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

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).

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.

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!