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Tuesday July 26, 2022

Welcome To The 4th Issue of Volume 2!

CPW limits water contact activities to fishing only on DeWeese Reservoir ​

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WESTCLIFFE, Colo. – A growing bloom of toxic blue-green algae at DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to warn the public to avoid contact with the water. 
 
“Algae has become a seasonal problem at DeWeese, forcing CPW in recent summers to close the water to all activity except fishing to prevent the risk of exposure to humans and their pets,” said CPW District Wildlife Manager Justin Krall. “The algae can be harmful to people and pets if touched. It can give sensitive people a bad rash, for example. And it’s possibly fatal if ingested.” 
 
Signs are being posted at the reservoir by CPW warning visitors to avoid the water and explaining the danger of the algae blooms. 
 
The signs warn people to keep kids and pets out of the water at risk of death from the toxic algae. The signs warn people not to drink the water and no water recreation including swimming, skiing, paddle-boarding and wading. 
 
If anyone or their pet comes into contact with the algae, the signs urge them to shower immediately with fresh, clean water. 
 
The warning was prompted after testing found dangerous levels of toxicity in the water and elevated levels of algae were observed in a turquoise-colored film on the reservoir.  
 
“You can still fish during an algae bloom,” Krall said. “But there should be no skin-to-water contact. 
 
“It’s also important to take care when handling and cleaning any fish caught in DeWeese. Toxins accumulate in the liver and guts of fish. So it’s important any fish taken is properly cleaned and thoroughly cooked before eating it.”  
 
Algae blooms are common when temperatures rise, usually in late summer, he said. CPW has been monitoring the reservoir closely, taking weekly water samples to check for elevated toxicity. 
 
DeWeese Reservoir SWA is a 300-acre property near Westcliffe with good fishing. Other forms of recreation still allowed at the SWA include: picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing and camping.   
 
Algae are an important part of aquatic food webs, but some types of blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins that may cause negative health impacts for humans and pets at elevated concentrations. Currently there is no method to remove toxins from lakes. 
 
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends the following: 
  • Keep kids out 
  • No pets in water 
  • Do not drink water 
  • Avoid contact with algae 
  • If exposed, shower immediately 
More information on blue-green algae is available on CDPHE’s website. 
 
The public can help reduce the occurrence of blue-green algae blooms by preventing nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from entering waterways through responsible use of lawn fertilizers, picking up pet waste, and avoiding using deicers that contain urea.  ​

​Chalk the Firehouse: A Huge Success!

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     Last Saturday, July 23, 2022, the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District (WMFPD) hosted “Chalk the Firehouse.”  Local agencies also lending a hand were the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Flight for Life, Custer County Kid’s Council, Custer County Office of Emergency Management, and the U.S. Forest Service.   
     Kids of all ages, including those “young at heart,” were treated to a delicious lunch, a bubble machine, a plethora of information, tours of the fire trucks and helicopters, and the fun opportunity of doing chalk drawings in the fire bays and on the road.  The smiles and laughter of the young and old, were contagious!   
Many thanks to all those that made this event possible and for those that came out on a hot summer day to meet our wonderful and dedicated First Responders! 
 
- by Tracy Ballard ​

​2022 Custer County Fair Results Announced

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 ​
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