Gunnison Country Times, April 17, 2025 by alanwartesmedia

County mulls new building permit fee system

Commissioners

approve dramatic hike in cost of appeals

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

Gunnison County commissioners are considering a change in how building permit fees are calculated, charging a flat 1% of the estimated valuation of a proposed project. That would be good news for people wanting to undertake projects less than $500,000 in value, who would see permit fees drop by up to 25%. However,

Permit fees A6

OPINION: Local veterans deserve nothing less, A4

COMMUNITY: Behind the stems, B1

SPORTS: Cowboy baseball splits doubleheader, B6

A14-A17

New chief leads Gunnison Police Department

Sam Costello takes over after 30-year career in Olympia, WA

Bella

Biondini Times Editor

Sam Costello, the City of Gunnison’s new police chief, accepted his oath of office on Tuesday, April 8.

Former, long-serving police chief Keith Robinson retired at the start of 2025. After a yearlong process to find a replacement, Gunnison City Council welcomed Costello and his family to Gunnison with a cer-

emony at City Hall last week. Costello was joined by friends and colleagues from Olympia.

“Chief Costello is the leader that this community deserves, and I remain grateful that he chose us and to call this place his home and serve our community,” said City Manager Amanda Wilson.

Costello attended his first year of college at Western Colorado University, but ultimately earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University in California. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Virginia.

Costello started his policing career in 1996 as a community service officer for the Lacey, Police chief A7

STOR to help relieve public lands staffing pressure Committee

organizing funds for Forest Service seasonals

Bella Biondini Times Editor

With the recent gutting of public land management offices around the valley, eyes turned quickly to Gunnison County’s Sustainable Tourism

and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee. With the summer season growing near, bringing with it crowds of campers, hikers and bikers, the 21-member committee decided to step in.

This month, STOR took the lead on funding a small seasonal crew to reduce the rising workload of the U.S. Forest Service Gunnison Ranger District. The agency, hit hard by the layoffs earlier this year, is responsible for managing more than 1 million acres of national forest in the valley. The Forest Service oversees many

Staffing A8

HONORING THE PAST: On April 10, Gunnison High School students and Vietnam War veterans filed into the school auditorium for an assembly. At the end of the event, history teacher Mark High and John Nelson of American Legion Post 54 presented their fellow veterans with tokens of appreciation, “challenge coins” made to commemorate 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. For more, see A4. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Gems from the BiBle THE THIRD DAY

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures

~1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (RSV)

Selected by Renee Balch & Leta Haverly

Permit fees

new construction at the high end — $2 million and up — could see the amount they pay double, or even triple.

A public hearing on the proposed change will be held in mid-May. The exact date has not been set.

In the meantime, commissioners voted on Tuesday to approve changes to other fees that do not require a public hearing. In particular, the board approved substantial hikes in the fees charged when an applicant appeals a county land use, permit or enforcement decision. The decision raised the cost from $250 to $3,132. In addition, projects seeking a variance from existing regulations will also be charged $3,132.

The resolution also authorized annual changes in other fees — for Gunnison sagegrouse and oil and gas review — based on fluctuations in the consumer price index.

In 2022, commissioners approved a significant increase in the cost of building permits. The purpose of the hike was to correct a discrepancy between revenue collected through fees and the actual cost of “development review” by Gunnison County Community and Economic Development staff. According to a staff memo to commissioners, between 2016 and 2021, the average annual cost to the county to make up the shortfall for permit reviews was nearly $250,000, meaning all taxpayers were subsidizing the process.

That updated fee structure alleviated that imbalance and the program has not operated

at a loss since 2022. However, after three years of implementing the higher fees, community development staff have concluded the system needs further modification.

“I do not consider the recent trend line to be an anomaly. I think that’s where we’re going, it’s going to get more burdensome. It’s just how things are progressing in land use.”

Matthew Hoyt Gunnison County Attorney

Commissioners approved a portion of those recommendations on Tuesday. According to the memo, the fee collected for appeals and variance requests remained far below the actual cost of processing and reviewing the actions. That is especially true in recent years when appeals have grown more frequent and more complex, Gunnison County Attorney Matthew Hoyt said in Tuesday’s meeting.

“I do not consider the recent trend line to be an anomaly,” he said. “I think that's where we're going, it's going to get

more burdensome. It's just how things are progressing in land use.”

Much of the discussion prior to the vote centered on concerns that such a substantial increase in the cost of an appeal might place an undue burden on some applicants.

“This is a process that is meant to be available to the public for good reason,”

Commissioner Liz Smith said. “I am cautious about the cost, which could make the service so far out of reach for some people, for that to not be an opportunity.”

Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels echoed that concern, but pointed out that the standard for setting fees doesn’t consider whether an applicant has the “means” to afford it.

“The test is about the complexity of your appeal and how much time it'll take,” she said. “There is a way for that cost to come down, but it's not based on means, it's based on the complexity of the appeal.”

Hoyt identified two separate mechanisms in the Land Use Resolution that allow staff to adjust the fee when less county staff time is required for a particular appeal. While the amount collected must always cover the cost to the county, any applicant can request an assessment of the actual time spent for a possible fee adjustment. However, Assistant County Manager for Community and Economic Development Cathie Pagano told the Times that could also reveal a greater cost to the county than covered by the set fee.

“The applicant would apply to the board and say the cost of processing this particular appeal is less than the fee that is being assessed,” Hoyt said.

“The burden of proof is on them.” Commissioners approved the resolution in a unanimous vote.

A ‘regressive’ curve

The other recommendation regarding fees that commissioners will consider in May involves correcting an unexpected circumstance arising from the current building permit fee structure.

“As the staff has applied the fee since 2022 and further analyzed its impact, we have identified that the highest valuation projects pay a regressive fee,” the memo states. “In an effort to create equitable fees for all projects, county staff recommends the BOCC consider modification of the building permit fees to a flat percentage of the total project valuation. This approach will ensure that fees increase commensurate with the cost of construction and that the highest valuation projects do not receive a flattened fee compared to lower valuation projects.”

Under the current, formulaic fee system adopted in 2022, permits for projects with valuations between $500 and $25,000 cost between 1.5% and 4.8%. Those for residential projects valued around $250,000 — such as a renovation or addition — cost roughly 1% of the total valuation. By contrast, permits for construction valued at $1.5 million cost 0.68%, and those valued at $7 million cost only 0.29% of the total.

“The formula we use now is not just a straight, linear formula,” Pagano said. “We saw that valuations are up, but the fees aren't as up as much as we expected that they would be. It’s because of this flattening

out at the top, kind of a regressive fee where the folks at the bottom are paying more of a proportion of their valuation than the folks at the top, and that's really where most of the inspections are coming in.”

In 2024, approximately 11% of building permits had project valuations greater than $2 million and 37% were greater than $800,000, according to the memo. The cost of operating the development review program is expected to reach over $1.1 million in 2025.

Staff has recommended that building permit fees be calculated as a straight 1% of project valuation. Pitkin County sets fees using this model, though the percentage is much higher at 2.7%, Pagano said.

“This would be simpler for folks to understand, and also, at the percentage that the board is considering it will have the effect of reducing permit fees for valuations under $500,000,” she said.

(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)

The bottom line in the graph demonstrates how current Gunnison County building permit fees flatten as a percentage of the total as valuation increases. (Courtesy Gunnison County Community Development)

John 1:5

This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Verse 7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

April 17 at 7 p.m. Maundy thursday

April 18 at 7 p.m. Good Friday

April 20 Easter Sunday

- Easter Breakfast at 9 a.m.

- Worship at 10 a.m.

- Easter Egg Hunt following service.

A graduation to celebrate

Alex Guardado was sentenced to juvenile probation in June 2022 and successfully completed his sentence April 15, 2025. “During Alex’s time on probation, like others, he experienced some highs and lows,” said Probation Officer Casey Elnicki. “Alex’s integrity was put to the test to which he prevailed and turned a new leaf. Alex faced the challenges with his whole heart and has now become a mentor to others working with the Gunnison Valley Mentors Program. He completed a Moral Reconation Therapy program (MRT), and has proved to be a leader for others. Alex has shown that your past mistakes do not define you. Congratulations Alex, I am very proud of you.”

Good game!

Families enjoyed an evening of fun during a bilingual game night, followed by dinner at the Gunnison County Library on April 11. Gunnison High School students led an interactive wildfire response game designed to help families learn how to react in a wildfire emergency. Local fire and emergency management groups organized the event.

(Courtesy Casey Elnicki/7th Judicial District)

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Palisade Townhomes | S 6th Street | Gunnison

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net

Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students ﬁnd the conﬁdence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”

HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES

CBES - Educational Assistant

CBES - Permanent Substitute Bus Drivers Food Service

Substitute teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

GHS - Math Teacher

GHS - Special Education Teacher

GMS - 8th grade Math Teacher

GMS - Ofﬁce Manager

CBSS - Social Studies Teacher

CBSS - Math Teacher

CBES - 4th grade Teacher District Psychologist

COACHING

CBHS - Head Hockey coach

CBHS - Volleyball coach

GHS - Asst. Soccer coach

GHS - Asst. Dive coach

GHS - Asst. Cross Country coach

Please contact: Superintendent’s Ofﬁce JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@ gunnisonschools.net

SINGLE DAD SEEKING LIVE-IN NANNY OR OVERNIGHT SITTER

Looking for a kind, reliable caregiver to help with my sweet 7-month-old daughter. I typically need help about 4 nights a week, so flexibility is a big plus!

PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY BLUE MESA RECREATIONAL RANCH

is looking for housekeepers, maintenance, grounds-keeping and front desk customer service employees. If you would like to stay on-property with your RV, rent is only $150/month and includes all utilities. $15-$18/hr depending on experience. Full-time work, then enjoy this beautiful area on your days off. Must commit to the full summer season through 10/7. Call 970-784-6190 if interested.

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Part-Time Openings: Lifeguards: $23-$29.33/hr.

Special Events/Project Assistant: $20.91 to $23.64/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.

Summer Ditch Laborer: $25.09 to $27.82/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.

The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package, including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays and 12 days of sick leave per year.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR.

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Patrol Deputy

Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $72,397.26 to $102,405.83 plus full benefits.

Take home vehicle & uniform allowance provided by the Sheriff’s Office.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $23.60 to $31.69 plus full benefits.

Jail Administrator

Sheriff: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range is from $6,778.80 to $8,240.87, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

Temporary Planner I

Community Development: 30 hours/week, hourly range from $31.28 to $38.02, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Motor Vehicle Supervisor –Recording Technician Clerk/Recorder: 40 hours/week, monthly range from $3,895.33 to $1,183.90, depending on experience, plus full benefits

Weed Program Technician –Summer Seasonal Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $25.01 to $28.48, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Data Analyst II Public Works: 40 hours/week, monthly range from $5,421.38 to $6,172.38, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

Shop Technician I Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $26.51 to $30.19, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.

Open to discussing different arrangements — whether you’re looking for nightly pay, hourly or a rent-free live-in setup. I’m happy to chat and figure out what works best for both of us. Looking to hire ASAP — if you’re nurturing, dependable and love babies, let’s talk! Call 214-551-0263.

AGENDA

Special Meeting April 21, 2025

5:30pm Lake School Conference Room

This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.

Call to order

Roll call

• Pledge of Allegiance

• Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)

• Executive Session (ACTION)

The Board will vote to convene in executive session pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) to conference with the board’s attorney to receive legal advice regarding the board’s rights and obligations in connection with the complaint and grievance procedures set forth in District Policy AC-R-2

Adjournment

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of April 17. 2025

17009

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

Notice is hereby given to the following parties that their personal items stored at Discount Self

Storage, 500 S. Blvd will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to May 1st, 2025.

Unit E1 - Catherine and Kevin Moss

Date of Redemption: May 1, 2025

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of April 17 and 24, 2025 16975

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING LUC-24-00010, AN APPLICATION FOR A RIDGELINE VANTAGE MINOR IMPACT REVIEW AT 265 SADDLE RIDGE ROAD, CRESTED BUTTE AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 15, TRAPPERS CROSSING AND WILDCAT, ACCORDING TO THE AMENDED PLAT THEREOF RECORD OCTOBER 30, 1992 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 438114, COUNTY OF GUNNISON, STATE OF COLORADO

The Gunnison County Planning Commission and Gunnison County Board of Commissioners will conduct a joint public hearing on May 1, 2025 at 9:00 am in the Planning Commission Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Blackstock Building, 221 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, Colorado, and on Zoom at https:// gunnisoncounty-org.zoom.us/j/86337231015 to hear public comment concerning land use change permit application LUC-24-00010.

APPLICANT: Matanya and Kelsey Horowitz, represented by Jon Brown with David Gross General Contractor

LOCATION: 265 SADDLE RIDGE ROAD, CRESTED BUTTE AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 15, TRAPPERS CROSSING AND WILDCAT, ACCORDING TO THE AMENDED PLAT THEREOF RECORD OCTOBER 30, 1992 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 438114, COUNTY OF GUNNISON, STATE OF COLORADO

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting The Applicants, Matanya and Kelsey Horowitz, represented by Jon Brown with David Gross General Contractor, have submitted building permit for a 1,377 sq. ft. Single Family Residence (SFR) at Lot 15, Trappers Crossing at Wildcat, AKA 265 Saddle Ridge Rd. under building permit no. BP-24-00193. The parcel is in a dense conifer forest with steep slopes to the north and east. This project is classified as a Minor Impact Project due to the proposed structures breaking the Ridgeline Vantage from points along Gothic Rd. and along the eastern edge of the Town of Crested Butte.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public is invited to submit oral or written comments at the hearing, or to submit written comments by email: planning@gunnisoncounty.org; or letter (Community Development, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO 81230), so long as they are received by 5 p.m. the afternoon before the date of the meeting so that they may be submitted for the public record during the hearing. A copy of the application is available online at: https://www. gunnisoncounty.org/436/Permit-Database. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Community Development Department at (970) 641-0360.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Anyone needing special accommodations as determined by the American Disabilities Act may contact the

Community Development Department prior to the day of the hearing. /s/ Hillary I. Seminick, AICP, Planning Director

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of April 17, 2025 17013

PUBLIC HEARING

CONCERNING THE CONTINUED USE OF VAULT TANKS DURING THE PROCESS OF PERMITTING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

HEARING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION:

The Gunnison County Environmental Health Board will meet on May 12th, 2025 at 1:30

P.M. in the Planning Commission Meeting Room at the Blackstock Government Center at 221 N Wisconsin (2nd floor) in Gunnison to hear public comment concerning a request for a variance to the Gunnison County Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Regulations.

APPLICANT: The property owner is Harmels on the Taylor River, LLC

PARCEL LOCATION: The parcel is located at 6748 County Road 742

PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes the continued use of vault tanks for the collection and holding of wastewater at the property to then be later hauled to a sanitary transfer station in Gunnison while the process of permitting and construction of a wastewater treatment plant is undertaken. The applicant has previously received approval from the Environmental Health Board for use of the vault tanks and hauling of wastewater for a limited period and that approval expires on July 7, 2025. The Gunnison County OWTS Regulations Section 12.C. states that vault systems are prohibited. The applicant is requesting the approval of a variance extension to permit the continued temporary use of vault tanks at the property.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public is invited to submit verbal or written comments at the hearing, or to submit written comments by email: planning@gunnisoncounty.org; or letter (Community Development, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO 81230), so long as they are received by 5 p.m. the afternoon before the date of the meeting so that they may be submitted for the public record during the hearing. A copy of the application is available in the Community Development Department’s Permit Database, under permit OWTS-22-00138, which can be accessed and viewed at: https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/436/PermitDatabase Additional information may be obtained by calling the Community Development Department (970) 641-0360. LINK TO THE ZOOM MEETING CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/144/ Community-and-Economic-Development ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Anyone needing special accommodations as determined by the American Disabilities Act may contact the Community Development Department prior to the day of the hearing.

/s/ Crystal Lambert Building & Environmental Health Official Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 17, 2025 16992

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

CERTIFICATION

Notice is hereby given that a special election was held by the Town of Pitkin Colorado on Tuesday April 8, 2025. The Results of that election are as follows:

Candidates for Mayor received the following number of votes:

Tob Gibb twenty-three (23) Ed Pianalto thirty (30)

Judy A. Egbert, Designated Election Official

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 17, 2025 16965

PUBLIC NOTICE

Colorado law requires the county assessor to hear objections to real property classification and valuation beginning May 1, 2025. Objections to real property valuations must be emailed, postmarked, or delivered in person no later than June 8, 2025.

The Assessor’s front counter is open between 9am and 4pm during the appeal period.

Colorado law requires the county assessor to begin hearing objections to personal property valuations no later than June 15, 2025. Objections to personal property valuations must be emailed, postmarked, or delivered in person no later than June 30, 2025.

In 2025, the Assessor and Board of County

Commissioners have elected to use the extended appeal period in accordance with §39-5-122.7, C.R.S. The Assessor will mail Notices of Determination to those who have appealed on or before August 15, 2025. The County Board of Equalization will convene between September 15 and October 31, 2025.

Contact the Gunnison County Assessor’s office for more information.

Gunnison County Assessor 221 N. Wisconsin St., Suite A Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 641-1085 assessor@gunnisoncounty.org www.gunnisoncounty.org

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of April 17, 24 2025

16926

NOTICE OF AUCTION

This is to advise that household and personal property belonging to the following: Leonel Flores unit 91 at 410 Secure Storage located at 410 s 10th ST in Gunnison, CO; will be sold to the highest bidder at 410 Secure Storage on Friday, May 2nd 2025 at 10:00 AM to satisfy the owner’s lien for rent in accordance with Title 38. PROPERTY -REAL AND PERSONAL LIENS Article 21.5. Self-Service Storage Facility Liens. All contents sold “as is” and by unit only. Seller neither warrants title to any items sold and does not make any express or implied warranties to any items sold. We reserve the right to refuse any and all bids.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of April 17 and 24, 2025 16969

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Road Striping

Gunnison County is seeking a qualified, experienced, and creative firm to paint centerlines and edge lines in Gunnison County on its roads. Our roads vary from 2-lane rural roads to wide and municipal adjacent roads and subdivisions. Our highest traffic road is only 3 miles long but sees up to 8,000 cars per day. The complete RFP can be found on the Gunnison County website at gunnisoncounty.org.

A question and answer meeting will be hosted on Microsoft Teams on April 22, 2025 at 1pm. Please contact Martin Schmidt at 970-6410044 or mschmidt@gunnisoncounty.org for the meeting details and login information. All proposals must be submitted digitally to Assistant County Manager for Public Works, Martin W. Schmidt at mschmidt@ gunnisoncounty.org no later than 4pm on May 2, 2025.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of April 17 and 24, 2025

16976

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Town of Mt. Crested Butte Municipal Court Judge Services

• INTRODUCTION

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte is inviting proposals from qualified individuals to provide Municipal Court Judge services to the Town.

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte is a Home Rule Town, and the Home Rule Charter (Article VII(B)) addresses the Judiciary and Municipal Judge. Mt. Crested Butte Municipal Court is a Court of Record and meets as required but typically once per month for an hour.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, proposals should be prepared and submitted in a form that addresses the needs outlined herein. Late proposals will not be accepted. Proposals will be accepted until 5:00pm, May 10, 2025. Proposals shall be sent to:

Tiffany O’Connell, Town Clerk

Town of Mt. Crested Butte P.O. 5800

Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to choose a reliable and experienced individual with demonstrated knowledge in providing municipal court judge services in a comprehensive, timely, effective and efficient manner. Interested individuals should have significant experience in matters addressed by municipal courts. The Municipal Court Judge will work with the court clerk to preside over the Municipal Court.

• QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANTS

Attorney at law admitted (active) to practice in Colorado who is at least twentyone (21) years of age. Ability, capacity, and skill as a prospective judge.

Ability to meet the time requirements of the Town (approximately 1 hour or less per

month).

Reliability, character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency.

High performance quality in previous or current judge contracts, if any.

• Ability to determine compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.

• Availability and adaptability of services to meet the needs of the Town.

• Resident of Gunnison County, Colorado.

• SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Municipal Court Judge presides over Municipal Court matters in which the Municipal Court has jurisdiction.

POWERS AND DUTIES

The Judge shall have all judicial powers and duties as provided in the Town’s Charter and ordinances and in the Colorado Revised Statutes applicable to municipal judges, except as otherwise provided by Charter or ordinance.

• The Judge is authorized to exercise contempt powers, and enforce subpoenas issued by any board, commission, hearing officer, or other body or officer of the Town authorized by law or ordinance to issue subpoenas, and all other powers inherent with the office.

The Municipal Court convenes for at least one (1) regular session of the Municipal Court on the first Wednesday of each month and more often as needed. Sessions of the Court are typically held at 9:00 A.M.

• The Municipal Court complies with HB23-1182. Remote access is provided for the public to observe court proceedings.

• TERM OF OFFICE

The term of office of the Municipal Court Judge is two years, unless otherwise terminated by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Council.

PARTICIPATION BY AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE TOWN

The Town expects that the Municipal Court Judge will preside over court in-person, keep abreast of current legislation and obtain ongoing education and training, remaining current on all matters relating to municipal courts and municipal judges. Costs associated with these efforts may be shared with the Town with prior approval and as budgeted.

COMPENSATION

The Town will pay the Municipal Court Judge for judicial services rendered at a rate of $300.00 per court session or compensation set by the Town Council, the amount of which shall not be dependent upon the outcome or number of matters to be decided by the Municipal Court Judge.

• INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED/ SUBMITTED

The following information must be included in your written proposal. It is important as it may be your only opportunity to present your qualifications.

Name of the person who will be in charge of providing Municipal Court Judge services to the Town. This is the person who will be recommended for appointment to the position of “Municipal Court Judge” by the Town Council. A resume of this person’s background and experience should emphasize the municipal law experience of that person and the level of responsibility in this area.

• Specific information on the certification, licensure/registration and continuing education training for the preceding calendar year, including such information as may be necessary to establish that the applicant is an active attorney at law admitted to practice in Colorado.

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest that you may have in relation to the Town of Mt. Crested Butte.

• Provide details regarding your existing workload and how you will fit this contract into your existing work priorities.

• Provide a list of references with whom you have worked in the past five (5) years.

If you have provided municipal court judge services to municipal or government clients in the recent past, please submit municipal or government client references as well.

Each respondent’s proposal and bid should address the ability to perform this scope of work, along with the specific expertise, education, and experience.

• The proposal should address the topics covered in Sections C and G and the municipal court judge’s ability to perform services within this operating framework.

• SELECTION

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities or informalities in proposals, and to re-advertise for proposals if desired. After considering proposals and information provided during the application process, the Town will select the individual who is the most advantageous to the Town from the standpoint of service, previous experience, and ability to deliver or for any other reason deemed by the Town to be in the best interest of the Town.

The Municipal Court Judge ServiceProposal must be received by the Town Clerk, Tiffany O’Connell, by 5:00pm, May 9, 2025, at PO Box 5800, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or via email to toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov. Any proposal received after that date and time will not be accepted. In consideration of the environment, we request that your proposal should be black and white, two-sided copies without binders.

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte Judicial Subcommittee may perform an initial screening and may interview potential candidates. Finalist(s) will be selected for final interviews by the Town Council and may be asked to appear before Town Council.

The Town reserves the right to undertake its own investigation to evaluate any candidate. The Town shall have the sole discretion to accept or reject any proposal. All proposals become the property of the Town upon receipt and will not be returned. Whether the proposal is accepted or rejected will not affect this decision.

The Town operates under applicable public disclosure laws. Proprietary information must be identified and will be protected to the extent that is legally possible. Your costs in developing the proposal, attendance at any meetings relating to the proposal, and other costs relating to the proposal are your responsibility and will not be reimbursed by the Town.

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte thanks you for your interest in providing us with a proposal for Municipal Court Judge services. Please submit any questions regarding this RFP in writing and directed to the Town Clerk, as soon as possible after receipt of the RFP at the address below.

Tiffany O’Connell, Town Clerk Town of Mt. Crested Butte P.O. 5800 Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of April 17, 24 and May 1 2025

16973

PUBLIC NOTICE

Saguache County is seeking to hire a qualified consultant to complete predevelopment design and engineering Plans for affordable housing in Saguache County, Colorado. Work includes a Phase 1 environmental assessment with soil sampling for target parcels, design of a base affordable single-family home utilizing local materials and labor for use in eight (8) or more Casita Park parcels and elsewhere, and individual parcel foundation engineering. With housing expertise to support Saguache County staff with specific Grant-related activities and expertise to increase professional capacity.

Applications are due no later than 3pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison Colorado Publication dates of April 10, 17 and 24, 2025 16906

SUMMONS

District Court Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 E. Virginia Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230

Plaintiffs: J. Craig Bryant and Luanna L. Bryant

Defendants: B.H. Jorgensen; the Board of County Commissioners of Gunnison County, Colorado; and any and all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action

Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Law of the Rockies

Jacob A. With, Atty. Reg. #: 40546 525 North Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone Number: 970-641-1903 Facsimile Number: 970-641-1943 jwith@lawoftherockies.com

Case Number: 25CV30011

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action to quiet title pursuant to C.R.C.P. 105 in favor of the Plaintiffs in and to the following property in Gunnison County, Colorado:

Spring sunrise

First light hits the snow-covered Anthracite Range in the Ohio Creek Valley on Tuesday, April 15.

Faith Directory

Bethany Church

909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144

Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com

9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church

Check us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany.

B'nai Butte Jewish Congregation

PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com

Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and surrounging areas in Colorado.

April 12 at 6 p.m. - Passover Community Seder

April 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - “History of Greek Jews from Antiquity until the Present” presentation by Elliot Colchamiro

For more details and locations go to bnaibutte.org

Spititual leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte.org

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry

Weekly Student Ministry

Weekly Adult LifeGroups

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4

For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com

Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube

Transforming Lives • Building Community

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240

Pastor Jonathan Jones SUNDAY

Sunday School at 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.

Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)

WEDNESDAY (during school year)

Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.

Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.

Gunnison

Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

Reverand Ian Wrisley

Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All.

Sundays, 10 a.m.

Fridays Meditation, 12:30-1 p.m.

“Come-as-You-Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta

Assoc. Pastor Jacob With

Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.

Starting March 5 - Wednesday night service at 7pm.

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808

Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass

First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.

Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass

St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.

Church in the Barn

8007 County Road 887

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.

Church of Christ

600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588

Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Gunnison Branch 810 N 11th St. 970-648-4804

Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.

Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced daily living. Join us to worship God, strengthen your spiritual connections, and focus on Jesus. Worship with a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike and learn from each other.

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church 307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar

First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains

Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II 403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte

Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org

(Photo by Bella Biondini)

SPORTS: Western track and field star between two states, B6

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

Behind the stems

A season of growth at Sundrop Flora

Mariel

Growing flowers at high elevations is no small feat, and the early-spring start to the planting season comes with a whole host of obstacles. Erratic temperatures and whipping winds can instill the fear of failure in those with the greenest of thumbs. Each year is a gamble, but for Sundrop Flora owner Alexis Taylor, the risk is worth the reward.

While most Gunnison Valley residents are still catching laps on their skis, Taylor is already thinking about flowers. Her winter is spent meticulously organizing and germinating seeds that will be planted over the course of several weeks, resulting in a steady stream of blooms during the summer. Throughout the months of March and April, the living room of her farmstead home 20 minutes east of town is transformed into a nursery for potted seedlings. And at the first sign of warmth, she leapt into action. On a bluebird day earlier this month, she shuttled trays of sprouted

Wiley Times Photo Editor

Taylor germinates batches of seeds starting as early as March, to then plant throughout April. (Photo by

Mariel Wiley) Sundrop B2

Taylor with a flower in her greenhouse. (Courtesy Alexis Taylor)

from B1

seedlings into one of the several greenhouses she shares with Iola Valley Farms. Her dogs — a Pyrenees named Percy, and a cattle dog named Wilbur — lounged in the shade as she knelt down onto freshly-tilled soil. One by one, she tucked the green shoots into neat rows.

“I was like, ‘The farm is done. It’s over’, I always have meltdowns, and every year I have plenty of flowers.”

Alexis Taylor

Sundrop Flora

Taylor founded Sundrop in 2021, after spending several seasons learning to farm vegetables with the Mountain Roots Food Project and Iola Valley Farms. Now, her blooms adorn the arches of local weddings, the windowsills of businesses and restaurant tabletops. But switching her focus to flowers came with a huge learning curve, Taylor said, and she’s spent years scouring the internet and books for the best flower farming practices. Now nearly four years later, Taylor grows around 25 different types of flowers each year in order to produce a diverse

selection of colors, shapes and textures. Each different species comes with its own unique set of needs in order to thrive in the valley’s harsh climate. Most varieties require plenty of light to germinate from seed to sprout, but others, such as pansies or tobacco flowers, prefer the dark. Once started, Taylor tends to the seedlings until they are strong enough to be planted and can survive temperature fluctuations.

With how difficult flowers are to cultivate, it almost seems amazing that they can grow on their own at all, something that serves as a reminder to not overthink things, Taylor said. She’s had to unlearn some “helicopter parent” tendencies, letting the plants tough out different conditions to help boost their resilience.

And the precise ballet of care doesn’t end when the flowers are all in the ground. Taylor must always be on the lookout for the first signs of pest infestation. A swarm of aphids, small sap-sucking insects, descended on her flowers in her first year of business. Another year, microscopic bugs called thrips targeted the vulnerable blooms.

“I was like, ‘The farm is done. It’s over,’” Taylor said. “I always have meltdowns, and every year I have plenty of flowers.”

Spring is always a time of uncertainty for Taylor, and she often leans on family and friends for reassurance. They’re always there with a reminder that the muddy plots she tends to will soon be ablaze with hundreds of colorful blossoms, she said.

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

During the off season, Taylor often leads creative workshops using dried flowers and other decorative vegetation.

There are plenty of furry friends at the farm to break up the tedium of tending to the crops.

Taylor grows her flowers at a farm out in the hills along Hwy. 149, just 25 minutes outside of Gunnison.

Taylor plants flower starters in one of her greenhouses. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

‘Thinking like water’

Amanda Aulenbach Special to the Times

The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District and Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands will host a free community film screening of “Thinking Like Water” on April 18.

The second episode of the docuseries, which follows different watershed restoration leaders throughout the Southwest, takes place in Gunnison. This series celebrates the pioneering work of “water wizard” Bill Zeedyk, who started using creative and simple approaches to heal damaged waterways and fight against the ravages of drought across the southwestern United States. The restorationists highlighted in each episode follow in his footsteps, using his innovative approaches to heal their communities’ waterways.

The episode we will see, titled “All About a Bird: 1,000 Acts of Restoration,” highlights the Upper Gunnison Basin’s Wet Meadows Restoration Program, a collaborative, on-the-ground, watershed-scale effort that was started in 2012. In our basin, functioning wet meadows are a rare, but disproportionately important ecosystem for our community and wildlife. Our wet meadows provide many benefits, including water supply stabilization, improved water quality, and high-quality forage for animals, including migratory birds, elk, mule deer, livestock and the federally threatened Gunnison sage-grouse.

Many wet meadows in our basin have been damaged and left vulnerable to additional threats, including drought. These impacts lead to soil ero-

sion and loss, and result in diminished benefits — the most notable of which is water quality and supply. And without water, there is no life.

The star of the film developed easy-to-understand techniques that our local restoration program uses to address the root causes of damage to our land, wildlife and livelihoods. As Zeedyk said, “When it stops getting worse, it can start getting better.” “Thinking Like Water” demonstrates the use of simple, yet effective tools that improve habitat for many species of wildlife, build communities’ resilience to drought and promote productive landscapes for land-based livelihoods.

Please join us Friday, April 18 at Western’s University Center Theatre, 5:30-8 p.m. to celebrate the 14th season of the Wet Meadows Restoration Program, and to learn more about restoring water resources in your basin. Chat with local organizations, including the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, High Country Conservation Advocates and more.

The film starts at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A discussion and door prizes. Come to meet restoration pioneer Bill Zeedyk, learn about local restoration work and leave with inspiration for the future of your watershed.

(Amanda Aulenbach is the Wet Meadows Program coordinator for the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District.)

RAFT GUIDE COURSE

LOCATIONS- The Boathouse in Taylor Canyon The Taylor and the Gunnison Rivers

FEATURING- Certified State Course to train raft guides and certify them to work as a guide:

In the film, Gay Austin explains wet meadows structure is working to heal the landscape. (Courtesy Renea Roberts)

Mountain Words Festival set for

Memorial Day weekend

Arvin Ram Special to the Times

The Crested Butte Center for the Arts is thrilled to present the sixth-annual Mountain Words Festival.

Held May 22-25, over Memorial Day weekend, Mountain Words once again returns with another slate of award winning local, regional and national authors. This year's festival has something for everyone with over 20 free author events, 50 presenters, writer workshops, environmental panels and author talks. This year’s festival will also include events at the Gunnison County Library.

“This is a festival shaped for the Gunnison Valley and the tastes of readers and writers,” said this year's festival director and owner of Townie Books, Arvin Ram. “This is a time for readers and people who are looking to engage in active conversation in the community to find a place to gather and talk about ideas and how we can shape our home in a positive way.”

The festival kicks off on May 22 with the Crested Butte Magazine’s release party, followed by a short documentary on beloved Gunnison County bard George Sibley by local filmmaker, Mike Horn. Writers Art Goodtimes, Luke Mehall and Shelley Read, whose careers have been shaped by Sibley, will share their personal stories.

The following evening, Western Slope legend, Craig Childs, known for his books, “House of Rain,” “Animal Dialogues,” “Atlas of a Lost Words” and “The Secret Knowledge of Water” will share a multimedia presentation on his newest book, “The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light.” On Saturday

morning, Colorado Public Radio will visit with Childs for a recorded discussion and audience Q&A.

Saturday, May 24 will include a full day of programs for readers. It will begin with 2024 National Book Award longlist author Ernest Scheyder in conversation with Land Desk blogger and Gunnison familiar, Jonathan Thompson. The authors will do a deep dive on extraction and the future of energy, based on Scheyder’s award winning book, “The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives.”

This year, Mountain Words will focus on wildlife and habitat, beginning with headliner Ben Goldfarb. Known for his book, “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” Goldfarb will be in conversation with fellow wildlife author Dan Flores, author of “Coyote America,” to discuss his new book, “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet.”

Other wildlife panels include vigorous discussion on the state of wildlife in the West and a talk with author Eli Francovich on his book, “Return of the Wolves: An Iconic Predator’s Struggle to Survive in the American West.” Francovich will be joined by High Country News reporter Nick Bowlin to explore the lessons of wolf reintroduction in the Northwest and what can be learned by Colorado conservationists and ranchers.

In addition to wildlife, the festival will touch on conversations on public lands and water. Justin Farrell, author of “Billionaire Wilderness,” will be in conversation with Wall Street Journal reporter Amy Gamerman about her debut nonfiction book, “The Crazies:

The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and a War Out West.”

Mountain Words’ fiction headliner this year will be Pulitzer Prize finalist Karen Russell. Joined by Colorado State University creative writing professor and National Book Foundation 2025 Science+Literature award winning author Ramona Ausubel, Russell will treat readers to her newest book, “The Antidote.” A sprawling Dust Bowl epic, set in the town of Uz that illumi

nates the horrors and possibilities of the American West.

Memoir headliner, 2024 National Book Award finalist Deborah Jackson Taffa, will read from her book “Whiskey Tender” alongside four other Indigenous authors for the festival’s culminating reading. Taffa will be joined by former Mountain Words writer in residence, Chris La Tray (author of “Becoming Little Shell”), debut novelist Aaron John Curtis (author of “Old School Indian”), Western Creative Writing Professor CMarie Fuhrman (author of “Salmon Weather”) and Colorado Book Award winner Byron Graves (author of “Rez Ball”).

Fantasy and science fiction lovers will enjoy the conversation, “Godfather Meets Game of Thrones” with Olivia Chadha, author of “Rise of the Red Hand,” and Paolo Bacigalupi, author of “The Water Knife,” about his new novel, “Navola.”

Shelley Read, author of the internationally celebrated novel, “Go as a River,” will be at the center of workshops for fiction writers thinking about everything from starting with the first word to the challenges of publishing. For writers of poetry, memoir and fiction, Mountain Words will offer educational opportunities focus on

craft and publishing.

This year’s festival will introduce food and climate programming based around the books, “Blue Plate: A Food Lovers Guide to Climate Chaos” and “Cool Food” by Thomas Kostigen. A prepared dinner of climate friendly food will accompany a talk with the authors.

For something a little more out of the ordinary, Mountain Words invites audiences to the Steddy Theater for “The Apocalypse Roadshow,” a traveling show about how to survive the apocalypse through cooperation, curiosity and a sense of adventure with author, musician, educator and comedian, Athena Aktipis.

In addition to programming at the Center for the Arts, Mountain Words is proud to co-host events with the Gunnison County Library. Events begin with the community reading of “The Bullet Swallower,” a historical novel by Elizabeth James Gonzalez. Copies will be available at the library on May 1.

A variety of authors will grace the Gunnison Library with diverse topics. Kevin Grange will give a presentation on bears for his book,

“Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator.” Colorado author and 2024 National Book Award longlist finalist Rebecca Boyle will talk about her book, “Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are.” Last and certainly not least. legendary outdoor author Michael Englehard will discuss his 2024 National Outdoor Book Award winning book, “Arctic Traverse: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range.” Access to the festival is central to its mission. The weekend will feature free community events, along with student and senior reduced pricing for workshops. For a full schedule, passes and additional information visit mtnwords.org or contact literary@crestedbuttearts. org.

(Arvin Ram is this year’s festival director and the owner of Townie Books.)

Attendees browse through books at the 2024 festival at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.

Author Kevin Fedarko signs books at the 2024 Mountain Words Festival. (Courtesy Nolan Blunck) Authors,

BIZ CENTS

Scoop Summit helps tackle pet waste valley-wide

New business to host ‘Service Sundays’

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

When the snow melts each spring, it reveals a host of surprises that have been frozen beneath. Little green seedlings stretch above fertile soil, and earth worms wriggle out of their winter slumber. But these veritable signs of life aren’t the only things exposed in the great thaw.

Unfortunately, springtime is when abandoned pet waste emerges, too. Valley resident Rachel Newman is no stranger to this issue. As the proud owner of three horses, four cats, six dogs and 15 chickens, she’s practically an expert at animal waste management. This spring, she decided to share her skills with the wider community through her new business venture, Scoop Summit.

Scoop Summit will offer pet waste cleanup services to homeowners and commercial properties throughout the entire Gunnison Valley and Ohio City. Newman hopes that she can also redirect some of her profits to fund volunteerbased clean up events, targeting popular trailheads on public lands that are frequently bombarded with abandoned poop, such as the entrance to Hartman Rocks hiking and biking trails.

“The more [poop] we can keep out of peoples’ yards, the less will get into our waterways, especially with all the nice ditches we have that lead into

the river and Blue Mesa where people swim,” Newman said. “I’m just trying to help reduce the pollution and bacteria that make their way into the landscape around us we all love and enjoy.”

The idea for her new business came to her not long ago as the bulk of this season’s snowpack began to melt. Newman, who has lived in Gunnison for four years, is an avid outdoor enthusiast, spending her days hiking and foraging for mushrooms. After years working in the service industry, she envisions Scoop Summit as being a way to provide a different kind of service to both people and the natural lands she loves, she said.

“It was a good opportunity for me to invest in the environment and also try to be more involved in the community,” Newman said.

Indeed, pet poop pollution is a hot topic in the comment sections of many local Facebook groups. Every spring, the pages of local Facebook groups are flooded with pleas to neighbors and visitors of the valley to clean up after their animals.

“Let’s change the nickname of the Town Ranch ski loop from the Poop Loop to the Scoop Loop!” said Crested Butte resident Patty Zishka in a Feb. 7 Facebook post.

That day, Zishka and a friend had spent an hour digging out and picking up nearly 40 pounds of dog poop from the snow at the beginning of the Town Ranch trail in Crested Butte. The Town Ranch trail, like many other trailheads throughout the valley, are equipped with signage that reminds pet owners to clean

up after their animals, and free poop baggies.

Unfortunately, the problem still persists on trails, neighborhood streets and in yards. Another Facebook poster shared a series of dog poop facts with other members of the Facebook group: “Dog poop can take up to a year to decompose, and cannot act as a fertilizer due to its high acidity. It can also contain harmful parasites and spread diseases to humans or other animals. A single dog can produce around 275 pounds of waste annually, which, when compounded with the high number of dogs in the region can have a negative impact on local waterways and ecosystems,” the post said.

Above all, Newman hopes that her business can set a good example for other pet owners and provide an opportunity to give back to the wider community. She plans to contribute a portion of proceeds to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League, the Gunnison Wildlife Association and High Country Conservation Advocates, among others. Her proposed “Service Sundays” will also be an opportunity to help tackle pet waste in areas that are publicly owned or don’t have any particular party managing them.

“My goal is to keep Gunnison as pristine as we can,” Newman said. “We have a beautiful slice of paradise that we live in.”

More information can be found at scoop-summit.com.

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@gunnisontimes.com.)

Hiring - K-12 Art Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Colorado Department of Education teacher license - Visual Arts Grades K-12 endorsement

• Desire to live in a small, remote mountain community

• Collaborative skills and flexibility to teach effectively in small school setting

• Strong communication skills to enhance interactions with students, parents, colleagues, community

• Experience in individualization/differentiation of instruction, Response to Intervention, and use of technology as a tool for learning

• Clean driving record and willingness to drive suburbans of students in mountain driving conditions

• Interest in supporting co-curricular student activities

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT:

August 2025 – May 2026; 4-day school week (Tuesday - Friday); .75 FTE position; salary based on education and experience; benefits include 100% health/dental/life, 151-day contract, 8 personal days, K-12 public school teaching in US

TO APPLY: Licensed application available www.lakecityschool.org. Please submit a complete application including cover letter, resume, District application form, 3 letters of reference, transcripts, and copy of Colorado teaching license to Shawn Arthur, Administrative Assistant by email: shawn@lakecityschool.org or mail: PO Box 39, Lake City, CO 81235.

Removal, pruning, dead wooding and shaping of trees. Now available stump grinding! Fully Insured. Trim your bush!

free estimates!

Rachel Newman with a furry friend. (Courtesy Rachel Newman)

Cowboy baseball splits doubleheader

Chippini extra-inning homer unable to inspire comeback

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Despite an excellent showing at the plate, the GHS baseball team could only snag one win in its home doubleheader against league rival Basalt on April 12. The mixed results moved the Cowboys to a 6-7 overall record, and 1-3 in the 3A Western Slope League.

“It’s always good to have a challenge, and I think our opening schedule has been pretty tough,” said Head Coach Tom Percival. “We’re waiting for it to start paying dividends, and to take that next step. We have some guys like Marshall

Baseball B8

Kellan Yoder slings a fastball from the mound.

Western track and field earn top spots

Mountaineers compete between Texas and Colorado

Gregg

Petcoff

Special to the Times

The Western Colorado University track and field teams put the finishing touches on a split-squad weekend on April 12. The Mountaineers finished off two-day meets at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden and West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas.

The majority of the Mountaineer men's and women's team participated in Mines' annual Kit Mayer Classic, while a group of sprinters competed at the Jo Meaker Classic in Texas.

In Texas, James Duncan post-

ed a career-best time of 14.61 seconds to take ninth place in the 110-meter hurdles. Duncan also posted a career-best time in the 400 hurdles, earning another ninth-place finish. Will Stone also achieved a PR in the 400 hurdles with a seventhplace time of 55.55.

In the women's 400 hurdles, Kelia Portis raced to eighth place with a time of 1 minute, 4.29 seconds. Portis also claimed 14th place in the 100meter hurdles with a time of 15.40. In the same event, Western's Clara Tuti posted a career-best time of 15.25 to take 13th.

Gabi Huggins brought three honors back to Gunnison. She finished eighth in the women's long jump with a leap of 5.49 meters, 41st in the 200-meter dash and 46th in the 100-meter dash.

Nellie Wartanian posted career marks in two events. She took 11th in the 100, with

a time of 11.79, and 16th in the 200 with a new personal best of 24.56.

A strong Western showing in the high jump events highlighted the Mountaineers performances in Golden. Nykole Meshew tied for fourth place in the women's event, clearing a height of 1.65 meters, while teammate Sammie Bretz took fifth at the same height. .Meshew cleared her final height on her first attempt, while Bretz did so on her second. In the men's event, Torrin Franklin finished in seventh place after clearing 1.80 meters.

The Mountaineers also excelled at the long jump. Scott Grable landed a leap of 6.88 meters to take fourth place, and Tarryn Moore placed ninth. Emma Alford landed a 10thplace jump of 5.23 meters in the women's event.

A pair of Mountaineers polished off Western’s performance, earning top-10 spots

in the women's heptathlon. Lindsey Osterfelt accumulated 3,712 points to take eighth, and Kendall Morrison was ninth with 3,552 points. This weekend, a crew of distance runners will travel to California. Some members of the group will compete in the Bryan Clay Invitational at Azusa Pacific University April 16-18. The remainder of the distance group will participate

eight miles to the east at the University of La Verne Leopard Invitational April 17-18.

(Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

(Courtesy Western Colorado University Athletics Communications)

Titans lax split home games

The Crested Butte Titans lacrosse team earned a 6-3 victory over league rival Montrose on April 10, before falling to Grand Junction the following day. The mixed results moved the Titans to a 3-8 overall record, and 1-7 in the 3A Western Slope League. The boys will return to action at home against Fruita Monument on April 22.

Donovan Gagan fends off a Montrose defender. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Luke Walton accelerates on goal.

Greg Blanco eyes down the Montrose net.

[Spann], Talon [Kibler] and Cody [Casebolt] that are starting to swing the bat really well. We’re taking little steps, and putting everything together is the big thing.”

After back-to-back losses to the red-hot Coal Ridge Titans last week, the Cowboys hoped to add league wins to the early season record. The Basalt Longhorns buzzed with confidence ahead of the matchup. They faced the Cowboys on the heels of a four-game win streak against Aspen and Moffat County. Still, GHS humbled the Longhorns in the opening matchup with a narrow, 10-8 victory.

The doors blew off the GHS ballpark in the second matchup, marking one of the closest games the Cowboys have faced so far this season. Basalt opened with a statement in the first inning. An early double and single from the Longhorns set the stage, and a no-out home run to left field cleared the bases. Heading into the second, the Cowboys had been hit with an immediate, 3-0 suckerpunch.

But Talon Kibler proved the Cowboys were prepared to scrap back into the contest. The GHS pitcher set a lightning pace with a leadoff double to the centerfield wall. Kibler

then stole third, and Marshall Spann triggered a two-out rally with a poke to right field. Rylee Berry responded with a shot to centerfield, reaching second base and driving home Spann. Kahne Chippini then reached on an error, and a final base hit from Cody Casebolt wrapped up the inning. After the dust had settled, the Cowboys took a 4-3 lead.

Following the long outing on the diamond, the Longhorns returned to the dugout with a fury. Basalt took advantage of Cowboy errors, and rounded the bases with two doubles in the second inning. Again, the away side sprang away with a lead, this time, sitting 8-4.

The Cowboys again relied on Kibler to get the wheels turning, and the senior rose to the occasion. Kibler smoked a pitch to left field, earning his second double of the game. The leadoff two-bagger inspired a Cowboy resurgence, and smart at-bat’s loaded the bases with a hit-bypitch, and two walks. With two outs on the board, Casebolt polished off the GHS batting order with a two RBI double, clearing the bases to take a 9-8 lead.

After a three-inning stalemate, the Longhorns again squeaked ahead after a fourrun, fifth inning. Berry and Chippini returned to the basepaths in the fifth after taking advantage of a Longhorns’ error and walk. Again, Kibler came up

big for the Cowboys, and drove home the pair with a two RBI single to left. The contest stood level at 12-12 heading into the sixth.

The score stood even after seven innings, forcing extras as the light dimmed on Saturday afternoon. The Longhorns sprang into action in the eighth, sending three runs across home to take an immediate lead. Grady Buckhanan walked to open the Cowboys final stand. Chippini took the batters box, needing a miracle to keep GHS within reach. With two outs on the board, Chippini launched a home run missile over the left field wall. It pulled the Cowboys within one, and sent the home dugout into raptures.

The late heroics from the GHS senior were unable to pull the Cowboys ahead, and the home side fell agonizingly short. It ended as a 15-14 league defeat. Following a week-long reset, the boys will take on Delta in a home doubleheader on April 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Cowboy JV golfers take on Adobe

Landon Miller celebrates with the Cowboy dugout.

The GHS girls golf JV team gained valuable experience at a varsity tournament at Fruita’s Adobe Creek Golf Course on April 14. Sophomore Kaya Burnett led the Cowboys with a 109, while Abby Hulick and Natalia Sabino scored a 120 and 125. The combined effort earned the girls a seventh-place finish against top varsity programs in the league.

The JV team practices on the putting green before teeing off. (Courtesy Randi Vincent)

Norah Abila tees off in Montrose at a varsity tournament on April 8.

Born to run

With the weather warming and the trails drying out, the Gunni Girls Run Club is set for a summer revival. Founded by Western Colorado University alumni Hannah Cryder, Emma Thomas and Zoe Camp in 2024, the run club gathers at Meadows Park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a jog, fit for any pace and athletic ability. The club returned to action on Wednesday, April 16, and will run throughout the summer months.

(Courtesy Hannah Cryder)

Valiant volleys

Gunnison Middle School staff and faculty members took on their Gunnison High School rivals during a volleyball game on April 10. After a mighty effort, the Cowboys fell to the Mustangs three sets to one. Throughout the game, the National Honor Society, League of United Latin American Citizens Club, Safe Space, Yearbook and the Legion Club raised over $500 for the American Red Cross through tickets and baked good sales.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS

Montrose Wine and Food Festival

Join us May 31 at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater from 1-4 p.m. for a wine and food festival to benefit the Black Canyon Boys and Girls club. For tickets or to donate contact Heather Simpson at heather@ bcbgc.org or Cat 970.249.5168.

Top O’ the World Plant Sale

Pre-order now on our Facebook website. Pick up plants May 16-17 at the Fair Grounds.

Engineering Student Advisory Board fundraiser

Join the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program Student Advisory Board (SAB) at High Alpine Brewing Co. April 17 from 5–8 p.m. to support student trips, career fairs and conferences. A portion of drink sales goes directly to expanding these opportunities—come connect with students and support future engineers.

Film screening:

‘Thinking Like Water’

The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD), in collaboration with Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands will host a free film screening of Thinking Like Water on April 18 from 5:308 p.m. at Western’s University

Center Theatre in Gunnison. The film, starting at 6 p.m. will be followed by door prize giveaways and a Q&A discussion with local watershed restoration leaders.

Call for artists

Be a guest artist and sell your art one Saturday this summer at the Farmers Market at the Gunnison Creative District Booth. GunnisonCreativeDistrict.org to apply by May 12.

Plastic collection day

Support local kids in sending the message to recycle and reduce plastics in our waters and land. Bring your #1 and #2 plastics for recycling on April 26 from 1-3 p.m. at the Gunnison recycling center located at 195 Basin Park Dr.

We want your event announcements!

The Gunnison Country Times publishes nonprofit event announcements free of charge.

• Please keep your announcement brief (3 sentences).

• Our deadline for submissions is noon on Tuesdays.

• Please send details to publisher@gunnisontimes.com.

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

AND Series: Wood Burning and Whiskey

Join us April 17 from 5:308:30 p.m. for a creative and relaxing workshop with Chelsea McKenzie. Enjoy whiskey cocktails while learning to create personalized wooden pieces. No experience necessary.

Youth wood burning workshop

Join us April 19 from 12-2 p.m. Introduce your child to woodburning in this fun workshop with Chelsea McKenzie. Kids will learn how to safely use wood burning tools to create personalized designs on wood. This hands-on class fosters creativity and confidence and each child will take home a unique keepsake.

Basscycle Day Rave

Join us April 19 at 8 p.m.

Enjoy a night of bass and beats from Kamakani, Deezy Wubz, UYU. Cowboy Killa and D!rk. With lighting by Moonshed, the event promises an unforgettable visual and musical experience.

The Moonlight Concert Series

Join us April 18 at 7 p.m. for Jenny Hill Pankratz and Lizzy

Plotkin. The pair have been making beautiful folk music together for over 10 years, inspired by the mountains. This special night will feature their performance, followed by Golden Shoals, who play lively old-time music with a modern twist.

Film screening: ‘Secret Mall Apartment’

Join us April 26 at 6:30 p.m. for Secret Mall Apartment produced by Jesse Eisenberg. In 2003, eight Rhode Islanders secretly built and lived in an apartment inside the Providence Place Mall for four years. What started as a wild prank became a powerful symbol of rebellion, creativity and defiance against gentrification. Don't miss this unforgettable true story in our new Blue Box Theatre.

ATTENTION

COUNTY ROAD 10 BRIDGE CLOSURE

County Road 10 Bridge Closure

Effective April 21st, 2025, to approximately May 16th, 2025, the County Road 10 (Walker Lane) Bridge will be closed. Located approximately 4.27 miles from the frontage road on the south end and .35 miles from Highway 135 on the north end. This closure is to facilitate the necessary replacement of the bridge decking. During this time, travelers may need to use the southern entrance as an alternative route. Please contact Gunnison County Public Works Department at 970-641-0044 with any questions.

GUNNISON COUNTY ALL HAZARDS HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION DAYS

WHO: GUNNISON COUNTY RESIDENTS

WHEN: FRIDAY: 4/25/25 AND SATURDAY: 4/26/25

TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (BOTH DAYS)

WHERE: GUNNISON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

195 BASIN PARK DRIVE (NEXT TO RECYCLE CENTER) GUNNISON, CO 81230

FEES: $2.00 PER GALLON/POUND ($2.00 MINIMUM)

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

Acids • Antifreeze • Car Batteries • Caustics • Cleaners • Fertilizers • Flammable Liquids • Oil • Paint/Spray Paint • Pesticides NO ELECTRONICS ACCEPTED

For further information contact Gunnison County Public Works at 641-0044.

DÍA DE RECOLECCIÓN DE RESIDUOS DE HOGAR DE RIESGOS EN EL CONDADO DE GUNNISON

QUIEN: RESIDENTES DEL CONDADO DO GUNNISON

CUÁNDO: VIERNES: 25/04/25 Y SÁBADO: 26/04/25

HORA: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (AMBOS DÍAS)

DÓNDE: DEPARTAMENTO DE OBRAS PÚBLICAS DEL CONDADO DE GUNNISON 195 BASIN PARK DRIVE (AL LADO DEL CENTRO DE RECICLAJE)

GUNNISON, CO 81230

COSTO: $2.00 POR GALÓN/LIBRA ($2.00 MÍNIMO)

SE ACEPTARÁN LOS SIGUIENTES ARTÍCULOS Y MUCHO MÁS: Ácidos • Anticongelante • Baterías de coche • Cáusticos • Limpiadores • Fertilizantes • Liquidos Inflamables • Aceite • Pintura/Pintura en aerosol • Pesticidas NO SE ACEPTAN ELECTRÓNICOS

Para más información, póngase en contacto con: Obras Públicas del Condado de Gunnison en 641-0044.

How to conquer cheatgrass

Sarah Elzay, Gunnison’s new cheatgrass coordinator, led a noxious weed management workshop at the Gunnison County Library on April 11. Cheatgrass is an invasive species that increases wildfire frequency, reduces big game and livestock forage and reduces wildlife habitat quality. During the workshop, attendees learned mitigation tactics from biologists and land managers, and practiced using backpack weed sprayers.