Tag Archives: Westcliffe

Stained Glass: Catholic Church Installs Ninth Of Twelve Panels

Stained Glass Windows Project
Catholic Church Installs Ninth Of Twelve

Panel 9
Photo by Fred Hernandez

by Fred Hernandez
On Tuesday, May 6th, the team of Custer County’s Glass Master Douglas Bayer installed the ninth stained glass window on the north side of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish church on 5th Street in Westcliffe town. The beautiful new stained-glass window is an integral part of the epic biblical story relating to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, with each of the tribes represented in each of the twelve windows. This ninth window in particular is representative of the tribe of Judah. The Biblical Narrative in the Book of John has it that Judah is the tribe of kings, the most preeminent of  the twelve tribes. Many important persons came from this tribe including King David.
In the Catholic church, the twelve tribes are known as the Old Covenant Community while the twelve apostles are the New Covenant Community established by our Lord Jesus. In the stained glass windows the names of the tribes are inscribed at the top of the window while at the bottom is featured the name of one of the apostles thus signifying the connection between the old and the new covenants with Jesus as the cornerstone.

The ninth window has Judah and a menorah on the top panel and the bottom has the name of the apostle Jude. Also known as Thaddeus, Jude is the patron saint of lost causes and impossible situations. The menorah, the seven branched candelabra, represents faith, holiness and the ever-present guidance of God. It reflects a deep connection to Jewish and Christian traditions. The calf resting in the shade of an acacia tree symbolizes the community with a gentle spirit and tranquility reminding us to approach life with kindness and respect. This window with sub-Saharan features depicts the importance of Africa with its fifty-four recognized countries, each with its own culture and several other unrecognized territories. Also noteworthy is the significance of African priests in our Diocese and Parish history as they overshadow our communities with their love, service and guidance much like the tree provides shade and comfort for the resting calf. A bird flies high in the sky symbolic of freedom, hope and a Divine connection that extends to the idea of transcending earthly limitations and reaching for higher ideals.

The bottom of the panel has a censer near the tree and violet flowers. The flowers depict humility, modesty and is a reminder of the widows and orphans; while the censer indicates the burning of incense with the smoke rising up as our prayer offerings to God. Throughout all the twelve windows the blue river of life is shown flowing prominently in the background indicating the nourishment it provides everywhere, even in parched lands. The beautiful landscape beckons thoughts of the new Jerusalem; God’s Heavenly
Kingdom is a lush and magnificent garden.

With only three more windows to go this project is almost completed. The Church looks appropriately beautiful just as the house of God should always be. Come and visit sometime and feel the warmth of God’s Fatherly presence. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
All for the Glory of God.

COL (R) Michael Foster Named 2025 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee

COL (R) Michael Foster Named 2025 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee

—WESTCLIFFE, Colorado

by SDC Sentinel Staff
May 2, 2025

COL Michael Foster. Purple Heart and Outgoing Change of Command Ceremony, 1st Ranger Battalion, July 2012, Savannah, Georgia. Photo courtesy of the Foster Family

Following a distinguished Army career, local Army Ranger COL (R) Michael Foster has been selected for the 2025 Ranger Hall of Fame. Formed in 1992, the Ranger Hall of Fame (HOF) serves the exclusive purpose of honoring and preserving the contributions of America’s most extra-ordinary Rangers. Members of the Ranger HOF include noble warriors like Ranger and Medal of Honor recipient COL Ralph Puckett, General Stanley McChrystal, and General Colin Powell as well as honorary inductee President Abraham Lincoln.  1

Westcliffe’s COL Michael Foster will join their ranks with his induction into the storied Ranger Hall of Fame on Wednesday,
June 25, 2025.    “This honor reflects years of sacrifice, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the Ranger Creed.
[Hall of Fame] inductees represent the very best of the Ranger spirit, exemplifying unparalleled leadership, dedication, and valor throughout their careers, ” stated a post from the US Army
Airborne Ranger Brigade.  2    Continue reading COL (R) Michael Foster Named 2025 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee

August 7th Westcliffe PC Mtg: No on Multifamily Rezone in Shadow Ridge

Westcliffe Planning Commission Votes No on Multifamily Rezoning
in Shadow Ridge Subdivision

—WESTCLIFFE, Colo.
by Gia Mc Nerney, Reporter
— Mailboxes on Mineral Road for the local people approved. Application for rezoning 2 lots in the … subdivision from single family to Multifamily denied. —
The regular monthly meeting of the Westcliffe Planning Commission was held on August 7th, 2024 at 3 p.m. in Patterson Hall. A quorum of Trustees was present, and proceedings commenced. Everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance with pride. Next visitors were recognized, and the agenda was agreed to. Continue reading August 7th Westcliffe PC Mtg: No on Multifamily Rezone in Shadow Ridge

Obituary: Michael John McCarty

Obituary

Michael John McCarty

Michael John McCarty, a cherished father and resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, passed away on November 17, 2023.
Michael found serenity in retirement, living peacefully in his log cabin alongside his loyal dog, Shadow. His memory will be lovingly honored by his daughter and son, who reside in Denver. Michael’s kind spirit and warm presence will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.

Obituary Tyrese Von Dale Moore,

 

Tyrese Moore

Tyrese Von Dale Moore, 24, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tyrese was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on January 6, 2000, the
son of Dawn Markel and Daniel Moore, Jr.
Throughout Tyrese’s life, he loved many things but above all his biggest accomplishment was being a full-time father to his beautiful daughter, Zayla Michelle Moore. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and working out. He had many hobbies and businesses including Sangre De Cristo Locksmith and Moore Spore Store. He was a mycologist and had developed alternative therapies to help those struggling with mental and physical issues as well as people struggling with addiction. Tyrese was a loving and kind man with many friends and family from every walk of life. He loved without judgment or prejudice.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Daniel Moore Jr. (2023); his grandmother, Tina Moore (2013,) and his brother, Artadius Moore (2024).
He is survived by his daughter, Zayla Michelle Moore; his mother, Dawn (Montgomery) Markel; his brothers, DeAndre (Carissa) Hedrick, Ethan Moore, Daytryan Moore and Lyrik Ruane; sisters, Tesa Moore (Arlo Garner), Holly Dilbeck, Madison Atkins and Sawyer Barkley; grandparents, Dexter and Brenda Hedrick and great grandmother, Audrey Hedrick along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will not be a public visitation as cremation has been chosen. Services will be held at New Resurrection Church, 1500 Forrest St., Hutchinson, KS 67501 on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Charles R. Crumble Sr. presiding. A butterfly release will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Please bring your bikes and cars. Wear casual clothes, or whatever is comfortable. Let’s do it big for Tyrese’s final ride to paradise. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the “Zayla Michelle Moore Trust Fund” and can be sent to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502.

New Towing Service in the Valley

by Fred Hernandez


She was a cute little girl growing up in her father’s world. A world of heavy equipment and large vehicles. As soon as Aspen could reach the controls she was learning to operate some of them. At the age of fifteen she was actively helping out as much as she could. As she matured her interest in equipment and heavy machines grew until it became part of her.
Aspen Baltzly is a home grown product of the valley who went to the local school. After graduation she went on to WyoTech to take up what she loved best, working with big equipment. She studied and earned her credentials as a Diesel Mechanic and has an AA degree in Business Management. She also took courses in welding. All this training and years of hands-on experience makes her eminently qualified to run her new business which was only formed late last month.
Today the twenty six year old daughter of Brad Baltzly, Aspen, has started a business that is in great need in Custer County. A towing service. And so, BALTZLY TOWING LLC was born. Her tow truck is an International 2300 wrecker style vehicle with a boom that sports dual winches. It is fully equipped with a stinger and wheel lift which means she can handle any situation including roll overs. In fact, she already came to the rescue of a propane truck that broke down a few days ago.
When not out doing towing jobs Aspen helps her Dad run equipment in the excavation business. Aside from her extensive experience in hauling she also has a hazmat endorsement on her CDL. This is one truly capable, ambitious young lady willing to do the hard work it takes to become successful. She has filled a much needed niche in Custer since we had lost our towing services a couple of years back. For all that time those who had car problems and needed a tow had to wait for the service to be provided from Penrose. At night and in the cold weather that can be one very long wait. Take note, then, in case you ever need the help. Aspen is there for you. Just call BALTZLY TOWING LLC at 719-458-9929. That number is available 24 Hours daily. The Email address is baltzlytowing@gmail.com
On Facebook you can reach Aspen at Baltzly Towing LLC.

October Westcliffe Town Mtg

Chud’s Pizza Gets Liquor License, Round MountainWater District update and SO Quarterly Updates, Trustees Interview Candidates for Town Manager
by Becky Olson
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Town of Westcliffe convened as scheduled on Monday, October 17, 2022, 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 Trustees proceeded to the only item of old business and voted unanimously to approve a liquor license for Chud’s Pizza on Second Street. Moving into new business, the Trustees unanimously voted to grant conditional approval for installation of a mailbox cluster for the town homes at 9 Granada Court, which is contingent upon a signed agreement stipulating responsibilities for maintenance of the mailboxes being delivered to Mayor Wenke for his signature by November 1st. Consideration of a request to waive the building permit fee for an addition to the Fire Department continues to be tabled until the department submits more information to the Trustees. Continue reading October Westcliffe Town Mtg

Round Mountain Water: “Something Really Bad Is Going to Happen”

Round Mountain Water:
“Something Really Bad Is Going to Happen”

No More New Water Taps After December 31st?

by George Gramlich
We have been remiss with not getting into this situation sooner and we apologize for that. And it is a big deal. As most everybody knows, the Round Mountain Water and Sanitation District (RMWSD) has had some problems the last few years with their wells and the waste treatment plant. We’ve seen some information on how they need to replace the waste treatment plant and that they don’t have the money to do it. So we asked Dave Schneider, RMWSD Operations Manager, to drop by and get us up-to-date on the issues. Continue reading Round Mountain Water: “Something Really Bad Is Going to Happen”

PFC Elias A. Zeller Awarded the Army Commendation Medal

PFC Elias A. Zeller
Awarded the Army Commendation Medal

PFC Elias A. Zeller and State Command Sergeant Major John W. Assaad. Courtesy photo

Press Release
Congratulations to PFC Elias A. Zeller, of Westcliffe, Colorado for his accomplishments this month during the 2021 Colorado Army National Guard “Best Warrior” Competition. Continue reading PFC Elias A. Zeller Awarded the Army Commendation Medal

“Thank God for Custer County!” BoH Stands Tall: We Are Open and Free

“Thank God for Custer County!”
BoH Stands Tall: We Are Open and Free
We Will Not Comply

by George Gramlich,
SDC Sentinel Editor,
News and Notations

–March 10, 2021

CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.

Last week’s vote by the Custer County Public Health Agency (BoH) board members to declare the county “normal” and refuse to follow the covid mandates and rules from our Denver overlords made shockwaves all over the state. And especially in the King Polis throne room. As seen below, the state bureaucrats were in an uproar and literally threatened Custer with retribution.
So, this BoH meeting of March 10, 2021, promised to be pretty hot. And hot it was.
The meeting was moved to the courtroom so the peasants could attend. (And attend they did.)   Continue reading “Thank God for Custer County!” BoH Stands Tall: We Are Open and Free