Planning Commission Vacancy Filled, Town Considers Vendor Solution to Manage Ordinance Publishing & Updates, New Liquor License Granted to the old “Wine Mine” Location
by Becky Olson
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Town of Westcliffe convened as scheduled on Monday, August 15th at 5:30 p.m. in Patterson Hall. A quorum of Trustees was present and proceedings commenced after recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the consent agenda was unanimously approved, the board’s only item of old business was approval of Mayor Paul Wenke’s recommendation to appoint Christy Patterson to fill the vacancy on the town’s Planning Commission, with Chris Lund as an alternate. The Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Mayor’s recommendation. Continue reading August Westcliffe Town Meeting →

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary
You never know what new issue is going to raise its ugly head at a Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, and the thing that popped up at this meeting might get some citizen’s feathers flying. Read on, fellow peasants.
The August 3, 2022 BOCC meeting started at 9 a.m. All three royal musketeers were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Tom Flower. Continue reading BOCC: Prop tax eval, OEM on Mitigation and Grant Deposits →

Fremont School District RE-1
1st Read of New proposed Gender Policy,
Citizens’ Group Reacts with a Call to Action

by Charlotte Burrous
Fremont Crusader

After the RE-1 School Board approved a seven-page Transgender Policy at its July 25 meeting, a group of citizens formed a group to stop this in its tracks during its meeting on July 29th. They met at the Grandview Christian Church.
“This is an informational meeting and call to action, regarding Fremont RE-1 School District proposed transgender policy,” said Mandy Reed, former Cañon City Councilwoman. “The goal is to get transparency to as many people as possible .As a whole, we feel there has not been good transparency from our school board so we, as community members, are trying to figure out what we can do.”
As a parent of grown children, Susan Jones learned of the school board meeting and decided to find out what was happening; it was not to her liking.
“I got involved with this (July 24th),” she said. “One of the very first things we were told about ‘this policy is this is a result of changes in state and federal law.’”
When she researched it, she could not find many changes.
“A little over a year and a half ago in 2021, we did change state law,” Jones said. “We added two protective classes to include gender expression and gender identity. In that law, it said very specifically, ‘school boards must act within anti-discrimination laws in addition to other agencies.’ The school board did that. In June of this year, we added an anti-discrimination policy. It’s on the website. Anybody can see it. We complied with that state law by adding the four words to the policy.”
The other thing the audience was told is that the board had to add this policy because of the changes in Title 9.
“To change Title 9 is a very long and cumbersome rulemaking process,” Jones added. “They are in the middle of a rulemaking process or they were for a 60-day comment (period). It’s my understanding that has been solved with a federal injunction, but the bottom line is, the federal law did not change. It did not require this particular seven-page policy we have in front of us.”
The third thing the audience was told was that the policy was based on ‘best practices.’ What that means is someone calls around and finds out who is doing good things, then call it ‘best practices,’ she continued.
“That’s what we’re really talking about — what’s working in other places,” Jones continued. “We were told it was based on state law and ‘best practices….The policy you have in front of you tonight, it’s because we want to change it, not because we have to change it.”
Jones said she was concerned over three areas of the policy.
1. Consists of parental consent and parent notification. “It is through-out this policy in at least three places, it says parental consent is not needed, notification is not needed or we’re going to use ‘best practices’ again to decide whether or not we should call the parent,” Jones said. “This is the biggest problem I have with this policy.”
2. The sports program. “This idea of sports programs no longer being separated by sex, the reason we have separate programs for girls for high school and college is because of Title 9,” Jones continued. “Title 9 was passed in 1972 and it is the main reason we have girls’ sports. Here we are, however, many years later, this is actually in jeopardy.”
This essentially erases women’s sports, she said.
3. Shared space. “This policy actually allows any child to use any bathroom, locker room or changing area,” she said. “It actually allows access to those areas, not based on sex but on gender. You can have a child in a restroom of a person of another sex, based on the other person’s gender identity. I think it’s dangerous and I think it’s something that needs to be addressed.”
The policy adds that if a child is uncomfortable with any of this, the district has to provide a private bathroom, private changing area and when it comes to overnight trips, the district has to provide them with a private room.
Every trip her daughters took, they stayed in a room with three other girls, which was a burden to the district and the parents.
“Now we’re saying every child can get a private room,” Jones said. “What child or what parent is not going to demand a private room for an overnight trip? Even though people will say that will never happen, how are we going to pay for that? If one person gets a private room, shouldn’t all kids get a private room?”
After she spoke, several individuals asked questions about such things as what is the percentage of transgender is in the area, what does the policy cover and other issues. At the end of the meeting, the group also broke up into subcommittees to make a plan of action to stop the policy proposal from being passed on second reading.
Those who do not have a copy of the transgender policy proposal, can find it at the Fremont County Republicans headquarters at 603 Main St. in Cañon City or by emailing GraceAnn Pittner at gpittner@mac.com. This is a chance for concerned citizens to stop this in its tracks, but it takes everyone to get it done.
UPDATE: After the community’s reactions, the
Fremont School District RE-1 Board, a statement was issued by Superintendent of Schools Adam Hartman and Board of
Education President Robin Reeser, saying that “we are tabling our policy adoption efforts at this time in order to participate in additional community engagement about the needs of our transgender students and federal legal require-
ments and the district must adhere to.”
(Editor/GG: Meanwhile, there are rumors of a recall effort for school board members, some of them just newly elected last fall! Time to drain the swamp. Save our children from these enablers.)

 

Shooting Sports Competitions Results

.22 Rifle

Junior Hunt Scope: First-Ethan Fore

Junior 4-Position: First-Hesston VanDeusen

GRAND CHAMPION .22 RIFLE: Hesston VanDeusen

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION .22 RIFLE: Ethan Fore

Archery

Junior Traditional Compound: First-Alexis Grundy

Junior Limited Compound: First-Sam Stafford, Second-Kord Goff, Third-Iris McKendry, Fourth (Tie)-Benji Smith and Evyn Lanosga-White, Sixth-Isabella Saucedo

Senior Limited Compound: First-Wyatt Grundy, Second-Jessie Smith

Junior Unlimited Compound: First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Hesston VanDeusen

GRAND CHAMPION COMPOUND: Sam Stafford

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION COMPOUND: Aubrynne Cozzetto

Shotgun

Senior Trap: First-Fisher Cunningham, Second-AJ Stoltzfus, Third (Tie)-Ty Stoltzfus and Ty Bomgardner, Fifth-Marlee Foster

GRAND CHAMPION SHOTGUN: Fisher Cunningham

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SHOTGUN: AJ Stoltzfus

 

General and Family Consumer Science Project Results

Cat Display Board:

Gracie Johnson: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Kaitlyn Grossardt: Reserve Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Blue

Small Engines:

Keller Johnson: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Shooting Sports Display Board:

Wyatt Grundy: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Aubrynne Cozzetto: Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Ty Stoltzfus: Red

Shooting Sports Stand Alone:

Ty Bomgardner: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Alexis Grundy: Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Hesston VanDeusen: Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Ethan Fore: Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Benji Smith: Reserve Champion, Blue

Lincoln Wingfield: Reserve Champion, Blue

Jessie Smith: Red

Shooting Sports Decorative Item:

Evyn Lanosga-White: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Fisher Cunningham: Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Lincoln Wingfield: Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Iris McKendry: Reserve Champion, Blue

Sam Stafford: Reserve Champion, Blue

AJ Stoltzfus: Reserve Champion, Blue

Isabella Saucedo: Blue

Hesston VanDeusen: Blue

Marlee Foster: Blue

Kord Goff: Red

Sportsfishing:

Wyatt Grundy: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Matthew Grossardt: Red

Wildlife Conservation:

Piper Cunningham: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Arden Freer: Red

Leadership:

Ben Stafford: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Leathercraft:

Brylee Shy: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Photography:

Addie Banning: Red

Alexis Grossardt: White

Scrapbooking:

Sheyenne Shy: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Sierra Foster: Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Alexis Grossardt: Red

Woodworking:

Hesston VanDeusen: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Cake Decorating:

Madilynn Berry: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Reaghan Shank: Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Alexis Grossardt: Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Clothing Construction:

Maecie Shank: Blue

Foods and Nutrition
Serenitey Crofford (Quick Breads): Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Serenitey Crofford (Scones): Reserve Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Serenitey Crofford (Muffins): Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Serenitey Crofford (Double Crusted Pie): Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Heritage Arts:

Reaghan Shank: Grand Champion, Champion, State Fair Qualifier, Blue

Poultry Display Boards:

Aubrynne Cozzetto: Grand Champion, First, Blue

Kyleigh Martin: Reserve Grand Champion, Second, Blue

Kord Goff: Third, Blue

Matthew Grossardt: Fourth, Blue

 

Horse Show Results

Written Test:

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry, Third-Hesston VanDeusen

Senior: First-Jolene Mullett, Second-Brylee Shy, Third-Kenna Ingram

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Hesston VanDeusen

Intermediate: First-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Brylee Shy, Second-Jolene Mullett, Third-Kenna Ingram

English Hunt Seat Equitation:

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram

English Show Hack:

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram

English Control:

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram

English Division:

Junior Champion: Alexis Grundy

Junior Reserve Champion: Madilynn Berry

Senior Champion: Kenna Ingram

Western Horsemanship

Novice: First-Hesston VanDeusen

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Brylee Shy, Second-Kenna Ingram

Western Pleasure

Novice: First-Hesston VanDeusen

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Brylee Shy

Western Reining

Novice: First-Hesston VanDeusen

Junior: First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Brylee Shy

Western Trail

Novice: First-Hesston VanDeusen

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Brylee Shy

Western Division:

Junior Champion: Tie- Alexis Grundy and Madilynn Berry

Senior Champion: Kenna Ingram

Senior Reserve Champion: Brylee Shy

Barrels:

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Brylee Shy

Pole Bending:

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Brylee Shy, Second-Kenna Ingram

75 Up and Back:

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Brylee Shy

Gymkhana Division:

Junior Champion: Madilynn Berry

Junior Reserve Champion: Alexis Grundy

Senior Champion: Kenna Ingram

Senior Reserve Champion: Brylee Shy

GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR HORSE: Alexis Grundy

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR HORSE: Madilynn Berry

GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR HORSE: Kenna Ingram

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR HORSE: Brylee Shy

 

Public Speaking Contest Results

Interpretive:

Junior: First-Gracie Johnson

Intermediate: First-Keller Johnson

Senior: First-Ben Stafford, Second-Brylee Shy, Third-Sheyenne Shy

Impromptu:

Junior: First-Gracie Johnson, Second-Evyn Lanosga-White

Intermediate: First-Keller Johnson, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Ben Stafford, Second-Marlee Foster, Third-Brylee Shy

Prepared:

Junior: First-Evyn Lanosga-White

Intermediate: First-Marin Foster, Second-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Marlee Foster

Presentation:

Junior: First-Jaliane Gonzalez

GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR SPEAKER: Gracie Johnson

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR SPEAKER: Evyn Lanosga-White

GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE SPEAKER: Keller Johnson

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE SPEAKER: Alexis Grundy

GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR SPEAKER: Ben Stafford

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR SPEAKER: Marlee Foster

 

Small Animal

Llama Show Results

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Gracie Johnson, Third-Kaitlyn Grossardt

Intermediate: First-Piper Cunningham, Second-Matthew Grossardt

Senior: First-Alexis Grossardt

Obstacle:

Mini: Kailynne Evert

Junior: First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Kaitlyn, Third-Gracie Johnson

Intermediate: First-Piper Cunningham, Second-Matthew Grossardt

Senior- First Alexis Grossardt

Pack:

Junior: First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Kaitlyn, Third-Gracie Johnson

Intermediate: First-Piper Cunningham, Second-Matthew Grossardt

Senior- First Alexis Grossardt

Public Relations:

Mini: Kailynne Evert

Junior: First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Gracie Johnson, Third-Kaitlyn Grossardt

Intermediate: First-Matthew Grossardt, Second-Piper Cunningham

Senior: First-Alexis Grossardt

Costume Contest:

First-Aubrynne Cozzetto, Second-Kaitlyn Grossardt, Third-Alexis Grossardt, Fourth-Gracie Johnson, Fifth-Kailynne Evert

GRAND CHAMPION MINI LLAMA: Kailynne Evert

GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR LLAMA: Aubrynne Cozzetto

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR LLAMA: Gracie Johnson

BRONZE JUNIOR LLAMA: Kaitlyn Grossardt

GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE LLAMA: Piper Cunningham

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE LLAMA: Matthew Grossardt

GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR LLAMA: Alexis Grossardt

 

Cat Show Results

Showmanship

Junior: First-Gracie Johnson, Second-Kaitlyn Grossardt

Conformation:

Domestic Short Hair: First-Gracie Johnson, Second Kaitlyn Johnson

Cage Decorating:

Junior: First-Gracie Johnson, Second-Kaitlyn Grossardt

Costume Contest:

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

Obedience:

Novice A: Jaliane Gonzalez-Blue Award

Beginner Novice A: Maecie Shank-White Award

GRAND CHAMPION DOG: Jaliane Gonzalez

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION DOG: Maecie Shank

 

Rabbit Show Results

Showmanship

Junior: First-Gracie Johnson, Second-Kaitlyn Grossardt

Intermediate: First-Keller Johnson

Senior: First-Alexis Grossardt

Breeding Rabbit

Junior Doe: Champion, First-Keller Johnson, Reserve Champion, Second-Gracie Johnson

Companion Rabbit:

Champion, First-Alexis Grossardt, Reserve Champion, Second-Kaitlyn Grossardt, Third-Kaitlyn Grossardt, Fourth-Alexis Grossardt

GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING RABBIT: Keller Johnson

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING RABBIT: Gracie Johnson

GRAND CHAMPION COMPANION RABBIT: Alexis Grossardt

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION COMPANION RABBIT: Kaitlyn Grossardt

 

Livestock Shows

Swine Show Results

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Jaliane Gonzalez, Second-Madilynn Berry, Third-Haylie Shaffer

Intermediate: First-Creed Ingram, Second-Rafael Gonzalez, Third-Sam Stafford, Fourth-Kord Goff, Fifth-Addie Banning

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Lily Bomgardner, Third-Owyn Clark, Fourth-Joey Arnone, Fifth-Ben Stafford, Sixth-Garrett Olomon, Seventh-Sheyenne Shy, Eighth-AJ Stoltzfus, Ninth-Ty Stoltzfus

Feeder Class:

First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Haylie Shaffer, Third-AJ Stoltzfus, Fourth-Kord Goff

Weight Class One:

First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Kord Goff, Third-Garrett Olomon

Weight Class Two:

First-Addie Banning, Second-Ben Stafford, Third-Madilynn Berry

Weight Class Three:

First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Owyn Clark, Third-Ty Stoltzfus

Weight Class Four:

First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Sam Stafford, Third-Joey Arnone, Fourth-Lily Bomgardner

Weight Class Five:

First-Creed Ingram, Second-Jaliane Gonzalez

Weight Class Six:

First-Creed Ingram, Second-Sheyenne Shy, Third-Madilynn Berry

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SWINE: Creed Ingram, Weight Class 5, Tag #133, Ending Weight 265lbs

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SWINE: Kenna Ingram, Weight Class 4, Tag #136, Ending Weight 251lbs

 

Beef Show Results

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Jaliane Gonzalez

Intermediate: First-Grant Rusk, Second-Rafael Gonzalez, Third-Sam Stafford, Fourth-Bode Bridges, Fifth-Keely Huffman

Senior: First-Emma Rusk, Second-Garrett Olomon, Third-Brylee Shy, Fourth-Kyleigh Martin, Fifth-Chris Mullett, Sixth-Sheyenne Shy, Seventh-Tony Tomassoni, Eighth-Ty Stoltzfus, Ninth-Zach Fischer and Bailey Sluder

Weight Class One:

First-Keely Huffman, Second-Ty Stoltzfus

Weight Class Two:

First-Kyleigh Martin, Second-Tony Tomassoni

Weight Class Three:

First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Emma Rusk, Third-Sheyenne Shy, Fourth-Kyleigh Martin

Weight Class Four:

First-Brylee Shy, Second-Bode Bridges, Third-Tony Tomassoni, Fourth-Bailey Sluder

Weight Class Five:

First-Sam Stafford, Second-Jaliane Gonzalez, Third-Garrett Olomon, Fourth-Zach Fischer, Fifth-Chris Mullett

Weight Class Six:

First-Grant Rusk, Second-Bode Bridges

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET BEEF: Grant Rusk, Weight Class 6, Tag #45, Ending Weight 1442lbs

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MARKET BEEF: Rafael Gonzalez, Weight Class 3, Tag #56, Ending Weight 1285lbs

Breeding Beef:

Cow/Calf Pair: Kyleigh Martin

GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING BEEF: Kyleigh Martin

 

Sheep Show Results

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Jaliane Gonzalez, Second-Iris McKendry

Intermediate: First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Benji Smith, Third-Lincoln Wingfield

Senior: First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Lily Bomgardner, Third-Doc McCoy, Fourth-Jessie Smith, Fifth-Jolene Mullett, Sixth-Jake Evert

Weight Class One:

First-Kenna Ingram, Second-Rafael Gonzalez, Third-Jaliane Gonzalez

Weight Class Two:

First-Jolene Mullett, Iris McKendry, Third-Doc McCoy, Fourth-Jessie Smith

Weight Class Three:

First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Kenna Ingram

Weight Class Four:

First-Jaliane Gonzalez, Second-Jake Evert

Weight Class Five:

First-Lincoln Wingfield, Second-Doc McCoy

Weight Class Six:

First-Lily Bomgardner

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SHEEP: Rafael Gonzalez, Weight Class 3, Tag #88, Ending Weight 131lbs

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SHEEP: Kenna Ingram, Weight Class 3, Tag #102, Ending Weight 128lbs

Breeding Sheep:

Breeding Ewe: Jessie Smith

GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING SHEEP: Jessie Smith

 

Goat Show Results

Showmanship:

Junior: First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Masha Muzhzhalvev

Intermediate: First-Creed Ingram, Second-Rafael Gonzalez, Third-Alexis Grundy

Senior: First-Justin Grundy, Second-Brylee Shy, Third-Wyatt Grundy

Weight Class One:

First-Madilynn Berry

Weight Class Two:

First-Creed Ingram

Weight Class Three:

First-Rafael Gonzalez, Second-Masha Muzhzhalvev

Weight Class Four:

First-Madilynn Berry, Second-Brylee Shy

Weight Class Five:

First-Wyatt Grundy, Second-Madilynn Berry

Weight Class Six:

First-Alexis Grundy, Second-Justin Grundy

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET GOAT: Rafael Gonzalez, Weight Class 3, Tag #90, Ending Weight 79lbs

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MARKET GOAT: Alexis Grundy, Weight Class 6, Tag #93, Ending Weight 97lbs

Breeding Goat:

Breeding Doe: Alexis Grundy

GRAND CHAMPION BREEDING GOAT: Alexis Grundy

 

Master Showmanship Results

GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR: Jaliane Gonzalez

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR: Madilynn Berry

GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE: Rafael Gonzalez

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE: Creed Ingram

GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR: Kenna Ingram

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SENIOR: Emma Rusk

OVERALL HIGH POINT STATE FAIR QUALIFIER: Rafael Gonzalez