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2025 Member
GUEST COMMENTARY
Hopefest: ‘Setting captives free’
Ron Watson Special to the Times
In 2024, the faith-based community in the Gunnison Valley got together with the theme of overcoming hopelessness and the WeCareGunny.com mission, along with the Hope Fest 2024 event, was born. Since that time, the Valley has seen a major decrease in the suicide rate, which fell from 12 suicides last year to only four so far in 2025.
The WeCareGunny.com team learned that addressing the spiritual elements of the body/mind/spirit connection was vital to helping overcome the epidemic of suicide that has been plaguing our community with ever-increasing frequency. It has also brought to light the extensive role that drug and alcohol use and abuse play in contributing to that sense of brokenness and hopelessness.
Hope Fest 2025 is back this year at Legion Park on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 4-7 p.m., and the theme for this year’s event is “Setting Captives Free.” There will be free food, games, live
GUEST COMMENTARY
music by local artist Tyler Hansen and the Oh Be Joyful Band and an inspiring testimony from Dawn Atkins with Radical Restoration Ministries. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy inspiring music, great free food/bounce house games provided by The Rising Church, and an inspiring talk from someone intimately familiar with the pain of addiction and incarceration.
While in the Volusia County Jail in 2005, Dawn KnightonAdkins, was facing 66 felony counts and potentially a lifetime in prison. She found herself at the bottom of a dark pit from which only God could rescue her. In a vision from God, Dawn committed to starting a ministry that would help women just like her and she made a promise to the Lord in that jail cell that when she was released, she would use the gifts and skills He gave her to rescue other women.
Upon release from prison, Dawn followed through on that promise, went back to school, got her Ph.D. in Bible studies and started a charity assisting similarly troubled women find freedom from addiction and incarceration and Radical Restoration Ministries was born.
Radical Restoration is a faithbased, nonprofit ministry dedicated to rehabilitating women
upon release from incarceration or rehab centers. They provide housing and a supportive environment where they can grow in their relationship with God, helping them turn around their situations through applying biblical principles to their daily lives. Today, Radical Restoration Ministries has multiple residential discipleship homes, with locations in Florida, Alabama, Indiana and Texas.
According to the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP), the average age of first use for alcohol in Gunnison County is 12 and for marijuana is 13. Kids are trying alcohol and marijuana at an earlier and earlier age.
The Gunnison County State of the Community Report from March of 2025 reported that the prevalence of substance abuse disorders, including both drug and alcohol abuse, is estimated to be in the range of 22-28% of the population. This epidemic of abuse is also contributing to our higher-than-average suicide rates.
Sean Dunn with Goundwire. net and author of “Contending for the Rising Generation,” describes a “generation in crisis.” His research has revealed that they are addicted to social media, with an average of 8.5 social media accounts, where 91% of them get their news.
Nearly half of them, 46%, feel stressed or anxious “most of” or “all of” the time.
The number one place they go for help with depression and anxiety is not a therapist, a teacher, a pastor or even a parent — it is TikTok. An overwhelming majority of this generation is turning to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain, and 90% of substance abuse disorders start during their teenage years. It is an epidemic of feelings of brokenness and hopelessness, built on a foundation of substance abuse. And it has to stop. That is where the WeCareGunny.com mission has been focusing our efforts, with 24/7 online coaching and local church support.
The faith-based community in Gunnison got busy last year praying out every neighborhood and letting the community know that “WeCare” about these issues, inside and outside the church walls. Please grab your family and your lawn chairs or blankets and come join this fun, family-friendly, free event — and help make a difference.
(Ron Watson is a 30 year resident of the Gunnison Valley and an organizer of Hope Fest.)
A community commitment
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.
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Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.
The deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Letters may be edited for grammar, clarity or length.
Jordan Selk-Johnson Special to the Times
Youth thrive by engaging in healthy activities and having the community champion their decisions. The Choice Pass Program is a triangle of support and celebration. Students in grades 6-12 (public or online/ home school) commit to being healthy, substance free and good citizens of the community. Parents commit to having open, honest conversations and providing safe, substance free environments for their kids to hang out with friends.
The third piece in the Choice Pass plan is community. The Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP) supports monthly parent education dinners from
November to May each year. Additionally, more than 60 local businesses in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Lake City celebrate teens’ commitment by offering discounts, or perks. New this year, Monarch Ski Resort is joining as a perk member — a community high-five for healthy choices.
Choice Pass not only incentivizes good student choices with dozens of discounts, it provides youth a reason to say no to drugs, alcohol and nicotine. A community of 530-600 youth annually make the Choice Pass commitment. Additionally, Choice Pass offers programming intentionally created to build inter- and intra-personal skills. Partnering with local professionals, we provide topnotch discounted programs such as avalanche safety, backcountry skiing, outdoor youth leadership, wilderness first aid and rock climbing. These courses are open to all youth; Choice Pass youth receive even more discounted pricing.
Also, many high school pro-
grams are eligible for high school credit. What’s more, youth can apply for scholarships to be used for just about any healthy activity, from music or dance lessons to Choice Pass programs and beyond.
The Choice Pass gives parents peace of mind knowing there is a community value of supporting youth health and wellbeing. Choice Pass parent education events cover all topics related to adolescence — including safely navigating technology, substances, body image and more. The purpose is for parents to build their tool boxes to hold productive conversations with youth. Choice Pass hosts virtual and in person parent eds, with dinner provided in person.
Choice Pass values integrity. If considering signing up, families should have honest conversations:
• Is a teen considering using or trying drugs, alcohol, or nicotine this year?
• Do parents think it’s part of the teenage experience to try drugs or alcohol — or that it’s
okay to use substances in their home?
If you answer yes to these questions, Choice Pass is not for your family — and that’s okay. Choice Pass is for like-minded teens (and their parents) who are proud to be part of annual cohorts of 530-600 youth who commit to a healthy, substancefree lifestyle.
Together, parents, GCSAPP, Gunnison Watershed School District and local businesses form a web of support for our youth. For more information and to get involved visit choicepass.net. (Please note: the youth and parent or guardian must both be present at a signup night.)
(Jordan Selk-Johnson is the GCSAPP prevention coordinator.)
LETTERS
Kennedy policies reckless
Editor:
The recent events surrounding RFK Jr.’s management of the Department of Health and Human Services, especially the Centers for Disease Control, are extremely worrisome. The nearly simultaneous resignations by Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry and Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, are ominous signs for the nation’s health care.
Houry wrote, “For the good of the nation and the world, the science at CDC should never be censored or subject to political pauses or interpretations. Vaccines save lives — this is an indisputable, well-established, scientific fact.” She added that “the overstating of risks and the rise of misinformation have cost lives.”
Daskalakis wrote, “I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health.”
These competent professionals will most likely be replaced by President Trump’s sycophants.
As a microbiologist, I also find Mr. Kennedy’s efforts to assail the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines especially perilous to the future of public health. The mRNA vaccine research and development should be an essential direction for the NIH, the CDC and the pharmaceutical industry. His directives have only enhanced the likelihood that foreign actors will accelerate the commercialization of these nascent technologies, leaving us impotent in this essential arena.
Mr. Kennedy also demonstrates his ignorance of biology and medicine with his recent remarks diagnosing children he saw at an airport in Texas.
“I’m looking at kids as I walk through the airports today, as I walk down the street and I see these kids that are just overburdened with mitochondrial challenges, with inflammation … You can tell from their faces, from their body movementse and from their lack of social connection.” Actually, mitochondria are subcellular organelles whose dysfunction requires medical testing, not cursory visual assessment.
Mr. Kennedy’s reckless tenure as HHS secretary should be ended immediately.
Peter Gauss Gunnison
CB State of Mind gets new look
Editor:
Over the past five years, we have grown from a small, grassroots movement into a trusted source for mental health support for the Gunnison Valley. Through free mental health resources and therapy scholarships, we ensure that every-
one has access to the support they need, whenever they need it. Along the way, we’ve been uplifted by community members who’ve helped us create everything, from logos to posters to powerful messaging. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped build CB State of Mind and continue to help us on our mission today.
Now, we are proud to introduce a new logo and brand that honors where we've come from and reflects where we are going. It’s a way to bring clarity and consistency to the work we do. We wanted an identity that our community could recognize quickly, feel comforted by and know exactly where to turn to if they need mental health support for themselves or a friend.
Thank you all for joining us on this journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where everyone feels seen, heard and supported on their mental health journey. We invite you to explore the new look and connect with us more at cbstateofmind.org.
As always, we are in this together.
Meghan Dougherty CB State of Mind
Where should tax dollars go?
Editor:
Where to spend your tax dollars as Trump spends your money to jail landscaper, farm labor and hotel employees?
He defunds programs to reduce shootings in your schools. He has rescinded or frozen more than $10 billion in support for K-12 education, including school based mental health services (americanprogress.org). He has shut down school safety boards, via the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse, defunded ROCA, a program to prevent urban violence (giffords.org). The list goes on.
Our local police agencies can and should handle local crime, not masked men with a quota agenda, acting like the Nazi SS. No wonder our students develop “fear of ICE and local law enforcement,” noted by our deputy police chief Rodriguez.
So ask yourself where you want your tax dollars to go? To remove innocent workers among us, or protect our kindergartners from being shot? To help one another, or hurt one another? Wake up Americans, think! Get the orange cancer out of the White House!
And I do indeed, “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Final note: Your National Guardsmen are picking up trash and spreading ground mulch in Washington, D.C.
Jim Meeuwsen Gunnison
Best book bus year
Editor:
The Rockin' Reading Route Book Bus Program just wrapped up the best summer ever. Fourteen years on the record — and next year, 15, a Quinceañera!
Thanks to the many generous donations of beautiful books from families and businesses up and down the valley, especially Safeway and Six Points.
Thanks especially for grants and financial support from: Gunnison Valley PTA, Gunnison School District RE1J, Gunnison Friends of the Library, Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, Gunnison Car Club, Gunnison Rotary Club, Butch Clark, City of Gunnison, the Town of Mt. Crested Butte. Thanks also for the amazing response to our fundraising letter campaign which has raised over $1,800 from individuals and businesses who support the Book Bus.
Heartfelt thanks to all the beautiful children who come on to the bus with such excitement and enthusiasm to receive free books. A huge shout out to the Book Bus Crew. You must know that I couldn't do this without each and everyone of you — Jackie, Alexa, Gina, Mandy, Maria, Evan, Cedilia and other volunteers who help out. Mil Gracias!
Señorita Rita is busy writing a Book Bus storybook, with the main character being the bus itself. I am asking for suggestions for a bright, cheerful name for the Book Bus character.
Please send your suggestion to Señorita Rita — Book Bus Name, PO Box 652, Gunnison, CO 81230.
This community supports so many amazing non-profit organizations and we sincerely appreciate all the support we receive.
Rita Merrigan aka “Señorita Rita”
Capitalism rewards hard work
Editor:
The American dream is being cleverly stolen from the younger generation by professional marketing schemes. You can literally buy a car for the price of some of the smart phones being offered.
In real estate, lenders look at the loan payment to income ratio to qualify borrowers. It is the inside ratio. It was generally a 25% payment to gross monthly income for conventional loans. About 30% for FHA loans and the very liberal 38-40% for VA loans. Historically, many young people qualified to buy a home based on their inside ratios, but failed to meet the criteria for outside ratios.
Outside ratios include the new payment proposed plus other fixed monthly obligations, such as a car payment, insurance, cell phone, student loans and credit card payments. Outside ratios are a big deal.
Budget cuts from A1
Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the final shortfall came to nearly $800 million.
Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee held a special legislative session last month to address the state's loss of nearly $400 million in individual state income tax revenue, and $800 million in corporate tax revenue.
Colorado’s tax code is closely tied to federal tax law. Changes enacted in H.R.1 included permanent extensions of the 2017 federal tax cuts, new corporate tax breaks, and exemptions like the one on income taxes for the first $25,000 of overtime earnings, reducing state tax collections.
In addition, the federal bill included changes to how some federal programs are managed, such as Medicaid and SNAP benefits, leading to higher costs for state agencies.
During the special session, Polis signed an executive order that directed the spending cuts. Cuts targeted higher education, Medicaid provider rates and the Department of Corrections. Other measures included raising revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes and tapping the state’s general fund reserves.
A significant portion of the
School
bus from A1
“In [past years in] Gunnison we used to have eight routes,” said Morgan. “We have five now. We didn’t have enough drivers so we had to make a decision. The ridership was very low from Almont all the way down to town, so we decided to eliminate that route.”
Morgan clarified which areas of the South valley the remaining five Gunnison bus routes will be serving.
“We have a route out to Powderhorn, same thing with Doyleville. We have a bus from Ohio Creek that starts at mile marker 12, comes down and picks up kids all the way into town. We have a bus from Gold Basin that will come in and pick up kids from town.”
Morgan himself, along with other rotating substitutes, will cover the last remaining route.
“We don’t have enough [full time] drivers on the Antelope Hills bus, so I will drive and substitutes will drive that route to make it happen,” said Morgan. “It won’t be a big deal. So [ultimately] we’re really affecting a small population with the lack of drivers [and changes to bus routes].”
There are also a number of children who commute to Gunnison from Crested Butte for school. The number of drivers for the North valley routes is even smaller.
“Mt. Crested Butte and the town of Crested Butte on the West side [of Hwy 135] are affected by our lack of drivers. This is all that it comes down to, it’s not financial. It’s having the labor,” said Morgan.
statewide cuts focused on higher education. In a letter to the Colorado Joint Budget Committee, Mark Ferrandino, the state’s executive director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, outlined the cuts, including a funding reduction to Western Colorado University, and other state universities.
Western’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Higgins said the University is still sorting through how it will adapt to the budget cuts.
“A funding reduction after tuition rates are set for the fiscal year is especially difficult, as state support and tuition are Western's two main areas of revenue,” Higgins said. “Western has not yet determined how it will absorb this loss of funding.”
Western is now anticipating a state funding reduction of $266,814. The amount is split between $184,314 in fee-forservice contracts — which support programs with statewide benefits, such as undergraduate education — and $82,500 in limited-purpose-fee-for-service contracts, which fund smaller, specialty programs.
“[The plan] is a targeted and practical approach to reduce spending quickly,” Ferrandino said in the letter. “We focused on specific line item reductions that can be made with the least possible impact to State programs and services, and not across-the-
board cuts that may have specific, unintended consequences for Coloradans.”
Other Colorado universities also took major hits. The largest reductions impacted the University of Colorado at nearly $5 million, and Colorado State University is expected to lose over $2 million. Both Adams State University and Fort Lewis
College faced similar cuts to Western, falling in the $200,000 range.
“For smaller institutions like Western, the implication of an unanticipated funding cut is a reduction in overall services that the University can provide to students, faculty and staff,” Higgins said. “Western will assess all options and make
reductions in areas that have the least impact to students, with the goal of causing as little disruption to the campus population as possible.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Special education students on an individualized education program must also have access to transportation to and from school. Those students will be accommodated with transport in Toyota RAVs and Suburbans, as well as one handicap-accessible mini bus that will transport a couple of kids from Crested Butte and Gunnison to school and back.
The transportation department’s main concern when it comes to hiring bus drivers is
quality over quantity.
“We are not cutting corners on safety. I feel very strongly that the people who are working [as drivers] for the district with me are good people, dedicated people who like their jobs — people that I trust with my own kids.”
During the briefing from Morgan, other members of the school board suggested reaching out to Mountain Express about the possibility of a collaboration that could help fill
gaps in the Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte bus routes, though they acknowledged more follow up will be needed to assess whether or not this will be possible.
Despite the shortage of bus drivers, Superintendent Leslie Nichols stated that the bus route situation has actually improved since last year.
“We always need more bus drivers,” said Nichols. “But when you were here a year ago, you had a pretty bleak report
for us with no buses in Crested Butte and only two or three down here. It’s good to hear that we are a little better staffed this year.”
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
The packed Western Colorado University Kincaid Concert Hall during a holiday concert. (Times archive)
Credit card companies hand out credit cards to incoming university students, no questions asked. There will be enough people who end up indebted to their line of credit for years to come. They are hard to pay off and if you walk away, there goes your credit rating.
Buying new cars, snowmobiles, boats, cell phones, getting coffees, fancy drinks, manicures, pedicures, eating out, going to expensive concerts, buying excessive clothes — all contributes to being in debt and keeping the outside ratios too high to qualify for a home loan.
If you watch out for the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves. People don't realize these excesses are stealing their dream of owning a home. If you put down 20% of the purchase price, the need for expensive mortgage insurance is gone. That can be a savings of up to 1%. It is becoming a buyer’s market. And surprise, surprise, young people don't get to have everything their parents have to start out. Parents worked years to get where they are.
A group of people on Main Street on Labor Day were holding up signs protesting, well everything! One sign said, “Eat the rich.” They don’t stop to think that honest, hard-working people become rich over the years for their efforts and by owning real estate. They also create jobs so people can support their families. The signs are an insult to the summer guests that keep this town alive. In this country, we are rich in opportunities. Some have had it put into their heads that old people should give up their homes for young families to occupy. That is communism at its core. Then everyone becomes equally miserable, with no incentive to do anything if they are made equal to everyone else. People need to change the way they think, not eat the rich.
Capitalism, at its core, rewards hard working risk takers. Play when you are young and likely you will be working when you are old. Work hard while you are young. Get out of debt. Better yet, don’t get into debt. Focus on the goal of homeownership. Co-own property. Form partnerships. Buy deferred maintenance property. Open your eyes, set goals and see the opportunities.
Pam Randall Gunnison
GAC a lifelong relationship
Editor:
When I first arrived in Gunnison as a young college student, I was eager to find a place where I could continue my love of dance. Western didn’t offer a dance program, and I was searching for connection, creativity and community outside of campus life.
That’s when I discovered the Gunnison Arts Center’s School of Dance. It quickly became my home away from home — a place where I found new friends, began teaching adult classes and had the joy of performing for our community.
What started as a search for a program became something much greater: a lifelong relationship with an arts center and community that has shaped who I am today.
For the past 20 years, the GAC has been my second home and today I have the privilege of serving as its executive director. Our historic building — lovingly preserved and beautifully renovated by Christopher Klein Construction and team — is now ready to serve as a cornerstone for this community for the next 100 years. The GAC is not just a building; it is your arts center. It belongs to everyone, regardless of age, background, or interests. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a retiree, a visitor or someone who simply loves this mountain valley, the GAC is here for you.
As we move into the final week of our Spark the Arts Campaign, I invite you to join me in ensuring this place continues to thrive. We are so close to our goal, any dollar you give goes directly toward sustaining the programs, classes, exhibitions and events that enrich our lives and bring us together.
If you haven’t stepped inside recently, please do. See what has been built here — for you, for me, for all of us. The Gunnison Arts Center has given me a home, and I know it can do the same for you. Together, we can keep the spark of the arts alive for generations to come.
Alysa VandenHeuvel Gunnison Arts Center
Fire station funding
Editor:
I am writing because the article concerning the proposed new fire station is very misleading. It shows an example of a two bedroom one bath house being assessed. The average home in Gunnison is now over $680K, by my Google search.
With that as an average and being assessed at .0625, that makes the cost on average $531. This is not a one time assessment, but a 20-year additional tax. I also find the cost of $35 million to build the facility a bit high. And we all know there are always overruns. I think the board needs to find a better way to fund this project.
Greg Swan Gunnison
Hartman vandalism
Editor:
It's easy to think from reading your newspaper every week that Gunnison has little or no crime, because there seems to be very little reporting of such things. And yet, on Monday, Aug. 25, my friend, who was RV-camping at Hartman Rocks, returned there in the evening to find his RV broken into and trashed. A couple other RVs parked in the area were also broken into and then stolen, driven into the woods until they could not be driven further.
According to my friend, police were called and a helicopter was deployed to chase down the vandal, because nobody was sure whether he was armed. The vandal was taken into custody, but released a day or two later for "lack of evidence," even though the vandal's fingerprints and blood were all over all the damaged property.
Because the vandal apparently had/has innumerable moving violations, he was, according to police, probably still hanging around locally. So, the police said to my friend, since the vandal probably knows what you look like, you might want to move your RV somewhere other than Hartman Rocks, and probably not close to Gunnison.
Really? First, this kind of thing should not be tolerated by our police officials, ever. And second, this kind of thing should be reported so that Gunnison citizens as well as their visiting guests are aware of unsafe and potentially dangerous situations.
Mary Ann Schaefer Gunnison
VETERANS’ VOICE
In awe of everyday America
This summer, I had the privilege of riding on a stagecoach pulled by Clydesdale horses during Patriot Night at Cattlemen’s Days. The arena was full and the crowd cheered as fellow veterans and I rolled past. Later that same week, I rode on the American Legion float in a parade, just behind Colorado’s Honor Guard. In both moments, the recognition we received as veterans was deeply moving. What stirred me most was not being celebrated, but looking out from that vantage point and seeing America and its values reflected back at me in countless and beautiful ways.
I witnessed police officers lining the parade route, quietly keeping the crowd safe. I thought of my friends in emergency management who couldn’t attend because they were deployed to fight a wildfire — serving their communities in a way no parade float will ever capture. I thought of the teachers in our schools, day after day raising and guiding the next generation. From that stagecoach and that float, I could see patriotism (the values of our forefathers) alive in people who may never be recognized for it.
Patriotism is about honoring the values, sacrifices and commitments of our forefathers — and foremothers —the ones who gave of themselves so that we might inherit a country worth loving. For me, that idea is embodied in my grandfather. He was a veteran but his service didn’t end with the uniform. He became a teacher, and beyond that, a lifelong servant to his community. When I think of patriotism, I think of him — someone who carried the values of duty, sacrifice and love of neighbor into every season of their life.
Even closer to home, I thought of my friends at the American
Legion. Mark High, once a Marine and later a teacher. John Nelson, our post commander, who gives so much to keep the Legion strong. My friend Debbie Vitulli, who coordinates these very Veterans’ Voice articles. The American Legion Auxiliary and their herculean efforts to serve and nurture veterans of the Gunnison Valley. None of them serve for accolades or applause, but because they love their country and community, quietly and tirelessly. Their volunteer work is patriotism in its purest form.
In those moments I realize (the obvious): patriotism is not just an idea or a symbol, nor is it blind allegiance to a flag. Patriotism is an emotion, like joy or pride. It’s something you can feel in your chest. It rises when you see your neighbors fulfilling their duties with honor and commitment; whether that’s standing guard, teaching children, healing patients, cleaning the streets or quietly holding a community together.
As I was being celebrated on that stagecoach, I couldn’t help but wonder why I was the one being recognized, a sort of imposter syndrome most of us veterans feel. Looking out, I saw patriots everywhere, doing their part to keep America strong. From my vantage point, I was the one in awe. I was the one witnessing America — not the loud America of politics or headlines, but the living, breathing America of everyday citizens — and that made me feel patriotic and grateful.
(Nathan Kubes is a proud Gunnison local who served on a fast attack submarine from 1996-2000. He now works with Colorado Emergency Management and is a proud member of the American Legion Post 54.)
Proud veteran holding American flags. (Courtesy Nathan Kubes)
Nathan Kubes Special to the Times
GHS Legion Club to receive award
Patriotism through service earns philanthropy honor
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
The Gunnison High School Legion Club will receive an esteemed National Philanthropy Day award for their volunteer work supporting both living and deceased veterans in the Gunnison Valley. This award, and the accompanying $3,000 in prize money, will be presented to the club members and sponsors on Nov. 6 in a formal ceremony at the Denver Performing Arts Center.
The GHS Legion Club was formed in 2022 by recently retired social studies teacher and Marine veteran Mark High –– along with former math teacher and cosponsor Chris Rush and five initial students –– as a way to inspire patriotism and facilitate charitable action in the community.
“I was searching for a way to engage students with the veterans of the community,” said High. “I asked myself, what can we do to instill patriotism? Kids didn’t want to have lectures about patriotism, they wanted to ‘do’ patriotism.”
And thus, a service-based club that does good for the community and country by supporting the needs of veterans was born.
The second president of the GHS Legion Club Udev Vijay summarized the club’s mission as “demonstrating patriotism through service.”
“[The club] is about patriotism through service, not glorifying the military or encouraging kids to join,” High said. “We agreed from the beginning of the club that our mission is service. Nothing else.”
Since 2022, the club has grown to 12 members who meet each week on Thursday to brainstorm ways to provide acts of service to both living and deceased veterans of the Gunnison Valley. These acts are then carried out during free time on days when students are not in school.
“Our primary achievement has been the work we have accomplished at the Gunnison Cemetery,” said High.
The club has spent numerous hours working with local cemeterian John Vader to restore and clean 17 military headstones that had sunk into the earth. Working with Gunnison County Veteran’s Service Officer Steve Otero and the Veterans Administration, the students replaced a cracked headstone from a WW1 veteran, raked leaves, maintained cemetery grounds, and helped to create concrete bases for brass memorials for recently deceased veterans.
“It’s really satisfying to see the respect kids have when they are repairing a gravestone, they are very somber and respectful,” said current sponsor of the Legion Club, Wyatt Phipps. “They can tell that what they’re doing is a really generous thing and that historical restoration is really important. You can see the happiness from kids after they’re done.”
The word about the Legion Club’s service has gotten out and has also prompted requests for their assistance in other local cemeteries in Pitkin, Powderhorn and Tin cup. In Tin Cup, students were asked to help transport log rails to the top of one of the three knolls used as a cemetery to create a fence.
Phipps reflected on how working in the cemeteries instills respect in the children for veteran heroes. It is also a chance for the students to connect with our nation’s history and reflect on the people involved in its events.
“It’s kinda neat when you go to a cemetery with kids, they are very respectful and it’s kind of eye opening [for them]. There’s a lot of history that can be told through the tombstones, learning about diseases that come through etc. It also inspires the kids to go do research or learn more about that particular time period or branch of the military or the battles happening at that time and connects the kids to history.”
In addition to the work at various cemeteries in the area, the club has completed a number of projects to support living veterans and active-duty personnel. These projects include planning and carrying out a birthday party for a 103 year-old WW2 veteran in Oct. 2024, collecting materials for and stuffing 21 giant Christmas stockings to send to patients in a military hospital in Texas in Dec.
2024 and working with an organization called Soldier’s Angels to send Valentine’s cards signed by elementary, middle and high school students to veterans in VA hospitals.
The club also created an educational video for elementary and middle school about the significance of Veteran’s Day, assists elderly veterans with tasks such as raking leaves or clearing snow from walks, raised over $1,000 for the Red Cross to support those displaced by the California wildfires and helps raise the flags throughout the community on holidays and important events like Cattlemen’s.
Current sponsor and industrial arts and woodworking teacher Phipps revealed one of the latest projects the club has been working on –– handcrafting veteran’s flag display boxes.
“One of the big things that we are implementing with the American Legion and the woodshop is building the wooden boxes that the flags are stored in when given to family members [of veterans] who have passed,” said Phipps. “We will be making those out of hardwood. If someone [in Gunnison] wants a flag box we will make one for them and we’re not charging for them.”
To get involved with the GHS Legion Club as a student, veteran or community member, contact Wyatt Phipps for more information at email wphipps@gunnisonschools.net.
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
GHS Legion Club students restore a veteran’s headstone at the Gunnison Cemetery in 2024. (Courtesy Mark High)
Yard of the Week
Ella DeBow of 318 North Pine has been awarded Yard of the Week by the Top O’ the World Garden Club.
“Prior to 2024, our yard was far from the inviting outdoor space we dreamed of. It was dominated by gravel and overrun with weeds. We knew it had potential. Thanks to Alpine Landscapes in Gunnison, our vision became a reality. Their team completely transformed the space, blending thoughtful hardscaping with native flora and lush, healthy grass. The goal was to include native grasses and flowers to make it feel natural.
This year, our biggest success has been the common hollyhock. Its tall, colorful blooms have added stunning height and beauty to the garden, drawing in pollinators and an extraordinary number of hummingbirds. Nightingale Gardens has helped us keep up with the weeding and will help us grow more flora in the future. Aside from flowers and native plants, we have success with various vegetables. We have eaten broccoli consistently twice a week for the past month and also had a fantastic harvest of cucumbers, kale, beets, radishes and cauliflower.
We are proud to be recognized as garden of the week. Thanks so much!”
(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)
Masked music
A masked stranger who prefers to perform anonymously in disguise, and calls himself “Kroshack,” gave a concert on Aug. 29 at Crested Bucha in Gunnison. His repertoire ranged from pop to folk and music theatre, featuring a rotating setlist which he invited the audience to spin.
(Photos by Enid Holden)
CPW unveils new facility
Building officially opens with ribbon cutting
Gia Wright Times Staff Writer
Colorado Parks and Wildlife finally has a new home in Gunnison.
Standing adjacent to the former headquarters building at 200 S. Spruce St., the new facility is a major upgrade from the previous structure. In fact, for the past several decades, the CPW headquarters in Gunnison was housed in, well, a house.
“We just outgrew that space,” said Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Nick Gallowich
Though the project was completed in November of 2024, CPW chose to formally move all employees into the new space in December 2024 once last year’s hunting season had officially come to a close. The official grand opening to the public and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce took place last week on Aug 26.
The multimillion dollar renovation was funded primarily through license dollars from hunters and anglers, grants and excise tax on firearms, ammunition and hunting equipment. It is a sleek, state of the art, green, energy-efficient facility that features a wide information desk, numerous educational displays, plentiful office spaces a large conference room and a utilitarian wildlife bay.
The new facility is large enough to house the majority of the staff from the Gunnison basin and surrounding areas,
as well as accommodate meetings with crucial collaborators and partner agencies to CPW such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Managements, the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, and safely conduct routine wildlife assessments and law enforcement protocols.
Not only has the new headquarters building increased the space that CPW staff has to work with, Gallowich also believes that it will allow the team to work with increased efficiency, better communication, and more camaraderie.
“I think it’s been really good for everybody because it’s brought us all together,” said Gallowich. “We’re all in one building now and so it creates better opportunities for collaboration and better communication throughout the different areas, even if some people are supervised in different parts of the state. It allows us to spend more time and get better information from each other.”
The building’s public uses include providing customer service, information and education about wildlife, issuing hunting and fishing licenses, OHV and boat registrations and even offering passes for State parks as far away as the North Fork Valley. Hunter education classes will also be available on-site in the new conference room.
“Any questions related to wildlife we can field out of our office,” said Gallowich. “Throughout the building we have people who specialize in a variety of things, whether it’s fisheries, big game, or sage grouse. On the parks side we can sell park passes. We don’t just cover Gunnison, but also the North Fork Valley –– which is Paonia, Hotchkiss and Cedaridge –– out of this
office too. Crawford State Park and Paonia State Park are over there, so people can come and get passes for those state parks here.”
The wildlife bay at the CPW was specially designed for effective wildlife assessment. It is an indoor/outdoor garage space where sportsmen can bring big game kills to be assessed according to the state’s rules and regulations. It is also a space that allows CPW experts to examine wildlife for potential issues with disease, as well as investigate wildlife-related law enforcement cases.
“If somebody illegally shoots an animal, we bring it here and gather more evidence. Many times we end up with wildlife that doesn’t go back to the hunter, so then we confiscate that, put it in the [wildlife bay’s] cooler and then we donate it out to needy families in the community,” Gallowich said.
The public is encouraged to stop by the new CPW headquarters with any questions they may have about wildlife or parks-related issues.
“We have folks here who have been here and been doing the job for a very long time who are very knowledgeable, who know the area and how to handle situations with all of the wildlife so they’re a great resource,” said Gallowich.
(Gia Wright can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or gia@gunnisontimes.com.)
The new CPW building was officially opened at a ribbon cutting on Aug. 26. (Courtesy Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)
Artwork by Amanda Sage
Lake City wine fest serves up musical feast
Lake City DIRT will host the 2025 Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival on Sept. 20 in the Lake City Town Park. This year’s festival will feature seven bands, 24 art vendors, five food vendors, more than 60 types of wine for tasting and brews from the San Luis Valley. Gates open at 10 a.m., music starts at 11 a.m. and wine flows at noon. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the Lake City community.
Anvil Strings
Fueled by a mutual love of coffee and Beethoven in the morning, two violinists, a violist and a cellist got together in Silverton, Colorado in the frigid early months of 2024 and embarked on a beautiful musical friendship. Anvil Strings was born, named for one of the most distinctive mountains gracing the Silverton caldera. They debuted at the Silverton Town Hall that fall. All members have played their instruments since childhood, and performed with various orchestras, chamber ensembles and string bands from the Appalachians to the Wasatch Mountains to the San Juans.
Sunny Downpour
Justin and Megan met in the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in February 2020, right before the pandemic. What they thought would be their first date ended up being an unexpected quarantine together that opened the doors to a musical career together that continues five years later. Justin began playing music publicly during college around campfires, became a skilled entertainer in his 20s, and an audio technician in his 30s and beyond. Megan began performing in 2020 when Justin unexpectedly called her on stage during a show to sing Jolene and quickly adapted to entertaining alongside Justin. Now they switch instruments, vocal leads, and harmonies focusing on fresh takes on beloved favorites with guitar and mandolin.
Sugar Britches
This band is a blend of mischievous high-brow honkytonk with eclectic instrumental accompaniment and clever lyrics. Combining good ‘ol country heartache along with snarky folksy wit, Sugar Britches was recently named Colorado Sound’s Top 20 List of Colorado Artists for 2021, Best New Band of 2018 and Best Country Band of 2019 from the Fort Collins Musicians Association; and nominated for Best Country Band of 2019 by Denver Westword. Sugar Britches has opened for many nationally touring artists.
Peach Street Revival
Revival is a fierce, femaledominated rock band from Grand Junction, committed
to crafting hit songs, touring globally and intertwining their music with the fashion industry. The band offers a unique blend of original compositions with classic rock covers, which provides a refreshing, nostalgic experience that allows fans to connect deeply with the music. Peach Street Revival stands out in the industry due to their dynamic musicianship and captivating performances, which, in turn, has cultivated a devoted fan base.
Cash’d Out
After thirteen years, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles on the road and winning over as many fans, fans still continually tell the group how grateful they Wine fest A19
Sunny Downpour. (Courtesy Lake City DIRT) Sugar Britches.
are that Cash’d Out carries the torch of the Johnny Cash Show. Besides music critics anointing Cash’d Out as "the next best thing to Johnny Cash,” their highlights have been many. Longtime Johnny Cash manager Lou Robin has also been to several Cash’d Out shows and claimed that if he closed his eyes it was as if he was “going back in time.”
Bruce Hayes
The eccentric mindset of acoustic musician Bruce Hayes has been an influential part of the Colorado music scene for the past three decades. He helped define the modern day “jam band” genre, having collaborated on the early works of
the String Cheese Incident and Acoustic Junction. He continues to explore and expand the horizons and possibilities of electro-acoustic multi-ethnicity. He’s been hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the mandolin,” yet his work is a fusion of musical styles that combines acoustic and electric instrumentation with elements of rock, bluegrass, Americana, Celtic and blues.
For more information visit lakecitydirt.com.
(Source: Lake City Dirt)
Flu Vaccine Clinics Flu Vaccine Clinics
Sleeve Up and Fend Off Flu!
Regular and High Dose Vaccines Available!
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.
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.
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.
Bruce Hayes.
Festival goers enjoy the day at the 2024 Lake City Wine Fest.
Whip up a quick pasta salad with ingredients fresh from the garden
Fresh produce is refreshing and delicious. Whether it’s recently plucked fruits or freshly harvested vegetables, these foods boast a flavor and nutritional profile unlike any other.
Comfort foods might reign supreme during colder winter months, but come spring and summer, lighter fare can be just what people need to maintain their energy and avoid feeling sluggish on warm days and nights. This recipe for “Pasta Salad with Broad Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers and Herbs” courtesy of Lines+Angles offers a midday energy boost that can lighten your culinary load in the months to come.
Pasta Salad with Broad Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers and Herbs
Makes 6 to 8 servings
1 lb. farfalle pasta
4 vine tomatoes, diced 8 ounces broad beans
1 yellow pepper, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 sprig chopped thyme
1 small bunch chives, snipped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground black peppercorns Salt
Directions:
1. Cook the farfalle in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water until al dente; 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain and refresh immediately in iced water.
3. Once cool, drain again and toss in a large mixing bowl with the vegetables and chopped herbs.
4. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning, tossing again thoroughly before serving.
Savor a summer fruit salad
Even as summer winds down, there tends to be plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining. Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they’re at their peak. Sweet and savory flavors combine in this recipe for “Peachy Tomato Salad” courtesy of “The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook” (Rockridge University Press). This delicious side pairs best with grilled fare.
Peachy Tomato Salad
Serves 2
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toss the peaches, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Season to taste. Add the olive oil and lemon juice, and gently toss. Serve at room temperature.
Shamanic journeying workshop
Barbara Haas will guide you in this month’s theme: The Bone Mother & The Skeleton Dance. On Oct. 2 at 5:45-7:45 p.m. Ignite your intuitive power. Pre-register for limited spaces at Sanctuary Somatics. The cost is $35.
PTA fundraising chair needed
Gunnison Valley PTA seeks a creative, organized volunteer to lead fundraising events and campaigns supporting local students and teachers. Make a big difference in our schools.
Contact Donita Bishop at gunnisonvalleypta@gmail.com for details.
Ice cream social
You are invited to the Welcome Back to School Ice Cream Social on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. at Gunnison Community School. Reconnect, meet new faces and enjoy some delicious ice cream. We’ll also take time to chat about our classrooms and share what’s ahead for the year.
GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS
Punk Festival and First Friday Art Walk
Join us Sept. 5 from 4:309:30 p.m. for two new gallery openings, including a skateboard art exhibit, a lively courtyard with food trucks, a cash bar and live music all evening. Performances include Tiger Electric (4–5:30), Bad Guys Wear Black (6–7:30), and Down Valley Trash (8–9:30).
Beginner wheel throwing
On Sept. 9-23 from 5:308:30 p.m. join Studio Director Kit Wijkowski for a three-week intensive where you’ll explore the joy of clay, learn essential wheel techniques and build your skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee
The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more updated information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, please visit Gunnisoncounty. org/187/Gunnison-Basin-SageGrouse-Strategic-Com.
Gunnison Rotary Club
The Gunnison Rotary Club would like to extend an invi -
tation to our meeting on Sept. 10 from noon-1 p.m. at the Gunnison Bank and Trust building. We will host District 5470 Governor Maile Foster. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how Rotary functions beyond the local level.
Tennis round robin fundraiser
Come play in the tennis round robin fundraiser Sept. 13. Advanced players start at 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Intermediate players start at 1-4 p.m. The cost is $15. No partner necessary. The funds raised will go towards equipment for the Char Mar tennis courts. To sign up, call
CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS
Friends of Friends gallery reception
The John Fellows exhibition that will run through Nov. 2, will kick off with a reception on Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. “Friends of Friends” is a group exhibition that gathers a mix of artists working across a wide range of styles and mediums.
Dance Aspen
Join us on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. for a program that looks at how shifts in life can mirror the uncertainty we all face. Each piece reminds us that even in
times of change and discomfort, there’s potential to adapt, grow and imagine new possibilities. Admission starts at $35.
Oh Be Dogful Rescue fundraiser
Join us on Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. in the CBCA courtyard to meet Oh Be Dogful’s adoptable pups and learn more about the rescue. Snacks and sips are provided. At 5:30 p.m., enjoy a screening of the award-winning documentary Saving Jones. Proceeds from $20 ticket sales benefit Oh Be Dogful Rescue &
or stop by the Gunnison Rec Center 970.641.8060 or sign up online through the Rec Center website. Hope to see you on the courts.
Trail Work at Skull Pass
We’re kicking off our first Trail Work Sept. 4 with some much needed love on Skull Pass and Skull Bypass trails. The Skull Pass area recently experienced a gully washer and that event wreaked havoc on the trails and roads surrounding the quarry. We’ll meet at the top of the Skull Pass road at 4 p.m.
Sanctuary and the Stand Up For Pits Foundation. Come connect, learn and maybe meet your next best friend.
Fall Folk: The Ditchwalkers
Enjoy an evening of free Folk Music at the Center for the Arts Atrium on Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. Featured are local musicians Matt Shugert, Madeline Shugert and Lizzy Plotkin, collectively known as The Ditchwalkers. Enjoy the sounds and grab a complimentary drink.
What parents can do to spot cyberbullying
Parenting has always been a tall task, but an assortment of new challenges have emerged as the world has shifted during the digital age. No child is immune to bullying, and modern parents can probably point to at least one instance when they were bullied during childhood. But that bullying may bear little resemblance to cyberbullying, a relatively recent phenomenon that can be extraordinarily harmful to kids.
The Cyberbullying Research Center notes a scarcity of studies exploring cyberbullying, which can make it harder to determine how prevalent it is in the lives of modern students. However, the National Crime Victimization Survey reported in 2022 that more than one in five students who were bullied reported being bullied “online or by text.” Parents know it can be hard to track youngsters’ lives online, as they must walk a fine line between respecting children’s privacy and doing what’s necessary to keep them safe and happy.
Various children’s advocacy groups note that kids are unlikely to tell their parents that they’re being bullied out of fear that doing so will make the situation worse for them. Others may be reluctant to share they’re being victimized by cyberbullying because they fear they will lose access to their devices. That makes it imperative that parents remain alert and learn to spot warning signs of cyberbullying.
• Being upset during or after using devices: Devices play a big part in the lives of adults and children alike, so parents can keep an eye open whenever their children use a smartphone, tablet or another device that connects to the internet. Cyberbullying may cause children to grow upset while using their devices or after using them.
• Inexplicable changes in personality: A 2024 report from
the Cyberbullying Research Center notes that many targets of cyberbullying report feeling depressed, sad, angry and frustrated. The same report notes researchers have linked cyberbullying with low self-esteem, anxiety, school violence, and suicidal thoughts, among other outcomes. Students who exhibit sudden changes in their personality, including issues with anxiety and becoming withdrawn, may be targets of cyberbullying.
• Unanticipated changes in friendship groups: Sudden changes in friendship groups is another potential warning sign that a child is being cyberbullied. This sudden shift could be sparked by the child’s own friends being the perpetrators of cyberbullying, which can occur after a dispute. The Cyberbullying Research Center report noted that cyberbullying aggressors don’t have to see their targets’ immediate responses to the bullying, which is perhaps one reason why it can be easier for a child to bully someone who was once his or her close friend.
• A dip in academic performance: Cyberbullying can affect kids in every aspect of their lives, including their performance in the classroom. A nationwide study of tween cyberbullying conducted in 2020 found that 6.5 percent of tweens who were cyberbullied indicated the bullying influenced their schoolwork.
A decline in physical health, changes in sleep patterns, avoidance of social settings like extracurricular activities, and behaviors that suggest children are lonely are additional warning signs that kids are being cyberbullied. Parents are urged to take any of the signs noted here seriously. More information about cyberbullying can be found at cyberbullying.org.
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BUSINESS SERVICES
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, business support and operations expert. 15 yrs driving results. Available for limited scope projects so you can focus on moving your business forward. teamspruceconsulting@gmail.com
EMPLOYMENT
GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT
See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net
Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”
HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES
GES - SPED EA
GMS - .5 Enrichment Coordinator
GES - ELL EA
GCS - Significant Support Needs EA
Substitute Teachers Food Service Bus Drivers
PROFESSIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
CBSS - Math Teacher
District Psychologist
GCS - Special Education Teacher
COACHING
CBMS - Asst. Volleyball Coach
CBHS - .5 Asst. Cross Country Coach
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 part-time and full-time Golf Course Maintenance Technicians; $20-$23/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.comor email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring part-time and full-time Front Desk Attendants, $18-22/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.
THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is seeking qualified adaptive instructors to facilitate professional adaptive ski and snowboard activities for the 2025-26 Winter Season. Pay ranges from $23-$33/hour based on experience. Benefits include season pass, certification and membership dues, paid in-house training, paid sick leave, on mountain locker, pro forms, exam reimbursement, mental health program, 401(k) match, workers compensation, monthly stiped, complementary accident insurance and professional development scholarship opportunities. More information and application are at adaptivesports.org/ careers . Applications are due September 15 and offers may be made earlier for strong candidates.
STRATEGIC PLANNER NEEDED!
The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) is requesting proposals from interested, qualified, and experienced professional strategic planning firms or individuals to provide strategic planning and facilitation services.
A Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes instructions for its completion, and a draft of the previous Strategic Plan, is available for viewing on the UGRWCD website at ugrwcd.org on the home page.
Respondents to this RFP shall submit completed proposals and/or a digital PDF to the UGRWCD no later than 5 p.m. MST on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at the following address: UGRWCD, 210 West Spencer Avenue, Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 or by email to schavez@ugrwcd.org.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
seeks applicants for the following full-time (40 hours/week), fully benefitted positions.
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).
Western’s benefit package includes retirement and insurance plans (with generous employer contributions), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for free!
To view the full job announcements and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (EOE)
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.
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.
THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER IS SEEKING A WINTER TRAINING MANAGER to help the organization continue to provide world class adaptive ski and snowboard-based programming. Work for a local non-profit that provides therapeutic adventure-based programming for people with disabilities, their friends and family members. Join a fast-paced, professional team in a state-of-the-art facility in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area. This is a full time, seasonal, exempt position mid November through early to mid April. Salary range is $23,000 - $31,000 based on experience; must work weekends, some holidays, occasional evenings; competitive benefits package including 401(k), paid time off, additional monthly stipend, season pass, ski/equipment locker, access to pro deals, professional licenses/certification reimbursements, mental health funding (estimated benefit value of an additional $9.52-$11.00 per hour). Desired start date is November 10 or until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume and references to Elizabeth Philbin, Assistant Program Director, elizabeth@ adaptivesports.org. Subject Line: “Winter Training Manager”. The Adaptive Sports Center is an inclusive organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ID SCULPTURE designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.
IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. Benefits include 80 hrs. of PTO annually, (10) paid holidays annually, health/dental/life insurance and a matching 401(k). ID Sculpture is a PlayCore company and an equal opportunity employer. We are currently seeking:
Production Assistant(s):
Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $22-$27/hr. DOE.
Project Fabricator(s):
Ideal candidates have construction trades experience (min 5 years), welding experience (structural certification preferred), steel fabrication (min 2 years preferred), the ability to work well with a team and a positive attitude. Responsibilities are to fabricate various components for standard and custom products using steel and a variety of other materials. Compensation is $26-$35/ hr. DOE.
Assistant CNC Operator: You’ll be working in a unique fabrication environment using cutting edge digital fabrication equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, a desire to learn and the ability to work in a fast paced, highly coordinated environment. Some CNC experience is preferred. Full time position with benefits, PTO and opportunities for growth. Compensation is $22-$28/hr. DOE.
To apply for this unique opportunity, A position application and full description is available at playcore.com/careers.
LITTLE RED SCOOLHOUSE is seeking a part time teacher to work with both infants/ toddlers and preschoolers starting in the next couple of weeks! This is a fabulous opportunity that will lead to more full time hours when ski season starts. Great opportunity for a stable and rewarding career with great pay and benefits! Please inquire with Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com with resume and letter of interest.
MEMBER SUPPPORT SPECIALIST LEAD: Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for a Member Support Specialist Lead. This is a full-time position that will be required to report half of the time to the Gunnison headquarters and half of the time to the Crested Butte Office. This position serves as the team leader and supervisor of the cooperative’s Member Support Specialists. This role is responsible for coordinating daily work schedules, providing direct member support services, coaching and training the MSS team, and ensuring that all member interactions and account-related processes are handled accurately, timely, and in accordance with cooperative policies and procedures. The MSS Lead will contribute to fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and high-quality member service across all office locations. This position will also provide backup MSS support as needed and will cover staffing gaps on a regular basis. The pay range is between $64,105-$85,475 a year. Starting pay will be dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will be paid on an hourly basis and is eligible for overtime pay when required. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the job description with a complete list of duties, and qualifications and to learn how to apply please see our website at: www.gcea.coop (about tab, careers section). Deadline to apply is September 9, 2025.
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.
KALOW ELECTRIC is looking for a reliable electricial apprentice to join our team. The apprentice’s responsibilities include completing all tasks assigned by the supervising electrician, which may include assisting with installations, troubleshooting, repairs and calibrations of electrical systems and equipment. Please contact Bill Kalow 970-596-6832 or email resume to Kalowelectric@gmail.com.
THE 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.
SAGUACHE COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER NEEDED that will take charge of the financial health of Saguache County by administering accounting operations to meet legal requirements, also ability to manage the financed department to assure financial requirements are met, review of grant reimbursement requests. This position should be familiar with audits, invoices and
budget preparations. Applications available at HYPERLINK saguachecounty.colorado.gov, or in the Saguache County Administration Office, 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO. You may also contact April Quintana at 719-655-2231 or aquintana@saguachecounty-co.gov for more information.
Applications close on Friday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m. Saguache County is an EEO employer. Drug testing and background check will be required for final applicants.
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.
ADENA CORPORATION is hiring for a Project Engineer, Superintendent and Foreman for Adena Construction. Salaries negotiable DOE. Full time M-F, with benefits. Chaffee, Gunnison and surrounding counties. Contact 970-707-4055 or email hr@adenacorporation.com.
THE TOWN OF PITKIN is seeking a town attorney. Please submit proposals, including a fixed monthly rate and hourly rate for additional services, to thetownofpitkin@ gmail.com. Monthly requirements are typically 5 hours or less and include: - communicate with the Mayor and Clerk as needed
- review/draft ordinances as needed
- attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month 7-9 p.m. (remote attendance is an option and preference will be given to someone who could travel to be at one meeting each quarter)
Additional work is billed at an hourly rate. Additional work hours have been typically minimal (2023 - 12.2 additional hours; 2024 - 18 additional hours; 2025 to date - 8.4 additional hours).
CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL IS HIRING: Build a career, not just a job – apply today. Full-time, year-round. $20–$25/hr DOE + benefits (health, PTO, retirement). No dental experience required—training provided. Friendly, organized, customer-service minded applicants welcome. Apply at amy@ crestedbuttedentist.com.
WANTED
BLACK CANYON LIMO seeks secure parking for 5-vehicle fleet. Need fenced yard or commercial parking lot in Riverland, Gunnison, or Crested Butte. No indoor storage required. Local transportation business looking for long-term arrangement to meet insurance requirements. Contact us at 970-251-1223 if you have available space.
REAL ESTATE
FOR RENT: 2BD/1.5BA. Fully furnished two-story home with river and mountain views + yard. Available Oct. 15. $2,600/ mo + utilities. 1st and security deposit required. References required. No pets, no smoking. Full-size washer/dryer. Email shavanohouse@gmail.com.
FOR LEASE: The newly renovated mall building located at 123 W. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison. $850/mo. Includes utilities. Contact 720-308-8239.
PRIME GROUND FLOOR RETAIL SPACE:
Next to City Market in Gunnison. 1,500 sqft of prime ground floor retail space available in the Meadows Mall next to City Market in Gunnison-huge parking lot, tons of foot traffic, excellent 135 highway visibility-for more information, call Jordon Ringel at 817733-6947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com.
FSBO: Quaint, remodeled 2bd/2ba home in Sargents, CO. 24X40 shop, 15X20 storage building. New septic and well, Adjacent to pasture. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. $600K OBO. Motivated seller. 515-2029610.
FOR RENT: Built in 2007. 3BR, 2.5 bath town home in Gunnison. All appliances plus washer/dryer. $2,330 monthly for one year lease. Call owner at 361-550-0919 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.
WANTED
WANTED: Colorado Unit 67 cow elk voucher, any season. Contact George, 713201-7916.
Legals AGENDA
Regular Meeting September 8, 2025 5:30pm
Crested Butte Community School
This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)
5. Commendations and celebrations (Information, Successful Students, Strong Employees)
6. Public comment (Information, Engaged Community)
■ Please use the public participation form, or use the Q&A feature in Zoom, and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
7. Consent agenda (ACTION, All)
Items in the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the grouping for separate consideration.
a. Board of Education Minutes
■ August 11, 2025 Regular meeting
b. Finance: Approve for payment, as presented by the Director of Finance, warrants from August 2025
■ Celeste Ackermain, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
c. 4th Quarter Financial Update (Information, All)
■ Tia Mills, Director of Finance
d. Consider approval of Resolution to Cancel School Board Election (ACTION, Engaged Community)
e. Policy Updates First Reading (Discussion, All)
■ Policy IJ Instructional Materials
■ Policy KEC Public Concerns/Complaints
About Instructional Materials and Library Resources
f. Other Administrative Report Items
(Information, All)
■ Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
10. Board committee reports (Information, All)
a. Board/Student Engagement - Dr. Coleman and Mrs. Schloesser
b. School Board Policy - Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
c. Executive Committee for Bond ProjectMr. Martineau
d. Superintendent Evaluation- Dr. Coleman
e. District Accountability Committee (DAC)Mrs. Schloesser
f. School Accountability Committees (SAC)
GHS - Dr. Coleman GCS - Mrs. Brookhart
CBCS - Mr. Martineau
g. Gunnison County Education Association
Negotiations - Mr. VanderVeer
h. Gunnison County Education Association
3x3 - Mr. VanderVeer
i. Fund 26 - Dr. Coleman
j. Gunnison Memorial Scholarship - Mrs. Brookhart
k. Health Insurance Committee - Mr. VanderVeer
l. Housing Advisory Committee-Mr. VanderVeer
m. Gunnison Valley Education FoundationDr. Coleman
11. Upcoming agenda items and meeting
schedule (Information, Engaged Community)
a. September 22, 2025 Work Session
5:30pm Lake School
b. September 29, 2025
c. October 6, 2025
d. October 27, 2025
12. Adjournment
District PD Day
Regular Meeting 5:30pm Gunnison Work
Session 5:30pm Crested Butte
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of September 4, 2025
18570
NOTICE OF FINAL
NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S
SETTLEMENT
City of Gunnison State of Colorado
Notice is hereby given that on or after the 2nd day of September 2025, final settlement will be made by the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, for and on account of the contract of said:
Oldcastle SW Group dba United Companies
For the reconstruction ramp and drainage installation The Taxiway Connector A4 – A8 project at Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Schedule I, AIP Project No. 3-08-0030-065-2024 and any person, copartnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid lien against Oldcastle SW Group dba United Companies for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of the subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of final settlement on said 2nd day of September 2025, file a verified statement in the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the GunnisonCrested Butte Regional Airport.
Failure on the part of the claimant to file such final statement will relieve said Owners from all and any liability for such claims.
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport
State of Colorado
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of September 4 and 11, 2025. 18548
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
CITY OF GUNNISON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, pursuant to Sections 6.7 and 10 of the Land Development Code of the City of Gunnison, Colorado, a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held at the hour of 6:00 p.m. on the 24th day of September, 2025 in the Gunnison recreation Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado on the merits of application ZA 25-1, proposing to repeal the City of Gunnison Land Development Code and reenact a new Land Development Code in Title 15 of the Gunnison Municipal Code, and to amend the Official Zoning Map to correspond to new designated zone districts within the City of Gunnison. Portions of the draft Land Development Code (Section 15.50, 15.60 and 15.70) which will be the subject of the public hearing, and the proposed Zoning Map will be available for review beginning on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 on the City’s Website at: https:// www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/planning/ land_development_code_update_project. php
AT WHICH TIME AND PLACE you may attend and give testimony.
The public may attend Public Hearings and Regular and Special Sessions in person or remotely. To attend the meeting remotely go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88028353530?p wd=6kIWumVjMoPqyujPlEjswi2PZegoKP.1
Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office located in City Hall, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado; mailed to the City Clerk at PO Box 239, Gunnison, CO 81230; or emailed to eboucher@gunnisonco.gov until 12:00 noon, on September 24, 2025.
City of Gunnison, Colorado Planning and Zoning Commission
/s/ Andie Ruggera, Senior Planner Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of September 4, 2025
18569
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA
COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
LOCKE SUPPLY CO., an Oklahoma Corporation
Plaintiff
v. SLATE RIVER SYSTEMS, INC., a Texas Corporation; BENJAMIN YORK, an individual; and CHRISTOPHER YORK, an individual Defendants
Case No. CJ-2025-3325
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Benjamin York
You are hereby notified that an action has been filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, Case No. CJ-2025-3325, styled Locke Supply Co., an Oklahoma Corporation v. Slate River Systems, Inc., a Texas Corporation, Benjamin York, an individual, and Christopher York, an individual, by Plaintiff Locke Supply Co, an Oklahoma Corporation. This summons is specifically direct to Benjamin York. The nature of the suit against you is for unjust enrichment, fraud, tortious interference, piercing the corporate veil, and violation of Construction Trust Fund Statute 42 O.S. § 152. The recovery of money damages sought is in excess of $5,000,000 but not in excess of $10,000,000, plus all recoverable interest, fees, and costs.
You are hereby notified that you have been sued in this action and must answer the Amendment to Petition by Plaintiff on or before the 13th day of October, 2025. You are further notified that in the event you do not appear and respond to the allegations contained in the Amendment to Petition, the allegations will be taken as true and judgment will be entered in Plaintiff’s favor, together with the requested relief prayed for in the Amendment to Petition.
WITNESS my hand and seal this 22 day of August, 2025.
RICK WARREN, COURT CLERK OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
By: DEPUTY
Approved as to form:
Christopher M. Scaperlanda, OBA #31703
Gatlin C. Squires, OBA #34795
Justin R. Cajindos, OBA #36063
McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation 8th Floor, Two Leadership Square 211 N. Robinson Oklahoma City, OK 73102-7103 Telephone: (405) 235-9621 Facsimile: (405) 235-0439 christopher.scaperlanda@mcafeetaft.com gatlin.squires@mcafeetaft.com justin.cajindos@mcafeetaft.com
Attorneys for Locke Supply Co. Gunnison Countrytimes Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 28, September 4 and 11, 2025 18502
NOTICE OF AUCTION
NOTICE OF AUCTION:
This is to advise that household and personal property belonging to the following: Dale Duet unit 63 at 410 Secure Storage located at 410 s 10th ST in Gunnison, CO; will be sold to the highest bidder at 410 Secure Storage on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 9:00 AM to satisfy the owner’s lien for rent in accordance with Title 38. PROPERTY -REAL AND PERSONAL LIENS Article 21.5. Self-Service Storage Facility Liens. All contents sold “as is” and by unit only.
Seller neither warrants title to any items sold and does not make any express or implied warranties to any items sold. We reserve the right to refuse any and all bids.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 28 and September 4, 2025 18499
Bethany Church
909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
One service at 9 a.m. with nursery & children’s church.
Check us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany. gunnisonbethany.com
B'nai Butte Jewish Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and surrounging areas.
Spiritual leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte.org
Community Church of Gunnison
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925
Pastor Larry Nelson
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.
Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry
Weekly Student Ministry
Weekly Adult LifeGroups
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4
For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com
Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube
Transforming Lives • Building Community
Faith Directory
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)
WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Reverand Ian Wrisley
Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All. Sundays, 10 a.m.
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
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
Eagle Valley loss not a setback for GHS football
Frymoyer grows in confidence after week 1 defeat
James Nokes Special to the Times
Expectations raised considerably in the season opener for the GHS football team.
A year after an injury-riddled loss to Eagle Valley, the Cowboys heard the whispers throughout town, in the hallways and even as the season opener got underway at home on Aug. 30.
The first half, the Cowboys quelled any doubts, revved up the crowd and conjured dreams of their potential. Eagle Valley (2-0) picked up a 28-7 road win against GHS, but for a half, the Cowboys played the Devils to a 7-7 tie.
“Going into the game every-
Football 29
Marmolejo’s Spanish training a benefit to Cowboy soccer
Senior leads
GHS past Cañon City
James Nokes Special to the Times
Players from around the world gathered with Cesar Marmolejo at FUTEDU Academy in Spain this summer.
The striker on the GHS boys soccer team attended the academy to prepare for his final varsity campaign. He found a wide variety of playing styles and sped up his own approach to the game.
“I had a great time in Spain,” Marmolejo said. “I really wanted to learn more about soccer and the real way it’s played. It was nice to see the strategies
and how different soccer is played. The biggest difference was probably that Spain is a little faster. Everyone plays one touch or two touches. Here in the US, it’s more skill based on dribbling. It was great to see the quick speed of play.”
After a 5-1 loss to Mead on Aug. 23, the Cowboys (1-1 overall) quickly got up to speed with a 3-0 home win over Cañon City on Aug. 30. GHS turned in a clean sheet after a hard week of practice. Marmolejo scored two goals and Eli Coop tallied a goal and two assists.
“The most important thing for us was our defensive adjustments,” said GHS coach Susan Powers. “It’s so nice to see the hard work we put in get implemented.”
Those adjustments included the Cowboys honing in on their
defensive shape. Powers said the Cowboys were “disjointed” in their approach against Mead. GHS also practiced switching the field with crossing passes and establishing set-piece plays out of corner kicks.
“We want to use the width to create space,” Powers said. “We have one of the better fields out there in terms of size and we need to use it.”
When Marmolejo raised his hand on a second-half corner kick he’d sent a message to Coop.
“I wanted Eli to put [the corner kick] near me,” Marmolejo said. “It was coming in pretty hard and I just kind of threw my body at it. I went off my knee, but we had good communication to make it happen.”
Even though he spent time in Spain to fine tune a faster, more
technical approach, Marmolejo capped the Cowboys’ scoring with a rugged, American style tally. Whatever it takes to get GHS the result.
“The biggest thing for us was confidence,” Marmolejo said. “In our first game a lot of players saw their first varsity
action. There were nerves for sure. Once we got that first goal everyone was like, ‘we are winning.’ We all stepped up, played our roles and connected well.”
(James Nokes writes for Colorado Preps)
Ethan Pierce conducts the Cowboy offense. (Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
Tildan Martinez scans the pitch. (Photos by Evan Bjornstad)
one said we’d be lucky if we could just come away healthy,” said first-year GHS coach Chase Starman. “We got a lot of people excited. I think we showed a glimpse of what we can be.”
The Cowboys’ potential bubbled up late in the second quarter when Ethan Pierce’s tackle on fourth down returned possession to the Cowboys just before halftime. They trailed 7-0 when Pierce went from middle linebacker to quarterback.
On the first play of what would be a four-play scoring drive, he lofted a jump ball that Nolan Frymoyer turned into a 45-yard completion. The senior receiver knew the ball was headed his way when he broke the huddle. He made one move off the line and got into his fly route.
“There was a little bit of a stunt, I was supposed to fake the stock block before the go route,” Frymoyer said. “The corner was positioned far back, so I just sent it right away. I knew it was a foot race and I wanted to try and get separation. I’ve had plenty of jump balls that I questioned if they were winnable in the air. But this one we both had the ball and I came down with it.”
While he had four receptions for 67 yards and only one pass thrown his way when he lined up at cornerback on defense, the atmosphere when Pierce punched in a touchdown from
the 1-yard line to tie the game was electric.
“The crowd was loud and it was great,” Frymoyer said. “There was a lot of emotion on the sidelines. We were super hyped up. Everyone in the locker room was hooting and hollering. It was difficult to stay locked in knowing we still had a half to play.”
Even though he too heard the pre-game buzz about the physicality of Eagle Valley and echoes of the injuries that piled up last year remained, Frymoyer’s film study led him to believe the Cowboys could hang with the bigger 3A school.
“It was almost unbelievable that everyone had written us off,” Frymoyer said. “Then when we realized we could play with these guys it was fun. The first time I felt we could play with them was watching film. I spent a lot of time on it. I felt like they were just like us and they could be beatable. I was confident I could compete and win my reps.”
GHS hosts Delta at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 where it will look to turn the wins in individual reps to a positive result.
(James Nokes writes for Colorado Preps)
Parker Vick returns the ball to the Cowboy offense.
Pierce prepares for the snap.
ROUND UP
to celebrate the opening of the new Mary and Jack Blake Family EMS station!
Thursday, September 11 from 3 to 5 pm 1200 North Colorado Street, Gunnison
Enjoy a ceremonial ribbon cutting, station tours, and sweets by Third Bowl Ice Cream and Churro Mio
Our deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone across the Gunnison Valley who donated to, volunteered for, and supported this vital project.
All festivities are free, and the public is welcome.
gunnisonvalleyhealth.org
James Nokes Special to the Times
Rise and shine for GHS volleyball
It was a cruel wakeup call for the Gunnison volleyball team. Not because of the result, a 3-0 win on Saturday at Coal Ridge, but the departure time for the bus and the nearly 4 hour trek.
“We were scheduled to leave at 6 a.m.,” Gunnison volleyball coach Lindsay Hart said. “I changed it to 6:30. I was just trying to push it a little later. Most of the players slept on the bus, when we got there at 9:30 they woke up and freaked out. Anytime you travel on the western slope of Colorado you know it’s going to be a long drive. That’s never a fun ride, but we did a good job of executing and getting in our flow. We won the first game 32-30 and pulled out those last two points to build our confidence. We knew we could execute and get our flow going.”
The Cowboys (3-1) dropped a 3-1 match at Sanford on Aug. 23. The setback was an opportunity for the younger players to gel with the returnees. As successful of a run as they had to the Class 3A state tournament last year, Hart reminded them that it’s a new year.
Aubriel Loken has settled in at libero and Kaya Burnett at outside hitter. The team will look to find its groove in Denver this weekend at the 12-team D’Evelyn Tournament which will include four games and an overnight stay on Friday.
“We have to be who we are and not live up to past teams,” Hart said. “We are still figuring out a little who we are. We have the potential to be really strong. We can’t go in with too many expectations. But we have the desire to be a good team.”
Getting a grip on the links
A grip change has Max Peluso on the right track. He posted a season best 19-over-par 90 at the Skier Invitational at Aspen Golf Club on Aug. 11, but is looking for consistency after ditching a grip that was too strong.
With an inexperienced roster, Gunnison coach Kevin Mickelson has relished the opportunity to teach the game’s intricacies. Often the slightest adjustment can lead to quick improvement.
“Max has played well, but hasn’t scored great,” Mickelson said. “We made a grip change and neutralized it which made a big difference. I’m curious to see how he can improve scoring and consistency off the tee.”
Because the Cowboys started school a week later than other schools, they’ve already been to six tournaments. As expected, Paden Davis has led GHS in scoring thus far. He fired off a pair of 84s last week and still has room for growth.
“I think Paden feels like he is leaving some strokes on the course,” Mickelson said. “It’s the little things, an errant tee shot here and there, not getting up and down and the occasional three putt. He’s trying to clean up his game and is in a good position to qualify for state, he just needs to maintain that low to mid 80s average.”
(Times archive)
Softball seeks quality at bats
A selectve approach has led Kaylee Vincent to a team leading 16 RBI. The junior’s confidence and ability to work at the plate is something of which GHS coach Leslie DiLorenzo wants the younger Cowboys (4-2, 2-0 3A Western Slope) to take note. Vincent also leads the team with a .500 batting average, 10 hits, a .720 slugging percentage, two doubles and a triple.
“She’s played with us for a long time,” the veteran coach said. “She’s seen a lot of at-bats, she gets comfortable in a full count or being behind. She has a presence in there that she’ll get a hit. That’s something you get a feel for. Sometimes players get up there and start swinging at everything. We want them to just watch our seniors and how they pick their strike zones. That’s the biggest thing.”
Freshman Mckayla Singer has the team’s only homerun, which came in a 14-4 loss at Montrose on August 20. She’s made a seamless transition from a utility infielder and pitcher in junior high to first base.
“We’d gone through the batting order once and told her to attack the ball first pitch that was a strike,” DiLorenzo said. “She attacked the first pitch for the home run.”
The Cowboys bounced back from the Montrose game with a 6-3 win at Florence on August 24 where junior pitcher Reese Japuntich struck out 14. The Cowboys topped Rocky Ford 11-10 on Friday and dropped a 17-1 game to Strasburg on Saturday.
Cross Country Stays Calm Emotionally tuned into the moment, the GHS girls cross country team finished in 10th place in the small schools race at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede on August 23.
Freshman Jordan Callahan (22 minutes, 40 seconds) led GHS and finished 23rd overall. With three freshmen, a
sophomore and a junior on the roster, GHS coach Blake Davis was impressed with the poise the young Cowboys showed at the 88-team event. A middle school event might have four teams; the Stampede was a huge step up.
“These girls have got it,” Davis said. “We didn’t have to teach (to not be overwhelmed) a lot. We frame it on the controllables. Focus on what we can control, if you try to control what is uncontrollable, things start flaring up and get hectic. We did a good job focusing on what we have been preaching, to take care of what we can take care of and run for each other. I’m excited and hopeful.”
In his first cross country meet, Jesus Chone (19:48) finished 43rd overall in the small schools race.
“He has a lot of confidence in himself,” Davis said. “He’s a gamer and is ready to go and meet the moment. He did that a lot in track, too. When the gun goes off he’s ready to compete.”
Because there are about 90 days until regionals, the Cowboys are in a grueling stretch of the season.
“This is the time of the season where you have to run on tired legs,” Davis said. “You aren’t tapering off; we have to pound, pound, pound the body to get sharpened up and ready for late October. We have to push through a lot of things.”
(James Nokes writes for Colorado Preps)
September 26, 2025 • Homestead Golf Course • 9:00 am Shotgun Start
