Rodolfo Mateo Barrio was born in El Cero, Provincial de Habana, Cuba.
As a young man, his father was a train engineer in Cuba, running trains from coast to coast. This is where his fascination of trains began. Rudy had a strong work ethic and felt he needed to pursue job opportunities in the U.S. With $200 borrowed from his father, his legal papers in hand, and not knowing a word of English, he boarded a plane on PAN-AM Airlines from Cuba to Kennedy Airport, NY then to New Jersey.
There he worked at the Toostie Roll factory, learned to weld and began working on boilers and buoys at Worthington Pump Co., then he worked at a Sheet Metal Company.
Rudy met his wife of almost 64 years, Esther Chavez who is also from Cuba, born at the El Rosier Farm, Alquizar, Cuba. She worked as a cosmetologist at the NYC Plaza and Sheraton Hotels.
Esther told her mother, she thought he was too skinny. Her mother replied, “don’t worry, we’ll fatten him up, besides, he has strong legs”.
They married in April of 1959 in the Bronx, NY.
After they were married, Esther learned to become an incredible cook and their home was known for feeding the masses.
In the early 1960s they moved to Miami, FL, where they raised their three children.
Rudy received his GED and then earned his Electrical and Refrigeration certifications. Rudy was also an avid reader – everything from history to politics. While in Florida, he worked for the Wendy’s Corporation fixing their equipment throughout southern Florida, even the Bahamas. Rudy was never without a tool in his hands, always looking for something to fix. He was always working on a project.
His passion, however, was for Cuban orchestra music of his time. He loved the orchestras and African influences. Benny Morè was the greatest Cuban singer and his number one favorite. ‘Lajas Mi Rincon Criollo de Benny Morè was a favorite of Rudy’s along with, Perez Prado, Orchestra Aragon and Celia Cruz. He also loved ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles.
He had an ear for that cuban beat and rhythms and loved to beat on the ‘tumbadoras’, (large congo drums).
You would never see him sitting when he heard that beat- he would always be on his feet dancing!
In 2020, Rudy and Esther, Danny and Lisa moved in with their daughter and son-in-law, Barb and Ron Beckner in Westcliffe, CO. He enjoyed helping Ron around the property, at the rodeo grounds, with runs to Ace Hardware. He enjoyed meeting the wonderful new friends and incredible neighbors.
Rudy lived life…and it was blessed because of his love for his wife Esther. She made sure he was well taken care of and always with her.
Rodolfo Mateo Barrio is survived by his wife Esther Barrio, children, Barbara (Ron) Barrio Beckner and Robert (Christy) Solano and his by grandchildren, Jonny (Candelario) Saldana,
Chichi Barrio, Madison Barrio, in-laws, Lisa
(Danny) Hernandez and Antonio Manuel Chavez, and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews. Rudy was preceded in death by his son Rodolfo Barrio.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted through the Custer County School District. Please make checks out to The Custer County School District and in the memo line please put ‘Rudy Barrio/welding lab’. Mail checks to The Custer County School District c/o Donna Newell, 709 Main Street, CO 81252.
by Fred Hernandez
There’s a new author in our valley and the timing in the release of his new book could not have been more ideal. “A Blueprint and Financial Guide for the Working-Class American”written by Ronald D Beckner is a great read for anyone who is concerned about the state of our national and world economy and who wants to help preserve their assets in these times of uncertain financial confidence. A short but educational read, this hundred twenty-page softcover, is a guidebook that is designed to educate everyone who gets their hands on it. The author, Ron Beckner, is a knowledge-able, high-energy individual who has vast experiences throughout his life and career. A Colorado native born in Denver in 1964, Ron graduated from Golden High in 1982 and by the summer of ‘83, had joined the United States Navy. After boot camp he was stationed on board the USS Belleau Wood an LHA-3 (Landing, Helo, Amphibious) aircraft carrier which was the naval platform for the Harrier Jump Jets and helicopters the Marines called Cobras. It was also considered a hospital ship
because it was the largest medical facility afloat. During his four-year stint in the U.S. Navy, he learned to be a pipefitter and a welder. From the Navy he joined the Coast Guard for another four years. After his time in service, he joined the union in Denver, Colorado (Pipefitters Local Union 208) but remained in the Naval Reserves for the next sixteen years. One of the first jobs for Ron was in the Denver International Airport; under construction in 1992.
As a pipefitter/welder he worked for several well-known enterprises including INTEL in Colorado Springs, Coors Brewery and the Black Hills power plant while working his way up to the positions of general foreman and superintendent on the job sites. In the meantime, he rose to the position of President of the union and at the same time was a member on the Executive Board. Once he achieved that goal, Ron then decided that it was time to return to college to earn a degree.
Coincidentally, the Department of the Navy contacted him with an offer to work on the naval facilities in Hawaii including those at Pearl Harbor. It was while working in Hawaii that he graduated from college with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Management. At this point in his storied life Ron shifted his focus to the finance industry and became a financial advisor in a well-known national company. He gained a lot of experience with developing business and helping clients and within five short years achieved the position of Limited Partner. At this time, he made his home in the town of Westcliffe in Custer County, Colorado, just southwest of Colorado Springs.
Due to certain circumstances he decided to refocus his talents and help his town in one of the activities that was quite important to the area….The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club Stampede Rodeo. Through his determined efforts, the rodeo, which is an annual event in many western rural areas, Ron, as a member of the local the Wet Mountain Saddle Club Board, formed a rodeo committee and together made contact and worked closely with the national association and succeeded in having the local, Custer County rodeo, recognized by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) a well-established rodeo entity which helped to place Custer County on the national rodeo map. It was an important achievement for the county thanks to Ron and other members of the Saddle Club and Rodeo Committee. With that done he moved on and returned to financial advising, this time as an Independent Financial Advisor associating with Raymond James, one of the biggest financial brokerage firms in the entire country.
Through his work as a financial advisor Ron saw the need for a documented strategy when assisting his many clients. It was then
he decided to write the book.
Counting on his experiences in the Navy he explains that his strategy is to help position his clients from possible “hits” which in the real world can come from any direction and at any time. The foundation of the strategy as devised by Ron is T. I. M. E. which is the acronym for Tools, Information, Materials and Equipment. However, he added one more letter R for Real. The clock only goes one way, and the strategy works only in R-TIME: real time. This book is
fascinating in that it is not the usual “financial” handbook or folio. It is written in interesting and vivid prose and replete with graphs, pictures, illustrations and visual aids for understanding the content.
Going back to his navy days and the USS Belleau Wood, he recalled that when it came time to replace the ship, the Navy decided to sink her. They fired cannon, missiles and other
ordnance but the ship was so solidly constructed that it would not sink. This is where Ron got the concept that investment strategies must be watertight and “sink proof” like a mighty aircraft carrier. And that is how he approaches every one of his client’s financial plans.
We will be following up this article with a book report at which time details of the book and the strategy for helping you preserve your assets will be further discussed. For more information, please call Peaks Integrity office at 719-581-7325 or visit the website www.peaks-integrity.com.
Peaks Integrity Wealth Management /Raymond James
595 Hermit Rd
Westcliffe CO 81252
Ronald D Beckner Financial Advisor
Disclosures: Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Peaks Integrity Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. The information contained in this book and article does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Ronald Beckner and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is not responsible for the consequences of any particular transaction or investment decision based on the content of this book or article. All financial, retirement and estate planning should be individualized as each person’s situation is unique.
BOCC: Big Sheriff’s Office Report, County Maintenance Proposal, Two STRs Approved, County Attorney Resigns
by George Gramlich, News and Commentary February 7, 2023 BOCC Meeting:
The February 7, 2023 Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting started at 9 a.m. with all three royal commissioner musketeers present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Traitor Tom “TT” Flower.
It was the usual blah, blah fest during Commissioner Items.
Staff Reports were next. The Veterans Service Officer reported that the Veteran Trust Fund is no longer operational in the county as there is no volunteer administrator available to run it. Fund was $75k a year and will be sorely missed.
Sheriff Rich Smith was next. He said the closing of the jail went smoothly. He noted that there were ten transports to/from the Fremont County Jail and they were nicely done by the Posse. Smith said 16 other Colorado county jails have also closed due to the new insane jail regulations from Denver. He also told the muskies that bond hearings in Custer can be done via video to the Fremont jail which eliminates the need for a transport.
Smith also said that they had completed the yearly mandatory Evidence Audit and in 2022 there were 25 pieces of evidence missing, mostly “electronic” evidence like body cam footage. Smith told the muskies that every vehicle the Sheriff’s Office used now has a trauma kit and that all the Posse members now have rifle rated bullet proof vests. He thanked local Mike Pennica for donating money for the SO’s canine bullet proof vest. Continue reading BOCC Feb 7&8, County Attorney Resigns, Big SO Report, County Maintenance Prop→
Custer County Welcomes Our
New Undersheriff Susan Barnes
by Fred Hernandez
Off to a rapid start, the Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith appointed a new Undersheriff who was sworn in at the Courthouse on January 10th. Ms. Susan Barnes is eminently qualified for the position as will be seen from a very recent interview with the Sentinel.
The daughter of an Army veteran, she was born in Augsburg, Germany. Eventually they were moved to Yakima, Washington, where her father just recently finished out a 30-year career with the NSA. She attended a small Christian high school with a graduating class of only nineteen. Moving yet again, Susan attended college in
Cedarville, Ohio; a Baptist/Christian college where she
majored in Secondary Education, English and Performing Arts.
Her mother, a concert pianist who studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the inspiration for Susan’s deep love of music. She plays the piano, the flute and other musical instruments and is also a thespian who sings opera. At this point we might conclude she is not the normal police officer by any means. The inspiration, to be a law enforcement professional, came to her when, as a senior in college, she experienced an event wherein the lifesaving intervention of a state trooper generated a keen interest for her to dedicate her life work to helping others.
Aside from the musical talents, Susan’s life experiences, following a military spouse around the country for 20 years, are enough to fill two resumes. These include her work as the owner of a real estate company, a florist, a personal banker, a paralegal and an event organizer, to name just a few. As a law enforcement officer her experience and training run the gamut of the myriad of duties within a police station. She is POST ( Peace Officer Standards & Testing) certified not once, but twice, the latest being at the Pikes Peak Community College POST ACADEMY after which she signed on as law enforcement officer at Pikes Peak now known as Pikes Peak State College.
Before that she worked in Teller County and while going through her second certification she worked as an officer in the small town of Green Mountain Falls (between Manitou and Woodland Park). At that job she worked her way up to Acting Chief of Police.
The scope of her 14 years of police work spans the jobs of dispatcher, deputy, patrol officer, acting police chief, Sargent in Florence, Colorado, Police Department for two years and has done every conceivable task needed as a deputy or police officer. Susan is a good organizer and administrator and has countless hours of leadership training both in law enforcement and the civilian world. She can plan, lead, organize, streamline operations and maintain effective controls of assets and liabilities of a law enforcement department. In her new job Susan does not foresee making any huge changes. However, she is “big on community policing.” Keeping law enforcement in close touch with the needs of the public she serves. She looks forward to working with the department to more effectively use the time, money and resources they have to keep Custer County residents the safest and most informed they have ever been.
Susan is a very strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution as originally written, especially the 1st and 2nd Amendments.
She is excited to become an active member in our community and went to work right away to purchase a home just outside of Silver Cliff. There is no doubt that Susan will be a most welcome addition to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and a great asset to local law enforcement.
We wish Susan all the best in her new responsibilities as Undersheriff of Custer County.
Press Release
The West Custer County Hospital District Board of Directors will be developing a Long-Range Planning Committee. That committee will be examining the current and projected needs of Custer County, and discussing potential responses to those needs. The first meeting will be at 2 p.m., Monday, February 13., 2023, in the board room of the Custer County Clinic building. WCCHD Board President
Bob Tobin and Secretary Alma Golden will host the discussion and initiate the format and guidelines for future meetings, committee membership, discussions and planning. Community input is welcomed!
Noted physicist and entrepreneur Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passed away on November 25, 2022.
Chuck founded several startups and was instrumental in the development and applications of surface science technology in engineering. He developed multiple electrical charge control methods and technical innovations, filing 16 patents and publishing numerous articles. Continue reading Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passes→
by Charlotte Burrous,
Fremont Crusader
—Cañon City, CO
Words from concerned citizens fell on deaf ears when the RE-1 School Board placed the Standard Operating Procedure Cañon City Schools Guidelines for Supporting Transgender & Gender-Diverse Students on the agenda as an informational piece. This means that it will be voted on first reading in the next school meeting on February 13th then approved on second reading at the February 27th meeting.
Apparently, not much has changed since the original seven-page policy was presented by the board in 2022. When residents found out what the board planned to do, more than 100 people attended the June meeting to express their disagreement, but apparently, the board intends to do what it planned to do all along.
During the visitor’s section, Isabel Sandoval spoke against the policy.
“As a parent, we’re supposed to create culture for our children, but it is apparent that not all children have that kind of supportive upbringing,” she said. “When we the parents don’t create a culture or don’t do it effectively, that’s when immorality and evilness will eventually steal our children.”
When she was a parent, she said her biggest concerns were learning whether her children were behaving in their classrooms, sports or other school events. Continue reading RE-1 School Board Continues Toward Approval of Transgender Policy→
by Dale Klingbeil Custer County, Colorado
The movement of our transportation modes are being pushed to Electric Vehicles, (EV). By now everyone knows, what EV is and most can relate to Tesla.
I come from an agricultural background. I grew up with horses on a Wisconsin farm. Albeit those were work horses. I commend the riders that I see here, for they are probably the most environmentally friendly of all the modes available here in Colorado.
I have been an engine guy, (they call us, Gear Heads) since I could hold head bolts in my hand. Studied and ground in some of the highest engine production companies in the world. My thermodynamics professor, stated clearly that engines are about 1/3 efficient. One third is dispersed in heat directly from the engine. One third is exhausted straight out the tail pipe. Finally, one third is used for powering the wheels which makes us move on our highways, roads and fields.
My “Thermo” professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering was also clear that the very best electric steam turbine generated electric plant was just less than 40% efficient. I was impressed and amazed at the steam tables to investigate and show the comparisons.
But, since those days, (at the direction of the Government), we are moving toward a different mode of transportation. I wish to provide some considerations to the purchase of an EV. It is clear that Government does not have a clear understanding of this extreme change. We, the public will be the testing ground for their “Green Energy” experiment.
First, I want to try to express the support of our rural electrification that occurred in the years when America was working with gas lamps to see at night. It was a monumental evolution. Edison’s light bulb changed the world.
But, now the perfect application of electric power in a mobile vehicle, is different. The power is created in a large coal fired central location. Again, we are told something around 40% efficient. My information some would indicate that a typical automotive engine is 40% efficient. Either can be argued today.
The electric lines losses have been reported to be 6.8%. In a California report. I would guess that these lines losses are greater in Colorado as a normal result of temperature. This was gleaned from a Stanford report for “Physics 240”. If I could estimate, probably closer to 8% here in Colorado. Further research would be needed to dig in and report or refute this.
The batteries current installed in EVs are very heavy and use many very special minerals. For example, cobalt travels about 20,000 miles from the Congo mines to the California factory to be added in the battery assembly.
Once the battery is installed and you have taken delivery of your EV with grand hopes of providing efficient and clean transportation, you can be happy. That is the best satisfaction that you will receive. https://news.yahoo.com/brother-sister-had-stop-6-090000489.html
Six charges for the day, as this brother and sister team from Orlando to Kansas. The trip was lengthened by nearly six hours to accommodate the charging of the battery. No unusual weather conditions or accidents were noted.
Electric motors which drive wheels are very efficient. You will normally hear of 90 to 95% efficient. This is true, under full load conditions and ideal temperatures. By the way, ideal temperature as noted in reports available online are; 53 degrees F to 113 degree F for a high temperature. Hmmm…Seems a bit optimistic in Westcliffe or maybe even in Colorado. https://www.torquenews.com/ 2250/battery-degradation-extreme-temperatures-might-not-be-bad-aaa-says
The article referred to above shows test results. ““The average range of the vehicles was 105 miles at 75 degrees, but it dropped a shocking 57% to just 43 miles at 20 degrees and 33% to 69 miles at 95 degrees. According to Greg Brannon, the director of automotive engineering at AAA, “We expected degradation in the range of vehicles in both cold and hot climates, but we did not expect the degradation we saw.””
As soon as you turn on the windshield wipers, A/C or heat, powered seats, powered windows when in operation and any device, the battery charge diminishes. More rapidly in cold weather.
Another point of exacting motor
performance must be stated. EV has a characteristic that must be understood. It is called, Zero-RPM, maximum torque.
Engines must build up this power by engine RPM acceleration to get to maximum torque. Thus no, gas/diesel engine vehicle will beat an EV off the line with a fully charged battery in ideal temperatures. Once the two imaginary vehicles are off the line all bets are off, the variables become, too great to determine. It is kind of like trying to have a conversation with two technicians… One is an auto mechanic and the other is an electrician. Tough going!
Now that our EV is on the road and cruising along, we need to understand that it only takes, 10 to 15 and maybe pushing 20 HP to keep your vehicle in motion, even at say, 65 MPH. So, the HP ratings provided for either of the EV or our conventional gas/diesel engine are pretty much meaningless.
Throttle position or guidance to our controller providing power to the wheels, is based on, desired speed, load, (weight) and temperature conditions. Electric Vehicles are much heavier than gas/diesel powered vehicles. Of course, wind resistance is a factor. That will produce its very own set of calculations. Wind resistance is a function of square feet of surface exposed to the wind. Vectors aside, we will ignore this. https://x-engineer.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Electric-motor-efficiency-map.jpg?838290&838290
The chart shows that the necessary power required to operate an EV at lower speeds is minimal, (city driving). Thus, the efficiencies drop off considerably.
The cold temperature chart starts to get below 50% efficient. This is where we really get to the point of comparison.
An example in which the battery output is diminished as a result of use. The temperature range could be a factor or not. We can speculate and call today, 40 degrees F, daytime temperature. (Recall that this temp is outside of ideal for battery operation range). Again, we can extrapolate and say that the efficiency is at 45 -50%. My gas/diesel is 40% all day. Same pollution, as the coal fired power source for the EV, and almost same efficiency.
The more expensive EV’s now have heat pumps to maintain the temperature of the battery. Heat pumps are powered by the battery in the EV. Again, this will drain the battery faster. When the battery is exposed to temperatures and will perform based on its physics. In general terms, the colder the temp that lower the output from the battery. Also, note that the power lines to your house or to the charger on the street are performing at less-than-ideal power outputs during colder temperatures. The last charging station I recorded an output of 7,300 watts to charge the EV connected to it. The quick charge of approximately 45 minutes at this rate of charge. (Just imagine 73 100watt light bulbs at this charge station). These outputs will vary with the number of EVs connected to the adjoining charge stations.
My current gas/diesel fired engine runs at about 220 Degrees F, (normal operating temperature). The variation of this temperature is very minimal. It does not matter if is zero degrees or 100 degrees, F. outside. The thermal efficiency of this has been improved over the last 120 years. This is of course when running and warmed up to temp, (we call this normal operating temperature).
Our EV, however, is never up to temperature and is always subject to ambient temps.
Here is my bottom line.
Power generated at 220 Volts is now less by 8% at ideal temps. The local power station will kick this up to match what their requirements are. A loss of power to the atmosphere again.
My normal EV operation puts me at something between 90% and 50% efficient in normal operation. This is dependent on the battery charge, and battery age. The degraded battery at lower temperatures and further degraded charge as is the case as you drive, the efficiency drags to even lower levels.
Again, to be clear, the pollution created is similar with coal fired power plant to our normal gas/diesel engine driven vehicle. We are something pretty close to 80% coal produced electricity here in Southern Colorado. EV implementation has driven coal production to a record high in 2022. Power outages in regions of the USA are becoming more prevalent, and cost is not even a consideration when you add all the shortcomings of EV.
Life expectancies of an ideal battery is stated to be 400,000 miles. Well, no one drives in ideal conditions. The EV warranties seem to be good indicators in these conditions. Most EV warranties have limits of 100,000 miles. Historical information would indicate that 150,000 miles is an actual battery life. The replacement of a battery is somewhere between $12,000 to $20,000 plus installation. The shortcomings may be isolated but could be deadly. The car heater will not operate when the battery is dead. The EV will not move. You can hope that you have enough charge in your phone to call 911 for help.
Leaving your EV outside on below zero nights will provide new experiences with power and drivability. Think about the overnight stay at an high elevation ski resort with subzero outdoor temperatures. Even plugged in will not produce the charge as compared to the indoor heated garage. The accident conditions or stuck in a snow drift, mired in stalled traffic on the freeway will be reported. I can only assume that more death and anguish will be reported during this winter as EV’s become more prevalent.
These EV’s can provide service, but the care given to them needs to indoctrinated and observed. My advice would be to stay close to home and give particular care to this very sensitive piece of equipment. Temperature exposure is critical to operation.
Your gas/diesel can run and stay warm… NOT an EV.
On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Jimmie Ray Pierce, a beloved husband, brother and friend, passed away at the young age of 69. Born to parents Carl and Tessie Pierce on August 17, 1953 in Madisonville, Texas, Jimbo, as he was lovingly known, attended Erie High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball. Continue reading Services for Jimmie Ray Pierce→
The author, Ron Beckner, is a knowledge-able, high-energy individual who has vast experiences throughout his life and career. A Colorado native born in Denver in 1964, Ron graduated from Golden High in 1982 and by the summer of ‘83, had joined the United States Navy. After boot camp he was stationed on board the USS Belleau Wood an LHA-3 (Landing, Helo, Amphibious) aircraft carrier which was the naval platform for the Harrier Jump Jets and helicopters the Marines called Cobras. It was also considered a hospital ship
Off to a rapid start, the Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith appointed a new Undersheriff who was sworn in at the Courthouse on January 10th. Ms. Susan Barnes is eminently qualified for the position as will be seen from a very recent interview with the Sentinel.
Noted physicist and entrepreneur Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passed away on November 25, 2022.
