City chooses property tax increase to fund fire station
Council considers sales tax collection overhaul
Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor
At an Aug. 26 meeting, the Gunnison city council approved proposing a property tax increase through a mill levy to pay for a new fire station in Gunnison, should voters approve the measure this fall. The fire station Fire station A8
NEWS: CBCS vandalism spurs discussion, A3
PHOTOS: First day of school, A10
SPORTS: GHS mountain bikers return with fury, A27
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HAY THERE FALL: Last week, hay bales dotted the valley’s open ranchland, signaling the early arrival of autumn. Along County Road 10 and the Ohio Creek Valley, farm machines created waves of green and tan in the freshly cut grass. As the work is weather dependent, the lack of moisture in August made for an easy haying season, even though it was not the best water year, said Sandy Guerrieri of Mill Creek Ranch. On Aug. 21, once the morning dew had time to dry, Jonathan Wiggins traversed the fields atop a hay rake, which moves the grass into rows. (Photo by Bella Biondini)
Met Rec over-theair TV disrupted
New cellular tower interferes with satellite signal
Alan Wartes Times Publisher
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, engineers from Verizon turned on a brand new 5G cellular tower atop Tenderfoot Mountain — and over-the-air TV watchers from Gunnison to Crested Butte immediately knew it. The new cell service was carried on frequencies used by the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District to capture television signals from a Comcast satellite and send them to households along the Hwy. 135 corridor.
According to MetRec Executive Director Derek
Nehrenberg, the Federal Communications Commission has recently sold the rights to frequencies previously used by satellite TV providers, as those companies increasingly elect other methods of transmission. The district was not informed that this included frequencies carrying the Comcast signal.
“They don’t tell us anything,” he said. “We have a monitoring system, and you could just see everything got wiped out.”
The prospect of losing access to satellite-based TV service is not new to MetRec managers.
The district already expected the service to go dark at the end of 2025, since Comcast made the decision to abandon satellite systems and transition to “terrestrial” internet-based transmission. That meant MetRec engineers had already begun looking for alternative ways to MetRec A8
School district construction progresses
Latest update says renovations are on track and under budget
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
The Gunnison Watershed School District’s $100 million project to renovate many of the interior and exterior facilities across the district is on track and under budget, according to a presentation given to the Gunnison Watershed School District board at a meeting on Aug. 11. “We are happy to report that
[our general contractor] FCI has been able to deliver on many of their contracts, both on time and at or slightly under budget,” said Superintendent Leslie Nichols.
The savings that have resulted from staying under budget will be reallocated to other areas of need concerning both the school district and Gunnison Valley communities, she said. Two major projects that could benefit are improving the HVAC system at Gunnison Community School and bolstering budgeted funds to construct a roundabout at the entrance to the town of Crested Butte, near CBCS.
“Depending on data collection that we are doing throughout the fall, we will be taking into consideration adding some spot cooling Renovations A8
“My push was to build better men, to give back to our community and to give a sense of purpose to young men.”
— James Christmas, Western Delta Upsilon
See story on A5
BRIEFS
Blue Mesa boat ramp fall hours
The hours of operations for the boat ramps and aquatic invasive species (AIS) stations at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be reduced starting Tuesday, Sept. 2.
• Iola ramp and AIS station: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
• Elk Creek ramp and AIS station: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• Lake Fork Boat ramp and AIS station: 7 .a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Boaters are reminded to be off the reservoir before the ramps closing. Ramps are locked at closure times.
Motorized and trailered watercraft launching in Blue Mesa Reservoir must be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to launching and, if necessary, decontaminated.
In addition to the mandatory inspection prior to launch, boaters are strongly encouraged to get an exit inspection to verify that watercraft are cleaned, drained and dried. Exit inspections from Blue Mesa Reservoir, which provide an unbroken seal and white receipt, greatly reduce the time for reentrance on any Colorado waters.
Jury duty scams on rise
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office has alerted residents to an uptick in scams involving fake notices of missed jury duty.
Jury duty scams typically use fear of legal or financial consequences to trick unsuspecting people into handing over money, personal information, or both. Scammers seek cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency or electronic payment via apps like Venmo or Zelle. They may also seek sensitive personal information from you, pressure you to pay the “fine” the same day, or try to keep you on the phone until they have your money.
Though failure to appear after receiving a jury summons can carry consequences, courts only ever contact those who have missed jury duty through official mail. No law enforcement agency or court will ever contact you demanding money via phone, text, or email to resolve a missed jury summons.
Angelo Frank Guerrieri
Angelo Frank Guerrieri, also known as Sonny, died peacefully in his home on Aug. 18, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born Oct. 5, 1934 in Crested Butte, Colorado to Mary (Bifano) and Jim Guerrieri. He had three siblings, two brothers, Gasper (Teresa) and Victor (Linda) Guerrieri and a sister Rose Marie Richardson (Don, deceased).
Sonny graduated from Gunnison High School in 1954. He served two years in the U.S. Army from 1955-57.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anna Mae Guerrieri and his six children. His chil -
dren include his daughter from his first marriage, Terry Elaine Vader (John), along with the five children he gained from his marriage to Anna Mae: Arvena Vader (David-deceased), Annette Fry (Darrell), Peggy Dobie (Andy), Tom Dean Murdock (Penny) and Will Murdock. In addition, he has 12 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary, and his brothers Vic and Gasper.
Sonny enjoyed roping, hunting, riding horses and spending time with his grandkids.
He worked for OK Standard Tire and Sweitzer Oil for 15 years and Western State College, retiring after 30 years. He always had many side jobs, including working with cousin Richard on the ranch, and helping F Bar Catering (cousin John and Jan Guerrieri). He did custodial work at various locations including the Cattleman’s Inn, U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
One of Sonny’s favorite things to talk about was his debut as
a background actor in John Wayne’s “The Searchers” and “The American Cowboy” by Ford Motor Company.
Sonny’s celebration of life will be held Aug. 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Gunnison, Colorado.
Jeremy Dakota Cotten
Jeremy Dakota Cotten passed away on Aug. 17, 2025, at the age of 30. He is survived by mother Sebrina Horton, father Brian Cotten, sister Elizabeth Cotten, brother Donnovan Cotten, brother Brenton Cotten, sister Maitelyn Horton, four nieces, four nephews, grand -
Tall Texan gets new name
Owner Bob Ekback has rebranded the Tall Texan Rv Park as the Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins. A ribbon cutting marked the occasion.
parents Donald and Sandra Horton and great-grandma Betty Grissom. He is preceded in death by grandparents Roger and Kay Cotten and brother Keegan.
Born in Gunnison, Colorado on Aug. 26, 1994, Jeremy grew up in Gunnison and later on ended up in Grand Junction, where he became a highly sought-out tattoo artist. He was passionate about his art and bringing people enjoyment through it.
His legacy will continue on with those who shared his vision and his love. He was the best brother, uncle, son and friend anyone could ask for. He will be missed dearly!
Rodney Ray Cooley
Please join friends and family at the Talk of the Town in Crested Butte, Colorado from 2-5 p.m. during happy hour on Sept. 19 to honor Rod Cooley.
(Courtesy Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)
School board responds to CB vandalism
Derogatory images on CBCS field spark conversations
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
On Aug. 2, around 7:30 pm, a vandalism incident occurred on the newly constructed sports field outside of the Crested Butte Community School. The school district worked with the town marshals to determine that two high school-aged boys were responsible, one a student at CBCS and another his friend from Durango. The boys used their feet to scuff the images of a swastika and a penis into the gravel base of the field, raising a number of concerns with the school district — from implications or delays to the completion of the field construction to how to appropriately discipline those involved, as well as how to prevent more incidents like this in the future.
“We were concerned that the impact would be significant, but it was more minor than we ini tially thought,” said Gunnison Watershed School District Superintendent Leslie Nichols “[The derogatory images] were raked over within an hour the next morning and the total damage was around $300, so luckily it did not end up slowing
anything down.”
Since the vandalism did not significantly set back the timeline of construction on the new field, sports activities and outdoor education programming at CBCS will commence as usual for the school year, without interference or delay.
Though the effort and costs required to repair the physical damages to the field have been less than originally anticipated, the vandalism incident has sparked concern in the community and school board about how to address this type of issue.
The use of the swastika prompted the school board to request that the district attorney’s office consider hate crime charges against the juveniles. However the district was informed that statutory requirements for the incident to qualify as a hate crime were not met due to the fact that the symbol was not directed at a specific person. Charges for criminal mischief and trespassing are still pending with the DA.
“We want people to know that the district took this very seriously,” said Nichols. “The student of ours had the consequence of a suspension, which
in members of the community who felt an impact from seeing a swastika on the field so that students can see how these actions affect people.”
The District has programs across all schools that focus on teaching children positive behaviors like kindness, empathy, perseverance, listening and respecting differences of all kinds. These programs include “Seek the Peak” at CBSS, Titan Traits at Crested Butte Elementary School, RIDE for the Brand at Gunnison High School, GMS Mustang Way at Gunnison Middle School, Mustang Way at Gunnison Elementary School and the Pyramid Model at Lake School.
“We will continue to work through and improve all of these important curricula,” said Nichols.
“A lot [of the follow-up] depends on the outcomes of the conversations we have with the students as we learn more about [their] current understanding and motivations. It’s a complicated process. Hopefully we can collectively grow and heal from this experience.”
For more, see Nichol’s guest commentary on page 6 in this week’s edition of the Times
BUY OF THE WEEK
Welcome back Western
On Wednesday Aug. 20, the Western Colorado University’s campus filled with a new class of excited students. Classes officially start back up on Aug. 25.
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Delta Upsilon revives Western Greek life
First fraternity on campus in over two decades
Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor
As students filtered back onto the Western Colorado University campus this week, the school’s first fraternity in over 20 years joined the semester's opening festivities. Delta Upsilon — one of the nations oldest fraternities, and known for its non-secret, non-hazing values — is set to resurrect Greek life at Western.
Inspired by the fraternity’s mission to “Build better men,” Western senior James Christmas led the push to establish a Delta Upsilon chapter on campus last year.
Despite pushback from the student body, Christmas and his close circle have worked to dispel rumors, break down Greek life stereotypes and build support. Now, as a new cycle of incoming students flood onto campus, Christmas is optimistic the fraternity will grow into a supportive community for young men.
“Gunnison and Western can feel pretty isolating sometimes, and coming from a tight-knit family, I wanted to bring that same community to campus,” Christmas said. “My push was to build better men, to give back to our community and to give a sense of purpose to young men.”
The idea to reestablish Greek life sparked on an off-season evening in 2024, as Christmas and a group of friends gathered for Sunday Night Football at a dormitory. Gunnison awaited its wintertime
metamorphosis, and the friends found themselves in the classic, dead-season paradox: it was too early to ski, but too late in the year to camp or mountain bike.
“All we would do [that time of
“Building better men, their focus on relationships, friendships and the development of character and leadership through service resonated with who we are as a university.”
Gary Pierson WCU dean of students
year] is sit around, or go to school,” Christmas said. “I thought, ‘What if we had a bigger group of guys to watch football with, or to talk about the things that are bugging us or things happening at home, and get other perspectives,”
Last fall, Christmas brought his fraternity proposal to the Student Government Association (SGA).
The SGA conducted a campuswide survey, and while a slight majority of the initial responses opposed the idea, support grew
once the chapter was selected. Delta Upsilon is one of the only non-secret fraternities in the nation, meaning meetings and initiations are open to the public, and, in Western’s case, held on campus.
“I had initial concerns about how the fraternity would be embraced by our students — some students come to Western because they don’t feel like Greek life is important,” said Western Dean of Students Gary Pierson. “But [Delta Upsilon’s mission of] building better men, their focus on relationships, friendships and the development of character and leadership through service resonated with who we are as a university.”
Last spring, Delta Upsilon established its chapter at Western, and held its first initiation ceremony for the founding members. Now, on the doorstep of a new academic year, the fraternity will begin recruiting its next class of members on Sept. 3. Delta Upsilon does not have plans for a fraternity house, and will instead host meetings on campus. Christmas said he looks forward to organizing weekly study nights, chapter meetings and community service events — building on the success of a Mountaineer Field House cleaning event last year.
“We’re excited to continue being active on campus, helping wherever we can, meeting new people, and trying to break down stereotypes that the day-to-day person might have about Greek life,” Christmas said.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
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Response fosters learning, healing
Leslie Nichols Special to the Times
On August 2, two teenagers scuffed images of a swastika and a penis in the gravel base layer of our new athletic field at Crested Butte Community School. They did this in broad daylight, in full view of passing traffic. The images went unreported until the next morning and were then raked over within an hour of being discovered. We worked with the Town Marshal’s office to confirm the identities of the two young people — one a student at Crested Butte High School, the other a friend from Durango. While a cartoon penis can have many interpretations, a swastika is a symbol of hate, anti-semitism, white supremacy and genocide. Did the kids know what they were doing? Hard to say, so far. And regardless of their intent, the impact on so many and the gravity of this symbol mean we have a serious response.
2025 Member
Everything we do in our schools is grounded in the belief that people, especially kids, are capable of doing wrong and then learning from that wrong. We teach in the context of relationships, focusing on kindness, empathy and understanding differences.
In our younger grades, we teach kids to appreciate how we are the same and how we are different: “Hey you have a sandwich and I have sushi. Cool.”
We teach how to name our feelings and state them in building relationships: “When you came up behind me and
LETTERS
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Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.
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Public broadcasting cuts
Editor,
I was grateful to see Kent Lucas’ letter in the Aug. 21 edition of the Gunnison Country Times . Kent correctly pointed out that while Congress did in fact pass the recent rescission bill, it was a Republican majority that made cuts to public media and community radio stations like KBUT possible.
The House vote for the rescission bill was 214-212. Colorado
GOP Representatives Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd all voted in favor of the cuts to public media (and foreign aid).
Democratic Representatives Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Brittany Petterson and Joe Neguse all
pushed me down on the playground, I felt scared and sad, plus it hurt. Please don’t do that again.”
Kids learn how to ask questions and be curious: “Why do you have on boots instead of sneakers like mine?”
As kids grow, the conversations become more complex:
“When you posted that picture without asking me, I felt angry because it wasn’t a picture I wanted other people to see. Please take it down, and next time ask me first.”
“You keep bumping me in the hall. I hate it. It hurts and is embarrassing and doesn’t make sense to me. Whatever is going on with you, I wish you’d just leave me out of it.”
“When you teased and laughed at me about my clothes, it really felt horrible and made me feel left out. Why did you do that? Please don’t say mean things to me.”
“I’d like to tell you how seeing that swastika casually drawn on our field, in our town, made me feel. That symbol means a lot to me because of how it was used by Nazis in World War II. Do you know about the Holocaust? Where are you even seeing that symbol and why did you do that?”
Across our grade levels, we directly teach what bullying, harassment and discrimination look like — how to recognize it, respond to it and report it. We create experiences like the Butterfly Project to remember and honor children who died in the Holocaust, service clubs that honor WWII veterans who fought against fascism, Martin Luther King Day events dedicated to understanding the Civil Rights movement, mock trials to bring historical conflicts to life.
With our high school students, in courses like U.S. History and World History,
voted against the bill.
The U.S. Senate then approved the bill 51-48.
Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper voted against the bill.
Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted with Democrats against the cuts.
House Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Turner of Ohio also opposed the cuts.
Republican criticism of federal funding for public media is not new. However, this is the first time in decades that Congress has approved a rescission bill that succeeded in clawing back funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
American Literature and Film Studies, we teach the gritty details of the Holocaust, of colonization and slavery in America, of centuries old religious conflicts, of internment camps, of Apartheid. We watch “Schindler’s List” and read Elie Wiesel’s “Night.”
And when kids miss the mark — which they do, even when they’ve been taught otherwise — then we hold them accountable through clear and quick consequences like suspension, losing privileges to compete in athletics, missing field trips and otherwise being held apart from things that matter in their lives at school. And then we also call them back in and hold them close while we create even more intense learning experiences about their transgression. We expect reflection and conversation, learning and energy directed at understanding the impact of their actions so that harm can be repaired and healing can occur.
This is complicated, messy, and essential work. We live in the gray. The black and white simplicity we crave — a kid did a bad thing, shame them! cast them out! — is understandable, and we think those responses make the rest of us safe. But they don’t. Actually, shaming ensures the violation is kept in the dark and never spoken of again, virtually ensuring that the hatred will grow.
And casting out doesn’t lead to learning — it leads to a false sense of safety, one that disregards the complexities of being human. Safety actually comes in seeing one another, in being in relationship with those around us in ways that give us the skills to imagine what it feels like to be insulted or hurt or mocked or left out, so in turn we don’t treat others that way.
We believe in the goodness of people, and particularly of
Evidence of the decades-long debate can even be found in KBUT’s studio here in Crested Butte. Sitting on the shelves are archived letters dating all the way back to 1995 addressed to then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich advocating for the continuation of federal support for public media.
Since the rescission bill was announced, KBUT has aired news reports on the House and Senate votes, including how the votes were split along party lines and the impacts to stations across the country.
You can also listen to KBUT’s Toni Todd and her series “West Elk Word” (available at kbut. org). Toni interviewed myself as well as our Executive Director Jackson Petito on the impacts
our students. We inspire growth and success, and we don’t give up. Instead we create safe, rigorous, honest conversations for a clear and careful look at what happened. In this case, with the swastika drawn on our field, I hope the conversations will bring voices of varied perspectives from our community to the table to share the impact, and to collectively find meaning and growth.
We are swimming in cultural waters that reach far beyond our idyllic valley, existing in a national climate where leaders normalize hatred and online spaces glorify toxic masculinity. Our public schools are more vital than ever as a force upholding the fabric of our democracy. We are joining with parents to raise good humans through rigorous academic learning in the context of skillful relationship building to become compassionate and contributing citizens.
We will continue to do all we can to teach how hate harms. When unexpected, hateful behavior occurs the next time despite our best efforts, we will be there ready with solid consequences and a focus on deep reflection and repair.
This moment matters. A swastika was drawn for all to see, by one of our students. We are paying attention, responding firmly, acting for the long term, calling in our community and continuing to reflect on how we can keep doing better with this tremendous work.
(Leslie Nichols is the Gunnison Watershed School District superintendent.)
on cuts to public media earlier this spring, and we spoke to the long history of opposition to federal funding.
Kent also hits the nail on the head when he talks about using facts to inform the public versus appealing to “both sides” of the issues. In the age of “fake news,” “alternative facts” and intensified scrutiny of stories, there is pressure to present all sides of the story. However, as reporters, we have to operate with caution to ensure that fairness to “both sides” does not lead to false equivalency.
Music has a way of attracting people across the political spectrum, and that means we have a diverse array of listeners
who love KBUT. Our mission to educate, inform and entertain remains the same.
I’m glad to live in the Gunnison Valley with folks like Kent who are keyed into the important issues and understand that the way we tell our stories matters. Thank you.
Kate Gienapp KBUT news and program director
Hands-on conservation
Editor:
High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) invites community members to give back to our public lands through hands-on stewardship on Sept. 3 and 4. We’ll be restoring wet meadows in Gold Basin in partnership with the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District and the Bureau of Land Management.
Join us in the beautiful sagebrush shrublands of Gunnison to help restore critical wet meadow ecosystems — natural sponges that absorb water, foster abundant plant life and provide essential drinking water and brooding habitat for our beloved wildlife.
Volunteers will meet at the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area parking lot at 8:30 a.m. before carpooling to the project site. Using low-tech process-based restoration (Bill Zeedyk methods), we’ll build rock structures that minimize erosion in the area and raise the water table to support plants and insects needed by the threatened Gunnison sage-grouse.
No experience is necessary — just a willingness to get your hands dirty and spend a rewarding day or two outdoors. Bring your friends and family to help protect the lands we all love. We’ll provide lunch. Whether you can join for one or both days, we’d love to see you in the field.
For more information and to register, visit hccacb.org/stewardship.
Isabel Lucas High Country Conservation Advocates
No life without laughter
Editor:
A sort of K.O. punch clobbered more than once my old head Saturday night — front row, center — for Heather and Steve Hughes’ Second Annual Play Crawl, a terrific idea that has clearly caught on.
Enjoying the great weather and the enthusiastic crowd, I would snap! Say what? Having such a blast when ICE is right now as we “Ha! Ha! Ha!” disappearing willy-nilly a few, several, some of our friends and neighbors? But that’s sort of what it will take, I guess, if we are to survive our so-sudden slide into the dark depths of authoritarian rule. And for that riotous interlude, I am grateful
to Steve and Heather and the playwrights whose works were rightly applauded by the appreciative crowd. It’s just the way it goes, I suppose. Thuggish kidnappings, armed troops in the streets of the nation’s capital, and life goes on.
We will stick together, raving and ranting, crying and laughing, as the lights in this once great State Fair-like life of ours, the envy of this world and (or so we thought) the next, go out and the heartless clowns take complete control. What to do? Information, please. We saw last week’s single little note about ICE raids in the paper. I am hopeful our police and sheriff and city hall will make good on their promises to keep us honestly informed, and via that information we will learn that, yes, they have done their duty as they swore to us they would: ICE gets no help from us, a total cold shoulder, unless we see a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Let us know that we are at least standing that tall. Without information, kept in the dark, official secrets and downtown whispers spread distrust and fear among a reeling community, weighted with uncertainty, looking for something solid to hold.
And it’s time we quit doubting it, stop hoping someone somewhere will somehow make it, well, like it used to be. Midterm elections fair and square? Not going to happen. Maybe only the blue-eyed will be allowed at the polls. Maybe we’ll be redistricted with some county on the Eastern Plains. Citizens in other countries — Pinochet’s Chile, Orban’s Hungary, Russia — their sad wisdom gained from murders and gulags, must be nodding, thinking yes, thinking, see how you like it. We have looked to you with hope and envy. Yet, your experience was with smiling young soldiers, winking at barefoot girls sticking flowers in rifle barrels. Not anymore. What will you show us now?
Mike Ritchey Gunnison
GAC a gem
Editor:
This message goes out to those fortunate enough to live here in the Gunnison Valley with the myriad of activities it offers along with all the natural beauty in a still (somewhat) reasonably uncrowded setting. But in addition to that, we actually have culture — yes, culture, right here in lil ol' Gunnison. The Gunnison Arts Center (GAC). It's a gem — not a "diamond in the rough" gem, but rather a true sapphire/ruby/ emerald and incredible asset to our community. Like the outdoor activities here, it is also incredibly diverse with a clay studio, dance lessons, films and plays, including our very own SonofaGunn. (Who misses that, really?) The place creates its own gravity, which has played a part in keeping me, an itinerant wanderer,
here for over eleven years now. It has been an integral part of my life since day one. From the murder mystery to Macbeth and even a couple of fly-tying classes, it has most definitely enriched my life here. I almost forgot, there's also art. Several pieces I've acquired over the years from the GAC hang on the gallery walls here at Ft. Kickass.
By education and profession I'm an engineer. I can design and build you an airplane or rocket, take your pick, but I can't paint to save my life, nor can I sculpt nor perform a play. I need artists to scratch that itch. Not everyone is cut out for engineering, but neither is everyone cut out to be an artist. However, both are vital. We all play a part.
The GAC provides a local nexus for this important, nay critical, part of my life. Now, however, this stalwart institution that has enriched our community for decades needs help. Following the one-two punch of a major renovation and COVID, maintaining operations has become a challenge. An organization for the community needs input from that community. Besides interest and participation, this includes financial support (imagine that). This is what the "Spark the Arts" campaign is about — a focused, one-month effort to raise funds to support ongoing operations. That includes the art you see in the galleries and for sale in the shop; the dance, martial arts and pottery classes your children attend; the plays and curated films you enjoy — and don't forget all the music brought to you by the GAC.
I implore you to support the GAC and donate as generously as possible to this campaign to keep the arts in Gunnison not just alive but thriving. We can't do it without your support. And for those who think the arts are optional, consider the fact that even the cavemen took time out of their busy days hunting saber-toothed tigers to create cave paintings and drawings. Creativity and art was important to them just as it is to us now. Art has been with us from the start; it's part of being human. Please help "Spark the Arts" in our community and support the GAC campaign.
Robert Brown Gunnison
Help ‘Spark the Arts’
Editor:
Forty-one years ago, a few visionaries initiated the undertaking of the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC) — an organization that is focused on community, education and shared experience.
Over the years, the GAC has provided classes in visual arts, drawing, painting, sculpture, theater, dance, music, culinary, fitness, mindfulness, written word and more. Our beautiful, historic building has
project, estimated to cost $35 million, will now be included on the ballot in the upcoming election. If approved, construction on the new fire house could begin next year.
“I wish there was another way to build this without going forward with this tax, but this is a necessity,” said Councilor Matt Schwartz at the meeting. “These are the people who keep us safe, and we need to keep them safe. Right now, the current station doesn't do that.”
A needs assessment presented to council on June 24 outlined the hazards of the current fire house. According to the assessment, the station poses a direct threat to the health and safety of fire department staff. The facility’s apparatus bays — garages that house emergency vehicles and equipment — are connected to common areas, which increases the firefighters exposure to carcinogens brought back from calls. Additionally, the station’s ventilation system is outdated, and no longer serviceable.
The assessment identified a need for additional operations space, noting that the bays are so close together that safety is a concern. Alongside staff hazards, the station poses a risk to the roughly $17 million worth of equipment due to a lack of alarm or fire suppression systems, according to the assessment. Plans for the new station include space for a larger fitness area, storage space, training classrooms and overnight sleeping quarters. Currently, volunteers live away from the station, increasing emergency response times.
“Our response area is 2,700 square miles, and the volunteers live throughout this district,” said Fire Chief Hugo Ferchau at
the meeting. “We're beginning to see [volunteers] move further and further away from the fire station. Not only is that increasing response times, but it's also increasing or decreasing participation at certain times of day, specifically the evening, when firefighters are away from town.”
Following the needs assessment presentation, city council and the Gunnison County Fire Protection District board unanimously agreed to replace the fire station at its existing location. Work sessions in July and August followed, and officials worked alongside Northland Securities Inc., a full-service broker-dealer, to identify a financing mechanism.
At the Aug. 26 meeting, the council adopted a resolution that requests voters to consider a 12.5 mill levy increase for a 20-year period to fund the fire station and fire service operation. A mill costs a taxpayer $1 per $1,000 of property value per year. The proposed 12.5 mill levy
would cost tax payers $12.50 per $1,000 of property value. For example, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom property with an assessed value of $27,450 would pay $343 per year in property taxes dedicated to fire services, according to the meeting.
“We have a volunteer fire department, and that currently saves us approximately $4 million to $6 million annually,” said City Manager Amanda Wilson at the meeting. “We do not have the funds to have a paid fire department. So one of the key focuses is making sure we're protecting those that are protecting us and investing in their long term viability of the space they’re serving us in.”
Council considers sales tax collection change
On Aug. 26, the council also discussed a change in how sales tax is collected by Gunnison businesses. The council moved to shift collection from the city to the State of Colorado — a
change that could reduce complexity for local businesses, save city resources and redirect money to economic development.
Currently, the City of Gunnison collects its own sales tax — largely because Colorado charged a 2% collection fee, which nearly tripled the city’s internal costs. However, the state recently eliminated the collection fee — prompting Gunnison to reconsider how it collects sales tax. If Gunnison decides to make the change, Finance Director Ben Cowan said the city would benefit through staff savings.
“Staff savings would encompass about 60% of our accounting position and 10% of my time,” Cowan said. “Right now, we’re pretty much at capacity in the finance department.”
provide service — at least until June 1, 2026, when the system is set to be decommissioned entirely. Portions of the aging MetRec over-the-air TV network were shut off in early June 2025.
The effort to find replace -
Renovations
from A1
[at GCS],” Nichols told the Times. “ The heating system works wonderfully, but we want to make sure that the cooling capabilities [of the new HVAC system] are enough when the building is full and temperatures are hotter.”
Alongside the new HVAC system at GCS, many of the newly renovated and installed systems are currently being tested by the district’s commissioning agent ––a company called the Bowman Group.
“Their work is super important because it ensures that all of the [new] systems that have
ments paid off last week, when a solution that MetRec was testing proved able to restore at least limited service to MetRec TV users. The answer involves receiving a “direct feed” from TV stations in Denver over the internet.
MetRec already had direct feed agreements with those providers as part of the satellite transmission plan. All that
been installed are functioning correctly and according to the specifications that were laid out at the onset of the project. If they aren’t, they are the people who make sure things get fixed,” said Nichols. “Our buildings are smart buildings now and [The Bowman Group] looks at our automation systems for HVAC, lighting, motion detectors, and more, and makes sure that they are working properly.”
Many of these new systems and facilities are cutting edge, including state of the art vocational tools and appliances that have been installed in the Pathways building.
Roundabout
The roundabout at the entrance to the town of Crested
was needed was an equipment upgrade on both ends and an internet connection between them.
Nehrenberg said even with the upgrades, the cost of receiving direct feed signals is “much cheaper” than what MetRec has been paying for satellite service.
“While we are confident that we can replace most of the channels and add new ones, we will
Butte is a future project that may benefit from some of the savings accrued from staying under budget on the school building renovations.
“We’ve already budgeted for the roundabout, but as that project continues to develop there could be additional costs associated,” said Nichols.
The proposed project would be placed at the intersection of Red Lady Ave. and Hwy. 135, where the turnoff for the CBCS is located. The purpose is to streamline traffic more efficiently and safely at an intersection that currently experiences a high volume of traffic and congestion due to school pick ups and drop offs occurring directly adjacent to the main entrance and Hwy. 135 leaving
The council vocalized support for both the reallocation of state-collected sales tax, and the reduction or elimination of a vendor service fee. The council directed staff to move forward with both changes, and plans to revisit the issue at upcoming meetings.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Another key component is the elimination or reduction of the city’s vendor service fee. Currently set at 4% — the highest in Colorado — the vendor service fee allows businesses to retain a portion of the state sales tax they collect as incentive for timely filing and remittance of sales tax. Other municipalities in the state have already moved to eliminate or reduce this fee. If eliminated, Gunnison could retain nearly $400,000 per year, and redirect funds towards community economic priorities, Cowan said.
lose a small number of old channels,” he said. “Additionally, there are still a lot of unknowns that make it difficult to predict when all the new stations will be up and running.”
According to a MetRec press release, TV users could even see new channels added as a result, but the full transition could take as much as three months.
To learn what channels are
Crested Butte.
Though these plans are still in the making and subject to change, the construction for this roundabout is slated to begin seasonally starting summer of 2026. Construction will occur during the summer of 2026 and 2027 rather than year-round to reduce the community impact.
The district has been utilizing a company called Artaic to help manage the project and make sure that the massive renovations stay both on time and on (or under) budget.
“Artaic is our owner’s representative who is contracted with the school board,” said Nichols. “They work to coordinate with our design team, called Treanor, and our general contractor FCI. They
available and how to access them after the transition to direct feed, visit gcmetrec.com/ channelstatus.
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@ gunnisontimes.com.)
are our in-house experts in managing this $100 million project. They have a lot of expertise about ensuring contracts are executed, scheduling, and getting the money to flow appropriately to pay the bills. If anything, we are ahead of schedule.”
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
MetRec
from A1
A conceptual rendering of the new Gunnison Fire Station. (Courtesy City of Gunnison)
GPD addresses concerns after ICE arrest
Rodriguez dispels false reports
Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor
On Aug. 17, the Gunnison Police Department (GPD) announced that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were present in the City of Gunnison and took an undocumented community member with a criminal warrant into custody. ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws and conducts criminal investigations.
Because the GPD has limited jurisdiction regarding federal matters, Deputy Chief Frank Rodriguez could not disclose the individual’s name, or the specific charges behind the criminal warrant. However, he said the arrest indicates the charges were significant enough to warrant action by ICE.
“I have been doing a lot to communicate with the community that ICE is going after individuals who are undocumented and have a criminal warrant associated with their name,” Rodriguez said. “In order to meet the threshold that would necessitate a federal agency to go after you, [the charges] would be quite high. I say that to highlight that the individuals that ICE is targeting are individuals that we would not necessarily want in our community because of the associated dangers.”
Following the arrest, Chief of Police Sam Costello contacted the ICE agent in charge of the
LETTERS
continued from A7
been home to countless plays, musicals, concerts, movies and presentations. I know many of you have participated on some level with a GAC event. Perhaps it was even off-site, such as a Sundays@6 concert?
As the GAC enters its fourth decade of service to the community, I ask you to help us “Spark the Arts.” The monthlong campaign to raise funds is well underway, and your support will contribute to our goal. We have a very generous $10,000 matching donation on the table, so please donate now. If you haven’t yet seen the beautiful renovation created by Christopher Klein Construction, stop in and have a look around. The theater now has flex-space, a state of the art audio/visual system and drink holders at
operation for more details. On Sunday, Aug. 17, ICE agents targeted a single individual, observed their house, and stopped, detained and ultimately arrested the individual, Rodriguez said.
“Right now there is a lot of concern, but ICE did not go house-to-house, they did not canvas the neighborhood or knock on doors,” Rodriguez said. “They sat on one house, looked for one individual and ultimately made an arrest.”
In the days after the arrest, Rodriguez said several false reports spread through town and fueled “hysteria.” One claimed that on the first day of school, the GPD partnered with ICE and smashed the car windows of undocumented community members. To counter the rumors, Rodriguez attended school open house nights to speak directly with families.
Still, a number of students from hispanic families did not attend out of fear of ICE and local law enforcement, he said.
“I always want to go back to the facts — no one has to fear being picked up, detained or chased, unless they have criminal warrants for their arrest,” he said. “My concern is that this will create a paradox, where the same people we want to help are not going to call us because they're scared of us.”
Rodriguez encourages community members to reach out to the GPD directly with questions or concerns. In an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the GPD at 970.641.8200.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
your seat! The renovation also included much needed structural work to insure the 1880s building stands for many more years ahead. Our gratitude is extended not only to Chris Klein and his crew, but to all of the community members who made the project possible with financial contributions, as well as sweat equity. I also would personally like to thank the GAC staff. The team that works tirelessly to keep the energy going. Thank you, for your dedication to our mission. Whether you’ve been involved for years or are just hearing about us, this is your chance to join in. Visit, become a member and help us grow.
Priscilla Swanson GAC board
Back to class
With summer break coming to a close, Gunnison Community School students returned to campus on Monday, Aug. 25. Two lines of Western Colorado University and Gunnison High School athletes greeted kids with high-fives as they made their way to the playground. Some middle-schoolers hesitated to run through the tunnel, while others sprinted by, lunch boxes and backpacks in tow.
(Photos by Bella Biondini)
Therapy scholarships bridge financial gap
Opioid money aids CB State of Mind program
William Spicer Special to the Times
The State of Colorado will receive more than $880 million in opioid settlement funds over the next 18 years. The Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council (SWCORC), which serves Gunnison and five neighboring counties, is one of several regional councils created to distribute a portion of these funds at the local level.
As a first step in this process, SWCORC recently announced $1.5 million in grants to local organizations, to support opioid mitigation programs in the areas of prevention & education, treatment, harm reduction, recovery and law enforcement.
Four Gunnison-based organizations are among those to receive SWCORC awards for 2025/2026, including Gunnison Sanctuary Housing, Western Colorado University, and Gunnison County Mentors. The fourth recipient is local nonprofit CB State of Mind, which received $40,000 under the treatment category to support and expand their existing therapy scholarship program.
State of Mind was initially established in 2019 as part of a grassroots community effort to address Gunnison County’s high suicide rate, said Executive Director Meghan Dougherty. It became an independent nonprofit the following year, and has since evolved into the valley’s primary mental wellness connector.
Early on, the organization recognized that individuals seeking counseling were finding it difficult to connect with the right therapist, Dougherty said. The mental health care system is complex and can be hard to navigate, especially for someone already dealing with issues like addiction, depression or anxiety.
Many factors can play into finding a therapist who’s a good match, Dougherty said. Aside from the therapist’s area of specialization, things like gender, background and language skills can all be important. Some people prefer in-person counseling, where others would rather work remotely with a therapist who’s
not local.
“For some people, the thought of running into your therapist at the supermarket can be off-putting,” she said.
The challenge of making the right connection is compounded because many therapists already have full client lists and are not openly advertising their services. In the past, someone looking for counseling might have reached out to a few therapists, not heard back from them, and simply have given up.
CB State of Mind has addressed this problem by establishing its own relationships with more than 40 licensed therapists, within the Gunnison Valley and beyond. The list covers a broad range of backgrounds and specializations, and continues to grow over time.
“For some people, the thought of running into your therapist at the supermarket can be off-putting.”
Meghan Dougherty
CB State of Mind executive director
When a person first contacts State of Mind, staff members conduct an initial screening to gather basic information. Then, within a couple of days, they identify a shortlist of three to five therapists that staff believes will be a good fit and facilitate initial contact. From there, most therapists offer a free initial consultation — usually enough for the person to narrow in on someone they’re going to be comfortable working with.
The second major challenge, Dougherty said, is affordability, and that’s where State of Mind’s therapy scholarship program comes into play. According to the most recent State of the Community Report, over 40% of Gunnison Valley residents are living below a self-sufficiency level. Many of them are uninsured, a situation that could
worsen following recent changes to Medicaid eligibility.
But even for those with private health insurance, the cost of therapy can be prohibitive. Many local employers offer policies that lack adequate coverage for behavioral healthcare, Dougherty said. Copays and deductibles can be unaffordably high, and access to care is difficult because many therapists in the region don’t accept private insurance.
In 2020, State of Mind responded to these issues by starting their scholarship program, intended for individuals who were seeking counseling but unable to afford it. Each scholarship pays for up to 10 therapy sessions at no cost to the recipient. Since its inception, the program has grown by more than 40% and recently gave out its 560th scholarship.
Thanks to the SWCORC award, an additional 20 scholarships are now available for 2025, with 20 more in 2026, Dougherty said. Under the terms of the SWCORC grant, these additional scholarships will be used primarily to support individuals dealing with opioid abuse and co-occurring substance abuse/mental health issues (which represents about 20% of the overall demand for State of Mind services).
CB State of Mind gathers feedback from every therapy scholarship recipient once they’ve completed their sessions, and there’s no doubt that the program is having a positive impact, Dougherty said.
“I was in a deep rut, and the scholarship gave me the support I needed to get out of that rut, understand it, and move forward,” said one recipient. For more information or to seek help, visit cbstateofmind. org.
(William Spicer is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)
(Courtesy Ellen Davis/Gunnison County Libraries)
Yard of the Week
The Top O’ the World Garden Club has awarded Brian Dalton and Alicia Aleman with Yard of the Week.
“We live at 1015 N. 14th Street and are flattered to be named Garden of the Week! I may do most of the gardening, but it wouldn't have gotten whipped into shape without a lot of hard work from Alicia. We revel in doing nothing more than watch hummingbirds and hawkmoths, their workdays long from over, hurrying among the flowers. When morning comes, the garden is my teacher. Each morning the garden has changed. Someone has gotten too little water, somebody else too much, still another has suffered some kind of attack. Puzzles abound, inviting me to slow down and observe my space — how seasons progress, the wanted and unwanted do battle, solar elevation waxes and wanes, each nook affected differently. The needs of my plants change constantly. It’s good to slow down, to notice and to nurture.
Business Yard of the Month
The Top O’ the World Garden Club has awarded West Elk Veterinary Services, located at 200 N. Spruce Street, with Business Yard of the Month. We are honored to be chosen as the Garden of the Month! This recognition means so much to us, because it reflects the dedication and care that goes into every detail of our clinic. In December 2024, Dr. Bailey purchased the clinic, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. One of the most beautiful parts of this transition has been the incredible work by her mom, Bobette, who has devoted countless hours to creating and maintaining the vibrant garden you see today. Her passion and hard work have transformed our space into a welcoming place for pets and their families. As we continue to grow, we’re also thrilled to announce our upcoming name change from Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic to West Elk Veterinary Services — with a brand-new sign coming soon. Thank you for supporting us through this exciting time. Stop by and enjoy the garden. We’re proud to share it with our community!
(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)
(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)
Western launches new School of the Arts
Move consolidates creative programs
Western Colorado University is ushering in a new era for the arts. Starting this fall, the university will bring its programs in art, graphic design, music, theatre, and film together under a newly created School of the Arts.
The launch comes after a year of design and development by a team of faculty and administrators who wanted to create a space to collaborate, innovate and find opportunities to better prepare students for careers in the arts.
“Our intent was to strengthen Western's community of artists and performers and identify and grow interdisciplinary opportunities, both within existing programs and through the development of new programs, that support students' interests and prepare them for careers in the fine arts,” said Associate Provost Ashley Carlson. She serves as interim dean and worked with a team of faculty to lead the effort. “I’m confident that the School of the Arts will achieve that.”
Faculty leaders from across the arts worked on the plan, including professors Tina Butterfield (art), Mayela Cardenas (graphic design), Steven Cole Hughes (theatre), Ben Justis (music) and Tamara Toomey (communication arts, languages and literature).
Together with Carlson, they conducted surveys, interviews and community input sessions before presenting the plan to Western’s Board of Trustees this summer.
Western administrators will appoint a dean to lead the School of the Arts and recruit students to join its programs over the coming year.
"The School of the Arts will position Western's arts graduates to thrive in the creative industries," Carlson said. "Students will graduate not just as skilled artists, but as creative professionals who understand how to work across disciplines and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry."
What if you’re a senior and can no longer shovel your driveway after a heavy snow? What if you have a health condition that requires special meals? Or you need to get out of town for a medical appointment? Or you only speak Spanish or Cora and wonder if anyone at the hospital can understand what you need? What if you want books for your toddler?
The 2025 edition of the Basic Needs Resource Guide is off the press and you can find answers to these questions and many more. Prepared by the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley and a host of volunteers (including the GRASP consortium), printed courtesy of Gunnison Valley Health and translated into Spanish courtesy of Gunnison County Juvenile Services, the Guide includes nearly 200 places that you can turn to for information, participation and help. You might be someone trying to make ends meet. Or, regardless of your economic situation, you might be a senior, or a Western student, or a person with a disability, or a veteran, or an immigrant, or a person in recovery from a substance use disorder. Pick up a copy of the Guide, which is free and available both in English and in Spanish.
“Many people hear ‘basic needs’ and think: food, shelter, clothing. We use the term more broadly,” said Maryo Ewell, project coordinator. “You may have enough food, but not enough resources to give your child a fun summer experience. Or, you may be a senior who would like to take an enrichment class. Or, your partner has started behaving violent-
ly towards you and you don’t know where to turn. We’ve developed a hierarchy: food, clothing, safety, shelter. Physical and mental health. Social connection. Recreation and education. Spiritual needs. All of these are part of wellness.”
Most of the resources are local; there are a few in Montrose and Olathe if those services are not provided locally, and there are a few outof-region phone numbers for certain after-hours emergencies. The “people in recovery” section includes a number of online support groups and sources of information. Kyle Tibbett of Gunnison County Juvenile Services coordinated this section.
“This valley is full of wonderful people who are willing and ready to help, so don't be afraid to use this Guide, and then to reach out for support! We are better together,” Tibbett said. You can find copies of the Basic Needs Resource Guide in some 70 locations in the Gunnison Valley, from some churches to laundromats to health clinics to the Times office. You can stop in at the Foundation office, 525 North Main, for a copy. Or you can go online to cfgv.org and then go to “Resource Library” and then “Community” to find it in either language.
“Gunnison Valley Health knows that social determinants impact your physical health,” said Jenny Birnie of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation. “Having this information available is an important first step in the overall health journey for Gunnison County residents. We are proud to support this Guide.”
You’ll be surprised at the wealth of resources available here in this small community. It’s a generous place.
(Source: Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley.)
Un poquito de ayuda de nuestros amigos
¿Qué pasaria si eres una persona mayor y ya no puedes limpiar la entrada de tu casa después de una nevada fuerte?
¿Qué pasaria si tienes una condición de salud que requiere comidas especiales? ¿O necesitas salir de la ciudad para una cita médica? ¿O solo hablas español o cora y te preguntas si alguien en el hospital puede entender lo que necesitas?
¿Y si quieres libros para tu hijo pequeño?
La edición 2025 de la Guía de Recursos para Necesidades Básicas ya está disponible y
puedes encontrar respuestas a estas preguntas y muchas más. Creada por la Fundación Comunitaria del Valle de Gunnison y un grupo de voluntarios, incluyendo el consorcio GRASP (gracias Melissa Oliver), impresa por cortesía de Gunnison Valley Health y traducida al español por cortesía de los Servicios Juveniles del Condado de Gunnison, esta guía incluye casi 200 lugares a los que puedes acudir para obtener información, participación y ayuda.
Quizás seas alguien que intenta llegar a fin de mes. O, independientemente de tu situación económica, quizás seas una persona mayor, un estudiante occidental, una persona con discapacidad, un veterano, un inmigrante o una persona en recuperación por un problema de drogas. Consigue una copia de la Guía, es gratuita y está disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
“Mucha gente oye las palabras ‘necesidades básicas’ y piensa en comida, alojamiento, ropa. Nosotros usamos el término de forma más amplia”, dice Maryo Ewell, quien coordinó el proyecto. “Quizás tengas suficiente comida, pero no suficientes recursos para que tu hijo tenga una experiencia de verano divertida. O quizás seas una persona mayor que quisiera tomar una clase de enriquecimiento. O quizás tu pareja ha empezado a comportarse violentamente contigo y no sabes a quién recurrir. Hemos desarrollado una jerarquía: comida, ropa, seguridad, alojamiento. Salud física y mental. Conexión social. Recreación y educación. Necesidades espirituales. Todo
esto forma parte del bienestar”.
La mayoría de los recursos son locales; hay algunos en Montrose y Olathe si estos servicios no se ofrecen localmente, y hay algunos números de teléfono fuera de la región para ciertas emergencias fuera del horario laboral. En particular, la sección "personas en recuperación" incluye varios grupos de apoyo en línea y fuentes de información. Kyle Tibbett, de los Servicios Juveniles del Condado de Gunnison, coordinó esta sección y afirma que “Este valle está lleno de personas maravillosas que están listas y desean ayudar , no le temas a usar esta guia y pedir ayuda. We are better together. Somos mejores juntos.”
Puedes encontrar copias de la Guía de Recursos para Necesidades Básicas en unos 70 lugares del Valle de Gunnison, desde iglesias hasta lavanderías, clínicas de salud y la oficina del periódico Times. Puede visitar la oficina de la Fundación Comunitaria, ubicada en 525 North Main, para obtener una copia. O bien, puede visitar www.cfgv.org y luego ir a la Biblioteca de Recursos y finalmente a Comunidad para encontrarla en ambos idiomas.
Jenny Birnie, de la Fundación de Salud del Valle de Gunnison, afirma: «En el Departamento de Salud del Valle de Gunnison sabemos que los determinantes sociales afectan la salud física; tener esta información disponible es un primer paso importante en el camino hacia una salud integral para los residentes del Condado de Gunnison. Nos enorgullece apoyar esta Guía». Se sorprenderá de la gran cantidad de recursos disponibles en esta pequeña comunidad. Es un lugar generoso.
(Source: Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley.)
LABOR DAY SALE
Days
fans pack the grandstand at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. (Courtesy Cattlemen’s Days)
Ted Harbin Special to the Times
The annual Cattlemen’s Days celebration does more for the community than most people realize.
Sure, this is a chance to reconnect with friends and family while also enjoying all the comforts that come with a county fair. Cattlemen’s Days also offers plenty of entertainment, from great food selections to the carnival to the ProRodeo. It’s valuable to the people who live in this Rocky Mountain town or call Gunnison County home.
Still, Cattlemen’s Days goes way beyond that. The annual festival is a week-long boon to the businesses in town, from full hotels and restaurants to busy fuel stops and vibrant local shops.
“In doing the math, we can figure that the economic impact to Gunnison for Cattlemen’s Days is worth millions of dollars,” said Kevin Coblentz, a longtime member of the organizing committee and a local business owner. “The food vendors were making between $2,000 and $4,000 a night just during the rodeo time.
“Every dollar that comes from Cattlemen’s Days is spent right here,” Coblentz said. “Sure, we put on Cattlemen’s Days for this community, but the benefit to the community extends a lot further than just what happens at the fairgrounds.”
These are building blocks, not only for the celebration but also for the people that support it. When a community thrives, locals thrive. There’s a reciprocating effect to it, too.
“I’d say, per pound, our 4-H sale is one of the biggest in the state,” Coblentz said, referring to the total dollars in relation to the number of animals
shown. “We’ve always had some amazing support for our Junior Livestock Auction.”
The auction is one of the few remaining that sell by the pound instead of by the head.
“We’ve had a lot of our kids that have funded their education by selling livestock,” he said. “They totally paid for their college education from that.”
It’s a tell-tale sign of the importance of Cattlemen’s Days. The event is organized by a core group of volunteers who pride themselves on being community-minded.
“I’ve asked around, and I believe we are the only standalone rodeo — small or medium sized — that is totally funded by our ticket sales, our liquor sales and our sponsorships,” he said. “Other than a city grant we receive every year, we are totally funded by our own hustle.”
It also helps that the PRCA rodeo is the only event in Gunnison that is nationally televised. Cattlemen’s Days has been aired on The Cowboy Channel and its app for several years.
“We’ve also made it to where Cattlemen’s Days has no administrative costs to it. There are no paid employees. We pay an accounting firm to do our taxes. Our officers used to get a stipend to help with general expenses — like postage — that comes our way, but we don’t do that anymore. All of that money goes right back to the community, scholarships and other things that are important to us.”
That’s the mindset that has helped festival organizers give back to the county residents and why Cattlemen’s Days is such an asset to the Gunnison Valley.
(Ted Harbin is the Cattlemen’s Days media director.)
Cattlemen’s
rodeo
Clean up crew
(Photo by Jennifer Smith)
Ballet master classes
Join Dance Aspen founding member/choreographer, Matthew Gilmore for contemporary ballet master classes on Sept. 3 at the CB School of Dance pump room. Youth session from 3-4:15 p.m. and adult session from 6-7:15 p.m. Classes are free to the public. Register at dancecrestedbutte.org. Dance Aspen will then be performing for their fall tour on Sept. 5.
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 ARTS CENTER BRIEFS
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.
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.
GAC Fall Catalog
All of our fall programs and events go live Aug. 30, gunnisonartscenter.org. Whether you’re looking to try something new or dive back into a favorite class, we can’t wait for you to join us. Come create, connect and celebrate the season with us this fall and winter.
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 rescue. 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 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.
Digital Storytelling • Best Cover Design (first and second place)
• Best Feature Photograph (first and second place) • Best Photography Portfolio
• Best Sports Photograph • Best Advertising Special Section • Best Print Ad
The
The adoption of Labor Day took hard work
Come the first Monday of September, many children and their parents start to face the reality that school, if it hasn’t yet started, is about to begin again. That’s because Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. But there is much more to this holiday than barbecues and the notion that fall is right around the corner.
Labor Day was forged by the labor movement of the late nineteenth century. Many workers during this time felt they were underpaid and overworked.
Conditions at their places of employment also lacked adequate safety. These workers banded together to fight for higher wages, shorter workdays and improved working conditions.
Before it was adopted as an American federal holiday, Labor Day was first recognized by labor activists and individual states.
Although New York was the first state to introduce a bill, Oregon actually was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, which the state first celebrated on February 21, 1887. Four more states followed suit that year. By the end of the decade, three more states passed Labor Day holiday laws.
In recognition of the momentum of Labor Day at the state level, and with the adoption of the holiday by another 23 states by 1894, Congress passed an act on June 28, 1894, officially making the first Monday in September a legal holiday each year. The United States is not alone in devoting a holiday to celebrate its labor history and honor the contributions of workers. Canada celebrates Labour Day to remember the rights of workers, which include paid holidays, medical care, fair hours, union wages, and safe workplaces. Labour Day was declared a legal
holiday by the Parliament of Canada on July 23, 1894. The earliest Labour Day celebrations were held in the spring, but eventually were moved to September.
Labor Day remains a time to honor and affirm the dignity of working people across the nation. It also affords individuals an opportunity to enjoy a welldeserved day off and reflect on the contributions workers have made throughout the years.
Enjoy a safe and fun Labor Day
Residents of the United States and Canada celebrate Labor Day or Labour Day each September on the first Monday of the month to acknowledge the contributions of each nation’s workers.
The holiday can be traced to the late nineteenth century, when labor activists campaigned for a federal holiday to recognize hardworking employees and their accomplishments. Although the holiday originally was crafted by the labor movement, not much labor occurs on Labor Day each year. Rather, Labor Day is a time when most workers enjoy a well-deserved day off, and various recreational events take place. Individuals can explore these tips to enjoy a memorable, fun and safe Labor Day.
Grilling time
Grilling is a centerpiece of many Labor Day celebrations. Although guests may look forward to familiar fare, such as burgers and hot dogs, introducing some interesting menu items into the mix can elevate the event even further. Explore options with seafood and vegetables or even experiment with different flavor profiles. Replace chicken with shrimp on kabobs or swap beef for lamb in burgers for even more variety. When grilling, always emphasize safety. Never leave the grill unattended, and ensure that the grill is located away from the main action and far enough from the house so that nothing will catch fire.
Factor in traffic
Traffic is a common complaint during the summer, but especially during holiday weekends. AAA booking data showed overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend 2024 was up 9 percent compared to the year prior. In many locations, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins, so roadways tend to be congested. The transportation data experts at INRIX recommend car travelers avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times tend to be the busiest. Leaving early on Thursday or Friday or departing on Saturday afternoon will help travelers avoid most traffic and begin their weekends less stressed. Plus, drivers are less likely to drive aggressively when they build in a time buffer.
Head to the water Water sports, boating, swim -
ming, and other water-based activities are entertaining ideas for Labor Day. Life jackets are essential on boats and other watercraft, and inexperienced swimmers may want to wear them as well. Everyone should avoid alcohol consumption while boating or swimming. Try to stick to areas that have lifeguards on duty.
Firework smarts Fireworks can cap off a summer of fun. Instead of lighting fireworks at home, head to an event organized by pyrotechnics experts for the safest situation. Pets can become skittish during loud noises associated with fireworks, so keep them indoors in a quiet room where they can remain calm and are less likely to run away and get lost outdoors. Labor Day tends to be summer’s curtain call. Make the most of it this year, but remember to always play it safe.
(Metro Creative)
(Metro Creative)
business forward. teamspruceconsulting@gmail.com EMPLOYMENT
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
GMS - .5 Enrichment Coordinator GES - ELL EA
GCS - Significant Support Needs EA
Substitute Teachers
Food Service Bus Drivers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
CBSS - Math Teacher District Psychologist
GCS - Special Education Teacher
COACHING
CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach
Please contact: Superintendent’s Office Kim Fuller 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 kfuller@ gunnisonschools.net
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. $30 per hour. Send resume to Hop@CrestedYeti.com.
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
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.
Senior Accountant –Human Services
Finance: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, the annual salary range is from $86,226.40 to $110,496.21 plus full 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.
GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH IS HIRING:
Cook( Senior Care & Hospital), FT$18.90-$23.40/hour DOE
Care Associate, Family Medicine Clinic, FT - $18-$21/hour
Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits.
Please visit our website for more indepth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online at gunnisonvalleyhealth. org/careers or call HR for questions 970-641-1456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.
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.
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.
BUILDERS FIRST SOURCE in Crested
Butte is looking to hire full time CDL and Non CDL delivery drivers. Full benefits, dental, vision, 401k and quarterly profit sharing available. Must have Valid driver’s license, pass MVR report and obtain a DOT medical card. $22-$29/HR. Please Call or email Evan Gosda 720-613-7167, Evan.gosda@ bldr.com.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring part-time and full-time Front Desk Attendants, $18-22/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
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
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 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.
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.
STRATEGIC PLANNER NEEDED!
The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) is requesting proposals from interested, qualified, and experienced professional strategic planning firms or individuals to provide strategic planning and facilitation services. A Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes instructions for its completion, and a draft of the previous Strategic Plan, is available for viewing on the UGRWCD website at ugrwcd.org on the home page.
Respondents to this RFP shall submit completed proposals and/or a digital PDF to the UGRWCD no later than 5 p.m. MST on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at the following address: UGRWCD, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 or by email to schavez@ugrwcd.org.
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.
KALOW ELECTRIC is looking for a reliable electricial 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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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, at 3:00 p.m. Saguache County is an EEO employer. Drug testing and background check will be required for final applicants.
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 Market Attendants, $16/hr. + gratuity. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.comor email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
GOLDEN EAGLE is looking for CDL and non-CDL drivers. Pay is based on experience. Call 970-641-3230.
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
PUBLIC NOTICE
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employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov.
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 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 atadaptivesports.org/ careers . Applications are due Sept.15 and offers may be made earlier for strong candidates.
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 $19-$22/hour dependent on program role. Come help provide valuable programming to your community by being a facilitator for one of our many programs! Please submit your resume via email to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov. Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
GARAGE / YARD SALES
YARD SALE: Plotts Mini Storage
312 West Hwy 50 Gunnison, CO 81230 Aug. 31 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 1 from 8 a.m-NOON.
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
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.
FSBO: Quaint, remodeled 2bd/2ba home in Sargents, CO. 24X40 shop, 15X20 storage building. New septic and well, Adjacent to pasture. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. $600K OBO. Motivated seller. 515-2029610.
FLAT LAND FOR LEASE AVAILABLE IN GUNNISON: Easy access - call Geoff 978473-9256.
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.
FOR LEASE: The newly renovated mall building located at 123 W. Tomichi Ave.
Contact your Local Newspaper or email: rtoledo@colopress net
Gunnison. $850/mo. Includes utilities. Contact 720-308-8239.
WANTED
WANTED: Colorado Unit 67 cow elk voucher, any season. Contact George, 713201-7916.
BLACK CANYON LIMO seeks secure parking for 5-vehicle fleet. Need fenced yard or commercial parking lot in Riverland, Gunnison, or Crested Butte. No indoor storage required. Local transportation business looking for long-term arrangement to meet insurance requirements. Contact us at 970-251-1223 if you have available space.
Legals
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 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
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE
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
NOTICE OF AUCTION:
This is to advise that household and personal property belonging to the following: Dale Duet unit 63 at 410 Secure Storage located at 410 s 10th ST in Gunnison, CO; will be sold to the highest bidder at 410 Secure Storage on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 9:00 AM to satisfy the owner’s lien for rent in accordance with Title 38. PROPERTY -REAL AND PERSONAL LIENS Article 21.5. Self-Service Storage Facility Liens. All contents sold “as is” and by unit only. Seller neither warrants title to any items sold and does not make any express or implied warranties to any items sold. We reserve the right to refuse any and all bids.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 28 and September 4, 2025
18499
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA
COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
LOCKE SUPPLY CO., an Oklahoma
Corporation
Plaintiff v. SLATE RIVER SYSTEMS, INC., a Texas Corporation; BENJAMIN YORK, an individual; and CHRISTOPHER YORK, an individual
Defendants
Case No. CJ-2025-3325
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Benjamin York
You are hereby notified that an action has been filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, Case No. CJ-2025-3325, styled Locke Supply Co., an Oklahoma Corporation v. Slate River Systems, Inc., a Texas Corporation, Benjamin York, an individual, and Christopher York, an individual, by Plaintiff Locke Supply Co, an Oklahoma Corporation. This summons is specifically direct to Benjamin York. The nature of the suit against you is for unjust enrichment, fraud, tortious interference, piercing the corporate veil, and violation of Construction Trust Fund Statute 42 O.S. § 152. The recovery of money damages sought is in excess of $5,000,000 but not in excess of $10,000,000, plus all recoverable interest, fees, and costs.
You are hereby notified that you have been sued in this action and must answer the Amendment to Petition by Plaintiff on or before the 13th day of October, 2025. You are further notified that in the event you do not appear and respond to the allegations contained in the Amendment to Petition, the allegations will be taken as true and judgment will be entered in Plaintiff’s favor, together with the requested relief prayed for in the Amendment to Petition.
WITNESS my hand and seal this 22 day of August, 2025.
RICK WARREN, COURT CLERK OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
By: DEPUTY
Approved as to form:
Christopher M. Scaperlanda, OBA #31703 Gatlin C. Squires, OBA #34795
Justin R. Cajindos, OBA #36063
McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation 8th Floor, Two Leadership Square 211 N. Robinson
Publication dates of August 28, September 4 and 11, 2025
18502
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
DISH Satellite
JACUZZI
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
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
GHS MTB pedals to podium finish
Marlo Frazier Special to the Times
The GHS mountain bike team powered into the 2025 Colorado High School Cycling League season with a second-place team finish at the Frisco Bay Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 23.
This season brings new leadership with head coach Madi Caster and team manager Adam Olmstead guiding a 14-rider squad. The Cowboys are a blend of six newcomers and eight veterans, infusing the team with fresh energy and upperclassman leadership.
Coach Caster said one of her goals this season is to foster true team spirit, and she’s already seeing it take shape.
“I’m most excited to watch this team continue to grow with each other, not just in perfor-
mance, but in how they develop as teammates and individuals,” she said. “They are an incredible group of student-athletes who consistently impress me with the way they encourage and treat one another. After watching the team literally scream in support of each other, I’d say we’re already well on our way to that goal.”
That energy carried into the first race of the season. The JV Boys opened the day with solid rides from Colin Bloomer and Kyle Mason who finished 23rd and 28th. The JV Girls overcame a lightning delay and restart, highlighted by Jacey Jones climbing from 30th to 19th, and strong top-20 finishes from Emily Cattles and Aya Hausdoerffer in 13th and 17th.
In a standout showing from
continued on A29
Mountaineers to open season against the Buffs
Nash, Freymond gear up for final season
Gregg Petcoff
Special
to the Times
Eighth-ranked Western Colorado University opens its 2025 football schedule with a visit from West Texas A&M University in a Thursday-night matchup on Aug. 28.
The Mountaineers defeated the Buffaloes in their home stadium last season, grinding out a 26-17 win in Canyon, Texas.
The game at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium turned on a pair of key plays, and a strong fourth-quarter defensive effort by the Mountaineers. On Western’s second play from scrimmage, quarterback Drew Nash flashed his wheels on the way to an All-American season, dashing 62 yards for the game’s opening score. Nash finished the game with 136 rushing yards and 3 rushing touch-
downs, along with 185 passing yards.
The Buffs were driving for a potential go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter when the Mountaineers’ Cameron Cooper stepped in front of a pass at the Western 4-yard line and raced 96 yards to the end zone, increasing the Mountaineer lead.
West Texas responded with a 72-yard touchdown pass two plays later. Nash methodically marched Western down the field on an 8-minute touchdown drive to extend the lead again. Then, the Mountaineer defense took over, limiting the Buffs to only seven yards on six offensive plays to finish out the road victory.
The Mountaineers begin the 2025 campaign ranked No. 8 in the D2Football.com poll and at No. 10 in the American Football Coaches Association poll. Western finished the 2024 season with an 11-2 record, the 11th win coming in the opening round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, setting a program record for season total wins.
Nash, the 2025 offensive team captain, returns for his final season, as does 2025 defensive team captain Ricky Freymond, who earned four first-team AllAmerican honors last season, set a program record for career sacks and led DII in tackles for loss last season.
Freymond and Nash were both named to the D2Football. com Elite 100 Watchlist for 2025, while Freymond was one of just 10 DII players to be named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist. Both were tabbed for the preseason All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team, as were offensive lineman Zach Brumfield, defensive linemen Mikey Smith and Jaydon Young, linebacker and 2024 RMAC Defensive Rookie of the Year Cooper and tight end Daniel Parsek.
The Buffs finished last season with a 5-6 record and averaged 357 yards per game from their offense. However, the program hired Justin Bane as its new offensive coordinator, a move that brings a coach who led
Central Missouri’s offense last season to 526 yards per game — the second most in DII.
Bane might look to 6-foot-10 tight end Nash Dunnam to help ignite the offense. But Bane also has a new face to trigger the attack in Texas State quarterback transfer RJ Martinez, who originally signed with Northern Arizona, and then transferred and played at Baylor before moving to Texas State.
Western hits the road for consecutive games after its opener, traveling to Wichita
Falls, Texas, for a Sept. 6 nonconference game at Midwestern State University, followed by its RMAC opener at Adams State University on Sept. 20.
(Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)
(Courtesy Western Colorado University Athletic Communications)
Topher Lamar and Walker Sovick celebrate a hard-fought race. (Courtesy Marlo Frazier)
Gunni Grinders rip up the road
On Thursday Aug. 21, eager young racers packed out the Jorgensen Park pump track — ready to compete for the last time this summer. In the fifth and final leg of the Gunni Grinders race series, 2-through-7-year-olds ripped up the dirt in the pedal, strider and Stacyc championship races.
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Pedal - 7-year old: Reo Villanueva
Pedal - 6-year old: William Willrodt
Pedal - 5-year old: Fritz Hefftner
Pedal - 4-year old: Knox Percival
Pedal - 3-year old: Jacob Mayo
Strider - 4-year old: Bobby Curran
Strider - 3-year old: June Jelinek
Strider - 2-year old: Aidan Runcie
Stacyc - 6-7-year old: Waylon Baylor
Stacyc - 3-5-year old: Fritz Hefftner
FINAL GUNNI GRINDER RACE 1ST PLACE FINISHERS
Biking
from A27
the Sophomore girls, Laney Olmstead earned a third-place podium finish, and newcomer Judit Hausdoerffer placed ninth in her league debut.
Sol Hausdoerffer rose to the occasion, taking second in the Freshman girls race and leading the team in points. Teammate Kerstyn Metcalf wasn’t far behind, placing 11th. In the Freshman boys race, Topher Lamar and Walker Sovick pushed each other through two punchy 5.9-mile loops, trading places along the way before crossing the finish line less than a minute apart in 13th and 14th place out of 45 riders.
The depth across categories proved key in the team’s overall second-place result. Beyond the results, Adam said the finish reflected more than racing ability.
“I’m so proud of this team— not just for their strong efforts on the bike, but for the incredible way they support one another,” he said. “It says so much about their character — that they were cheering for every rider all the way to the very last finish. We’re working hard to build a true mountain bike family that includes athletes, coaches and families, and this race really exemplified what we’re striving for.”
With the season now underway, the GHS team is poised to build on its early momentum, setting the stage for a memorable 2025 season.
(Marlo Frazier is a GHS mountain bike team parent.)
Laney Olmstead cruises through a turn.
Sol Hausdoerffer place 2nd in the freshman girls race.
DERMATOLOGY SERVICES
Your skin deserves expert care. At Gunnison Valley Health we have advanced dermatology services at both ends of the valley to provide you with great care, close to home. From routine skin checks to specialized treatments, we’re here to keep your skin healthy and thriving.
Dr. Nickolas Poulos
A board-certified dermatologist with expertise in:
• Skin Cancer Treatment: Early detection and Mohs surgery.
• Medical Dermatology: Care for acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rosacea, sun damage, rashes, warts and more.
• Cosmetic Services: Botox® injections and microneedling.
Clinics in Gunnison and Crested Butte:
• Gunnison Valley Health’s main campus at 711 N Taylor St
• Gunnison Valley Orthopedics in Crested Butte
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 970-641-3927.
