The tourism outlook in the Gunnison Valley is currently a mixed bag of “worrying signs” and reasons for “cautious optimism” that the region continues to fare better than many other destinations across the Mountain West. That’s according to an update presented on Tuesday to Gunnison County commissioners from the leadership of the Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP).
TAPP is funded by a lodging tax collected by the Local Marketing District. The organization is tasked with promoting the valley as a tourist destination as well as pursuing economic development projects that seek to
ROUNDUP: Beyond the finish line, A17
COMMUNITY: A century of women in science, A11
SPORTS: GHS golf wraps up in Pueblo, A12
A2
A4
A21
‘Rec stewards’ aid USFS this summer STOR fundraising successful
Bella Biondini Times Editor
A small seasonal crew, funded entirely by Gunnison Valley organizations and nonprofits, will lend a hand to the U.S. Forest Service this summer. These “recreation stewards” will take pressure off an agency that is facing budget cuts and a growing responsibility to protect the region’s public lands as more visitors crowd into the backcountry.
In February, President
Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) “workforce optimization initiative” resulted in the firing of hundreds of employees from Colorado land management agencies. This included the Forest Service Gunnison Ranger District, Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. While some federal workers were reinstated, others endured a long period of hiring back-and-forth providing little sense of job security.
With visitor, campground and trail management at risk, eyes quickly turned to Gunnison
Stewards A6
Herd handling and health a key to resilience
Seminar shares insight into ag coexistence with wolves
William Spicer Special to
the Times
With the eyes of the community focused on wolf reintroduction, Colorado-based nonprofit organization Working Circle visited in Gunnison last week to share a novel approach to ranching with wolves.
A statewide ballot measure passed in 2020 mandated the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado, and Gunnison County is currently slated as
one of the future release sites. Working Circle’s recommendation is to focus on stock handling techniques and overall herd health. The nonprofit claims that these two approaches have been demonstrated not only to decrease the vulnerability of livestock to predation, but can also improve a ranch’s bottom line.
“Our philosophy is to look at practices that actually address the root cause of conflict, are sustainable and don’t add additional burden to the ranch,” said Karin Vardaman, Working Circle’s executive director and co-founder.
Mike Ensley is Working Circle’s rangeland specialist.
Seminar A7
FULL SPEED AHEAD: A lone cyclist races down the winding curves of Cottonwood Pass on Thursday, May 22. Roughly 200 bikers had the road all to themselves during the Gunnison Nordic’s fifth annual Cottonwood Classic. For more, see A10. (Photo by Bella Biondini)
Tourism A6
“Each
— Erica Rasmussen, Marathoner
BRIEFS
Three empty seats on city council this fall
Next month, the City of Gunnison is hosting two informational sessions for residents interested in running for city council. Three seats will be open this November.
The first session is scheduled for Thursday, June 12 at 8:15 a.m. in City Hall, and the second on Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m. Attendance at one of these meetings is not required to run for council.
Councilors Jim Gelwicks, Matt Schwartz and Scott Frazier all have terms that expire at the end of 2025. Gelwicks is the only council member who is termed out and can’t run again.
Grazing management at Black Canyon, Curecanti
The National Park Service is seeking public input on a grazing management plan for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Currently, park managers administer grazing through a combination of NPS-issued special use permits (SUPs) and agreements with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Once the management plan is complete, the Park Service will take over livestock grazing permits, with an emphasis on the protection of natural, cultural and recreational resources.
Public land managers hope the new management plan gives them more insight into how livestock and wildlife and native plant species in the parks interact, and where cattle and sheep grazing fit into the stated purposes of the two parks.
The Park Service will hold an in-person meeting on June 4 in Gunnison from 6-8 p.m. at the Fred Field Center, and a virtual Zoom meeting on June 5 from 6-8 p.m. To learn more, or submit a comment visit parkplanning.nps.gov/blcacuregrazing. The deadline is June 27, 2025.
Debbie Jane Chonka
Debbie Jane Chonka, of Gunnison Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Debbie was born in Taos, New Mexico on July 2, 1954 to James Hubert Heston and Claire Rosell Heston.
Debbie dedicated her life to her children and her husband. She was always there with a listening ear and a comforting hug. She enjoyed spending time gardening, fishing, cooking and baking. She had a great love for animals and people, and was always the most helpful person in the room. Debbie wholeheartedly lived to help and care for others the way many only aspire to.
Before retiring, Debbie worked several jobs in the Gunnison area including at Western State University, Walmart, True Value and Family Dollar. Debbie always had a smile on her face, and will be missed dearly by many.
Debbie is survived by her
beloved husband of 52 years, Jerry Chonka, her two sons John and Mike Chonka, her brothers, Jimmy, Danny and Tim Heston, and her grandchildren, Alexi Nicole, Levi James, Haley Jane and Johnathan Isaac Chonka. She is preceded in death by her mother, Rose Heston, her father, James Heston, and her sister, Dede Heston. Debbie will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit and unwavering love for her family.
A private celebration of life is being planned for later this summer to honor Debbie and the light she brought to our lives.
Jon Robert Fullmer
Robert Fullmer, lovingly known as J.R., passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
Born in Richfield, Utah on November 19, 1939, to Marjorie
Grizzly truths debunk bear myths
Author Kevin Grange revealed misconceptions about the private lives of grizzly bears at the Gunnison County Library on May 23. The event was part of the annual Mountain Words Festival, the majority of which was held in Crested Butte.
and John Paul Fullmer, J.R. was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. In January 1970, he married the love of his life, Patricia Fullmer. Together, they raised four sons.
J.R. was no stranger to hard work. As a young boy, he helped support his family by selling night crawlers to fishermen on the corner of a small Utah town. That same work ethic followed him through life — he put himself through college by working in coal mines and went on to earn multiple degrees, including an MBA, a CPA and several undergraduate degrees.
In 1980, he moved his family to Gunnison, Colorado — where five feet of snow and 40-below temperatures didn’t stop him from making sure his children got to school each day. J.R. was an inspiration to his community, always doing what he could to support the valley he loved. As a thoughtful and principled business owner, he built a successful career through his ownership and operation of Ace Hardware, earning the respect of both customers and neighbors alike.
J.R. was loved by his wife, Patricia Fullmer; his children: Rob Fullmer (Courtney), Jon Fullmer, Ryan Fullmer, and Eric Fullmer; his grandchildren: Austin Fullmer (Naomi), Brooklyn Larsen
(Tanner), McKenna Bangerter (Jack), Caleb Fullmer, and Colt Fullmer; and his siblings: Christine Fullmer, Lorin Fullmer, Paula Fullmer and Lorraine Day (Drew). His memory and legacy will continue to live on through his beloved great-grandchildren: Tommy, Rome, Velzy, Rocky and Willa. Above all, J.R.’s greatest priority was being a good parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. He was a source of unwavering love and guidance for his family, and his legacy of hard work, kindness and dedication will continue to inspire generations to come.
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Gunnison pays tribute to heroes
Rows of red, white and blue flags swayed in the wind before the Memorial Day ceremony at the Gunnison Cemetery on May 26. Students made the agenda’s line-up singing the national anthem, and guest speaker, Gavin Vasquez, read his piece, a historical timeline honoring heroes through the decades. The introduction of veteran flag shadow boxes, made by Gunnison High School woodshop students, was a welcomed addition to the ceremony. “Why deny ourselves a thrill out of old glory,” read by a local historian, Mike Callihan, reminded attendees of the importance of removing hats in glory “Lest we forget.” Placing of the Wreaths by the American Legion Auxiliary recognized the brave in World War I and II, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and all wars and conflicts. The annual event is organized by American Legion Post 54.
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GUEST COMMENTARY
Andy Spann Special to the Times
With the news that several gray wolves have traversed into our region, it is clear the wolf introduction effort has come to Gunnison County. The Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association thought it would be a good time to give people an update on how we got here, and what is currently happening.
The state is in the process of introducing wolves on the Western Slope as required by ballot Initiative 114 — narrowly passed by the voters in 2020. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has released 29 wolves over the course of two years, and several more have migrated on their own from Wyoming. In accordance with the Wolf Management Plan, it is CPW’s intention to continue releasing between 10-15 wolves annually over a three-to-five year period. Gunnison County is listed as one
GUEST COMMENTARY
2025 Member
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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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of the potential release areas.
Fifteen wolves from British Columbia were released in January in the Roaring Fork Valley and Eagle County area. Several of these wolves have traveled to other areas including Gunnison County. Local CPW staff have kept the Stockgrowers informed when wolves have been present in the county. Unfortunately, one of our local cattle producers has already experienced the death of a calf from a wolf attack.
Spring is calving season, so there are a lot of baby calves in the area that are particularly vulnerable to predators. CPW investigated the kill and confirmed that it was a wolf depredation. It is our understanding that, based on collar location data, the wolf that killed the calf has since moved out of the region. We hope she doesn’t develop a habit and continue preying on cattle – wherever she is.
Measures can be put into
place to try and minimize the killing of livestock. The producers in areas where the majority of the Colorado wolves are (Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle, Grand and Jackson counties) have told us that the most effective preventative action is to have a human presence with the cattle. The idea is to try and haze wolves away so that attacking livestock does not become habitual. Although the state has invested in a range rider program, the riders are currently stationed in other counties.
It is essential that producers know where wolves are located so they can do their best to protect their cattle and mobilize resources to minimize problems. Transparent communication from CPW will be key to successful management. As wolves become more common in our area, the Stockgrowers will be working with CPW and our members to try and address the inevitable conflicts.
Ranchers need to know what to do if there is a depredation, how to file for compensation, how to obtain mitigation measures, what record keeping is needed and if wolves are in their area. The state is responsible for deploying wolf conflict minimization measures, resolving conflicts with livestock producers and for compensating ranchers for their losses.
There is much work to be done. Until the state has fully implemented preventative measures to protect livestock in all of the areas where wolves are located, we believe that the release of more wolves should be suspended. The language adopted by the voters and then put into law requires that the state resolve conflict with livestock producers. We are not there yet.
(Andy Spann is the president of the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association.)
New tools to protect public lands
Jon Hare Special to the Times
Recently, local governments, our elected officials and our community have raised up three new valuable tools to protect and steward the public lands here in Gunnison County.
The community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) identifies wildfire risks we face across the landscape and “outlines a plan to reduce those risks and enhance preparedness.” The process to write this plan lasted over a year and included input from local stakeholders representing federal, state, county and municipal government. The group worked alongside conservation, recreation, forestry, water interests, the ski area, researchers and fire departments.
The final product is a plan that maps the wildland urban interface in Gunnison County (as well as portions of Hinsdale and Saguache counties within the Upper Gunnison River Watershed) and identifies priority locations for vegetation management projects. By working together on this plan, our community brings a well-vetted and strategically prioritized list of areas where we know our community gets the best bang for the buck when it comes to wildfire protection. These projects would remove fuels from our public lands and forests to prevent impacts from wildfires to people, infrastructure and buildings.
Additionally, in the first few weeks of May, the Gunnison County Commissioners con -
tinued to make public lands a big part of their agenda.
Commissioners centered the conversation with Colorado's 3rd Congressional District Rep. Jeff Hurd on the importance of the federal lands that surround our local communities and passed a resolution supporting public lands.
Over 80% of the public lands surrounding our communities are managed by the federal government. This means that these lands will always be subject to leadership and budget challenges in Washington D.C.
The voice of our commissioners has been clear that these places are very important in Gunnison County, that locals are asking for effective and responsible management from our federal land managers, and that our community opposes the sale of public lands. Please thank commissioners for their advocacy to steward our public lands as they are an important voice from our community to the Colorado Congressional delegation that represents our state in Washington D.C.
The biggest recent development that shows the Gunnison Country’s long-standing commitment to its public lands is the Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection (GORP) Act. Last summer, the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative helped Sen. Michael Bennet put the finishing touches on the maps, draft the bill and introduce the GORP Act in the U.S. Senate. The GORP Act didn’t get serious consideration last fall, but now has been reintroduced
in the Senate and sponsored by Rep. Hurd for the first time in the House. It is a fairly big deal for a local community to spend 10 years working together to draft and propose legislation to become federal law. Turns out, the Gunnison way to develop and recommend legislation up from the grassroots aligns values across party lines.
Wildlife habitat, recreation, roads, trails and grazing were considered to create management areas and a map that everyone — from ranchers to snowmobilers to mountain bikers to conservationists — has agreed to. The GORP Act is how public lands protections should be created: details hashed out by local public lands users.
The GORP Act looks at the big picture to address critical wildlife areas that don’t currently have long-term protections in place; designates recreation management areas where large amounts of public use take place; creates boundaries that allow land managers to do fuel mitigation work while protecting some of our best stands of forest; and covers the nooks and crannies of our public lands that might not have been considered in the past, yet are still in pristine condition and worthy of protection.
The GORP Act does all this without really changing what we are currently allowed to do on our adjacent public lands. The GORP Act will be the protections this community needs moving forward to safeguard our public lands from threats now and into
the future.
So what can you do? Support the final adoption of CWPP and its incorporation into community decisions moving forward. While many of these actions will be easily implemented, some depend entirely on funding, staff availability and local buy-in. Community wildfire protection plans are required by law and are one of the best tools to decide where and how to prioritize land management on both federal and non-federal land.
Second, thank elected officials for their attention and support for public lands. Send an email or call Rep. Hurd to thank him for his decision to sponsor the GORP Act. Let him know the Gunnison County Commissioners’ resolution is a great guide to understanding the desire of our local community when it comes to our public lands. Sens. Hickenlooper and Bennet also deserve a shout for their commitment to public lands around Colorado.
Finally, learn more and support the GORP Act. The goal of the bill is to protect local public lands, enhance a strong and sustainable outdoor resource-based economy and support historic uses of public lands in Gunnison County. It is grassroots public land protections for all of us to get behind as it will be going through hearings, votes and is on the way to becoming a law in 2025.
(Jon Hare is the Advocacy Director for High Country Conservation Advocates.)
Dear Congressman Hurd
(Note: The attached letter to the editor was originally sent to Congressman Jeff Hurd's office and was republished in the Times upon request.)
Editor:
As veterans from Gunnison County, we write with urgency to highlight critical concerns over recent budget cuts to the Veterans Administration (VA). These reductions disproportionately harm veterans in rural communities like ours, especially elderly and disabled veterans already struggling with limited health care access. For instance, many local veterans now face unacceptable delays — averaging eight months —for basic health care claim approvals, severely jeopardizing their wellbeing. We respectfully urge your immediate support and action in the following key areas:
I. Immediately restore funding to reduce the current eightmonth backlog in VA health care claim processing.
II. Mandate continuous funding for the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and Community Care Network, critical lifelines for veterans in Gunnison County.
III. Restore full staffing to veteran suicide prevention hotlines and expand funding for essential VA mental health research programs.
IV. Protect and expand job training and employment services, crucial for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.
V. Maintain robust funding for VA housing assistance programs to address the rapidly rising housing costs in Gunnison County.
VI. Strengthen transitional resources and peer support networks to ease veterans' reintegration into civilian life.
VII. Protect vital social safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, critical for our most vulnerable veterans.
Recently, a veteran in our community waited over nine months for critical PTSD treatment authorization, resulting in severe deterioration of his mental health. Immediate and sufficient funding could have prevented such unnecessary distress.
Additionally, it is economically prudent to fund preventive and proactive services now. Investments in job training, mental health and affordable housing significantly reduce long-term expenses related to unemployment, homelessness and emergency care.
Congressman Hurd, your continued leadership and support are essential. We earnestly request your immediate action to reverse these harmful cuts, restore these essential services and uphold America's sacred promise to our veterans.
Thank you for your dedication to our veterans. We remain eager to assist your efforts in advocating for their well-being and ensuring every veteran in Gunnison County receives the respect, support and care they deserve.
Mark High
Mike Callihan
John Espinoza
Pete Dunda
Deborah A. Vitulli
David Gonzalez
Stanley Smith Gunnison County veterans
No one faces cancer alone
Editor:
This spring has been a busy and exciting time for Living Journeys, a nonprofit that has supported individuals and families affected by cancer in Gunnison County since 1999.
In April, Living Journeys was honored and thrilled to celebrate its Living Journeys Athlete Corps (LJAC) members with a celebratory dinner at Secret Stash. Over the past five years, these dedicated community members have raised $320,768 for Living Journeys’ clients by setting fundraising goals tied to an athletic challenge — such as running a marathon — and encouraging supporters to donate in honor of the cause. Combined with funds raised through Emma Coburn’s Elk Run 5K, a total of $562,131 has been raised to honor and support Gunnison County community members impacted by cancer. The event was filled with good conversation, delicious pizza, and — most importantly — a celebration of all that these athletes have accomplished.
On another exciting note, Living Journeys moved into a new home in early May after more than 20 years in our previous space. Prior to 2024, Living Journeys operated with just one full-time staff member — Executive Director Julie Reid, who continues to lead the organization today. Now, in addition to Julie, the team includes a full-time development director (myself, Hannah Schaefer Tibbett) and two part-time staff: Avery Forsythe, program manager, and Rowan Pannier, events manager.
This growth has been driven by the increasing needs of our clients. What started as a grassroots effort, has evolved into a vital support system for Gunnison County residents facing cancer. From $29,000 in grants and group therapy for seven clients in early 2000, our support has grown to over $300,000 in aid — helping approximately 175 clients in 2024 through financial assistance, private therapy, meal delivery and travel reimbursements.
This development at Living Journeys has been made possible in part by the incredible support of our community, so thank you, truly. We look forward to another 20-plus years of ensuring that no one in Gunnison County faces cancer alone.
If you're interested in learning more about the Living Journeys Athletes Corps, or would like to visit our new office, feel free to contact me at Development@LivingJourneys. org or stop by our new location at 426 Belleview Avenue, Suite 301, Crested Butte.
Hannah Schaefer Tibbett Living Journeys
diversify the local economy and bolster the infrastructure necessary for growth.
TAPP Executive Director Andrew Sandstrom opened the presentation with a graph drawn from the recent State of the Community Report, created by the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley. It showed that, while median household income has fallen over the past decade, the cost of housing has dramatically increased since 2020, creating a widening gap.
“Our goal is to bring money into the valley from the outside, whether that's through our tourism efforts or economic development efforts,” Sandstrom told commissioners. “That’s the ‘why’ of TAPP. One of the things that we'll be talking about as a board at our strategic retreat here in a couple weeks is that our goal is to bring that income line [on the graph] up, or at least stabilize it.”
Last year, lodging tax collections reached $3.8 million, up from around $2 million in 2015. However, since 2018, the number of visitors to the valley has declined from over 800,000 to 660,000 in 2024, according to data collected through an analytics company called Placer.ai. That means most of the increase in funding is due to rising prices, not growing visitation.
“A pizza costs more than it used to, and a hotel room costs more than it used to,” Sandstrom said. “The gains that we've had in lodging tax collections and sales tax are due to those rate gains and less because of more purchases, more volume.”
In fact, visitation to the valley this past winter declined by about 8% compared to the previous year. According to TAPP Marketing Director Katy Mooney, a number of factors may have played a role.
“We had kind of a low snow year,” she said. “That affects particularly the drive market, those people who are making last minute travel decisions. And in January and February we saw some volatile political and economic conditions across the country that may have caused
Stewards
County’s Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee. In April, STOR took the lead on funding a small seasonal crew to reduce the rising workload of the Forest Service, one of the agencies hit hardest by layoffs. The Forest Service oversees the nearly 2-million-acre Gunnison National Forest, encompassing many of the heavily visited areas north of Crested Butte, as well as Taylor Park and the West Elk Wilderness.
The committee’s scramble to fundraise came just months before the kickoff to the busy summer season. In roughly a month’s time, the committee raised just over $60,000 for a three-person crew that will work alongside the Forest
people to pause in planning trips.”
Airport traffic data serves to highlight the growing importance of the “drive market” in attracting visitors to the valley. Last winter, seats sold on flights into the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport grew by 22% over the previous year, which also saw an increase. However, analysis revealed that most of the increase was due to more use of the airport by local residents and second homeowners. Airport bookings for this summer are already up 33% over the summer of 2024. While that is good for locals seeking more connectivity, it doesn’t translate into increased tourist demand, Mooney said.
While the average rate that lodging properties charge continues to rise — up 9% this summer over 2024 — the rate of increase is beginning to flatten. A handful of properties even dropped prices in January and February to compensate for soft demand, Sandstrom said.
“We can't command higher prices without the demand, or without any sort of improvement in the product,” Sandstrom told the Times. “We've had very little capital investment or capital improvement in our lodging product or our tourism product in recent years.”
Even though Colorado as whole has been losing tourism market share to other western states, such as Utah, destinations that have invested in upgrades — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars — have fared better. A number of projects at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and surrounding properties are stalled due to what Sandstrom calls a “chicken and the egg” situation. Property owners and developers are waiting for the others to move first, he said.
Even so, summer bookings in the Gunnison Valley so far are relatively flat over last year — up 2% — which is good news compared to other destinations. Breckenridge, for instance, reports bookings are down 16% in 2025. Other mountain destinations project an average decline this summer of 2%.
According to Mooney, trends in international travel may offer one explanation for that — and
Service this summer. STOR, MetRec, the Town of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison Trails, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, CB Nordic and High Country Conservation Advocates all pitched in to meet the fundraising target.
“It's just really incredible to see the community support our agency and how much people care about the work that goes into public land stewardship,” Matt Quinn told the STOR Committee during a regular meeting on May 22. Quinn works in the Forest Service’s recreation department and approached MetRec for help earlier this year. Since last fall, the Gunnison Ranger District is estimated to have lost 16 employees, some seasonal and others permanent. It is unclear how many have been reinstated.
Using a “pass-through” model, the Crested Butte
for why the Gunnison Valley may be less affected. According to recent reporting in the New York Times, international visitation is expected to decline this year by as much as 10%. However, Mooney said international travelers make up a very small portion of the valley’s traffic compared to places like Aspen.
Sandstrom acknowledged that, while increased lodging tax revenue has allowed TAPP to contribute to “long game” economic development projects, that funding source may not be sustainable in the long run.
“We're trying to bring that to people’s attention, that without capital investment, without an
increase in demand, we could see a downturn. We want to be cautiously optimistic. We've been able to accomplish a lot, but we are seeing some signs that we need to keep an eye on.”
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The number of visitors to the Gunnison Valley has declined over the past several years. (Courtesy TAPP)
Despite declining visitorship, lodging tax collections have continued to rise.
Crested Butte Conservation Corps members do trail maintenance near Crested Butte. (Courtesy Crested
Butte Mountain Bike Association)
Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) will manage the crew’s payroll as an add-on to the organization’s existing conservation corps. A large portion of CBMBA’s trailwork is done on Forest Service lands each season so the partnership was a natural addendum to work that was already underway.
With the melt out nearly three weeks ahead of schedule, and many of the valley’s lowerelevation trails already open for the season, CBMBA Director Dave Ochs said the crew’s start date couldn’t come soon enough.
“Between Matt’s direction and his staff and the crews there at the Forest Service, they're in great hands, [we are] looking forward to them getting started,” Ochs said.
The new hires are called “recreation stewards,” and all previously worked for the Forest Service as seasonal employees.
Quinn thanked the new hires for their commitment to working with the agency after what they’ve been through over the past six months.
“We told them, “We want to hire them back, and then they were told, ‘Well, hang on, we might not go hire you back’ … It went back and forth and it was really unfair. After all of that, they still picked up the phone when we called,” Quinn said.
“These are really committed people that know the forest, and the routine,” Quinn said.
The recreation crew mem -
Seminar
He has 35 years of experience in ranching, including eight years spent managing ranches with active wolves, claiming zero cattle losses during that time. Wolves appear to be very selective in the livestock they attack, he said.
“I see herds that wolves target, and they go through other herds of cattle and across other ranches, and they target one brand.”
The reason for this, Ensley said, comes down to two main factors: livestock health, and livestock handling. Wolves tend to actively seek out sick animals as prey, he said.
“It’s my belief that these wolves can smell the sickness starting inside the cattle two weeks prior to when we can visibly see it,” he said.
This makes it essential to maintain the highest possible level of herd health, and the best way to achieve that is through the use of mineral supplements. Livestock with mineral deficiencies are known to be much more susceptible to disease, he said.
Aside from the increased risk of depredation, sick cattle represent a double financial hit to ranchers: treatment itself is costly, but so is the lost opportunity for weight gain, which translates into less money at the sale barn.
“If we can keep these cattle in absolutely top notch health as we can, through stockmanship
bers began work last week just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and will help with trail maintenance, keep restrooms clean and educate visitors over the course of the summer. STOR originally planned to hire four crew members, but decided to stick with three former Forest Service employees. This allowed CBMBA to avoid training someone new, and to keep the crew members in the field later in the season — through October, instead of August.
Forest Service Gunnison District Ranger Dayle Funka said some former employees took the “leap of faith” with the vulnerabilities that all federal employees face right now under the new administration, and returned to the office. Still, the additional seasonal crew members the Forest Service added through CBMBA are “very valued,” she said.
The agency has always been understaffed, and likely will continue to be, she said. Funka and her team were bracing themselves for the opening of Cottonwood and Kebler passes — signaling the beginning of tourist season.
“The resource here is magical, but it requires all of us to work together,” she told the committee. “I just really want to emphasize that, and thank you for everybody taking that lead.”
After the Forest Service rescinded his job offer, former employee Landan Schaller was given the opportunity to work on the newly established seasonal crew. He told the Times
and mineral and parasite programs, we are just miles ahead,” he said.
Dawn Hnatow, owner and founder of Cattle Up Stockmanship, spoke about livestock handling at the seminar. Hnatow was born into a ranching family in Canada and has worked with livestock her entire life. Hnatow learned her approach to stockmanship from famed livestock handler, Bud Williams, whom she first met on a feed lot in Alberta.
“Bud was a savant genius, who communicated very well with animals and not so well with people,” Hnatow said.
Hnatow spent the next 10 years learning everything she could from Williams, and now enjoys passing on that knowledge to others.
“What I hope to do here today is challenge some paradigms that we might hold with regard to why animals do the things they do, and why they react the way they do to us,” she said.
Being prey animals, it’s important to keep cattle in a “normal” frame of mind, responding to pressure in a way that is predictable and calm, she said. In a “stressed” state, they react in an unpredictable, chaotic manner. According to Hnatow, the key is clear communication with the animals that is consistent over time. In this way the animals become “conditioned.”
There is direct financial benefit to ranchers from improved livestock handling, Hnatow said.
“As an industry, we don’t
he was grateful for the strong partnerships that exist between the valley’s government agencies and the nonprofit sector, which has lent a hand to public land managers for years.
“We can put our minds together and accomplish a lot of cool things on our public lands that might not otherwise be possible if we didn't have these good relationships,” he said.
Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands, led by associate professor Bridget Estep, planned to bring on three AmeriCorps service members to offer some relief to local land management agencies. The Center for Public Lands is a student resource center designed to train the next generation of public land managers.
Earlier this month, AmeriCorps and its Colorado branch began grappling with its own set of significant cuts to its budget. Despite stalled funding, Estep said private money through the Western Foundation, along with funds from STOR, has allowed the center to hire an intern that started at the Forest Service last week, and another at the Bureau of Land Management, who was a previous seasonal employee.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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understand what we’re losing by mishandling these animals. Nobody pulls a hundred dollar bill out of your pocket every time you run 25 pounds. off a steer trying to get him in a truck,” she said. “You just don’t think about it that way, but it’s real.”
Once wolves enter the picture, there is an even greater benefit to having livestock that are properly conditioned, Ensley said.
“Wolves need an opportunity or a reason to kill,” he said. “They don’t seem to get it when you have cattle that are in that state of mind.”
Both Ensley and Vardaman said they have seen first hand how wolves prepare to hunt by “testing” their prey first. The wolves do this by repeatedly darting towards individual animals then quickly retreating again. Cattle that are conditioned will stand their ground and show no reaction, and after a short time the wolves give up and move on.
Vardaman told seminar attendees there is no perfect solution to the problem of wolflivestock conflict, but there are practices that have proven to be effective.
“Focus less on wolves, and more on your ranch,” she said.
(William Spicer is a Gunnisonbased writer.)
Sage Grouse Lounge slated for June opening
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Main Street nightlife may experience revival this summer
Bella Biondini Times Editor
When he’s not in the kitchen at Blackstock Bistro, owner Luke Martin said one of his favorite hobbies is going down a rabbit hole of possibilities when he sees a vacant building. If there’s an empty building in town — the Gunnisack, Miller Furniture and Taco Bell — chances are Martin has walked through them, created a concept and ran the numbers. He’s stepped away from a lot of his ideas, but this one felt right.
In June, Martin will open his second business in Gunnison, the Sage Grouse Lounge. With pool tables, a virtual golf stimulator (plans for future arcade games) and late hours, the sports bar is positioned to help revive the South Valley’s longlost nightlife. It joins the relatively new Crested Bucha and the up-and-coming Whammy Bar on Main Street, and Paddle Out on North Boulevard.
The color scheme of the lounge is gold and forest green, and the name a nod to the history of the valley’s most wellknown bird, the Gunnison sagegrouse. The bar will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The grand opening is scheduled for June 14. Martin has plans to expand the hours once fall arrives and summer outdoor activities wind down.
“I’m excited for this place, and others, to hopefully bring some new and exciting things to Gunnison and liven up downtown,” Martin said.
The space, which has sat empty for years, is located next to Delektabowl on Georgia Avenue just a block from downtown. Martin said the building, a blank slate with concrete floors, was introduced to him in December 2024. A month later, he already had a concept. Construction began in March, and is set to wrap in the next couple of weeks.
The lounge will only offer drink service, oven-made pizza and bar snacks, rather than a full menu to keep it simple to start, Martin said. Guests will order from a cocktail list, similar to Blackstock, that will be served by an experienced team of bartenders.
On the south-facing patio, he envisions live music and cornhole tournaments on summer evenings. Inside, Martin said he
hopes the high-top booths and large lounging area will become a favorite spot for sports fans to watch football and hockey playoffs on the two 75-inch TVs behind the bar.
For those less interested in sports and looking for a funfilled night out, he is installing two free, full-sized pool tables. In a separate room, guests can test out their swing on the greens with a golf stimulator, similar to the Birdies Golf Bar in downtown Crested Butte. Martin said he plans to offer a “happy hour” rate over the summer from 3-6 p.m., and to host tournaments. This room is available to rent by the hour, and could also be used as a private movie theater. In the back, he said he may have space to eventually build out a small arcade.
Martin said he has spent nearly a decade collecting feedback from Blackstock diners about what they feel is missing from Gunnison’s social life. After their meal, many Blackstock guests have asked him where they can go next and it’s tough, he said. No businesses have been able to replace Timbers since it shut down in 2020, and many Gunnison restaurants close early, even on the weekends.
Some spots are hosting “open mic” nights and karaoke to cater to the late-night crowd, including Blackstock. Karaoke, which runs until 1 a.m. or so on Saturdays, was a “great test run,” for the lounge, Martin said. With the Sage Grouse Lounge, Martin hopes to fill as many “voids” as possible in the community. Anticipation is mounting, and his recent post on social media raked in more than 13,000 views.
“People have said there's nothing to do, especially in the winter,” he said. “I’m trying to create a space that is fun and energetic … I want to bring back some excitement.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Class dismissed
Four long-time Gunnison Middle School employees were surrounded by friends and family during a surprise retirement party thrown by the GMS staff on May 21. (Left to right) Mark High (36 years), Jill Peterson (22 years), Cynthia Bruton (15 years) and Keith Koepsel (33 years).
Celebrating Sibley
Local author and community leader George Sibley was honored last Thursday for lifetime achievement in academia and writing. The event took place on the opening night of the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte. Filmmakers Mike Horn and Galin Foley screened a short documentary featuring Sibley called “The Storm in My Head.” Following remarks from Luke Mehall and Shelley Read, Western Slope poet Art Goodtimes presented Sibley with the Karen Chamberlain award, given annually to poets from western Colorado.
(Photos by Alan Wartes)
(Courtesy Gwen Koepsel/Gunnison Middle School)
Owen Powers
I am Owen Powers, son of Gary and Susan Powers, and I will be attending Oregon State University this fall. I played soccer and basketball for GHS and skied in the winter. I will be majoring in Business Administration.
The Gunnison Country Times would like to recognize Owen Powers. He was left out of the Grad Tab due to our error.
2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now to schedule a viewing and witness the epitome of contemporary living!
TBD W Denver Ave. MLS# 816647 $589,000
Spectacular 2.5 acre level lot located in Gunnison’s new subdivision Elk Ranch. This parcel is located just outside City limits on the west side of town and seller has it set up to be built on immediately. Lot has a well permit already in place along with the 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)
A classic cruise
Nearly 200 cyclists wound their way up to 12,000 feet during Gunnison Nordic’s annual Cottonwood Classic on May 22. While most groups started their ascent at the winter gate at the base of the mountain pass, some began their more than 100-mile ride on Main Street in Gunnison.
(Photos by Bella Biondini)
‘Bean Pod’ sprouts century of women in science
John Hausdoerffer Special to the Times
The East River carves a perfect “S” just before it flows between the base of Gothic Mountain and a treehouse named “Bean Pod.” Rocky Mountain Biological Field Station (now RMBL) scientists constructed this treehouse one year after the organization was founded in 1928. The 5x10 shack clings to a small hill on one end and two spruce trees on the other. Inside sits a small desk and a simple twin bed, under an archway of Christmas lights. A window over the bed frames an idyllic view of Gothic Mountain’s lower crags.
Facilities Manager Benn Schmatz brought me here in my new role as director of storytelling for the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL). I am already daunted by the countless stories that have shaped this place. Like a watershed with many tributaries, RMBL is a storyshed. Every being here —across millennia, cultures and species — offers its own tributary, its own story. Bean Pod is no exception, with hundreds of users reaching back to when, according to a RMBL publication, “a ‘Miss Bean’ was the first person to spend the summer in it.”
Stream ecologist Bobbi Peckarsky stayed in Bean Pod for three summers, 19761978. She said she remembers when the lab’s director (Chris Johnson, son of founders Vera Adams Johnson and John C. Johnson) first showed her the shack.
“He was kind of embarrassed,” Peckarsky said. “He thought I was going to think it was awful. I went right through the cabin to the deck, and I looked out. I thought, ‘This is awesome! There's Gothic Mountain. There's the East River.’ I loved it.”
Peckarsky and three colleagues later held “the first women's happy hour on that deck, which probably was very unsafe. Four of us went out on that deck with gin and tonics.” She has since returned to Gothic every summer for her work on interactions among stream invertebrates, especially mayflies, and the extent to which they thrive and nourish life as temperatures warm. Peckarsky’s team studying “the Benthos” (Greek for watery bottom-dwellers) was known as “The Sensuous Benthettes.”
“We had these wonderful black knee-high boots that a colleague joked looked very sensuous,” she said. “We used to wear them in the Fourth of July parade and twirl our bugcatching nets.”
Peckarsky’s RMBL experience contrasted with her life back at Cornell where she was the first woman hired in the entomology department.
“For a woman scientist to
have kids, it was, ‘How are you going to maintain your academic excellence while you're a mom?’ Just watch me,” she said.
I asked Peckarsky why RMBL was so much more inclusive.
“Something about the shared simple lifestyle selects for the kind of people that are inclusive and accepting,” she said.
Carol Boggs added to Peckarsky’s answer. Boggs first arrived to study butterflies in 1978. She has missed only two summers since.
“RMBL is not associated with a university, so people have to work together to keep it going,”
Boggs said. “That has meant including women as partners. Wives of early researchers helped keep the lab running day to day. RMBL is founded on caring for each other, caring about science, together.”
Harriet Barclay joined RMBL in its earliest days. Her herbarium now holds almost 12,000 specimens from the Gunnison Basin, dating back to 1929. Plant ecologist Jean Langenheim — the second female president of the Ecological Society of America — conducted research at RMBL.
From 1958 through the late twentieth century, Ruth “Scottie” Willey (one of Harvard’s first female PhDs in biology) worked as an aquatic biologist at RMBL. According to outgoing RMBL Executive Director Ian Billick, she and her husband, Bob, along with attorney Pete Klingsmith, developed the concept of non-consumptive water rights, “for which RMBL stream ecologists and Colorado fly fishermen will be forever grateful.”
Willey famously climbed into the cab of a bulldozer and convinced the driver not to dig into the Mexican Cut Preserve. Billick added that this history runs deeper than RMBL with a “strong tradition” of women in botany that dated back to the 1800s.
“They had to work at field stations because there was less support structure for women at universities,” Billick said.
The legacy of leadership continues. Jennie Reithel has been RMBL’s science director since 2007, and arrived at the lab in
1993. Jeni Blacklock is the new executive director, and is developing collaborations within RMBL and with other organizations that advance science and research.
“It’s inspiring to see how generations of women have shaped RMBL through collaboration, curiosity, and leadership,” said Blacklock. “Their legacy continues to guide how we build inclusive spaces for science to thrive — today and for the next 100 years.”
Mairead Brogan studied under Peckarsky at RMBL for six years, starting when she graduated from high school in 2018. Now a PhD student at Northern Arizona University, Brogan finds the number of women in their sixth decade of research at RMBL to be part of its secret.
“You have quite a few strong, later-career women who have been very successful in science,” she said. “That representation matters, and it is empowering.”
After reflecting on Brogan’s next-generation commitment to place-based, policy-informing science, I could not help but think of a 1996 Langenheim article on women in ecology, in which Langenheim hoped “that there would be no further need to discuss the contributions of women ecologists because we would be recognized just as ecologists.”
Have we, partly because of RMBL, reached that point in science and society?
I want my daughters to feel this tradition of empowerment. So Atalaya, who is 17, and I head to Bean Pod. Atalaya’s eyes opened wide at how the tiny shack stood against the massive Gothic Mountain backdrop. She started taking photos of Bean Pod from all angles. I gave her space as she walked down to the river to photograph Bean Pod from below.
I walked into the treehouse and am drawn to a bit of writing penciled on the white plaster wall: “She was here.”
(John Hausdoerffer is RMBL’s director of storytelling and a philosophy professor at Western Colorado University.)
John and Terry Vader were married 50 years ago on May 31st, 1975. They have lived in Gunnison since then, raising 4 children and more recently welcoming 11 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren. We couldn't be happier for John & Terry during this momentous time!
The “Bean Pod” at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado. (Photo by Atalaya Hausdoerffer)
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We would like to thank the Gunnison Community for their support in making the Project Grad Party a reality!
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Gunnison Elementary School students created fond field day memories May 20-22. Various grades rotated on and off the high school football field, soaked up the rays. Coach Matt Harris worked diligently to fill the days with colorful hula hoops, bean bags, water balloons and pizza boxes (donated by Mario’s, Dominoes and Piezan’s). While summertime music played in the background, family and friends cheered students on as they hopped, ran, threw, launched and balanced on the field. Teachers, volunteers and students enjoyed the opportunity to cut loose as the school year came to a close.
(Photos by Rebecca Rose)
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2025 Gunnison Valley summer theatre preview
Busy season ahead for theatre fans
Steven Cole Hughes and Jaden McNeese Special to the Times
Colorado has a long tradition of summer theatre. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder is the second-oldest summer Shakespeare theatre company in the country, and the Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede has been presenting summer stock for over 60 years.
In the Gunnison Valley, in the 1980s, the Western State College Summer Theatre presented four plays on “American themes” in an eight-week season. And, of course, The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre is the longest continuously running community theatre in Colorado. The Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival started in the summer of 2021, and Firebird Theatre began producing late summerearly fall Shakespeare in 2023.
Now entering its fourth year, the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival will bring audiences on a journey on stage — and by bike. In June, the festival will host a series of theater camps at Western Colorado University’s Quigley Bandshell. These camps will teach kids between the ages of elementary and high school the basics of acting. At the end of each camp, students will be given an opportunity to create their own play or musical, which will hone the skills they learned and put them to the test.
In August, the original musical “SingleTrack!” will hit the stage rolling, followed by “Crawl,” an interactive traveling show. The audience will be asked to show up to the first venue with a trusty bike by their side, and enjoy a short performance. After a brief intermission and a bike ride to the next venue, the night's entertainment will continue. During last year's iteration of “Crawl,” more than 60 cyclists rode to and from
local breweries and restaurants to witness the theater performances.
Whether you’re looking to ride your bike over to the Quigley Bandshell, see a play in the historic Mallardi Theatre in Crested Butte, or visit the newly renovated Blue Box Theatre at the Gunnison Arts Center, this summer has something for everyone. So, without further ado, here’s a comprehensive guide to all the theatre happenings this summer:
The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre
“The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” by Neil Simon
July 10, 11, 12 at 7 p.m.
July 17, 18, 19 at 7 p.m.
July 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.
“A Year with Frog & Toad” by Willie Reale and Robert Reale
July 31, Aug. 1, 2 at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, 9 at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m.
“Kimberly Akimbo” by David Lindsay-Abaire
Aug. 21, 22, 23 at 7 p.m.
Aug. 28, 29, 30 at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.
“I Love You Because” by Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman
Sept. 4-6 at 7 p.m.
Sept. 11-13 at 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Firebird Theatre
Second Anniversary Picnic June 7 at 4 p.m., Rainbow Park, Crested Butte
“A Midsummer Night's Dream” by William Shakespeare
Sept. 6 and 7 at 6 p.m., the Crested Butte Railroad Depot Sept. 13 and 14 at 6 p.m., Quigley Bandshell
Gunnison Arts Center
Destination Imagination: A theatre-based STEAM program Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 3–July 31 with performances on Aug. 1
A Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival performance in the Western Colorado University Quigley Bandshell. (Courtesy Steven Cole Hughes)
Valley of Fools clown workshop
June 8
Broadway Bound: Intro to Acting, Singing and Dancing camp July 14-18
Missoula Children’s Theatre
Aug. 11-16
The Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival
Make Your Own Musical Camp Elementary school, June 9 -13, performance on Friday, June 13
Middle school, June 16 -27, performance on Friday, June 27
High School Theatre Camp
July 7-11, performance on Friday, July 11
Romeo + Juliet + Cocktails + Music: poetry and music from, and inspired by, “Romeo & Juliet”
July 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Quigley Bandshell
Dive Into Improv: improv workshop, with open bar provided by The Dive
July 25 at 6:30 p.m., Taylor Hall Studio Theatre
“Singletrack!” by Steven Cole Hughes and Jessica Jackson
Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Taylor Hall Studio Theatre
The Play Crawl Aug. 23, locations TBD
(Steven Cole Hughes is an actor, director, playwright and theatre educator. Jaden McNeese is a Times intern.)
Short season, bright blooms
Vibrant, healthy, Colorado-grown flowers and vegetables were on display at the opening of the Greenhouse on May 24. Hanging baskets, trays of plants or herbs and window boxes can be found on the small, but mighty lot. With loyal customers returning year after year, owner Alexis Taylor’s sought-after inventory won’t last long.
Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper & Representative Jeff Hurd for introducing the GORP Act to protect our public lands.
Sponsored by members of the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative
(Photos by Rebecca Rose)
Beyond the finish line
Rasmussen’s health journey takes her to five marathons
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
In November 2023, Erica Rasmussen trotted across five bureaus of New York City, battling intense leg cramps to complete the largest marathon in the world. At the time, she thought she had reached the pinnacle of her weightloss mission. But now, 18 months later, Rasmussen has done everything except slow down.
This spring, the Gunnison local added two more of the world's top marathons to her resume, authored an internationally bestselling book and raised thousands of dollars for charities. She is now on track to become one of the first women to both lose 100 pounds and complete all six of the World Marathon Majors.
“My joy for running has only grown stronger [since New York],” she said. “I thought I would only do one marathon and be done. But I started to embrace the journey, and now I never could have imagined the people I would meet, or the
experiences I have had.” Rasmussen started running in 2018 after a challenging pregnancy inspired her to prioritize her health. Armed with a nutrition and workout plan, she began making strides, beginning with the Anna Coburn Elk Run in Crested Butte. Before long, times started to drop, and Rasmussen found joy in the small victories, like tackling longer distances and crossing more finish lines.
In the most prestigious marathons in the world, racers can enter by setting a qualifying time, getting drawn in a lottery or partnering with a charity. After completing her first half marathon in 2023, Rasmussen received a charity entry to run in the New York Marathon. She partnered with the Aspen-based Chris Klug Foundation, and reached the finish line at the largest marathon in the world. But the New York Marathon only marked the beginning.
Last year, she checked off two more of the World Marathon Majors in Chicago and Berlin, Germany. Her streak continued this April, when she tackled the Boston and London marathons within six days. Rasmussen partnered with the Boston Medical Center for the first race. She said the nonprofit resonated with her because of its initiatives helping people take ownership of their health.
Across the pond, Rasmussen partnered with the UK-based VICTA nonprofit that supports blind children to compete in activities and athletics. In support of the organization, she decorated a cardboard rainbow, and ran the entire marathon in costume.
“One of the biggest motivators for me is knowing that my
ability to make positive changes in my life is now helping these charities and our community,” she said. “I’ve now had this ripple effect.”
Rasmussen balanced her time at home between training laps up and down Taylor Canyon, and completing a recent book, titled “Marathon Mindset: Get After Your Goals!” The book outlines her “Five G’s: grit, grind, grace, gratitude and growth,” that she said parallel between running long races, and the “marathon of life.”
The immediate success of her book, and her finishes in London and Boston caught the attention of several nonprofits in Japan. She has already received invitations to compete in the Tokyo Marathon — the sixth and final race in the world majors — next March. But even though crossing finish lines at the largest races in the world have become far more frequent, she said the races continue to fill her with gratitude.
“I initially set out on this journey to prove myself wrong,” she said. “I never thought I could do it, and then I did. And honestly, each marathon gets more and more emotional with gratitude. I think I've really found joy in the journey.”
For the time being, Rasmussen is nursing a hip injury, and plans to trade in her running shoes for hiking boots and mountain bikes as she recovers. At the turn of the season, she will ramp up training, with all sights set on Tokyo.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Erica Rasmussen in the Boston Marathon. (Courtesy Erica Rasmussen)
Classifieds
EMPLOYMENT
GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT
See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net
Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”
HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES
GCS - Significant Support Needs EA
CBES - Permanent Substitute Substitute teachers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
District Director of Special Services District Psychologist
GHS - Special Education Teacher
COACHING
CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach
CBHS - Head Hockey coach
GHS - Asst. Dive coach
GHS - Asst. Dive coach
GHS - Asst. Cross Country coach
GMS - 7th Grade Volleyball Coach
Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760
jklingsmith@ gunnisonschools.net
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WANTED: West Elk Veterinary Services
Location: Rural Western Colorado
Join our caring, community-focused veterinary team! West Elk Veterinary Services is seeking a Veterinary Technician(full- or part-time) to assist with both small and large animals.
We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, hands-on experience in a rural mixedanimal practice, and a friendly, supportive work environment. Ideal candidates are dependable, compassionate, and comfortable with a variety of cases. Certification is preferred but not required. To Apply: Send your resume and a short note about yourself to gvvcoffice@gmail.com.
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 COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE GUNNISON SERVICE CENTER IS HIRING A TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 1:
Job Description: Position will assist with customer services at the Gunnison Area office including license sales, information distribution, cash register operation, radio dispatch, answering telephones, and other office duties and management. Provides responses to inquiries on hunting and fishing regulations, hunting/fishing conditions, directions, wildlife conflict resolution methods, and other requests. Position will be responsible for mandatory animal check-ins, sample collections, and other wildlife related tasks. Position will be trained to take tissue samples, and will be required to take Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples. Position may assist with various wildlife management work and other duties as assigned, including potentially transporting injured wildlife to
GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Patrol Deputy
Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $72,397.26 to $102,405.83 plus full benefits. Take home vehicle & uniform allowance provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $23.60 to $31.69 plus full benefits.
Summer Seasonal
Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $21.20 to $24.14, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Shop Technician I Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $26.51 to $30.19, 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.
IT Help Deks Technician Information Technology: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $26.51 to $30.19, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Jail Administrator
Sheriff: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range is from $6,778.80 to $8,240.87, depending on experience, plus full benefits.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Police Officer
Full-Time, $73,500-$90,700/yr
Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the City, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles, and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The City will pay for the Police Academy if needed and pay a cadet wage while attending the Academy. Includes a $15,000 hiring bonus.
City Engineer
Full-Time, $121,275-$143,267/yr
This position oversees municipal engineering projects, including streets, drainage, water, sewer, and capital improvements. Works closely with the Public Works Director to oversee capital improvement projects, manage municipal infrastructure systems, and collaborate with a dynamic team committed to excellence in public service.
Part-Time Openings: Lifeguards: $23-$29.33/hr.
Special Events/Project Assistant: $20.91 to $23.64/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.
Summer Ditch Laborer: $25.09 to $27.82/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.
The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package, including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays and 12 days of sick leave per year.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR.
lions, bears and bobcats on a regular basis. Assist with other wildlife related calls and management. The ability to drive a pickup truck in varying weather conditions is desirable. Valid Colorado driver’s license required for all positions. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check.
Employment Terms: One full-time (40 hours/week), temporary position is available at the Gunnison Service Center from June 1 through November 30, 2025. Pay Rate: $17-$19/hr commensurate with experience.
Hiring Process: Prospective applicants should send or email a resume and cover letter to: Colorado Parks and Wildlife ATTN: Admin Position, 200 S. Spruce St, Gunnison, CO 81230, or fax to (970) 648-3014, or email to: HYPERLINK “mailto:Kathaleen.dixon@ state.co.us” Kathaleen.dixon@state.co.us For additional info please call 970-641-7060.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Dinner Sous Chef, $27-$30/ hr. + gratuity; Breakfast Cook $22-$25/ hr. + gratuity (hours 7:30-11:30 a.m.); Line Cook, $22-$26/hr. + gratuity; Housekeeping, $21-$24/hr.; Facility Maintenance, $23.50$27.50/hr. 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.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
seeks applicants for the following full-time (40 hours/week), fully benefitted positions.
Western’s benefit package includes retirement and insurance plans (with generous employer contributions), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for free!
Administrative Assistant: This position is part of the Office of Residence Life and is responsible for general office management, department functions and operations, student staff supervision, and finance/accounting management. Starting pay $24.15/ hour (approx. $50,230 annually).
Annual Giving Coordinator (AGC): As part of the Western Colorado University Foundation, the AGC leads annual fundraising efforts, including Mountaineer Gives Day, Fall Appeals, and donor engagement campaigns. Starting annual salary $55,000 - $60,000. Apply by 6/20/25.
RESS Program Assistant: This position provides administrative, budgetary, promotional, registration, and grants management support to undergraduate and graduate programs in the Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science (RESS) Department. Starting pay $25.17/ hour (approx. $52,340 annually).
To view the full job announcements and apply, visit western.edu/jobs
regional rehab facilities.
Position Requirements: Ability to interact with and assist hunters, anglers and the general public, helping with various information requests in person; on the phone; and by email. Knowledge of computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Google Suite are highly desired. Knowledge of hunting and fishing is highly desired. Having the ability to read maps, accurately collect and record data from hunters, and the ability to enter data into computer databases is required. Must be willing and able to lift and handle elk and deer heads, carcasses of mountain
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.
GOLDEN EAGLE is looking for CDL and nonCDL drivers. Pay is based on experience. Call 970-641-3230.
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.
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.
CRESTED BUTTE BURGER COMPANY is hiring Team Members, $16-18/hr. + gratuity, for summer seasonal work from June to September. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: crestedbutteburgerco@gmail.com.
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST WANTED: The Inn at Tomichi Village is seeking a friendly, organized individual
To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado Newspapers for only $300, contact your local Newspaper or email rtoledo@colopress net
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Re pair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundation sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate $250 off ANY project with code GET250 Call 1-888-717-0104RNET
To Place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado Newspapers for $300 Contact your local Newspaper or email rtoledo@colopress net
Experience is a plus, but not required. Apply in person at: The Inn at Tomichi Village. 41883 US Highway 50, Gunnison, CO.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES & LANDSCAPING is looking for positive individuals to join our Garden Center Retail Team. Enjoy some sun and beautiful plants this summer! rockymountaintrees.com/ employment.
MOUNTAIN ROOTS SEEKS BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Passionate about earth, food, and community? We need you to help lead the future of food. Part time residents welcome. Learn more at mountainrootsfoodproject.org or call Holly at 970-417-7848.
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.
BUILDING INSPECTOR: The Town of Crested Butte is looking for a Building Inspector to join the Community
Development team. The Building Inspector is responsible for performing a variety of commercial, industrial, residential plan review and building and safety inspections of new and existing properties for compliance with Town adopted regulations and building codes. This year-round position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, and contribution to retirement plan after one year of employment.
Starting pay is $35.49 - $42.59 DOQ. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at www.townofcrestedbutte.com/ jobs. Please submit application, cover letter, and resume via email to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov. Position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BARISTA: Mochas Coffeehouse and Bakery in Gunnison is seeking baristas to join our team for the Summer. Hourly wage plus tips and shift meals, in a positive and fun work environment. Drop your resume off or fill out an application at Mochas or email mochasbarista@gmail.com.
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.
CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE/
RECEPTIONIST:
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Do you love animals and people? Are you organized, friendly and ready to be the welcoming face of a caring veterinary team? Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic is looking for a warm and dependable Client Services Representative to join our close-knit staff. As our receptionist, you’ll play a vital role in creating a positive experience for pets and their people—from answering phones and scheduling appointments to greeting wagging tails and friendly faces.
What We’re Looking For:
A friendly, professional attitude. Strong communication and customer service skills. Comfortable working with animals of all sizes. Dependability and attention to detail. Ability to multitask around our lovable office cat and in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience in reception or veterinary work is a plus, but we’re willing to train the right person.
What You’ll Do: Greet clients and their pets. Manage appointments and phone calls. Handle payments and maintain records. Support our veterinary team with compassion and efficiency.
Why Join Us?
Work with a supportive and fun-loving team. Make a difference in the lives of pets and people. Enjoy a flexible schedule and competitive pay.
If you’re ready to be part of a communityfocused veterinary clinic where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you! To Apply: Send your resume and a short note about yourself to gvvcoffice@gmail.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.
LOOKING FOR A FUN AND REWARDING SUMMER JOB? Do you adore working with small children? Little Red Schoolhouse is hiring! We are looking for a Tuesday and Wednesday 3-4 year old teacher starting June 10-Aug. 22 and hopefully beyond! Potential for more hours with subbing as well. Looking for a creative,
fun, energetic and flexible individual to become part of an awesome team. Please send resume and cover letter to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com.
LAKE CITY AREA MEDICAL CENTER is hiring a PRN EMT level or higher; 8-24 hrs/ wk must be available to work Saturdays; $2035/hr; Email your resume to lcmedcenter@ lcamc.net. EOE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES & LANDSCAPING is looking for experienced and motivated individuals to install various types of landscapes. Join a fun team this summer! rockymountaintrees.com/ employment.
PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a Bilingual Advocate for a 25-27 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 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.
REAL ESTATE
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
NOTICE OF BUDGET
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE
MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The real property being foreclosed is
Lot 12 in Block 2 of Arrowhead in Gunnison Country Subdivision, Filing No.1 Amended according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded on the 5th day of February 1974, under Reception No. 298784, with all appurtenances, County of Gunnison, State of Colorado.
Also known by street and number as: 551 Spruce Road, Cimarron, CO 81220 THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE WRIT OF EXECUTION AND CERTIFICATE OF LEVY.
NOTICE OF SALE THEREFORE, pursuant to the said Writ of Execution directing me to sell the said real property, notice is hereby given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1’1 2025 at 510 W. Bidwell Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Judgment Debtor, Judgment Debtor’s heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the Judgment, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;
Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie /s/ Josh Ashe
Undersheriff
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Jacob A. With, Atty. Reg.#: 40546; Law of the Rockies, 525 N. Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230; 970-641-1903 ex. 2
The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt Any information provided may be used for that purpose.
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2025 17315
(CRS §38-38-103) FORECLOSURE SALE
NO. 2024CV30042
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Writ of Execution:
The undersigned Sheri IT caused the Certificate of Levy relating to the Writ of Execution and judgment described below to be recorded in the real property records of Gunnison County, Colorado. Gunnison
Judgment Creditors - Arrowhead Improvements Association, Inc.
Current Holder of the Judgment Creditor’s Rights - Arrowhead Improvements Association, Inc.
Judgment Debtor - Sheri Wareham
Judgment Date - December 13, 2024
Court and Case No. Judgment Entered in Transcript of Judgment Recording Date - Gunnison County, Colorado Dist. Ct. 2024CV30042 January 7, 2025
Reception Number of Transcript of Judgment700239
County of Recording - Gunnison
Writ of Execution Date - April 11, 2025
Original Judgment Amount - $3,138.71
Outstanding Original Judgment Amount$3,138.71
THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
Lot 9 in Block 1 1 of Arrowhead in Gunnison Country Subdivision, Filing No.1 according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded on the 5th day of February, 1974, under Reception No. 298784 of the Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder’s records together with a right of ingress and egress to and from the Alpine Plateau Road No. 559 over the platted roads over said subdivision and from said platted roads over the common grounds to said lot, with all appurtenances, County of Gunnison, State of Colorado.
Also known by street and number as: 655 Balsam Rd., Cimarron, CO 81220 THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN
IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE WRIT OF EXECUTION AND CERTIFICATE OF LEVY.
NOTICE OF SALE
THEREFORE, pursuant to the said Writ of Execution directing me to sell the said real property, notice is hereby given that I will at public auction, at l0:00 a.m. on Tuesday July 1’1 2025, at 510 W. Bidwell Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Judgment Debtor, Judgment Debtor’s heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the Judgment, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.
IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;
County Sheriff Adam Murdie /s/ Josh Ashe Undersheriff
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Jacob A. With, Atty. Reg.#: 40546; Law of the Rockies, 525 N. Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230; 970-641-1903 ex. 2
The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt Any information provided may be used for that purpose.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2025
17316
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Matthew Jerome Cahir, also known as, Matthew J. Cahir, Deceased Case Number: 25PR30013.
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Gunnison, County, Colorado or on or before September 29, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred. James E. Plumhoff, III- Devor & Plumhoff, LLC, 152 Colorado Ave., Montrose, CO 81401, (970) 249-7000.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of May 29, June 5 and 12, 2025
17391
American West Coast Wine Tastings
Crested Butte Friends of the Library is hosting American West Coast wine tastings on select Thursday evenings in June, August and September. Participants will sip wines from Washington, Oregon and California. The tastings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. The cost is $50 per person and includes light snacks. Tickets will go on sale May 27 and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/oldrockwine.
Gunnison Car Club
The Gunnison Car Club is now accepting applications from charitable and nonprofit organizations for grants from the proceeds of its 2025 Gunnison Car Show. The application request form can be downloaded from the Gunnison Car Club’s website at gunnisoncarclub.com and emailed to Info@gunnisoncarclub.com. Applications must be received by June 8 and will be considered at the Car Club meeting to be held on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fred Field Center Van Tuyl Room.
Summer dance programs
Registration is open for summer dance programs with the Crested Butte School of Dance. Block 5 runs from June 16-Aug. 9. Dance Camps on Mondays and Thursdays for kindergarten through grade 5 and more than 30 weekly dance classes for preschoolers to adults. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Visit dancecrestedbutte. org for program details and registration.
2nd Annual Brett Redden Memorial Poker Ride
June 8 at the Mill Creek Trailhead. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the last riders depart at 11 a.m. All ages welcome with your own horse. Please leave dogs at home. Proceeds benefit the 4-H Horse Project.
Farm Tour/Dig-In Day
Glacier Farm will be hosting a joint Farm Tour/Dig-In Day on June 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This event is brought to you by both Mountain Roots and Crested Butte Land Trust. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the farm, learn about the space and get their hands dirty. Food and beverages will be provided. The event is free but requires an RSVP. For questions, contact Hannah at hannah@mountainrootsfoodproject.org.
Mountain Roots
Passionate about Earth, Food and Community? Mountain Roots seeks Board and Committee members. Join a group of passionate people and help to shape the future of food, farming, access and education. We're looking for both board and committee members to make and activate plans and chart our course. Skills in fundraising, events, strategy, business, governance or livedexperience a plus. Part-time residents welcome. Learn more at mountainrootsfoodproject.org or call Holly at 970.417.7848.
Celebration of Life Memorial Event
For three decades, Gunnison Valley Health’s Hospice has stood beside families in their most tender moments. This year, the community is invited to join in commemorating 30 years of hospice service during the fourth annual Celebration of Life event, held on June 7 at 10 a.m. at West Tomichi Riverway Park. To learn more visit gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/hospice or call 970.641.4254.
Acoustic piano
Join David Bergstrom May 31 at 7 p.m. to experience an unforgettable evening of soulstirring piano music blending neoclassical, new age, ambient, blues and jazz in our new Blue Box Theatre.
“Cresta Alta” national film tour & Salem concert
Join us June 7 from 7-9 p.m. in our Blue Box Theatre for this unique blend of film and music. “Cresta Alta” chronicles a journey to Alaska, Iceland, Chile and Peru to document glaciological research expeditions and sustainability. Salem performs Todd Anders Johnson's sociallyconscious music that has been featured in a variety of ski and snowboard films before and after the film.
Dance classes
Youth dance classes begin June 11-12 for 5 weeks ending July 16-17. Adult dance also begins in June, including heels class, tap, jazz and lyra. For more information on all classes visit GunnisonArtsCenter.org/ movingarts.
The Art of Watercolor
Curious about watercolor? Join Karen Hill for four Wednesday’s June 4 - June 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a fun beginner class where you will learn brushwork, blending and color mixing. No experience needed! Go to GunnisonArtsCenter.org to find out more.
Daytime wheel throwing
Join Karolina Szumilas for four Wednesdays June 4-25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for a relaxed daytime ceramic class for all skill levels. Enjoy learning the art of wheel throwing and a morning/mid-day reset to start your summer. Go to GunnisonArtsCenter.org to find out more.
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
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
Faith Directory
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year) WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Reverand Ian Wrisley
Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All.
Sundays, 10 a.m.
Fridays Meditation, 12:30-1 p.m.
“Come-as-You-Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org
Trinity Baptist Church
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813
Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860
Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta
Assoc. Pastor Jacob With
Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.
Starting March 5 - Wednesday night service at 7pm.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.
St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.
Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass
St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
Church in the Barn
8007 County Road 887
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588
Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Gunnison Branch 810 N 11th St. 970-648-4804
Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.
Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced daily living. Join us to worship God, strengthen your spiritual connections, and focus on Jesus. Worship with a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike and learn from each other.
The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church
307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains
Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org
Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II 403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte
Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org
GHS girls golf battles at state
Cowboys take home 14th
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
The GHS girls golf team faced treacherous bunkers and slim fairways at the state championship at the Pueblo Country Club on May 19 and 20. As a team, the Cowboys placed 14th against the state’s top schools.
Despite shooting higherthan-normal scores, all four varsity players gained experience playing at the pinnacle of the high school level. Head Coach Kevin Mickelson said the players learned how to navigate the golf course under higher pressure, and make confident swings with an increased heartbeat.
“Regardless of the outcome and the scores that they shot, the experience is priceless,” Mickelson said. “We didn’t perform the way we wanted to, but
Western stars at NCAA championships
Beasley takes All-American finish
Gregg Petcoff
Special to the Times
Three Western Colorado University athletes faced off at the 2025 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 23 in Pueblo. Allison Beasley added another All-American award to her resume, racing to a fifth-place finish in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase. Beasley earned a spot in the championship final of the event during the qualifying heats on May 22. The junior fought off a charge from Pueblo’s Margot Thomas on the final lap Friday. She crossed the finish in fifth with a time of 10 minutes, 36.30
HOME SPORTS EVENTS
seconds.
Event winner Ava O'Connor of Adams State broke to the lead early and only lengthened the gap between the chasing pack over the entirety of the race. A group of three runners were next in line, followed by a larger group that included Beasley, who ran through the 1,000meter mark of the race in sixth place. Over the next lap, however, Beasley staked a claim to fifth place, and fought off the late challenge from Thomas.
The track and field AllAmerican honor is Beasley's fourth in her career. She placed second in the steeplechase at the 2023 outdoor championships, and seventh in the mile, and third in the distance medley relay during the 2023 indoor championships.
Western's Nykole Meshew was also a competitor Friday at the ThunderBowl, having quali-
fied for the national meet in the women's high jump. Meshew cleared the opening height of 1.63 meters on her first attempt but was unable to clear the next height of 1.68 meters to finish her championship in a tie for 16th place.
Beasley's finish put Western up on the team scoreboard in 23rd place with one day remaining in the championship meet. Results were not available by press time.
( Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)
Allison Beasley competes in the steeplechase. (Courtesy Western Colorado University Athletic Communications)
Althea Stansbery swings an iron at a practice round in April. (Photos by Alex McCrindle)
Golf A22
Colorado State
Saturday, May 31st • 9:00am -
you can’t get the feel of a state championship unless you’re actually there.”
Heading into the season finale, the Cowboys had already suffered an early setback. Because graduation fell on the same day, the girls couldn’t travel to Pueblo for the practice round. However, the course's tree-lined fairways were reminiscent of the cottonwoods at Dos Rios Golf Club in Gunnison. The Cowboys boasted handfuls of practice rounds at their home course, and knew how to play within the confines of claustrophobic fairways.
But it wasn’t the fairways that haunted the girls during the two-day tournament. The course guarded each green with cavernous bunkers, and often, the greens themselves sat elevated, like an “upside-down paper plate,” Mickelson said. The course architecture tested the Cowboys’ finesse around the greens, and also raised scores for the entire field.
Cowboy No. 1 seed Aiden Tomlin started the championship with an opening round score of 90. The junior, who took first place at the Cowboy Invite this season, added nine strokes the following day to finish 22nd overall. Faith Pederson finished right behind her, shooting 109, and then 124 to take 69th in the field.
Rounding out the Cowboy roster, Norah Abila and Althea Stansbery each made their first appearances at the state championship. Abila started off with a 133, but shed over 20 strokes off her score the following day to shoot a 108. Stanbery fin -
ished with a 125 and 124 to complete her sophomore season.
Now the Cowboys will enjoy summer rounds at Dos Rios, and continue tinkering with their swings and making strides ahead of next spring.
“Tournaments like this motivate you to play more and work on your game more in the summertime, if you truly want to get back to playing at that level,”
Mickelson said. “I'm looking forward to the future with this group, and to see them refine the talents that they already have, and improve on their weaknesses.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Aiden Tomlin tees off at the Cowboy Invite.
Sagebrush stampede
Gunnison’s annual Growler mountain bike races returned to action May 24 and 25, and brought festivities to IOOF Park all weekend long. On Saturday, racers sped down Main Street in the Original Growler, and navigated 32 miles of Hartman Rocks sagebrush. The celebrations concluded on Sunday, with the Pup 20-mile race and Big Bad 40-miler.
ORIGINAL
1. Caleb Reese 1. Benon Gattis 1. Andrew Reichart
2. Ian Blythe 2. Canyon Cherney 2. Jordan Williford
3. Quinn Carpenter 3. Jeremy Norris 3. Flint Lugers Women Women Women
1. Erin Kelley 1. Najeeby Quinn 1. Jessica Davis
2. Jennifer Smith 2. Kaitlyn Maddox 2. Hannah Roberts
Where: Gunnison Lake School, 800 N Boulevard St. Breakfast and lunch will be served all at once in a to-go bag. The serving line will be set up along the north alleyway
Meals will be available from 8:30am to Noon
Questions? Call (970) 641-7714 or email kstanley@gunnisonschools.net This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Desayuno y almuerzo gratis para niños menores de 18 años.!
Adonde: Gunnison Lake School, 800 N. Boulevard St. Cuando: Lunes – Jueves, Junio 16-Julio 24
Desayuno y Almuerzo: 8:30am-12:00 PM
El desayuno y el almuerzo se servirán juntos en una bolsa para llevar. La línea de servicio se instalará en el pasillo
institución es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.
(Photos by Rebecca Rose)
(Photo by Bella Biondini)
Women’s
Health Clinic
We o er comprehensive gynecological care including hormone replacement therapy, menopause care and Endometriosis treatment.
Specialty Clinic | 970-641-3927
Care designed for ... Women
Obstetrics
Dr. Maija Swanson, Dr. Laura Villanueva, Dr. Megan Tucker and Dr. Clinton McBride specialize in family medicine obstetrics providing full spectrum prenatal, labor and delivery and postpartum care.
Family Medicine Clinic | 970-642-8413
BREAST SCREENINGS
We provide a comprehensive set of breast screening services that includes 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography and Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (ABUS).
Radiology | 970-641-7253
Mountain Mamas Cafe
Come meet other mamas and their little ones!
¡Ven a conocer a otra Mamas!
Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Grove, 304 West Tomichi in Gunnison
Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Grove, 304 West Tomichi in Gunnison (en Español)
Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Oh Be Joyful, 625 Maroon Ave. in Crested Butte
Gunnison Valley Health is Baby-Friendly designated which demonstrates that we are adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
At Gunnison Valley Health we o er services designed to meet the specific health needs of women at every stage of their lives.
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