then hired by the Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife and moved to Olympia, WA. In 1970, Vic moved to Bend, OR, to work on Animal Damage Control and focused on reforestation interactions. In 1982, he had the opportunity of moving to Kodiak, AK, to begin his research on Kodiak Brown Bears and participated in cooperative bear research and management programs of the Refuge and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While working in Alaska he had the opportunity of making two trips to the Soviet Union to work on Polar Bears, as well as working on Grizzlies in Denali National Park. In December of 1997, Vic retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service and moved back to Colorado. He continued his involvement with bears by returning to Kodiak each year for various research projects, to work at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center as a bear viewing guide, and became the Trust Manager for the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust. Upon moving back to Colorado, Vic spent time working as a Wildlife Technician with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Vic spent the past 25 years in Westcliffe, CO, giving back to the community through his service in San Isabel Land Protection Trust, Custer County Planning Commission, High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association, and Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, among others.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jacke (Gilliam) Barnes and his three children Joe (Kristi) Barnes, Amy (Garey) Barnes, and Jack (Sheryl) Barnes. In addition he is
survived by his five grand-
children Garrett Barnes, Hailey (Michael) Williams, Brianna (Steve) Dial, Cideahzia Barnes, and Nathan Dial, and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his aunt Willdra Ruzanski, his sister Marci (Roger) Gregg and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Vic was preceded in death by his parents Victor G. and Anita Barnes, and his brother Tom Barnes.
Services will be held Saturday, July 16th, at 11 a.m. at Hermit Park, 400 Hermit Ln., Westcliffe, CO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust (PO Box 1740 Kodiak, AK 99615) or Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation (PO Box 718 Westcliffe, CO 81252).
Please be aware of other community events and their potential impact on the morning of Saturday the 16th as you come to join us to celebrate the life of Vic.
2022 CUSTER COUNTY FAIR
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SCHEDULE
9 am – 7pm: Exhibit Hall Open Thursday – Saturday. ALL events are held in the Show Arena unless otherwise stated.
Saturday, July 9, 2022
4 pm: 4-H Llama Show (OPEN participation following the show) Saddle Club Arena
Sunday, July 10, 2022
8 am: Archery Competition – Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church Range
2 pm: .22 Rifle Competition – Sheriff’s Shooting Range
5:30 pm: Shotgun Competition – Sheriff’s Shooting Range
Monday, July 11, 2022
All events today are held in the Exhibit Hall
7 am – 8 am: Check in for all OPEN projects
EXHIBIT HALL CLOSED TO PUBLIC DURING JUDGING
9 am – 4 pm: Begin 4-H General and FCS project judges’ interviews, exhibitors need to check in 15 minutes before their scheduled interview time
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
9 am – 2:30 pm: 4-H Horse Shows & Gymkhana – Saddle Club arena
4 pm – 5 pm: 4-H Cat Show
4 pm – 8 pm: Exhibit Hall Open
6:30 pm – 8 pm: 4-H Speech Contest
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
9 am – 4 pm: 4-H and FFA livestock weigh-in, small animal check in Lamb/Goat Barn
Thursday, July 14, 2022
9 am – 10 am: 4-H Dog Show
10 am -11 pm: 4-H and FFA Rabbit Classes
4 pm – 5 pm: Custer County 4-H Leadership Council Pork Dinner
5 pm – 7 pm: 4-H and FFA Swine Classes
Friday, July 15, 2022
8 am – 9 am: Custer County Cattlewomen Beef Breakfast
9 am – 10:30 am: 4-H and FFA Beef Classes
10:30 am – 12 pm: 4-H and FFA Sheep Classes
12 pm – 1:30 pm: 4-H and FFA Goat Classes
2 pm: Master Showmanship
Saturday, July 16, 2022
10 am: Rodeo Parade – Downtown
11 am: Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church Steak Dinner
11:30 am: Shooting Sports Awards and Buckle Awards Ceremony
12 pm: 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction
4 pm – 6 pm: Check out for all OPEN class projects – Exhibit Hall
by Fred Hernandez
Thanks to the passion of a few concerned citizens in Custer County, important elements of the history of this area will be preserved for the benefit of many future generations. All Aboard Westcliffe (AAW) is a non profit 501 (c) 3 incorporated in 1990 with the mission to find, collect, restore and preserve historical locations, equipment and various other railroad paraphernalia related to the history of the arrival of the trains in Custer County in the late 1800s. The Denver-Rio Grande Western Railroad was the quintessence of mountain railroading back in the day with a charming motto of “through the Rockies, not around them” later shortened simply to “ mainline through the Rockies”. Also known as D&RGW it started as, what is called in the industry, a narrow gauge line which ran south from Denver serving as a transcontinental “bridge” to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1870. Its cargo was usually coal and minerals. It operated the highest mainline rail line in the continental USA going over the 10,240 foot high Tennessee Pass in Colorado not to mention its famed routes through Moffat Tunnel and Royal Gorge. In 1889 the D&RGW claimed the largest narrow gauge railroad network in the country with 1,861 miles of track interconnecting the tri-state area of Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
AAW Chair Sandy Messick, Gail Genovese, and Chair Elect John Genovese. (2021) Courtesy photo
In a recent interview with AAW Chair Sandy Messick the Sentinel learned a lot about the origins of the town of Westcliffe, which came to existence around the D&RGW terminal on what is now Main Street (#102), when the railroad management decided to serve the silver mining industry in Silver Cliff and the growing agricultural enterprises in the valley. The train came up along Grape Creek in the late 1800s. It crossed the creek about thirty times as it traveled. When there were washouts, which happened on a regular basis during certain seasons, its progress was considerably slowed down until it was decided to stop the service altogether. In 1900, D&RGW took a second look at the valley and started its service once again. In 1901, it was serving the mining and agricultural industries moving lots of cattle, peas, cauliflower and lettuce. At some point in the 1930’s service to Custer had become no longer viable financially and D&RGW petitioned the government to allow them to cease operations to the area. In 1937 that petition was granted, the trains stopped coming and the tracks were pulled up and carted away. The railroad did leave some of their memories behind however and, although it took a while, some local residents started getting together and talking about the old days when the trains stopped at the old Westcliffe station on Main Street. Before too long talk turned to action and All Aboard Westcliffe was established as a non-profit corporation. Slowly they took stock of what assets they had on hand. Not knowing if they would be able to acquire the depot on Main Street, they built a replica depot in what is now Heritage Center on Rosita Road. Eventually, in 2013, they did obtain the building on Main Street which had undergone a myriad of changes over the years; from being a home, a museum, a garage or just sitting empty for years. With generous help from the community they reopened to the public in 2018.
Recently the AAW received a Facade Grant from the Town of Westcliffe for the improvement of their properties in the commercial areas of town. This grant will go a long way for the preservation and beautification of the old building making it “prettier” and safer. Among the activities planned for the coming months there will be a Pancake Breakfast on July 4th from 7 to 10 a.m. (before the big parade down Main); on the menu: all you can eat pancakes, biscuit and gravy and sausages. Ten dollars for adults and five for kids under twelve.
Also on July 2-4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there is a Craft and Flea Market at 110 Rosita Road. The Yard Sale is also at 110 Rosita Road.
Come and support All Aboard Westcliffe as they preserve Custer County history through their efforts in preserving the history of Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. ALL ABOARD!
A new, very interesting new restaurant and bar Is having its Grand Opening this Sunday, July 10th in downtown Westcliffe. Beeza’s Restaurant & Pub, owned by Patricia McDonald is a 70 seat operation with a full bar (including Harp and Guinness on tap), wine and food menu. The food menu is very interesting and will have some dishes not seen in these parts so well worth the trip to try them.
Beeza’s is located at 215 Main Street, Westcliffe, next to Chappy’s. They will be open initially nights only from 5 p.m. to midnight every day but Monday. Their phone number is 720-819-1196 . They also have a Facebook site under the restaurant’s name. Stop by and welcome Pat to our community!
Born to Frances M. Kochevar and Phillip J. Yaklich, in the small mining town of Crested Butte, Colorado, “Eddy” was the youngest, with three siblings: Phil, Frances and Fred. Though all proceeded him in death, their influence persisted throughout Ed’s 101 years. He was enormously proud of his parents’ coal mining and hard-working heritage. Stories of 4 a.m. cow milking, followed by after-school milk peddling, in a horse-drawn sleigh through chest-high snow, burrowed into many conversations.
