Category Archives: 2018

2018, Custer County Kids

Bobcats Roll at Homecoming, Tailgate Party a Success

by CCSD-1 Coaching Staff
The Miami-Yoder Buffaloes came to Custer County for the annual homecoming game and left with a 72-0 loss on their record. It was a beautiful day that began with the dedication of a brand-new scoreboard which was donated by the Aught-6-Ranch.

New Scoreboard

Following the kickoff, the Bobcats stopped Miami in 3 downs and an errant snap gave CCHS the ball on the Buffaloes 30 and in a few plays, Chad Lewenkamp hit Elias Zeller on a touchdown pass that put Custer County up to stay. Lewenkamp added the extra point and it was 8-0.
A key 4th down stop by Lewenkamp and Wyatt Aldrich gave the Bobcats the ball back and, in a few plays, Cole Budds was walking into the end zone followed by 2 point conversion by Ray Perez. Continue reading Bobcats Roll at Homecoming, Tailgate Party a Success →

2018, Uncategorized

The 2018 Ballot: Our Take

by George Gramlich
Analysis and Commentary
We get a ton of people asking us about our political opinions on various subjects here at The Sentinel. This year being no exception. A lot of folks have been asking about the 2018 Colorado Statewide Election on November 6th, and what we think about the people running and the ballot issues. Let’s have at it.

Part I:    Brief Vote Summary of our State ballot issue choices.
Part II:  Custer County ballot plus some analysis and commentary
on our calls on the State ballot issues.

Part I: Brief Summary of State Ballot Issues:

Amendment V: NO. Lower Age Requirement for Members of the State Legislature
Amendment W: NO. Election Ballot Format for
Judicial Retention Elections
Amendment X: YOUR CALL.
Industrial Hemp Definition
Amendment Y: NO. Congressional Redistricting
Amendment Z: NO. Legislative Redistricting
Amendment A: YES. Prohibit Slavery and Involuntary Servitude
in All Circumstances
Amendment 73: NO. Funding for Public Schools
Amendment 74: YES. Compensation for Reduction in Fair Market Value by Government Law of Regulation (After reading this article, we are leaning toward NO.
Amendment 75: YES. Campaign Contributions
Proposition 109: YES. Authorize Bonds for Highway Projects.
(GG: This is the “Fix Our D*mn Roads” proposition. Paid for out of the General Fund, thus, no tax increase.)
Proposition 110: NO. Authorize Bonds for Highway Projects
(Huge tax increase!!!)
Proposition 111: NO. Limitations on Payday Loans
Proposition 112: NO. Increased Setback Requirement for Oil and Natural Gas Development. Continue reading The 2018 Ballot: Our Take →

2018, Uncategorized

Book Review: T.L. Davis’ “Shadow Soldiers”

by George Gramlich

I met TL Davis four years ago at the Independence Day Parade in Westcliffe. He had come to observe and march with the Southern Colorado Patriots Club Second Amendment section of the parade. I didn’t know he was there until later in the day. That’s how TL operates, I found out later.
TL runs the blogspot “Christian Mercenary” (http://christianmerc.blogspot.com) where he writes perceptive comments on current politics from a clearly conservative, Christian viewpoint. He is definitely on the “prepper” side of the aisle, and like a lot of us, feels that an economic and/or political tsunami is coming soon.
After the parade, TL came over to the old Sentinel building and we had a chance to meet and have a nice chat. He told me about himself a little bit and that he was a writer and had written some books and even a play. Continue reading Book Review: T.L. Davis’ “Shadow Soldiers” →

2018

Fatal Crash South of Colorado Springs

COLORADO STATE PATROL

Press Release
Colorado State Patrol

–10/4/2018

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on northbound I-25 mile post 135.5  on October 4, 2018, at approximately 1525 hours. The crash is approximately 1 mile south of Colorado Springs.
A gray Volkswagen GTI was northbound on the I-25 on ramp from Academy Blvd. After the lane merges to one lane the Volkswagen passed another vehicle on the left. The Volkswagen traveled into the far left lane and cut off a Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson was traveling northbound I-25 in the left lane. The driver of the motorcycle  lost control and was ejected.
The driver of the Volkswagen was identified as 34 year-old James Fritz of Littleton CO.  James was not injured in the crash and was charged with Vehicular Homicide.
The driver of the Harley Davidson was identified as 54 year-old Michael Melanson of Littleton, CO. Michael was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced deceased on-scene.
The crash remains under investigation.

–UPDATE 10/05/2018
Press release  by Colorado State Patrol  updated today, to note that Michael Melanson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

2018, Uncategorized

Cuban Nationals Busted for Big Illegal Pot Grow

Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO)
—October 2, 2018
Press Release
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Colorado State Patrol, executed a search warrant on 1089 County Road 310 in rural Westcliffe on a suspected Illegal Marijuana Grow. The search resulted in the arrest of two Cuban Nationals, 35-year-old Serguey Recondo Palomino and 35-year-old Yenny Pena Hernandez. Continue reading Cuban Nationals Busted for Big Illegal Pot Grow →

2018, BOCC Meetings

BOCC September 19th

BOCC: Airport Fuel, CC Logo Debate,
Sheriff’s Office Contract

Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC)
—September 19, 2018
WETMORE, Colo.

by Jackie Bubis
The meeting started at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Commissioner Canda was present via speaker phone. Introductions of the public followed.
Commissioner Items
Commissioner Printz has been on vacation and did not have any commissioner items.
Commissioner Canda reported that the fuel terminal for the two jet fuels is now working at the airport. The project at the airport will be worked on in phases as weather permits. He reported sending correspondence regarding dust abatement to Mr. and Mrs. Sweere. And he has been working with Cheryl Trent on the scope of the strategic plan from the Redi grant. Continue reading BOCC September 19th →

2018

Another Cotopaxi Homicide

Press Release
Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
On September 22nd, 2018, at approximately 10:45 p.m. Fremont County Deputies were dispatched to the area of K Path and 30th Trail in Cotopaxi on a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival deputies confirmed one person had been shot and was deceased.
Fremont County Deputies, Fremont County Investigations unit and CBI are investigating this as a homicide.  Continue reading Another Cotopaxi Homicide →

2018

Meth Bust on the Grade

by George Gramlich

Westcliffe, Colo.

As noted in the attached Custer County Sheriff’s press release on the incident, Custer County Sheriff’s Deputies, with the help of a canine team from the Fountain Police Department, executed a search warrant, Sunday, September 16th, on a residence about a quarter mile off of County Road 255 (Oak Creek Grade), Mile Marker 9, and arrested two people on various charges involving possession and distribution of meth-amphetamine (meth). Continue reading Meth Bust on the Grade →

2018

The House That Neighbors Built -List of Contributors

Contributors to Judy Overy-Field’s
New House Construction

 

Non-Profit & Government

Central Colorado Housing

Debbie Bell, Fremont County Commissioner

 

Volunteer Contractor

Chris Jenkins with Jenkins Homes, Inc.

 

Businesses

A-1 Garage Doors & Openers LLC

AG Engineering & Environmental Svc, Inc.

Boughtons Precast Inc.

Canon Rental

Circle B Home Improvement & Remodeling LLC

Elder Excavating

Enxx Propane

Fireplace Pros, LLC

Fremont County Humane Society

Fremont Paving and Redi-Mix, Inc.

High Country Construction

Howard Disposal

J.R.B. Electric, LLC

Johnny’s Plumbing & Hydronics Co.

Lone Wolf Disposal

Office Depot, Cañon City

Penrose Steel & Tubing Inc.

Shepherd’s Insulation

Sherwin-Williams, Cañon City

Sonny’s Ace Hardware Knecht Home Center

Speedy’s Skidloader Service

The Home Depot, Cañon City

The Petal Pusher Flower Shop

The Woodshed Stove Sop Inc.

Tom’s Handyman & Home Repair

TSC Tractor Supply Co.

Twin Peaks Drilling & Pump Services

Winsupply of Cañon City

 

Newspapers

Daily Record

Pueblo Chieftain

Sangre de Cristo Sentinel

Fremont County Crusader

The Canon City Shopper

 

Volunteers

Anonymous

Bob Brewster

Julie Chavez

Dich & Stephanie Cook

Paul Eggleston

Steve Ferdig

Phil Foster

Dick Fultz

Mike Gonzalez

Kay Hall

Scott Hanlon

Michael Hayes

Kristine Hopkins

Chris Jenkins & his crew

Tom Kravis

Ryan Merrill

Elle Palmer

Dana & Susan Paulson

Gary Pickens

Nancy Simonson

Martha Starr, Coordinator

Tom Wolf

 

Financial Contributions/Donations

Brett & Connie Batson

Jim & Gayle Bradburn

Dick & Stephanie Cook

Vickie Cosgrove

Nancy Crane

Mike & Pat Donnelly

George Dwight

Dick Fultz

Michael Hayes & Kristine Hopkins

Tom Kravis

Bob & Linda Leck

Jerry & Linda Lou Madson

Mary McBroom

Sonya Meinecke

Dana & Susan Paulson

Craig Prue & Teresa Masar

Connie Sax

Cindy Cindy Shackelford

Jim & Nancy Simonson

Dennis Starr

Ed & Martha Starr

June Versluys

Charlie Wolfers

Tom & Rebecca Wolf

 

 

 

2018

Cougar Up Close Only Five Miles from Town

Cougar Up Close
Only Five Miles from Town

by Fred Hernandez

–WESTCLIFFE, Colo.
The summer day was coming to an end. It had been a hot afternoon and the early evening breezes drifting through the open window was a welcome change. Mike Kienbusch, Westcliffe resident, was alone at home five miles from town up Hermit Road.
Now, through the same window came the unmistakable sound of danger in the back yard. The chickens were desperately clucking away and Mike knew from previous events that there might just be a predator on his property. Continue reading Cougar Up Close Only Five Miles from Town →