Gunnison Country Times, June 19, 2025

Housing Authority board votes to disband

Future of organization remains unclear

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority board of directors voted on June 12 to take steps to dissolve the organization, and reassign the work. The future of the Housing Authority, its stability stymied by years of leadership turnover, now lies in the hands of Gunnison County and the local governments it serves.

Housing A8

INFÓRMATE: Valley marks Immigrant Heritage Month, A12

COMMUNITY: The last great Gunnison cowboys, A11

SPORTS: Stingrays thrive at home meet, A29

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With

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tration’s recent policies and actions. Thousands gathered for No

Southwest Colorado poised for dry summer

Drought conditions worsen in Gunnison County

Bella Biondini Times Editor

With scarce moisture in the forecast, it is likely the drought will continue to worsen in Gunnison County, and across the Western Slope this summer.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of June 12, the entire county was experiencing some

form of drought, and portions have fallen into the “severe” category. Much of neighboring Delta, Montrose and Mesa counties, labeled in red, are in “extreme” drought. Heat, paired with little rainfall, has begun to dry out the landscape, putting fire managers on high alert for the season ahead. Reduced streamflows may also mean a short-lived boating season if monsoons don’t bring relief to the valley.

“[Conditions] are continuing to degrade,” water resource specialist Beverly Richard told county commissioners during a regular meeting on June 10.

“And with the warmer tempera-

Emergency dispatchers ready for busy season

Communication center the hub of help

William Spicer Special to the Times

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles highlighting emergency response operations in Gunnison County.)

“In the summer, the county is very much open, and very much populated,” dispatch supervisor Whitney Bergman said.

The Gunnison Regional Communications Center (GRCC), known colloquially as “dispatch,” is the critical first point of contact between anyone who dials 911 and the police, fire and EMS personnel who will ultimately assist with an emergency. GRCC is located in the Gunnison Police Department building. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with at least two dispatchers on duty for most of that time.

The area served by GRCC encompasses all of Gunnison

Drought A9 Dispatch A9

Like many things in the Mountain West, emergency management is seasonal. Summertime brings more people to the valley and more opportunity for the kind of trouble that needs an emergency response.

KINGS:

flags

signs in hand, Gunnison Valley residents marched down Main Street on June 14 to protest the Trump adminis-

Kings demonstrations across Colorado on

(Photo by Jacob Spetzler)

“The ranchers were the first ecologists — they truly took care of the land. They spent their time worrying about other life — in cattle and horses specifically.”

— Matt Tredway, Author See story on A11

Public lands at risk of sale

Last week, the Senate released the text of a major spending package,which included a proposal to sell off about 3 million acres of public land. On June 17, Outdoor Alliance released a map showing that nearly 300 million acres of public lands could be open for these proposed sales, an area that includes nearly 100,000 miles of trails, more than 8,000 climbing areas and 3,405 river miles across the West.

As written, the Senate’s bill would require the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell off at least 0.5% — and up to 0.75% — of all National Forest and BLM lands, totaling up to 3.3 million acres. And unlike past proposals, which largely limited sales to lands already identified for disposal, the Senate’s bill puts virtually any multiple-use Forest Service or BLM land on the table.

In the Gunnison Valley, popular recreation spots in the Gothic Valley, Hartman Rocks, around the Black Canyon and Curecanti National Recreation Area, Signal Peak and Mill Creek are at risk. To the south, in Hinsdale County, the entirety of the Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area (WSA), located west of Lake City — which includes two 14,000foot peaks: Red Cloud Peak and Sunshine Peak — would also be eligible for sale if the bill were to pass.

Van Tuyl bridge reopens

Last week, the City of Gunnison opened the new VanTuyl bridge to pedestrians, cyclists and dog-walkers.

Crews temporarily moved the old bridge to the south during construction so the popular trail could remain open. It took approximately two months to complete the new culvert.

Timothy John Skulley

Timothy John Skulley passed away June 3 at home in Doyleville, Colorado from a very rare form of cancer. He was born in Watertown, South Dakota on May 2, 1953, to Floyd James Skulley and Naomi Eileen Sorteberg. He had two brothers, Jim and Joe and a sister, Laura.

After getting his GED, Tim went to culinary school and trained under a French chef, specializing in soups and sauces. During this time, he became a sous chef.

In 1979, Tim moved away from his family and friends in Minnesota and came to Crested Butte to work at the Grub Steak restaurant on Elk Ave. Tim then moved to Gunnison and began working at the Quarter Circle restaurant. Over the next 20 years, Tim worked at various restaurants in the Gunnison valley including W Café whenever they needed him. Tim ended his culinary career this winter after working at the Palisades Restaurant for approximately seven years.

Tim married Colleen Warren on Sept. 22, 1990, and they were blessed with one child, a daughter they named Meagan. Tim was a kind, caring, gentle, genuine and quiet man who loved riding motorcycles with his friends. He had a particular passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoyed restoring and customizing his motorcycle. He also loved hunting, fishing, trapping for the local ranchers and spending his time logging in the Taylor Park area and selling firewood. He was preceded in death by his parents, both brothers and

his granddaughter, Lowen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen, daughter Meagan, whom he cherished dearly, her husband, Tyler and his two grandsons, Payson and Briggs. Tim loved his grandsons dearly and loved to hear his eldest grandson call him “papa.” He is also survived by his sister, Laura (Bob) Schmidt of Minnesota, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

Per his wishes, his ashes will be scattered near one of his favorite fishing holes. Family and close friends will be personally notified of the date, time and location at a later time. Tim will be greatly missed by all who knew him and equally missed for the delicious food he so lovingly prepared.

A very special and heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Jay McMurren, Josie and the staff at Gunnison Family Physicians, as well as Melissa and the other wonderful ladies at Hospice who took such very good care of him.

Graham Montague Witherspoon passed away June 9, 2025 at the age of 104. Poet, cowboy, sailor, sales manager, hiker, author and artist were all identities in his life. He wrote his first poem at age 6 about a rabbit and squirrel. As a teen, he worked alongside his brother in the Kansas City Stockyards, paid $1 a day by his father, who owned a livestock commission company there.

In World War II, Graham was the captain of an amphibious

launcher which arrived just after the Battle of Iwo Jima to deposit troops on the island. After the war, he became a successful sales manager for National Cash Register, earning the famed “red jacket” for his outstanding work.

In retirement, he and his wife Pat moved to Colorado and hiked many fourteeners in their 60s and 70s, including the difficult “chimney ascent” of Long’s Peak. Graham’s son, John, suffered from schizophrenia, his wife passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, and he wrote about the heartache these illnesses bring.

He was artistic throughout his life, leaving sketches from his youth and paintings from his retirement years. He had a great sense of humor, tremendous self-confidence, enjoyed being with others and dedicated himself completely to any goal.

Graham is survived by his daughters Chris Medina and Nancy Witherspoon, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Patrick (Pat) Montgomery was born in Haver, Montana in 1939. He left this earthly plane just days after his 86th birthday in the wee hours of the morning of Friday, June 13, after many years of seeing his life narrow as he dealt with dementia. His wife Pam was at his side.

Pat served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years as a pilot — his stories of flying the F-102, a single engine fighter, are true legends. From engaging with

Russian MIGs over the North Sea to losing altitude and seeing his wake behind him and pulling out of that fall. How he loved to tell those stories! He also flew the much larger 737 for Pan Am and traveled the world. Those stories are also legends. After his flying days were over, he turned to the land as a real estate broker and developer in northern Michigan, then in Crested Butte in the 90s and finally settling in Gunnison in 2002.

Hartman Rocks became his go-to spot to hike most days. The outdoors was part of his life from his growing up years in Dayton, Washington to his final times in his garden.

Through his struggles with dementia, he never lost his sense of humor — even to the very end when he was teasing his doctors and nurses.

As his life dwindled, he continued to drive, taking himself into town to the Post Office right up until two weeks before he passed. His sense of direction and focus stayed with him from his Air Force days. Routine took him to Double Shot most days. Those morning stops became his social life. How he loved to joke and talk with whoever was in the coffee shop. So many folks recognized his iconic hat, and he was always happy to stop and chat.

Pat is survived by his wife, Pam, his siblings Pam Tufts and brother Mike Montgomery (Sandra), children Michelle Montgomery,Andew Montgomery (Daza), Eric Montgomery (Lauri), his stepchildren Julie Davis (Joe) and Blake Miller (Amanda), grandchildren Auna, Ariel, Tayler (Matt), Theodore, step-grandchildren RJ, Birgitte and Raven, and great-grandchild, Olivia, nieces Margo Young (Neil), Rachael Fuller (Mark) and Shauna Montgomery, nephew Sean Tufts (Kelsey), and lots of great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of his life at his home on June 29 in the afternoon. If you wish to remember Pat, donations to

Graham Montague Witherspoon

Alan Patrick (Pat) Montgomery

Alan

the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley would be appropriate.

Vandelyn ‘Vandy’ Coffey

Vandelyn “Vandy” Coffey, 88, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado, with family at her side.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Vandy was the daughter of Van and Evelyn Sunderlin. She graduated from Gunnison High School in 1954 and earned her nursing degree from the University of Colorado in 1959. That same year, she married Ron Coffey, and the couple later settled in Gunnison, where they purchased the MJ Verzuh

BIRTHS

Jane Elliott Catmur was born on June 3, 2025 to parents Nick and Emma Catmur of Crested Butte. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Grandparents M.J. and Joel Vosburg of Crested Butte and Martin and Rosie Catmur of Gunnison are very proud of their granddaughter.

Insurance Agency.

Vandy worked as a nurse at Gunnison Valley Hospital, eventually serving as director of nursing. In 1972, she became Gunnison’s public health nurse and director of public health, a position she held for 21 years. Under her leadership, the Gunnison public health program became one of the most effective in Colorado.

Vandy also served on the Gunnison Valley Hospital board of directors and the Gunnison Valley Nursing Home board.

Vandy generously gave her time, knowledge, care and compassion to those in need, making a lasting impact on the lives of many she served and worked alongside.

Following retirement, Vandy volunteered with Gunnison Valley Hospice and the Gunnison Pioneer Museum.

Vandy was an active member of P.E.O. in Gunnison and Grand Junction. She loved spending time with family and friends and adored her grandchildren.

Vandy was preceded in death by her husband, Ron. She is survived by her children, Brad Coffey, Christine Coffey and Stacey Wallin (Kurt); grand -

Ellie Fern Hageman was born on June 2, 2025 to parents Blake and Lauren Hageman of Gunnison. She weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Big sister Nora is very excited and proud.

children, Zach Coffey, Nick Coffey, Ryhan Barton, Sydney Hutchison, Gabe Wallin, Taylor Wallin and Everly Wallin; and great-grandson, Eastin Barton. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction. A service will be announced at a later date.

Jack Lee David

Jack Lee David passed away on Nov. 3, 2024. Please bring your stories to celebrate his life. Jack was a beloved friend, father, uncle and known to his family as “Grandpa Great.” He contributed to his community in many ways, one being the longest consistent buyer of 4-H beef in Gunnison. So, we find it fitting to celebrate his life at the Fred Field Center Van Tuyl room at 275 S. Spruce St. on Aug. 6, 2025, 2 -5 p.m. Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

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For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.

T OHIO CREEK WATERFRONT

Jane Elliott Catmur

Ellie Fern Hageman

No Kings protesters march down Main Street

On Saturday, June 14, demonstrators gathered at the corner of Ruby Avenue and Main Street to

group of protesters then

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad and Jacob Spetzler)

Rasmussen named new GVH comms director

Brings 15 years of experience to health care leadership role

Bobbie Hamblin Special to the Times

Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) appointed Erica Rasmussen as its new director of marketing and communications. Rasmussen will begin her transition on June 25 and assume full responsibilities in mid-July.

Rasmussen brings more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience to the role, with extensive background serving clients throughout the Gunnison Valley and Colorado's mountain communities. Her appointment comes as GVH continues expanding services to meet growing health care needs in the region.

"Erica's deep community connections and strategic marketing expertise make her uniquely qualified to advance GVH's mission," said Jason Amrich, CEO of Gunnison Valley Health. "Her proven ability to translate vision into measurable results will be invaluable as we strengthen our outreach and community engagement efforts."

For the past four years, Rasmussen has operated her own consultancy, Spark Your Spark, working with prominent local organizations including Gunnison Watershed School District, Western Colorado

University, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and Blister Summit.

Prior to launching her consultancy, Rasmussen served as senior marketing manager at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where she contributed to significant branding initiatives, community outreach programs and organizational transitions during the resort's ownership change.

Rasmussen's experience includes brand development,

public relations, and stakeholder communications.

"Clear communication is fundamental to quality health care delivery," Rasmussen said. "I look forward to working with the GVH team to ensure our community understands and can easily access the excellent care available right here in the Gunnison Valley."

(Source: Gunnison Valley Health.)

Western hosts summer camps and conferences

Seth Mensing Special to the Times

Western Colorado University is once again buzzing with summer activity. Over the next two months, 35 separate events will welcome nearly 7,000 visitors to campus through a variety of camps, conferences and academic gatherings.

The events, which range from youth sports and music camps to teacher trainings, are scheduled from early June through late July. During this time, Western’s residence halls, dining facilities, athletic fields and classrooms will be bustling with students, educators, coaches and families from across Colorado and beyond.

“We’re proud to be a host for so many incredible programs,” said Western President Brad Baca. “These summer events not only support education and

outreach, but also bring a lot of people to town to see firsthand what a Gunnison Valley summer is like.”

Four football camps, which will bring a combined 2,500 high school athletes to campus, and three wrestling camps are among the largest events. But offerings range from Alpine Brass Band and the Teacher Institute to a mountain bike camp and on-campus classes for the creative writing graduate program.

For the university, the summer activity is part of a broader effort to maximize the value of campus facilities year-round, while bringing summertime programming to the valley. Hotels, restaurants, shops and service providers will benefit from the influx of visitors, while many families take advantage of the opportunity to explore the valley during their stay.

“Summer at Western isn’t a quiet season — it’s a time when we open our doors to the world,” said Greg Hinze, deputy director of Athletics. He also oversees conference and event schedules. “We’re building relationships, creating memorable experiences for students and families and contributing to Gunnison’s vitality.”

After the last camp has ended, campus will quiet down until classes for the fall semester start on Aug. 25.

(Seth Mensing is the media and communications manager at Western Colorado University.)

Erica Rasmussen (Courtesy Gunnison Valley Health)

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LETTERS

Impactful and continued support

Editor:

OPINION

The City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation Department has long enjoyed a fruitful and productive relationship with the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec). Recently, MetRec has provided funding through its community grant platform for outdoor recreation programs for seniors, and recreation equipment replacement for youth sports. MetRec also provided $25,000 through its capital grant program to aid in the replacement of the Van Tuyl pedestrian bridge — a project that was completed on June 11.

The City of Gunnison would like to thank MetRec for their impactful and continued support.

Dan Vollendorf City of Gunnison

Who was the “King of Deportation”?

Editor:

Which American presidential said:

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Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.

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to secure the border and deport “criminal aliens” faster than ever before.

It may also surprise you to know that during “King” Barack Obama's two terms in office, from 2009 to 2017, approximately 3.1 million noncitizens were formally removed from the United States.

This number is based on data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for fiscal years 2009 to 2016. This still ranks as the highest number of deportations by any administration.

Neil Watko Cori Balch Gunnison County GOP

Thank you

Editor:

American Legion Post 54 would like to thank the many businesses who are participating in our annual Flag Program fundraiser. Your donations help us to conduct our operations, such as military honors services and our veterans breakfasts on the first Saturday of every month.

"Americans, not only in the States most heavily affected, but in every place in this country, are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. The jobs they hold might otherwise be held by citizens or legal immigrants. The public service they use impose burdens on our taxpayers. That's why our administration has moved aggressively to secure our borders more by hiring a record number of new border guards, by deporting twice as many criminal aliens as ever before, by cracking down on illegal hiring, and by barring welfare benefits to illegal aliens. In the budget I will present to you, we will try to do more to speed the deportation of illegal aliens who are arrested for crimes, to better identify illegal aliens in the workplace, as recommended by the commission headed by former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws. It is wrong and ultimately selfdefeating for a nation of immigrants to permit the kind of abuse of our immigration laws we have seen in recent years, and we must do more to stop it."

It may surprise you to hear that Trump did not make this statement. It is a quote from President Clinton’s 1995 State of the Union address. “At the time, illegal immigration to the United States had reached epidemic proportions, and every day Americans were crying out about lost jobs and increased burdens on taxpayers due to the rise in illegal immigration … As the debate raged on, President Clinton, nearing the end of his first term, had to respond. In his 1995 State of the Union address, he told both Congress and the nation that he heard them. His administration was going to move aggressively

and with that, the loss of individualism. It happened in Venezuela, once one of the richest and productive nations in the world. Today the poverty rate remains above 91%. If there is no opportunity for hard working farmers, ranchers or business owners to make a profit, they just quit. Why should they work when others just take? Then the food supply disappears and nations crumble. They are made equally miserable in the name of equality.

Rioters are being organized and paid to create chaos. Coordinated insurgency and defiance of law enforcement, the law, Donald Trump and total disregard for other people’s property is happening by people who want to be seen as heroes. There was no rioting from the conservatives during Biden's term.

This is all on the leftists who are being controlled as useful idiots. I have a niece who was paid to travel to D.C. for the Me-Too movement, all expenses paid. She heard Madonna announce she wanted to burn down the White House.

Mark High Gunnison

Divide and conquer

Editor:

If our country can be divided against itself, it will fall. That is what our enemies understand. We are foolish to not realize how we are being played against each other. Even family members are against each other. That's how Hitler divided.

Under the banner of nondiscrimination, these riots are being played out, against the people who protect us and the citizens of the United States in favor of the illegal immigrants who invaded our country at the invitation of the Biden administration.

Can you imagine going anywhere else in the world as an illegal immigrant and waiving your own country's flag while riots are taking place. It makes me wonder who is flying the flags on behalf of Mexico. Why would Mexican people risk drawing negative attention to themselves while being fearful of being deported? No, rather these are likely paid agitators.

It happened in England. The English people are being quickly out-birthed by their immigrants who have managed to be elected in every level of government. The UK left the European Union for this very reason. The EU was mandating how many immigrants each country should take. The English refused because they recognized they were losing their identity as a sovereign nation. There is a movement to promote world migration in order to create a one world order. You don't hear this from mainstream media. It can only happen by the elimination of God, the family unit, common sense, morals, capitalism,

gram that has supported many of these students, providing them with research training, is being cut. We are in danger of losing a large cohort of scientists who would otherwise be training to study and protect the environment that supports Colorado residents and attracts tourists. In a related issue, the pending proposal to sell large amounts of public land in Gunnison County (and elsewhere) also threatens the long-term research that I and other researchers at RMBL have conducted since it was founded in 1928. Many of our study sites are on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands that are now potentially at risk, including iconic Crested Butte and Gothic Mountains. The loss of this public land would reduce your constituents’ access to recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and hunting, and threaten the tourism industry in Gunnison County.

The main purpose for these riots is to continue the assault on Trump. Trump is not being puppeted like Biden was. We all need to wake up and understand what this is really all about. It's not about nondiscrimination. It's about taking down the greatest country that ever existed. The consequences of the riots will not be Trump's doing, because if we lose the rule of law, we lose our very nation, and Trump has sworn to protect our nation, and he will. Same as Biden, but he failed willingly.

Pam Randall Gunnison

I urge you to support funding for science

Editor:

Rep. Jeff Hurd, Sen. Michael Bennett and Sen. John Hickenlooper:

I’m a constituent of yours and am writing to express my concern about plans to significantly reduce the budget of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and how that could affect the economy of the area and people you represent.

I have worked at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) for 55 years, conducting research and doing some teaching. During this time, I have been the recipient of grants from the National Science Foundation that have brought $5 million to support research and facilities at RMBL. Because these funds have been spent in Gunnison County, they have contributed significantly to the local economy. Many other researchers have also brought their own NSF grant funding to the laboratory.

RMBL has trained thousands of students since 1928, and many of them have gone on to be researchers, teachers and professors in Colorado. The NSF pro-

One of our research projects is on native bees in Colorado, and Dr. Becky Irwin has identified hundreds of species of them in the parts of Gunnison County she has surveyed near Crested Butte, with assistance from taxonomists from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bee Lab, which has recently been closed. As the introduced honey bees have declined, our reliance on native pollinators has increased, yet we still know next to nothing about most of them and are at risk of losing some of them to extinction before we know much about them. We have documented a 60% decline in insect abundance at RMBL since the 1980s.

As you consider the budget, I urge you to support funding for science and scientists that will affect your constituents.

David W. Inouye Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Not patriotism

Editor:

They chose June 14, 2025, of all days, to protest.

Not because there’s a lack of days on the calendar, not because their voice is silenced, but because they wanted to make a statement. And in doing so, what they really said was this: their personal hatred for one man outweighs their respect for the generations of men and women who fought and died to give them that right in the first place.

This isn’t about justice. It’s not about freedom. It’s about pride and pettiness. They didn’t just protest a president. They protested the 250th birthday of the very Army that made sure they could stand there and shout. That’s not patriotism. That’s performative, selective outrage. And whether they realize it or not — that kind of action, it is anti-American.

2025 Member

Tom Marshall Gunnison County

‘I

pledge allegiance to the flag’

On Saturday, June 14, American Legion and Gunnison Elks Lodge hosted a Flag Day ceremony at Legion Park. Members gave speeches about what the flag represents and what it means to them. During the event, the group switched out the smaller American flag at the park for a larger one to usher in the busy summer season.

Scott Morrill Day

Gunnison County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution proclaiming June 17, 2025 to be “Scott Morrill Day.” Morrill recently retired as the county emergency management director — culminating a 21-year career in a variety of emergency response roles in the county.

The City Center

Your local government’s weekly community ad.

Upcoming Public Engagements

Information Session, Running for Cit y Council Monday, June 23 6:00 pm | City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue rd RSVP to eboucher@gunnisonco.gov

Public Input on Parking in Cit y Limits (Excluding Downtown Area) Tuesday, June 24 8:30 am | Gunnison Public Library th

Planning and Zoning Public Hearing West Thorn Development gunnisonco gov/PZmeetings

Wednesday, June 25 6:00 pm | City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue th

Public Input on Parking in Cit y Limits (Excluding Downtown Area) Tuesday, July 1 6:00 pm | Gunnison Public Library st

(Courtesy Justin Lee)

(Courtesy Gunnison County)

The decision came on the heels of executive director Melissa LaMonica’s resignation at the end of May. She spent a year in the role. The board feared launching yet another candidate search might leave them with the same result: an organization without a stable foundation, and lost progress in a community that is trying to claw its way out of a housing crisis.

For board president Laura Puckett Daniels, LaMonica’s departure begged the question: “What’s working and what’s not?” with the existing structure of the organization. After working through five leadership changes in two years (three executive directors and two interim directors), the Housing Authority has struggled to define its role within the community. It has been chronically underfunded and understaffed, and hampered by the differing expectations of the local governments that financially support it.

While the board struggled to reach a consensus, Puckett Daniels pushed for a vote, concerned that delays could derail some of the progress the Housing Authority has made over the last year. After nearly an hour and a half of discussion, the board voted, 7-2, to recommend the dissolution of the existing independent Housing Authority, and to rehouse its services within Gunnison County.

“I fought really, really hard for this organization, but I've definitely started to wonder if it's run its course,” Puckett Daniels said. “Maybe there's a better structure by which we can do this work in the community.”

As the Housing Authority board does not have the authority to finalize the decision, Puckett Daniels shared the recommendation with county commissioners at a regular meeting on Tuesday. According to County Manager Matthew Birnie, it will take time to unravel the Housing Authority because any transition will require financial analysis and planning, and ultimately approval from commissioners.

Funding is already in place through the end of the year. The details that surround staffing, and where certain programs will be housed will require more legwork in the coming months. Birnie was already aware of the situation as LaMonica was recently hired as the county’s new chief financial officer.

Since LaMonica stepped into the director role in May 2024, she has used her background in finance and real estate to expand the Housing Authority’s capacity to keep up with the growing inventory of deed-restricted homes and rentals, as well as the needs of the municipalities it serves. The organization increased its budget last year, and had plans to delve into whether it was ready to consider purchasing properties as a means of protecting low-income housing for residents — a common strategy other housing authorities use in Colorado.

New hires over the last year at the Housing Authority have launched a more robust deed-

restriction compliance program in the North Valley, property maintenance, improved accounting and translation services. With standard business hours for the first time, residents can walk in and speak to someone in the office, a service that hasn’t been available in the past.

“A lot of checks and balances are in place and we really have a true understanding organizationally of who we are, what we do, how we do it, where our money comes from, where our money goes,” LaMonica told city council during an update on May 27. “We've gotten to the point where we're no longer putting out fires. We are working very intentionally.”

Through the work of LaMonica and her growing team, a great deal of progress has occurred over the last year. But it’s a task that has been far from easy, LaMonica told the Housing Authority board during its monthly meeting last week.

Because of the existing structure of the organization, the role of the executive director has been “very underestimated,” she said.

The director is tasked with managing the relationships between the four entities that fund the Housing Authority: the City of Gunnison, the Town of Crested Butte, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte and Gunnison County — all of which have entirely different needs. The director must have the skills to manage IT, human resources and finances on top of their regular responsibilities. They also inherently become the face of projects, even when they fail.

“The reality is, this is a tough job … It's extremely legal. It's heavy in politics and relationships, while you still have this heavy workload to do,” she said.

Following LaMonica’s resignation, one path forward was for the board to hire another interim director, lead another search process and try to run the organization as is. But Puckett Daniels

wondered if there was a better way to provide these services to the community, she said.

The current structure of the Housing Authority has presented a number of challenges over the years. The Housing Authority and its board is formed through an intergovernmental agreement between the valley’s four local governments. All renegotiate how much money they will contribute to the organization each year based on their housing priorities. The annual uncertainty around how much money each partner will commit makes it difficult to build up programming and plan for the future.

When it comes time to renegotiate each jurisdiction's financial contribution, each town has different expectations for what they are paying for. The Town of Crested Butte has leaned heavily into home ownership programs, and has hundreds of deedrestricted properties in the North Valley. In contrast, Gunnison County has a large and growing portfolio of rentals.

City councilor Scott Frazier, a member of the Housing Authority board, described the existing funding arrangement as a “four-headed dragon.”

“If one of the heads drops out, fiscally there’s no budget to keep it going,” Frazier said.

The Housing Authority has historically been underfunded. And while the community has had a lot of opinions on what should be included in the organization’s mission, no one has had a strong grasp on how much it costs to actually do the work, Puckett Daniels told the Times After sorting through its operations, this year, LaMonica presented each town council a budgetary request that was much larger. The ensuing negotiations went on for hours.

While the LaMonica has proven that the organization can do the work, the Housing Authority’s track record shows years of instability. And with the

departure of another director, it may make for an even more difficult budget season this year.

One potential alternative model is allowing the county to take over the Housing Authority’s operations and solicit fees from the individual municipalities for services like property and deedrestriction management. Other board members believed that work could be split between the municipalities. For example, the city could potentially take over GV-Heat since it is an electricity distributor. It is also a service widely used in Gunnison.

Some board members disagreed, worried that partnerships — created to ensure each government’s needs are communicated — could be lost.

“Our strength has been that we represent the whole valley … We are housing everyone. We are housing each other's workers,” said Gabi Prochasksa. She was one of the two board members who voted against dissolving the organization. Valeda Scribner was the second.

LaMonica agreed that partnerships are “critical” now, and in the case the Housing Authority is re-integrated into the county. But they have also been a point of weakness over the years, and potentially have slowed down projects at the Housing Authority. Each jurisdiction has two seats on the board, but they do not have the authority to make decisions alone. The result is constant back-and-forth. Many decisions require a board member to report to their individual town council, and then back to the Housing Authority. The higher the stakes of the conversation, the more parties are involved, making collaboration even more cumbersome.

“[It’s] a recognition that this model of collaboration is slowing the work and impeding the whole community's ability to be responsive to the housing crisis … [With a different structure] I think more of the organization's

time will be spent on serving the community's needs,” Puckett Daniels told the Times

This whole process has already been done in reverse. The county used to have a “Gunnison County Housing Authority,” which oversaw the development of Mountain View Senior Apartments and the Rock Creek development in Gunnison, and the early conceptualization of Anthracite Place in Crested Butte. With staff taking inspiration from other regional housing authorities in Colorado and Oregon, it became a separate organization in 2012. The vision was for it to “build and operate housing,” Birnie told county commissioners on June 17.

Between its annual contribution and property management fees, the county currently pays just under half a million dollars per year to the Housing Authority. While at this point the county cannot commit to fully absorbing the organization and its staff, it’s already doing the “most fundamental” work: creating housing at scale, Birnie said. It's currently in the middle of its largest housing project in history, Whetstone.

“[It’s a] hard pill to swallow for me because I had this vision,” Birnie said. “It hasn't panned out in the way that we thought … So I do think this makes sense, it’s just a lot of details to work out.”

The restructuring process will likely stretch through the end of the year, and into budget season — when more formal decisions can be made. Birnie said it is unlikely the county will take over all of the Housing Authority’s functions, and instead will have to work to find the best place for various programs to live.

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@gunnisontimes.com.)

Gunnison County has been the lead on a number of new housing developments in valley including Sawtooth (above) and Whetstone. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

tures, it could get worse.”

Since Richards gave her report, the basin has indeed continued to dry out. Looking more broadly across Colorado, the state has moved from 44% with no drought conditions, down to 35% in the past six weeks.

The entirety of the Western Slope is abnormally dry (D0, or the lowest rating on the Drought Monitor’s scale), or experiencing moderate (D1) to extreme drought (D3). To the north, Aspen residents could face mandatory water restrictions as soon as this month, and numerous other communities across western Colorado have been sharing water-conservation messaging, including in Delta and Mesa counties, according to a June 17 article by Colorado Public Radio.

The seasonal drought outlook

for May 31 through August 31 shows that drought conditions will likely persist this summer. At this time, weather forecasters are not anticipating any kind of precipitation events to help improve conditions, Richards said. Monsoon forecasts will become available later this month, but it's unclear if they will occur in the southern part of the state, she said.

Precipitation over the past month has been “fairly good,” (as much as 200% of normal) throughout the county, helping ease the dry conditions and boost flows in the rivers and streams. But the wet May wasn’t enough.

“If we hadn't had the precipitation — and typically, May is a dry month — the drought conditions would be even worse than they are right now,” she said.

Based on the precipitation levels, to date, the valley’s existing drought conditions are similar to those seen 2022, Richards

al aid approach ensures that no one dialing 911 should experience a delayed response.

and Hinsdale Counties, together with the portion of Saguache County north and west of Cochetopa Pass. Anyone who makes a 911 call from within this area will be routed to GRCC.

The center has six lines for incoming emergency calls. In the unlikely event that all six lines are tied up, any additional calls automatically divert to a neighboring communications center, Bergman said. Likewise, GRCC may occasionally handle calls that have been rerouted from another region. This mutu-

Whenever an emergency call comes in, the most important task for the dispatcher, Bergman said, is to ascertain the caller’s location. This may be as simple as a street address or a highway mile marker, but in some situations the caller may have no idea where they are.

At that point, dispatchers have a wide array of modern technology at their disposal to help them narrow in on a location. At the very least, the caller’s cell phone itself can provide valuable information, based on which cell towers it is communicating with. The dispatch-

said. This was the same year Lake Powell dropped below a critical threshold elevation of 3,525 feet above sea level for the first time since it filled in 1980 — despite emergency releases in 2021 from reservoirs in the Upper Basin, including Blue Mesa. That year, Blue Mesa was 47% full.

The Upper Gunnison Basin sits at 18.4 inches of precipitation, which is 93% of the median. Water flows across much of the basin have already hit their peak for the season, many during the first week of June. For example, the Gunnison River peaked at roughly 2,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) on June 3. This week, flows had dropped below 1,000 cfs, and many stream gauge readings remained well below the historical average across the valley. The Taylor River at Almont is flowing at 430 cfs, compared to 1,100 cfs this time last year.

Recent data and satellite imagery collected by Airborne Snow

er will also ask for the caller’s name and the nature of the emergency. There is a national standard, Bergman said, that requires dispatchers to gather all of this information within two minutes of answering a call.

The dispatcher will then decide which emergency services are needed and dispatch them using a shared radio network. Those services can include county and municipal law enforcement, paramedics, fire departments, National Park Service rangers and local search and rescue teams.

Aside from 911, dispatch also has a regular phone number for non-emergency contact. That number, too, is available 24/7.

Observatories (ASO) flights show snow lingering in high elevations. The hope is once this snow starts to melt, it will boost flows. But unless a large flush occurs, it is unlikely the rivers will reach a second peak, she said.

Water managers were able to delay increased water releases from Taylor Reservoir in an effort to conserve water for the commercial fishing and rafting industry. The intent was to “ride the wave” of the peak melt a little longer, so reservoir operators can provide more water into late July and early August, said Upper Gunnison District Manager Sonja Chavez. If the drought persists, it could mean shorter boating seasons and lost revenue for outfitters such as Three Rivers Resort and Scenic River Tours.

“We could definitely say that this year we will not have water for Labor Day weekend,” Chavez said. “It’s going to be tough here on the rivers.”

However, emergency calls are always the dispatchers’ top priority, Bergman said. When someone calls the non-emergency number, they may have to wait if dispatchers are tied up with emergencies.

“An emergency is anything that requires police, fire or EMS assistance,” Bergman said. “But we have a rule that nothing dies in dispatch.”

Even in a non-emergency situation, dispatchers will do the best they can to put the caller in contact with someone who can help them, she said. The scope of these non-emergencies can be incredibly varied — everything from a request for a welfare check on an elderly relative

Taylor Reservoir is currently 83% full, and Blue Mesa, 65%. The forecasted runoff volume for Blue Mesa is 645,000 acre feet, which is 71% of average. Downstream, Lake Powell is 34% full, and water forecasters are predicting a total of 3.67 million acre-feet of inflows, which is 73% of average. Storage at Lake Powell has fallen about 1.3 million acre-feet from last year as more water has been released to the Lower Basin than is flowing into the reservoir. Headlines in the Salt Lake Tribune in May read that the “lackluster runoff prediction comes as over half of Utah’s counties are suffering from drought.”

“Conditions are going to be a little dire as we get later in the season,” Richards said.

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@gunnisontimes.com.)

to someone whose car is stuck in a snow bank and needs a tow. In fact, on a day-to-day basis non-emergencies typically outnumber emergency calls five to one. In 2024, GRCC handled more than 6,000 emergency calls and nearly 30,000 non-emergencies. There is also significant seasonality in overall call volume, which typically spikes during the summer months, she said.

(William Spicer is a Gunnison based writer.)

Volunteers, dig in!

Mountain Roots Food Project and the Crested Butte Land Trust hosted a farm tour and digin day on June 7 at Glacier Farm. Volunteers got their hands dirty and helped get the garden ready for a productive season. After a tour, the group prepared soil beds for planting, transplanted starts and painted signs for the garden.

Sounds of Sunday

Locals gathered at Legion Park for the first Sundays@6 free summer concert of the season on June 15. Lawn chairs, bikes and picnic blankets filled the grass as community members of all ages came together to enjoy the live music and warm weather.

(Courtesy Jess Forbes and Kristen Aaltonen)

(Photo by Jaden McNeese)

Matt Tredway to release new book in July

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Matt Tredway reclined at his Steamboat Springs home, where intricately-stamped saddles, leather bridles and roping boots filled his tack room. While surrounded by his countless “cowboy tools,” the Western Colorado University graduate is often transported back to his stomping grounds: the Gunnison Country, and his days driving cattle in the early 1970s.

It’s these memories that inspired Tredway’s first book, titled “The West, Essays of Mountain Cowboys.” The collection of stories, centered around Gunnison’s cattlemen, is scheduled to hit bookshelves next month.

“I have such a reverence for those ranchers, and how special it was to be out riding and taking care of cattle,” Tredway said. “These are stories that when I look back, I get a bit choked up, because I didn’t necessarily take them for granted, but I certainly didn’t understand the gravity of that time in my life.”

Despite growing up in the city of Gunnison, Tredway’s “town kid,” upbringing didn’t stunt his career on horseback. On summer days, the aspiring cowboy rode his bike to the Cranor Ranch every morning, and baled and bucked heavy stacks of hay at just 12 years old. As Tredway grew up, he worked his way around local ranches, irrigating fields and building fences. But his fondest memories came while driving cattle near Tin Cup. In the warm months, a group of ranchers pooled their cattle and drove them northeast onto thousands of acres of Forest Service land. Tredway spent those days guiding the herd, and working alongside other ranchers and hired hands.

“It was a really special time,” Tredway said. “I look back and see that the ranchers were the first ecologists — they truly took care of the land. They spent their time worrying about other life — in cattle and horses specifically — and that was a very serious endeavor. [That work] creates a quality person, and as I look back, their steadfast devotion left a big mark on me.”

Tredway’s cowboy upbringing led to his studies at Western. He joined the first semester of the university’s outdoor education program, and began a career as an instructor with NOLS. In the years that followed, Tredway joined expeditions to the summit of Denali, peaks in Canada and South America and an Everest attempt in 2006. Then, after spending 23 years teaching math and science in Steamboat, he founded Everything Outdoor

Steamboat, an outdoor education program that introduced youth to mountaineering, rock and ice climbing and kayaking.

But nowadays, while spending time crafting leather saddles and chaps from his Steamboat Springs home, Tredway’s mind wanders back to the pastures of Spring Creek, and the men he rode alongside. “The West, Essays of Mountain Cowboys,” tells these stories. Each chapter is inspired by a tool in Tredway’s tack room: an old pair of boots, a horseshoeing box and a set of spurs, that harken back to the golden age of the Gunnison cattlemen.

In one corner of Tredway’s tack room, an iron horse bit, with a U.S. stamp on the cheek piece, reminds him of days driving steers with a Harmels rancher named Cass Leonard. On a nearby shelf, a Native American hide scraper takes Tredway back to conversations with rancher Matt Robbins, and stories of his forced eviction from Iola during the Blue Mesa Dam construction in 1962.

“I became so ingrained in the area ranches, which were a big part of the community,” Tredway said. “Looking back, I’ve come to realize the significance of that. This book is a way to pay it forward to those characters that I worked with.”

“The West, Essays of Mountain Cowboys,” is set for a release in July. Tredway plans to schedule a series of bookstore visits in Gunnison and Steamboat Springs in the coming weeks.

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

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“The West, Essays of Mountain Cowboys,” is set for a release in July. (Courtesy Matt Tredway)

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Gunnison celebra el mes de la herencia inmigrante

Laura

Cardozo

Special to the Times

“Tú perteneces” es el tema del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Inmigrante de 2025. Establecida en 2014, esta celebración anual, que se celebra en junio, honra la integración de los inmigrantes y celebra sus notables contribuciones a la sociedad estadunidense, que van más allá de su rol en la fuerza laboral e incluyen su espíritu emprendedor y su vital labor para fortalecer los lazos comunitarios.

La diversidad cultural es una característica histórica de Estados Unidos. La inmigración

continua ha moldeado la cotidianidad de las comunidades, fortaleciendo la herencia multicultural, gastronómica, lingüística y económica del país. El equipo de colaboradores de “Juntos Por Gunnison” convocó a la comunidad a una integración cultural en el marco de la celebración del Mes de la Herencia Inmigrante. Personas de diferentes países de origen como Guatemala, México, Colombia y hasta Camerún, entre otras nacionalidades presentes en el evento, compartieron una jornada donde fueron exponentes de sus tradiciones y exquisita gastronomía tradicional.

Antonio Flórez, de origen mexicano, comentó sentirse sorprendido por la cantidad de personas de diferentes lugares con las que tuvo la oportunidad de compartir. “Vivo en Gunnison hace 25 años y esta es la primera vez que puedo asistir a la celebración de la herencia inmigrante. Este evento cambia mi punto de vista sobre la comunidad porque puedo ver que somos una unión de diferentes países”, expresó. De acuerdo con las estadísticas demográficas, los hispanos representan el 9.9% de la población del condado de Gunnison. Una cifra significativa, teniendo en cuenta el fenómeno migratorio de los

últimos años. Este crecimiento de la población inmigrante ha generado diferentes desafíos ante los cuales la comunidad ha sabido organizarse para apoyar a los nuevos residentes. La docente Lisa Edwards, quien se mostró muy cercana a sus estudiantes de la Escuela de Gunnison durante el evento, comentó: “Si yo participo en eventos como este, pienso que puedo tener conexiones con mis estudiantes y sus familias, y puedo conocer de dónde vienen. Todos me han hecho sentir que soy bienvenida”.

La celebración reflejó una vez más que Gunnison es una

ciudad inclusiva y diversa. Organizaciones locales proinmigrantes como “Juntos Por Gunnison” fortalecen la integración de la comunidad y enseñan a las nuevas generaciones la importancia de la población inmigrante y la riqueza multicultural del valle de Gunnison.

(Laura Cardozo is a Gunnisonbased writer.)

Gunnison celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month

Laura Cardozo Special to the Times

"You Belong" is the theme for National Immigrant Heritage Month 2025. Established in 2014, this annual observance, held in June, honors the integration of immigrants and celebrates their remarkable contributions to American society, which go beyond their role in the workforce and include their entrepreneurial spirit and vital work in strengthening community ties.

Cultural diversity is a historical characteristic of the United States. Continued immigration has shaped the daily life of communities, strengthening the country's multicultural, gastronomic, linguistic and economic heritage.

The "Juntos Por Gunnison" (Together for Gunnison) team of collaborators invited the community to a cultural integration event within the framework of Immigrant Heritage Month celebration. People from different countries of origin such as Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia and even Cameroon, among other nationalities pres-

ent at the event, shared a day where there were showcases of their traditions and exquisite traditional cuisine.

Antonio Flórez, of Mexican origin, commented that he felt surprised by the number of people from different places he had the opportunity to share with.

"I have lived in Gunnison for 25 years and this is the first time I have been able to attend the immigrant heritage celebration,” he said. “This event changes my perspective on the community because I can see that we are a union of different countries.”

According to demographic statistics, Hispanics represent 9.9% of Gunnison County's population. A significant figure, considering the migratory phenomenon of recent years. This growth in the immigrant population has generated different challenges that the community has known how to organize itself to support new residents.

Teacher Lisa Edwards, who showed herself very close to her students from Gunnison School during the event, commented: "If I participate in events like

this, I think I can have connections with my students and their families, and I can learn where they come from. They have all made me feel welcome."

The celebration reflected that

Gunnison is an inclusive and diverse city. Local pro-immigrant organizations like "Juntos Por Gunnison" strengthen community integration and teach new generations the impor -

tance of the immigrant population and the multicultural richness of the Gunnison Valley.

(Laura Cardozo is a Gunnison-based writer.)

Residents of diverse nationalities gather at Legion Park to celebrate National Immigrant Heritage Month. (Photo by Laura Cardozo)

required approval for well from the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District which can be transferred at closing. Buyer of lot may also pay for tap fees to hook into the City water and sewer main that will has already been extended north by the City.There is a shared road/driveway into the subdivision and it will be completed by this fall as well. Lot has been surveyed and a building envelope has been established for a single family residence but other dwellings such as barns/sheds etc. will be allowed. Come enjoy some country living with incredible views of mountains up Ohio Valley and the Palisades while being so close to town.

457 Ute Dr. (Arrowhead) MLS# 820145 $40,000 Beautiful, secluded 1 acre lot located on the north edge of the Arrowhead subdivision off of the main road. Bring your RV or plan to build your private mountain retreat on this sloped,

Yard of the Week

The Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded Margaret Alcock and Steven Voet with Yard of the Week. Despite the availability of the much-loved city ditch water, the couple decided to xeriscape the yard, located at 402 S. Taylor Street. Having relocated from Santa Fe, the pair were familiar with that type of landscaping, and with the ongoing, long-term drought, it was appealing to minimize their water usage. The yard is covered with over 50 tons of local cobbles and crushed rock arranged in various patterns, with some areas covered with wood chips. Numerous aspens and drought-tolerant native and nonnative bushes and flowers are spread throughout the yard to “soften” the hard look of the rockscape. It’s somewhat of an “accidental garden,” since many of the plants are volunteers that have self-seeded in the rock crevices. Unless they’re weeds or locally noxious plants, they are allowed to flourish and add to the wonderful diversity and visual interest of the xeriscape flora.

Business Yard of the Month

Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded the Reesers business Yard of the Month. “Our property at 117 W. Georgia (corner of Wisconsin Street & Georgia) was recently remodeled and added on to with the completion of the project in August 2024,” said Richard (Rich) Reeser, owner and operator of Blue Valley Carpentry , LLC. “The original historic home that my wife Jody's business operates out of has had numerous businesses and families occupy it over its many years. Built in 1925, this home had everything from private residences to a bakery, hair salon and offices that supported the laundry business next door, years ago. My wife, Jody Reeser of J Reeser Architect, LLC moved into the building as a rental for her office in 2013 and did a few improvements. She rented this property until our purchase of the building, with empty lot space to the south in 2023. Jody designs residential and small commercial architecture, but her passion has always been specializing in historical preservation. She sits on a few historical preservation committees, and has preserved and renovated many historical buildings. The large lilac bush next to her front porch has been there for generations and is the highlight to the expanding flower beds. The new south brick addition that was built and completed in 2024 to the south of Jody's building was designed by J Reeser Architect and built by both Jody and my company.”

(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)

(Courtesy

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

$925,000 MLS# 824869

Spacious 2,632 S.F., 4-Bedroom/2 Bath Home in Fairview Subdivision – 10 Minutes from Gunnison. Family room, workout space, updated in 2021. Set on 1 acre with its own well and septic system. 532 sq ft 2 car attached garage, fenced-in yard, & loafing sheds.

$925,000 MLS# 825079

This three-bedroom, two-bath mountain home on 1.900 acres features new flooring throughout and panoramic lake views from nearly every room. 2,060 S.F., with two living areas, there’s plenty of space to relax, entertain, or host guests. A new septic system was installed in 2021. The property also has a successful rental history, making it ideal as a vacation retreat or investment.

$549,000 MLS# 825306

Turn-key cozy cabin in Pitkin, CO! Wrap-around deck, 2 propane stoves, a main-floor bedroom with 3/4 bath, an additional full bath. Loft space large enough for a bonus room, and a laundry room. It is nicely furnished with both antiques and new furniture. There is also an oversize two-car garage and a couple sheds. Plenty of room to park vehicles and trailers/campers off-street as well as in back off the alley.

Under a shady cottonwood

Coldharbour Institute hosted a restoration day at the ranch on June 14. The Coldharbour crew trained volunteers on the techniques used to protect cottonwoods from beavers and browsers. During the event, volunteers helped fence, tube and protect cottonwood saplings. The group also planted approximately 40 new cuttings as part of an ongoing wetland and riparian restoration project on Tomichi Creek. The restoration day was supported by 1% for Open Space and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District.

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce celebrated Katie Dautrich's newly renovated space at the MAYA Wellness Center with a ribbon cutting on June 7.

(Courtesy Julie Nania/Coldharbour Institute)

(Courtesy Leora Wallace/Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)

Gunnison Farmers Market in full swing

New vendors a sign of growth

Enid Holden Special to the Times

Making a vibrant splash downtown and kicking off an early and robust summer season, the Gunnison Farmer’s Market reemerged at the intersection of Main and Virginia Streets over the past two Saturdays.

Locals and visitors alike were seen carrying off plants, fruit and organic produce, as well as unique crafts and novelties in the fine weather. Children played in water spurted from the fountain and residents picnicked to the tune of live music in IOOF Park.

According to the current market manager, Chloe Brackenbury, many of the favorite regular vendors are back this year. But there are also many welcome newcomers, especially in the arts and crafts sector. Market Director Beth Coop said that the market keeps expanding with the inclusion of new vendors, some now joining from Crested Butte like the drinks distillers. While the market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday until midOctober, some vendors participate right away while others join later depending on their ripening schedules, customer base or seasonality.

“Participating last year taught

me a lot,” said Deanna Berry who shares a stall with her son John Lavato who sells laser engravings as Lavawares LLC. Lavato said he’d noticed how the market had grown with “more vendors, more variety, more traffic.” He noted that last year it took profits from four weekly markets to cover the vendor’s fee and this year, it was paid for entirely in proceeds from just two weeks.

Berry’s Back Country Creations offers framed images and antler centerpieces, but she said her bestseller is her “stuffies,” handmade animal dolls.

For local flavors from the food and produce vendors, stroll around and choose from Base Camp Bakery, Barb Johnson, Bajaras Dream Orchard, Calder Farm, Connor Orchards, Helen’s Pickles, Gracie’s Farmstead, Gunnison Gardens, new addition Jamie’s Jerky, Thistle Whistle Farm and Luna Bakery. Luna is currently opening up a storefront on Tomichi Avenue, but will be represented all season long at the Saturday markets.

Long-time grower and vendor Susan Wyman of Gunnison Gardens waved from behind piles of Bok choy and already had potted strawberry plants to disperse. Wyman typically sells out her farm-fresh eggs and organic vegetables before closing time and has a solid following of locals who support her operation.

“[We are] growing a lot of food this season with more produce coming right along due to the

earlier growing season and the relatively warmer nights for this time of year,” she said. “The Greenhouse cucumbers should soon be in, and maybe different produce as soon as the Fourth.”

In terms of beverages, Gunnison local Buckel Family Wine has returned with fine crafted wines, joined for the first time this year by Montanya’s Distillers bringing craft rum from Crested Butte, and Anthracite Spirit Company, a micro distillery that will mix custom cocktails on site for private consumption. The business offers gin, aperitifs, liqueurs and complex cocktail concoctions.

Live music plays a big role in providing a community ambience and a gathering spot in the adjacent IOOF Park. The tradi-

tion of spotlighting local musicians not only adds a cultural note, but encourages customers to linger. The lineup of live music for June is Jim Davidson, Mitch Melodia, Jack Enea next week and Kris Bloomer on June 28. July will showcase Bad Guys Wear Black, Bill Dowell, Victor Andrada and Atmospheric River respectively. Musicians lined up for August are Atmospheric River, Kris Bloomer, Stefan Bodevin, Brett Darby Price and Evelyn Roper. Brackenbury helps organize the layout of vendors, allocate spaces, distribute SNAP and perform outreach. The current farmers market season is showing growth, she said, with an ebb and flow of regulars. The market so far has been busy with

the nice weather and live music lined up weekly. She said the market’s social media has been louder, which gets more people out downtown. The variety of products — especially in the arts and crafts section — invites curiosity and exploration.

Angie Fike and Bryce Ringman of Thistle Whistle Farm said they have witnessed a flurry of activity in the past two weeks which bodes well for the season. A few of the new vendor displays to check out are Szumilas Art, Miss B’s Sundries, Sylvia and Liliana’s Creations and Bound Beaded. A full list of vendors and musicians can be found online at gunnisonfarmersmarket.org.

(Enid Holden is a Gunnisonbased arts and culture writer.)

Bryce Ringman and Angie Fike of Thistle Whistle Farms. (Photo by Enid Holden)

Bingo’s back

The Gunnison Elks Lodge welcomed the return of its weekly bingo night on June 17. Participants of all ages stamped cards and prayed for the coveted “black-out card,” jackpot. The Elks Lodge will host Bingo nights every Tuesday, with the action starting at 7:30 p.m.

Cancer Screening Access Fund Your pathway to prevention

The Cancer Screening Access Fund provides up to $2,000 per person to cover the cost of prostate, colon, lung and uterine cancer screenings.

Thanks to $75,000 in funding from Gunnison Tough, the GVH Foundation and Living Journeys, this resource helps uninsured and underinsured community members access lifesaving care.

For more information about the fund, contact the GVH Foundation at 970-642-8406.

(Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

Gunnison County Electric Association

Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) invites all members to attend its Annual Meeting June 24 at 5 p.m. at its headquarters in Gunnison. This year’s theme is “More Power to Ya,” and we’re embracing a fun ‘70s vibe’—feel free to dress the part. Dinner provided for free by 5B’s BBQ. For more information, visit gcea.coop or call 970.641.3520.

American Legion flag program

American Legion Post 54 will be setting up American flags on Main Street and Tomichi Avenue on Independence Day, during the Cattlemen's Day parade, and on Patriots' Day. Please contact Mark High at 970.901.8400 if you would like your business to help with the American Legion Flag Program.

High Country Conservation Advocates

High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) begins its Don Baker Legacy Hikes on June 25. Hikes run through Aug. 27. Hike descriptions and registration are at hccacb.org. Join in and enjoy your public lands.

Gunnison

Basin Sage-

Grouse Strategic Committee

The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be June 18 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the Planning Commission Meeting Room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more updated information please visit gunnisoncounty.org/187/ Gunnison-Basin-Sage-GrouseStrategic-Com. This meeting will discuss updates for the Habitat Prioritization Tool used in Gunnison County's land use planning process.

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.

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

AND Series resin + rose

Join us June 19 at 5:30 p.m. to make unique resin artwork with Shana Vogel and sip on rose. This is a 21+ class.

‘Anytime’: Epic Freeride

Join us June 20 from 8-9 p.m. for “Anytime” a feature-length mountain bike film from Red Bull Media House and Anthill Films, presented by Shimano. The world’s top freeride mountain bike athletes take on some of the most challenging locations around the world.

Patio Pottery

Join us June 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. with Kit Wijkowski on the patio for a fun hands on class where you will hand build pride planters. This is a 15+ class.

3 Simple and Essential Ferments

Join us June 28 at 12:30 p.m. with chef Ashley Anderson for a hands on intro to fermentation where you will learn to make 3 gut friendly ferments and learn how they support a healthy microbiome.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

Cookbook Club

Join us June 19 from 6-8 p.m. for a collaborative potluck inspired by Listen to Your Vegetables: Italian-Inspired Recipes for Every Season by Sarah Grueneberg. The cost is $25.

One to One:

John and Yoko’

Join the Crested Butte Film Festival, the Center for the Arts, and KBUT for the screening of “One to One: John and Yoko” on June 21 at 7 p.m. The film is a visual and musical exploration of the transformative 18 months John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent in Greenwich Village in the early 1970s. The cost is $20.

Alpenglow: Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass

Join us June 23 from 5:307:30 p.m. for Paul Hoffman, the dynamic frontman of Greensky Bluegrass, blends acoustic roots with a fearless, boundary-pushing sound. He is known for his raw energy, captivating mandolin work, and relentless pursuit of musical exploration.

Summer Classics in the Courtyard: Spinphony

Join us June 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. for the instrumental crossover string quartet “Spinphony”. They have performed shows worldwide and collaborated with 2 Cellos, Evanescense, Il Volo, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé to name a few.

Presale is currently live via the QR code.

The Carnival runs:

July 2 - 5 to 10 pm

July 3 - 5 to 10 pm

July 4 - 3 to 10:30 pm

July 5 - 3 to 10:30 pm

July 6 - 2 to 9 pm Located at the Fairgrounds East side entrance.

Cimarron Wealth Management was awarded one of USA TODAY’s Best Financial Advisory Firms for 2024. We’re thrilled to receive the honor and grateful to our clients and community for help making it possible.

New mural unveiled

Gunnison community members celebrated "The Rainbow Trout" Mural created by Jennifer Vannatta, owner of Fig Hollow, on

June 10 with a ribbon cutting. Vannatta began

on the mural at the

of April and it took about a month to complete the 100-foot wall — making it the largest mural in Gunnison. It is located on the west wall of Hi Country Carpet near Gunnison Coffee.

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

GCS - Significant Support Needs EA

CBES - Permanent Substitute Substitute teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

CBSS - .71 Gifted/Talented Teacher

CBSS - .57 Spanish Teacher District Psychologist

GCS - Special Education Teacher

COACHING

CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach

GHS - Asst. Dive coach

GMS - 7th Grade Volleyball Coach

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

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is seeking a qualified candidate to fill an Associate Banker position in our Gunnison Banking location. This is an excellent opportunity with competitive salary and benefits. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com.

HEADWATERS PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT is seeking individuals for summer positions with potential for full time employment. No experience required but is preferred. Yard work and general maintenance, starting pay $22/hr with room to grow. Please send resumes to headwaterspm@gmail.com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Bunker Crew Team Member, $18-$20/hr.; Dinner Sous Chef, $27-$30/ hr. + gratuity. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or send an email to jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

STEPPING STONES CHILDREN’S

CENTER IS HIRING: We offer competitive pay starting at $20-$23 depending on experience including benefits. Job consists of working with kids ages 12 weeks to 5 years old. Visit us in Crested Butte and come be a part of our team! Send your interest and resume to Steppingstonescb@gmail.com.

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE

TOWN COUNCIL is seeking letters of interest from qualified individuals for the position of Municipal Court Judge. A qualified candidate for the Municipal Court Judge position has been admitted to the Colorado Bar, is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and is a Gunnison County Resident. To apply for the position, please submit a letter of interest and your resume to toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov or Tiffany O’Connell, Town Clerk, Town of Mt. Crested Butte, PO Box 5800, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. For more information regarding the position please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. Priority will be given to applications received before June 30, 2025.

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.

Shop Technician I

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

Summer Seasonal

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

IT Help Desk Technician

Information Technology: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $26.51 to $30.19, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Utility Water/Wastewater Manager

Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $39.11 to $44.53, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II – Nurse Family Partnership Health & Human Services: 32 hours/week, hourly range from $34.81 to $42.31, depending on experience, plus full benefits.

Planning Technician/Planner I Community Development: 40 hours/week, hourly range from Planning Technician: $27.84 to $31.69 Planner I: $31.28 to $35.61, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

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

ColoraSdtoa tCelwasidseif iNeedt A

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado Newspapers for only $300, contact your local Newspaper or email rtoledo@colopress net

Inogen

Today! 1-855-720-8701

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One Free information kit! Call: 844-823-0293

To Place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado Newspapers for $300 Contact your local Newspaper or email rtoledo@colopress net

SPECTRUM IS HIRING a Business

Account Executive for the Gunnison Valley. You’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the local community. The AE role is responsible for selling communications solutions to local busineses. Apply online at jobs. spectrum.com/job/gunnison/accountexecutive/4673/81889404144

TOMICHI TREES IS HIRING: Ground Worker: $30/hr minimum, more DOE. Experience is a plus, but not required. Will be working with chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, ropes, loading grapples and dump trucks/trailers. Call 970-901-6680.

HELP WANTED:

Saguache County Chief Financial Officer. Saguache County is in search of a Chef Finance Officer that will take charge of the financial health of Saguache County by administering accounting operations to meet legal requirements, also ability to manage the financed department to assure financial requirements are met. This position should be familiar with audits, invoices and budget preparations. Applications available at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov or in the Saguache County Administration Office, 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO. You may also contact April Quintana at 719-655-2231 or aquintana@saguachecounty-co.gov for more information. Applications close on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Saguache County is an EEO employer. Drug testing and background check will be required for final applicants.

COOK - $18.90 – 23.40/hour DOE EVS TECH, HOUSEKEEPING, FT - $18 – $23/hour GUNNISON

Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits.

Please visit our website for more indepth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online at gunnisonvalleyhealth. org/careers or call HR for questions 970-641-1456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.

Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Starting salary range is $52,600 - $65,797 , depending on qualifications and experience. The town offers an amazing benefits package, including paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your dependents, paid life insurance and longterm disability insurance, 13 paid holidays a year, vacation time, sick time, and PERA retirement package. Applicant must have a seven-year clean driving record. Applications will be accepted until a qualified pool of candidates is established, but preference will be given to applicants who apply before June 30, 2025. For the full job description please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Nate Stepanek at n.stepanek@mtcbpd.us or 970-349-6516. To apply please email your cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to Nate Stepanek at n.stepanek@mtcbpd.us.

ICLEAN IN CRESTED BUTTE is looking for cleaners. Pay DOE. Please call 970-3312417.

Buscamos limpiadores para trabajar en Crested Butte. Por favor, comuníquese con IClean al 970-331-2417.

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local, Crested Butte-born residential construction company, growing regionally. Excellent pay. Text/Call 970-5961131.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: The Mt. Crested Butte Police Department is hiring for a full-time administrative assistant. This position provides high level administrative support for the police department. Primary responsibilities includes: answer, manage and direct phone calls for the Police Department, Perform Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspections, Coordinate fingerprinting process, both criminal and civil, Take minor police reports from the general public, Assist officers with cases, case follow up and computer work, Secure grant awards and complete required grant auditing to ensure award compliance, Prepare, analyze and distribute monthly report for the Gunnison County Sheriffs Office, Dispatch radio communications for the Police Department, Serve as Public Information Officer, execute media interviews, public relations and prepare all external departmental communication, Serve as Evidence Coordinator, Ability to complete the required specialized training and certificates within six months of hire, including the following: CCIC Coordinator, NIBRS Certification, CORA Certification, call out and drug screening as necessary. Must pass a criminal background check and motor vehicle check. Hours are Monday through

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a Deputy Marshal. The Deputy Marshal performs a full range of law enforcement duties necessary to ensure public safety, protect life and property, and enforce laws and ordinances. Compensation: No POST $32.51 - $38.25 per hour ($67,621 - $79,560 per year) / POST laterals negotiable. Requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, Colorado Driver’s License or obtain one within 30 days of employment, possess a valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or obtain one within 1 year from date of employment, must be 21 at time of POST certification. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at www. townofcrestedbutte.com. Please submit your application, cover letter, and resume to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov. Position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

POWERSTOP is looking for head cook. Pay is $50,000 minimum, position also offers paid time off and health insurance reimbursement. Pay is based on 40 hours a week. Applications must be able to work mornings or evenings and weekends. Resumes to be in a sealed envelope attention Sean. Drop off at Powerstop.

THE MT. CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator and/or Licensed Electrician to join a team responsible for operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant and collection system for the District. Entry-Level: Starting salary $53,100 to $59,500. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at time of hire or must be obtained within one (1) year. A State of Colorado Collections and Wastewater license, or the ability to obtain both within one (1) year, is required (training material provided). Experienced Operators or Licensed Electricians: Starting salary $59,500 to $75,000. Operators must meet entry-level qualifications and have experience in construction, field operations, lab analysis, and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair. Operators work a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule, participate in an on-call rotation, including select weekends and holidays. The

District offers an excellent benefits package including the following: 100% employer-paid family health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance premiums, 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, personal and sick leave, a wellness bonus, employer-provided uniforms, boots, personal protective equipment, and a retirement plan with up to 8% employer match. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225, or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until it is filled. Full job description available at www.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 Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Umpires, Skateboarding and Gymnastics. 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.

GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Pay DOE. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison.

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

PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a Program Advocate for a 28 hour/week position to serve 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 CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a summer seasonal Assistant Racquets Professional. Pay range is $20-21/hr. + commission. Commission rates for private instruction DOE. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or emailjobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.

ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING: ID Sculpture designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures, and fine art sculptures for parks, schools, and public spaces across the country. We use

a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.

IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. We offer benefits including PTO, healthcare, and retirement. ID Sculpture is an equal opportunity employer. We are currently seeking:

Product Engineer Supports design and engineering with technical design documents, shop drawings, CAM preparation and analysis. Ideal candidates are proficient in Rhino, detail oriented and ready to join a team. Mechanical engineering degree preferred. Salaried compensation $60k-$90k with room to advance.

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

To apply for this unique opportunity, please provide a resumé, cover letter and references to hello@idsculpture.com with the position of interest in the subject line, or drop off your resume at 591 S. Boulevard St. Gunnison CO 81230. Learn more about what we do at idsculpture. com.

PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON

VALLEY seeks a Program Advocate for a 28 hour/week position to serve 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 www.hope4gv.org/ employment.

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT ASSOCIATE:

Alan Wartes Media is recruiting for an Advertising Account Associate for the Gunnison Country Times and Gunnison Country Shopper. We’re seeking a proven sales professional that has a demonstrated track record of driving growth and new business development. Great opportunity for an experienced media sales rep, recent college grad or those looking to make a career change from outside of the media business. We offer an excellent compensation plan ranging from $50K to $80K+, great support and training, a fun work environment and lots of autonomy.

Position Overview: The Advertising Account Associate

is responsible for managing client relationships, developing advertising strategies and ensuring client satisfaction.

This role requires a blend of sales, marketing and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Management:

- Act as the primary point of contact for assigned clients.

- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships.

- Understand clients’ business objectives and advertising needs.

Strategy Development:

- Collaborate with internal teams to develop effective advertising campaigns.

- Present campaign proposals to clients and negotiate terms.

- Monitor campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Sales and Business Development:

- Identify and pursue new business opportunities.

- Prepare and deliver sales presentations.

- Engage in networking activities.

- Meet and exceed sales targets.

Reporting and Analysis:

- Provide regular reports on campaign progress and results.

- Analyze data to identify trends and insights.

- Present findings to clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, or a related field.

- Proven experience in sales or account management, preferably in the advertising industry.

- Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

- Ability to build and maintain client relationships.

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Skills

- Client Relationship Management

- Sales and Business Development

- Strategic Planning

- Communication and Presentation

- Data Analysis

Interested candidates should apply directly with an email message and resume to Alan Wartes at publisher@gunnisontimes.com.

KITCHEN LINE COOK WANTED AT PUBLIC HOUSE: Join our team and prepare varied cuisines in a fast paced kitchen. Morning prep, lunch and dinner shifts available. This full-time or part-time, seasonal role starts at $25-$30/hour, depending on qualifications, plus tips and potential for company subsidized housing.

The season runs to Oct. Please apply online at elevenexperience.com/careers/ or email jobs@elevenexperience.com for more information on how to apply.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF PRACTICE CLOSURE: Effective 7/31/2025: William S. Timothy, MD Peak Physiatry, LLC 112 Spencer Ave., Gunnison, CO, 81230

Patients may obtain records by contacting: Morgan Records Management Phone: 833-888-0061 Email: Medical@MorganRM.com Online: MorganRecordsManagement. com>Request My Records

REAL ESTATE

2 LOTS: Approximately 1 acre each in a private retreat at Hwy 135 & Cr 10. Both with water rights. Both have use of common area of approximately 1 acre around old ranch house. One is a walk out lot. The lot at the east end of the property $1,750/share with 100 shares minimum. West lot with walk out potential $2,500/share with 100 share minimum. Call 970-641-5641.

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

ARTIST STUDIO SPACE: Please see beautiful artist studio spaces at 235 Off Main studios in the rear alley. $225 for the first 6 months. Call Paul 970-710-9604 or 847-7697800.

10 ACRE MINING CLAIM: Established in 1896. Hand dug shaft, unit 66, spring-fed pond, partially fenced, good hunting, easy access off Hwy 149. $47,000. Call 970-7846722.

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.

PITCHFORK MT CRESTED BUTTE: 3 bedroom, 3 BA furnished garage 1.5 space, and Fireplace, hardwood floors, laundry new, pets ok with deposit, Available August 1. $4,200 plus utilities 847-769-7800 or Angelovskimar@gmail.com

Legals AGENDA

Regular Meeting/Budget Adoption

June 23, 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. Call to order

• Roll call

• Pledge of Allegiance

• Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)

• Commendations and celebrations (Information, Successful Students, Strong Employees)

• 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.

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.

• Board of Education Minutes May 19, 2025 Regular meeting Finance: Approve for payment, as presented by the Director of Finance, warrants as indicated: General Account # Last update 6/9/2025

Payroll Direct Deposit # Last update 6/9/2025

• Personnel • Megan Wells-Director of Special Services-District

• Justin Mills-Resignation-Food Service-GHS

Items for information, discussion, and action

FY26 Budget Approval Mrs. Tia Mills, Director of Finance Consider approval of FY25-26 Budget (ACTION, Healthy Finances)

Consider approval of FY25-26 Appropriation Resolution (ACTION, Healthy Finances)

• Consider approval of Use of Beginning Fund Balance Resolution (ACTION, Healthy Finances)

• Superintendent Evaluation and Contract Renewal

• Dr. Jody Coleman, Board Secretary

• Consider approval of 2024-2025

Superintendent Evaluation (ACTION, Strong

Employees)

• Consider approval of 2025-2026

Superintendent Contract (ACTION, Strong Employees)

Employee Housing - Consider approval of letter of intent (ACTION, Strong Employees, Healthy Finances)

Paul Major, Rural Homes

Other Administrative Report Items (Information, All)

Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent

• Items introduced by Board Members (Discussion, All)

• Board committee reports (Information, All)

• Board/Student Engagement - Dr. Coleman and Mrs. Schloesser

School Board Policy - Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman Executive Committee for Bond Project

- Mr. Martineau

Superintendent Evaluation- Dr. Coleman District Accountability Committee (DAC) - Mrs. Schloesser

• School Accountability Committees (SAC)

GHS - Dr. Coleman

GCS - Mrs. Brookhart

CBCS - Mr. Martineau

• Gunnison County Education

Association Negotiations - Mr. VanderVeer Gunnison County Education Association 3x3 - Mr. VanderVeer

Fund 26 - Dr. Coleman

Gunnison Memorial Scholarship - Mrs. Brookhart

Health Insurance Committee - Mr. VanderVeer

• Housing Advisory Committee-Mr. VanderVeer

• Gunnison Valley Education

Foundation-Dr. Coleman

• Upcoming agenda items and meeting schedule (Information, Engaged Community)

• August 12, 2025 Regular

Meeting@5:30pm GHS Library

• August 26, 2026 First Day of School! August 26, 2025 Work Session@5:30pm Lake School Adjournment

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of June 19, 2025

17694

NOTICE OF HEARING

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing at the Saguache County Road and Bridge meeting Room located at 305 – 3rd Street, Saguache, Colorado, on the following date:

MONDAY , JUNE 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM

to consider proposed changes to the Saguache County 1041 Regulations.

Chapter 1 – Administrative Regulations

Chapter 2 – Permit Regulations

Chapter 14 – Saguache County 1041 Regulations Regarding Solar Projects

To view the proposed changes BEGINNING

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025, you may contact the Saguache County Land Use Department – PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov, or by calling 719-655-2321 or you may also view the changes on our website at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov .

Written comments will be accepted until Friday, JUNE 27, 2025 at 3pm, and may

be sent to Saguache County Land Use Department at PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or email to atorrez@saguachecountyco.gov.

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

Clerk of Court /s/ Heidi Duryea

of June 5, 12 and 19, 2025

By: Liza Marron, Chairman Saguache

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

County Board of

Commissioners

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2025 17471

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:

To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plotts Mini Storage, LLC, 312 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230: All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to June 30, 2025 Unit A35 - Jake Neil Unit 67 – Carlos Villarreal

347 – Toni Solevo Unit 83 – Portiro Godiness Unit A30 – Stephen Stacy

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of June 12, 19 and 26, 2025 17598

Public Notice is given on June 6, 2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Gunnison County Court

The Petition requests that the name of Evianne Marjorie Rodriguez-Adame be changed to Evianne Marjorie McCoy-Adame

Heidi Duryea Clerk of Court /s/ Heidi Duryea

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of June 12, 19 and 2025 17594

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Public Notice is given on June 3, 2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Gunnison County Court

The Petition requests that the name of ESTEBAN DENIZ II be changed to ESTEBAN REYES

Heidi Duryea

DIVISION 5 WATER COURT- MAY 2025 RESUME

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE TOWN COUNCIL is seeking letters of interest from qualified individuals for the position of Municipal Court Judge. A qualified candidate for the Municipal Court Judge position has been admitted to the Colorado Bar, is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and is a Gunnison County Resident. To apply for the position, please submit a letter of interest and your resume to toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov or Tiffany O’Connell, Town Clerk, Town of Mt. Crested Butte, PO Box 5800, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. For more information regarding the position please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. Priority will be given to applications received before June 30, 2025.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of June 12, 19 and 26, 2025 17565

(This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the Colorado State Judicial website at: www.courts.state.co.us).

21. PURSUANT TO C.R.S., §37-92-302, AS AMENDED, YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE FOLLOWING PAGES COMPRISE A RESUME OF THE APPLICATIONS AND AMENDED APPLICATIONS FILED WITH THE WATER CLERK FOR WATER DIVISION 5 DURING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025.

The water right claimed by this application may affect in priority any water right claimed or heretofore adjudicated within this division and owners of affected rights must appear to object and protest within the time provided by statute or be forever barred.

25CW3087 (18CW3131, 11CW59, 03CW307) PITKIN COUNTY – IN PRINCE CREEK OR ITS TRIBUTARIES. APPLICATION TO MAKE WATER RIGHTS ABSOLUTE AND FOR FINDINGS OF REASONABLE DILIGENCE. Ranch I, LLC c/o Paul L. Noto, Esq. and John M. Sittler, Esq., Patrick, Miller & Noto, P.C., 229 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO 81621. First Claim: To Make Water Right Absolute: Beaver Camp Ditch No. 1. Original Decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW307 Division 5 Water Court. Legal: SW ¼, SE ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 803 feet from the south section line and 1,350 feet from the east section line of said Section 31. A map is on file with the Court as Exhibit A. Source: Prince Creek, tributary to Crystal River and Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.55 c.f.s., conditional. Note, 1.45 c.f.s. of the original 2.0 c.f.s. was made absolute in Case No. 11CW59. Uses: Fill Beaver Camp Ponds Nos. 1 and 2 for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, aesthetic, and augmentation purposes, and fill Beaver Camp Pond No. 3 for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic purposes. Claim to make water right absolute: Date water applied to beneficial use: May 15, 2025. Amount 2.0 c.f.s., total. Uses: Fill and refill of Beaver Camp Ponds Nos. 1 and 2 for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, aesthetic, and augmentation purposes, and fill of Beaver Camp Pond No. 3 for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic purposes. Remark: A photo is on file with the Court as Exhibit B showing the 9” Parshall Flume measuring 0.8 feet of diversions from the Beaver Camp Ditch No. 1. To the extent the Beaver Camp Ditch No. 1 is not made absolute in its entirety, Applicant requests a finding of reasonable diligence on the remaining conditional portion. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Second Claim: For Finding of Reasonable Diligence: Name of structure: Beaver Camp Pond No. 3. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW307, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW59; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3131, all Division 5 Water Court. Portions of the Beaver Camp Pond No. 3 water right are decreed for storage at the following locations: Legal description for 1.31 acre-feet (as decreed in Case No. 03CW307): The SE ¼, SE ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 1,258 feet from the south section line and 958 feet from the east section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Legal description for 0.09 acre-feet (as changed to the Beaver Camp Pond No. 1 structure in Case No. 11CW59): The SE ¼, SE ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 860 feet from the south section line and 1,236 feet from the east section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). A map is on file with the Court as Exhibit A. Source: Prince Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.56 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legally available. Note, 0.75 acre-feet out of the original 1.4 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW59. An additional 0.09 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 18CW3131, as changed to the Beaver Camp Pond No. 1 structure. The pond is filled through the Beaver Camp Ditch No. 1. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic purposes. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Beaver Camp Pond No. 3 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Both water rights are component parts of an integrated water supply project involving the water rights decreed in Case No. 03CW307.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE until the last day of JULY 2025 to file with the Water Clerk a verified Statement of Opposition setting forth facts as to why this application should not be granted or why it should be granted in part or on certain conditions. A copy of such statement of opposition must also be served upon the applicant or the applicant’s attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service shall be filed with the Water Clerk, as prescribed by Rule 5, CRCP. (Filing Fee: $192.00) KATHY POWERS, Water Clerk, Water Division 5; 109 8th Street, Suite 104 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication date of June 19, 2025 17633

DIVISION 5 WATER COURT- MAY 2025 RESUME

(This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the Colorado State Judicial website at: www.courts.state.co.us).

22. PURSUANT TO C.R.S., §37-92-302, AS AMENDED, YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE FOLLOWING PAGES COMPRISE A RESUME OF THE APPLICATIONS AND AMENDED APPLICATIONS

FILED WITH THE WATER CLERK FOR WATER DIVISION 5 DURING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025. The water right claimed by this application may affect in priority any water right claimed or heretofore adjudicated within this division and owners of affected rights must appear to object and protest within the time provided by statute or be forever barred.

25CW3088 (18CW3132, 11CW61, 03CW322) PITKIN COUNTY – IN THOMAS CREEK OR ITS TRIBUTARIES. APPLICATION TO MAKE WATER RIGHTS ABSOLUTE IN PART AND FOR FINDINGS OF REASONABLE DILIGENCE. Ranch I, LLC and Ranch IV, LLC c/o Paul L. Noto, Esq. and John M. Sittler, Esq., Patrick, Miller & Noto, P.C., 229 Midland Ave., Basalt, CO 81621. First Claim: Absolute: Name of structure: Cow Camp Pipeline No. 1. Original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description (as changed in Case No. 11CW61): The headgate is located in the NE ¼, SE ¼ of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 88 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 1,920 feet from the south section lien and 86 feet from the east section line of said Section 36 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 2.0 c.f.s., conditional. Use: To fill the Cow Camp Pond for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, aesthetic, and augmentation purposes. Claim to make water right absolute: Date of beneficial use: May 27, 2025. Amount: 2 c.f.s. Uses: To fill the Cow Camp Pond for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, aesthetic, and augmentation purposes. Remark: A photo is on file with the Court as Exhibit D showing the 12” Parshall Flume measuring 0.7 feet of diversions from the Cow Camp Pipeline No. 1. To the extent the Cow Camp Pipeline No. 1 is not made absolute in its entirety, Applicant requests a finding of reasonable diligence on the remaining conditional portion. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Second Claim: For Finding of Reasonable Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Pump Back Pipeline. Original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The headgate is located at the outlet of Homestead Pond No. 3, as described in paragraph 23.C, below, at a point in the SE ¼, NW ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,736 feet from the south section line and 1,862 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: An intermittent unnamed draw tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. This draw receives its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, which are tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. The Pump Back involved in this claim takes water from the outlet of Homestead Pond No. 3 and recirculates water to the inlet of Homestead Pond Nos. 1-3, described below. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 2.87 c.f.s., conditional. Note, 0.13 c.f.s. of the original 3.0 c.f.s. was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Use: To recirculate water into Homestead Pond Nos. 1-3 for subsequent piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic purposes. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Pump Back Pipeline water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Third Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Cow Camp Pond. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description (as changed in Case No. 11CW61): NE ¼, SE ¼ of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 88 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,182 feet from the south section line and 620 feet from the east section line of said Section 36 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 7.34 acre-feet, conditional. Note, 12.66 acre-feet of the original 20 acre-feet were made absolute in Case No. 18CW3132. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, aesthetic, and augmentation. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Cow Camp Pond water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Fourth Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Camp Pond No. 1. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The pond is located in the SW ¼, NE ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 3,065 feet from the south section line and 2,781 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: The pond is on-channel receiving its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. In addition, water is recirculated into this pond from the Homestead Pump Back Pipeline described above. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 1.06 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legally available. Note, 2.44 acre-feet of the original 3.5 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 1 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Fifth Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Camp Pond No. 2. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The pond is located in the SE ¼, NW ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,878 feet from the south section line and 2,311 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: The pond is on-channel receiving its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. In addition, water is recirculated into this pond from the Homestead Pump Back Pipeline described above. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.23 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legally available. Note, 7.47 acre-feet of the original 7.7 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 2 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Sixth Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Camp Pond No. 3. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The pond is located in the SE ¼, NW ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,703 feet from the south section line and 1,858 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: The pond is on-channel receiving its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. In addition, water is recirculated into this pond from the Homestead Pump Back Pipeline described above. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.36 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legally available. Note, 0.84 acre-feet of the original 1.2 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 3 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Seventh Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Camp Pond No. 4. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The pond is located in the NE ¼, SW ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,510 feet from the south section line and 1,460 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: The pond is on-channel receiving its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.25 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legally available. Note, 0.35 acre-feet of the original 0.6 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 4 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Eighth Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Camp Pond No. 5. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Legal description: The pond is located in the NW ¼, SW ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,359 feet from the south section line and 1,140 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: The pond is on-channel receiving its supply from seeps, springs, and irrigation return flow from the Bane Meadow, tributary to Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. The Bane Meadow is generally located in the S ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. and the S ½ of the N ½ of Section 31, Township 9 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 0.02 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to fill and refill when water is physically and legal available. Note, 0.38 acre-feet of the original 0.4 acre-feet was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Piscatorial, recreational, firefighting, and aesthetic. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 5 water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. Ninth Claim: Diligence: Name of structure: Homestead Exchange. Description of conditional water right: Date of original decree: April 5, 2005, Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Subsequent diligence decrees: August 23, 2012, Case No. 11CW61; May 12, 2019, Case No. 18CW3132, all Division 5 Water Court. Decreed location: Lower terminus: The outlet of Cow Camp Pond, located in the NE ¼, SE ¼ of Section 36, Township 8 South, Range 88 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 2,182 feet from the south section line and 620 feet from the east section line of said Section 26 (Pitkin County). Upper terminus: The inlet of the Homestead Camp Pond No. 1, located in the SW ¼, NE ¼ of Section 31, Township 8 South, Range 87 West of the 6th P.M., approximately 3,065 feet from the south section line and 2,781 feet from the west section line of said Section 31 (Pitkin County). Maps are on file with the Court as Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Source: Thomas Creek, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. Appropriation date: February 25, 2003. Amount: 2.988 c.f.s., conditional. Note, 0.012 c.f.s. of the original 3.0 c.f.s. was made absolute in Case No. 11CW61. Uses: Augmentation by exchange as decreed in Case No. 03CW322, Division 5 Water Court. Claim for finding of reasonable diligence: Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence towards completion of the Homestead Exchange water right. A detailed outline of the work performed towards completion of the appropriation, including expenditures, is on file with the Court as Exhibit C. Applicant owns the land on which the water right is located and where the water is put to beneficial use. All water rights included in this Application are component parts of an integrated water supply project involving the water rights decreed in Case No. 03CW322.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE until the last day of JULY 2025 to file with the Water Clerk a verified Statement of Opposition setting forth facts as to why this application should not be granted or why it should be granted in part or on certain conditions. A copy of such statement of opposition must also be served upon the applicant or the applicant’s attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service shall be filed with the Water Clerk, as prescribed by Rule 5, CRCP. (Filing Fee: $192.00) KATHY POWERS, Water Clerk, Water Division 5; 109 8th Street, Suite 104 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication date of June 19, 2025 17634

CITY OF GUNNISON 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report

Covering Data For Calendar Year 2024 | Public Water System ID: CO0126325

Esta es información importante. Si no la pueden leer, necesitan que alguien se la traduzca.

We are pleased to present to you this year’s water quality report. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Please contact ANDY WOLFE at 970-641-8330 with any questions or for public participation opportunities that may affect water quality.

about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-4264791) or by visiting http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

General Information

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or by visiting epa.gov/ ground-water-and-drinking-water.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive a copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

•Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

•Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

•Pesticides and herbicides: may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

•Radioactive contaminants: can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

•Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact ANDY WOLFE at 970-641-8330. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at epa. gov/safewater/lead.

Service Line Inventory

Detected Contaminants

GUNNISON CITY OF routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table(s) show all detections found in the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024 unless otherwise noted. The State of Colorado requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Therefore, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one-year-old. Violations and Formal Enforcement Actions, if any, are reported in the next section of this report.

Note: Only detected contaminants sampled within the last 5 years appear in this report. If no tables appear in this section, then no contaminants were detected in the last round of monitoring..

available treatment technology.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking

use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant

microbial contaminants.

• Not Applicable (N/A)

• Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) − Measure of the radioactivity in water.

New state and federal laws require us to inventory all water service lines in our service area to classify the material. A service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the water main, likely in the street, into your home or building. If you would like to view a copy of our service line inventory or have questions about the material of your service line, contact ANDY WOLFE at 970-641-8330.

• Range (R) − Lowest value to the highest value.

• Sample Size (n) − Number or count of values (i.e. number of water samples collected).

• Violation (No Abbreviation) − Failure to meet a Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may have provided us with a Source Water Assessment Report for our water supply. For general information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. The report is located under “Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports”. Search the table using our system name or ID, or by contacting ANDY WOLFE at 970-641-8330. The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination that could occur. It does not mean that the contamination has or will occur. We can use this information to evaluate the need to improve our current water treatment capabilities and prepare for future contamination threats. This can help us ensure that quality finished water is delivered to your homes. In addition, the source water assessment results provide a starting point for developing a source water protection plan. Potential sources of contamination in our source water area are listed on the next page.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has provided us with a Source Water Assessment Report for our water supply. For general information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit http://wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. The report is located under “Source Water Assessment Reports”, and then “Assessment Report by County”. Select GUNNISON County and find 126220; GUNNISON COUNTY WSD or by contacting MARLENE CROSBY at 970-641-0044. The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination that could occur. It does not mean that the contamination has or will occur. We can use this information to evaluate the need to improve our current water treatment capabilities and prepare for future contamination threats. This can help us ensure that quality finished water is delivered to your homes. In addition, the source water assessment results provide a starting point for developing a source water protection plan.

Please contact us to learn more about what you can do to help protect your drinking water sources, any questions about the Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report, to learn more about our system, or to attend scheduled public meetings. We want you, our valued customers, to be informed

Please contact us to learn more about what you can do to help protect your drinking water sources, any questions about the Drinking Water Quality Report, to learn more about our system, or to attend scheduled public meetings. We want you, our valued customers, to be informed about the services we provide and the quality water we deliver to you every day.

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) − The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water.

• Treatment Technique (TT) − A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

• Health-Based − A violation of either a MCL or TT.

• Non-Health-Based − A violation that is not a MCL or TT.

• Action Level (AL) − The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment and other regulatory requirements.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) − The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) − The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) − The level of a drinking water disinfectant, below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

• Violation (No Abbreviation) − Failure to meet a Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

• Formal Enforcement Action (No Abbreviation) − Escalated action taken by the State (due to the risk to public health, or number or severity of violations) to bring a non-compliant water system back into compliance.

• Variance and Exemptions (V/E) − Department permission not to meet a MCL or treatment technique under certain conditions.

• Gross Alpha (No Abbreviation) − Gross alpha particle activity compliance value. It includes radium-226, but excludes radon 222, and uranium.

• Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) − Measure of the radioactivity in water.

• Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) − Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person.

• Compliance Value (No Abbreviation) – Single or calculated value used to determine if regulatory contaminant level (e.g. MCL) is met. Examples of calculated values are the 90th Percentile, Running Annual Average (RAA) and Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA).

• Average (x-bar) − Typical value.

• Range (R) − Lowest value to the highest value.

• Sample Size (n) − Number or count of values (i.e. number of water samples collected).

• Parts per million = Milligrams per liter (ppm = mg/L) − One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.

• Parts per billion = Micrograms per liter (ppb = ug/L) − One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.

• Not Applicable (N/A) – Does not apply or not available.

• Level 1 Assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

• Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

Water Quality Reports are available on the City of Gunnison’s website: www.GunnisonCO. gov/waterreport

CITY OF GUNNISON 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report Continued

Covering Data For Calendar Year 2024 | Public Water System ID: CO0126325 Esta es información importante. Si no la pueden leer, necesitan que alguien se la traduzca. If

Tryouts

Mobile veterinary practice proudly serving the Gunnison Valley

Specializing in:

• Animal Chiropractic Care

• Veterinary Acupuncture

• Animal Physical Therapy

Debby Burnett, DVM, PT | 970-396-8666

Help any animal with a spine! healingspringsveterinarycare.com STAND OUT IN A MOUNTAIN CROWD! Signs • Vehicle Decals & Wraps Store front signs and lettering Screenprinting • Embroidery Promotional Products • Stickers

HOSTED BY CHRIS COADY

All Stars shine at state championships

The Six Points All Stars Special Olympics team earned top times at the 2025 State Summer Games in Grand Junction, June 6-8. With gold medals, and bids for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games up for grabs, the All Stars excelled at the Colorado Mesa University campus. The 4x100-meter walk relay team of Angela Lee, Tom Dunham, Kiko Cardenas and Mark Tredway earned the first gold medal of the day. Dunham added another first-place finish in the 100-meter walk, while Tony Haus blazed ahead to a gold-medal finish in the 200 walk. Jade Hanna concluded the meet with a first-place time in the 25-yard butterfly swim, Paul Carpenter took second in the 15-meter pool walk and Jeffrey Crawley earned silver in the 5K run.

(Courtesy Brian Smith/Six Points)

Faith Directory

Bethany Church

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

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

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

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240

Pastor Jonathan Jones

SUNDAY

Sunday School at 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.

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

WEDNESDAY (during school year)

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

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

Gunnison

Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

Reverand Ian Wrisley

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

Sundays, 10 a.m.

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

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

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta

Assoc. Pastor Jacob With

Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

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

Starting March 5 - Wednesday night service at 7pm.

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034

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

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

St. Peter’s Catholic Church 300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808

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

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

First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m. Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass

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

Church in the Barn 8007 County Road 887

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

Church of Christ

600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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

Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.

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

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar

First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains

Check our websites for location

Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org

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

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

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

Stingrays strike at home meet

Swimmers compete at the Gunnison Invite

Evan

Bjornstad Times Staff Writer

The Gunnison Rec Center buzzed with energy June 12-15, as over 100 swimmers packed in for the 2025 Gunnison Invitational swim meet. Taking on six rival teams, the Gunnison Stingrays notched first-place finishes while competing in their only home meet of the summer season.

Gracen Corey led the charge for Gunnison, scoring a whopping 63 points and finishing first in all eleven of her events. Her races included the mixed 1000-yard freestyle, the girls 200 freestyle relay, 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 200 backstroke, 200 IM, 200 medley relay, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle, 200 breaststroke and the 50 freestyle.

A31

Softball struggles at Diamonds tourney

Gunnison falls in back-to-back games

Evan Bjornstad Times Staff Writer

Jorgensen Park hosted the Diamonds in the Rockies tournament, featuring two Gunnison teams competing in the U14 and U12 brackets on June 13-15. Despite home field advantage, both Gunnison teams exited the tournament without a win.

The Gunnison U14 girls first matchup took place on Friday against the Diamond Dogs of Craig Colorado. Kylie Robbins started the first inning on the

mound for Gunnison, and put away the Diamond Dogs leadoff batter. However, after a handful of defensive errors and stolen bases, two Diamond Dog runners snuck across home.

Gunnison was quick to respond with Brynn Romero punching a double into center field to start the inning After loading the bases, Gunnison scored four total runs, with two coming from Audrey Amer, who walloped a two RBI single to right.

The second inning started promising for Gunnison, but after securing their first out, the wheels fell off for the girls. The Diamond Dogs regained the lead with a three RBI triple after walks and stolen bags loaded the bases. In the bottom of the Diamonds A30

Swimming

Finn Zeilman cruises in the backstroke. (Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

Susan Espinoza waits for the pitch. (Photos by Evan Bjornstad)

second, Gunnison fought back and loaded the bases. Then, Susan Espinoza took the plate and drove home two runners to tie the game 6-6 heading into the third and final inning.

With Romero taking the mound for Gunnison in the final inning, the Diamond Dogs went to work, and snatched the lead. After loading the bases with an RBI single and double, the away side extended their advantage, 9-6. In Gunnison’s final stand, both Robbins and Audrey Amer got on base, but couldn’t reach home. The Diamond Dogs cemented the win at 9-6.

“The girls have learned a lot this season,” said coach Anna Galowich. “They learn more every game.”

Across Jorgensen Park the following day Gunnison's U12 team took on the Montrose Warhawks in another threeinning clash. Gunnison fell behind in the first two innings, and allowed 13 runs to score while going scoreless themselves.

In the third and final inning, pitcher Hanna Bryja took over on the bump, but Montrose maintained a steady offensive pace, finishing the top of the third at 24-0.

But Gunnison returned with a fury, as both Parker Spann and Hanna Bryja got on base. Emma Stanley then smoked a sacrifice RBI to secure Gunnison's first run. With two outs, Gunnison’s bats sprang to life, and Abby Willis and Hazel Fitzgerald loaded the bases. Despite scoring four more runs, the comeback came a little too late for Gunnison, and the girls fell 24-5.

Both teams finished the tournament without a win, and lost in the first round of the competition. Gunnison's U14 team lost to the Grand Junction Mavs, while the U12 girls fell to the Arkansas Valley Bandits. Both teams will be back in action on June 18 at Jorgensen Park.

(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or intern@gunnisontimes.com.)

Gunnison gymnasts leap ahead in Steamboat Springs

The Gunnison CARA competitive gymnastics team starred in its first summer meet in Steamboat Springs June 14-15. In the optional division, Carly Ezzell and Lili Davis represented Gunnison from the top of the podium. Ezzell placed second in her floor routine, and took fifth all around. Davis earned a first-place score in the bars, leading to her fifth-place, all-around finish. Hattie Walker added a first-place result in the bars, and Taylor Mattson placed third on the beam. In the compulsory divisions, Atlee Martinez shined, taking second on the beam, third on floor and second all around. Zoey Tomaske added a second-place ribbon in her floor routine, and Lyla Kikevich took second on the bars. The girls will return to action in Silverthorne on June 21.

Brynn Romero throws against the Diamond Dogs U14 team.

(Courtesy Sam Denham)

Competing in the 12-yearold bracket, Russell Meeuwsen also finished undefeated and scored 56 points across ten events. Everett Gerlock scored 45 points and took first in six races. Audrey Meeuwsen scored 44 points and won four races. Kelsy Chodororowski earned 39 points, and was crowned champion in the 500 freestyle and the 200 medley relay. Citrina Gerlock finished strong for the Stingrays with 39 points, and took first place in three races.

To top of the home event, the Gunnison Invite was the first competitive meet for handfuls of swimmers on the Stingray’s “Guppy” team. Carter Hall, Beatrice Gerlock, Teague McMahill, Fenna McNamara, Emerson Metcalf, JoJo Milski, Emelyn O'Connor, Cayson Smith, Brett Corey, Holden Corey, Evan Gehan and Heidi Gehan all earned their first laps.

(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or intern@gunnisontimes.com.)

Gunnison combined softball teams win home tourney

The Gunnison-based, Epic Premier Rocky Mountain softball team was crowned champions of U18 Diamonds in the Rockies tournament June 13-15. The team, composed of players from Gunnison, Montrose, Grand Junction and the Front Range won all six games en route to the championship. In the U16 bracket, the combined Gunnison and Montrose team also took home the championship title on home turf.

Cayson Smith waits for his heat.

Beatrice Gerlock enjoys company on the pool deck.

(Courtesy Amanda Siegel)

Care designed for ... Healthy Vision

OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICES

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Leslie Moskowitz-Elfenbein provides expert screening, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

• Glaucoma care

• Diabetic eye conditions

• Macular degeneration

• Dry eye relief

• Eye infections & inflammation

CATARACT SURGERY

• Eye injuries & trauma, including eyelid & eye socket conditions

• Optic nerve disorders

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

• Retinal detachment

Dr. Michael Solomon, a board-certified, comprehensive ophthalmologist and refractive eye surgeon, specializes in cataract procedures that may reduce the need for glasses following surgery. He sees patients monthly for both clinic visits and surgeries.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact the Specialty Clinic at 970-641-3927

At Gunnison Valley Health, we o er comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions to help preserve and enhance your sight.

Dr. Leslie Moskowitz-Elfenbein

Dr. Michael Solomon