Alan Wartes Times Publisher
With the release of gray wolves in Gunnison County looming as early as December 2025, a pair of last minute efforts to hit the pause button are underway.
On Sept. 5, the Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association led a group of 28 Colorado organizations and government
COMMUNITY: Inner tubes to earrings, A13
SPORTS: Softball falls to Alamosa, A26
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
The students of Western Colorado University have returned to Gunnison for the 2025-2026 academic year. After disappointing numbers last year, enrollment appears to be trending upward again.
According to Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Leslie Taylor, total enrollment for undergraduate and gradu -
ate students has increased by 4% this year. New first-year and transferring undergraduate enrollment increased by 11%. Additionally, the number of high school students taking classes at Western dramatically increased by 175 students, raising enrollment in that area by 13%.
Overall graduate enrollment was also up with non-degreeseeking graduate students increasing due to the rise in participation in post-baccalaureate professional development programs.
The only area to see a decline in enrollment was degree-seeking students, which decreased
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
On Oct. 1, Teresa Brown officially took over as Gunnison County treasurer, following the retirement of former Treasurer Debbie Dunbar in early August. After being appointed to fill the vacancy by Gunnison County commissioners this month, Brown will serve the remainder of Dunbar’s term until Dec. 31, 2026.
The Times connected with Brown to learn more about her background and her vision for the office.
(Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Can you tell us a little about your personal story and background? Where are you from? What’s your educational background?
I am originally from Aspen, Colorado, but also spent a portion of my childhood and adulthood in Florida. My love of the mountains brought me home to Colorado to stay.
How did you come to Gunnison?
How I made my way to Gunnison is a bit of a funny story. In 1997, I was living and working in Montrose, Colorado when my daycare provider informed me that she was moving to Gunnison. We all know
““Instead of wasting time with a designated agent of the Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s time to go to the decision makers and have them do their job.”
— Greg Lopez, Republican gubernatorial candidate
See story on A1
The Little Adventures Child Care Center announced on Sept. 19 that its Gunnison facility would close immediately. The Glenwood Springs-based company took over in Spring 2024 for the previous occupants of the building at the west end of Tomichi Ave. near the Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center. The Wonderland Nature School closed in February 2024 after encountering a number of insurmountable financial difficulties.
The building is owned by Gunnison Valley Health, though Little Adventures operated independently as a tenant.
“Over the past several years, GVH has invested substantial resources to support this facility — including more than $600,000 in capital improvements to convert the former senior care center into a dedicated daycare space,” GVH stated in a press release.
Information about the number of children displaced by the closure was not available as of press time. Requests for comment from Little Adventures were unsuccessful.
“GVH is actively working to identify sustainable, long-term solutions to continue providing childcare services at this location, and we will share updates as they become available,” the press release stated.
As of Sept. 12, all fire restrictions in unincorporated Gunnison County were rescinded. In addition, restrictions were lifted by the Gunnison Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management and with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests.
Carl Almen McLain
Carl Almen McLain was born Nov. 25, 1941 and passed away Oct. 25, 2024 peacefully surrounded by his family. Carl was survived by his wife, Jill; daughters, Angela and Shannon; sons, Randy, John (Jess) and Ryan (Andria); brother David (LaDonna), their children and families; as well as several grandchildren.
There will be a grave side
memorial at the Gunnison Cemetery on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion building at Legion Park in Gunnison.
(Bill) Edward Card
William (Bill) Edward Card passed away at home Sept. 12, 2025. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 13, 1932 to Frank Irving Card and
Pearl (Johnson) Card.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1955, achieved a bachelor's degree from Adrian College in Michigan, married Elinda Ellen (Poorman) Card on Sept. 21, 1958 and began teaching English in 1959. They purchased a cabin on Spring Creek in 1965, where his family spent every summer from the end of one school year to the beginning of the next.
Bill retired from teaching in 1987, when he and Elinda moved permanently to Spring Creek.
Bill was the long-time caretaker of homes in Spring Creek valley. He also worked at the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport for a period. He was an avid fisherman, went cross-country skiing with his wife and children, joined a Jeep 4-wheeling group with a 1954
Willy's and loved John Wayne movies. He is survived by his wife, Elinda; four children, Jennifer Tomsic, Nathan Card, Heidi Card and Kiersten J. Mayer; nine grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren, one niece, one nephew and two great-nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2025 at the Gunnison Elks Lodge.
Green leaves still hang tough on Kebler Pass on Sept. 14, but a dusting of snow on the peaks is a harbinger of Fall.
Alan Wartes Times Publisher
The Gunnison City Council on Tuesday became the first area municipality to formally cancel its intergovernmental agreement for services with the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority (GVRHA) effective Jan. 1, 2026. The action clears the way for the city to begin negotiations with Gunnison County to enter a new agreement aimed at replacing those services.
The city has been paying $224,000 per year to GVRHA for housing-related services, including $84,000 annually to support GV-Heat, an energy efficiency program managed by the authority.
The GVRHA board voted last June to disband the organization following the resignation of Executive Director Melissa LaMonica. She is now finance director for Gunnison County. Her departure was the fifth leadership change in two years, and the board decided another candidate search was one challenge too many for the beleaguered organization.
GVRHA had been underfunded and understaffed for some time, alongside the challenges of meeting the different expectations of its constituent government entities in the valley. Those included Gunnison County, the Town of Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and the City of Gunnison.
Following the GVRHA decision to disband, Gunnison County commissioners signaled willingness to absorb most of the organization’s service into
the Gunnison County Housing Authority. Established in 1979, the county housing authority already oversees a number of housing projects, such as the recently completed Sawtooth development in Gunnison and the Whetstone project near Crested Butte.
“I think that it has been clear throughout this process that everyone's committed to pursuing housing initiatives moving forward,” Gunnison City Manager Amanda Wilson told councilors on Tuesday. “I think there are many opportunities to modify the way in which that's structured to be more effective for the community.”
Terminating the agreement now, Wilson said, “really helps kick off the next step to be able to transition some of the services that are provided by the Housing Authority.”
Council approved the cancellation in a unanimous vote.
Further discussion centered on the future of GV-Heat, which has been managed by GVRHA.
The group provides subsidized energy efficiency evaluations and upgrades to qualifying home owners and renters throughout the valley.
In a memo to council, city staff recommended that the city not absorb any GV-Heat functions or obligations. Instead, Wilson asked councilors to support expanding existing energy
efficiency rebate programs for people living within city limits. GV-Heat serves people across the county through a variety of grants, making it beyond the scope of city capacity and jurisdiction, she said.
In addition, GV-Heat has focused efforts on low-income residents, by nature of its association with GVRHA. The transition offers an opportunity to expand sustainability services to a wider range of participants, Wilson said.
City Councilor Jim Gelwicks expressed concern that any redirection of GV-Heat should take into account the people who have already committed to receive assessments and upgrades through the organization.
“You can get them in very complex situations unintentionally,” Gelwicks said in the meeting. “I think that we, as a community, owe it to those people that are in the process to take care of them as a high priority.”
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
Sleeve Up and Fend Off Flu!
Regular and High Dose Vaccines Available!
Gunnison Clinic
September 30th
3 - 6 pm
Health & Human Services
parking lot off of W Virginia Ave
Drive-thru and walk-up options. Parking for the walk-up clinic is in the Spruce St. parking lot.
Crested Butte Clinic
October 9th
3 - 5:30 pm
Inside the Queen of All Saints Parish Hall
Indoor clinic only. Parking is available in front of and around the Parish Hall property, or a short walk from Elk Ave.
Please bring a HARD COPY of your insurance card with IDs to confirm information. We DO NOT ACCEPT Kaiser Permanente insurance
$25 for vaccines if you are uninsured. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.
Persons 6 months and older can be vaccinated.
For more information, get in touch with Health & Human Services Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm.
220 N Spruce St. Gunnison, CO
¡Sube la manga y frena la gripe!
Vacunas de dosis normal y alta disponibles
Clínica Gunnison
30 de septiembre
3 - 6 pm
Salud y Servicios Humanos en el parqueadero junto a W Virginia Ave
Puede obtener la vacuna estando en su carro o puede caminar a la clínica que esta en Spruce St.
Clínica Crested Butte
October 9th
3 - 5:30 pm
Interior del Salón Parroquial Reina de Todos los Santos
Clínica cubierta solamente. El aparcamiento está disponible en frente y alrededor de la propiedad del Salón Parroquial, o un corto paseo de Elk Ave.
Por favor traiga una COPIA DURA de su tarjeta de seguro con identificaciones para confirmar la información. NO ACEPTAMOS el seguro de Kaiser Permanente.
$25 por las vacunas si no tiene seguro. Se aceptan efectivo, cheques y tarjetas de crédito.
Las personas a partir de 6 meses pueden vacunarse.
Para más información, póngase en contacto con Salud y Servicios Humanos de lunes a viernes de 9 am a 4 pm.
Vinotok took over the streets of Crested Butte on Saturday, Sept. 20. Community members followed the cast and crew down Elk Ave during the procession which ended at the 4-Way for the annual Trial of the Grump. After dinner, Marcy Telendar performed the non-denominational commitment ceremony called Handfasting.
how difficult it is to find good daycare, so I followed her to Gunnison and it has been my home ever since.
What is your professional background? When did you first start working for the treasurer’s office and was that your first experience in the field?
I began my tenure with Gunnison County in 2000. Through my 25 years in the Treasurer/Public Trustee Office, I have worked for three treasurers and with several amazing co-workers. I started out at the entry level accounts clerk collecting tax payments and receipting deposits brought to us by the other county offices. In 2006 I was given the task of running the Public Trustee Office. This would include facilitating Deed of Trust foreclosures and executing Release of Deeds of Trust. I have continued with this roll to this day. It is not well known that when you are elected treasurer you are also elected public trustee and that these are two different offices housed together in the same office. Before working in the Treasurer’s Office, I was employed by a title company. Working at the title company gave me an understanding of legal descriptions of property and real estate in general, which was very helpful when I started working in both the treasurer and public trustee sides of the office.
In your words, how do you view the office of treasurer?
What does a treasurer do? Why is it important to citizens? What do you see as your top priorities and responsibilities in the office?
I guess the best way for me to describe the Treasurer’s Office, at least through my eyes, is that we are the bank for Gunnison County. We collect the tax dollars that we are asked to collect and then we disperse those tax dollars to the entities that are supposed to get them. We make sure that all the county bank accounts are in balance. We are also charged with investing county monies. That being said, the treasurer’s and public trustee’s duties are set by statute, so we don’t get to make any big decisions. The statute books make most of them for us.
Since you were not elected, what message do you have now for the people of Gunnison County as their new treasurer?
I was appointed, which means that the voters of Gunnison County did not choose me and I realize that those are two very different ways of becoming treasurer. The message I would like to send out there to all the Gunnison County voters is that I plan to move forward just as I have for the past 25 years. I want my office to be one to show empathy and compassion to those showing up at our counter or calling us. Whether you are paying taxes or possibly dealing with a foreclosure, I want you to always feel like you can come to us for answers. I will continue to work closely with the other county offices to make the transition from Debbie Dunbar to myself as easy as possible.
How will you do things differently in your new role? Are there any pertinent changes you plan to make? What are your core values as treasurer?
Debbie has done such an amazing job as Treasurer that for now I am going to lead by following her example. I am sure there will be changes down
the road, but for now I am going to concentrate on learning on the fly and getting the job done. Along with compassion and empathy, my work ethic is a driving force for me to succeed. I plan on continuing to work hard for the county just as I have for the past 25 years.
Are there any new or exciting things happening at the Treasurer’s Office?
As far as the Treasurer’s Office is concerned, nothing else new or exciting. Just business as usual. I would also like to take a minute to thank Debbie Dunbar. She has been an amazing treasurer, mentor, and friend. She is going to be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her new adventure as a retiree.
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
970.641.1414
© 2025 Gunnison Country Times
Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com
Associate Editor Alex McCrindle alex@gunnisontimes.com
Staff Writer Gia Wright gia@gunnisontimes.com
Advertising Manager Bobbie Corn bobbie@gunnisontimes.com
Advertising Associate Annie Mears anniegunnisontimes.com
Production Manager Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com
THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. - noon Friday
Laura Puckett Daniels Special to the Times
On Aug. 7 and last week on Sept. 18, Gunnison County held two public hearings regarding the Special Area Regulations (SAR) that are informed by the Gunnison Area Plan (GAP). This is a state-mandated, community-driven framework that strives to balance development needs with protecting Gunnison’s open space, rural character and values in order to plan appropriately for future growth.
Over 100 people attended between the two hearings, and I would like to thank the residents of Gunnison County who continue to show up and participate in the important conversations about our shared future. Your voices matter, and the planning commission and county commissioners are listening. We deeply value the time, thought and care our community puts into this dialogue.
The pressures of growth
Talking about growth is hard. We love our small towns and rural character; we love our neighbors, quiet streets and agricultural lands. At the same time, the pressures of growth are real. Many of our friends and neighbors need safe, stable housing they can afford. Some folks want to develop their land and we have buyers from all over the country vying for our county’s homes and lots. Planning for the future enables us to meet these pressures while keeping our values intact.
Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.
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Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.
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The threat of sprawl I, for one, want to ensure we still have working cattle ranches far into the future. I want herds of wildlife that can move freely across the landscape and raise healthy young. I want clean and abundant water in our rivers, reservoirs and wells. But one of the biggest threats to these values is sprawl.
Sprawl is what you see when a community allows unplanned, unintentional development in the county. It’s one house, one subdivision, one storage unit at a time, creeping out from the municipal boundaries and filling up ag lands. It’s what happens when you put one house on one acre (or 5 acres or 35 acres) until you’ve filled all the developable acres. Sprawl eats up land, eats up wildlife habitat and eats up water. If you live in that one house on 10 acres, you probably love it, but the opportunities diminish for the hundreds of people currently in our community who need a place to live.
The opposite of sprawl is compact development. Compact development is when you build adjacent to the city and existing communities, concentrating people in order to preserve outlying lands for agriculture and wildlife. It’s when you continue the neighborhood streets and the walkability. It’s when you tie into existing utilities in order to avoid a multitude of new wells and septic systems that threaten existing water quality and supply.
Housing is one of our most challenging issues. The 2024 Housing Needs Assessment states that we need 1,300 more units of housing to meet current and increased demand by 2029. But where should this housing go, now and far into the future? Many of us agree the best place is inside our municipalities, and the City of Gunnison is revising its Land Development Code with policies that will encourage this. But there is still pressure in the county to develop, so what do we want our unincorporated county lands to look like 50 years from now?
The Gunnison Area Plan is currently a draft document that states the values and vision for the future of areas within three miles of the city’s boundary. The county has designated some of these areas as part of a “special area,” and we are drafting a regulatory framework for how the land can be used called Special Area Regulations. The goals of the GAP and the SAR are multi-fold: to fulfill the legal requirement for Gunnison to have a three-mile plan; to drive development close to our population centers and connected to utilities; to provide more housing locals can afford; and to protect areas farther from population centers for agriculture and wildlife.
Just as importantly, it ensures that if development proposals come forward, we have clear, predictable processes for review rather than starting from scratch each time. These are a lot of goals to tackle at one time! But all these
issues are interrelated, so this process involves a broad community conversation to try to strike the right balance.
Without the GAP, a developer could approach us at any time to request almost anything, anywhere. The current land development process through the county’s Land Use Resolution is pretty straightforward for a single home on a property, but for subdivisions or multiple units, the process can take years.
We’ve heard over and over again from local community members that this process stops the creation of more housing and makes it more expensive. The GAP and accompanying SAR should provide clarity and certainty for developers to make it easier for them to invest in our community, so that we all end up with more housing options.
But it’s not just about developers. When the regulations are informed by your voice, they become a reflection of our community’s values and goals, ensuring that future development aligns with what we need and want. Does that mean every person will love 100% of what’s in the plan? No, it doesn’t. But by listening to your feedback now and incorporating the feedback we’ve received from years of planning efforts, we hope to make the GAP a clear statement of our values, with the SAR then becoming the regulatory framework that supports those values.
I also want to clear up what the GAP and SAR are not, especially for our neighbors in Dos Rios. The GAP is not a development proposal. Rather, it is a framework — a planning tool designed to guide potential future development within three miles of the City of Gunnison. Some residents believe that a high-density housing development is planned for the Dunbar parcel next to Dos Rios.
The fact is, there is no current application by a private entity to develop that property, nor is the county considering building on that property. This plan does not mandate development there or anywhere else. It simply identifies where development could be considered and parameters for what that development should look like, if landowners or developers bring forward proposals in the future.
It’s important to understand that what actually gets built in these areas, defined by the plan,
will ultimately depend on developers, landowners and the marketplace. The SAR is the regulatory framework that ensures compatibility with our community goals so that we can take a proactive role in steering our community through the pressures and changes we face.
Years in the making
This work did not begin overnight. The GAP process began in 2022, and over the past few years, county staff, city staff and community members have been involved in shaping the goals and considerations that now appear in the GAP through open houses, written comment, editorials, work sessions and public hearings. Last week’s hearing regarding the SAR is only the latest step in our public engagement; the next hearing will be held on Oct. 23 and you can also submit a written comment (see below). Ultimately, thoughtful planning now will help us avoid haphazard or piecemeal decisions later. It will help us solve for our housing needs, while protecting water, wildlife, agriculture and public safety. By creating a framework that prevents unwanted sprawl, we can streamline future processes, give landowners clarity and ensure the public continues to have a voice. This effort is about being proactive rather than reactive. It’s about creating more places to live, while preserving the places we love.
Stay engaged
To be clear, the Board of County Commissioners has not yet voted on adopting the SAR, nor have we made up our minds about all the details. This process is ongoing, and your input is part of what will shape the outcome. As your commissioner, I remain committed to transparency, open dialogue and careful decisionmaking. I encourage all residents to stay engaged and keep asking questions.
Continue sharing your views, both verbally in meetings and in writing by email (planning@gunnisoncounty.org) or mail directly to your commissioners. Together, we can ensure that growth in Gunnison County reflects our shared priorities and preserves what makes this valley so special.
(Laura Puckett Daniels is a Gunnison County commissioner.)
Editor:
The town ditches have been turned off. Now, it’s time to give gratitude for this gift of water, given to us by our town founders in the 1880s. They had the foresight to dig ditches along city streets to deliver Gunnison River water to residents and business owners for the “beautification of Gunnison.”
On May 17, 2025, more than 125 people came together at Meadows Park to celebrate and bless the return of water to the town ditches. They included senior citizens, college students, faith leaders, gardeners, musicians, historians, families, business owners, fire-fighters, civic leaders and city employees. We shared speeches, songs, poetry, information, conversation, art, prayers and food.
We learned from Duane Vandenbusche that not a tree grew in Gunnison before the town ditches were dug. We applauded when the city agreed to look into the possibility of a historic designation of the town ditches like other places have done in Colorado. We cheered in recognition of the role ranchers play in laying snowmelt onto meadows that feed livestock, creating wildlife habitat, and wetting the valley sponge that provides a steady flow of surface water to us and six downstream states. We talked about the role we all have in caring for the ditches, keeping them clean, helping city employees when we can, and ensuring that we pass this 145-year legacy of community ditch water on to future generations. And we renewed our commitment to keep the irrigation water free and accessible to all, regardless of income, so that green yards and brown yards do not become the mark of the haves and have-nots in Gunnison. Lastly, we came together to touch the water newly running in the ditch at Meadows Park in an interfaith blessing of all that the water gives to us.
A big thank you, in no specific order, to all who helped make our Ditch Celebration possible. You played a vital role in unifying our community in its deep and flowing support for our valley's water and our town ditches: Western Colorado University Students, Elisa Elsberry, Keira Noble, Katelyn Chapman, Eleanor Carter, Zoe Keith, Ben Ford, Kristiana Fowlkes, Loren White, Nickie Thompson, Sara Phillips, Duane Vandenbusche, Steve Ogden, Jody Reeser, Alan Wartes, Jan Scheefer, Paul Duba, Abby Ceglowski, Max Sawyer, Glen Malast, Susan Wyman, Natalie Pax, Pete Rice, Jim Gelwicks, Sonja Chavez, Sue Uerling, Marlene Zanetell, Jonathan Houck, Kathleen Curry, Hugo Ferchau, Gonzo Garnes, Rob Larsen, Nancy Barnett & Safeway Deli, Walmart, Pam Williams, Hayden Daiber, Father Andres Ayala-Santiago, Reverend Laura Osborne, Steve Secofsky, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, the City of Gunnison
and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District.
Save the date for Saturday, May 16, 2026, when we will have our second-annual Ditch Celebration and Blessing! Our town ditches are a gift not to be taken for granted. They are a gift worth coming together as a community to cherish and pass on to our children and grandchildren. There is a reason why we say water is the lifeblood of Gunnison.
Brooke Zanetell Gunnison
Editor:
In response to Mr. Wartes' opinion piece in the Sept. 18 Gunnison Times I offer a few observations.
First, you seem to abandon your original conviction rather quickly. That is, "Is our nation worth saving, or not?" History shows political assassination with its various motives to be nothing new. Recall the Ides of March? Et tu, Brute? Rome lasted a considerably long time following the assassination of Caesar before succumbing to its vices.
This nation didn't fall after Lincoln, MLK, or JFK. While reprehensible, I don't think the Kirk assassination is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back either. If history shows anything it’s that this misguided, tragic event will strengthen Kirk’s cause. Tyler Robinson didn’t do anyone any favors. As disturbing as these events are, I'm still optimistic and believe we can turn things around. I am not willing to give up — certainly not without a fight. Where there is hope there is a chance.
Second, who falls under your umbrella of "leftist politicians, media personalities, and influencers?” You cherry pick a certain demographic. Harris, Schumer and Jeffries, along with other “mainstream” Democrats have denounced the assassination. I couldn’t find anything in PBS, NPR, or CNN that I'd consider an "evil display" or "gleeful celebration." If you mean extremists like Antifa you should explicitly say so. Your prevarication allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, rightly or wrongly.
Furthermore, why lend credence to extremist views? If this was such a hot-button issue, where was your moral outrage following the assassination of State Representative Hortman in Minnesota? There were allegations of that event being a “false flag” before Jimmy Kimmel made his comments regarding this one. Both sides, particularly towards the extreme, are guilty of promulgating myopic out-of-context viewpoints and using reprehensible events to further their own agendas.
Finally, your statement that the (obvious conclusion of the) assassination "wasn't solely political; it was religious” is not all that obvious to me. There is certainly an element aimed at a specific viewpoint. A quick
Google search reveals the leading mainstream theory behind Robinson's motive. He made statements about the "spread of hatred,” hardly an anti-religious message.
You mention "Christian beliefs” (being in the crosshairs). I think you’ve overgeneralized this into a war on Christianity when instead it was an attack on a specific idea Robinson thought Kirk espoused.
This was a vile and perfidious act. Acts like this have no place in democracies, either nascent ones, healthy ones or ones that are struggling. Unfortunately it is an ugly reality. We need to work to end such violence because accepting it would truly be "shirking our responsibility by calling it inevitable." Sadly it will probably happen again. In response we need to disallow it being a catalyst for the end (of this nation). In life you largely can't control what happens, but you can control how you react to it. Let us strive to react maturely and responsibly to these tragedies despite our emotions. The fate of our nation depends upon it.
Robert Brown Gunnison
Editor:
In last week’s opinion piece, Times Publisher Alan Wartes suggested prayer in response to violence. He wrote “Those prayers include asking God to help us follow His commandment to “love your enemies, bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.” Just a few days later Donald Trump said, on a Sunday occasion that was decidedly not about him, “I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry.”
Donald Trump, although he may wrap himself in the cloth of Christ, is no Christian. Furthermore, this observation should be brazenly apparent to any churchgoer, who weekly sings the message of the hymn board, yet allows this man to misappropriate sincere beliefs for personal gain.
David Haedt Gunnison
Editor:
It’s such a delicate thing, the balance of life. The pursuit of happiness. Safeguarding our liberties. Practicing civility. Greeting one another with a genuine smile, eye contact, a gentle touch. I’ve written about these things a few times. I’ve written about weapons of war — automatic rifles — saying they have no place in civilized society. Sadly, this puts me in mind of the two Minnesota Democratic politicians and their spouses who were shot in June. Two were murdered. Two were
-What are we doing well?
-Where are we missing the mark?
-Is there a specific focus we need for engagement?
-How can we continue to adapt and adjust our messaging?
Please share your voice today! gunnisonco.gov/CommEngage Survey closes Wed. Oct. 1 , 5pm st
jurisdictions in filing a “Citizen Petition for Rulemaking” with the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Gunnison County commissioners did not join the petition.
A similar petition was filed in September 2024 and denied by the Commission in January 2025. A November 2023 lawsuit filed in federal court was dismissed in December of that year.
Colorado voters approved Proposition 114 in 2020 which mandated the reintroduction of wolves throughout Colorado by Dec. 31, 2023. Since then, 25 wolves have been released in two phases. Acting under authority granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Endangered Species Act, the state aims to establish a stable population of at least 50 wolves within 3-5 years.
“Specifically, the petition seeks to adopt a rule that delays wolf releases until at least November 16, 2026 to address current program shortcomings as identified herein,” the document states. The petition further requests that the commission vote on the merits of the request and initiate the rulemaking at its regularly-scheduled Oct. 9 meeting.
Gunnison rancher Andy Spann is president of the Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association.
“Producers across the state and Gunnison County have
Western from A1
slightly for both graduate and undergraduate categories. Taylor explained that this was due, in part, to the small incoming class in Fall 2024, which created a smaller continuing class size for that cohort. The smaller class size had a lot to do with last year’s botched rollout of new FAFSA systems, which left many students unable to submit their application or receive financial aid.
“[Last year] FAFSA launched months after it was supposed to. That delay really impacted enrollment and [as a result] a lot of small private universities really struggled last year,” Taylor said.
Millions of students rely on financial aid granted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . FAFSA applications help determine student’s eligibility for Pell Grants, workstudy, and student loans. The new FAFSA system, which was supposed to streamline the process for users by pulling financial information directly from the IRS, experienced glitches and delays, impeding students from submitting their applications.
Typically the FAFSA form is available by Oct. 1 each year, but the form for last year’s academic cycle wasn’t available until nearly three months later, opening on Dec. 30, 2023. According to the U.S. Government Accountability
been very engaged, and we continue to build the record, asking them to make adjustments, take a pause and work through the problems that are on the ground,” he said. “By the statute, Colorado Parks and Wildlife are asked to resolve conflicts with livestock producers. That's what they have to do.”
The petition states that the reintroduction program thus far “is not in compliance with the will of the voters” or subsequent statutory requirements.
“The Division has been overly focused on the fact that Proposition 114 requires wolves to be introduced to Colorado,” it states. “It has paid far less attention to the equally important part of the statute that requires the Division to manage wolves to prevent and resolve conflicts with farmers and ranchers. The Division has met its obligation to begin wolf reintroductions by December 31, 2023. It is time for the agency to take a much-needed pause to ensure that it can meet its obligations to prevent and resolve conflicts as required by the voters of Colorado.”
Alongside the petition to state officials, Republican gubernatorial candidate, Greg Lopez, on Sept. 12 delivered a letter to Matt Hogan, regional director of the mountain-prairie region of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The letter, co-signed by the Colorado Outfitters Association and the Colorado Wool Growers Association, asked the agency to issue a “cease-and-desist order halting further transloca-
Office, in addition to the tardy access date, there were more than 40 separate technical issues identified in the initial rollout which included issues that prevented students from starting or completing applications.
The collective failures in the new system update (which was mandated upon the Department of Education by Congress in 2020) led to a decline of about 432,000 student applications nationwide last year.
According to Taylor, the lower enrollment numbers that Western saw were a direct impact from this faulty rollout. Despite last year’s setback, she shared some initiatives Western is working on to increase opportunities for both current and prospective students.
“We are really excited about the nursing program that we have in the final stages of development,” Taylor said. “We are hoping to have that up and running soon, which will include bio-medical engineering in partnership with CU. We also are doing a lot of work on our school of the arts, which will launch in 2026.”
Western has also been working on reinvigorating enrollment by hosting prospective students, giving them tours of the campus and allowing them to get a taste of the Gunnison Valley experience.
“We recently hosted 60 prospective students and their families, and one of the main things they commented on is how won-
tion of wolves into Colorado for a period of 12 months.”
Among other concerns, the letter alleges that CPW “exceeded its authority” when unilaterally contracting with British Columbia for 15 wolves to be relocated to Colorado. Lopez and others believe that action lies outside the 2022 Memorandum of Agreement between CPW and the Fish and Wildlife Service that designated the state as an “agent” in managing the relocation of wolves.
“Instead of wasting time with a designated agent of the Fish and Wildlife Service, it's time to go to the decision makers and have them do their job and do what's right for the betterment of this reintroduction,” Lopez said. “That is to take a pause on
everything that's happening and re-evaluate why things are not being done correctly by the state, and what are they doing to avoid conflict.”
In calling for the pause, the letter further cites “escalating depredation and safety concerns” and an erosion of public trust in the Fish and Wildlife Service “as a balanced steward of wildlife resources.” Efforts to contact the Service for comment were unsuccessful.
“This is not going to undermine the vote of the voters of Colorado, Lopez said. “It's not going to jeopardize by any stretch of the imagination the success of this program. So we will ask continuously for a pause, because they're not [properly] managing this non
essential experimental population.”
Lopez’ letter requests a determination from the regional office in 30 days or less.
“I am not going to allow it to stop at the regional office, unless they do the cease and desist order,” Lopez said. “If they do that, then we have a means by which we can have a conversation. Should they decide that they do not have the authority or they wish not to issue it? I will take it up the chain of command.”
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)
derful the community is,” Taylor said “Gunnison is a big part of who we are and we are so thankful for how nice the community is to its visitors”
According to Taylor, the three most popular majors for enrollment at Western are currently business, biology, and exercise and sport science, but when it comes to enrollment, there is always room for growth.
“An area we are looking to improve is degree-seeking enrollment. We would like to see it increase at least 1-3% — that’s our biggest target [goal] right now,” Taylor said.
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
grievously wounded. One woman and her husband, shot multiple times, died in their bed. The other two were shot eight and nine times, shielding their daughter. The killer identified as a “devout Christian.”
Suddenly, as a result of this most recent assassination, much has been written nationally and locally about the person shot in the neck being a Christian, murdered by a radical leftist, who was registered as an unaffiliated voter and comes from a good Republican family.
Dear friends, please don’t misconstrue what I’m saying. Everything I read indicates the man, Charlie Kirk, was a good, God-fearing man who loved his family, loved his country, debated honestly and openly, in a respectful manner, willing to interchange with anyone, young or old. His killing, like the merciless killings of the Minnesota people, was a terrible, despicable, wrenching, wretched thing.
However, it kind of bothers me when local people suddenly decry such diabolical violence.
Just remember, in your own mind, in your own conscience, make sure you are writing about the dastardly crime, not about politics. For me, I’ve been decrying gun violence for years by writing about it and standing on streetcorners holding signs. Maybe this latest despicable violence will incite these recent writers to speak more often to their friends and neighbors with a smile and a gentle touch.
Regarding my critiques of Trump, I’ve been told to “turn it down and enjoy life.” When I see a president who separates children from their parents and jails them, sends children who came by themselves to America shipped to other countries not of their origin, or sends people who are here legally, some citizens, who are Latinos, to Africa, it’s hard to enjoy that.
When I see a president deploy armed soldiers to our city streets ostensibly to reduce crime it’s hard to enjoy that.
When I see a president make fun of a person with a disability, it’s hard to enjoy that.
When I see a president who is convicted of multiple felonies, fraud and rape, it’s hard to enjoy that.
When I was a part of the Sunshine Singers, I suggested at the end of our singing, we sing the national anthem. There were those who thought singing our national anthem might be divisive. Really?
So when I’m told to turn it down and enjoy life, I sometimes find that hard to do. When it comes to enjoying life, I do, because I raised my right hand and swore to defend the kind of life we all enjoy, as all redblooded Americans ought to do.
Joe Dix Gunnison
who disagreed with him. And thank you, Dave, for extending the open hand of civil dialog to a well-known critic on these pages. If he hasn't already done so, I hope he takes you up on your lunch offer.
Regarding Tom's letter, "Hate and violence not the answer," I can also relate to his segment about Kirk's assassination by "a person who felt he must be silenced, something I feel I have seen in our community." Yes, I feel it too, Tom, not to the extreme of what happened to Charlie, but the "nihilistic aura" is there just the same, seething just under the veneer.
Traditionalists (conservative and liberal), are not afraid of the raging leftists who choose not to debate others, but choose instead to silence them through violence. Stand up for your beliefs against those who seek to destroy them. We are the majority, they are the outer soulless fringe with no plan but destruction.
I'm typing this letter on Sunday, Sept. 21, which is also the day of the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona, where many thousands are gathering to pay their respects to an exceptional person who was taken from us way too early.
Jon Matuszczak Gunnison
Editor:
You spread tar with a broad brush, Brother Alan. In your follow-up editorial last week on “Consequences,” responding to the Kirk assassination, you damn the entire “left” in America: “except for a few brave souls,” you say, “there is no goodwill on the left.”
As members of what you call the “left,” we find this to be a very Trumpish assessment. Virtually every Democrat leader publicly shared your horror at the Kirk assassination immediately upon hearing of it; we heard of no “gleeful celebrations” on the “left,” here or elsewhere in the nation; and no “whole city blocks” were burned down by Democrats.
That a few extremists had the bad taste to rejoice at the assassination of an extremist from the other side seems inevitable today — both ways. But the overwhelming response from the “left” (including the undersigned) was the same as the most common response from the “right” to the recent assassination of Minnesota Democrat state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. The vast majority of Americans on your “left” and “right" share a conviction that, while we can and do disagree politically, killing those with whom we disagree is a horrible act that cannot be countenanced.
Editor:
plan
Many thanks going out to Tom, Cori and Neil for remembering Charlie Kirk and the unafraid dialog he maintained with those
people of all political stripes. Most agree that there is too much divisiveness and conversations almost always conclude, “I guess the only way we can have a positive impact is to take care of our neighbors and our community.”
Castigating at least half of the community as lacking “goodwill” is not caring for the community and fueling divisiveness is not the role of a newspaper. Of course you have your opinions, but we implore you to be a responsible journalist and “care for your community” by encouraging conversation, not by blanket judgments nurturing hate. We write with goodwill as advocates for the continuity of democracy.
You have spoken often of a need for “balance,” and doing what we can to bring our community together, but you castigated only the extremists on the “left” (damning the majority of the “left” along with them) and said nothing about the extremists on the “right.” We’ve had any number of conversations with
Maryo Ewell
Mike Ritchey
Susan Ritchey
George Sibley Gunnison
Editor:
I am writing to share the wonderful news about this year's car show. We had an incredible turnout of 190 cars and are proud to be giving away nearly $10K in donations to local charities.
This year's recipients are the American Legion, Gunnison Valley PTA, Gunnison County Overlander Recreators, the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, Senorita Rita's Reading Bus, the Hartman Castle Preservation Corp., Six Points and the Pioneer Museum.
We are also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, who consistently help make this event a success year after year.
This year's sponsors include: Abracadabra, Alamo Saloon, American Family Insurance, BAO Endeavors, Bluebird Bottleshop, Bluebird Realty, Chapote Ranch, Chris Klein Construction, Cimarron Wealth, Clarke Agency, Crested Butte Glass, Edward Jones Steve Ogden, Embroidered Sportswear, Farmers Insurance, Garlic Mike’s, Gene Taylor’s, Gentle Dental Care, Gunnison Bank and Trust, Gunnison Liquors, Gunnison Savings and Loan, Gunny Lube, H&H Towing, Hearne Excavating, Henry's TV, High Alpine Brewing, High Mountain Concept, High Mountain Tire Service, Island Acres Resort, JC Auto Services, State Farm Pete Klingsmith, Marios and The Dive, Monty’s Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts, Nuvista Credit Union, Ol’ Miner Steakhouse, Palisades, Plotts Storage, Plumbline Mechanical, Powerstop, Precision Automotive, RE/MAX of Gunnison, SGM Engineering, Shondeck Financial Services and Insurance, Spallone Construction, The Paper Clip, Three Rivers Resort, Tomichi Cycles, Western Lumber and The Wet Grocer.
Thank you for your support.
Zak Trafton Gunnison Car Club
On Sept. 20, Chimbangle transformed I Bar Ranch into a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the finale of Welcome Week 2025. The night pulsed with the joyful sounds of trumpets, saxophones and rhythmic beats, mingling with laughter, dancing and a spirit of community.
614 N. Pine St., MLS# 827792 • $525,000
Charming old home of Gunnison in great central location in town. 3 bedroom/2 bath home with hardwood floors, woodstove, large kitchen with built in grill and sunroom off of dining area. Home has been a rental for many years but has had some updated and improvements such as new flooring, new 3/4 bath 2 years ago, high efficiency boiler installed 10 years ago. This property does have much room for improvements and is being sold “as is”.
301 F Joseph Lane, MLS#825203 • $505,000
Lovely 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath end townhome unit with a 5’x8’ exterior storage closet on exterior of unit on the alley. All stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, vaulted ceilings in bedrooms and fenced yard. Property is in a HOA and Pets are welcome!
W Denver Ave., MLS# 816647 • $574,000
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.
Beautiful, secluded 1 acre lot located on the north edge of the Arrowhead subdivision off of the main road. Bring your RV or plan to build your private mountain retreat on this sloped, nicely treed lot with plenty of wildflowers and wildlife to be seen. This subdivision is quaint community located on the Alpine Plateau Road and has quick access to the Arrowhead Lodge where you can enjoy food and drink on their outdoor patio along with occasional live music. Come discover what living in the Rockies is all about!
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
In Gunnison’s Double Shot Cyclery, a display of unique jewelry from local company ABD Culture catches the eyes of patrons. The jewelry is not just unique in its style, but is especially relevant to the bike shop because of the materials it is made out of — used bike inner tubes. The artist behind the innovative brand is Gunnison resident Alixandra “Alix” Klein. She specializes in creating fashionable and practical jewelry for active or outdoorsy individuals.
Sustainability and the use of eco-friendly materials are core values at the heart of Klein’s work. As an avid mountain biker, the idea to create jewelry out of used bike tubes came to her during a time when Klein and her partner were riding hard and popping a lot of tire tubes.
“A big part of my ethos is upcycling or recycling and creating closed-loop economics in the sense that trash keeps getting re-used and re-purposed so that it’s not going into a landfill or into the Pacific trash heap,” Klein said. “We were riding our bikes a lot at that point and my husband was popping tubes like it was going out of style. I was like, ‘I bet I can make earrings and necklaces out of these [damaged biked tubes],’ and so I made a bunch of them, and they were a huge hit!”
Along with damaged bike inner tubes, Klein also utilizes other materials like upcycled leather and recyclable acrylic. With them she creates jewelry designs that are soft and ultra light-weight, while also being sturdy and comfortable to wear. She describes her popular bike tube jewelry as
“durable lace,” due to its delicate, intricate laser-cut patterns that are simultaneously waterproof, element-proof and built to endure playing hard in the outdoors.
“The light-weight materials allow you to wear long or delicate earrings that aren’t heavy. They are dramatic and fun to wear while being outdoorsy and super comfortable,” Klein said.
Background Klein grew up in Vermont and attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York where she studied art before moving to Crested Butte to live closer to nature. During her initial years in the Gunnison Valley, she established life-long friendships, met her future husband and connected deeply with the culture and communities. Klein then left the valley to pursue a job with a jewelry designer in Lake Tahoe. She started dabbling in creating her own works of wearable art by creating a metal cuff bracelet.
“It was the first piece of jewelry I ever made and was the first thing that made me think jewelry was something I did well that people liked,” Klein said.
The game changed for Klein when she realized that rubber could be laser-cut. She took a class to master the skill which significantly elevated the intricacy and detail of her designs. After that, she started prototyping laser-cut rubber jewelry — a craft she has now been honing for the past ten years. Her work includes over a Jewelery A13
dozen different collections of 200 unique designs in rubber. With names like “Cluster Flower” and “Paisley,” her collections are inspired by various people, patterns, trips and natural objects. One of her lines was inspired by a trip to Nepal that was spent enduro riding to monasteries. This collection features shapes inspired by the motifs of the monasteries and stupas — which symbolize wisdom, courage and compassion.
“[My jewelry lines] have kind of become synonymous with women being women in the outdoors — being able to express themselves [with jewelry],” Klein said. “When you’re doing those things that make your hair fly that you really remember, the jewelry can be a part of those moments.”
That being said, Klein’s jewelry designs are definitely not exclusively for women.
“We are all-inclusive and do not discriminate,” she said.
“We definitely have bracelets for men and I have some guy friends who like to wear [either] a single one of the earrings, or both. If you like to wear jewelry, wear jewelry. I like to say, ‘express yourself!’”
With around 50 wholesale vendors nationwide, her line is gaining popularity in the valley and the country at large. She even had a piece of hers — a pair of lightning bolt earrings — worn to the regional Northern California Emmys by Kate Eby, a local evening newscaster that won an Emmy award.
Klein’s work is on display and avai lable for purchase locally in Gunnison at Double Shot Cyclery or in Crested Butte at Big Al’s Bike Shop, the Crested Butte Museum and Willow Mercantile. Her jewelry is also available for sale online on the Faire platform or at abdculture.com.
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
The Gunnison Library After School Adventures returned last week. Participants made perler bead creations. After School Adventures is free and takes place every Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Gunnison Library.
Jacob Spetzler Special to the Times
Ed Zwick is a legendarily prolific filmmaker, producer, TV creator and writer who has owned a home in Crested Butte for decades. During his tenure in Crested Butte, he has written, produced, and/or directed films such as “The Last Samurai,” “Blood Diamond” and “Love and Other Drugs.”
Has your little doggy lost its giddy-up?
In February 2024, he published a memoir called “Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood.” This year the Crested Butte Film Festival will honor his career with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” which will be followed up by a Q&A with Zwick.
The event is slated to take place at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
The Times had a chance to speak with him over the phone. The conversation ranged from his history with Crested Butte, how it has impacted his creative life and what he sees in the future of filmmaking.
(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
I understand you've been coming to Crested Butte for almost 35 years. How did you first discover this place?
Both my wife and my sister went to college in Boulder, so they had known of it, although it wasn't until our son was born that we had some good luck with some things that we sold and we went looking. We drove around the West. We went to Steamboat, we went to Telluride, we went to Durango, every place. But this place really just won our heart. I mean, obviously it was a little less developed than it is now, but compared to what we could sense was going to happen, say, to Telluride, it seemed to have the best chance of retaining some of its unique character.
That would have been the mid-80s?
Around '86 or '87, something like that.
As a creative person and filmmaker, has Crested Butte played a role in your creative life, either as inspiration or as a refuge from the bigger cities and the industry?
Those are two very different questions, really. The first is as an inspiration, meaning being in a small town in the West, getting to know a little bit about its history and seeing what it's like to live there. It's had an influence over several movies I've written. I think that “Legends of the Fall,” having
been writing it and working on it while I was there, was certainly an inspiration. I also have written another script which was never made, which is very much about a small town.
I have also not just written scripts in Crested Butte, I've also cut about four movies there. We rented a room in the old schoolhouse once. Another time we rented a room up on the mountain. We did it in my garage. That has meant bringing a crew up there, my editor, his assistant, sometimes a [production assistant].
We'd also often hire local young kids to help us, and one of them ended up becoming an editor, and that's Pierce Romer [editor of Tenet by Christopher Nolan, among others]. He was a great assistant. I took a shine to him and helped him get more work. And he's a full-fledged editor now living up in Canada and cutting movies.
Were you literally bringing editing equipment like a Steenbeck or Moviola up to Crested Butte?
We were past Steenbeck then. But we brought the whole Avid up there on a truck and we worked on an Avid. We were in these small rooms and it felt like a stakeout from the CIA, what the hell we were doing in the schoolhouse or in a rented condo or whatever. It was the whole dog and pony show, and sometimes I've even had actors come up there to look at what we were doing and get their blessing.
Is there a way to describe the state of mind you're able to enter into in Crested Butte? Why do that deeper creative work here versus in LA or New York where it's easier to get to?
All you need to do is compare the ambience in New York, Los Angeles, with Crested Butte. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that there's less stress and it's a wonderful ambiance. Also, my editor loved it, and he would often take a big bike ride in the morning and then we'd cut in the afternoon and evening, or vice versa. It was unconventional
in our hours that allowed me to do stuff with my kids or even for myself. So it was very romantic, actually.
I know you went to the American Film Institute for graduate school. Do you feel you need a robust creative community like the one you had at AFI to do good creative work, or does solitude play an important role too?
I think it's utterly idiopathic. I think that you look at what someone like Barry Jenkins has done down in Florida and created this little community of filmmakers and what Steppenwolf did as a theater project in Illinois. It doesn't have to be [one way]. But for me, it was really important to be surrounded by very switchedon, very aspiring filmmakers at AFI, and I think I probably learned as much from them as I did from the instruction.
[AFI] was a hothouse. And I'm not sure every filmmaker, I'm not sure every film program is like that. I do know that it's on the model of a conservatory, which is to say, you go there and it's deep into the pool, and you start shooting and you criticize each other. A lot of other schools, I think you learn in order to work, meaning you learn in order to make films. And this is the opposite, because you make films in order to learn.
What drew you to filmmaking originally? You went to Harvard first for an unrelated bachelor's degree, didn't you?
I loved movies and somehow felt I wasn't going to be able to make them, because I had never learned how to thread a Bolex or how to work a Moviola. And I was lucky enough to work with a director and saw that he was a writer who surrounded himself with hugely talented people, and that there was a chance that I could do the same and work my way into it as a writer and then indeed surround myself and learn from all these amazing people.
Do you mind if I ask who that director was?
That was Woody Allen. I got a job being an assistant and go-fer. And that was between my undergrad and going to AFI.
Was there an early film experience that was like a revelation, this moment where you thought, "Oh, this is an amazing medium"?
Too many. But I lived in Paris and in those days, the Cinémathèque was like the shrine. They would have three films every night, every night of the year, at six o'clock, at eight o'clock, and at ten o'clock. And one night it would be Fellini, and the next night it would be John Ford, and the next night it would be Kurosawa. And you would sit on the floor, and depending how high you were, you would stay there for hours. And it was amazing. It was that experience, rather than any specific film.
Do you have a secret or a mentality for getting so much work done across both TV and film?
It was very much about doing more than one thing at a time, because there's never the notion that one thing will find its way to the starting gate. And while one thing didn't work, you have to have real equanimity, and you just love it, and you devote yourself to it, and then you accept the fact that it seems to have faltered and you move over to the next, which has been running on a parallel track.
And then sometimes that thing that you put away, it wasn't the right moment for all sorts of reasons, the cast was wrong, or the script hadn't been working, or the financing wasn't in fashion, or whatever, but then its time comes later.
The TV thing was really amazing, because I was able to keep having a television job and do these shows, which meant that I never had to take a movie that I didn't love. I didn't need to take a movie to support my lifestyle, my family. I was able to wait, and I was able to take the time that it took, and it's usually longer than you think. But the fact that I had this thing that I actually loved, this very different thing, the television business, having those things simultaneously was a kind of adaptation.
Do you have to enter different mentalities when you're working in those various roles as producer versus writer versus director?
Yes, and you have to be all those people, and you have to be able to shimmer from one persona to the next and they're all very different. And I think that speaks to something about my own personality that served me.
There are wonderful writers who only want to write, and there are wonderful directors who just want to direct and producers who live for producing. And there are people who are magnificent in television, but have no interest or ability in film and vice versa. I guess what you're describing is a certain promiscuity, which I think I had from being trained in the theater, where you would do Strindberg one night, and Ionesco the next and Sam Shepard the next. So you were eclectic.
I'm curious about your thoughts on the current state of the industry, where it feels like there's a divide between these larger spectacle-style movies, the superhero and action films, and then the more auteur-driven work.
I'm going to do a Q and A [on Saturday night], and I'm sure that we'll get into that. And it's a very long conversation, if you want to be accurate, if you want to be specific about what has happened and why it has happened and what the future might be. I think I've obviously thought a lot about it, and so have my friends. I have always seen a kind of resilience in the movie business and I'm praying there still is. I'll just leave it at that until I have to, like, bloviate for an hour.
Maybe a similar question, but what are your thoughts on AI coming into filmmaking? Do you think it's going to democratize the medium further, or disrupt the value and preciousness of film?
I think the issue of copyright is very important and the fact that they are using everyone's work and not identifying it when they do that, I think, is really problematic. On the other hand, as a tool in the workflow process of postproduction and of CG, I think it's going to cost a lot of people their jobs to a certain degree in that aspect.
I think there's this very weird thing that happened in CG and will happen with AI, which is because you can do a thing, therefore you do it. And I think that creates a whole nomenclature of film language that is often against the interests of authentic storytelling, and people don't know why they are put off by it, or they identify it as CG or AI, and that pulls them out. And I think that's the detriment to authenticity in stories. It will also change the audience's set of references to what is real. You remember, there was a time in which Disney animation was the gold standard. And when you first saw some of these computer animations, you went, "Oh, really." And then Pixar comes along, and that just becomes the standard and the audience accepts it. There's a period after these innovations where the public and certain people who are attached to the old way feel a sense of loss, and then the next stage takes place and people just accept it.
This is such a big question, but when you look back at the career you've had so far, do you have any specific feelings or thoughts about it all?
I think that is an impossible question to answer. All I would say is that I would very much like to continue. There's always going to be a point where you fall out of fashion, or there's ageism, or there's just fatigue on your part to the struggle. That hasn't happened to me. It might happen to me sometime, I don't know. I'm still as engaged by it as I ever have been.
(Jacob Spetzler is Gunnison photographer and freelance writer.)
When the curtain went up on the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival’s fourth-annual summer Theatre camp at Western Colorado University this summer, director Heather Hughes hoped her program was filling a need in the community.
The Gunnison schools were undergoing a renovation, which meant the typical summer programs, called Summer Experience, would need to be canceled for the year.
“It was definitely the biggest group yet,” said Hughes, who has been running summer Theatre programs in various places since she graduated from Western in the late 90’s. “I even hired three of our current Theatre students to work with me this summer.”
In total, 42 students participated in Theatre camp this summer: 18 in elementary, 15 in middle school, and nine in high school. Elementary students kicked off the season with a one-week camp in early June, working nine-to-three every day to draft an all-original musical before performing it for friends and family on Friday night.
The middle school camp had taken a similar course in previous years, until there was a request for a change. “Last summer, I got a letter proposing that [middle school] camp be two
weeks,” she said, “because they love it so much.”
The high school camp, in the second week of July, attracted more participants than ever before. While part of the surge in enrollment might be due to the absence of Summer Experience, Hughes thinks the camp is catching on in its own right. Even before this summer, the camp had grown every year.
“My whole thing with kids is that it’s a place where everyone feels respected, empowered and encouraged”
Heather Hughes Theatre Camp director
For Hughes, the theatre is a sacred place where people are allowed to be themselves, in whatever form that takes.
Difference is celebrated there, in ways it often isn’t in school. Middle school, in particular, is a hard time for students to feel good about themselves, and she believes the values imbued in the Theatre can help them navigate a difficult time.
At the end of each day of camp, she gathers her students in a “Gratitude Circle,” where everyone gives a compliment
to the person to their right, in turn, and then gives a compliment to the person on their left. At first, it’s a little awkward. But it doesn’t take long for everyone to warm up to the idea of positive feedback. And it’s that sense of belonging that Hughes hopes campers carry with them long after the lights go down.
“My whole thing with kids is that it’s a place where everyone feels respected, empowered and encouraged,” she said. “I hope they get the green light to walk into the space truthfully and honestly and exactly and authentically as themselves. That they not only feel welcome as themselves but are encouraged to be themselves. If they do that, we really get to know one another, and we can make great things together because all the scary stuff is gone.”
(Source: Western Colorado University)
Wendy Videlock Special to the Times
Here on the edge of the world where we watch the wild creatures come and go, we had an unusual visitor at the beginning of summer. We’re accustomed to squirrels and quail and fox and coyote, scorpion and funnel spider, skunks, raccoons, jays and the occasional deer, but this little guy came as a complete surprise.
Here where the globe mallow bloom, not a silly but a serious goose.
Though our home is surrounded by mostly dry land, a Canada Goose had quite suddenly appeared out on the back field. When I first spotted him he was standing quite still on the path as I approached on my morning walk.
He looked so utterly out of place, so strangely bizarre, I almost laughed.
He did not appear at all surprised as I came upon him. He must have been watching me as I approached for some time.
After a few moments of looking at one another, he shook himself with purpose, (as geese seem to do), then walked past me and toward the rim of the ravine just a few yards away. He went back and forth a few times like this before I, somewhat bewildered, followed him to the edge.
There he stopped and seemed to gaze downward.
I sat on a rock next to him and followed his gaze, which led down a steep incline to the floor of the ravine where thick plots of rabbit brush and greasewood grow. There we remained. As he gazed downward, I gazed upon him. A beautiful animal he was.
But was I imagining that he seemed glad I was there? Was I imagining that he seemed, well, sad?
It began to dawn on me that this little guy must have lost a mate. Perhaps she’d been dragged by a predator down into the arroyo, or perhaps she’d simply fallen from the sky in flight. I pondered all the possibilities.
A couple of hours later as dusk came on, I walked back to the house alone. He was still there in the morning. As sunlight filled our bedroom window we could make out his distinct silhouette there on the edge of the draw.
He certainly cut a striking figure, at once familiar and eternal. Cloaked in sleek brown feathers, with a breast the color of pale earth and a neck dipped in midnight, the Canada Goose carries itself with dignity and grace.
On the ground, the goose is deliberate, its gait almost ceremonial as it bends to graze.
In flight, the goose becomes something more: a line of resolve, a chevron written across the sky, each bird lending strength to the other.
In short, our new friend took my breath away, reminding me that the ordinary world still carries splendor. In truth, I’d never much considered the goose as a thing of beauty. And of course my husband and I were doing our research — and had discovered that indeed, on losing a mate, Canada geese (who mate for life) remain where the mate was last seen, sometimes days, sometimes weeks before rejoining a flock or finding another mate. Some of them, we learned, never rejoin a flock and eventually seem to die from grief.
We began bringing him water and seeds and other things it would seem a goose in mourning would need.
After a few days I became increasingly concerned that our visitor was in danger of becoming a hungry coyote’s dinner. I was able to coax him, (we’d now taken to calling him Neil), along the path that leads to the house and miraculously in through the gate to the safety of our front yard.
There my husband had placed a plastic kiddie pool filled with water. When Neil carefully slipped into his little plastic pond we were delighted.
He stayed there in the front yard for a couple of weeks, even as our dog and two cats tiptoed around him, sniffing at his great webbed feet. He was unfazed by any of us and spent a good deal of his time perched on the gate, gazing out onto the rugged terrain where his life had so suddenly changed.
Though science has long resisted the idea of animal grief, observation continues to reveal its presence across species.
Elephants linger over the bones of their dead, caressing tusks and skulls with their trunks, returning year after year as though honoring memory. Orcas have been seen carrying stillborn calves for days, unwilling to release them to the sea. Like geese, crows emit plaintive cries and alter their behavior when a mate is lost. Even domestic dogs and cats are known to withdraw into silence, refuse food, or rest in places where their companions once slept.
The older I grow the more I come to know the pleasures of togetherness, the gravity of tenderness and the holy practice of remembrance.
As time passed, Neil became more active and more driven by appetite. He spent less time perched on the gate and more time investigating the yard. The little guy was recovering.
And then one morning, as I stepped out into the yard I realized our unusual visitor, as quickly as he had come, had gone.
A gentle life lesson, an altered sense of time and a handful of feathers were what the great waterbird left behind.
Grief in animals demonstrates a shared depth of attachment. To mourn is to recognize the absence of one who mattered, to acknowledge that relationships shape the self. In this way, grief is not only sorrow but also testimony: it speaks of love, loyalty and the invisible threads that hold living beings together. That animals grieve reminds us that we are not alone in the inevitable ache of separation that shadows every bond.
(Wendy Videlock serves as poet laureate of Western Colorado. Reach her at westernslopeword@ gmail.com.)
The Gunnison Valley Producers Guild invites you to learn to ferment local food with Nick Easley and local farmers and fermenters. This workshop will include tastings from local fermenters, printouts and directions. You'll leave with TWO jars of fermenting local vegetables and a network of local enthusiasts. Join us at the Fred Field Center on Oct. 5 from 1-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required and tickets can be purchased at gvpg.org/event-info/fermentation-fest-2025.
We invite you to audition for the Gunnison Valley Talent Show on Oct. 1 between 5:307:30 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library or Oct. 14 between 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the University ballroom. Please arrive with a 3 minute or less prepared act as an individual or group. The talent show will be on Nov. 8 and is a fundraiser for The Gunnison Creative District. Please email Heather Hughes at hhughes@western. edu with any questions.
Free healthcare movie events
Join us Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Crested Butte for Healing US featuring Dr. Joseph Q. Jarvis. Dr. Jarvis is the Chair of Utah Cares - a group working toward universal / single-payer healthcare system in Utah. Healing US will also show on Oct. 21 at the Gunnison Library in Gunnison. Unfortunately, Dr. Jarvis won't be able to return for this showing.
Are you grieving the loss of a family member or friend?
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Gunnison will be hosting a 13-week, scripture based support group on a schedule that will accommodate all participants. Email Rod Morrill at rodmorrill2@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Silent auction
You're invited to a "Splatter With Love" event featuring a collection of art from talented local artists with special needs. Your winning bid directly supports the artists and our program. Opening reception is Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. The auction runs all month long at 102 S. Main St., Gunnison. For more info visit gunnisonartscenter.org/ upcoming-exhibits.
Mountain Roots Harvest Hoedown
Join us to celebrate the end of the season on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at South Main in Gunnison. Festivities include square dancing, a silent auction, family friendly activities, live music and more. Tickets are available at mountainrootsfoodproject.org: $15 early bird, $20 at the door, 18 and under are free. Volunteers are needed for the event and will receive free entry. If interested, email Jen at jennifer@ mountainrootsfoodproject. org.
Women Voters of the Gunnison Valley
The League of Women Voters of the Gunnison Valley will meet from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 at Crested Bucha (315 1/2 N Main St., Gunnison), to meet and greet and better understand the League. The public is invited.
Celebration of Life event
Oct. 14 would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday. We want to honor him with others who Charlie has positively influenced. We hope you can join us and invite others in the community, from your churches, work and groups. We are working on putting together a Celebration of Life event for all in our community. Please save the date Oct.14, location and time TBA. If you would like to help plan or contribute to this event, contact Cori at 719-209-8158.
The Gunnison Nordic Club (GNC) will have its annual kickoff drive Oct. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Dos Rios Golf Club. The purchase of a 202526 membership includes a meal ticket for a hamburger and chips, provided by CC’s Burgers. Members will also get discounts from local retailers and a 20% discount on a Crested Butte Nordic pass. A season GNC membership is $35 for individuals, $55 for a couple and $70 for a family. Business memberships range from $100-$500. Dues go directly into trail grooming. For questions, contact gunnisonnordic@gmail.com.
We want your announcements!
The Gunnison Country Times publishes birth and wedding announcements free of charge.
• Please keep your announcement brief (3-5 sentences). You may include one photo.
• Our deadline for submissions is noon on Tuesdays.
• Please send announcements to issa@gunnisontimes.com.
Join us for the GAC’s annual gala on Sept. 27 from 6-11:30 p.m. The theme is “Under the Stars” inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night and features live music, twinkle lights, food by Burnell’s Food Truck and stellar cocktails at the outdoor Cosmic Lounge. Tickets are $75 for the full evening or $50 for the late-night experience.
Join us for three special evenings of clay magic with guest artist Melissa Michel from Art Spot Silverthorne on Sept. 25, 26 and 28 from 6:30–8 p.m. Each night features a unique class—wheel throwing, mug making and pumpkin sculpting. All materials, tools and firing are included.
Join artist and cultural advocate Sandy Dolak on Sept. 27 from 12-4 p.m. to explore Colcha Embroidery, a traditional folk art of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Using one simple stitch, you’ll create beautiful motifs or tapestries while discovering the rich heritage behind the craft. Perfect for beginners.
Join Shana Vogel on Oct. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and get into the holiday spirit with this spooky keepsake class. Create your own skulls, pumpkins, ghosts and more with a variety of molds that will be unforgettable.
Join us Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. for an evening of free folk music and storytelling with The ReMemberers. No tickets required—just show up, enjoy the music, grab a complimentary drink and explore the vintage market pop-up.
Acclaimed environmentalist Bill McKibben, author of more than 20 books, comes to Crested Butte with his latest release, “Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization” on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. McKibben is one of the first to sound the alarm about the climate crisis and insists this moment is also full of possibility.
Join us Oct. 8 from 4-7 p.m. for a free community art + craft afternoon to work on your canvas for the fundraiser exhibition “The Color of Snow”. Come use our vast selection of art supplies to bring your canvas to life and fill the gallery walls with hundreds of works that showcase the creativity of our community.
See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net
Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”
HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES
GES - SPED EA
GMS - .5 Enrichment Coordinator
Substitute Teachers Food Service Bus Drivers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
CBSS - .57 Spanish Teacher
CBSS - Math Teacher District Psychologist
GCS - Special Education Teacher
Please contact: Superintendent’s Office Kim Fuller 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 kfuller@ gunnisonschools.net
GOLDEN EAGLE is looking for CDL and non-CDL drivers. Pay is based on experience. Call 970-641-3230.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time winter seasonal positions: Ski Valet, $18-$21/hr.; Line Cook, $21-$26/hr. + Gratuity; Server $16/hr. + Gratuity; Bartender $16/hr. + Gratuity; Lead Bartender $20/hr. + Gratuity; Snow Removal, on-call/early morning availability, $25-$30/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE PARKS AND RECREATION Open Space & Trails Department is seeking Recreation Instructors for a variety of programs including Soccer, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Indoor Climbing, and Referee. Pay range of $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.
PARADISE PLACE PRESCHOOL IN CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a caring and reliable person to join our team as a part-time assistant teacher. Duties include, but are not limited to, supporting the lead teacher with daily activities, assisting with classroom management and supervision, and helping maintain a safe, clean, and engaging environment for children ages 1-5. Wage starts at $19/hour. For more information, including a full job description, please email paradiseplaceschool@gmail. com or call Lorena Mosquero at 970-5961002.
COOK CHINESE FOOD: 2 yrs. exp, F-Time, split shift. Salary: $43,320/year Resume to: Ryce Asian Bistro. P.O. Box 6 Crested Butte, CO 81224.
HOME TOGETHER VET is hiring a parttime office assistant. Searching for a compassionate and professional individual to join our mobile pet care team. Duties include client services and administrative
Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $72,397.26-$102,405.83 plus full benefits.
Take home vehicle and uniform allowance provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $23.60-$31.69 plus full benefits.
Bilingual Juvenile Case Manager
Juvenile Services: 28 Hours/ week, hourly range is from $31.28-$35.61, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Senior Accountant
Finance: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, the annual salary range is from $86,226.40-$110,496.21 plus full benefits.
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Finance: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, the annual salary range is from $108,859.10-$153,981.08 plus full benefits.
Health Educator – Health Services Intern Health and Human services: Part-Time, 5 hours/week, hourly range is from $25.01-$28.48 plus partial benefits.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
tasks. Veterinary experience is preferred. Email info@hometogethervet.com.
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: Crested Yeti Property Management is hiring for a Maintenance Technician. Full-time yearround position. Benefits include IRA match, ski pass, PTO, paid personal fuel, and use of company truck during work hours. Duties include driving bobcat for snow removal, general maintenance, and mowing on a riding mower. $30 per hour. Send resume to Hop@CrestedYeti.com.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking an experienced Finance and Administrative Services Director. This fulltime, year-round role offers a competitive salary ($116K–$142K DOQ) and a generous benefits package, including 100% employerpaid health coverage. If you have a strong background in financial management, budgeting, and leadership—and a passion for serving your community—apply today. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field required. MBA and CPA preferred. Minimum of ten years of professional experience, including at least five years of directly relevant work in an accounting or financial management position. Government accounting experience is preferred. The Town of Crested Butte is an equal employment opportunity employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov.
POWERSTOP is hiring a line cook and a lead cook. Looking for people that are available 20 to 40 hours a week to work. Pay is based on experience and starts at $17-$20 before tips. Average daily tips will add $5-$10 an hour to base pay. Some benefits available after 6 month period for a long term position. Submit resume in person at Powerstop.
LA ESCUELA PREESCOLAR PARADISE PLACE IN CRESTED BUTTE busca a una persona responsable y atenta para unirse a nuestro equipo como asistente de maestra a tiempo parcial. Las funciones incluyen, entre otras, apoyar a la maestra principal con las actividades diarias, asistir en la gestión y supervisión de la clase, y ayudar a mantener un ambiente seguro, limpio y divertido para niños de 1 a 5 años. El salario empieza a $19/hora. Para más información y para recibir una descripción completa de la posición, envíe un email a paradiseplaceschool@gmail.com o llame a Lorena Mosquera al 970-596-1002
ID SCULPTURE designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures, and fine art sculptures for parks, schools, and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.
IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for advancement. We offer benefits including 80 hrs. of PTO annually, (10) paid Holidays annually, a healthcare plan including medical, dental & life, and matching 401(k) retirement. ID Sculpture is a Playcore company, an equal opportunity employer. We are currently seeking: Logistics Manager Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Individual must be detail oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Duties and responsibilities
seeks applicants for the following full-time (40 hours/week), fully benefitted position:
Equipment Mechanic II: This position provides vehicle maintenance and repair of Western Colorado University and other State of Colorado vehicles. It also performs maintenance and repair of other campus equipment, maintains shop and inventory, and trains new fleet employees. Starting pay $26.44 per hour ($55,000 annually).
To view the full job announcements and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (EOE)
include coordinating logistics for incoming and outgoing projects and materials, reviewing and maintaining documentation, and providing logistical and material support for the production team. Application and full description listed at Playcore.com/careers. Salary: 50k - 65k DOE.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking a skilled Mechanic to join our Public Works team. This position performs maintenance and major repairs on a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including diesel, gas, and electric-powered systems. Responsibilities include diagnostics, preventative maintenance, welding, fabrication, equipment operation, and record keeping. 2+ years of experience in vehicle/ equipment repair required. This full-time, year-round role offers a competitive salary ($55,458-$80,406 DOQ) and a generous benefits package, including 100% employerpaid health coverage. The Town of Crested Butte is an equal employment opportunity employer. Please send your resume, cover letter, and application to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov.
ECHO RIDGE EXCAVATION is looking to hire a CDL driver, an experienced operator, and a laborer. We offer competitive wages and paid time off. If you are interested in working with us, please contact Mike at 970306-5401.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Finance & Administrative Services team. The Senior Accountant is responsible for the daily operations of maintaining and balancing accounts by verifying, allocating, posting, and reconciling transactions and resolving discrepancies. This includes, but is not limited to, payroll processing, budgeting, grant management, bank reconciliations, compliance reporting, and data analytics. It is imperative the Senior Accountant maintains the smooth operation of the Finance and Administrative Services Department in compliance with all company policies and federal, state, and local legislation. This year-round position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, and matched contribution to retirement plan. Starting salary is $73,815 - $88,578 DOQ. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at townofcrestedbutte.colorado.gov. Please submit application, cover letter, and resume via email to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov. Position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KALOW ELECTRIC is looking for a reliable electricial apprentice to join our team.
The apprentice’s responsibilities include completing all tasks assigned by the supervising electrician, which may include assisting with installations, troubleshooting, repairs and calibrations of electrical systems and equipment. Please contact Bill Kalow 970-596-6832 or email resume to Kalowelectric@gmail.com.
ALPEN SNOW MOVERS is looking to hire snow removal staff for the winter season. We are looking for machine operators and ground shovelers. Experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the correct person. Full and part time available. Competitive pay. Email resume to garden@alpengardener. com or call (970) 349-0252 PUBLIC HOUSE SEEKS A SERVER to
provide an excellent dining experience for restaurant guests. This role will provide suggestions and take orders for food and drinks, get feedback from diners, clean and set tables for future guests, and work closely with front of house and back of house staff and managers. This role requires a High School diploma or equivalent, and 18 years of age in order to legally serve alcohol in Colorado. The ideal candidate has proven work experience in guest service and is willing to work in shifts and/or occasionally during weekends and holidays. This part time, seasonal role starts at $11.79/hour plus tip pool. The season runs DecemberApril and June-November. Please apply online at elevenexperience.com/careers/ or email jobs@elevenexperience.com for more information on how to apply.
SKI SEASON RENTAL: Nov. 1-May 1. $3,500 per month includes utilities. 3BR 21/2 bath. Washer/dryer, 2 car heated garage. Fenced yard. Ohio Meadows in Gunnison. 970-209-3509.
HOUSE FOR SALE: 3BD/2BA, 1,272sft, plus oversized 1-car garage. Excellent location in a quiet neighborhood behind the Gunnison Recreation Center. Easy walk to WSCU, City Market, Walmart, Gunnison Hospital, bus stop and schools. Great starter home with lots of storage in the oversized one-car garage All lawn care provided by HOA. Low HOA dues and taxes. Offered at $499,000. Contact owner at 970-596-3625. FOR LEASE: The newly renovated mall building located at 123 W. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison. $850/mo. Includes utilities. Contact 720-308-8239.
10 ACRE MINING CLAIM: Unit 66. Spring fed pond. Partially fenced. Good hunting campsite, tables, camper trailer. Much more. Easy access off HWY 149. 15 miles from the Lake City bridge. 970-784-6722.
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT: Private offices and gym space on North Main Street in Gunnison. Shared space/common areas include kitchen, bathrooms, handicap lift, laundry and conference room. Pricing varies based on space sizes. Contact: Peggy at 970-275-4047.
PRIME GROUND FLOOR RETAIL SPACE: Next to City Market in Gunnison. 1,500 sqft of prime ground floor retail space available in the Meadows Mall next to City Market in Gunnison-huge parking lot, tons of foot traffic, excellent 135 highway visibility-for more information, call Jordon Ringel at 817733-6947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com. FOR RENT: Built in 2007. 3BR, 2.5 bath town home in Gunnison. 1140 W. New York. All appliances plus washer/dryer. $2,230 monthly for one
at
Call
or Nesbitt & Co 970-596-0922 for more information. SPORTING GOODS 18’ SOURIS RIVER PORTAGE CANOE with Minkoto electric trolling motor, outriggers and paddles. $990 OBO. Contact Scott at 720-320-7304.
Notice is hereby given to the following parties that their personal items stored at Discount Self Storage, 1825 N. Hwy 135, Gunnison will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to October 3, 2025.
Unit 39 - Jacob Neil
Date of Redemption: October 3, 2025
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of September 18 and 25, 2025. 18771
NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS CREATING A VESTED RIGHT
GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Gunnison County has approved the following Land Use Change permits with site-specific development plans(s) within unincorporated Gunnison County, which creates a threeyear vested property right pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Article 68 of Title 24 C.R.S., as amended.
A “vested property right” gives the following applicant(s) the right to undertake the development subject to the condition(s) of approval of the site-specific development plan(s).
LUC-24-00007 – Spitfire Realty, LLC approved on April 4, 2024 for a third residence on a 3,313-acre agricultural parcel and a total square footage larger than 7,000 square-feet. Legally described as a tract of land located South of US Highway 50 being all or part of Sections 2, 3 and 4 Township 47 North, Range 5 West, N.M.P.M., and all or part of Sections 20, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34 and 35 Township 48 North, Range 5 West, N.M.P.M. all in Gunnison County, Colorado commonly known as 4500 US Highway 50.
LUC-24-00012 – Nicholas J. Chirekos and Mary Anne Chirekos approved on February 23, 2024 for a building envelope relocation on Ranch Site 6, Hidden River Ranch
LUC-24-00013 – Coconut Property Holdings
LLC approved on August 21, 2025 for a residence over 5,000 square feet on Lot 9, Wilder on the Taylor, commonly known as 874 Wildwater Way. The property comprises two units: the primary residence and the guest house, with a total aggregate living area of 6,865 square feet.
LUC-24-00015 – Shultz Family Trust Investments approved on May 9, 2024 to expand the existing commercial use by 840 square feet at Arrowhead Mountain Lodge on a parcel legally described as Lots 14 Through 21, Both Inclusive, And Lot 23, Arrowhead Commercial Area Unit 1 commonly known as 21401 Alpine Plateau Road, Cimarron, Colorado 81220.
LUC-24-00019 – Saddle Ridge Ranch Estates Homeowners Association approved on May 21, 2024 to amend subdivision design guidelines.
LUC-24-00020 – Terraplen Holdings LLC approved on November 5, 2024 for the subdivision of Lot R1 in Larkspur Subdivision into six lots ranging from .28 acres to .37 acres with a .86 acre Open Space lot to be dedicated to the Larkspur Subdivision HOA.
LUC-24-00023 – 228 Willow Lane LLC approved on August 15, 2024 to build a 5,935 square feet Main House, including an attached garage of around 837 square feet, and a Casita, 1,052 square feet of residential living space, with a total aggregate living area of 6,987 square feet on Ranch 2, Whetstone Mountain Ranch.
LUC-24-00025 – Smith Fork Ranch / GPS Land LLC approved on July 1, 2024 to expand the existing commercial use on a parcel legally described as SECTION 24: THE SOUTH ¾ OF THE SE¼ SE¼; SECTION 25: N½ NE ¼ NE ¼ AND THE N½ SE¼ NE¼ NE¼; ALL IN TOWNSHIP 15 SOUTH, RANGE 91 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, off of Needle Rock Road in Delta County. Parcel # 344500000004.
LUC-24-00028 – Jim Kunes approved on December 17, 2024 for a three-lot subdivision of 127 Evelyn Lane into a 2.01 acre (Parcel A), a 1.0 acre (Parcel B), a 1.01 acre parcel (Parcel C).
LUC-24-00029 – Oxbow Mining LLC and Mountain Coal Company LLC, approved August 6, 2024 for of a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) between 5.19 acre Parcel No. 3185-000-00-006 (Parcel A – Oxbow Mining LLC) and 1,494.62 acre Parcel No. 3185-000-00-054 (Parcel B – Mountain Coal
Company LLC) at 3737 CO-133, Somerset, CO.
LUC-24-00030 – KCREM LLC approved November 19, 2024 for a Boundary Line Adjustment within Block 22 of the Irwin Townsite. It adjusts the lot line within the middle of Lot 3, (Parcel # 3179-340-20-008) over to the lot line between Lots 3 and 4 (Parcel # 3179-340-20-010).
LUC-24-000032 – Alan Powell approved on August 5, 2025 for the lot cluster of Lot 2, Block 12, Marble Ski Area Subdivision, Filing No. 2 (Parcel 2917-271-02-011), Lot 3, Block 12, Marble Ski Area Subdivision, Filing No. 2 (Parcel 2917-271-02-012), Lots 41 and 42, Marble Ski Area Subdivision, Filing No. 3 (Parcel 2917-271-05-036)
LUC-24-00033 – Lacy Construction Company, Ltd., approved on September 3, 2024 for a lot cluster of Lots 13-15, Whetstone Industrial Park.
LUC-24-00034 – Alpine Lumber Company, approved on June 18, 2024 for the cluster of Lots 1-4 of the Whetstone Industrial Park.
LUC-24-00038 – AFC Development, LLC and Basin Real Estate Holdings, Inc, approved on August 20, 2024 for (4) threeunit townhome buildings, located at 180 and 186 Elk Valley Road, Crested Butte, CO 81224.
LUC-24-00039 – Susan and Mark Elmenhorst, approved on August 20, 2024 for a lot cluster of parcels legally described as Lot 29 and 30, Block 29, Crested Butte South – Fourth Filing.
LUC-24-00040 – Little Jackson LLC approved May 6, 2025 for a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) between three mining claim parcels northwest of Irwin, off Forest Service Road 826 D.1. Ruby Chief Millsite – Parcel # 3179-000-00-076 , 4.98 acres to 4.21 acres, Alfreda – Parcel # 3179-00000-048 , 1.22 acres to 5.95 acres, Hopewell – Parcel # 3179-000-00-048 , 9.86 acres to 5.48 acres.
LUC-24-00041 – Carol Dale approved November 5, 2024 for a Townhome Plat at 84 and 88 Huckeby Way, Crested Butte.
LUC-24-00042 – PFG Crested Butte LLC and William R. Leer and Brooke B. Leer, approved November 19, 2024 for a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) between three lots on Fairway Drive in the Skyland Area. Lot S85, .58 acres (Parcel # 3255-12022-016), and S87, .63 acres (Parcel # 3255120-22-010). Lot S86, .61 acres (Parcel # 3255-120-22-011).
LUC-24-00046 – Debra A. Pennington approved Marcy 6, 2025 for a variance to setback standards for the construction of a 16’ x 40’ shed on her vacant property at 14 2nd Street in Somerset. Parcel No. 3185170-06-002.
LUC-24-00049 – Hotchkiss Ranches Inc. approved December 17, 2024 for a subdivision exemption to validate an existing 43 acre lot off Colorado Highway 133, about 12.5 miles south of McClure Pass and 1.5 miles north of Paonia State Park. (Parcel # 2989-000-00-029).
LUC-24-00051 – Jeremiah and Chandra Proffitt approved March 7, 2025 for a Boundary line adjustment (BLA) between 165.46-acre parcel No. 3983-000-00-110 (Parcel A) and 16.4-acre parcel No. 3983000-00-071 (Parcel B).
LUC-24-00053 – Dunbar Family Partnership (DLP) approved April 15, 2025 for a subdivision of 109.91 acres south of Gunnison, into a 102.6 acre and a 7.31 acre parcel. Parcel # 3787-000-00-109.
LUC-24-00054 – Lori and Stuart Short approved March 20, 2025 for the expansion of commercial use for specialized camps and small gatherings on a parcel legally described as A Parcel Of Land Located Within Tract 48, Section 11, Township 13 South, Range 89 West Of The 6th P.M., Having A Description Based Upon A Bearing Of North 89°57’51” East From Corner #2 Of Tract 48 To Corner #1 Of Tract 48; Commonly Known As 27862 County Road 12, Somerset, Co 81434
LUC-24-00055 – Susan and Patrick Wallace approved February 5, 2025 for a lot cluster as shown in Exhibit A. The parcels legally described as Lot 5, Block 27 (0.34 acres) and Lot 8 Block 27 (0.39 acres), Crested Butte South – Fourth Filing.
LUC-24-00056 – Aspen Leaf Ranch, Inc., approved July 17, 2025 to change existing residential use to seasonal commercial use on a parcel legally described as Township 11 South, Range 90 West, Sixth Principal Meridian: Section 25: W1/2nw1/4, W1/2sw1/4, Se1/4sw1/4; Section 26: Se1/4ne1/4, Se1/4, Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, And 5; Section 27: W1/2ne1/4, Lots 1 And 2; Section 22: Nw1/4se1/4, Lots 1, 2 And 3; Section 23 Lots 4 And 5: H. E. Survey No. 70
LUC-24-00057 – Reno Living Trust approved March 6, 2025 for a 4-unit multifamily remodel to The Mother Lode store and bar in Ohio City. All commercial aspects of the property will be abandoned, and the historical
store and bar area will be remodeled into residential use. A total of 1,812.1 square feet will be added to the existing building. Parcel No. 3695-262-06-003.
LUC-24-00060 – Dizzy Gillaspey, LLC, approved July 15, 2025 for the replat of the existing, 4-unit Multi Family Residential Structure, into a 4-unit Condominium building.
LUC-24-00061 – Allan Johnson approved August 5, 2025 for a lot cluster of .42 acre 60 Mystery Lane (Parcel 3701-240-01-010) and .48 acre 90 Mystery Lane (Parcel 3701240-01-012).
LUC-24-00062 – Gunnison County Electric Association approved June 5, 2025 to install a 1.2MW (DC) fixed tilt, surface mounted, solar array for use as a community solar garden on 1347 County Road 17 (Parcel # 3701-340-00-027.
LUC-25-00005 – Stephanie Porter and William Gattis approved May 20, 2025 for a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) between their .36 acre lot at 306 Round Tree (Parcel # 3787-100-01-022) and common area of the Dos Rios HOA.
LUC-25-00006 – The O’Neal Revocable Living Trust, on behalf of land owners Jerry Broadfoot and Lester Lockhart approved July 1, 2025 for a Subdivision Exemption and a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) concerning Parcel 3509-000-00-006 in Big Soap Park.
LUC-25-00007 – Martin Klinowski approved Marcy 19, 2025 to expand the existing commercial use by 3,288 square feet.
LUC-25-00012 – The Back Nine Townhomes Association approved May 20, 2025 to amend the First Amendment to the Declaration of Protective Covenants.
LUC-25-00013 – Joseph F. Thompson approved June 2, 2025 for a building envelope relocation on Lot 56, Meridian Lake Meadows.
LUC-25-00015 – KJM approved June 17, 2025 to establish individual condo ownership within the newly constructed building from BP-23-00199
LUC-25-00016 – Jim Kunes approved June 3, 2025 for a Boundary Line Adjustment between three lots that were subdivided on December 17, 2024, under LUC-24-00028.
LUC-25-00018 – The Gunnison Bank & Trust Company approved June 3, 2025 for the clustering of Unit 13 (Parcel #3257-27240-013) of the Pioneer Plaza Commercial Townhomes (PPCT) within Crested Butte South with the previously clustered Units 11 (Parcel # 3257-272-40-011) and 12 (Parcel # 3257-272-40-012).
LUC-25-00029 – W & H Trust approved September 15, 2025 for a building envelope adjustment on Lot 1, Little Cimarron Creek Ranch.
/s/ Rachael Blondy Planner II Gunnison County Community Development Department
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of September 25, 2025
18816
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of RYAN WATKIN FULLMER Deceased Case Number 2025PR30017
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of GUNNISON County, Colorado on or before January 15, 2026 or the claims may be forever barred.
AARON J. HUCKSTEP, ATTY.
ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT PO BOX 2958
CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of September 11, 18 and 25, 2025
18596
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The
thetownofpitkin@gmail.com or by telephone at
A minimum of $100,000.00 in general liability insurance will be required.
Cost proposals are to be submitted in accordance with the Request for Proposals by 5pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Town Board of Trustees expects to award a contract during the Regular Monthly Meeting on October 20, 2025.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of September 25, October 2 and 9, 2025 18811
Bethany Church
909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
One service at 9 a.m. with nursery & children’s church.
Check us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany. gunnisonbethany.com
B'nai Butte Jewish Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and surrounging areas.
Spiritual leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte.org
Community Church of Gunnison
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925
Pastor Larry Nelson
Age Graded and Adult Ministry - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Church Service - 10:30 a.m.
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com
Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube
Transforming Lives • Building Community
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year) WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Reverand Ian Wrisley
Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All. Sundays, 10 a.m.
Fridays Meditation, 12:30-1 p.m. “Come-as-You-Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org
Trinity Baptist Church
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813
Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860
Senior Pastor Jacob With
Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.
Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.
Wednesday night service at 7pm.
New Song Christian Fellowship
77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034
A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.
Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.
St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass
First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.
Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
Church in the Barn
8007 County Road 887
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588
Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Gunnison Branch 810 N 11th St. 970-648-4804
Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.
Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced daily living. Join us to worship God, strengthen your spiritual connections, and focus on Jesus. Worship with a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike and learn from each other.
The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church
307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429
Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar
First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains
Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org
Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte
Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II
403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte
Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org
SOFTBALL: GHS headed toward postseason, A27
ROUNDUP:
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, SEPTEMER 25, 2025
Marlo Frazier Special to the Times
The Gunnison High School mountain bike team battled cold rain and thin air at the Cloud City Challenge in Leadville on Saturday, Sept. 20. Racing at 10,200 feet on the Colorado Mountain College trail system, the Cowboys tackled a 6.2-mile loop with 620 feet of climbing on trails made slick by steady showers and 40-degree temperatures. Gunnison’s riders rose to the challenge with grit and composure.
Sophomore Adrian Hanacek kicked off the day, competing in his first Colorado High School Cycling League race and gaining valuable experience in the cold opener.
The freshman, sophomore, and JV girls followed in the chilliest conditions. Freshman Sol Hausdoerffer overcame a mechanical issue resulting in a five-minute penalty, yet still secured an impressive fifth place. Teammate Kerstyn Metcalf climbed into the top 10, finishing ninth, two spots better than her season debut at the Frisco Bay Invitational.
In the sophomore girls category, Laney Olmstead continued her dominance with another first-place finish, completing the course six minutes and 44 seconds ahead of the closest competitor to remain the category’s points leader. Teammate Judit Hausdoerffer showed determination, climbing from a 10th place finish in her previous race to sixth in Leadville.
The JV girls added more points, with Emily Cattles placing 14th and Aya Hausdoerffer 18th. Jacey Jones battled the course for as long as she could before being forced to withdraw, underscoring just how unforgiving the weather had become.
In the JV boys race, Kyle Mason delivered one of the team’s strongest improvements, climbing from a 36th place finish in Frisco to 26th in Leadville.
Against a crowded 68-rider field, the result underscored his steady progress this season.
Mason summed up his ride with his trademark humor.
“The biggest factor in my progress since the first race is riding every day at practice and actually trying,” he said. “As for powering through the rough weather, I figured if I just kept moving, I’d finish eventually.”
Owen Frazier is making up ground after missing the season opener with an injury that left him at the back of the pack in his second race. In the varsity boys race, he raced with patience, conserving energy early and surging late, posting a negative split with his third and final lap the fastest. The effort carried him to a 15th place finish, improving on his last race by two positions.
The freshman boys wrapped up the day, with Walker Sovick (12th) and Topher Lamar (18th) bringing energy and smiles despite a long day of tough conditions. Their finishes added valuable points that helped the team secure a third-place podium spot in the Division 2 category and their cheerful attitude kept the mood high to close out the day on a strong note.
“Leadville was a lot of fun. The course was challenging, but everybody cheering me on helped with the hard parts,”
Lamar said. “It was tough to keep positive energy the whole race, but my awesome teammates and coaches helped me stay happy and have a blast.”
With resilience across every category, the Cowboys proved they can battle the elements, overcome setbacks and still bring home the hardware.
(Marlo Frazier is a GHS mountain bike team parent.)
James Nokes Special to the Times
A match under the lights is where Eli Coop puts his perfect homecoming record on the line.
The Gunnison soccer team took to their showdown with Salida this week with redemption in their eye. The Spartans knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs by a 3-0 score last year. GHS won on homecoming when Coop was a freshman and tied Crested Butte last year; a draw that felt like a win given the cross-town rivalry and prowess of the Titans program.
But redemption will have to wait a little longer as it was the Spartans getting a 1-0 win on Tuesday. The result was actually a positive step forward following a tough 5-0 loss to Coal Ridge on Sept. 20.
The Cowboys (2-4-2, 1-1 Class 2A Western Slope) held the bigger school scoreless for 30 minutes but couldn’t sustain
a consistent attack. Coop wants the Cowboys to move into the attacking third of the pitch as a cohesive unit with a sustained attack that includes everybody.
“We have to build the attack as a team,” said Coop, a junior captain. “We have to find chances where we can score and we have to score most of the times when that happens. Even if a defense is better than us and we only get four solid chances, so be it, we’ve got to convert those.”
For Cesar Marmolejo, a senior captain, he hears the clock ticking. It was one of the last games he’ll play in a GHS uniform under the lights.
“I’m ready to have fun; last homecoming week of high school,” Marmolejo said. “I’ve thought about this being my least year more when I am not playing. I think it’s insane that it’s my last year of ball. I don’t get caught up in that when we are playing though.”
The Spartans (5-1) returned all but two players from last year’s squad that went 14-2-3 and lost in the semifinals of the 2A state tournament. Unlike last year,
the Cowboys were on normal rest when they lined up against Salida. And while the game was more competitive than last year’s tilt, Hawkin Sather’s first-half goal for the Spartans proved to be the difference.
Last year, Gunnison traveled to Colorado Springs Christian where it won its first playoff game in overtime on a Friday. After a long trip home, the Cowboys got a few hours of sleep and turned around, drove 90 minutes to Salida and played another match on Saturday.
They’ll be back on normal rest for the next stretch of games as they make a short trip to Ridgway on Saturday before making a longer trip back to Manitou Springs on Monday to try and play a game that has been postponed by weather twice.
With a crucial stretch of the season coming up, the Cowboys need some favorable results to improve their placement in the CHSAA Selection & Seeding Index where they currently sit at No. 21.
“We can’t fall off a cliff if we get down one or two goals,” Coop said. “We know we are a
James Nokes Special to the Times
Gunnison cross country trains in the water
Splashing around the pool was fun. But as 20 athletes filled the lap lane for aqua running at the Gunnison Rec Center, it was an intentional training event full of purpose as the GHS boys and girls cross country teams altered their training routine with their Class 2A regional run less than a month away.
“It was a smooth, unorthodox week where we changed things up,” GHS coach Blake Davis said. “We wanted to get the athletes some rest and get them feeling good again.”
It was a change that paid off as the boys finished first at the Ouray Rumble at the Reservoir at Ridgeway State Park. Ian Baker got his first win of the season with a time of 20 minutes, 3 seconds and Chuy Chona posted his first top-10 with a ninth-place finish. The boys team finished third overall.
The girls team finished sev-
enth overall, led by Jordan Callahan (7th place), Elora Jones (8th) and Brooke Terry (10th).
After what Davis said was “a tough mudder” on Sep. 13, the first mile of last week’s course was straight uphill. While the intensity of their training has moderated, a tough postseason test awaits. The fourth best girls team in the region is ranked 5th in the state. The boys side also is loaded with talented runners.
“It was a big thing for us this week to listen to our athletes’ bodies and what they are telling and showing us,” Davis said. “Changing it up was a good little break for the season. It sets us up for our next training block. It’s not as intense as early in the season but we are getting ready for two to three weeks of quality work and our main thing is to be healthy and mentally fresh going into that so we can get either our teams or as many people to state as possible.”
Hunting elk and playing football
Deegan Bennett spent the
last two fall seasons walking in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. He’s a third generation Gunnison resident and the lure of tracking the bugle call of a bull elk is the ultimate challenge.
This year, Bennett has returned to the football field for the first time since eighth grade as a safety/slot receiver. Even as he tries to scout elk and hunt around football, he’s adjusted to the speed of the game well and turned short catches over the middle into first downs by making defenders miss on 3rd and 12 and 4th and eight against Eagle Valley.
He’s bagged a bull elk each of the last two years with a .270 Remmington high powered rifle and has a bow tag this fall. Bennett serves as butcher as well, turning out elk steak, tenderloin, ribs, ground elk for burger, breakfast sausage and summer sausage.
As the seasons change, Bennett knows the snow will force elk to migrate below 11,000 feet. At elevation elk blend in with the aspen and dark timber, which makes
good team. We just haven’t fully come together as a team yet. We’ve got to stay strong.”
his reconnaissance trips important. While he’s contributed to the Cowboys this fall, there’s nothing like being alone in nature for Bennett.
Pumped up for homecoming
An aggressive GHS volleyball team turned in an undefeated week with a 3-0 win against Olathe and a 3-1 win against Rye.
“Against Rye we really connected,” senior outside hitter Aubrey Welfelt said. “Overall, everyone was on the same page with the same energy. Our offensive plays featured a lot more hard swinging with aggressive hits and less tips.”
As the season enters its stretch run, Welfelt said the team has progressed as she thought, but there’s still room for growth. Homecoming is a week full of distractions, which Welfelt said the team can use to its advantage.
“It’s such a fun week, there’s so much going on and it’s so busy we can get tired by Thursday,” she said. “But we want to have fun for our home-
coming game. The whole school comes out and brings so much energy. It can be a distraction but it’s not a bad one.”
Ticket punched for golf Paden Davis has secured his spot in the 2A state tournament at Elmwood Golf Course in Pueblo.
“Elmwood is a really traditional inner-city course,” GHS coach Kevin Mickelson said. “What you see is what you get. The fairways are straight away and tree lined. It’s more of a traditional golf course without huge bunker complexes. Its defense is the greens. They won’t yield a lot of birdies. He’s got a couple of weeks to prepare for the challenge.”
Kaiden Bartelli (82) and Ryder Church (89) fired off their best rounds of the year at the Bridges Golf and Country Club in Montrose last Monday.
(James Nokes writes for Colorado Preps)
James Nokes Special to the Times
Reese Japuntich stands alone in the circle. All she sees is the glove of catcher Maddy Bacalis. As she moves into her delivery, winds up and releases the pitch, there’s no expression, just another one of many she’ll hurl across home plate.
Because Japuntich is the only pitcher on the Gunnison softball team, she expects to throw every pitch this season. She’ll do so with a steady countenance. There’s no time to get upset about a walk, a hit, a home run; any of the numerous trials and tribulations that await to test a pitcher’s composure.
“I would rather work on the next batter and bigger picture than worry about what happened,” Japuntich said. “If I get a strikeout, I worry about the next out and how I can get us out of the inning. I’m the only pitcher so I can’t get down on
myself. There’s no other option. No matter what happens it’ll be fine. I have to move on to the next batter.”
Which is an attribute GHS coach Leslie diLorenzo said makes the junior pitcher an indispensable asset.
“She’s been the G.O.A.T. for us, the ‘dog’ that has stepped up and put the team on her shoulders,” diLorenzo said. “She handles the challenge well. Her presence on the mound — she’s not fazed by anything. A home run, an error, she just takes an ‘hey we got it, we are good’ approach. You’d never know if she’s upset. She doesn’t show that. She might keep it all bottled up inside. But she knows her job and gets up and does it.”
As the Cowboys’ season barrels towards the playoffs, Japuntich wants another crack at moving the seniors on to the next round. Last year, she injured her hip as her right foot landed when she released a pitch. She couldn’t return to the game and the Cowboys’ season ended in a 12-11 loss to Resurrection Christian.
“I felt like I’d let the team down,” Japuntich said. “I am
excited to go out and just play another big game. We’ve got a great group of seniors and I’d be excited to get them to the next round.”
In a weekend sweep of a double header, the Cowboys beat Sierra 21-4 and 12-0. diLorenzo hopes the offensive surge can catapult the Cowboys into the upper half of the 32-team playoff bracket. After she missed a game while in concussion protocol, Romie Uhrig cranked a 3-run homer. Freshman Susan Espinoza and Mckayla Singer have adjusted to the speed of the game and stepped into contributing roles.
They suffered a slight setback in a 20-2 loss to Alamosa on Tuesday, but are brushing that off with the knowledge that they still have a lot of their goals sitting right in front of them.
“There are 32 teams that make regionals,” diLorenzo said. “If we are in the bottom third, it means we are going to a higher seeded team. We’re looking to get an upset in our next home game or play well against a higher seeded team and use that momentum to string some games together. Making
the playoffs is great, but we’ve always been shooting for the first game at home and then to make it to the Sweet 16.”
