Opioid money funds harm reduction efforts
Local Habitat for Humanity to disband next year
High costs and changing volunteer landscape force ‘difficult’ decision
Alan Wartes Times Publisher
OPINION: Circle the wagons, A6
SPORTS: Stingrays dominate final summer meet, A25 COMMUNITY: Mobile coffee makes valley debut, A12
State grant pays for Western fellowships
William Spicer Special to the Times
(Editor’s note: This is part two of a series of articles on how opioid settlement money is being spent in the Gunnsion Valley.)
Over the next few years, the State of Colorado will receive more than $880 million in opioid settlement funds, much of which is slated to support local communitybased programs focused on mitigating opioid abuse.
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The Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council (SWCORC), which serves Gunnison and five neighboring counties, is one of several regional councils created to manage the distribution of those funds. As a first step in the process, SWCORC recently announced $1.5 million in grants to local organizations.
SWCORC gave out 10 grants for 2025-26 that will support programs in the areas of prevention and education, treatment, harm
reduction, recovery and law enforcement. Western Colorado University is one of four Gunnison County-based recipients.
Western was awarded $215,600, which the university will use to fund fellowships for graduate students in its Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) program. The award falls under SWCORC’s harm reduction category.
Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks and harms associated with substance use, said Jessica Eckhardt, co-director of the MBS program.
“By understanding the social factors that lead to substance use, harm reduction as a practice meets people where they're at, without judgment,” she said. The goal is to provide the services people need to be safe, seek recovery treatment, and stay alive.
Harm reduction covers a spectrum of services, from safer substance use, to managed use, to abstinence, Eckhardt said. This can include things like syringe exchange (to diminish the spread of infectious diseases among people who use intravenous drugs), distributing overdose prevention medica-
After nearly three decades of providing affordable home ownership opportunities in the Gunnison Valley, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity will close up shop in June 2026. In a press release, the nonprofit stated that the cost of building in the valley has exceeded their ability to serve people earning 80% of area median income (AMI) or less. In Gunnison County that amounts to a combined household income of roughly $62,000, according to 2023 census data. That target AMI is set by Habitat for Humanity International.
Gunnison Valley Habitat for Humanity received its founding charter in 1998. Since then it has built 19 affordable homes across the valley, serving 29 families, including 43 adults and 50 children. Habitat only builds homes that selected clients will own when construction is complete, not rentals. A number of factors contributed to the board decision to disband.
“At this point I think this is probably the only thing we can do,” said Ronda Connaway, founding member of the local chapter of Habitat and a longtime member of the board of directors. “This wouldn't be my preference. If I had the opportunity to say let's continue, then, obviously I would. But it's not practical.”
Habitat still owns three undeveloped lots on South 8th Street in Gunnison, where they’ve built a number of affordable homes in recent years. However, the remaining lots currently lack utility infrastructure, making the cost to build on those sites "astronomical," the press release stated. That cost would have to be tacked on to the price of the home, making it unattainable
‘FELINE’ FESTIVE: Families and friends gathered to see Stovetop Gemini at the Sundays @ 6 free concert series on Aug. 3. For more, see A3. (Photo by Evan Bjornstad)
Habitat A8
Western A8
QUOTE of the week
“The lives that Habitat has impacted have been greatly impacted and forever impacted.”
— Melissa LaMonica, Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority
See story on A1
BRIEFS
Dunbar stepping down
Gunnison County Treasurer
Debbie Dunbar has announced her early retirement effective Sept. 30 this year. County commissioners will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Dunbar’s term — until mid-January, 2027, following the next midterm election in November 2026.
Dunbar began working in the Treasurer’s Office in 1981. After a hiatus from 2000-2011, she was elected as treasurer in 2015.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Gunnison County over the years, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the voters have placed in me,” she wrote in a letter to commissioners.
In coming weeks, commissioners will solicit applications from people interested in filling the vacancy. Watch for a public notice in the Gunnison County Times.
Hunting licenses on sale
Remaining hunting licenses for 2025 became available for purchase on Aug. 5. Over-thecounter licenses for elk, bear, archery pronghorn and whitetail deer went on sale at the same time.
Available licenses include:
• Limited licenses leftover after the primary and secondary draws for elk, deer, pronghorn and bear.
• Limited elk, deer, pronghorn and bear licenses that someone drew but surrendered or did not pay for during the secondary draw that took fewer than five resident preference points to draw.
• Limited licenses that were returned for refund/preference point restoration since the opening of the secondary draw but prior to July 30 and took fewer than five resident preference points to draw.
• Over-the-counter licenses for elk, archery pronghorn, whitetail deer and bear.
For more information visit cpw.state.co.us.
brought humor and warmth wherever he went.
Ray was especially proud to be “Poppy” to his three grandsons, with whom he shared countless stories, adventures and laughs.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters Wendy Hempen (Rob) and Stacy Hempen (Todd); and grandsons Alex, Austin and Will.
Carl Raymond Wood, known to most as Ray, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 30, 2025, at age 77. He was born May 9, 1948 in Rifle, Colorado, to William Wood and Georgia Ray Duckworth. Ray attended Western State College and made Gunnison his lifelong home, where he and his wife lived in the same house on Wisconsin Street for over 50 years. They recently moved to the Front Range to be closer to their grandchildren.
For several years, Ray ran the printing press at the Gunnison Country Times , worked for the Gunnison County Assessor's Office, and was also known throughout the community as a family and wedding photographer, capturing cherished memories for many families. Ray’s calm presence, easygoing nature and steady outlook on life left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was always up for a good chat, even with perfect strangers and
A memorial service will be held in Gunnison this fall to celebrate his life.
Fred Schmalz
Fred Schmalz passed away on July 3, 2025 at Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center while receiving hospice care. An obituary will follow along with an invitation to join family and friends in celebrating his life.
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On July 27 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gunnison’s Nicholas Monck has been named as an American Bar Association Top 40 Young Lawyers honoree. Monck is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He currently serves as an assistant professor of military law at the United States Naval Academy
She weighed 6 lbs. 2 oz. and measured 18 ½ inches in length. She has an older sister, Josephine, who is 2 years old. Her grandparents are Karen Cancilla of Alta Loma, California, David Rice of Villa Rica, Georgia and Denise and Jeff Warren of Lakewood, California. Her great grandparents are Josephine and Mariano Cancilla of Claremont, California and Larry and Maureen Stone of Long Beach, California. Marianna is named after her great grandfather, Mariano.
where he teaches constitutional law, military justice and operational law.
The honorees were chosen for their work pertaining to service to the community, service to the legal profession, leadership, vision, innovation and professional achievement. The awards and subgrant committee under the chief judge and marketing director selected the winners based on their ability to excel in all categories.
Carl Raymond ‘Ray’ Wood
Marianna Rose Rice
Marianna Rose Rice was born to parents Marcella and John Rice.
Monck on the rise
Stovetop Gemini rocks Jorgensen
but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
‘People over Politics’
A Times Q&A with Greg Lopez
Alan Wartes Times Publisher
Greg Lopez has announced his third run at the Republican Party nomination for governor of Colorado. He is the former mayor of Parker, Colorado, former director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Colorado office, former president and CEO of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and served briefly as U.S. representative from Colorado’s congressional district 4.
THOSE WHO PROTECT US
We
replace our
Lopez was in Gunnison on July 25 ahead of the Gunnison County Republicans Lincoln Day dinner and fundraiser. The Times sat down with him to discuss his candidacy — and what he sees as key priorities for Gunnison County.
(Editor’s note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.)
come out into rural Colorado because they say there's only 7,000 people that live in a particular county. That's one subdivision in Douglas County. It's catering to the vote, not catering to the needs of the people. When I was mayor of Parker, I was also the city manager. All the department heads reported directly to me. I was responsible for putting the budget together for the community. From that experience I learned how to prioritize funds.
What “quality of life” issues that you mentioned would you speak to voters here about?
One of the things I noticed as I was driving in is that Main Street is dying. There's a lot of open storefronts. Gunnison needs to have a vibrant economy. If you have a vibrant Main Street, there's an excitement about living in Gunnison. There's a pride that comes from living in Gunnison. I'm concerned with the economic vitality of communities across the state, the cost of living. Everywhere I travel throughout the state, everybody's talking about the cost of living. Everybody's talking about housing. You know, the younger generation, they don't truly believe that they can live the American dream, and that's not what America is all about. I've talked to builders, I've talked to developers. I understand land use. I firmly believe there are ways to bring down the cost of living.
it currently puts our firefighters at risk It is critical we do not expose firefighters to hazardous carcinogens and contaminants. National Fire Protection Association basic safety requirements need to be met.
Firefighters are your neighbors, your friends, your family. You’ve called, and they’ve shown up. Let’s show up for them and Replace Gunnison’s Firehouse. What We’re Planning For:
A safe, durable, and efficient firehouse designed to serve our team and community for the next 100 years.
Safe & Functional:
• Sleeping quarters to shorten response times
• Separation of gear and living areas
Built to Last:
• This isn’t about flash—it’s about function, efficiency, and doing the right thing for our community’s long-term safety
The facility will be designed with fiscal responsibility in mind. Keep Insurance Options:
The new station will help maintain a strong ISO rating—which insurance companies use to determine property insurability.
Your volunteers save taxpayers $4–5 million every year. The new firehouse will invest in one of the most cost-effective methods to ensure longterm service.
Your campaign slogan is “People over Politics.” What does that mean to you? What it means to me is that government should always be looking at how are decisions impacting the lives of people? Because you're making longterm decisions, you're not making decisions based on the next six months. So you should always look through the lens of visionary glasses. Whatever decision you make today, it impacts people's lives. And it's not about politics, because the political winds will shift. But if you're looking to help the quality of life of people, then you will always pause and ask yourself, “How is this helping small business owners? How is this helping the younger generation? How is this helping seniors?” I'm not going to play politics. I'm going to make decisions based on what's in the best interest of the people of the entire state of Colorado.
Politics is another word for how do you spend a limited pool of money? As governor, how would you prioritize the needs of rural Colorado alongside urban areas? I don't see the urban corridor as being more important than rural Colorado.They both bring something unique to the state, and we need to be respectful of that. I'm sick and tired personally of seeing the urban corridor take advantage of the fact that they have the most numbers. When you play politics, what are you doing? You're counting votes for the next election. That's why you will spend most of your money in the urban corridor. A lot of people won't even
One of the things people are upset about right now is the perception that federal funding cuts are putting additional pressure on a rural health care system that was already struggling. What’s your position about how to get in there and help solve that?
When I was in Congress, I sat on the Budget Committee. America is $37 trillion in debt. We can't pay our own bills. We're living off a credit card. Some of these costs that are being brought down, you have to evaluate, how did these costs get up there so high to begin with? When we did the expansion of Medicaid that added a whole bunch of additional people onto Medicaid, we should have been asking, why is it that they can't afford health care? Are there not enough jobs? Is the economy not doing what it needs to do? Let's talk about why do they need subsidies in the first place.
Just like the state is going to have another budget deficit this next cycle, the federal government is facing a deficit, and so we need to recognize government right now, financially is struggling. Every city is struggling because the sales tax revenues are not where there were. We're going to have to readjust and re-evaluate how we're going to address those needs.
And I think this just takes conversation. Because when the health care provider knows the government is going to pay for it, I don't think there's an incentive for them to evaluate if their cost is reasonable or not.
Another thing on the minds of people in rural counties like Gunnison is how to keep our roads and bridges from crumbling to dust because funding is falling further behind every year. What are your ideas for fixing that at the state level? Stop spending all this money in the urban corridor. Stop spending money on bike trails. Stop spending money on sidewalks. This money is for transportation. Every good, every service we receive gets delivered by truck. So our infrastructure is crucial to the economy. You cannot ignore it. Rural Colorado has been ignored for probably the last 40 years, if not longer. Rural Colorado is a stepchild. We'll get to you when we get to you. No, that's just wrong, and as governor, I'm going to make sure people understand that. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with the Urban corridor suffering with a little bit of pain while we're helping rural Colorado.
Residents of Gunnison County care a lot about protecting public lands. Given recent efforts to sell some public land in the west, what is your position?
There's a lot of struggle right now about public lands. What should it be used for? What is the most important use of public lands? I'm not sure that everybody understands the value of the public lands has to do with our economy, it has to do with funding schools, that it has to do with funding roads. There's a huge outdoor industry that is coming to Colorado every year to enjoy what we have to offer. They leave their money here, which is one of the best things that could happen in the state. You have tourism, they come and they leave, but they leave their money, and we can use it. I believe every Coloradan wants to protect it. I don't think anybody wants to see our public lands go to waste.
You’re a Republican running for governor in Colorado. What do you think it would take to win this state?
Here's what the average Coloradan is seeking: They want someone that will fight for them. That's why it's people over politics. They're sick and tired of the politics. They're sick and tired of one side pointing the finger at the other side and saying it's their fault. Unaffiliated voters number 1.9 million in the state of Colorado, and when you talk to them, they say, “We're sick of it.” We want someone that will bring solutions to the table. I will always be outspent. I don't come from money, but it's not about the
(Courtesy Greg Lopez)
money. People want someone that truly understands their struggles, understands every day what they're dealing with, and has an option or a solution to make their lives better. A lot of people think I'm a Democrat. You know why? Because of my ethnicity. I'm not offended. It works for me, because I can sit down with people and have a conversation. I want to understand how they see the world, because perhaps we're not seeing it correctly. Maybe I'm not seeing it correctly. I'm a spiritual man. I believe we're all brothers and sisters. I have brothers that I don't agree with. We're still family. That's the way I look at people. I'm here to do the best that I can do. I'm only one person, but as long as I can fight and speak for the masses, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to represent not only those that vote for me, but those that didn't vote for me, because that's what we are supposed to be doing.
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
Price Reduction
405 Sequoia Drive | Gunnison
Two home sites, $99,000 each | $185,000 for both Motivated Seller | 1+ Acre each
Mindy Costanzo Broker Associate 970.209.2300
Mindy-Land.com
970.641.1414
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THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240
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GUEST COMMENTARY
Circle the wagons against the storm
Mike Ritchey Special to the Times
Listening to “My Way,” I realized that in just a few months I will have lived longer than Frank Sinatra, son of Italian immigrants, Hoboken born and raised. I thought that I, too, am a refugee, having blown in from West Texas exactly half this long lifetime ago. I am like the bumper sticker: “NOT a native, but I got here as soon as I could.”
At this great age, I am regularly engaged in interesting, if discouraging, conversations. A friend of the same vintage told me he and his wife had been shopping senior living facilities. A subject of growing importance, looking for a perfect somewhere to finish off the future.
Particularly in what are shaping up to be dark times: rich getting richer, poor ever poorer; education under increasing attack. (“I don’t think we older people can have an impact,” a friend said one Happy Hour.
2025 Member
“The young people, I guess, must take to the streets. The best hope is to get as many enrolled in college as possible.” But, no, he and
LETTERS
GHS peer program
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.
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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.
The deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Letters may be edited for grammar, clarity or length.
I both know that card is not in the hand we’ve been dealt.)
What else? Affordable insurance will soon be a relic of the past; a plague of narcissists abuse their roles in public office, motivated by self-interest, sycophancy and greed; deliberate misinformation is designed and delivered to keep us on the wrong track.
The column from Kate Gienapp, KBUT news and program director, in last week’s Times profiled the effort to squash PBS and NPR by denying funding, bringing an end to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That’s a loss that will be most keenly felt in these little places so far from the action, way out here where we must turn the dial to Nowhere, hoping to somewhere find the truth. Dark times.
I am reminded of a column from my friend and yours, George Sibley, who wrote a few weeks back in these pages that we must increase our efforts toward self-sustenance: take care of each other, nurturing and protecting our own little community. Sure, I thought, but behind every other house is already a garden worth a cover on Mother Earth News, our food pantry has for quite some time been world-class. But George is right: there are other things to be done, other ways to do them. We are not a wealthy people, yet we have enormous personal
resources. The question first and foremost: What can we do? How can we help?
Examples: Martha Gentry and Ronda Connaway came to town, their energy and wisdom like Secretariat running loose, spurred on by adherence to the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like them to treat you, or treat others as THEY would like to be treated. Martha (R.I.P. to Martha, a little titan) led and inspired others to compose a food pantry — and just look at it now!
And Ronda? Ronda noticed that Jerry Kowal was interested in Habitat for Humanity. She showed up at the meeting with more questions than Jerry had answers (or so the story goes). And Habitat has been successful for years under various outstanding directors. Currently, the estimable Julie Robinson is at the helm, and the mission now, sadly, is to dissolve the organization by June 2026. Prices have out-paced possibility. The loss is severe. Maybe there is a way to save Habitat, or replace it with something similar. Those are the goals we must set and somehow achieve.
Clearly, it is now up to us to support the cornerstones of our community: the library, the schools, hospital, our immigrants (who any minute might come under attack), public lands, election judges and the food bank if it comes up short.
We The Local People. Elite barbarians are at the gate.
It's a heavy requirement, maintaining the strength and determination to persevere while venal politicians collude with major industry in efforts both public and secret to increase profits at the expense of the planet; when too many don’t know the meaning of “plenty,” playing instead the zero-sum game of “No Amount Is Ever Enough,” a game in which we forever hold the dummy hand; when mere mention of the Golden Rule results in puzzled expressions on too many faces; when neighbors poor and scared and hungry do not need all that much more, really, than we can afford to give …
It’s time to dig into the dream we immigrants all had when we moved here, to live by our wits, by our own labor; to practice some semblance of control of our own lives, a sense of direction toward living a life like it’s supposed to be lived.
The time has come to circle the wagons, take care of our own, behave with decent intentions — a time, paraphrasing Old Blue Eyes from Hoboken, “to do it our way.”
(Mike Ritchey is a former publisher of the Gunnison Country Times.)
Editor: The Gunnison High School Peer Mentors Program would like to extend a huge thank you to the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, the William B. Ender Fund, the Broussard Klingman Fund, the Church of the Good Samaritan and Cathie Elliot for their generous support and contribution to the program for this upcoming school year. GHS is so excited to move the program into its third year of supporting our newcomer students, our peer mentors and our teachers in and out of the classroom.
The Peer Mentor Program strives to better support newcomer students while providing leadership opportunities for bilingual students. The program is designed to enable the peer mentors to act as a bridge between the newcomers and their teachers, their peers and the broader Gunnison community. Ultimately, the goal is for the newcomer students to experience greater academic success, increased attendance and greater connection with their peers at GHS, so that they feel like a welcome and vital part
of the school community. An additional goal is for teachers to have greater classroom support.
People are our greatest resource, and this program utilizes that truth to build community. We could not do this work without the generosity and belief in the value of the program that these amazing donors demonstrate. Thank you again for your contribution to this amazing group of students and educators.
Susan Powers Gunnison High School
Bennett should stay in Washington
Editor:
Two weeks ago, we had a politically motivated arson attack on voting machines here in Colorado. It is not clear whether our next election will be open and fair.
We count on our Congressional delegation, Republican and Democrat alike, to stand up to the avalanche of sedition and greed. We have an experienced, elected U.S. Senator, Michael Bennett. His experience and understanding
are an asset in trying to meet the serious threats we face.
Why has Sen. Bennett, so badly needed in Washington, chosen this moment to leave the Senate to run for governor?
A lot of us voted for him. We did not vote for this.
For months to come, our senior senator will be distracted from protecting us in Washington, where he is vitally needed. He will be on the campaign trail running for governor.
In Phil Weiser, we have a fine, highly qualified Democratic candidate for governor. Two competing Democrats will suck up the limited resources we desperately need to fight off the authoritarian assault. Kamala Harris understood this when she decided not to run for governor in California.
If Sen. Bennett wins the governorship, he will bail out before the end of his senate term. We will have a long stretch where we are represented by a rookie senator, appointed rather than elected. Appointed by the very person — Bennett — who created the vacancy.
A new senator appointed like this will create the perception that the appointment was tainted by insider, back room poli-
tics. Indeed, rumors are already starting to swirl about who has been promised this senate seat and in return for what favors.
Michael Bennett’s current course would give Colorado a distracted senator whose main focus is on running for governor. If Bennett wins, this will be followed by an unelected, inexperienced, U.S. senator, appointed rather than elected. Michael Bennett should stay at his post in this brewing storm. Dividing our party in a state level race when we have never been more in need of experienced leadership in Washington is a mistake.
Luke Danielson Gunnison
Tango to close
Editor:
After six wonderful years, it is with a mixture of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that I share the news: Tango Boutique will be closing its doors later this fall.
When I purchased this boutique, I dreamed of creating
more than just a place to continue to shop on Main Street — I wanted to build on a space where style met community, where locals, visitors, second homeowners, friends and family could feel confident, seen and celebrated. Thanks to your incredible support, that dream became a reality.
As many of you know, this store has long held a special place in our town’s heart, and I truly hoped to carry on its tradition. Over the past several months, I searched for someone who might be interested in continuing its legacy, but unfortunately, I was unable to find a buyer.
It saddens me deeply, but my husband and I have decided after twenty-two years of being second homeowners here in the valley — and owning two separate businesses on Main Street as well — to start traveling and spending more time with our children and grandchildren. So we are pulling up stakes here in Colorado and returning to Texas full time.
To our loyal customers, thank you for shopping small, for choosing us, and for believing in what we had to offer. Your kind words, friendly visits and continued support have meant more than you’ll ever know.
To the fellow small business owners, it’s been a joy and an honor to work alongside you. The sense of collaboration and community in this town is something truly special. Your encouragement, partnerships and friendships have truly meant the world to me.
While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories and connections made will stay with me forever. I’m incredibly proud of what we built together, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude. I hope you’ll continue to support the many amazing small businesses in our town — they are the heartbeat of this community.
I want to say a special thank you from the bottom of my heart to Cheri Meyer, my manager for six years, and to Quincey Severson, my sales employee, who absolutely made Tango what it was. Their dedication to their job, as well as to me, was unsurpassed. Customers absolutely loved these two women, and they knew and loved our customers. Living in Texas for most of the year and entrusting these two women with my baby was never difficult because of their total dedication and devotion to me, Tango and our customers. Thank you ladies, I love you both!
With all this being said, beginning Monday, Aug. 11, Tango will have a store-wide 25% off everything “Retirement Sale.” No exclusions. Any customers with a store credit, or who have a gift certificate, are encouraged to come by and redeem them while the selections are good.
Cherrie Haugh Owner, Tango
Wolves and traffic benefits
Editor:
The reintroduction of wolves to Gunnison County next year could have a variety of consequences, at least one of which hasn’t been reported locally: a potential reduction of collisions between deer and cars.
A 2021 study considered this effect after the reestablishment of wolves in Wisconsin. The study considered both changes in deer behavior and deer abundance. Results showed that for the average county in Wisconsin, wolves reduced deer collisions by 24%, yielding an economic benefit that is 63 times greater than the costs of verified wolf predation on livestock.
Most of the reduction was due to changes in deer behavior rather than a population decline. This result supports ecological research (some of which comes from work at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory) emphasizing the role of predators in creating a “landscape of fear,” and suggests that wolves affect economic damages from deer in ways that human deer hunters cannot. A caveat is that the Wisconsin deer are white-tails, not mule deer like those here, and the white-tail abundance was higher than that of our mule deer.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that 7,497 animals (with many others not reported) were killed on roadways in 2024, the vast majority of them deer. Almost 34% came from southwest Colorado. Hwy. 50 had the third-highest number of reports, and a 20-mile stretch in Gunnison County had 71% of the reported deer kills on Hwy. 50 in 2024. Two portions of the highway in Gunnison County also reported more than 10 elk road kills last year.
A 2019 survey of auto body repair experts estimated the average cost of a car-deer collision at between $2,500 and $4,999 (undoubtedly more now). From personal experience I know that damage from a glancing blow to a deer cost over $5,000 two years ago; one headlight assembly alone cost over $1,000.
If we estimate the number of deer and elk collisions on Hwy. 50 in Gunnison County at about 64 per year (CDOT reports 960 from 2010-2024), and the average repair cost at $5,000, the total cost of these collisions could be $320,000 per year. This doesn’t include the medical expenses of the 58 people injured in the reported collisions. Statewide there were 48 fatalities from animal collisions, but fortunately none in Gunnison County.
These calculations don’t include collisions on Hwy. 135, which are common. I recall an announcement on KBUT during the lost-and-found segment when someone reported that one of the two elk he’d hit and killed that totaled his car near Almont had been taken and he wanted it back.
If the proposed introduction of wolves in Gunnison County does take place, and they remain in the area, it will be interesting to see whether the same reduction in vehicle collisions with deer that was documented in Wisconsin occurs here. It’s likely that local ranchers will suffer some losses, hopefully compensated fairly by the state’s Wolf Depredation Compensation Fund, while local drivers may benefit from a reduction in collisions.
David Inouye Crested Butte
How Rep. Hurd hurts us
Editor:
It is always good to know what our elected representatives are doing, and I think it’s important for us to know what our congressional representative has been voting for, despite attempts to make us think that all is good.
When he ran for office, Rep. Hurd promised not to cut Medicaid. He broke that promise and voted for the BBB (Big Bad Betrayal) which slashes Medicaid by over $1 trillion. This will cut health insurance and benefits for 25% of Colorado citizens and our congressional district has the largest percentage of Medicaid recipients in the state. This may also likely cause the closure of hospitals in the district and will cause financial stress for many rural hospitals, including ours in Gunnison County. The Republicans were cynical enough to ensure losses to our health care system will not be felt until after the 2026 election.
The BBB he voted for is estimated by the Office of Management and Budget to increase the national debt by over $3.3 trillion. It will take money away from the poorest 20% of Americans. Hurd’s support will ensure that our children and grandchildren will be taxed more to pay for this folly which benefits billionaires more than anyone else.
Hurd’s vote for the BBB increases the budget for ICE by over $1 billion. This rogue armed agency, which is masked to hide their identity and arrests and deports U.S. citizens and noncitizens alike, will now have a budget larger than all the other federal law enforcement agencies combined.
Rep. Hurd sponsored the Productive Public Lands Act which seeks to reverse nine decisions previously made by the Bureau of Land Management. The purpose of his bill is to allow significantly more oil and gas drilling on our public lands. The listed decisions he seeks to reverse include the Gunnison Sagegrouse Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment which was made just last October. This decision was formed over many years by all the Gunnison Sage-grouse stakeholders in Gunnison and
for low income families. Even with assistance and an investment of “sweat equity” in the project, home recipients must still be able to qualify for and afford a mortgage on the property.
“Even if we could build out these last three parcels, then we’d have no land left,” said Julie Robinson, local Habitat executive director since 2007.
“And nobody's going to give us land anymore, because land is so valuable. There's not even any land to really give.”
In addition to rising costs, Robinson cited other pressures that have mounted over the years, fueling the decision to disband. These include the increasing cost of liability insurance to cover volunteers who work on a construction site and changing rules about how contractors who require permits to operate must be paid for their time. Gone are the days when those professionals were allowed to simply donate their services, Robinson said.
In addition, Habitat is feeling the same pinch that nearly all nonprofit service organizations have reported in recent decades — a decline in volunteerism among community members.
“Every habitat affiliate is feeling that,” Robinson said. “I think
after the pandemic, everything just changed, and people just aren't volunteering as much as they used to. I think the spirit of volunteerism that was really ingrained in the older generation just isn't there in the younger generation.”
Robinson acknowledges that the reasons for that are complex, including time and economic pressures that are more acute in recent years.
“I've had a lot of people just tell me, ‘I don't have time to work on somebody else's house. I don't even have my own home,’” she said.
The organization will continue until June 2026 in order to manage the details of shutting down. One task is to find a home for Habitat’s remaining assets, including the three parcels they own on 8th Street and cash reserves. A number of options are under discussion by the board, but no decisions have been made, Connaway said. The goal is for those resources to still be used to facilitate affordable housing.
Perhaps the biggest concern in coming months is to ensure that the owners of Habitat homes are “protected” through the transition, Connaway said.
“We don't want to just leave them high and dry somewhere without thinking about the fact that they have worked hard for the houses, they have paid on their mortgages,” she said. “This may not be the best word, but
I'll use it anyway: They're our people.”
In particular, that means transferring the responsibility for managing the deed restrictions on the homes to another agency or organization. According to Robinson, no Habitat borrower in the Gunnison Valley has ever entered foreclosure, “because
their homes have been affordable for them.”
“It is hurtful to hear from people that we're not making an impact,” she said. “We get that if you just look at numbers. We're not building 50, 100, 250 units. That's not what we've done. We are advocates for home ownership.”
“The lives that Habitat has
impacted have been greatly impacted and forever impacted,” said Melissa LaMonica, Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority executive director. “That is just a true statement.”
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
tions such as Narcan, teaching people how to use fentanyl strips to test their drugs and supervised injection facilities.
The need to expand harm reduction services, and in particular to grow the county’s behavioral health workforce to support those services, has been recognized for some time.
In 2021, the Gunnison County Community Health Coalition commissioned a valley-wide behavioral health needs assess-
ment. From that study, Eckhardt said, it’s clear that support for those that use substances and those in recovery is one of the valley's biggest needs.
“Rural communities like ours often lack the resources to holistically support people who use substances,” Eckhardt said. That creates an interesting paradox, because resort communities like Gunnison and Crested Butte often have higher substance use rates.
It’s a paradox that results in poor health outcomes, such as elevated overdose and suicide rates.
“Creative and collaborative programming, such as this grant funded project, is crucial in saving lives,” she said.
The SWCORC grant will fund eight fellowships over the next two years. The fellowships are for second-year MBS students who will partner with local community organizations to create and implement community-based and community-driven harm reduction programs, Eckhardt said.
For example, one student fellow will be working with Western's Department of Community Wellness to plan
GUNNISON COUNTY IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR THE COUNTY TREASURER/PUBLIC TRUSTEE VACANCY
The County is announcing the opportunity to express interest in being appointed to carry out the remainder of the current County Treasurer/Public Trustee’s term due to the Treasurer/Public Trustee’s resignation, effective September 30, 2025. Interested persons should include information relative to their managerial, supervisory or analytical experience, as well as any background in finance/accounting. Interested persons must be a full-time resident of Gunnison County, and political party affiliation will not be a consideration.
Letters of interest will be accepted until Friday, August 29, 2025 via: Gunnison County Administration Office
Mail: 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230
Email: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org
Interviews will be scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 and the appointment made on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
You may request
and implement harm reduction services for Western students. Another student will be paired with GCSAPP. The fellowships provide financial support for these students, who will work 30 hours a week with their community partners throughout the school year.
Natalie Pax is among the first students to receive a SWCORC fellowship. Pax said it will allow her to focus her energy on research and hopefully generate a greater community impact.
“I am so grateful for the support that this funding will provide,” she said.
Overall, the SWCORC grant aligns strongly with the goals of Western’s MBS program: the fellowships it funds will provide students with career experience, rural expertise and professional opportunities, Eckhardt said. That has the potential to give a much needed boost to the county’s behavioral health workforce, both short term and into the future.
(William Spicer is a Gunnisonbased freelance writer.)
Volunteers enjoy a potluck during a Habitat for Humanity event. (Courtesy Habitat for Humanity)
other counties, and he ignores the value of this highly respected public process.
There are other actions Rep. Hurd has taken, like most recently clawing back $9 billion from the bipartisan foreign aid and public broadcasting bills previously passed. But space here is short and readers should get the gist — Hurd is a Trump crony who is more concerned about his political future than the needs and desires of his constituents.
Jim Starr
Crested Butte
A Christian bicycle
Editor:
Recently I've been seeing ads for classes on “biblical citizenship.” I've seen the materials. These classes are misusing the term “biblical” to structure power, not to examine the content of ancient texts.
I get the branding. It’s like “organic,” and “green.” Paste “biblical” on anything, and some folks will buy it all up and ask for more. “Biblical marriage,” “biblical dieting,” “biblical business.”
But biblically speaking, citizenship was nothing like we understand it today. It was neither democratic nor constitutional. The “biblical citizenship” brand skips over any Jewish claim to the biblical canon and assumes a Christian nation.
“Biblical citizenship” rides tandem with Christian nationalism, insisting 1) the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, 2) Christianity should be favored and, 3) specific brands of Christians should lead the nation.
Christian nationalism loves power-over “biblical” rules. It limits the rights of religious minorities, women, gender and sexual minorities and racial/ ethnic groups. There is a live debate among Christian nationalists over slavery’s role in a Christian utopia. It institutionalizes hierarchies.
Christian nationalism ignores what the prophets and Jesus leaned on: that whole “love your neighbor” bit. Leviticus is mustered to repress sexual minorities, while the year of Jubilee (also in Leviticus) is
ignored. Jubilee: every 70 years all land and property was meant to revert to its original owners. I’ve never heard a Christian nationalist advocate for Jubilee.
In the Christianities that feed Christian nationalism, Jesus is reduced to spiritual currency. His instructions against violence are conveniently shunted off as “personal ethics,” leaving a wide road for war. Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked are personal responsibilities; his admittedly sticky words about divorce become bedrock for misogynist legislation.
Christian nationalism rests on poor scholarship, biblical and historical. It mainly looks to the Puritans of Massachusetts — the Pilgrims who came seeking not religious freedom, but religious control of every aspect of life, from family to economy.
It happily ignores other prerevolution influences, like the economic outposts in Virginia, the Roman Catholic stronghold of Maryland and my favorite Puritan/Seeker, Roger Williams. The Puritans kicked Williams out of Massachusetts for being a free thinker. He made his way to Rhode Island, negotiated land from the Wôpanâak and others, and founded a Providence Plantation, free from all religious power-over. Incidentally, he helped found the first Baptist church in North America. Baptists have, until recently, been great promoters of freedom of conscience. Williams used the phrase, “wall of separation between the garden of the Church and the wilderness of the world.” A hundred
continued on A10
years later, Thomas Jefferson, responding to baptists worried about freedom of conscience under the new American Constitution, borrowed the same metaphor.
“Biblical citizenship” is silly at best, and dangerous at worst. Its sibling, Christian nationalism, is anti-Christian and antiAmerican, two categories that rarely coincide. Perhaps the most “biblical” response to that silliness comes from a Baptist theologian named Greg Boyd: a Christian nation makes about as much sense as a Christian bicycle.
Ian Wrisley Gunnison
Thanks for support
Editor:
Each year Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League (GVAWL) holds a fundraiser yard sale. This annual yard sale has become one of our major fundraisers. The GVAWL board would like to thank the Gunnison community for their amazing donations and for faithfully coming out to support us.
Thank you, Gunnison, for once again showing your support for dogs and cats in need of care before they find their “furever” homes.
GVAWL board Gunnison
Exemplary leadership?
Editor:
Lately, I’ve been thinking about respect and truth, and dependable, exemplary leadership by our government.
Much has been said about the divided nature of politics in
our United States. I’m not going to continue that discussion, but I do have some questions: Do we respect and trust our current political leaders? Are they providing dependable, exemplary leadership?
Our United States was described by Ronald Reagan as a shining city on a hill. Do we see ourselves that way now? Does the rest of the world?
Our elected state leaders promised to sustain medical care for those less fortunate and protect our public lands. Then they voted to eliminate much of that medical care. They consider selling public lands to petroleum interests and developers who would build expensive homes and pay lip service to worker housing. Our national government seems to make capricious, unaccountable decisions.
We are no longer that shining city on a hill. We are becoming a tawdry, transactional state led by a profane, philandering felon who has no principle but selfaggrandizement. Trump equivocates everything he says. Some say this is his way of keeping his and our adversaries off guard. I say it’s the personification of a pathological liar. What about his attempts to quash truth by suing news organizations for tens of millions and even billions of dollars, and some of them capitulating to protect financial interests? This is not the government that I served to protect. It’s a sleazy example of lawlessness, “legalized” by our complicit legislative and judicial branches.
We see chaos in our federal government with no obvious thought to the effect on agencies and departments. During Bill Clinton's presidency, with consent of Congress, approximately 425,000 federal jobs were eliminated by the National Partnership for Reinventing Government. This effort result-
ed in savings of about $136 billion. Chaotic force reduction inflicted by Trump and acquiesced to by the Republican Congress has resulted in about 275,000 job losses and no definitive estimate of cost savings. Now let’s consider how we think of ourselves, our compassion for our fellows, not just here in our U.S. but in our world. Think about armed, masked men forcibly capturing people, putting them into vehicles and taking them away, to be held at undisclosed locations. Is this exemplary of who we Americans are, who we want to be?
Finally, let’s finish here at home. It’s informative that local Republicans were recently called out for writing about what appeared to be significant misunderstandings of pretty simple financial practices. Yet, they’ve ignored the negative effects of actions taken by Trump and the Republican Congress on we Americans, and to the national services provided by so many government agencies. Is this truthful, dependable leadership?
Local Democrats have had a presence during gatherings in both ends of the valley. That’s commendable, but have they or local Republicans asked us what we think? Do you think our local political parties know and are respectful of our wishes? Remember, whether we vote or not, we always get the government we deserve. Think about it.
Joe Dix Gunnison
3
Awitan and Nickel open mobile coffee shop
Alex McCrindle Times Associate Editor
Tributary Coffee Roasters is one of Gunnison’s central gathering places, and like its namesake, conversations and local news seem to flow from all directions and converge at the cafe. Inspired by the community-oriented nature of the coffee shop, former Tributary barista Ariston Awitan and Gunnisonbased artist Bailey Nickel kickstarted their own coffee business this July.
After serving brew at the center of Gunnison’s small town buzz for over three years, Awitan launched the “IV Coffee Trailer,” a mobile cafe to fuel the Gunnison Valley. The sage-colored trailer opened last month, and operates from Thursday through Tuesday at the Big Mine parking lot in Crested Butte. IV will also be available for private events throughout the summer.
“I was always inspired by how Travis [Colbert] was very particular about his product at Tributary, without sacrificing the relationship-building aspect,” Awitan said. “I realized how cafes can be a vehicle to build community around. You could honestly film a sitcom at Tributary, it has always reminded me of a ‘Seinfeld’ or ‘Friends’ set — a significant portion of my life revolves around that coffee shop.”
Awitan graduated from Western Colorado University’s recreation and outdoor education program in 2021, but
returned for a Masters of Business Administration degree a year later. With online classes filling his evenings, the Austin, Texas native began his mornings slinging lattes and cappuccinos at Tributary.
Almost instantly, Awitan fell in love with the community chatter. Every morning, usual customers filtered in and started their workdays with a caffeine kick. Locals philosophized by the exterior windows, and silently analyzed the parallel parking of foreign license plates. Sometimes roadtrippers or athletes from Western Colorado University camps swarmed the counters. But every so often, on cold midwinter afternoons, Awitan enjoyed the company of close friends or a coffee house all to himself.
“Three years is a long time, and I really enjoyed building relationships with the locals,” Awitan said. “I knew their orders, and could hand them their coffee before they even walked in. To me, that was the whole point of a coffee shop: anticipatory service, and making customers feel like they’re somebody when they walk in.”
But after three years behind the counter, Awitan earned his masters degree and decided it was time to “go out and learn.” He became a property manager at Toad Properties in Crested Butte, but missed the daily conversations and community hum. Within six months of holding down a desk job, Awitan started to consider opening his own coffee project.
As Awitan brainstormed, the idea spread to Loeffler and Jones at Homegrown Gardens, where his fiancée, Nickel, worked. She had shared her dream of blending her love for plants and Awitan’s passion for coffee into a new Gunnison
hangout. The idea resonated with the Homegrown owners, and by April of 2025, the couple acquired a bright red trailer from Pagosa Springs.
“We're a gardening company, but we also get that it's hard to make a living here,” Loeffler said. “We heard Ariston had this coffee trailer dream, and wanted to help make it happen. We always want to see our employees succeed, even if it’s without us.”
Awitan named his business the IV Coffee Trailer as a nod to the roman numeral in his name, and a reference to the medical device that delivers fluids to the bloodstream. The trailer, now glossed with a fresh coat of sage green paint from Raber Painting, and fitted with a Synesso espresso machine, opened to a small crowd in Crested Butte on July 13.
Now in operation for almost a month, the IV Coffee Trailer sold out at the Crested Butte Art Fair, and Nickel and Awitan are starting to build their own batch of regular customers. The couple are currently identifying potential winter locations, but as for now, IV Coffee will operate out of the Big Mine Parking lot until the leaves turn and the snow starts to fall.
“When customers keep coming back every day, or every week, it feels like they believe in me, and this project,” Awitan said. “I don’t take that lightly, because to me, it’s not just about cycling through customers. They’re making a 26-year old business owner’s dream come true.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Nickel and Awitan celebrate the grand opening of the IV Coffee trailer on July 13. (Photos by Alex McCrindle) Awitan serves up a latte.
Pop art party
On Friday Aug. 1, the Gunnison County Public Library welcomed American pop artist Michael Albert for a hands-on art workshop. Albert kicked off the event by showcasing his own work, before guiding participants through their
300 A Van Tuyl Cir. MLS#826711 $650,000 Modern 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Townhome in Prime Location! Discover this stunning end-corner unit townhome, perfectly situated in the highly desirable Van Tuyl Village subdivision—one of Gunnison’s newest neighborhoods. This property offers the ideal blend of convenience, comfort, and style, making it perfect for homeowners or investors alike. Spacious Layout: This 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome boasts an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area—perfect for hosting gatherings and creating lasting memories. Attached 2-Car Garage: Enjoy the convenience of direct access to your home with ample parking and storage space. Equipped with stainless steel appliances and abundant cabinet storage, this kitchen is a chef’s dream. The large master bedroom features vaulted ceilings and southern exposure, with multiple windows filling the space with warm, natural light. Simplify your daily routine with a conveniently located laundry room upstairs. Nestled on the north side of town, this townhome is within walking distance of bus stops, banks, stores, restaurants, a recreation center, and the scenic Van Tuyl trails. The
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Lake City is looking for a full time director and full or part time aide at Wee Care Child Care Center!
The Director qualified in the state of Colorado with a minimum of 3 years of experience or a relevant degree in Early Childhood Education. Part-Time/Full-Time Teacher’s Aide to assist in a learning environment to support children as they engage in meaningful work and play!
Labors of love, landscape and learning
Dusk arrives here on the edge of the world in Western Colorado and the mountains begin to glow as though lit from within.
As a child of the Sonoran Desert, I’ve lived most of my life in the Southwest and have always been a hopeless disciple of the spiritual spaciousness the landscape offers. Its beauty is a testament to geologic time and is not manufactured but wild and raw, not to mention humbling.
When we moved, as empty nesters, from Grand Junction into this precariously-placed dwelling outside Palisade eleven years ago, the surrounding yard was barren, even for the high desert. The previous stewards of this land had covered the ground in a thick weed barrier. On top of the weed barrier had been deposited several loads of river rock.
There were no native plants, no cottonwood, no greasewood, no globe mallow or desert grasses.
Even bindweed, notoriously resilient, was strangely absent. The former curators of our new home had poured liberal amounts of poison into the sandy soil that lay beneath the river rock and weed barrier they’d put into place.
We encourage all interested individuals to apply! To apply, email your resume and cover letter to weecareboard@gmail.com.
up the rivulets where water travels in the spring. Animal trails veined across the sides of our little abyss. Each night we were reminded that coyotes did their howling and hunting down in the narrow passageways where rabbit and quail travel. The owl, too, was clearly taking advantage of the squirrels and mice and other ground creatures in that little desert smorgasbord below the house. There was a winding path leading down into the arroyo, and we were inclined to explore.
The Owl Beneath her nest a shrew’s head, a finch’s beak and the bones of a quail attest the owl devours the hour, and disregards the rest.
I knew when we bought the house that I would be using all the tools at my disposal and all the ingenuity I could muster to bring this sacred little acre of land back to life.
Desert Shade The Mormon Tea raises her many arms in praise, and in so doing creates a little shade for the spider and the snake.
It took me a few years to stop wondering why anybody would want to live in such beautiful terrain while trying so hard to keep nature at bay. The truth of course is that none of us escapes this life without doing our fair share of killing. We are powerful beings, we humans, with many tools at our disposal.
The Ax
The long standing juniper bush got the ax from us this year. We left the stump and made of it a lantern and a cairn.
The neighbors stop and stare, though not in horror or despair.
May all my murders be handled with such care.
Although the surrounding land of our new home was fully bare, down in the ravine, (upon whose edge our home sits), desert life was thriving. Juniper and rabbit brush crowded the narrow ravine floor and various asters and sunflowers crawled
flooding in — from the heat, from the rains, from the thunderstorms and crazy winds and from the land itself. “Love calls us”, Richard Wilbur tells us, “to the things of this world.” These eleven years working in service to this land and all her creatures has taught me that the work of erosion and evolution is never done. And I am every day reminded that to find something holy in the land is to open myself up to greater understanding — and to coming home, over and over and over again.
I realized soon after our labor of love was underway that the land needed very little help from me to recover. It didn’t take long for the critters and the birds to return. The animals and flowers and scrub that grow in this particular patch of terrain have become some of my most beloved and eloquent teachers.
When I’m feeling sorry for myself, the juniper replies: to root down into the craggy earth and twist, gnarled and arthritic like this is no airy mystic bliss, nor the first word in tenaciousness.
As I worked to turn piles of river rock into easy paths and curved designs, my husband dug holes in which we planted desert oak and various penstemon. Seeds from surrounding farms and orchards found their way into the ground and began to grow. Like everyone else, I have used my tools both carelessly and carefully. I’ve made mistakes as well as reparations. And when I become plagued by esoteric questions, as poets often are, the answers come
Ode to the Slow I’ve an affinity for ghosts, and so, dwelling as we ghostly do, with the caw and the screech and the piñon moon, where the freeze and the thaw and the witness are together alive and together entombed, here on the edge of a high desert world where all is stone, and all is sky, here where an ancient sea surged forth and slowly died, here where the ruins and the peaks have changed their names to butte and bluff, here where the Ute had slowed their feet and harvested the pinion seed, here where the reach of the canyon ends or begins, or infers —like knowledge, it’s always a rapture or a bit of a blur — (one could soar on the wing or fall in) — here where the rolling stone knows the world is only made of sand, and the arc is the mark of the fallen star, here where the ghosts and the slopes are wan, and empty of virtue and of sin, I lower a bridge, and watch the morning fog roll in.
(Wendy Videlock of Palisade serves as poet laureate of western Colorado. Reach her at westernslopeword@gmail.com.)
Wendy Videlock Special to the Times
Aspen forests may slow wildfire spread
Western research adds depth to the data
As a hot, dry fire season settles across much of the western United States, land managers are looking for anything that might slow or stop inevitable wildfires. One solution might be standing in plain sight.
For years, conventional wisdom held that stands of aspen trees could resist wildfires, often slowing a fire’s advance or changing its course. Now, new research from Western Colorado University’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability is adding data to the anecdotes.
The research, titled “Aspen impedes wildfire spread in southwestern United States landscapes” was published recently in the journal Ecological Applications. The paper analyzed 20 years of fire behavior across more than 300 wildfires in the Four Corners region. What the team found was that even modest increases in aspen cover dramatically reduced the rate at which fires spread.
Key findings include:
• Fires in areas with vegetation comprised of at least 25% aspen spread at about a third the rate of fires in forests with less than 10% aspen trees.
• Aspen was more abundant at the edges of fires, where fires stopped, than in burn interiors, indicating that aspen can not only slow a fire but also stop it or change its course.
• Aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, with applications in communities and sensitive areas prone to wildfire.
According to the study, it has long been understood that aspen is more resistant to burning because of higher moisture content in a stand’s foliage and understory, high branches, and chemical differences that reduce flammability. But prior to the team’s research, the extent to which aspen slows or stops the advance of a fire relative to conifer forests hadn’t been quantified. In particular, the team found that differences in spread persisted even under
bed 1 bath with a kitchen/ dining area. Easy access across the street to public transportation and Legion park.
extreme fire weather conditions, which are expected to become more common in a warmer, drier future.
Matt Harris, is the study’s lead author and a recent graduate from Western’s M.S. in Ecology program.
“My hope is that this research can help inform fire and fuels management focused on propagation of aspen through prescribed fire, and how aspen can even be planted around communities to form green fuel breaks for fire protection,” he said.
The study also calls attention to the importance of the federal research infrastructure that makes this kind of work possible. Harris and his advisor, Jonathan Coop, collaborated with scientists from the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and Colorado State University, relying on fire and vegetation data funded and maintained by federal agencies.
“This research is a direct result of long-term federal investment in understanding wildfire and forest dynamics,” Coop said. “The wildfire challenges we face in the western U.S. continue to grow every year, and we require good science to inform solutions to protect communities and sustain the forest ecosystem functions we depend on, from water to timber.”
(Source: Western Colorado University)
A stand of aspens at the edge of an extinguished forest fire. (Courtesy Western Colorado University)
Gunnison
PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS
Biblical citizenship classes
Join us for one of two remaining Biblical Citizenship classes on Aug. 12 at Mt. Crested Butte Wedding Garden Pavilion and Aug. 19 at Almont Three Rivers Dance Hall, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $40 per person includes BBQ lunch, workbook with pre-printed notes and a video presentation. Go to PatriotAcademy.com for more info and to register. Homeschoolers can earn credit. Contributions are welcome and scholarships are available. Call 970.209.9890.
Open house at the fire station
Join the Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department at our open house Aug. 13, from 6-8 p.m. at 217 W. New York Ave. to learn about the department. Stop in to say hello and stay for the hotdogs and stories. Learn about us as volunteers, our station and its current capacity and the future plans we have to serve the Gunnison Valley.
Crested Butte
Drawing the figure
Join us in a figure drawing class on either Aug. 7 or Aug. 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This interactive class features a live nude model, whether you are a beginner or brushing up on fundamentals, this class is a great way to connect with your art and the human form.
Local Vocals concert
Join us Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. to experience a unique concert as local singer-songwriters take to the stage to combine their stories, inspiration, music, and talent, ft. Rachel VanSlyke, Alan Wartes, Sam Heart and Sierra Joy. Presented by Chris Coady and Gunnison Valley Music Association, hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center.
Cookbook Club feature dinner
Join us Aug. 7 from 5:307:30 p.m. for dinner prepared by BruHaus chefs and inspired by Bitter & Sweet in collaboration with author Omid Roustaei. This meal will explore the rich flavors and traditions of Persian cuisine, celebrating the stories and culture woven into every dish. The cost is $95.
Abbie Gardner
Join us Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. for billboard charting artist Abbie Gardner. Whether performing solo or with Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar playing. The cost is $25.
School of Dance
Youth fall session runs from Aug. 25-Dec. 12 and the adult fall session runs from Aug. 25 to Nov. 7. Dance styles include aerial skills, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap and more. Fall registration opens Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. Scholarships are available for both youth and adults for ground and aerial classes. Fall Session scholarship applications are due by Aug. 8 and can be submitted online. Visit dancecrestedbutte. org to view schedules, create accounts, register and apply for scholarships. Contact programs@dancecrestedbutte.org for more information.
Sage Grouse meeting
The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more information please visit: Gunnisoncounty.org/187/ Gunnison-Basin-Sage-GrouseStrategic-Com.
Missoula Children’s Theater
Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Gunnison with Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, offering 45 registered students guaranteed roles in this original production through a weeklong camp of rehearsals, art activities, and games, culminating in three community performances after auditions on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m.
AND Series: Macrame + Moscow Mules 21+
Sip, knot, and weave your way into creativity Aug. 14 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Join fiber artists Dani Burke and Hope Kesler for a relaxed and inspiring evening of macramé, mules and making. In this workshop, you’ll learn
Alpenglow: Hot Like Mars
For the final Alpenglow show of the summer, prepare yourself for a free performance from Chicago-based funk phenomenon Hot Like Mars on Aug. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Don't miss this captivating band as they bring their infectious sound to Crested Butte for an extraordinary finale to your summer.
Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Summer Strings
On Aug. 12 from 5:30-7 p.m., enjoy a free evening of chamber music and classical favorites performed by a talented ensemble in the courtyard—intimate, timeless, and perfect for a summer night.
We want your announcements!
The Gunnison Country Times publishes birth and wedding announcements free of charge.
• Please keep your announcement brief (3-5 sentences). You may include one photo.
• Our deadline for submissions is noon on Tuesdays.
• Please send announcements to issa@gunnisontimes.com.
how to create your very own macraweave wall hanging Roundtable Roundup
Join us on Aug. 14 from 5:308:30 p.m. for a free evening of artists, creatives and community members, with light appetizers and drinks.
Painting workshop
On Aug. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. enjoy a day with Beth, learning her tips and tricks and create your own masterpiece to take home. Students should bring lunch and an apron. All painting supplies are included. Instruction is for students of all abilities, including beginners. The cost is $195.
Movie night: E.T. The Extraterrestrial
The Crested Butte Film Festival presents a free screening of Steven Spielberg’s, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Actor Henry Thomas, who played “Elliott” in the film, will be in Crested Butte to introduce the movie, participate in a live Q&A and meet fans. All ages welcome.
Threads of Passage
Threads of Passage is a powerful exploration of migration as movement, memory and resilience on display at the Gunnison Arts Center through Aug. 31. The show brings together traditional and contemporary artisans who have journeyed to the Gunnison Valley. Including indigenous textile makers from Mexico, a Peruvian artisan and Mexican visual artist Álvaro Alejandro López — through works that connect ancestral craft, storytelling and shared cultural identity, with an interactive butterfly map symbolizing migration patterns across the Americas.
(Courtesy Gunnison Arts Center)
10TH AUGUST 10TH
“Single
Track!” makes musical debut
The Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival hosted a debut performance of Steven Cole Hughes’ new musical, “Singletrack!” on Aug. 1. Set in the Gunnison valley, “Singletrack!” follows the story of a GHS mountain biker who, when offered a sponsorship opportunity, must make a hard decision. The musical was performed for a packed crowd at Western Colorado University.
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
VETERANS’ VOICE
Operation Deep Freeze — service down under
Johnathan Kattnig Special to the Times
The U.S. Coast Guard is the smallest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, with approximately 40,000 active duty personnel. My particular specialty in the USCG is ice operations.
In May 2022, I completed my four-year training at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and received orders to serve on the USCGC Polar Star. At the time, she was one of two polar icebreakers in the fleet. She was commissioned in 1976 and, despite her age, remains the most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker in the world. Her propulsion plant consists of six locomotive engines and three gas turbines. All in, she is capable of producing 75,000 horsepower through three 16-foot propellers. With a hull made of steel nearly two inches thick, she is capable of breaking ice up to 20 feet thick.
During my two years aboard,
the ship deployed to Antarctica twice, in an annual operation known as Operation Deep Freeze — a joint mission to resupply McMurdo Station, Antarctica, the primary logistics hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program. From this base, supplies are distributed to remote bases and camps throughout the continent.
During Deep Freeze, workers, food and some limited supplies are brought in by the U.S. Air Force 109th Airlift Wing with LC-130s outfitted with skis, landing on a special airstrip on the ice shelf. Anything heavier, like fuel, construction supplies and machinery, must be brought in by ship. In any given operation, Polar Star shepherds as many as five ice-reinforced cargo ships through more than 200 miles of Antarctic pack ice.
My daily watch routines were known as “doubles” — two four-hour watches per day. In between watches we ran drills,
repaired equipment, and occasionally held a trivia or movie night.
The voyage to Antarctica takes roughly a month and a half, with a stop in Pearl Harbor, “crossing the x” (crossing the equator and the international date line at the same time), a stop in Australia, where we saw our last green plants before making the final leg to Antarctica.
Between Australia and Antarctica, we had to cross the notorious Southern Ocean, which is famous for its nearconstant storms.
Our navigator told us before one crossing that we had to take the “bad weather option” because the other options for us were “terrible weather” and “weather of epic proportions.”
Most crossings would cause the ship to roll more than 40 degrees in either direction. For perspective, at 45 degrees there is as much gravity pulling you to the walls as to the deck.
Needless to say, the designers of the ship placed handrails everywhere.
After safely crossing, the operation in Antarctica lasted for almost three months, most of which happened under 24 hours of sunlight each day. Ice pilots (which I would eventually become) would stand watch in “aloft conn,” the small, enclosed box roughly five stories above the bridge, which can comfortably hold two people. An experienced ice pilot and a trainee will control the ship from here. The elevated vantage gives them full 360 degree views of the ice field out to 20 miles on a clear day.
During the operation, Polar Star made port calls at the ice pier in McMurdo. In many ways McMurdo has the feel of an old western town. The roads are dusty, the buildings are weather-beaten and there is a church at the end of the main street. There would be tumbleweeds, if any plants could grow there.
The majority of the population is support staff, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, cooks and custodians. Scientists make up only 10% of the base crew.
The return trip mirrors the trip south. In my tenure we visited Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Alaska. With the geopolitical climate surrounding polar regions, the State Department often used the Polar Star to strengthen relationships with other polar countries, and the crew didn’t mind the exotic port calls.
Onboard the Polar Star, I visited five continents and four oceans, saw six species of penguins and joined the small cadre of icebreaking sailors in the U.S. military. I recommend the Coast Guard or the U.S. Antarctic Program to anyone seeking true adventure!
(Lt. j.g. Johnathan Kattnig currently serves as executive officer aboard the CGC Biscayne Bay.)
Johnathan Kattnig. (Courtesy Johnathan Kattnig) The USCGC Polar Star during Operation Deep Freeze, a mission to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
Honey-glazed duck — a hunting season favorite
Enid Holden Special to the Times
I believe that geese have already been showing up at the Dos Rios golf course and duck hunting season is scheduled for September, so I thought it would be fun to share a reliable recipe for cooking duck. I have always been intimidated by roasting duck, but recently found a recipe that gave me some confidence. I’ll share it with my changes and encourage others to take the plunge. It takes about three hours, so you need some time on your hands, but it’s easier than most people think.
This glazed duck has tender, juicy meat, crispy skin, and it's glazed with honey-balsamic to give the duck beautiful looking skin. The honey-balsamic glaze in this recipe does not make the duck sweet. It really just helps give a tasty crispiness to the skin. Your duck will have a juicy savory flavor from the garlic, salt and lemon you put inside it.
Honey glazed duck
• If you are using frozen duck from the supermarket, make sure it's completely defrosted in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Remove the giblets from inside the bird and rinse inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Set the duck on a work surface. Score the duck's skin on the breast side in a diamond
pattern, making sure you only cut the skin, without cutting into the meat. The duck breast should be up, scored in a square or diamond pattern. This is to release the layer of fat. Poke the other parts of the duck with the tip of the knife all over to get fat release. You don’t need to poke the legs only where the duck legs connect to the body.
• Season the duck heavily with salt inside the cavity of the duck and outside on the skin, legs and all over. Put several chopped garlic cloves, peeled onion and lemon slices inside the duck cavity for flavor, not eating.
• The duck should be cooked to a final internal temperature of 165 degrees — well-done, not dry, not overcooked, just juicy and cooked through. Use an internal meat thermometer to guide you through the process. Adjust the cooking times if you prefer to cook your duck medium (140 degrees) or mediumrare (130 degrees). The duck will have flapping skin on both ends. Fold that skin inwards, to hold the garlic and lemon inside. Tie up the duck legs with butcher’s string.
• Roast the duck for 40 minutes at 350 degrees, the scored breast side up, then remove the duck from the oven. It should be in a large roasting pan with a rack to lift the duck up from the bottom and out of the released fat.
• Next flip the duck breast side down, and roast for 20 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. After 20 minutes of roasting, take it out and check the duck's internal temperature with the meat thermometer. If the temperature reaches 140 degrees, proceed to the next step. If the meat temperature is below that, roast the
duck for 10 or 20 more minutes until the temperature reaches 140 degrees.
• Remove the pan from the oven. Place the bird breast side up again and pour off the fat.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of honey. Brush all of the duck you can reach with the balsamic mixture and cook the duck, breast side up, for another 20 minutes at 350 degrees, brushing every 10 minutes with the mixture. Continue to measure the duck's internal temperature with the meat thermometer.
• Roast the duck for another 20 minutes, brushing the duck’s breast side every five minutes with honey balsamic mixture.
• Remove the duck from the oven once its internal temperature reaches 155 degrees. You can briefly broil it if you need to. Let it rest, uncovered, on the counter for about 15 minutes. During this time, the duck will continue cooking in residual heat until it reaches 165 degrees.
• In the end, the duck should be nicely browned with crispy skin. Serve it with potatoes and vegetables or sliced into a salad. You can also save the rendered duck fat and use it to cook potatoes or eggs down the road.
Bon appétit!
(Enid Holden is a Gunnisonbased freelance writer.)
Honey glazed duck. (Envato Elements)
CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Water/Wastewater Operator
Full-Time
Starting Salary Ranges
Worker
Class “D”
Class “C”
Class “B”
Class “A”
$53,300-$65,700
$56,100-$76,100
$61,700-$76,100
$67,900-$83,767
$74,700-$92,167
Responsible for the operation of the water supply, distribution, and storage systems. They also perform maintenance, repairs and construction of water distribution, sewer collection, irrigation and storm drain systems, installations, repairs, and testing on all water meters.
Emergency Communications Specialist
Full-Time, $56,900-$70,100/yr
$27.36-$33.70/hr
Performs public contact and communications duties necessary for the dispatching of all law enforcements agencies, emergency medical services, and fire departments for emergency and non-emergency situations.
Police Officer
Full-Time, $73,500-$90,700/yr
Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the City, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, reventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles, and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The City will pay for the Police Academy if needed and pay a cadet wage while attending the Academy. Includes a $15,000 hiring bonus.
Part-Time Openings
After-School Instructors:
$18.61-$22.64/hr
Youth Soccer Coach:
$18.61-$22.64/hr Lifeguards: $23.00-$29.33/hr
The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave per year. Transitional, temporary housing may be available.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR.
GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $72,397.26 to $102,405.83 plus full benefits.
Take home vehicle & uniform allowance provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Heavy Equipment Operator Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $23.60 to $31.69 plus full benefits.
Summer Seasonal
Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $21.20 to $24.14, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Utility Water/Wastewater Operator
Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly position; initial annual range from $57,900.78 to $65,921.56, depending on experience, plus full benefits.
Temporary Human Resources Coordinator
Human Resources: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $27.84 to $31.69, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
and collection system for the District.
Entry-Level: Starting salary $53,100 to $59,500. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at time of hire or must be obtained within one (1) year. A State of Colorado Collections and Wastewater license, or the ability to obtain both within one (1) year, is required (training material provided).
Experienced Operators or Licensed Electricians: Starting salary $59,500 to $75,000. Operators must meet entry-level qualifications and have experience in construction, field operations, lab analysis, and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair.
Operators work a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule, participate in an on-call rotation, including select weekends and holidays. The District offers an excellent benefits package including the following: 100% employer-paid family health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance premiums, 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, personal and sick leave, a wellness bonus, employer-provided uniforms, boots, personal protective equipment, and a retirement plan with up to 8% employer match. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225, or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until it is filled. Full job description available at mcbwsd.com. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
THE 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.
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 9/15-3/15/26 Part-Time Adult Hockey Coordinator: responsible for overseeing all adult leagues including schedules & officials. Salary range $7,500-$10,000 for the period 9/15-3/15/26. Please apply with Cover Letter & Resume to coachbill@wehockey.org.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
seeks
Western’s benefit package includes retirement and insurance plans (with generous employer contributions), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for free!
Equipment Mechanic II:
This position provides vehicle maintenance and repair of Western Colorado University and other State of Colorado vehicles. It also performs maintenance and repair of other campus equipment, maintains shop and inventory, and trains new fleet employees. Starting pay $26.44 per hour ($55,000 annually).
Institutional Effectiveness
Analyst: As part of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, this position supports institutional planning, decisionmaking, and compliance by utilizing reporting data to create visualizations using tools like Excel, Power BI, and Workday. Starting annual salary of $55,000 - $65,000. Apply by 08/24/25.
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.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking a Water System Manager. This full-time year-round position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement matching. Minimum requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, Colorado Class B Water certificate, and a Colorado Class 2 Distribution certificate. Please view additional certificates to obtain on the full job description. Applicants must be able to respond to system/plant emergencies within one hour when on call. Starting pay is $46.27 - $56.68 hourly, for an annual amount of $96,243 - $117,897 DOQ and experience. 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. Monthly requirements are typically 5-hours or less and include: - communicate with the Mayor and Clerk as needed - review/draft ordinances as needed - attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month 7-9 p.m. (remote attendance is an option and preference will be given to someone who could travel to be at one meeting each quarter)
Additional work is billed at an hourly rate. Additional work hours have been typically minimal (2023 - 12.2 additional hours; 2024 - 18 additional hours; 2025 to date - 8.4 additional hours).
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a part-time yoga instructor. $50 per class. . For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Crested Butte is seeking full and/or part time laborers to join our team. Pay DOE. Email your resume to officehmc1283@gmail.com or call 970-349-5261.
Project Planner I: This position manages all aspects of campus facility/operations projects, including analyzing cost and value, coordinating work with contractors, and ensuring that construction projects are executed according to Colorado codes and laws, Office of the State Architect processes, and institutional policies. Starting pay $36.06 per hour ($75,000 annually).
Security I: This position patrols campus grounds to identify safety hazards and verify safe conditions, responds to traffic/ parking violations, documents incidents/responses, and notifies local law enforcement (as needed). Starting pay rate $17.38/hour. This position is scheduled for night shifts (8:00pm – 6:00am) and is paid an additional 14% ($19.81/hour) for weeknights and 20% ($20.85/hour) for weekends.
To view the full job announcements and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (EOE)
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Bartender, $16/hr. + gratuity; Servers, $16/hr. + gratuity; Market Attendants, $16/hr. + gratuity; Dishwasher, $21/hr. + gratuity. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
GUNNISON COUNTY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION is currently seeking applications for a Billing Assistant I position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison, Colorado, headquarters location. This position performs routine billing and customer account support functions under close supervision. This is an entry-level position that assists in producing, maintaining, and verifying the accuracy of member, billing, and capital credit records. Providing excellent customer service is required. The pay range is between $60,382 -$80,496 a year. Starting pay will be dependent on qualifications and experience and will be paid on an hourly basis. This position is eligible for overtime pay; however, overtime is seldom required. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled
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
Lake - EA/Bilingual Family Liaison
GES ELL EA
GES General EA
GCS Significant Support Needs EA
CBES Permanent Substitute Teachers
Food Service
Bus Drivers
PROFESSIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
CBSS - Math Intervention Teacher
GES - 3rd Grade Teacher
CBSS - .71 Gifted/Talented Teacher
CBSS - .57 Spanish Teacher District Psychologist
GCS - Special Education Teacher
COACHING
CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach
GMS - 7th Grade Volleyball Coach
Please contact:
Superintendent’s Office
Kim Fuller
800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 kfuller@ gunnisonschools.net
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES & LANDSCAPING hiring multiple positions for the remainder of our summer season.
Come join a team who’s deeply rooted in the Gunnison valley. Visit rockymountaintrees. com/employment/ to view available positions.
WE’RE HIRING: Full-time Small Center director and part-time/full-time teacher’s aide at Wee Care in Lake City. Apply by sending your resume, references and interested position to weecareboard@gmail.com.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time Front Desk Attendant, $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.
SAGUACHE COUNTY LAND USE
DEPARTMENT is accepting applications for a full time Code Enforcement Officer position. Salary to be determined on experience starting at $42,000/year. Applicants must have a valid Colorado Drivers License, must pass a criminal background check as well as a pre-employment drug test.
The County Employee benefit package includes vision, dental and health insurance coverage, paid time off, and a generous 401k retirement plan.
The employment application and job description can be found on HYPERLINK “http://www.saguachecounty.colorado.gov” www.saguachecounty.colorado.gov, picked up at the Saguache County Administration Office, 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO or can be emailed to you, please contact April Quintana at 719-655-2231.
Completed applications can be hand delivered to the Saguache County Land Use Department, Attention Amber Wilson, 505 3rd Street, mailed to PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or emailed to HYPERLINK “mailto:atorrez@saguachecounty-co. gov” atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov. Applications will be accepted until filled. Saguache County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is seeking qualified adaptive instructors to facilitate professional adaptive ski and snowboard activities for the 2025-26 Winter Season. Pay ranges from $23-$33/hour based on experience. Benefits include season pass, certification and membership dues, paid in-house training, paid sick leave, on mountain locker, pro forms, exam reimbursement, mental health program, 401(k) match, workers compensation, monthly stiped, complementary accident
insurance, and professional development scholarship opportunities. More information and application are at adaptivesports.org/ careers. Applications are due Sept. 15 and offers may be made earlier for strong candidates.
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.
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.
INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Crested Butte Bank, a branch of the Gunnison Bank and Trust Company, has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our growing bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the bank with a strong foundation in operations. Pay starting at $20. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Pooled transportation is available. Send resume to abrown@crestedbuttebank. com or lbeda@gunnisonbank.com.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking a skilled Mechanic to join our Public Works team. This position performs maintenance and major repairs on a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including diesel, gas, and electric-powered systems. Responsibilities include diagnostics, preventative maintenance, welding, fabrication, equipment operation, and record keeping. 2+ years of experience in vehicle/ equipment repair required. This full-time, year-round role offers a competitive salary ($55,458-$80,406 DOQ) and a generous benefits package, including 100% employerpaid health coverage. The Town of Crested Butte is an equal employment opportunity employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application tojobs@crestedbutteco.gov.
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.
REAL ESTATE
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.
FOR LEASE: The newly renovated mall building located at 123 W.Tomichi Ave. Gunnison. $850/mo. Includes utilities. Contact 720-308-8239.
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.
FOR RENT: 4 bed/2 bath rental available. $7,000/mo +electric. Off Jack’s Cabin. 970901-0002.
FLAT LAND FOR LEASE AVAILABLE IN GUNNISON: Easy access - call Geoff 978473-9256.
Legals
AGENDA
Regular Meeting August 11, 2025 5:30pm
Gunnison High School Library
This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)
5. Commendations and celebrations (Information, Successful Students, Strong Employees)
6. Public comment (Information, Engaged Community)
* Please use the public participation form, or use the Q&A feature in Zoom, and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
7. Consent agenda (ACTION, All) Items in the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the grouping for separate consideration.
1. Board of Education Minutes
* June 23, 2025 Regular meeting/ Budget Adoption
2. Finance: Approve for payment, as presented by the Director of Finance, warrants from June and July 2025.
3. Personnel
* Brian Whitfield-Math-CBSS
* Sydney Cowden-Resignation-EA-GES
* Alejandra Sanchez-Resignation-ELL
EA-GES
* Kelly Piccaro-2nd Grade Teacher-CBES
* Rita Merrigan-Resignation-Sped EACBES
* Rosa Hernandez Ros-Resignation-ELL
EA-Lake
8. Items for information, discussion, and action
1. Facilities Improvement Program Update (Information/Discussion, Functional Facilities)
* Artaic Group: Chris Guarino, John Usery, Matt Prinster, and Austin Rosenthal
2. GVH Clinical Therapists in Schools Program (Information, Successful Students)
* Jason Amrich, GVH Chief Executive Officer
* Jenny Birnie, GVH Vice President of Community Health & Development
* Kimberly Behounek, GVH Director of Behavioral Health
* Kari Commerford, Gunnison County Director of Juvenile Services
1. Strategic Plan Launch (Information/ Discussion, All)
* Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
2. Transportation Update (Information, Functional Facilities))
* Paul Morgan, Director of Transportation and Facilities
3. Wednesday Overview (Information, Successful Students)
* Celeste Ackerman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
4. Employee Housing Update (Information, Strong Employees, Healthy Finances)
* Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
1. Other Administrative Report Items (Information, All)
* Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
9. Items introduced by Board Members (Discussion, All)
10. Board committee reports (Information, All)
1. Board/Student Engagement - Dr. Coleman and Mrs. Schloesser
2. School Board Policy - Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
3. Executive Committee for Bond Project - Mr. Martineau
4. Superintendent Evaluation- Dr. Coleman
5. District Accountability Committee (DAC)
- Mrs. Schloesser
6. School Accountability Committees (SAC)
GHS - Dr. Coleman
GCS - Mrs. Brookhart
CBCS - Mr. Martineau
7. Gunnison County Education Association Negotiations - Mr. VanderVeer
8. Gunnison County Education Association
3x3 - Mr. VanderVeer
9. Fund 26 - Dr. Coleman
10. Gunnison Memorial Scholarship - Mrs. Brookhart
11. Health Insurance Committee - Mr. VanderVeer
12. Housing Advisory Committee-Mr. VanderVeer
13. Gunnison Valley Education FoundationDr. Coleman
11. Upcoming agenda items and meeting schedule (Information, Engaged Community)
1. August 25, 2025 First Day of School!
2. August 25, 2025 Work Session @ 5:30pm Lake School
3. September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting
@ 5:30pm Crested Butte
4. September 22, 2025 Work Session
@ 5:30pm Gunnison
12. Adjournment
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of August 7, 2025
18206
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
INTENT TO DISPOSE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:
To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Tomichi Self Storage, LLC 41883 US Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230: All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to August 21, 2025.
110 - Maria Ramirez
116 - James Nicholaa Riddle
128 - Simon Jackson
149 - Jordan Lopez
169 - Tracey Becker
176 - Joseph Enenbach
178 - Stephen Keim
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 7, 14, 2025
18156
PUBLIC NOTICE
MEETING NOTICE
Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy
District Board of Directors Meeting Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave., Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing. Please contact the District at (970)641-6065 for the Zoom link or questions.
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 7, 2025 18170
THE NEWS YOU NEED. THE EXCELLENCE YOU DESERVE. Engage at gunnisontimes.com
Bethany Church
909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
One service at 9 a.m. with nursery & children’s church.
Faith Directory
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Check us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany. gunnisonbethany.com
B'nai Butte Jewish Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and surrounging areas.
Spiritual leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte.org
Community Church of Gunnison
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925
Pastor Larry Nelson
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.
Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry
Weekly Student Ministry
Weekly Adult LifeGroups
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4
For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com
Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube
Transforming Lives • Building Community
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)
WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Reverand Ian Wrisley
Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All. Sundays, 10 a.m.
Fridays Meditation, 12:30-1 p.m. “Come-as-You-Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org
Trinity Baptist Church
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813
Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860
Senior Pastor Jacob With
Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.
Wednesday night service at 7pm.
New Song Christian Fellowship
77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034
A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.
Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.
St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m. Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass
St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
Church in the Barn 8007 County Road 887
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588
Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Gunnison Branch 810 N 11th St. 970-648-4804
Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.
Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced
SOCCER: Cowboys host youth camp, A26
Stingrays dominate at seasonal state meet
Keaton Mickelson and Russel Meeuwsen win state titles
Evan Bjornstad Times Staff Writer
The Gunnison Stingrays swim team dominated at the
HOME SPORTS EVENTS
Scottie Aschermann Seasonal Championships in Cortez on Aug. 1-3. The Gunnison swimmers finished the summer season with several podium visits and a combined score of 1545.5 points.
Keaton Mickelson led the charge for the stingrays, winning eight of his ten races and taking home the 13-14 year old state title with 153 points. Mickelson placed first in the 200-yard medley, the 1000 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay, the 50 backstroke, the 200 back-
stroke, 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle and 400 medley relay.
Russell Meeuwsen followed closely behind, securing the 12-13 year old high point with 144 points. Meeuwsen won the 200 medley relay, 100 freestyle, 50-yard butterfly, 200 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay, 100 butterfly and 100 medley relay.
Audrey Meeuwsen also caught fire in a bottle over the weekend, taking first place in the 200 medley relay, 50 butterfly, 200 freestyle relay, 100
butterfly and 200 yard freestyle. Meeuwsen racked in a total of 133.5 points for the Stingrays.
Cooper Mickelson finished the day with 96 points and took first in the 200 freestyle relay. Kathryn Frey tallied up 83 points while fishing first in the 200 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay, 200 backstroke and 100 backstroke.
Everett Gerlock closed out his day with two first-place finishes in the 100 medley and 200 freestyle relay, taking a total 89 points.
Samantha Jones added to the team tally with 77 points, Citrina Gerlock scored 79 points, Beatrice Gerlock took71 points, JoJo Milski earned 65 points andMax Milski added 50 points.
The seasonal championships concluded the stingrays summer season. The GHS high school girls will return to action in the upcoming winter season.
(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)
The Stingray swim team celebrates in Cortez. (Courtesy Stacey Mickelson)
The GHS soccer team hosted over 40 kids from ages 5 through 12 at its annual youth soccer camp July 28-31. Kids worked on all aspects of their game, dialling in their ball control, passing accuracy and defending, alongside the guidance of GHS athletes and coaches.
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Game, set, match
On Monday Aug. 4, the CharMar parks tennis courts were flooded by kids learning the fundamentals of tennis. From serves to rallies and backhands, the players solidified their foundation for a lifetime of tennis ahead.
Local Vocals Concert Concert
Featuring: Featuring:
Saturday, August 9 Saturday, August 9
GUNNISON AREA
SUBCONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS
YOU’RE INVITED: COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Join us for an open house to learn more about the upcoming Gunnison Firehouse Project. Representatives from the
and
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 6-8PM
Chris Coady Chris Coady Sam Heart Sam Heart Rachel VanSlyke Rachel VanSlyke
Sierra Joy Sierra Joy Alan Wartes Alan Wartes
(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Presenting Sponsors
Carolyn & David Miller
Katy & Kyle Miller
Meredith & Kyle Bebee
Gala Sponsors
Mary & Mark Barrett
Ginny & Gil Burciaga
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Idea Ranch
Whetstone Mountain Foundation
Dinner Sponsors
Mary T. & Jack E. Blake Jr.
Pat & Dan Wright
golf tournament
Sponsor
Signature Properties Ebner & Associates
Auction Sponsors
Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling, LLC
Kathryn & Luke Kissam
Jennifer & Sean Reilly
Bar Sponsor
Benchmark Mortgage
Venue Sponsors
The Club at Crested Butte
Catherine & Bill Lacy
sponsor party sponsor
Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling, LLC
Two-Step Sponsors
Bob Valentine & Steve Bolton
Doris & Jim Brogan
Lacy Construction Company
Turner Toyota
ENTERTAINMENT SponsorS
Anonymous
Fialkoff Family
Jeff Hermanson
Cathey & Don Humphreys
CHAMPAGNE TOAST sponsor
Eileen & James DuPre
the lavish loo sponsors
Barbara Silverman & John Kozyak
Cass & Austen Wright
Safe ride Sponsors
Adonia & Kevin Cokinos
Susie & Reggie Coon
Oros Crested Butte
TABLE Sponsors
Jaima Giles-Alsum & Brian Alsum
Doris & Bill Altman
Debbie & Justin Bono
Joe Calandra
Pamela & Evans Clements
Linda & Bob Colvey
Raemon & Robert Davis
Aimee & Mitch Dryer
M-J & Charlie Farnan
Toddy & Greg Glosser
Michelle & Richard Harper
Kelly & Tony Lee
THANK YOU
TO THE ATTENDEES, SPONSORS, DONORS, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THE 30TH ANNUAL CRESTED BUTTE OPEN A SUCCESS!
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
- Crested Butte
Sherry & Kendall Mikesell
Peak Property Management
The Potter Family
Linda & Don Al Ringler
Lila & Robert Sessums
Dawn & Dick Smith
Meg & Michael Smith
Kimber Felton & Mike Ukropina
Dana & Russ Williams
Traci Van Pelt & Pat Wilson
Welcome Sponsors
Missy & Kevin Adams
High Country Beverage
Innermountain Distributing Company
Katherine & David Hensley
The Gourmet Noodle
Republic National Distributing Company
Sign Guys & Gal
Swire Coca-Cola
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Golf Cart Sponsors
Susie & Reggie Coon
N & B Home Services
Kimber Felton & Mike Ukropina
Team Sponsors
2255wildcat.com - Crested
Butte’s #1 Vacation Rental
Debbie & Justin Bono
Jim Consedine
M-J & Charlie Farnan
John B. Hampton
Harmels on the Taylor
Intergy Private Wealth
Janet & David Hicks
David Kopitz - The Kopitz Unger
Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
- Crested Butte
Sherry & Kendall Mikesell
Emily & Chris Miller
Amy & Chris Nichols
Patterson Law Group
Peak Property Management
Riggs, Kai, Boomer, Sooner, Roger, & Company
Lila & Robert Sessums
Adrienne Edmunds-Weil & Michael Weil
Hole Sponsors
Meg & Jeff Brethauer
Country Financial - Luke
Ortgessen
Eileen & Bart Dalton
The Potter Family
Terrie & Clarke Swinney
auction donors
Amberleaf
Anonymous
Anthracite Spirits Co.
Anvik River Lodge
Artisan Rug Gallery
Badlands
Susan & Eric Barnes
Laurel Becker
Jared Bednar
It’s a Berglund, Lee & Matt
Berglund
Björkstam
Debbie & Justin Bono
Jamie Booth
Brooklyn’s
Bushnell Golf
Butte Barefoot Massage
Cabot Cheese Cooperative
Joe Calandra
Campfire Ranch
Castleton Ranch
CB Power Yoga
Jerry Clark
Coda del Pesche
Linda & Bob Colvey
CORE Crested Butte
Crested Butte Clay Studio
Crested Butte Fine Art Gallery
Crested Butte Gift Baskets
Crested Butte Nordic Center
Crested Butte’s Personal Chefs
Susan Marrion & Raynor
Czerwinski
Raemon & Robert Davis
Jarrod Deines
Dometic
Eileen & James DuPre
Escape Bodywork
Favor the Kind
FeatherSnap
Four 6’s Ranch
Fraulein Boot Company
Friends of Adaptive
Gamo / Daisy
Joe Garcia
Garlic Mike’s
Gene Taylor’s
Geographic Expeditions
Benjamin Hall
Harmels on the Taylor
Heather Biery Acupuncture
Karen & Brent Helleckson
Jeff Hermanson
Blair Cheryl & Cliff Hickson
Janet & Stewart Hunter
Izzy’s Bagel Shop
Janet Farmer
Kacy & Dana Jones
Barbara Silverman & John Kozyak
Catherine & Bill Lacy
Jess Ladwig
Las Olas
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
- Crested Butte
Lowe Resorts
Wil Lutz
Lyle Lovett
Craig Maestro
Sage Maestro
Michael Marchitelli
Barbara & Pat McCelvey
Montanya Distillers
Nails by Whitney at JW Salon
Nikki Mitchell Foundation
Norra Dalen Nordic Sauna
Karen O’Brien
Rebecca Bourke Jewelry
RM Soap Market
Mike Robillard
Rugged Ridge
Andrea & Richard Saperstein
Shawn Fransen
Dawn & Dick Smith
Meg & Michael Smith
Soupçon / Miette
St. Croix
Maureen & Chris Stenger
Summit Massage
Tecovas
The Adventure Company
Third Eye Photography
Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting
VanLanen Outdoors LLC
Vaquera House
Weatherby
White Buffalo DJs
Traci Van Pelt & Pat Wilson
Cass & Austen Wright
CB Open Committee
Eric Barnes
Susan Barnes
Debbie Bono
Eileen DuPre
Jesse Ebner
Joe Garcia
Nikki Pulitzer
Meg Smith
Maureen Stenger
Donna Walker
Cass Wright
A special Thanks to ASC Board of Directors
Brian Alsum
Jess Barnes
Gage Barnes
Brad Bogard
David Bolding
Kim & Werner Brockerhoff
Hunter Brothers
Paul Brothers
Burke
Josie Byron
Judy Byron
Brian Chambers
Tricia & Justin Clapp
The Club at Crested Butte
Linda Colvey
Gary Corbett
Ben Costello
Amy Cirbo & Hayden Daiber, Sidecar
Mobile Bar
Abby DeAngelis
Rick Divine
Aimee Dryer
Emeri Dryer
James DuPre
Kent Fulton
Dodson Harper
Rachel Healy
Sally Hensley
Janelle Hewelt
Jay Hewelt
Ryan Hoynacki
Robby Hyre
Craig Jackson
Catherine & Bill Lacy
Rick LaDue
Dan Loftus
Michael Marchitelli
Brrr Refrigeration and Design
Wendy Stewart & Tim Martinez
Lynn Moore
Brandon Muller
Rhiannon Phegley
Jennifer Read
Dayna Regan
Ruth & Eric Roemer
Matt Santor, Crested Butte Catering
Company
Linda & Craig Sikes
Rich Smith
Eliot Tilton
Jamie Timmons
Reba & Tommy Tomathison
Dakota Wiggins
Michael Wolf