Gunnison Country Times, August 21, 2025

City plans changes to street parking code

Council moves to ban residential camping, restrict RV parking

Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor

Following years of community complaints, Gunnison City Council directed staff to draft sweeping

Chasing dreams from Alaska to Aveiro

NEWS: ICE agents make Gunnison arrest, A9

COMMUNITY: ‘Sessions’ opens musical doors, A17

SPORTS: Landon Ruggera wins gold in Peru, A25

A3 OPINION A46

A21-A24

A25

Cockman signs with Galitos in Portuguese basketball league

Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor

Long before Rachel Cockman led the Mountaineers women’s basketball team to the RMAC semifinals, she was racing across the remote Alaskan wilderness in dogsledding competitions. Growing up in the remote town of Cantwell, Alaska, she first fell in love with the freedom and independence of mushing. A career in basketball couldn’t have been further from her mind, and geographically, her future high school court was over an hour away. But despite all odds, Cockman found her way to

Western Colorado University, and last spring, placed first in one of the top professional scouting camps in the nation. Now, the former Mountaineer captain faces an entirely new challenge — she will move to Aveiro, Portugal to play professionally for Clube dos Galitos in the first division of Portuguese women’s basketball.

Cockman grew up in the 200-person town of Cantwell, burrowed in the eastern foothills of Denali National Park. Her middle school basketball team fielded a co-ed team of six kids, and Cockman preferred racing through the snow behind her dog team to competing on the hardwood.

“When I first started playing [basketball], I absolutely hated it,” Cockman said. “I was terrible, like I was so, so bad.”

Instead of being cooped up inside gymnasiums during the long Alaskan winters, she embraced the cold from the

Rachel Cockman celebrates breaking the 1,000 career point mark against Colorado Mesa with Assistant Coach Lauren Bogle. (Courtesy Western Colorado University Athletic Communications) Cockman A8

TOUGH RIDING: A young cowboy takes on a firece opponent at Gunnison Tough’s Bull Fest on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. For more, see A14. (Photo by Evan Bjornstad)

QUOTE of the week

“The real magic isn’t just the music, it’s the sense of community.”

— Heather Zeilman, Gunnison Valley Sessions organizer

See story on A17

BLM announces wild horse and burro adoption

On Oct. 3-4, the Bureau of land Management will host wild horse and burro adoptions at the fairgrounds in Grand junction. The animals will be available for adoption by eligible individuals able to provide good homes.

“The BLM has placed nearly 300,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971,” said BLM representative Alan Bittner.

Qualifications to adopt an animal include:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse

• Homes must have at least 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter.

• Corral fences must meet height requirements: adult horses, 6 ft. and yearlings, 5 ft.

• Trailers must be stock-type, covered, with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors.

For more information visit blm.gov/whb.

Correction

In last week’s edition of the Times we incorrectly reported that the Bureau of Reclamation was considering emergency water releases from Blue Mesa Reservoir in 2025. Releases are under consideration in 2026.

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This article was originally published on August 14, 2025. After publication, the City identified errors in the vendor fee calculation and vendor fee reductions. The corrected information is bold.

Public Input Encouraged by August 26

The City of Gunnison is exploring a potential change in how local sales tax is reported and collected by businesses. The idea is to have the State of Colorado handle the full collection process, including the City’s portion, so businesses would no longer file separate sales tax reports to the City. This change may justify eliminating or reducing the “vendor fee” that businesses currently keep for handling sales tax paperwork, allowing approximately $400,000 a year to be reinvested in the community’s economic prosperity without increasing taxes.

What Happens Today

When you buy goods or services within Gunnison city limits, you pay 8.9% in sales tax. Of that total, 4% goes to the City of Gunnison to help pay for vital services like street maintenance, parks, and emergency response.

Retailers currently submit two separate sales tax reports each month, one to the City and one to the State. To offset this extra work, the City allows businesses to keep 4% of their portion of sales tax. This vendor fee equals about 16 cents for every $100 spent.

While this may seem like a small amount, across all local businesses it totals over $400,000 a year. About half, roughly $200,000, is kept by the ten largest retailers, while the other half is shared among about 2,000 businesses.

What Could Change

If the way sales tax is collected and reported changes, City Council is considering whether to reduce or eliminate the vendor fee. Businesses would no longer submit sales tax reports or payments directly to the City. Instead, they would file only with the State of Colorado, which already collects and processes the state, RTA, and county portions of the 8.9% sales tax. The State would then forward the City’s 4% share directly to Gunnison.

This would mean one less report for businesses to complete. Since the City’s portion would be handled entirely by the State, the vendor fee, which was created to cover extra paperwork, might no longer be provided. For a business paying about $10,000 in annual sales tax, that would mean receiving about $400 less from the vendor fee each year. For a business paying about $45,000 in annual sales tax, the difference would be about $1,800 a year.

Why This Change Is Being Considered

One reason for considering this change is to be more business-friendly by simplifying reporting requirements. Businesses would no longer file separate sales tax reports to both the City and the State, reducing their paperwork and administrative burden.

If the vendor fee were reduced or eliminated, approximately $400,000 could remain in the City’s budget each year. The goal is to explore whether this change could keep the sales tax process fair and efficient while ensuring more tax dollars work for the entire community, not just a few large businesses.

These local dollars could be reinvested through an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to support local businesses, improve

public spaces for a more inviting downtown, and attract new businesses and events to Gunnison.

What Is an EDC?

An Economic Development Corporation is an independent nonprofit that works to strengthen the local economy. Instead of the City hiring staff and running an economic development office, these funds could help a communityrun nonprofit lead initiatives, apply for grants, and bring in investment.

EDCs help existing businesses grow, attract new employers, and support entrepreneurs. Many thriving communities in Colorado, including Salida, Montrose, and Delta, have EDCs that play a major role in their success.

In Gunnison’s case, the City could provide start-up funding, but the EDC would be guided by local business leaders and community members, not City Hall.

The initiative to establish an EDC was a key outcome of the recently adopted Economic Development Plan. The full work plan is available on the City’s website under the Economic Prosperity section.

Share Your Perspective

Your feedback is important to City Council and will inform decisions on the abovementioned changes.

You can share your thoughts by:

• Attending the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 26th, 5:30 pm at City Hall, Council Chambers, 201 W. Virginia Avenue

• Emailing your input to: cityclerk@gunnisonco.gov Learn more at www.gunnisonco.gov/EconProsperity.

Rodney Ray Cooley

Rodney Ray Cooley left this earth June 29, 2025. He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Gunnison Valley was a vacation spot for his family, and he made it his home in the late 1980s.

Cooley lived in Mt. Crested Butte and worked for places such as the Plaza and High Country Resorts, as well as served on the town council for Mt. Crested Butte. He had many occupations, like EMT, lifeguard, professional gambler, motorcycle racer — and he broke horses as well. His full life made him a "Rod of all trades."

Cooley loved camping and hunting and enjoyed the outdoors with his family of choice. Not only did his generosity cover this valley, his knowledge was well respected. He was prepared for any situation, and that gave the ones he loved safety and reassurance.

He left us with these words he wrote himself:

When I die

To children and old men that wait to die

And if you need to cry, cry for your brother or sister who walk the street beside you.

And when you need me

Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.

I leave you with something, something better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I have known or loved, and if you cannot give me away

At least let me live in your eyes and not your mind.

You can love me most by letting hand touch hands and letting bodies touch bodies

And by letting go of children.

I need to be free

Love does not die, people do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love

Give me away.”

Rod Cooley

Anne Flick Steinbeck

The world lost a class act.

Anne Flick Steinbeck passed on May 22. She was born Oct. 20, 1929, to Margaret and Raleigh Flick, a pioneer family in Gunnison, Colorado. She spent the next 91 years in Gunnison, marrying, working, raising a daughter, helping others and traveling the world. In December 2020, Anne moved to Helena, Montana to be closer to family.

Although Anne achieved much in her life, she is best remembered by those who knew her for her kindness and generosity to others, as well as her extraordinary wit, which was both razor keen and never mean nor cruel. Anyone who spent time with her received a heartfelt compliment, and she always brightened or eased their day.

Anne’s laughter and smile were infectious, her poise pristine, her sense of fashion and decor striking, elegant and stately. She was a talented cook, a gracious and welcoming hostess and a true and abiding friend. She was humble, intelligent, incredibly wise and always seemed to have the right words for every occasion.

In high school, Anne was the state Latin co-champion and was awarded a scholarship to attend any state college in Colorado. She remained in Gunnison, worked as a waitress to supplement her scholarship and graduated from Western State College (now Western Colorado University). Anne was voted Miss Western State and was designated Miss Scholarship for her academic achievement.

After graduation, Anne married Archie Steinbeck. They had one child and celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage before Archie’s death in 2004.

Anne worked in various professional capacities in Gunnison and its surrounding area. She

was one of two teachers for several grades of the children of miners working in Whitepine, Colorado, and later she worked at the local Gunnison newspaper — the Gunnison News Champion. In 1962 she was hired to be the Gunnison County welfare director and later became Hinsdale County welfare director as well. She retired after working as director for over 39 years, receiving a large stained-glass window inscribed by the county commissions with the words: “Anne Steinbeck, a class act. Thank you for your years of service to the citizens of Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties.”

Anne inspired and assisted many single mothers who came to the welfare office, encouraging and supporting them in furthering their education. She found homes for numerous foster children and adoptees. She kept a photo album filled with pictures of the children she placed, and it was stuffed with thankful letters from adoring parents. She was so effective in facilitating successful adoptions that the Colorado Department of Human Services asked her to teach others in her field how to prepare for, conduct, evaluate and write adoption studies.

Anne was a mover and shaker. She played a key role in founding many organizations and services that made life better for those who were disadvantaged or unable to advocate for themselves. In Gunnison, she helped establish the first mental health clinic, the nursing home (now the Senior Care Center), the Jubilee House for victims of domestic violence, the first food bank, the Tenderfoot Childcare Center, the Ladies Night Out fundraiser and the Gunnison Community Foundation. She was an active member of Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, P.O.E, Elks Ladies and local bridge clubs.

Anne was baptized in the Community Church at an early age and continued as a member of its congregation. She sang in the church choir for over 30 years and stepped in for the pastor when he was on vacation.

Anne was appointed by four Colorado governors to various boards and commissions. One

continued on A4

Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you….

139:13-14(NKJV)

1:5 (NKJV)

OBITUARIES

continued from A3

of her favorites was the board of trustees governing body of four-year Colorado colleges. She served several terms on the board, including two as chairman.

Anne was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Federation (BPW). She was Colorado BPW state president 1976-77 and the first Coloradoan to be elected national BPW president in 198586. She lobbied for the equal rights amendment and supported parity in wage rates and access to credit for women. In her role as national president, she traveled to most of the U.S. states and later as an international representative she visited New Zealand and Australia. She was the U.S. representative to the International Women’s Conference in Ghana, Africa. In recognition of her many local, state and national accomplishments, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, one of her most cherished achievements.

Another of Anne’s gifts was her beautiful soprano voice. She was regularly asked to sing at weddings, Memorial Day services and funerals, or simply to show her talent to the enjoyment of any nearby. People who met her after she moved to Helena thought she must have been a professional singer.

(Written by Dale Garrett)

I was born Nov. 24, 1934 to Jack and Violet Garrett in Mosca, Colorado. I was the third of four children. I attended schools at Mosca, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Colorado and West Plains, Missouri, where I graduated in 1952 as Salutatorian in a class of 120. I received a scholastic scholarship to the University of Missouri. I couldn't afford to attend as my family moved back to Colorado in Gunnison. I applied to Western State College and received a scholarship there. While attending Western I met my beloved wife and best friend for 70 years, Donna Hostetler. We had three children, Roxanna J., Karen K. and Robert W. Garrett.

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Anne’s four years in Helena were happy ones — especially for her family, who enjoyed her stories, cheerfulness and wit. Her family is extremely grateful for the care provided by Marie Lavinder, which allowed Anne to live independently in her own apartment. Anne had a special friendship with Stephen Keim and adored visits with his family — particularly the great grandchildren.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband Archie, her parents Margaret and Raleigh, and her siblings — Raleigh Jr., Roberta, Carroll, John and Ben. She is survived by daughter Lois Steinbeck, grandson Jake Bohyer, nephews, nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Western Colorado University ballroom. A buffet lunch will be served after the service. Memorials can be made to the Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship or a charity of your choosing. To give to the Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship at Western Colorado University, visit tinyurl.com/SteinbeckScholarship or mail contributions to WCU Foundation, PO Box 1264, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Anne was an amazing mom, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is greatly missed. She left her mark on this world, and it was one etched in kindness, generosity, laughter, sincerity and service for others, especially those who needed help.

After getting married I worked for a local building contractor (Jess Summers) and learned the construction trade. In 1961, I ventured into business, started a building construction company, and acquired Building Logs, Inc., the manufacturers of LokLog cabins and homes, which my wife and children help run for 30-plus years. As a sideline to the Lok-Log business in 1976, Western Lumber was started and soon became a major retail building supply business in Gunnison and is still in operation today under the management of my daughter Roxie and her sons, Christopher, Preston and Steven.

I was preceded in death by my parents Jack and Violet, brothers Marvin and Jack, sister Norma Jean Curley and my son Robert. I am survived by my wife of 70-plus years, Donna; daughter Roxie Rule, children Christopher, Preston and Steven; granddaughter Marra; daughter Karen Garrett, Shelby (Nick) Lorimor; grandchildren Wiley, Braxton and Brooklynn; Robert's children, Heather (Nate) Scavezze, Brandi (Rebecca) Garrett, Alyson Garrett; grandchildren Avery and Aiden Scavezze.

I played basketball and ran track in high school and college, enjoyed hunting with my son and grandchildren. I also played golf and bowled with my wife and so many friends for many years, and for a short time had a pilot license. I had some artistic ability and majored in art and industrial arts at Western.

I left this life on Aug. 16 surrounded by my family. What a great journey.

A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the Gunnison Elks Lodge,123 South Main Street, Gunnison. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Robert Dale Garrett

Tommi Perry

Miss Tommi Perry alighted here on earth to begin her adventure on Aug. 4, 1953. She passed on July 26, 2025, nine days before turning 72.

As a small child she lived in the state home in Grand Junction and later moved to Montrose to live in the San Juan Living Center.

Tommi joined her forever home with Six Points in 1989. She enjoyed living in her own apartment for most of her very busy life here in Gunnison. At a point where Tommi required a bit more care than Six Points could provide, she moved into the Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center and enjoyed having her own room for the last few years.

Tommi’s adventure has recently taken her on to a higher plane to be with her mother Jeannie and sister Ronnie who went on ahead by several years.

Tommi will be very much missed by her sisters, Robbin, Vicki and Kelly and brother Larry, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, many of whom she was able to visit with at a huge family reunion not too long ago. Tommi will be greatly missed by all her friends at Six

State kudos for County

Points where she was always a lively presence.

Tommi was very spiritual and believed very strongly that people will be doing their favorite things in the company of Jesus when they move on from this life here on earth. Tommi loved bells, ribbons and bows, Disney movies, cute stuffed animals, cheesy bread and root beer, making bead necklaces for her friends and hugging her baby dolls. She was the best “Tommi Mommy” ever. She liked to learn about what you liked to do and would remember to ask you about it when you spent time with her.

Miss Tommi Perry’s memory will forever fill our hearts with love.

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has awarded the Gunnison County Department of Health and Human Service the 2024 Distinguished Performance Award, recognizing exceptional service and commitment to the community. This marks the ninth time Gunnison County has received this honor. Hinsdale County, which shares human services operations with Gunnison County, also received the award.

Six days to perform Snow White

The Missoula Children’s Theatre led a local workshop at the Gunnison Arts Center Aug. 11-16. The week culminated in three performances on Aug. 15 and 16 of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

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(Courtesy Gunnison County)

(Courtesy Missoula Children’s Theatre)

970.641.1414

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A call to ‘Spark the Arts’

Hap Channell Special to the Times

Two weeks ago, I attended one of my favorite events — the annual Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley grant awards ceremony. At no other time during the year do so many of our nonprofit organizations gather to celebrate community and each other, and rarely is the awareness of community more acute. However, current economic uncertainties threaten our valley’s nonprofits and challenge our ability to create and to protect the very community we want to have. Difficulties with other economic sectors, such as public and private interests are well documented in the Times and in other media, but nonprofit struggles are less publicized and subsequently are less

LETTERS

Sundays@6 success

Editor:

On behalf of the Gunnison Arts Center staff and board of directors, as we wrap up another incredible season of Sundays@6, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing community for your continued support and generous donations to the Gunnison Arts Center’s summer concert series. Did you know that Sundays@6 is brought to you by your nonprofit community arts center, the GAC, with the generous backing of our local businesses? Together, you all make this beloved tradition possible.

A heartfelt thank you to all the bands and musicians who graced the stage this summer, filling our Sunday evenings with music, energy and joy. Your talent and passion created memories for our community that will last far beyond the final note.

We’d like to give a special shout-out to Katie Lewinger of Professional High Fivers for her outstanding work running the event — booking every band, securing sponsors and keeping everything running smoothly. And to Darren McLean, thank you for your exceptional sound engineering and behind-thescenes logistics that kept each performance sounding its best. We can’t wait to gather again next summer for another season of music, community and connection at Sundays@6. Until

understood, particularly in the realm of arts and culture.

The uncertainty of the economy and freezes on congressionally approved grants have created an environment of instability and caution among the nonprofit community’s usually dependable funders, such as foundations, private philanthropy and government agencies. If we want our nonprofit community to thrive, the way we want it to and need it to, each of us must step up with individual contributions to fill the void left by the insecurity of the current financial environment.

A case in point is the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC), one of Gunnison’s most wellestablished and important fixtures, a standout among the institutions that make our community what we want it to be. Unlike other vital institutions in the south end of our valley — such as Gunnison Valley Health, the Gunnison Watershed School District, the Gunnison Community Center and Western Colorado University — the Arts Center is a wholly independent, non-

then, thank you for making this series a true celebration of Gunnison’s creative spirit.

Alysa VandenHeuvel, GAC executive director

CB State of Mind gets new look

Editor:

Over the past five years, we have grown from a small, grassroots movement into a trusted source for mental health support for the Gunnison Valley. Through free mental health resources and therapy scholarships, we ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, whenever they need it. Along the way, we’ve been uplifted by community members who’ve helped us create everything, from logos to posters to powerful messaging. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped build CB State of Mind and continue to help us on our mission today.

Now, we are proud to introduce a new logo and brand that honors where we’ve come from and reflects where we are going. It’s a way to bring clarity and consistency to the work we do. We wanted an identity that our community could recognize quickly, feel comforted by and know exactly where to turn to if they need mental health support for themselves or a friend.

Thank you all for joining us on this journey. Together, we are

profit organization. It owns and operates a prominent, 12,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the community.

The GAC is dedicated to providing and nourishing the creative arts for all through a wide variety of events and educational programs. Its support base is membership, ticket sales, class tuitions, rental space, art sales and philanthropy from a variety of sources.

The GAC has recently completed a significant historic preservation and renovation project that will serve the public, the city and the queen of historic buildings in our valley for decades to come.

Now our GAC is turning its attention to bolstering arts programming worthy of the remarkable facility that anchors Main Street. Summer programs have been in full swing, the Fall catalogue has gone to the printer with exciting event and class offerings, and now the GAC is asking the public to give generously to its “Spark the Arts” fundraising campaign for operations. This is a four-week-long targeted effort to raise $50,000 to operate the remodeled center

of cultural life in Gunnison. Spark the Arts was officially launched on Aug. 13 and will end on Sept. 10. Already, enthusiastic donors have responded with $27,000 of pre-campaign gifts, and to encourage public participation, one of our local donors has generously pledged a $10,000 match when the campaign reaches its first $10,000!

You can make a secure donation today online at gunnisonartscenter.org or by mail (or in person) to Gunnison Arts Center, 102 S. Main. Remember, donations to the GAC of over $50 are eligible for Enterprise Zone tax credits.

It is time to truly spark the arts and to unite behind our donor’s openhearted matching offer while demonstrating support for one of our most important and cherished nonprofit institutions. The Gunnison Arts Center is a vital and integral part of our community, the very kind of community we want to have.

(Hap Channell is a member of the Gunnison Arts Center board of directors.)

building a stronger, more connected community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their mental health journey. We invite you to explore the new look and connect with us more at cbstateofmind.org.

As always, we are in this together.

Meghan Dougherty CB State of Mind

Trump leadership in eight steps (a parody)

Editor:

Step 1: As mandated in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 — pick any federal agency or service critical to public wellbeing and safety that was short staffed prior to and since November 2024 and stretched to limits in trying to meet its responsibilities to the American People and dismantle that agency.

Step 1a: Choose the National Weather Service (NWS) because it is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which also undertakes climate change research, and it is absolutely certain that climate change is a hoax according to the mentality of the authors of Project 2025. (Note that we won’t worry about the difference between weather and climate for now).

Step 2: Force out over 1,000 employees of NOAA and the NWS who are either too young

to have job protection or are old enough to force out under early retirement under the implicit threat that if they don’t take early retirement they’ll be fired anyway. Thus, reducing staffing at an already understaffed critical agency to levels lower than any time in the last 100 years and losing over 27,000 years of experience from the agency.

Step 2a: In the Austin, Texas NWS Weather Forecasting Office, have the warning coordination meteorologist [take an] early retirement offer in April as part of the government’s staffing cuts. His role included sending timely warnings of severe weather to local public safety officials and emergency managers.

Step 3: In July 2025, have more than 135 people die in a flash flood including 37 children in a strongly conservative state (Texas) due to a failure of the weather emergency forecasting system where the local NWS Weather Forecasting Office was not fully staffed.

Step 4: As noted in a Wikipedia article on the Texas event, have President Trump tell “reporters that the funding cuts had not left key NWS posts vacant, and it had been ‘a hundred year catastrophe.’" Asked if meteorologists should be rehired, Trump said, "I would think not. This was the thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it. Very talented people in there,

and they didn't see it.”

Step 4b: Note that the NWS did accurately forecast the situation, but there was a fundamental failure in the preparation, warning communication and response process.

Step 5: Oops! Deny, deflect, bully anyone who seeks to understand the causes.

Step 5a: Hope the American people forget about the dead in Texas: 37 children and 98 adults.

Step 6: Aug. 5, 2025 article in Forbes “National Weather Service has reportedly been given the OK to hire 450 new meteorologists, hydrologists and radar technicians months after roughly 600 employees were either fired or took the buyouts offered to millions of federal workers.”

Step 7: Randomly pick any other federal agency or service critical to public wellbeing and safety that was short staffed prior to and since November 2024 and stretched to limits in trying to meet its responsibilities to the American People and randomly cut its staff by 15% or more and see what happens next.

Step 8: In the meantime, deny, attack, bully, deflect — repeat!

Jeff Lazo Gunnison

GORP is a land grab

Editor:

I want to share this information posted by Hope Scheppleman, Republican candidate for U.S. Congressional District 3. It contains a statement by Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond:

“If you care about land, liberty, and the future of Western Colorado, you need to understand what the GORP Act really does. This federal land grab would lock up over 730,000 acres under layers of government restrictions.

“Here’s the breakdown in acres:

• 122,902, wilderness areas

• 214,650, special management areas

• 223,868, wildlife conservation areas

• 30,542, protection areas

• 18,247, recreation management areas

• 12,250, scientific research area

• 74,271 acres in Delta County withdrawn from oil and gas leasing

• 49,422 acres added as “No Surface Occupancy” zones

“That’s not conservation. That’s control.

“These restrictions mean no new roads, no energy development, no meaningful grazing expansion, no timber harvest and no future access for rural industries. Promised access means nothing if you can’t use the land.

“Now take a step back and look at what’s already been taken:

• Black Canyon National Park, 30,750 acres

• Uncompahgre Wilderness, 102,721 acres

• Dominguez–Escalante NCA, 210,172 acres

• Gunnison Gorge NCA and Wilderness, 62,844 acres

• Tabeguache WSA, 16,000+ acres

• Camel Back WSA, 9,238 acres

• Dolores River Canyon WSA, 29,868 acres

• Lower Dolores SRMA, 77,170 acres

“We’ve already passed a million acres of restricted public land, and GORP is the next step in locking up what’s left.

“Every time we hand over more land to the federal government, we lose liberty. They say it’s about preservation, but it’s about control. Rural voices are being silenced while dark money groups and career politicians carve up the West in the name of environmentalism.

“This isn’t about protecting nature. It’s about erasing us. We either fight this or we surrender everything. Stand up. Speak out. And share the truth before it’s too late.”

Jo Laird Gunnison

A great night

Editor:

The High Attitude Dance Academy Booster Club would like to thank Justice Cry and Ride for the Voiceless for hosting such a wonderful and impactful event at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds on Aug. 9. We were honored to participate as a vendor and truly appreciated the warm, welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived to set up.

From the organizers who worked tirelessly to bring the evening together, to the fellow vendors who created such a fun and inviting space, to the many attendees who stopped by with smiles and conversation, it was a night that reflected the best of our community.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of an event that not only brought people together, but also supported such an important cause. What a great night!

HADA Booster Club Gunnison

U.S. is (not) a Christian nation

Editor:

Any claim that the U.S. is a Christian nation is, by definition, Christian nationalism. That’s the core of the “biblical citizenship” classes you may have seen advertised. Christianity does not perform well as power over others.

David Barton, the writer behind those classes, has an undergrad degree in religious education, not history, theology or law. His approach is like a lot of Christian nationalists. For instance, he claims that most signers of the Declaration of Independence had “Bible school degrees.” They didn’t, but “Bible school” hints at where Barton is coming from. “Bible school” is 20th century evangelical jargon. Like most people at the time, those signers were educated at religious schools (not anachronistic “Bible schools”). Only one had a divinity degree. Not that it matters; religious education hardly equates to establishing a Christian nation. Joseph Stalin was a seminary student. I guess the USSR was a Christian nation.

Were some or most of the founders Christians? Sure. Does that make their project Christian? No. Oh, and the Declaration of Independence is not the Constitution.

The Constitution never mentions any god in general, and no Christian god in particular, because, “The Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion…” (Treaty of Tripoli, 1797, signed by John Adams). No amount of apologia can explain that away. In truth, the U.S. government sprang from Enlightenment thinking, English traditions like the Magna Carta, and colonial America’s uniquely horrible brand of anti-Black and anti-indigenous racism.

Incidentally, none of them would have even known what is meant by “Judeo-Christian,” a 20th century term used to mash together two distinct faiths. And yes, rabbinic Judaism and Christianity are the two main survivors of late Second Temple Judaism (Google it). They sacralized some of the same texts and even shaped rituals from shared sources. But they are unique; each offers things the other cannot and should not. “JudeoChristian” strikes some Jews as supersessionism (Google again). Judaism should be afforded its own integrity, not simply understood in relation to Christianity. Christian nationalism reduces Christianity to a power-grab, the antithesis of the Jesus story, leveraging nostalgia and scripture to structure power-over. Christian supremacy always endangers the whole world, in part because it denies the way of the crucified Jesus.

I write this as a person deeply planted in the Christian tradition, and I can assure you, the best Christianities are always about power-under, never power-over. The way of Jesus — who centers the marginalized and rejects the powerful — is too transformative to serve as a mascot for any nation.

Ian Wrisley Gunnison

Real story about public radio

Editor:

KBUT representatives have written twice in the past three weeks in the Times that “Congress” cut funding for public radio. While this is technically true, they fail to tell the real story — that Republicans in Congress cut funding for public radio and television. The vote in the House was 214-212, with Gunnison’s CD3 Republican Congressman Jeff Hurd, voting in favor to cut funding. Every Democrat voted against.

KBUT should inform people of the facts and not try to both-sides every issue if they want to maintain the support of their loyal listeners.

Kent Lucas Gunnison

The City Center

Gunnison Recreation Center Annual Cleaning Week Closure

Closed Saturday 8/23 - Friday 8/29

Reopening Saturday 8/30 at 10am

Why are we closing? Dedicated time for deep cleaning, maintenance, and staff planning helps our parks and rec team to continue offering a high-quality facility and programming for the entire community!

When: 5:30pm, 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month

Where: City Hall, Second floor Council Chambers, 201 W. Virginia Ave. Agendas and packets available online the Friday before meetings.

changes to the city’s parking regulations.

At an Aug. 12 meeting, council moved to adjust the city’s municipal code, targeting residential camping, street parking for recreation and commercial vehicles and airport parking. The drafted code language will be presented to council in September, with public comment and a final decision to take place at future council meetings.

In December of 2024, city staff was directed to conduct public outreach to better understand community parking complaints and concerns. After nearly eight months of online surveys and open houses, the city identified four main themes: long term parking of recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles parking in residential areas, passenger vehicles parked for extended periods and parking near the airport.

“Most other communities don’t have the width of streets that we have in Gunnison, so the parking ‘problems’ are much different than what we experience here,” said City Manager Amanda Wilson after the meeting. “When we develop rules that are clear for the public and staff, and they align with council's expectations, enforcement becomes a lot more attainable. The more we can make [the code] objective and less arbitrary, the better for everybody.”

Passenger vehicle parking and residential camping

In the current municipal code drafted in 2021/22, abandoned vehicles are defined as those being parked within city limits for over 48 hours that are not legally licensed, non-operable or equipped with an immobilization device.

The council agreed that a time limit should not apply to functioning, licensed vehicles, and reached a consensus to remove the 48-hour limit in residential areas.

In the current code, camping within residential areas is allowed for up to seven days

within a 30-day period. Camping is defined as using a vehicle for living or sleeping, and prohibits campers from relocating around town to skirt the 30-day limit.

At the meeting, Deputy Chief Frank Rodriguez recommended banning residential camping, and accepting applications in a case-by-case permitting process. The council agreed, and added that camping on Hwy. 50 could be allowed for 24 hours without a permit to accommodate truckers and closures on Monarch Pass.

“In a [camping] application process, you could say, ‘my family's coming in from Ohio and staying in my driveway for a week,’” Rodriguez said at the meeting. “[A permitting process] cleans it up for us from an enforcement perspective — as opposed to driving around, looking for campers, and [tracking] the seven-day period.”

Recreational and commercial vehicle parking

A major concern raised to council was the parking and storage of recreational vehicles in residential areas. Although the current code prohibits recreational vehicles, such as boats, RVs and trailers from parking on residential streets for over 48 hours, locals said neighbors have consistently left them on the street for months.

“The biggest complaints that I hear are of the folks who have four trailers full of things, and they leave them on the street and there's no room to park,” said Councilor Matt Schwartz at the meeting. “I don't know that we're addressing those concerns, other than saying you have to spend a lot of time calling police to get them to move.”

The council agreed to maintain the 48-hour limit on recreational vehicle parking, with an added focus on public education

and “hitting a reset button” on enforcement, Wilson said. Currently, the city’s municipal code does not define commercial vehicles or set requirements for commercial parking on neighborhood streets. The council directed staff in the draft regulations to define a commercial vehicle, likely as exceeding a weight of 1 ton, or length of 18-feet. Council agreed that commercial vehicle parking will be prohibited for periods over 48-hours on residential streets.

Airport parking

In previous years, airline passengers have been reported to evade airport parking fees by parking on adjacent streets, and blocking nearby business parking. To combat this, the council agreed to move forward with banning overnight parking on designated streets, and enforcing violations with towing, rather than

issuing warnings.

“Around the airport, we will probably need to move quickly to a towing situation,” Wilson said after the meeting. “Otherwise, [travellers] get back from their trips and are like, ‘Cool, I paid $30 for a parking ticket and I still saved money on airport parking.’”

The updated code language is expected to be presented to the council in September. Then, the changes will be open to a public comment period, and a council decision in future meetings. Wilson said the new rules will be accompanied by an educational campaign, and a phasing period where the community can prepare before enforcement.

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

back of her dogsled. Cockman competed in the Junior Iditarod, and the Willow 100 dogsled races, travelling over 150 miles across the Alaskan wildlands alone, all before high school. In the fall of 2017, Cockman transferred to a school an hour outside of Cantwell. Coincidentally, she also hit a massive growth spurt, and suddenly, the idea of dominating on a basketball court started to become more attractive. She credits her childhood coach, Vanessa Juszcak, with “uplifting and empowering” her, in those early years. For the first time, she started to fall in love with the game.

“I have so much gratitude for being raised in Cantwell, and riding in my mom's sled before I could walk,” she said. “Dogsledding taught me a lot about perseverance and hard

work. Being out alone in the Alaskan wilderness can be dangerous, and I learned a lot about independence, spending hours alone with my dogs under the stars.”

When Cockman started the search for a collegiate program, she discovered the one Lower 48 town similar to the climate and remoteness of Cantwell. But it took some convincing to sign for Western. Before visiting the Gunnison Valley, she was days away from committing to a Division 3 program in Washington. But the persistence of Western’s coaching staff paid off, and after a single visit, Cockman committed to play for the Crimson and Slate.

“Gunnison really felt like home,” Cockman said. “I wanted to go somewhere where I could be a part of a family — something bigger than basketball — and that's what I felt with the Western basketball team and with the university as a whole.”

By her sophomore year in Gunnison, Cockman had already secured a starting role, and earned an RMAC honorable mention. Inspired by the leadership of 2021-22 captain Katie Dalton, Cockman stepped into a captain’s role her junior year and led the Mountaineers with 7.3 rebounds per game and 20 blocks that season. Despite Cockman’s dominance at the power forward position, Western still fell to a 7-20 overall record, and failed to qualify for the RMAC tournament.

Last season, Cockman finished her collegiate career with a Cinderella-story run into the conference tournament. The Mountaineers galloped through the regular season with a 20-7 record, and Cockman’s leadership was at the center. En route to a first-team all conference award, the Western captain surpassed the 1,000 point mark against Colorado Mesa University, and scored 20 or more points in 10 games. The

Mountaineers defeated Regis University in the opening round of the RMAC tournament, but fell in the semifinals to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Still, Cockman’s all-star year continued into the offseason.

After graduating, she placed first out of nearly 100 players at the 2025 Eurobasket Summer League Showcase in Tampa, Florida — one of the nation's largest scouting camps for prospective professionals. Her performance earned her offers from clubs in Spain and Malta, and she signed with Clube dos Galitos in Aveiro, Portugal this summer.

The former Mountaineer captain will pack up in Gunnison on Aug. 29, and trade the high mountains for the coastal village of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” for its canal system and colorful boats, called “Moliceiros.” She will start practice the day after arriving, and enter a rig -

orous club evaluation process. If all goes according to plan, Cockman will compete in the Liga Feminina de Basquetebol — the first division of professional basketball in the country.

“I'm so excited to live in a new culture and experience something new,” she said. “I want to go in with the mindset of immersing myself in the language and the culture, and take it all in. I’m in such an overwhelming state of gratitude, and feel so lucky to have been part of the journey, and a small part of Western’s basketball history.”

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

Cockman from A1

Vehicles and trailers line Rio Grande Ave. near the airport. (Photo by Evan Bjornstad)

ICE makes Gunnison arrest

In response to community inquiries, the Gunnison Police Department (GPD) has confirmed that on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), were present in the City of Gunnison and took an undocumented community member into custody.

ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws and conducts criminal investigations,

ICE confirmed that they were looking for an individual with a criminal warrant and that an individual matching the description of the suspect was contacted and detained. GPD had no previous knowledge of the federal operation and was not contacted by ICE upon their arrival in Gunnison.

GPD has limited jurisdiction regarding federal matters, and no further details have been provided or confirmed by ICE.

ICE realiza un arresto en Gunnison

En respuesta a las preguntas de la comunidad, el Departamento de Policía de Gunnison (GPD, por sus siglas en inglés) ha confirmado que el domingo 17 de agosto de 2025, agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés), una agencia federal de aplicación de la ley bajo el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional que hace cumplir las leyes de inmigración y realiza investigaciones criminales, estuvieron presentes en la Ciudad de Gunnison y detuvieron a un miembro indocumen-

Change of the guard

tado de la comunidad.

ICE confirmó que estaban buscando a una persona con una orden de arresto criminal y que una persona que coincidía con la descripción del sospechoso fue contactada y detenida. GPD no tenía conocimiento previo de la operación federal y no fue contactado por ICE a su llegada a Gunnison. GPD tiene jurisdicción limitada en asuntos federales, y no se han proporcionado ni confirmado más detalles por parte de ICE.

(Source: Gunnison Police Department)

New RE/MAX Community Brokers owners Meaghan Nicholl, A.J. Cattles and Brieonna Aljets held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 15.

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)

DO YOU HAVE A TREE YOU WOULD LIKE OUT OF YOUR YARD AND THINK IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE CITY?

Must be easily accessed and be approximately 50ft tall.

Contact the City of Gunnison Public Works at 970-641-8020.

(Courtesy

High Octane Arts and Crafts Festival fills park

Just across the street from this weekend’s car show, the High Octane Arts and Crafts Festival filled Legion Park on Saturday Aug. 16. Local artists displayed pottery, food, and paintings to customers and art lovers.

Girls in the game

Western Colorado University Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and K-12 Physical Education, Kanae Haneishi, and Admissions Counselor Shayna Castaldi, staff their booth at the Girls in the Game event in Denver on Saturday, Aug. 16. Haneishi, who also serves as Secretary General for WomenSport International and holds board positions with the International Advisory Board for Teaching Games for Understanding and the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, was invited to return for the second annual event, where the duo connected with thousands of young women and shared some of the opportunities awaiting them at Western. (Courtesy

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

4

2

‘Here for Good’ awards record amount in 2025 Community Foundation program

supports local nonprofits

The annual "Here for Good" celebration highlights grantees' work building inclusive communities.

Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) announced it has awarded a record $225,000 in community grants for 2025, representing a $25,000 increase over last year's awards. The grants were celebrated at CFGV's annual "Here for Good: A Community Celebration" on Aug. 6 at Western Colorado University's Ballroom.

The 2025 community grants support 47 organizations across eight funding categories. Grant recipients range from longestablished organizations like the Center for the Arts and Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to emerging programs addressing critical community needs like the Gunnison Bike Bus.

"This record level of funding reflects both the strength of our donor community and the incredible work being done by nonprofits throughout the Gunnison Valley," said Lauren Kugler, CFGV executive director. "The organizations we're supporting are truly building a stronger Gunnison Valley through their innovative programming."

During the event, each grant recipient shared brief insights into what community means to their organization and how they're working to build connections across diverse populations.

“Whether it’s a Summit Hike, a support group, or a simple meal delivered to someone in treatment, everything we do is rooted in connection,” said Hannah Schaefer Tibbett from Living Journeys. “Because community isn’t just something we

serve — it’s something we build together.”

The Here for Good celebration drew dozens of nonprofits and nearly 100 attendees, creating an energizing atmosphere as nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members and community supporters gathered to network and celebrate collective impact.

The celebration also featured CFGV's popular $1,000 grant drawing, where a lucky attendee won the opportunity to award an additional grant and selected Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League (GVAWL).

"It was energizing to be in a room full of people building community," said Alicia Corliss, CFGV director of operations and programs. "The collaborative spirit in that room is exactly what makes the Gunnison Valley special."

CFGV's annual competitive grant cycle supports orga-

nizations working throughout Gunnison County, from Marble to Mt. Crested Butte to Gunnison and surrounding communities. Applications for 2026 Community Grants will open in early 2026 with applications due May 15, 2026. To see a full list of 2025 grantees visit cfgv.org or scan the QR code below.

(Source: Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley)

cfgv.org/nonprofits/grantees /#2025-grantees

(Courtesy Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley)

3514 COUNTY ROAD 730, GUNNISON

STREET, PITKIN

147 MACKINAW WAY, GUNNISON

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

Yard of the week

Yard of the week goes to Dianna and Bob Harris, located at the corner of South 11th and Evans. A large wellgroomed lawn surrounds the house with aspen trees, white and pink crab apple trees, lilac trees and shrubs. It is also surrounded by beautifully kept flower gardens with unique rocks, snapdragons, lilies, columbines, poppies, daisies, bellflowers and many more. The beautiful Russian sage are in full bloom. The yard art in the yard is created by Bob and is unique. Lots of history also surrounds the yard. A large collection of antique mining and farming equipment are used to adorn the area with historical lore. The number 13 and 16 coal cars were two of many bought from the CFI Big Mine in Crested Butte by Bob’s dad and taken to the Hinkle coal mine up Mill Creek. As you go by, you can see some of the beautiful history of Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Bull Fest debuts in Gunnison

Gunnison Tough alongside Wrangler Bucking Cancer and Tough Enough to Wear Pink celebrated the first annual Bull Fest at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds on Saturday Aug.16. The festival hosted American bull fighting and riding, music and kids barnyard olympics.

(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

Calling all film lovers

CB Film Festival returns to Gunnison roots

Gia Wright Times Staff Writer

The Crested Butte Film Festival will take place this September, celebrating its 15th anniversary in the valley, this year with a renewed focus on events in Gunnison — where it all began.

“Gunnison is where we first started showing films and we really feel that this should be a valley-wide film festival,” said Executive Director Scott Robson. “We love involving the Gunnison community and the university as well.”

This year Robson plans to open up CBFF one night earlier in order to add a special Gunnison-focused day to the festival. On Sept. 23 at the Western Colorado University movie theater in the University Center on campus, the festival will kick off with a showing of a highly anticipated and acclaimed feature-length documentary that was selected specifically for its relevance to the Gunnison Valley audience.

The film, “Lost Wolves of Yellowstone,” chronicles the journey of Mollie Beattie, a woman who served as the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and originally spearheaded the wolf reintroduction program of Canadian wolves into Yellowstone. The screening, including a live, inperson appearance and Q&A with filmmakers will begin at 6:30 p.m.

“[In honor of the 15th anniversary] we are trying to circle back to our roots and highlight Colorado filmmakers,” Robson said. “We’re building quite the block of films from people around the state, so that will be special this year.”

The Sept. 23 film showing

will be presented by Western University’s Film Program in conjunction with CBFF. The event will be co-hosted by Julian Rubinstein, Filmmaker and Journalist-in-Residence at Western, as well as professor James Napoli, who heads up the graduate Creative Writing program.

“We are thrilled to solidify a partnership with Crested Butte Film Festival, not only to bring more opportunities for our students to have professional opportunities but also to help be a part of the launch of the Mountaineer Cinema to bring more quality film programming to the Valley,” said Rubinstein.

“We are trying to double down with the collaborative aspect, both with the screenwriting and filmmaking programs at the university, and with the community,” Robson said.

CBFF will then continue its festivities Sept. 24-28 in Crested Butte. Along with 80 films over the course of five days, there will be many educational and interactive offerings included in the film festival.

“We run 12 different special events throughout the course of the festival where you can meet the filmmakers,” Robson said. “There are coffee talks with filmmakers and screenwriters each morning, there are panels to attend, Q&A’s after the showings, and other fun ways to really get to see and experience the [filmmaking] process. We are really about giving people those immersive experiences.”

In addition to the Colorado filmmaker block, the festival will present a selection of short and feature-length outdoor and adventure films shown, alongside documentaries and a range of other genres.

“[This year] we have some documentary-focused films that are really strong, compelling and dramatic — personal stories of tragedy and triumph,” Robson said.

The films that were selected

were chosen out of 400 films submitted to the festival.

The CBFF is also teaming up with Western to launch a new podcast called “Screenplaying.” The podcast will be hosted by Napoli and will be similar to a book club, but for film review.

“The Crested Butte Film Festival team has welcomed with open arms a creative collaboration with Western. It has been my honor to host talkbacks and appear on panels at the festival in the past, and our work together now includes a podcast about our love of cinema,” said Napoli.

Each month, a different film will be announced and made available to watch. The subsequent podcast will be an opportunity for professors, filmmakers, students and lovers of film to have an academic discussion about the film. The podcast is meant to overlap the love of film with the technical side of filmmaking and is for anyone who loves film, not just students.

“Screenplaying” is being recorded now and should be available to the public in video and audio format around December of this year.

CBFF is still looking for community members and film lovers who would like to get involved with the festival. There are volunteer opportunities in a wide range of roles — from helping at the box office to guest relations for visiting filmmakers and more.

CBFF is open to the public. Tickets are on sale on the CBFF website as well as at the Crested Butte Farmer’s Market. Festival passes and tickets to individual events are available. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit cbfilmfest.org.

(Gia Wright can be contacted at gia@gunnisontimes.com.)

(Courtesy Crested Butte Film Festival)

Gunnison Car Show takes over town

The 37th annual Gunnison Car Show hosted by the Gunnison Car Club filled Jorgensen Park and Main Street Aug. 15-17. The show started with a Friday Night Cruise-In down Main Street, followed by the Saturday Show and Shine at Jorgansen park. The show ended with the Sunday Breakfast Cruise.

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

‘Sessions’ opens musical doors for kids

Offers young musicians a chance to shine

Enid Holden Special to the Times

A new community event called Gunny Valley Sessions was recently launched at the Quigley Bandshell stage with the support of Music Department Chair, Ben Justis and a number of local music teachers. This was a free concert featuring K-12 musicians from across the Valley. Nine young musicians, ages six to 14 performed while families picnicked on the lawn, kids danced along and the performers had a chance to meet and cheer one another on.

The concept grew out of many conversations between local musicians, music educators, and parents about how to create meaningful opportunities for young performers in a rural community. Jenny Hill Pankratz, Evelyn Roper and Lizzy Plotkin were central to the conversation and planning as well as volunteer Heather Zeilman. Organizers of Gunny Valley Sessions are hoping to make it a three-times-a-year tradition, with summer, winter holiday and spring events.

Plotkin said that the proposed series is designed to provide extra opportunities for music students to meet and be supported on their musical journey.

“Since the annual I Bar Ranch event where kids got to perform is no longer a thing, we want to create events for young musicians to meet and have recitals and inspire one another,” she said. “This is helpful for music instructors as well, as individually a teacher may not have enough students to comprise an evening of music, but when we combine resources, we get to expose kids to other musical kids, some who can rise to the occasion and become examples and mentors to the younger artists.”

It's also an effort to connect the dots between kids with a passion for music and Western’s music department, she said.

In partnership with WCU’s Quigley Studios, the event was pulled together in just a few weeks, and the inaugural concert was inspiring and well supported by the community. It is clear that magic happens when there is a forum with pooled resources and committed community collaborations. The instruments represented at this event were piano, ukulele, guitar and violin, with genres ranging from pop to country and classical.

Some students played songs they had been learning and practicing over time, but one young artist, 12-year-old Rylee

Southworth, played an original piece she had written that morning which addresses the occasion:

The Key

When I first reached for the sky

I really didn’t know what came next

Asking myself, “How do I get up on that stage?”

The key is me

Singing in my favorite key

Meeting people like me

Hoping to share our music with everybody

I’m not going to lie,

I’m chasing every possibility

You believed in me,

That’s the key to everything

Sitting on concrete

Jar by my side,

Guitar in hand, I don’t need a band

Because the key is me …

When I first reached for the sky

I really didn’t know what came next

Asking myself, “How do I get up on that stage?”

Now I am here

Guitar in hand

Singing without a band

I’m playing in my favorite key that you first taught me and you believed in me,

That’s the key to everything.

“But the real magic isn’t just the music, it’s the sense of community,” said Heather Zeilman, whose son Finn was asking to meet other musicians and to negotiate the steps to becoming a member of the music community. “In a rural place like ours, opportunities for young musicians to connect outside of lessons or school can be rare.

Gunny Valley Sessions was created to help fill that gap — to give kids a reason to come together, make new friends and feel seen and supported as artists.”

Other highlights of the first Sessions evening included Finn Zeilman (10), performing “Rush E” on piano by Andrew Wrangell; Bridger Burgemeister (6) covering “Goodbye

Colorado” by Reckless Kelly, accompanied by his music teacher, Evelyn Roper; and tunes by Walker Sovick. The night ended with a set by The Expanding Minds, four Western students who donated their time to close out the show.

For those students of music who want to compose, play with others, jam, perform for live audiences, or be in a band, there are local resources to explore. Chris Coady is offering a songwriting workshop on Aug. 23 at the Gunnison Arts Center and Blue Mesa Music hosts events and Crested Bucha has open mikes on Thursdays.

On Sept. 4, interested young musicians are invited to join the Youth Rock Band, although the name is misleading as music other than rock will be explored. The opportunity is open to intermediate and advanced K-12 musicians ready to jam in a real band setting. Led by Jenny Hill, the band will provide four rehearsals and one live performance. Students will commit and sign a contract and Hill will mentor the group for one hour per week. Email talewindsmusic@gmail.com for more info or to apply.

(Enid Holden is a

Gunnisonbased arts and culture writer.)

(Back) The Expanding Minds band members - Francisco Little, Caed Mitchell (also event sound guy), Nick Diones & Sam Pittman (Credit: Heather Zeilman); (Front) Lizzy Plotkins, Julien Klingsmith, Walker Sovick, Finn Zeilman, Rylee Southworth, Kassidy Robinson, Bridger Burgemeister, Amery Burgemeister and Anna Meeuwsen. (Photo by Heather Zeilman)

(L to R) Jenny (Hill) Pankratz, Lizzy Plotkins and Heather Zeilman (Photo by Finn Zeilman)

Workshop trains peer support specialists

Laura Cardozo Special to the Times

During the week of August 11-15, 11 members of the Hispanic community participated in the second certified peer support specialist workshop, an initiative that seeks to strengthen local community support networks.

The joint effort between Gunnison Valley Health, Jacky's Recovery Support Services and Juntos por Gunnison addresses mental health and social wellness support needs in the Latino community in the valley.

According to Natanael (Nata) Choi, peer support workshop facilitator, rural areas lack resources or mental health programs focused on Latino communities. Under this premise, these types of workshops generate empowerment for the Gunnison community through knowledge and training to promote mental and emotional health.

The second edition of the workshop represents the creation of a great community strength structure. The facilitators are trained with competencies to provide support to their

peers, creating an assistance network that also responds to cultural differences and is accessible to the linguistic varieties of the community.

"We had a very intense week but also one of great learning," said María Uhrig, one of the workshop attendees. According to Uhrig, the knowledge acquired allowed her to perform a self-evaluation of her emotions and recognize the importance of listening to others.

"All people have the need to be heard and understood," she said.

The program not only trains participants in support techniques, but also provides them with tools for their own personal development, creating a multiplier effect that benefits the facilitators and the families and people who receive the support.

The participating organizations are convinced of the great impact that creating this peer support network can have on the community.

"We invite everyone who wants to join this initiative to ensure that all residents and families in Gunnison can have access to mental and emotional

support services," according to promotional materials.

The initiative represents a significant advance toward equity in access to mental health services. With the second edition of the workshop, a total of 24 facilitators are trained, consolidating a solid community support network in the Gunnison Valley.

(Laura Cardozo is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

Segundo taller de especialistas certificados de apoyo entre pares

Laura Cardozo Special to the Times

Durante la semana del 11 al 15 de agosto, 11 miembros de la comunidad hispana participaron en el segundo taller de especialistas certificados de apoyo entre pares, una iniciativa que busca fortalecer las redes de apoyo comunitario local.

El esfuerzo conjunto entre Gunnison Valley Health (GVH), la organización Jacky's Recovery y Juntos por Gunnison, aborda las necesidades de apoyo en salud mental y bienestar social en la comunidad latina en el valle.

Según Natanael (Nata) Choi, tallerista de apoyo entre pares, "las áreas rurales carecen de recursos o programas en salud mental enfocados hacia las comunidades latinas". Bajo esta premisa este tipo de talleres generan empoderamiento para la comunidad de Gunnison a través de conocimiento y entrenamiento para promover la salud mental y emocional.

La segunda edición del taller representa la creación de una

gran estructura de fuerza comunitaria. Los facilitadores están capacitados con competencias para brindar apoyo a sus pares, creando una red de asistencia que responde además a las particularidades culturales y es accesible a las variedades lingüísticas de la comunidad. "Tuvimos una semana muy intensa pero también de mucho aprendizaje", comentó María Uhrig una de las asistentes al taller. Según Uhrig, el conocimiento adquirido le permitió hacer una auto evaluación de sus emociones y reconocer la importancia de escuchar a los demás. "Todas las personas tienen la necesidad de ser escuchados y entendidos", comentó.

El programa no solo capacita a los participantes en técnicas de apoyo, sino que les proporciona herramientas para su propio desarrollo personal, creando un efecto multiplicador que beneficia a los facilitadores como a las familias y personas que reciben el apoyo.

Las organizaciones participantes, están convencidas del

tu

gran impacto que la creación de esta red de apoyo entre pares puede tener en la comunidad. "Invitamos a todos los que se quieran sumar a la esta iniciativa para garantizar que todos los residentes y las familias de Gunnison puedan tener acceso a servicios de apoyo mental y emocional", señalaron los organizadores.

La iniciativa representa un avance significativo hacia la equidad en el acceso a servicios de salud mental. Con la segunda edición del taller se logra un total 24 facilitadores, que consolidan una red de apoyo comunitario sólida en el valle de Gunnison.

(Laura Cardozo is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

Certified specialists in peer support at their graduation on Aug. 15. Graduación de especialistas certificados en apoyo entre pares. (Photo by Laura Cardozo)

AUGUST 21, 1975

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Directed by Firebird artistic director Tristan Buss, this Shakespearean comedy is considered one of his greatest works. Showing at the Crested Butte Depot Aug. 23-24 at 6 p.m. and the Quigley Bandshell Aug. 30-31 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This production is free to the public and will have concessions and merchandise for sale. For ages 12 and up. Donations are welcome.

Gunnison County Democrats annual dinner

Join us on Aug. 24 from 4-9 p.m. The rally starts at the 4-way stop in Crested Butte, then dinner follows with live music by Jenn Fortin at Rainbow Park. Tickets are $60, $30 for anyone under 30 years old and $15 for kids. For tickets or more information, visit Gunnisondemocrats.org.

Malardi Theatre

Get ready for our first annual summer staged reading. Kimberly Akimbo will touch your heart and make you laugh. Aug. 21-23 and 28-30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. each night. Join us for a “Talk Back” with the director and cast following the Friday performances. Get tickets at cbmountaintheatre.org.

Gunnison Rotary Club: David Addor

Join us on Aug. 27. from 12-1 p.m. for the Rotary Club meeting featuring David Addor. David works with Shelterbox which is an international disaster relief organization. The meeting will be held at Gunnison Bank & Trust.

Book

signing

Join us on Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. on the Townie Books & Rumor’s patio (or in our cozy new upstairs space depending on weather) for a reading and sign-

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Painting with Karen

Join artist Karen Hill Aug. 22 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a monthly painting session. Bring your own project and get helpful tips and guidance as you paint alongside her. It’s a space to explore your creativity, ask questions and connect with fellow artists.

Songwriting workshop

Join singer-songwriter Chris Coady for his songwriting workshop on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Whether you are

just starting out or are already a seasoned writer and performer, you are guaranteed to come away with some new ideas, skills and inspiration.

Drawing the figure

Join us in a figure drawing class on Aug. 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This class features a live nude model. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on fundamentals, this class is a great way to connect your art with the human form.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

John Fellows: Friends of Friends gallery reception

The John Fellows exhibition that will run through Nov. 2, will kick off with a reception on Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. “Friends of Friends” is a group exhibition that gathers a mix of artists working across a wide range of styles and mediums.

DanceAspen: Shifting Forms

Join us on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. for a program that looks at how shifts in life can mirror the uncertainty we all face. Each piece reminds us that even in times of change and discomfort, there’s potential to adapt, grow and imagine new possibilities. Admission starts at $35.

Oh Be Dogful Rescue fundraiser

Join us on Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. in the CBCA courtyard to meet Oh Be Dogful’s adoptable pups and learn more about the res-

ing with local author Kimberly Nixon. Best known for her Rock Bottom Tennessee series, she will be introducing her new children’s book. Come meet the author and pick up a signed copy.

cue. Snacks and sips are provided. At 5:30 p.m., enjoy a screening of the award-winning documentary Saving Jones. Proceeds from $20 ticket sales benefit Oh Be Dogful Rescue & Sanctuary and the Stand Up For Pits Foundation. Come connect, learn, and maybe meet your next best friend.

Fall Folk: The Ditchwalkers

Enjoy an evening of free Folk Music at the Center for the Arts Atrium on Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. Featured are local musicians Matt Shugert, Madeline Shugert and Lizzy Plotkin, collectively known as The Ditchwalkers. Enjoy the sounds and grab a complimentary drink.

CB Dance Collective fall show

Presenting A Fall Production: Echoes of the First Laugh. Dancers in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley are invited to register for classes and join

We want your announcements!

The Gunnison Country Times publishes birth and wedding announcements free of charge.

• Please keep your announcement brief (3-5 sentences). You may include one photo.

• Our deadline for submissions is noon on Tuesdays.

• Please send announcements to diana@gunnisontimes.com.

BOSS Ross painting class

Join Sarah Sharsmith, the “Boss”, on Aug. 30 from 6-9 p.m for a night of painting inspired by Bob Ross. Follow along stepby-step as you create your own landscape using Bob’s techniques - gentle brushstrokes, fluffy clouds and happy accidents.

performance pieces to be presented on Nov. 7-8 at the Center for The Arts. Registration is open at dancecrestedbutte.org. Classes begin the weeks of Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. Class styles include contemporary, lyrical, contact improvisation, aerial lyra, pop and more.

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

GES ELL EA

GCS Significant Support Needs EA Substitute Teachers Food Service Bus Drivers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

CBSS - Math Teacher

CBSS - Math Intervention Teacher

GES - 3rd Grade Teacher

CBSS - .71 Gifted/Talented Teacher

District Psychologist

GCS - Special Education Teacher

COACHING

CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach

GMS - 7th Grade Volleyball Coach

Please contact: Superintendent’s Office Kim Fuller 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 kfuller@ gunnisonschools.net

READY FOR A CAREER CHANGE?

Consider a fresh start at Crested Butte Glass, and become the newest glazier to join the team. What’s a glazier?

Glazier: (noun) - A tradesperson responsible for cutting, installing, and removing glass.

We are magicians at replacing fogged or broken window glass, and we are artists at creating beautiful glass shower enclosures. We have fun during mirror installations, we get to use somewhat-dangerous machinery in the shop, and we occasionally cut glass using fire! It’s a delicate job that requires a sturdy person, a fantastic work ethic, and an attention to detail. A basic knowledge of simple tools can really help, but we’ll provide all the guidance to train you the CBG way.

We are a locally owned and operated business, so manners and gentlemanliness (or ladylikeness) go a long way; but so does a good sense of humor! If you are ambitious and eager, let’s chat! We have (too much!) steady work and plenty of nice people around who need our help. We don’t discriminate, but a clean driving record and fluent English are definitely required. Debe hablar ingles fluido, sin excepciones.

Fun fact: CBG is actually located in Gunnison, but if you live in either town, or somewhere nearby, coordinating schedules is possible. Basically, we are looking for a friendly, trainable person who has a longterm vision of a career with us. We work long days Monday-Thursday, and enjoy 3-day weekends regularly. Pay DOE.

We invite you to explore this opportunity.

All interested individuals who make contact with us will be considered, and followed up with, whether they make the cut or not.

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Join Our Team – Make a Difference in Gunnison County’s Water & Wastewater Services!

Position: Utility Water/Wastewater Operator

– Public Works Department

Hours: 40 hours/week, hourly position

Pay Range: $57,900.78 – $65,921.56 annually (depending on experience)

Benefits: Full benefits package + potential housing for County employees

Do you take pride in work that keeps a community running? Gunnison County is looking for a dedicated, hands-on problem solver to help operate, maintain, and repair our water treatment facility, tanks, and distribution system, as well as manage our wastewater collection systems.

You’ll be part of a skilled Public Works team ensuring clean, safe water for our residents and protecting the natural beauty of Gunnison County. Every day brings variety, responsibility, and the satisfaction of knowing your work matters.

What You’ll Do

• Operate, maintain, and repair water treatment facilities and wastewater systems

• Troubleshoot and perform semi-skilled technical maintenance

• Ensure compliance with state regulations and safety standards

What We’re Looking For

• License: Valid Colorado driver’s license (Class B preferred)

Certifications: Ability to obtain Colorado Operators Water, Distribution and Wastewater Collection Certificates within 1 year

• Safety Ready: Willingness to obtain First Aid & CPR certification and CDOT Flagger certification

• Experience: High school diploma/GED preferred, plus training and/or experience in water/wastewater utilities (or equivalent combination)

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impactful Work: Keep water safe, clean, and flowing for our community

• Beautiful Setting: Live and work surrounded by the mountains, rivers, and trails of Gunnison County

• Strong Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with shared premiums; vacation & sick leave; FSA, HSA; employer-paid life insurance; supplemental life & AD&D; Norton LifeLock membership; retirement matching; EAP; discounted pet insurance; gym memberships

• Housing Assistance: Possible housing available for County employees

If you’re ready to use your skills to protect our water and serve our community, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more & apply here: GunnisonCounty.org/jobs

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.

Summer Seasonal

Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $21.20 to $24.14, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Utility Water/Wastewater Operator

Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly position; initial annual range from $57,900.78 to $65,921.56, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

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

We value good communication and follow through. Please send resumes and inquiries to: jaime@crestedbutteglass.com.

KALOW ELECTRIC is looking for a reliable electrical apprentice to join our team. The apprentice’s responsibilities include completing all tasks assigned by the supervising electrician, which may include assisting with installations, troubleshooting, repairs and calibrations of electrical systems and equipment. Please contact Bill Kalow 970-596-6832 or email resume to Kalowelectric@gmail.com.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking an experienced Finance and Administrative Services Director. This fulltime, year-round role offers a competitive salary ($116K–$142K DOQ) and a generous benefits package, including 100% employerpaid health coverage. If you have a strong background in financial management, budgeting, and leadership—and a passion for serving your community—apply today. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field required. MBA and CPA preferred. Minimum of ten years of professional experience, including at least five years of directly relevant work in an accounting or financial management

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Water/Wastewater Operator

Full-Time

Starting Salary Ranges

Worker

Class “D”

position. Government accounting experience is preferred. The Town of Crested Butte is an equal employment opportunity employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov.

SAGUACHE COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER NEEDED that will take charge of the financial health of Saguache County by administering accounting operations to meet legal requirements, also ability to manage the financed department to assure financial requirements are met, review of grant reimbursement requests. This position should be familiar with audits, invoices and budget preparations. Applications available at HYPERLINK saguachecounty.colorado.gov, or in the Saguache County Administration Office, 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO. You may also contact April Quintana at 719-655-2231 or aquintana@saguachecounty-co.gov for more information. Applications close on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. Saguache County is an EEO employer. Drug testing and background check will be required for final applicants.

$53,300-$65,700

$56,100-$76,100

Class “C” $61,700-$76,100

Class “B” $67,900-$83,767

Class “A” $74,700-$92,167

Responsible for the operation of the water supply, distribution, and storage systems. They also perform maintenance, repairs and construction of water distribution, sewer collection, irrigation and storm drain systems, installations, repairs, and testing on all water meters.

Emergency Communications Specialist

Full-Time, $56,900-$70,100/yr

$27.36-$33.70/hr

Performs public contact and communications duties necessary for the dispatching of all law enforcements agencies, emergency medical services, and fire departments for emergency and non-emergency situations.

Police Officer

Full-Time, $73,500-$90,700/yr

Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the City, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, reventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles, and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The City will pay for the Police Academy if needed and pay a cadet wage while attending the Academy. Includes a $15,000 hiring bonus.

Part-Time Openings

After-School Instructors:

$18.61-$22.64/hr

Youth Soccer Coach: $18.61-$22.64/hr

Lifeguards: $23.00-$29.33/hr

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. Transitional, temporary housing may be available.

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

GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Employee discounts and paid time off. Pay DOE. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison. THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Bartender, $16/hr. + gratuity; Servers, $16/hr. + gratuity; Market Attendants, $16/hr. + gratuity. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com. THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE PARKS AND RECREATION Open Space & Trails Department is seeking Recreation Instructors for a variety of programs including Soccer, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Indoor Climbing, and Referee. Pay range of

HEARTH DESIGN BUILD: Small local dynamic firm dedicated to community housing. Seeking passionate and driven individuals for carpentry & excavation work. hearthdesignbuild.org or hearthdesignbuild@gmail.com. 802-5959576.

GOLDEN EAGLE is looking for CDL and non-CDL drivers. Pay is based on experience. Call 970-641-3230.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Crested Butte Bank, a branch of the Gunnison Bank and Trust Company, has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our growing bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the bank with a strong foundation in operations. Pay starting at $20. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Pooled transportation is available. Send resume to abrown@crestedbuttebank. com or lbeda@gunnisonbank.com.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Crested Yeti Property Management is hiring for a Maintenance Technician. Full-time yearround position. Benefits include IRA match, ski pass, PTO, paid personal fuel, and use of company truck during work hours. Duties include driving bobcat for snow removal, general maintenance, and mowing on a riding mower. $29 per hour. Send resume to Hop@CrestedYeti.com.

THE MT. CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator and/or Licensed Electrician to join a team responsible for operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant and collection system for the District.

Entry-Level: Starting salary $53,100 to $59,500. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at time of hire or must be obtained within one (1) year. A State of Colorado Collections and Wastewater license, or the ability to obtain both within one (1) year, is required (training material provided).

Experienced Operators or Licensed Electricians: Starting salary $59,500 to $75,000. Operators must meet entry-level qualifications and have experience in construction, field operations, lab analysis, and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair.

Operators work a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule, participate in an on-call rotation, including select weekends and holidays. The District offers an excellent benefits package including the following: 100% employer-paid family health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance premiums, 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, personal and sick leave, a wellness bonus, employer-provided uniforms, boots, personal protective equipment and a retirement plan with up to 8% employer match. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225, or email info@ mcbwsd.com. Position is open until it is filled. Full job description available at mcbwsd. com. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER IS SEEKING A WINTER TRAINING MANAGER to help the organization continue to provide world class adaptive ski and snowboard-based programming. Work for a local non-profit that provides therapeutic adventure-based programming for people with disabilities, their friends and family members. Join a fast-paced, professional team in a state-of-the-art facility in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area. This is a full time, seasonal, exempt position mid November through early to mid April. Salary range is $23,000 - $31,000 based on experience; must work weekends, some holidays, occasional evenings; competitive benefits package including 401(k), paid time off, additional monthly stipend, season pass, ski/equipment locker, access to pro deals, professional licenses/certification reimbursements, mental health funding (estimated benefit value of an additional $9.52 - $11.00 per hour). Desired start date is November 10 or until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume and references to Elizabeth Philbin, Assistant Program Director, elizabeth@ adaptivesports.org. Subject Line: “Winter Training Manager”. The Adaptive Sports Center is an inclusive organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WEST ELK HOCKEY ASSOCIATION is hiring the following two part-time seasonal positions:

Part-Time Youth Hockey Director: Responsible for overseeing all coaches and player development. Salary range $15$20,000 for the period 9/15/25—3/15/26.

Part-Time Adult Hockey Coordinator: responsible for overseeing all adult leagues including schedules & officials. Salary range $7,500-$10,000 for the period 9/15/25— 3/15/26. Please apply with Cover Letter & Resume to coachbill@wehockey.org.

THE TOWN OF PITKIN is seeking a town attorney. Please submit proposals, including a fixed monthly rate and hourly rate for additional services, to thetownofpitkin@ gmail.com.

Monthly requirements are typically 5 hours or less and include: - communicate with the Mayor and Clerk as needed

- review/draft ordinances as needed - attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month 7-9 p.m. (remote attendance is an option and preference will be given to someone who could travel to be at one meeting each quarter)

Additional work is billed at an hourly rate. Additional work hours have been typically minimal (2023 - 12.2 additional hours; 2024 - 18 additional hours; 2025 to date - 8.4 additional hours).

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is seeking qualified adaptive instructors to facilitate professional adaptive ski and snowboard activities for the 2025-26 Winter Season. Pay ranges from $23-$33/hour based on experience. Benefits include season pass, certification and membership dues, paid in-house training, paid sick leave, on mountain locker, pro forms, exam reimbursement, mental health program, 401(k) match, workers compensation, monthly stiped, complementary accident insurance, and professional development scholarship opportunities. More information and application are at https://www. adaptivesports.org/careers . Applications are due September 15 and offers may be made earlier for strong candidates.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time Front Desk Attendant, $18-22/hr.(weekend availabilitly preferred). Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

ADENA CORPORATION is hiring for a Project Engineer, Superintendent and Foreman for Adena Construction. Salaries negotiable DOE. Full time M-F, with benefits. Chaffee, Gunnison and surrounding counties. Contact 970-707-4055 or email hr@adenacorporation.com.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking a skilled Mechanic to join our Public Works team. This position performs maintenance and major repairs on a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including diesel, gas, and electric-powered systems. Responsibilities include diagnostics, preventative maintenance, welding, fabrication, equipment operation, and record keeping. 2+ years of experience in vehicle/ equipment repair required. This full-time, year-round role offers a competitive salary ($55,458-$80,406 DOQ) and a generous benefits package, including 100% employerpaid health coverage. The Town of Crested Butte is an equal employment opportunity employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov.

ID SCULPTURE designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.

IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. Benefits include 80 hrs. of PTO annually, (10) paid holidays annually, health/dental/life insurance and a matching 401(k). ID Sculpture is a PlayCore company and an equal opportunity employer. We are currently seeking:

Production Assistant(s): Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $22-$27/hr. DOE.

Project Fabricator(s):

Ideal candidates have construction trades experience (min 5 years), welding experience (structural certification preferred), steel fabrication (min 2 years preferred), the ability to work well with a team and a positive attitude. Responsibilities are to fabricate various components for standard and custom products using steel and a variety of other materials. Compensation is $26-$35/ hr. DOE.

Assistant CNC Operator: You’ll be working in a unique fabrication environment using cutting edge digital fabrication equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, a desire to learn and the ability to work in a fast paced, highly coordinated environment. Some CNC experience is preferred. Full time position with benefits, PTO and opportunities for growth. Compensation is $22-$28/hr. DOE. To apply for this unique opportunity, A position application and full description is available at playcore.com/careers.

PROJECT HOPE OF GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a Director of Community Engagement for a 25 hour/week position to plan and execute our annual fundraiser that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and/or stalking. To apply, send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: director@hope4gv.org. See further info on our website at hope4gv.org/employment.

MEMBER SUPPPORT SPECIALIST LEAD: Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for a Member

Support Specialist Lead. This is a full-time position that will be required to report half of the time to the Gunnison headquarters and half of the time to the Crested Butte Office. This position serves as the team leader and supervisor of the cooperative’s Member Support Specialists. This role is responsible for coordinating daily work schedules, providing direct member support services, coaching and training the MSS team and ensuring that all member interactions and account-related processes are handled accurately, timely and in accordance with cooperative policies and procedures. The MSS Lead will contribute to fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency and high-quality member service across all office locations. This position will also provide backup MSS support as needed and will cover staffing gaps on a regular basis. The pay range is between $64,105-$85,475 a year. Starting pay will be dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will be paid on an hourly basis and is eligible for overtime pay when required. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the job description with a complete list of duties and qualifications and to learn how to apply please see our website at gcea.coop (about tab, careers section). Deadline to apply is Sept. 2.

NOTICE

HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS:

The parent or guardian of a resident student who will be participating in a home schooling program for the 2025-26 school year must submit in writing to the superintendent the name, age, residence and hours of instruction at least 14 days before starting the program in the first year and each subsequent year. Home school packets may be found on the GWSD district website. gunnisonschools.net/families-students/ homeschool.

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT: Duplex in CB South. 2BD/1.5BA. Fully furnished two-story home with river and mountain views + yard. Available October 15th. $2,700/mo + utilities. 1st & security deposit required. References required. No pets, no smoking. Full-size washer/dryer. Email shavanohouse@gmail.com.

ARTIST STUDIO SPACE: Please see beautiful artist studio spaces at 235 Off Main studios in the rear alley. $250 monthly. Fireplace. Open gallery area. Private office $300+utilities monthly. Call Paul 970-7109604 or Lishka 847-769-7800.

PRIME GROUND FLOOR RETAIL SPACE

Next to City Market in Gunnison - 1,500 sqft of prime ground floor retail space available in the Meadows Mall next to City Market in Gunnison - Huge parking lot, tons of foot traffic, excellent 135 highway visibility - For more information, call Jordon Ringel at 817733-6947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com.

FLAT LAND FOR LEASE AVAILABLE IN GUNNISON: Easy access - call Geoff 978473-9256.

FOR LEASE: The newly renovated mall building located at 123 W. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison. $850/mo. Includes utilities. Contact 720-308-8239.

held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

At this election, one director will be elected representing South of Round Mountain for a term of office of four years, and one director will be elected representing North of Round Mountain for a term of office of four years. To be qualified, a candidate must have been a registered elector of the school district for at least 12 consecutive months before the election. A person is ineligible to run for school director if he or she has been convicted of committing a sexual offense against a child.

A person who desires to be a candidate for school director shall file a written notice of intention to be a candidate and a nomination petition signed by at least 50 eligible electors who are registered to vote in the regular biennial school election.

Nomination petitions may be obtained beginning August 6, 2025, from Kim Fuller, Designated Election Official. Completed petitions shall be submitted to Kim Fuller no later than 3:30 pm on August 29, 2025.

Office hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Petitions may be obtained and submitted to the following locations: August 6th – August 15th at Gunnison High School Counseling Office, 800 W. Ohio St., Gunnison, CO. 81230 August 18th – August 29th at the GWSD District Office, 800. N. Boulevard St., Gunnison, CO. 81230 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of July 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

18056

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

§§ 1-13.5-501; 1-13.5-303, C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the eligible electors of the proposed West Thorn Metropolitan District Nos. 1-4, City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, Colorado (each a “District” and collectively, the “Districts”). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on November 4, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, and for each District, two (2) directors will be elected to serve until May 2027 and three (3) directors will be elected to serve until May 2029. Eligible electors of the Districts interested in serving on the boards of directors may obtain a SelfNomination and Acceptance Form from the Designated Election Official (“DEO”) at 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000, Centennial, CO 80122 or via telephone at 303-858-1800, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form is the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, August 29, 2025. If the DEO determines a SelfNomination and Acceptance Form is not sufficient, the form may be amended prior to 5:00 p.m. on August 29, 2025. Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing of an insufficient form after this date and time. An Affidavit of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate must be submitted to the office of the DEO by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that information on obtaining an absentee ballot may be obtained from the DEO, and applications for an absentee ballot must be filed with the DEO no later than the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on October 28, 2025.

Legals

AGENDA

WORK SESSION August 25, 2025 5:30pm Gunnison Lake School

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.

Items for Discussion 1. Strategic Plan Activities 2. Summit Overview

Handbook Discussion, including Organizational Chart and Hierarchy of Policies

Discuss Search Plans

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of August 21, 2025 18403

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Call for Nominations for School Directors

Gunnison Watershed School District Gunnison County, Colorado

The Gunnison Watershed School District in the County of Gunnison, State of Colorado, calls for the nomination of candidates for school directors to be placed on the ballot for the regular biennial school election to be

a copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of Court during regular business hours and that default judgment may be entered against that party upon whom service is made by this notice if he or she failed to appear or file a written response within thirty-five (35) days after the date of this publication.

Dated: August 19, 2025

CIRENDA FRY CLERK OF COURT GUNNISON COMBINED COURT 200 E. VIRGINIA AVE GUNNISON, CO 81230

By: /s/ Joy Case Deputy Clerk

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 21, 2025 18405

NOTICE

OF

FINAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT CITY OF GUNNISON N 12TH ST MILL OVERLAY REBID 24-35

NOTICE is hereby given that on or after August 28, 2025, final settlement will be made with PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC., PO BOX 1228, SALIDA, CO 81201, by the CITY OF GUNNISON, 201 W. VIRGINIA AVE, GUNNISON, CO 81230, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as 12th ST MILL OVERLAY REBID 24-35, IN GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO. Any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business on the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by August 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., file a verified statement of the amount due with JACKIE JOHNSON, PROCUREMENT, CONTRACTS & GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR, 201 W VIRGINIA AVE, PO BOX 239, GUNNISON, CO 81230, email jjohnson@gunnisonco.gov pursuant to C.R.S. 38-26-107, as amended. Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement date, on the contract with PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC., will relieve the CITY OF GUNNISON from any liability for such Claimant’s claim. PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF CITY OF GUNNISON

/s/ Jackie Johnson Procurement, Contracts & Grants Administrator

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 14 and 21, 2025 18317

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plotts Mini Storage, LLC, 312 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230:

All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to August 31, 2025.

WEST THORN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1-4

By: Designated Election Official

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 21, 2025 18387

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

DISTRICT COURT UNIFORM

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE ACT COUNTY OF GUNNISON CONSOLIDATED PUBLICATION OF NOTICE STATE OF COLORADO

PETITIONER Sierra Christina Esquibel

RESPONDENT Seberiano DeJesus CASE NO. 2025DR11 NATURE OF ACTION Dissolution of Marriage

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in the above proceeding filed in this Court, subsequent to those names in any previously published consolidated notice, under the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, the above court has found that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service of process within the State of Colorado, and that the efforts to obtain same would be to no avail and has ordered one publication of a consolidated notice of said proceedings.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that

Unit 219 – Andrew Ohman Unit 1 – Jeff Oulton

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 14 and 21, 2025 18236

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., Gunnison, CO will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to Sept. 5, 2025.

Dwn-49 - Anthony Nelson Date of Redemption: Sept 5, 2025

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 21 and 28, 2025 18408

ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 4, SERIES 2025: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GUNNISON, COLORADO, AMENDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 2 ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS, CHAPTER 2.80 BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS AND TITLE 14 TECHNICAL CODES, CHAPTER 14.10 BUILDING CODE

A full copy of the ordinance can be found on the City of Gunnison’s website at www.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUBCONTRACTORS

Final Payment for Energy Performance Contract – City of Gunnison, CO

Notice is hereby given that the City of Gunnison intends to make final payment to McKinstry Essention, LLC, the general contractor for the Energy Performance Contract project, which included upgrades to lighting, solar, generator installation, and ice melt systems.

All subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors who provided labor, materials, or services for this project are hereby notified to verify that they have been paid in full by McKinstry Essention, LLC. Any party with a claim against the project must submit their concerns prior to final payment.

For inquiries or to submit a notice, please contact:

Ben Cowan Finance Director City of Gunnison Email: bcowan@gunnisonco.gov Phone: 970-641-8070

Final payment will be released after September 5, 2025 unless valid claims are received.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 21, 2025. 18400

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

NOTICE Gunnison County Public Works Department will be listing several vehicles and pieces of equipment for sale at https://wwwgovdeals. com/en/gunnisoncounty. The auction will run from 8/20/25 to 9/3/25. There will be vehicles, wire, grader & snowmobiles. These listings will be on the GovDeals website ONLY.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 21 and 28, 2025 18409

Bethany Church

909 N Wisconsin St.

(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144

One service at 9 a.m. with nursery & children’s church.

Faith Directory

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240

Pastor Jonathan Jones

SUNDAY

Sunday School at 10 a.m.

Check us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany. gunnisonbethany.com

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.

Spiritual 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

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 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. Wednesday night service at 7pm.

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034

A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net

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

Landon Ruggera takes gold in Peru

Paralympic shooter represents USA at the International Arequipa

Grand Prix

Evan Bjornstad Times Staff Writer

On Aug. 3-5, Gunnison native and Paralympic shooter Landon Ruggera won gold in the R3 Air Rifle category and Bronze in the R6 Smallbore .22 category at the 4th annual International Arequipa Grand Prix in Peru.

Ruggera’s top finish marks his second international medal and his first gold. In addition to earning first, he also broke the International Americas record for his final total score of 253.6 in the R3 category.

After graduating from Gunnison High School in 2022, Ruggera began competing at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and quickly shined on the USA Paralympic Shooting Futures Team. Soon after, he joined the USA National Team, and competed alongside the best Paralympic shooters in the nation

“[My goal is to qualify for the] LA Paralympics in 2028,” Ruggera said. “It would be really cool to medal on home turf.”

Ruggera was born with Spina Bifida, and despite being paralyzed from the knees down, is able to shoot in either a modified prone position or sitting up in his wheelchair. Ruggera’s shooting journey began at just 5 years old, and has now transformed his life and propelled him into international competition.

Ruggera and the USA National Team are now preparing to compete in the United Arab Emirates in the Al Ain 2025 WSPS Cup. He has previously competed globally in South Korea and Peru, in addition to across the United States.

“[My favorite category] is Smallbore, so .22 long rifle just because of how ridiculously difficult it is.” Ruggera said. “We're trying to put a quarter inch size projectile into a 0.2 inch X ring.”

(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Ruggera sights in on his target. (Courtesy Andie Ruggera)

Ruggera placed first in the air air rifle and third in the smallbore in Peru.

The GHS softball team took down Montezuma-Cortez twice on Saturday Aug.16 to start their season 2-0. The Cowboys returned to action on Wednesday Aug. 20 in Montrose. Scores were not available by press time.

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

‘Black and red’ scrimmage opens football season

On Friday Aug. 15, the GHS football team geared up for the first time, and took on each other in an intersquad scrimmage. The Cowboys are set to open the fall campaign at home against Eagle Valley on Aug. 30.

Healthy Students at Every Stage

Get back to school ready with annual checkups, immunizations, and wellness visits at the Family Medicine Clinic, with convenient locations in both Gunnison and Crested Butte.

For more information: 970-642-8413

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL BASED SERVICES

We have on-site behavioral health counseling professionals to address the challenges students face, with a family approach and limited class interruption. For more information: 970-648-7128

SERVICES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Campus Health Center at Western Colorado University

We o er care ranging from routine medical care, sick visits, minor injuries, prescriptions, sports physicals, allergy shots, birth control management, and emphasize health promotion, STD prevention, and education.

For more information: 970-943-2707

Campus Health Center at Western Colorado University

The Gunnison Valley Health Behavioral Health team o ers individual counseling for Western Students and sta , free of charge.

For more information: 970-648-7128

Cody Casebolt rushes downfield. (Photo by Evan Bjornstad)