Gunnison Country Times, January 11, 2024

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GunnisonCrested Butte airport becomes more reliable New navigation technology makes landing at mountain airports easier Bella Biondini Times Editor

SNOWDANCE: Drew Emmitt and Friends performed at the Almont Resort on Jan. 5. Emmitt formed the well-known bluegrass band, Leftover Salmon, in 1990 with Vince Herman. On Friday, he returned to the Almont for the first time in 20 years. For more, see A9.

(Photo by Mariel Wiley)

INSIDE

TODAY

NEWS: Crayfish now legal in Colorado, A10

COMMUNITY: Stories from the roof of the world, B1

SPORTS: GHS girls basketball battles Pirates, B4

OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A15-A18 SPORTS B4 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM

Airport A6

Colorado climate New communityreport predicts led mental health program on the way warmer future With rising temperatures likely comes variable precipitation, streamflow Bella Biondini Times Editor

OBITUARIES A2

Advanced airplane technology, alongside improved landing techniques, is slowly giving the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional (GUC) Airport a new reputation: reliable.

Trends in a recent climate change report show that temperatures in Colorado are very likely to continue to warm, altering the amount of rain and snow the state receives in the future.

Colorado State University

(CSU) released the third edition of “Climate Change in Colorado” on Jan. 8, a document designed to help inform future water management in the state. The 2023 report, funded by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and Denver Water, describes recent shifts in temperature, precipitation and spring snowmelt timing — all factors that influence how much water will be available in the coming decades. Becky Bolinger, a research scientist at CSU and assistant state climatologist, was the lead author.

The report found that Colorado’s climate is slowly heating up, with the rate of temperature increases expected to Climate A3

Local businesses can offer free therapy to employees Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

In a matter of months, the Gunnison Valley may have a new community-led mental health resource that offers free therapy sessions to local workers and members of their household. Once launched, an employee assistance program (EAP) helps local businesses offer this benefit to their staff

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Mental and behavioral health resources are stretched thin in the valley, but not for lack of trying. Free, but short-term, mental and behavioral health support is available through Gunnison Valley Hospital and CB State of Mind. Now, members of the Gunnison County Community Health Coalition are trying to expand that access by coordinating an EAP, which allows employers to provide affordable mental health care options to their teams.

These programs already exist in the Gunnison Valley: Vail Resorts, Gunnison County, Western Colorado University and Gunnison Valley Health all offer them. But EAPs aren’t Mental health A6

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PAGE 30

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A2 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

QUOTE

Gunnison Country Times

OBITUARIES E Martin “Marty” Hatcher

of the week “We thought it was going to be something that our boys would proudly carry on as a family business.

But they realized, too, that this is a losing battle.”

— JoDee Costello, Cabin Cannabis

See story on A8

BRIEFS Comment on street safety in Gunnison Residents can now point out roads and intersections in Gunnison where they don’t feel safe using an online portal.

The City of Gunnison has introduced a new program designed to quicken its response time to community requests to slow down traffic through busy areas. The “traffic calming” program creates guidelines for how city employees should respond to and make decisions regarding resident complaints about unsafe roads and intersections.

To submit a street safety complaint, visit gunnisonco.gov and click on the “traffic calming” tab under Public Works.

Homeowners eligible to defer property taxes Colorado’s property tax deferral program expanded last year to include relief for homeowners affected by high property taxes.

This program has traditionally helped seniors and active military personnel continue to afford to live in their homes by deferring the payment of their property taxes. Now, it provides relief to homeowners by deferring all, or a portion of property taxes depending on the category. Applications for 2024 are open until April 1. For more information, visit colorado. propertytaxdeferral.com.

Mineral Point gets another $1.8 million Mineral Point, a new affordable housing development in Crested Butte, was awarded an additional $1.8 million this month.

The money went to Indianapolis-based T WG Development. The property will consist of 34 units (four studios, 24 one-bedrooms, and six twobedrooms) serving between 30-60% area median incomes.

The award was one of 559 affordable housing projects that received more $19 million from Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs.

Dr. E Martin Hatcher, whose first doctoral thesis was rejected as being too interesting, died on Dec. 27, 2023 at the age of 96 at the Senior Care Center in Gunnison.

There is no period after the “E” in his name above because E was his full first name. Having a unique name was fitting, as he was an interesting and wonderful man, father and husband.

Born in Oklahoma, Marty (no one called him E) then moved with his mother, younger brother and sister to Denver. He served in the Army in Alaska at the end of WWII, waiting for a message to decode that never came. Years later, he took a college production of Gigi on

a USO tour to entertain our troops.

Marty met Maxine Millikin when both attended the University of Denver, earning their undergraduate degrees.

They were married in 1948 and after graduation, they moved to Gunnison. Marty accepted an offer at the age of 23 to teach speech and drama at Western State College (now Western Colorado University). His love of education would keep him teaching for 44 years. Together, he and Maxine founded a professional dinner theater in Crested Butte. They were also very active in Gunnison’s Webster Players community theater troupe. Having obtained his masters and do ctoral degrees, he successfully directed scores of young people in theatrical productions. He was also known for the many entertaining speeches he gave at high schools and colleges within the community and around the state.

In 1974, he turned to a new field when he ran for and was elected to the Colorado State Senate. He would serve two

terms, after which he decided to return home and to Western State to continue teaching speech, drama and now, government. Marty had a sharp mind and was interested in almost everything. He enjoyed playing golf and was a founding member of the Dos Rios Country Club — though he later admitted he rarely kept score. He was also involved with the development of Boomers and Beyond and activities for seniors.

Marty and Maxine were magnets to their extended family and friends. He loved his family, friends, food, travel, politics, martinis and cigars. He delighted in rich conversations around the table or backyard island campfires — some of our fondest memories. He always led his life looking forward, being the positive man his family and friends greatly loved and admired.

Marty is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, parents, Ollie Everett Hatcher and Caro C. Hatcher, his two brothers, Ollie Hatcher, Jr., James Hatcher and sister, Jean Hatcher. He is

survived by his three sons and their wives, Martin Winston (Mardi Crawford), Mark (Pam) and Noel (Sheila), two grandchildren and their spouses, Cameron (Susan) and Taylor Gregory (Shawn), four greatgrandchildren and his nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family celebration to honor Marty’s life and scatter his ashes at a later date. His family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the assisted living and senior care center in Gunnison for all of their exceptional care. In honor of his life, we ask that you consider a donation to Gunnison Valley Health Assisted Living, Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center or your favorite charity.

Gunnison on Dec. 22, 2023 at 5:32 p.m. She weighed 5 lbs., 13 oz. and measured 19 in. long at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Kevin Coblentz of Gunnison, Megan Croninger of Lake Kiowa, Texas and Joseph and Valerie Luoma of Riverdale, Utah, greatgrandparents, Sally and Alvin Coblentz of Gunnison, and her siblings, Piper Coblentz, age 11 and Asher Coblentz, age 9, and Aedin Alvey, age 9, and Jameson Alvey, age 5.

Maxine Dallas Martin

Martin of Gunnison on Dec. 11, 2023 at 11:44 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and measured 19 in. long at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Tom and Tricia Martin of Aitkin, Minnesota, Joel and Lisa Michna of Montalba, Texas and Carla and Michael Kazmierski of New Caney, Texas and her big brother, Leo, who is 2 years and 3 months old.

BIRTHS Koda Sky Coblentz Koda Sky Coblentz was born to Kylee and Kodie Coblentz of

FACT IS STRANGER THAN FICTION.

Maxine Dallas Martin was born to Ginger and Luke

See what the best small community newspaper in Colorado looks like.*

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Gunnison Country Times

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Last winter, snow blanketed much of the American West, including Colorado, with snowpack percentages well above normal. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

Climate from A1 accelerate over the next several decades. Between 1980 and 2022, statewide average temperatures increased by 2.3 degrees fahrenheit. The greatest amount of warming occurred during the fall season, where temperatures have risen by 3 degrees over the last 40 years. Further warming is expected across all parts of Colorado, during all seasons.

The southwestern and southcentral portions of the state have seen the most significant warming since the last report, which was published in 2014.

Bolinger described western Colorado as a “hotspot” among national studies. Although scientists are still unsure why, high elevations tend to be more susceptible to climatic changes, she said.

Colorado has experienced persistent dry conditions since the turn of the century, with four of the five driest years occurring since 2000, according to the report. Records date back to 1895. In southwest Colorado, springtime precipitation alone has decreased by 22%.

The state, which is known for its unpredictable weather (it’s not uncommon for snow to fall in June), is still going to experience wide swings in variability with a mixture of high snowpack and dry years, Bolinger said. As the climate warms, researchers expect further reductions in Colorado’s snowpack levels, which determine how much water will flow into streams and rivers in the springtime. The report’s projections show reductions as high as 30% in both snow-water equivalent and streamflow levels in the state’s major river basins by 2050.

Exactly how much annual precipitation amounts will change is much less clear than the projected temperatures.

Models are equally distributed on whether Colorado will experience more rain and snow in the future, or less. But even if it's wetter in the future, warmer temperatures will reduce the benefits — increasing the challenges with Colorado’s water supply, Bolinger said.

A similar scenario played out during the summer of 2023. A poor monsoon season and several bouts of record heat followed a winter with record snowfall. This reversed much of the progress made, especially with the soil moisture content in southwestern Colorado.

The effects of climate change are not limited to shifting amounts of snow and rain. Warmer temperatures are expected to impact water supplies in all parts of the system, Bolinger said. More water will be lost to the atmosphere through evaporation and be absorbed into the drying soil rather than flowing into streams, rivers and reservoirs.

“All these different things are going to be hit and will make it harder to maintain the amount of water we rely on,” she said.

Headwaters communities like the Gunnison Valley, which depend on water for recreation, agriculture and tourism, will be more vulnerable to climatic changes. Bolinger said she hopes local municipalities and governments will use data from the climate report to plan for the future. CSU is working on a companion report that will focus more heavily on the socioeconomic and human impacts climate change will have in Colorado. This won’t be released until 2025.

“Arming ourselves with information is one of the best tools we're going to have at our disposal,” she said. “Because if you're the ostrich with your head stuck in the sand, and you get caught off guard, mitigating the impacts of these hazards, extremes and changes that we know are coming will be much worse.”

Previous editions of the climate report, completed in 2008 and 2014, were among the first state-level climate change assessments done in the United States. Today, similar reports have been drafted in at least 25 states. Data from the older editions has been used as guidance for many statewide and local water planning efforts led by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, an agency formed to conserve, protect and manage the state’s water supply.

This includes the CWCB’s 2023 “Colorado Water Plan,” which outlines the state’s future water needs through 2050.

According to Russ Sands, the board’s water supply planning chief, in the hottest climate and highest population growth scenarios, Colorado may experience an up to 740,000-acre-foot gap per year.

“A myriad of things go into scenario planning, but one of the dominant signals in there is climate change … We’re not just projecting these potential big swings and needs in the future,” Sands said. “As we look at the latest climate science, they’re seeing the same thing.”

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

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ALANWARTESMEDIA

OPINION

GUEST COMMENTARY 970.641.1414 © 2023 Gunnison Country Times

Extraordinary Eretz Y’isreal

Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com Office Manager Bonnie Gollhofer bonnie@gunnisontimes.com Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com Photo Editor Mariel Wiley mariel@gunnisontimes.com Sports Editor Alex McCrindle alex@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Manager Steve Nunn steve@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Assistant Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com Production Manager Stefan Scott Stefan@gunnisontimes.com

THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly

by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Fae Davisdson Special to the Times

(Publisher’s note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of the Times.)

There are a lot of amazing places in the world, but Israel is extraordinary. Most of the Biblical stories happened there.

Archaeological finds continuously substantiate those stories and the people featured in them — a big reason why Israel is so extraordinary.

In May 1998, God gave me an outright and sudden command in my spirit to study Israel, Judaism, the Jewish roots of the Church and the modern and Biblical history of all of that. I looked up at the sky and queried, “How do I do that?”

True to God’s symbolic ways, it was the actual Jubilee 50 th Anniversary month of the birth of the State of Israel. Even after 25 years of learning, the magnitude of it is still endless and enthralling.

God spilled that same desire onto my husband, Trapper (aka Al). We both developed a desire to travel to Israel, and then God miraculously provided the funds. Because of that, we knew this spiritual quest was not meant to be only about us but was to forevermore be something we were to share and encourage others to embrace as a way to glorify God and draw us closer to Him. It has definitely become the spiritual bond of our marriage which was cemented while exploring Israel. God’s prompting to share has fostered this article.

We explored Eretz Y’israel (the Land of Israel) extensively, driving a rental car for a month.

We stayed in private homes, volunteered at various ministries, visited friends of friends who became our friends and made new friends all over the country. Our shredded map speaks volumes of the intensity of the adventure. When asked if I ever felt overwhelmed while standing on that land, my enthusiastic answer was, “There wasn’t a waking moment when I didn’t feel overwhelmed by standing on that land!”

Now we’re blessed with extraordinar y friends who live all over that extraordinary country. We were horrified when watching the news of the Hamas atrocities on Oct. 7 — especially when so much

of the reporting came from the streets of a little town dear to our hearts, S’derot, located only one mile from the Gaza Strip.

In 2011, we helped out at a ministry there, providing care boxes for families impacted by the Hamas missiles from Gaza at that time. Once, we ourselves had 15 seconds to run into a safe room when we heard “Tseva Edom” (Code Red) on the S’derot loudspeakers all over town. On a playground, we walked among the concrete and rebar structures shaped and painted pretty colors to look like cute animals, but were really bomb shelters that the children knew to run into when they heard “Tseva Edom.”

What a contradiction in terms : playground animal bomb shelters!

We wonder if any of the children we saw on that playground then are now in the Israel Defense Force (IDF).

Did their own children run into those playground animal bomb shelters only to be murdered or taken hostage? Was anyone we met in the Jewish synagogue at their Shabbat service murdered and dragged through the streets of S’derot?

Was the family that invited us into their home that day for lunch murdered? Are their sons we met there now fighting as IDF reserves? Was the woman whose house we stayed in mur-

dered? Her guest room where we slept was the safe room in her home. Everybody has one.

We saw them in every home we stayed in all over the land. Many of those safe rooms were invaded by Hamas on Oct. 7.

S o, in a minis cule way we’ve personally experienced what the people of Israel have been living with for years — from Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north. Israel’s offers of peace go unheeded when the terrorists believe that the only solution is the extermination of the Jewish people.

Propaganda keeps spewing out, but seeing the truth with our own eyes dispels what some are trying to brainwash people into thinking. Yes, the Palestinians need freedom — from Hamas.

Genocide is what Hamas and Hezbollah are engaged in. We can all be grateful that Israel has embraced the mantle forced on them to deal with such maniacal evil. ( Tr a p p e r ( A l ) a n d Fa e Davidson met and married in Crested Butte over 30 years ago and now live in Gunnsion.

They have a ministry here called Shofar Fellowship where they teach others about the Jewish roots of the Church and the history of Israel.)

Breakfast of champions Veterans gathered to share breakfast with family and friends at the American Legion Post 54 on Jan. 6. On the first Saturday of each month, members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary cook for local veterans while they relax and share stories. While the main course for this week’s gathering was biscuits and gravy, the cooks came prepared with eggs, sausage, fruit and six pounds of bacon.

2023

2023 Member

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.

We will not print letters from candidates for public office.

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.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A5

Gunnison Country Times

Residents name housing costs as top priority in community survey City of Gunnison services receive high ratings Bella Biondini Times Editor

Results from the City of Gunnison’s 2023 survey reveal a rising frustration with the cost of housing, as well as other growing pains felt by the community.

The city conducts a community survey every two years to understand how existing residents feel about government services and special topics such as economic growth and public safety. It also asks for feedback

on Gunnison’s priorities moving into the future and if residents think the city is headed in the “right direction.”

According to city officials, the data collected is intended to aid future planning, and improve the conversations happening between the city and the community. The city will use these survey results to create a “2023 State of the City” report, which will be available in early February 2024.

The city hired RRC Associated, a Boulder-based company, to conduct an online and paper survey. This year, the city received approximately 830 responses. Although Gunnison residents expressed satisfaction with the city’s basic services, such as water and electricity, as well as its police department and parks and recreation pro-

grams, an increasing number of people believed Gunnison is “on the wrong track.”

Thirty percent of respondents believed Gunnison is headed in the wrong direction, up from 19% in 2021. Comments cited housing affordability and worries that too much growth could result in the loss of Gunnison’s small-town character. These are problems that many other mountain communities across Colorado are facing, the survey states.

“The cost of living, it’s real ...

It feels real to the individual, who could care less what’s happening in other mountain communities,” said City Manager Amanda Wilson. “They feel it close to home.”

When asked about the balance of maintaining existing infrastructure versus building new facilities, the community’s preference focused on maintaining what Gunnison has.

Roughly 80% of residents said that sustaining current infrastructure assets should be a priority for Gunnison. Wilson described this as positive momentum as the city continues to gather funding and public support for its large water treatment plant project.

More than 80% of respondents felt the availability of workforce housing in the valley is one of the region’s most serious problems. Following the completion of Lazy K, Wilson acknowledged “mixed feelings” among residents about investing tax dollars into workforce housing. As Gunnison County and the Town of Crested Butte continue to initiate new projects, the city’s future role in the housing industry is still being decided.

It is a conversation that will be led by the new city council next year, she said. It will come alongside an update to the city’s land development code, with the goal of creating a more efficient building permit process.

“We will certainly be putting a lot of thought and energy into as 2024 comes about and what our role really looks like,” Wilson said.

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

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A6 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Airport from A1 Gone are the days of frequent flight cancellations, often triggered by wind and poor weather conditions in Gunnison. Local transportation and tourism officials hope the recent changes will encourage more travelers to book flights in and out of the newly-completed GUC terminal. At the same time, a greater demand for tickets may eventually result in lower fare prices, more flight options and a larger boost to the local economy — bonuses for locals and tourists alike. “ There is no reason for someone living in the valley to fly out of Montrose, Colorado Springs or Denver because of reliability,” said Tourism and Prosperity Partnership Director John Norton. “If you're a family of five and you're going to save $300 a ticket going out of Denver, that's a different story.

But at this point, I would not hesitate to book a flight out of Gunnison.”

Landing at the Gunnison airport is not always easy and is often dictated by the valley’s complex topography and weather. During certain times of year, GUC only offers one flight per day, so a cancellation frequently meant passengers couldn’t make it out of the valley that day.

“We’ve got altitude, mountains and weather,” said Airport Manager Rick Lamport.

“Coming into an airport when you can see forever, and there's no w eather is one thing.

Coming in when it's snowing and the visibility is half a mile creates a challenge.”

Planes trying to touch down into Sun Valley, a well-known resort town tucked into the mountains of Idaho, suffered from similar problems. Many inbound flights that relied on conventional landing procedures couldn’t land at Sun Valley’s Friedman Memorial Airport when the weather was poor. Planes that couldn’t approach low enough to see the runway would have to divert to another airport.

The airport’s reliability was so inconsistent the Sun Valley Flight Alliance subsidized the cost of bus transportation from Twin Falls — nearly two hours away — because planes couldn’t land in the valley. Buses cost the nonprofit, which shares a similar mission to Gunnison’s Rural Transportation Authority (RTA), close to $1 million a year.

Mental health from A1 cheap, so they’re often not an option for smaller businesses with only a few, sometimes seasonal, employees. Jodi Payne, executive director at the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, and GRASP co-coordinator Cole Cooper are now leading an effort to make EAPs more accessible.

The pair is working with

A few years ago, the Sun Valley airport began investing in advanced navigation technology called “WAAS,” which stands for wide area augmentation system. WAAS allowed planes to descend much lower into the valley, increasing a pilot’s ability to see the runway when there’s heavy fog or snow in the area. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, since December of 2020, the airport has reported that nearly 200 flights have landed safely that would have otherwise been diverted.

Sun Valley pioneered the way for other mountain airports, including Gunnison, said Bill Tomcich, the RTA’s airline consultant. Airports in Eagle, Colorado and soon Bishop, California have received the new technology. Tomcich said he is hopeful it will also eventually reach Aspen.

On average, GUC has experienced a 93-95% flight “completion rate,” which means the remaining 5-7% were diverted or canceled. For example, in 2022, roughly 40 out of 940 scheduled flights did not land in Gunnison.

It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that planes with WAAS upgrades started flying into the Gunnison airport.

Regional airline carrier SkyWest and Colorado-based Flight Tech Engineering led the effort and invested in pilot training.

Although WAAS was developed almost 20 years ago, it is costly and “slow-moving” to make changes on an airplane due to the regulations that exist to ensure these are safe, said Alec Seybold of Flight Tech Engineering, who developed the new procedures.

But the recent number of successful landings show that the system has been worth the wait.

Since June, Gunnison has only had one canceled flight due to local weather conditions at the airport. So far this winter, 100% of United’s flights have landed safely at the Gunnison airport. American Airlines has been using similar technology for almost a decade, but does not offer year-round flights from Denver like United.

The older technology uses g ro u n d - b a s e d nav i gat i o n , which relies on instruments to provide lateral and vertical guidance to airplanes as they approach a runway. WAAS is satellite based, making it a much more accurate and reliable navigation system. It doesn’t go offline if it gets buried in a snowdrift or when it needs scheduled maintenance.

The new landing procedures

MINES & Associates, a company that provides EAPs around the country. The lowest tier that MINES offers is $5,000 a year for 150 employees, for a single organization. So, Payne and Cooper reached out to MINES last fall and inquired if they could develop a co-op model, in which multiple businesses buy in together. The company agreed, on the condition that the payment comes from a single place. The Health Coalition is now working with

Gunnison Country Times

So far this winter, all of United Airlines’ flights have made successful landings at the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. (Photos by Bella Biondini)

Renovations at the Gunnison airport were finished roughly a year ago.

make flying into Gunnison much easier, particularly for planes coming in after dark, Tomcich said. Nighttime flights were notorious for cancellations or returns to Denver if winds were unfavorable. That problem has now been solved, he said.

“The fact that people now have confidence in their ability to book into Gunnison is going to continue to give people more confidence that it is a real airport,” Tomcich said. “It's very unlikely that your flight is going to be canceled or diverted unless the weather conditions are extreme.”

The RTA has continued to look for ways to increase the number of flights into the Gunnison Valley. The organization incentivizes airlines by agreeing to pay a set amount

of money if flights don’t fill.

The end goal is for the airlines to eventually decide that the Gunnison market is lucrative enough to provide consistent service without a minimum revenue guarantee from the RTA. On average, the RTA has paid $400,000 annually to fulfill these contracts.

Even a small number of flight cancellations can become a big deal when there's not another flight later, RTA Executive Director Scott Truex said. Word can spread quickly and lead to empty seats. He’s hopeful the new technology will help the airport to continue to fill them.

A study conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2020 showed that the Gunnison-Crested Butte airport is worth $121 mil-

lion in economic benefits — taking into account airport jobs and the visitors that fill local restaurants and hotels. With a recently remodeled terminal, and flight service that is more reliable than ever, the hope is to continue to build a more robust flight schedule for the Gunnison Valley, Lamport said.

“Every successful community has a viable airport … If we lose that plane, then its passengers say ‘Oh, I tried to fly into Gunnison, but it was unreliable.

I couldn't get in.’ Meanwhile, Denver’s probably canceled 300 flights a day, but that doesn't matter. It's what matters to you.”

the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley to hold and administer the funds.

“This would be a way to increase mental health services provided, if we could find a way to address that gap,” Foundation Executive Director Lauren Kugler said. “We stepped in as an organization that can be that service connector.”

If enough businesses sign up to reach the 150 employee threshold, employers could sign up for approximately $30 a

year, per employee. Payne and Cooper hope to start enrolling employers in the program by the end of spring.

The program will offer up to five free counseling sessions per life event such as the death of a family member, moving or changing jobs. Although employers only pay a set cost per employee, the benefits extend to roommates or family members in the household — meaning the prospect of free therapy branches far beyond a

single worker.

Employees will also receive access to a “peer-to-peer” chat system, where they can receive support online, in English and Spanish, at all hours of the day.

Wellness coaching, legal consultation, lactation services and even counseling to quit smoking are all available, as well.

Employers get the same benefits from the EAP, plus additional consultation on every-

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

continued on A7

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A7

Gunnison Country Times continued from A6 thing from human resources and business performance.

The pair is working with Health Coalition coordinator Reiley Jones to recruit more businesses, in order to keep the costs for each employer low.

Once the program is launched, Jones will manage the day-today administration.

A long-time need Ye a r s a g o, t h e H e a l t h Coalition identified workplace wellness as a community priority. Payne offered to lead a workplace wellness subcommittee, and started interviewing local businesses to determine what their greatest needs were.

“Employers were expressing not only that their employees need support with mental health, but they need [to know] how to support their employees,” Payne said. “It wasn't that they didn't want to be a good employer. It's that they had had a bad experience with the crisis line five years ago, and they didn't want to call [it] again.”

At the same time, Cooper and his colleagues at GRASP, the county’s substance abuse prevention and treatment group, were also working on the issue through its new recover yfriendly workplace initiative.

The pair realized they were working in parallel and started pursuing the issue together.

In its pilot year, employers will pay for the program. But if it takes off, Payne hopes the county, or state, will subsidize

the program. This would reduce the cost to local businesses. The program will prioritize employers in the construction and services industries, where prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse are historically the highest, Cooper said.

After that, retail and nonprofits.

“Employers were expressing not only that their employees need support with mental health, but they need [to know] how to support their employees.”

Jodi Payne Gunnison County Community Health Coalition

apists across the county, who offer specialized care for substance abuse recovery, LQBTQ+ individuals and more.

“These people are already maxed out, you don't want to pile on even more people needing their support,” he said.

Offering EAPs to local businesses may also incentivize new therapists to move to the valley by offering a guaranteed caseload right away, Cooper said.

But therapists who sign on for EAPs, especially telehealth, might not make as much as they would in a traditional practice setting. For that reason, future subsidies or grants could help support local therapists who opt into the program.

Businesses interested in signing up for the program can email Payne at director@gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org or Cooper at CCooper@gunnisoncounty.org.

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Local therapists may be available for in-person sessions, but most would be offered via telehealth. But bolstering the valley’s virtual therapy options can also ease the caseload of the valley’s overburdened therapists, Cooper said. MINES offers a network of over 40,000 ther-

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A8 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

BIZCENTS

Cabin Cannabis closes after a decade in business Owners cite regulation and market saturation as the cause Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

Ten years ago, Lou Costello should have been preparing for retirement. Instead, he took a chance on a newly-legalized industry: recreational cannabis. Costello was dedicated to providing quality products and education to the Gunnison community during his years in business. The family owned and operated Cabin Cannabis at 901 W. Tomichi from early 2014 until closing in December.

After sacrificing their retirement plans, Lou and his wife JoDee put everything into growing their business, eventually reaching peak sales in 2020. But by 2023, sales had fallen nearly 40% from their top year. In the face of this decline, the family business struggled to contend with the extra 5% city sales tax and an oversaturated local cannabis market that they’d been battling since the start.

Like most dispensaries, they also faced banking restrictions and “exorbitant” fees due to marijuana’s federal classification as a Schedule I substance.

In the face of these hurdles, the business could no longer afford rent for the retail space, and the Costellos made the difficult decision to close Cabin Cannabis.

“It’s frustrating. We thought it was going to be something that our boys would proudly carry on as a family business,” JoDee said. “But they realized, too, that this is a losing battle.”

A tough local market Lou has been involved in the Gunnison Valley business community for decades. He was one of the original developers for the Club at Crested Butte (formerly Crested Butte Country Club), which led to roles as vice president of finance for the Club and eventually in the marketing department at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

After that, he became coow ner of Alpine E xpress, the shuttle service providing tourists with transportation between the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional airport and lodging in the valley. With his background in accounting and local business, he saw an opportunity for a new venture when Colorado passed Amendment 64 in 2012, which legalized the regulated sale and possession of marijuana.

In the two years that followed, the City of Gunnison held meetings to plan the rollout of local marijuana retail sales. During these meetings, Lou and other attendees advocated to limit the number of retail licenses issued to five, which would match the number of liquor stores in town at the time.

Limiting licenses is common practice in many municipalities across the state to reduce competition and prevent an oversaturated cannabis market.

While Crested Butte opted to limit the number of licenses, the

city decided not to. The city has issued 15 licenses to date since 2015, nine of which are currently active.

Gunnison also collects an additional 5% tax on top of the standard 26% sales tax for recreational marijuana sales.The city spends this money on substance abuse prevention, education and counseling and often distributes the funds in the form of community grants.

“They almost set us up to fail, and I can tell you every other dispensary in this town is not doing well,” Lou said.

Statewide struggles Banking is no small feat for marijuana businesses either, as dispensary owners face limited bank options and high fees.

The Gunnison Bank and Trust is currently the only financial institution in Gunnison that will accept marijuana business clients. Other banks refuse these clients because of marijuana’s federal Schedule I classification, which brings with it strict legal codes regarding how financial institutions manage money from marijuana sales.

“Because marijuana is still illegal for federal purposes, all the expenses to run that dispensary — payroll, rent, insurance, utilities — are not deductible,” Lou said. “It cost me thousands of dollars each year.”

While Cabin Cannabis was still in operation, Lou accumulated around $100,000 of annual expenses — which included the nearly $10,000 cost to renew required licenses each year — that he was not able to deduct from his income at tax time.

Like most dispensary owners, he was waiting for the SAFE

Banking Act of 2023 to pass or for marijuana to be reclassified as a Schedule III substance.

Either change would increase banking options and allow dispensary owners to deduct business expenses from their taxes.

Lou thinks that these legislative changes are unlikely to happen anytime soon.

These legislative obstacles compounded with decreasing marijuana sales to put pressure on cannabis businesses in Gunnison and across the state.

According to the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) data, marijuana sales dipped 12.8% from September 2022 to September 2023. This continues a trend of annual decline since 2021.

No dispensary in Colorado is immune to these factors, but those with multiple retail locations are better equipped to contend with low sales and high operational costs. Slated to open early this year, NuVue Pharma’s Gunnison location will be the company’s ninth dispensary license in Colorado, with an additional two locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico projected to open mid-2024.

K a t h e r i n e Av e r y , C h i e f Operating Officer and Cultivation Specialist at NuVue Pharma, said that the business had experienced a decline at all of its locations. However, the combined income streams from each of NuVue’s locations provides financial stability that keeps them afloat during periods of low sales across the state.

“Being vertically integrated [having multiple locations] has really helped us, but that's not to say we haven't felt the pain of the market,” Avery said. “But

Ben Costello weighs marijuana at Cabin Cannabis last June. The local business closed in December. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

that hasn't prevented us from expanding, because we believe in the business and what we offer to our consumers. We're hopeful that 2024 won't see as much of a decline as 2023 did.

We’re optimistic that it might increase.”

A Community Legacy The Costellos were saddened to let go of the decade of work they’d put into running Cabin Cannabis. Engaging with the community is what motivated them to hold on for as long as they could. JoDee and Lou worried for the welfare of their employees, who helped “until the very last hour,” JoDee said. Cabin’s final week open was tear-filled for customers and employees alike, who were sad to see the business shut its doors.

“It’s been very draining. But bottom line, that store and our employees were fabulous and they loved being there and working for us. We had a lot of medical customers that were just so happy to have products that relieved their pain and their anxiety and let them eat again. That part of it was good — that community part,” JoDee said.

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A9

Gunnison Country Times

The man with the mandolin Drew Emmitt and Friends shook up the stage at the Almont Resort on Friday, Jan. 5 with a lively bluegrass set list. Emmitt was accompanied by his son Eli and other musicians for the show. His previous performance at the Almont took place over 20 years ago when he was still a member of the band Leftover Salmon, of which Emmitt was a founding member.

1203 Van Tuyl Circle, MLS #805249, $769,000, 4-Bedroom 3.25 Bathrooms 1766 sqft built in 2017. This quaint contemporary single family home is surrounded by magnificent views of the Palisades in the quiet neighborhood of Van Tuyl Village. This 4-bedroom 3.25-bathroom property, a primary bedroom with full bathroom on the ground floor and half bedroom by the utility room that is easily accessible by guests and friends when entertaining. The living room is equipped with a pellet stove, moving into an open kitchen area with granite countertops, a deep sink and dining area nearby. The upstairs consists of a second primary bedroom with 3/4 bathroom and two large bedrooms with a full bathroom in the hallway. The natural sunlight from the expansive windows throughout the property provides views and sun exposure. The huge fenced in front yard will enable you to garden and play with your pet(s) and/or entertain your family and friends during the beautiful sunny summers in Gunnison. The irrigation ditch is available during spring/summer/ fall months to water the yard and provide you with ambient noise to enjoy during the pleasant Gunnison evenings. Call the listing agent for further questions and to schedule a showing.

SOLD!

216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $875,000, 3-Bedroom 2-Bathroom 1,988 sqft, built in

NEW PRICE ADJUSTMENT 1985, and with1.056 acres with attached car garage. Well built home situated in the beautiful

little Homestead Subdivision in Almont. Sit on your large front deck and revel in the views up the East River Valley. Located just 10 min from Gunnison and 20 min from CB, you are centrally located to enjoy the activities the area has to offer from world class fishing, rafting and hiking to snowmobiling and skiing. This 2 story home has its main living area on the top floor with a large open kitchen/ dining living room area with a wood stove that keeps the top floor nice and warm.

This area is a great space to gather and entertain as you take in the views surrounding the property. The property also has a sunroom that can be accessed from the second level or has 2 separate entrances from the exterior. There is a 1 car oversized attached garage and located next to the garage is a very large storage room/closet for all of your storage needs. The home has a lot of deck area on the outside for outdoor entertaining or to casually relax and take in the many different views. Almont is a quaint small town with 2 restaurants/bars located within minutes from the property. There is a free bus that runs up and down the valley from Gunnison to CB with a stop located in Almont.

459 Fairway Lane MLS #806172 $850,00 4-bedroom 3-bathroom 2291sqft. built in 1979 This contemporary quaint rustic house is within a profoundly well known subdivision, Dos Rios III. Close vicinity to the back 9 of the Dos Rios Golf Course. On a .46 of an acre, has 4-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms, the house features hardwood/tile floors, kitchen fully equipped with stainless appliances, kitchen cabinets and an open concept living room with a wood burning stove and second living room or/an office has a pellet stove. On the first floor you have a half bathroom that is easily accessible. On the second floor the master suite has an oversized bedroom with a full bathroom and a walk-in closet with a sliding barn door. The other full bathroom is down the hallway between the other two oversized bedrooms. The enormous backyard has a shed and plenty of sun exposure to plant/seed flowers, play with your pets and have get-togethers with friends. The two car garage is attached to the house and is very spacious and heated by a wood burning stove. There is sufficient amount of parking in the driveway and along the east side of the house. This home is magnificent so don’t miss out and schedule a showing by contacting the agent.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

413 W New York MLS #805945 2125 sqft 1 bathroom Commercial Retail $525,000 Perfect Opportunity to Move a Business and/or a Start a New Business with great past history of tenants using the retail storefront i.e for nail/salon, daycare, mechanical auto body, pet/animal feed and accessories-retail and granite-retail/distribution to name a few. The property consists of about 1500 sqft of retail space with storefront access to New York and a half bathroom that is easily accessible for staff and customers to use. An added bonus is having an attached garage with about 625 sqft with an overhead garage bay. The garage could be a storage facility or part of business operations. The property has 5 parking spaces and close to Safeway and the new location of 5 Bs. A growing and upcoming neighborhood. Don’t miss this opportunity contact the listing agent to schedule a showing.

UNDER CONTRACT

KELLY

MCKINNIS

71 Caddis Fly Lane - $200,000, MLS# 809269 Nice level 1.07 acre lot with trees located on on dead end road so there is ultimate privacy.

Electric to corner of lot and it is with in close walking distance to HOA rental house for owners use. Subdivision located just minutes north of town and includes fishing rights along the Gunnison River and also includes many walking paths throughout the subdivision. Lot A next to this lot is also for sale, now is a great opportunity to pick up 2 lots to create more privacy!

970.641.4880

AJ

MANI

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if you’d like to get an ad into the homes and gardens, contact Steve nunn by NOON 2/16 at admanager@gunnisontimes.com OR 970.641.1414

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A10 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

92 ASPEN L ANE, CRESTED BUT TE NEW LISTING

Nestled within the desirable Riverbend neighborhood Remodeled top-floor unit, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Vaulted ceilings adorned with beautiful wood beams Spacious kitchen w/ cherry cabinets, island, and upgraded appliances $799,000 MLS#809916

231 N. GUNNISON AVENUE, L AKE CIT Y NEW LISTING

Mini-Mart and Gas Station Eight charming rustic cabins for summer rentals 1550 S.F. residence or additional rental Adjacent to the main park, within walking distance of local attractions $1,250,000 MLS #810012

514 N 14TH STREE T UNIT A, GUNNISON 1,416 S.F. 4 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms Small fenced backyard, grassy lawns & mature trees Located in the heart of Gunnison- easy access to schools, Western & shopping $394,000 MLS#808038

970.641.0077 137 W. Tomichi Ave., Suite A Gunnison, CO

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Red swamp crayfish now legal in Colorado Crawfish lovers can rejoice as red swamp crayfish, otherwise known as Louisiana crawfish, become legal in Colorado. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Coloradans can import, transport and possess red swamp crayfish for human consumption. Release and use as bait remains illegal to protect Colorado’s lakes and rivers.

For many, spring crawfish boils are an important family and community event.

However, until now, the importation of red swamp crayfish, tasty and popular to consume, was illegal in Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) now allows the importation, transportation and possession of live red swamp crayfish in Colorado for human consumption, provided the following conditions are met: No person may possess an individual of the species alive for more than 72 hours. Any person who possesses the species alive must have a copy of an importation license that authorizes the importation of the crayfish in the person’s possession; and a receipt or delivery confirmation reflecting the date the person took possession of the crayfish.

The importation of many live aquatic species (such as rusty crayfish, New Zealand mudsnails and zebra/quagga mussels) is illegal due to the threat they can pose to Colorado’s aquatic resources. The importation of most live crayfish species remains illegal in Colorado.

This regulation change will primarily impact businesses that import crayfish into

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A red crayfish in a Louisiana riverbed.

Colorado and should have minimal impact on the average consumer. In most cases, the business importing live crayfish will apply for the importation license and a copy of the approved license must accompany the shipment of crayfish.

Consumers buying live crayfish from a vendor will receive a copy of the importation license along with the required receipt.

Consumers buying cooked crayfish from a restaurant will be unaffected. Importation licenses are available for $91 per calendar year through cpwshop. com.

In early 2023, CPW became aware of a large market for live red swamp crayfish in the state. After further investigation, it was discovered that illegal imports of live red swamp crayfish had been occurring for years, if not decades, with most importers unaware they were breaking the law.

A public outreach campaign determined that many members of the public believed that CPW should allow the regulated importation of live red swamp crayfish for human consumption.

CPW then drafted proposed regulation changes, approved by the Colorado Fish Health Board, that were finalized at the November Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting.

(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A11

Gunnison Country Times

Seniors on skis The Gunnison Nordic Club led a group of seniors down some of Crested Butte’s snowy Nordic trails on Jan. 4. This was the first Nordic ski lesson of the season for the Gunnison Senior Center. The regular outings are a collaboration between the Senior Center, the Gunnison and Crested Butte Nordic clubs, the Crested Butte Nordic Center and the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District. Depending on snow conditions, the lessons will continue each week throughout February. Snowshoe hikes will begin next week.

(Courtesy Elizabeth Gillis)

43110 US Highway 50 | Gunnison

TBD W Denver | Gunnison

5 Bed | 4 Bath | 87+/- Acres | $2,900,000

27+ Acres | River Front Development Site | $1,900,000

43191 US Highway 50 | Gunnison

226 Riverwalk Drive | Gunnison

5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 20 Acres | 2,400 SF Shop | $1,490,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,418 SF | $1,150,000

Down Valley artists unite Local artists met at Double Shot Cyclery on Jan. 4 for the first gathering of Down Valley Draw Club. Mallory Logan, owner of RoShamBo and former city council member, founded the club to provide accountability for herself and other artists looking to practice their craft on a regular basis. Logan wanted to organize a creative get-together for years after she stumbled across the Instagram page of the Roaring Fork Drawing Club, which is based in Carbondale. She took inspiration from that club to create the experience she’d been envisioning: informal meet-ups where artists can work on projects of their own while enjoying the company of creatives. Logan plans to shift the gathering’s location each time to support local businesses.

Around 20 artists attended the first club meeting. The next meet-up is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11.

518 E Georgia Avenue | Gunnison

215 S 7th Street | Gunnison

Fiveplex | WCU Adjacent | Rental Opportunity | $995,000

3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,191 SF | $437,500

217 W Rio Grand Avenue | Gunnison

30 Caddis Fly Lane | Gunnison

2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 899 SF + finished basement | $385,000

1.12 Acres | Level Building Site | $265,000

The Brian Cooper Team 970.275.8022 | brian@bbre1.com

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(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

News, help wanted, feature stories & local happenings.

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A12 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

BUY OF THE WEEK

GROUND LEVEL 2 BDRM/1 BATH Willows condo is 861sf and features an open kitchen and spacious living room. The complex had a new sewer line installed and new roofs were just completed. Great rental investment or first time homebuyer property. Located in town with access to restaurants, grocery store, fuel stations and walking distance to the airport.

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People’s Choice Award for Best Realtor 2021 & 2022

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE GUNNISON VALLEY!

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We look forward to serving you in 2024!

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Landowners donate 40-acre Verzuh Ranch to Western Wetland ecosystem will be conserved and used for learning Seth Mensing Special to the Times

The landscape of so many mountain tourism hubs is covered up by condos or manicured to the point of being unrecognizable as wildlife habitat. But in the Gunnison Valley, open space has always been a defining feature, and it isn’t by chance. It takes visionary people partnering with proactive organizations to keep open space open.

Wynn and Ryan Martens are just those kinds of people.

Thanks to their donation of the 40-acre Verzuh Ranch to the Western Colorado University Foundation, an important riparian and wetland landscape bordering Crested Butte will be stewarded. The goal is to protect and enhance the biodiversity that relies on the habitat.

This summer, Western will host a community ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this gift. “[The] Martens have a conservation and regenerative vision of land management in the Gunnison Basin, and we share that vision and are deeply appreciative of their generous donation of [Verzuh Ranch] in Crested Butte,” said Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology Pat Magee. “With the Slate River marking one boundary of the property and Mount Crested Butte towering above, it is a beautiful and functional wetland ecosystem.”

With Western taking ownership in December, Verzuh Ranch will become an outdoor classroom and learning laboratory where faculty and students can conduct research and study the interactions between wildlife and its habitat. Already, students have been on the land conducting an annual bird sur-

NOW HIRING!

The Verzuh Ranch is located in Crested Butte. (Courtesy Western Colorado University)

vey, which has documented more than 90 bird species using the property during nesting and migration seasons.

Researchers see birds as excellent indicators of ecosystem conditions because they are responsive to environmental change, have important ecological functions — such as seed dispersal and insect consumption — and are easy to observe.

Along with birds, it is estimated that more than 80% of Colorado’s native wildlife species use, or are dependent on, wetland habitat for at least a part of their life cycle. Yet only 2% of the state’s land is riparian, and about half of that has been impacted by or eliminated for development.

“We’ve had a great partnership with Western during the past five years, as their research has guided our stewardship decisions for the property and taught us about the critical role these wetland habitats play in the survival of wildlife,” Wynn said. “We are excited that, as the new owners of Verzuh Ranch, Western will be able to expand that research and develop new educational opportunities.”

According to Magee, Western plans to learn from the land by developing research projects and applying an adaptive management approach where the science generated from research folds back into conservation. Students and faculty will document biodiversity on the ranch, inventory existing conditions and test the effectiveness of restoration and conservation

methods, among other research studies.

Western will also develop a management plan for the property, and collaborate with neighbors and interested stakeholders, to build a Lower Slate River conservation culture. This includes Bill Parker of Parker Pastures, who uses regenerative livestock grazing to improve soil and vegetation health.

“The restoration progress and efforts will provide a demonstration area where students and professionals can learn about conservation and restoration practices,” Magee said.

Western’s Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the Clark School of Environment and Sustainability will manage the land. Anyone from the university will be welcome to participate, allowing more than just students enrolled in those specific departments the chance to get to know the land and what it takes to be good stewards.

“This land will give Western students and faculty opportunities for education, research, habitat management and improvement projects and conservation planning,” Magee said. “We also hope to invite the local community to learn on this land and deepen or even reimagine the relationship between humans and the natural world.”

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

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To apply visit G2securestaff.com - CLICK “Join our team”, Gunnison, Colorado or text “G2Jobs” to 22633

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A13

Gunnison Country Times

Sound bath for the soul Local instructor Kaitlin Lewis led a group through a three-hour yoga, Reiki and meditation workshop at Sanctuary Somatics on Jan. 6. Participants found balance during a Vinyasa flow before settling into mindfulness with a guided journaling session. Andrea Ouimet of Alpine Sound Healing closed the workshop by bathing the room in the bright tones of her crystal sound bowls.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Bethany Church 909 N Wisconsin St.

(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144 Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com 9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church Check out our website for updates!

Or download our app on the App Store by searching, Gunnison Bethany.

B'nai Butte Congregation

PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 B’nai Butte Congregation serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Shabbatluck potluck and service. Please bring a generous dish to share.

Jan. 13, 10:30-12 p.m.:Kibbitz with the Rabbi @ Rumors Coffee shop, Crested Butte.

5:30 - 7 p.m.: Havdallah service and appetizers. Please bring appetizers or drinks to share.

Jan. 14, 11 a.m.: Torah Study Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com www.bnaibutte.org for additional details and locations

Faith Directory

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034 A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

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

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925 Pastor Larry Nelson Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry Weekly Student Ministry Weekly Adult LifeGroups Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4 For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube Transforming Lives • Building Community

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240 Pastor Jonathan Jones 9:30 a.m. Share & Prayer Fellowship 10 a.m. Sunday School Classes 11 a.m. Morning Worship Service 6 p.m. Evening Service Wednesday 7 p.m. - Children's Patch Club Gunnison Bible Institute Thursday 7 p.m. - College & Career Christian Fellowship www.firstbaptistgunnison.org.

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.

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813 Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 711 N. Main • 970-641-1860 Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 17th at 10 AM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 PM Christmas Day Service at 10 AM

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church 307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m.

Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.goodsamaritangunnison.com Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m.

Union Congregational Church, 403 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.

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

The Rising Church

92 C.R. 17 • 970-444-1545 Service times: Sundays @ 9:30 a.m., Men’s and Women’s group, Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.

Rising Gen (youth ministry) Thursdays @ 6 p.m.

Gunnisonrising.church for more details!

Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries

1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158 Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries www.rmcmchurch.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago www. gunnisoncatholic.org www. 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 Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.

Gunnison Congregational Church United Church of Christ 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203 Open and Affirming Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org

A14 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

ALANWARTESMEDIA TO ALL OF OUR LOYAL ADVERTISERS FOR LETTING US HELP PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION. IN TURN, YOUR AD DOLLARS HELP KEEP LOCAL INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM ALIVE AND WELL! HERE’S TO A GREAT NEW YEAR! GV Observatory G Home Association CB State of Mind 1% for Open Space, Inc. GV Producers’ Guild G Sportsmen’s Association CB Wildflower Festival 1880 Tapas & Spirits CBMR Ski Patrol Community Fund G. Valley Home Electric Advance- GV Veterinary Clinic 4 U Consignment Auctions GVRHA ment Team GVHEAT Ceara Smith 4th Generation Mechanical H & H Towing G2 Secure Staff CHR 5 B’s Barbecue H & R Block District #7057 Garnering Hope Counseling Christopher Klein Construction Abba Eye Care Acuity Asher Habitat For Humanity GC Abstract Company Inc. 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Community for Student Success GSO Fishing Project Solutions) Ice Lab Community for Student Success - Gunnison Anglers Society and Apogee Brokers ID Sculpture Trout Unlimited Anne Brookhart Appraisal Group of Western Ingrid Butts Community for Student Success - Gunnison Arts Center Colorado Inn at Arrowhead Gunnison Bank and Trust Jody Coleman Arcadia Cognerati Inn at Tomichi Village Community for Student Success - Gunnison Car Club Art in the Park Gunnison CB Tourism Association Interior Visions Mark VanderVeer Aslan Construction iRepair Gunnison Community Foundation Gunnison Gunnison Church of Christ Atmos Energy - Greeley Island Acres Motel Gunnison City Clerk Valley (CFGV) Auto Corral J Reeser Architect, LLC Gunnison City Finance Consolidated Electical DistribuAxis Health system Jan Washburn Gunnison City Parks and Recretors (CED) Back Country Cafe Jennifer Prosser ation Cori for the Community Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Jermaine’s Gunnison City Public Works CPA Network Balcomb and Green, P.C. Gunnison Congregational Church Jim Gelwicks Craftsman Construction (Frank BAMP (Dan McKenna) Jo Laird (GCCUCC) Patin) Barb Carroll - Town Bike Realty Joe Schultheis Gunnison Country Chamber of Creede Repertory Theatre Becky Glover John Roberts Commerce Crested Butte Dental BenchMark Mortgage Johnny Apple Tree Care Crested Butte Fire & EMS Volun- Gunnison Country Food Pantry Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP Gunnison County Administration KBUT Berkshire Hathaway - Gerald Lain teer Squad KD Custom Builders Gunnison County Community Crested Butte Glass, LLC Berkshire Hathaway - Heather Keating Wood Floors Crested Butte South Metropolitan Development Woodward Gunnison County Dept. of Health Kinikin Processing District Bethany Baptist Church Knight Interlock Services and Human Services Critter Sitters Bible Gems Crystal Peak Properties - Kelsey Gunnison County Electric Assoc Kooler Homes Big C Builders Krivanek Jewelers GCEA Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Loftis KW Restoration Gunnison County Emergency Custom Home Accents Black Canyon Quilt Show Lake City Arts Management Dan’s Fly Shop Blackstock Bistro Gunnison County Extension Office Lake City Auto Darby Design Studio Blaze Lake City Chamber of Commerce Gunnison County Human David F. Bower, Johnson & Blind Faith Lake City DIRT Resources Repucci LLP Blister Lake City Liquors Gunnison County Public Health David Hadley Blue Bird Boutique Land Title Guarentee Company Gunnison County Public Library David Sikora Blue Mesa Baptist Church Larene Summer Gunnison County Public Works Days Inn Bluebird - Bobby Overturf Gunnison Crested Butte Associa- Last Ditch Thrift Deer Creek Blinds Bluebird - Mindy Costanzo League of Women Voters tion of Realtors Delektabowl Bluebird - Steve Mills Legacy Family Ministries Gunnison Farmer’s Market Diamond Blue Pool and Spa Bluebird Real Estate Lisa Henry for School Board Gunnison Fish & Raft Dobrato Resophonic Guitars Bluebird Real Estate - Brian LIV Sotherby’s - Cassie Gates Gunnison Fly Shop Dog Cabin Resort Cooper Living Journeys Gunnison Funeral Services Dos Rios Golf Club Bluebird Realty - Bet Egelhoff Lookout Tower Cannabis Gunnison Gallery Bluebird Realty - Maggie Dethloff Double Dragon Luxury Western Cleaning Gunnison Lake School Downtowner Group B’nai Butte Main Street Clinic Gunnison Liquor Store Eager Beaver Tree Services Boom-a-rang MarCom Group, Inc Gunnison Muffler & Pipe, Inc. Early Childhood Council Bren Corn Studios Marios Gunnison Nordic Club EC Electric Bruce Couture Mark High Gunnison Pizza Company Echo Ridge Excavation Buckel Family Wine Martin Retail Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals Edward Jones Buff’s Collision Specialists Martinez JMTZ Painting Gunnison Rotary Club Edward Jones - Lacy Henry Bureau of Land Management Matt Miller Gunnison Savings and Loan El Paraiso Gunnison MAYA Gunnison Senior Center Electronic Solutions Butterfield Fireplace Services Mechanic on Duty Gunnison Sheet Metal Eleven Experience (Irwin BackBV Sportsman’s Association Media Resources, LTD Gunnison Shipping country Guides) Cake Me Away Menagerie Meadows (Safe Gunnison Trails Elk Creek Marina Cattlemen’s Days Harbor) Gunnison Underdog Rescue Elk Mountains Backcountry CB Center for the Arts Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare MetaSpace Alliance CB Chamber of Commerce Michelle Burns League GVAWL EMICO Media CB Clay Studio Miller Furniture Gunnison Valley Hospital Epiphany Dermatology CB Custom Closets Mochas Gunnison Valley RTA Equip Bookkeeping CB Festival of the Arts Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Monarch Realty Fantasy Ranch CB Film Festival Monarch Ski Area Store Farmers Insurance CB Hottub Sales and Service Gunnison Watershed Barrel Race Montanya Distillers Firebrand CB Land Trust Gunnison Watershed RE1J Book Monte Vista Co-op First Baptist Church CB Majestic Theatre Moore Good Dogs Bus First Friday Art Walk CB Mountain Runners Gunnison Watershed RE1J School MOPS CB Mountain Search and Rescue Frank Stern Morrison Stone District Freeport-McMoRan CB Mountain Theatre Mountain Legacy Veterinary Gunnison Wildlife Association Friends of NRA CB Nordic Center Center GV Health Classifieds Frosty Leaf Dispensary CB Snowsports Foundation Mountain Roots Food Project GV Mentors CB South Property Owners Assoc. Fullmer’s Ace Hardware

Mountain Surfaces Squeeky Kleen Auto Wash Mountain Windows Inc St. Peter’s Catholic Church Mountaineer Theater Standard Tire Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church State Farm - Pete Klingsmith Murdoch’s Salida STOR Napa Auto Parts Stu Barton Natural Grocers Sugarplum Festival Nesbitt & Company LLC Summit Global (Pederson EnterNew Song Christian Fellowship prises) Nikki Pulitzer Sundrop Flora Nunatak Alternative Energy Sustainable Crested Butte Solutions Sustainable Development StrateNuVista Credit Union gies Group Offcenter Design Tango Oh Be Joyful Church Tava Real Estate Ol’ Miner Steakhouse, Inc. TAVA Real Estate - Ryan Jordi Olszewski, Massih & Maurer, P.C. Taylor Canyon Fire Station Packer Saloon Taylor Park Marina Palisades Apartments Tenderfoot CFDC Palisades Restaurant & Saloon Tenderfoot Outfitters Paper Clip The Coffee Trader The Dispensary Paradox Footwear The Dive Paragon Gallery The Episcopal Church Parkinson Association of the The Fireplace Company Rockies The Matterhorn Motel Patrick, Miller & Noto, PC The Mountain Express Patriot Pressworks The Rising Church Pawsitively Native The Schossow Group Peace Museum Colorado Thomas Riser Attorney Pet Adoption Page Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Pfister’s Handworks Thurston Kitchen & Bath Pie-Zans Toad Property Management Pike Builders Today Realty Pioneer Museum Tomichi Creek Trading Post Pitkin Colorado Real Estate Top O The World Garden Club Pitkin Historical & Community Tough Enough To Wear Pink Assoc Town of Crested Butte Pizza Mountain Alamo Saloon Trader’s Rendezvous Post Office Ranch Treads N’ Threads Powerstop TRIC Salon Precise Painting LLC Trinity Baptist Church Precision Automotive Trout Creek Engineering Premier Mountain Properties True Media-Murdochs Project Hope Turner Automotive Quad Media Solutions United Country Real Estate Quick Draw Carpet Cleaning Upper Gunnison Water ConserRady Engineering Summer vancy District UGRWCD Program USIC RE/MAX Community Brokers Valley Housing Fund Region 10 Varner Equipment Rick Barton Ministries Vegan AF Ridgeline Roofing Visionary Broadband, INC. Right Path Health Screenings VSON Alpine Rita Merrigan Wallin Construction Rock N Roll Sports WCU - Center for Learning and Rocky Mountain Biological Lab Innovation Rocky Mountain Cannabis WCU Alumni Affairs Rocky Mountain Chocolate WCU Art & Music Dept Factory WCU Art & Music FFAW Rocky Mountain Christian WCU Athletic Association Ministries WCU Communications & MarRocky Mountain Elk Foundation keting Rocky Mountain Frames & WCU Dept. of Exercise and Sports Trophies Science Rocky Mountain IV Medics WCU Human Resources Roots RX WCU Swimming and Diving Roshambo WCU Theatre S 9th Street Studios & Galleries Saguache Chamber of Commerce Weehawken Creative Arts Wendy Buckhanan Saguache County Government Wendy Preston - Crested Butte Salida Arts Realty Salida Dermatology Wendy Stickler San Juan Strains - Gunnison Wentz Foot & Ankle Specialists Santa’s Little Helper West Elk Hockey Association SAW Advertising West Star Clothing Saw Contracting Western Lumber Sawbuck Outfitters Western Pilates Scenic River Tours Wet Grocer SealCo. Inc Wilderness Pursuits Secret Creek Spirits Willow Interior Design Service Directory (SPACE) Wily Nunn Web Development SGM Wonderland Clayworks Sharon Rose Wonderland Nature School Shondeck Insurance Young Guns 4-H Club Signature Properties Signature Properties - Erin Welfelt Zuni Street Brewing Signature Properties - Kelsey Loftis Simple Insurance, LLC Six Points Sodexo South Main Studios, LLC

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT REAL ESTATE RENTALS

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Happy Hour daily from 4-5pm $1 off beer & wine, $2 off Sangria, with food specials THURSDAY TO SUNDAY 4-10 WITH HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-5 206 N. Main St. Gunnison, CO • 970-707-4331 • 1880tapas.com

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Top pay & Benefits.

Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Construction Project Manager Full-time, $83,200-$112,400/yr This is a temporary, full-time position that is anticipated to be renewed annually for technical oversight for a 5-7 year long, $50 million multi-phased design and construction program for the city’s water system improvements project.

Police Officer Full-time, $68,900-$93,100/yr $33.13-$44.76/hr Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the city, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The city will pay for the police academy if needed and pay a cadet wage of $50,900 while attending the academy. Includes a $15,000 signing bonus.

Increased wages over abovelisted salary available for working nights. Personal liability insurance paid by the City of Gunnison.

Housing is available.

The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave per year.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR MOUNTAIN EXPRESS FULL-TIME SERVICE MECHANIC NEEDED: Mountain Express has an immediate opening for a full-time service mechanic. The service mechanic is responsible for the repair and maintenance of fleet vehicles at the direction of the shop supervisor. This position will also maintain shop parts inventory, as well as assist with shop upkeep. A CDL is required for this position, but Mountain Express will provide training to get this certification.

This position offers health insurance, life insurance, retirement participation with match, as well as the use of a ski locker at Mountaineer Square. Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years of age and be flexible to fill schedule gaps as needed to ensure year-round mechanic coverage.

Annual salary of $55,000 per year based on experience. See full job description by visiting Mountain Express’s website at mtnexp.org/about-mtnexp/employment/.

Please submit a resume via email to lpetito@ mtnexp.org. EOE.

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!”

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator Juvenile Services: 30 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$5,992, plus full benefits.

Motor Vehicle/Recording Technician Clerk and Recorder: 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $21.82-$24.85, plus full benefits.

HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES:

Administrative Assistant III/ Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners Administration: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,209$4,984, plus full benefits.

Bus Drivers Food Service-CBCS ELL Educational Assistant-CBCS and GMS Assistant Building Manager-CBCS Lead Custodian-Lake School Permanent Substitute-GHS Substitute Teachers

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Administrative Assistant HHS: 5-10 hours/week, hourly rate range from $24.29-$27.65, plus partial benefits. This position is grant funded and will end in April of 2024.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Behavioral Health Network Coordinator HHS: 5 hours/week, hourly rate range from $28.64-$32.62, plus partial benefits.

Counselor-CBES COACHING: GHS-Speech and Debate GHS-Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

Health Navigation Specialist HHS: 10 hours/week, hourly rate range from $27.03-$30.77, plus partial benefits.

Administrative Generalist HHS: 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $22.91-$26.08, plus full benefits.

Case Management Aide HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,966-$6,037, plus full benefits.

Deputy Chief Financial Officer Finance: 40 hours/week, starting salary range from $100,178$118,618. Full monthly salary grade range from $100,178$141,702, plus full benefits.

Caseworker I HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$6,399, plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II – Substance Abuse Prevention Juvenile Services: 20 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $33.79-$41.08, plus partial benefits.

Seasonal Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $20.58-$23.43 depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Outdoor work that includes traffic control, fencing, tree and brush removal, trail work, recycling, equipment training and much more, all in a 4-day work week.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857$6,669 plus full benefits.

Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263$5,992 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month.

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

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GUNNISON VALLEY is seeking a construction manager/hands-on builder with experience coordinating subcontractors, ordering materials and working with volunteers.

Thurs.-Sat., May-Oct.. Pay negotiable, based on experience. Send job qualifications to P.O. Box 1295, Gunnison, CO 81230 or for more information call 970-641-1245.

INFANT TODDLER TEACHERS: Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is adding staff members to our infant-toddler team. Both lead and assistant teacher positions available to work with children birth to 3 years old. Part-time and full-time positions with paid time off, free child care and continuing education. $15.42-$21.93/ hour depending on experience. Email tfootdirector@gmail.com or call 970-6421949 for more information. EOE. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPENING: Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority (GVRHA) is seeking an executive director.

Primarily operating out of an office in Gunnison, GVRHA is managed by an intergovernmental agreement among the City of Gunnison, Town of Crested Butte, Town of Mt. Crested Butte, and Gunnison County. The executive director reports to a nine-member board of directors and oversees a budget of $900,000 and a team of four staff. Core services include property management, monitoring deed restrictions, overseeing programs such as GV Heat, and consulting with community partners on affordable housing development. This is a great opportunity for a strong manager, creative problem solver and collaborative leader to join a passionate board and community partners in tackling the most important problem facing Gunnison Valley today. Salary range is $115,000-$150,000 annually DOQ and first review is Jan. 28.

For more information, visit GMP Consultants at gmphr.com/job-postings/.

FOUR DAY/32 HOUR WORK WEEK: CB South Metro District is now accepting applications for a road manager and heavy equipment operator. This position would be responsible for planning, organizing and directing all activities and staff related to the district’s roads and maintenance. Duties include road maintenance, snow removal,

JOHN ROBERTS MOTOR WORKS SEEKS COLLISON CENTER TECHNICIANS AND AUTOMOTIVE CENTER TECHNICIANS. Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week.

Apply at John Roberts Motor Works.

drinking water operations, wastewater operations and other day-to-day tasks of running a utility. This job requires the applicant to have motor grader and heavy equipment experience. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid Colorado driver’s license. The successful applicant is eligible to receive an elite benefit package.

Full job description, requirements, pay ranges and benefits are available on the district’s website at cbsouthmetro.net. Email resume to info@cbsouthmetro.net or drop off at 280 Cement Creek Road.

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS SHOP TECHNICIAN: Join our team! Mountain Express is looking to recruit a shop technician for immediately available shifts.

Applicant required to hold a CDL class BP-2 with no air brake restrictions, or we will pay for you to obtain one. Starting wage is $22.60/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit.

Shop technicians are responsible for daily fueling and cleaning of fleet vehicles and other related tasks at the direction of the shop supervisor. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete job description visit mtnexp.org.

EOE. EVENTS, MARKETING AND FUNDRAISER COORDINATOR: The Crested Butte Museum is hiring a motivated and organized individual to join the CB Museum team as the events and marketing coordinator. This full-time, year-round position requires strong communication and computer skills, event planning experience and marketing expertise. Salary range is $48,000-$50,000 DOE with a generous vacation and IRA match package. Please visit our website for further details and email director@crestedbuttemuseum.com to apply.

NOTICE

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is hiring a full-time preschool teacher. This is a great opportunity for a year-round, full-time, stable job with great pay and benefits in a fun and supportive environment. Experience and education are preferred but not required and opportunities for growth are abundant.

If you love little people, being creative and spending your days doing something rewarding, this is the job for you. Contact Jessica with resume at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com.

THE GUNNISON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT is seeking quotes for several new pieces of equipment to supplement the agency. Equipment piece 1: 2023 or newer, brand new, six person sideby-side with utility bed. Equipment piece 2: 2023 or newer, brand new, 8.5’ x 16’ double axle enclosed trailer. Please submit quotes by end of day, Jan. 19, 2024 to Tbrown@ gunnisonco.gov.

PROJECT HOPE OF GUNNISON VALLEY seeks an advocacy director for a 34 hour/ week position to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. To apply, send resume, cover letter and three references to info@hope4gv. org. See further info on our website at hope4gv.org/employment.

Need a quality employee?

Place your help wanted here.

SUBMIT ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • CLASSIFIEDS • A16

Gunnison Country Times REAL ESTATE HOME FOR SALE: 1,700 sq. ft. 2020 build. Very accessible single story home in great west Gunnison location. For further details enter 600 Carbon Court, Gunnison, CO into Zillow search and/or contact terravistalimited@gmail.com, 970-497-9113.

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT: Utilities included. 970-312-5767.

ELK AVENUE OFFICE SPACE: Looking for the ideal office space that combines convenience and charm? Look no further.

With a variety of sizes to suit your unique needs, our spaces are conveniently located and affordably priced. Contact Kezia for details. kezia@toadpropertymanagement. com. 970-349-2773.

ROOM FOR RENT: $900/mo + utilities, 1 month deposit. W/D, DW, no smoking, pets negotiable. 1.5 bath, yard, garage. Would love someone through May, possibly longer.

Available immediately. Leave message or text 970-324-9710.

b. Payroll Direct Deposit # 58859-59242

date to which the hearing may be continued:

3. Personnel Marla Ragle-Schanck-Permanent Substitute-GHS Laura Aguilar-ELL Educational AssistantGMS Amy Hammermeister-ResignationSecondary Math-CBSS Adam Ofstedahl-Resignation-PE/HealthCBSS

4. Correspondence B. New Business ACTION ITEMS 1-2 Consider appointment of Brian Pugh to Fund 26 committee

2. Board committee assignments

3. Discuss Policies: BEDB- Agenda

BEDH-Public Participation at Board Meetings C. Old Business ACTION ITEM

1. Second reading of policy:

a. AC-Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity IX. Comments from the public *Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

Time: February 13, 2024 Time: 9 AM Courtroom or Division: B Address: 200 W. Virginia Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230

Legals

X. Items introduced by Board Members a.

AGENDA

XI. Board Committee Assignments District Accountability Committee School Accountability Committees Gunnison County Education Association Negotiations Gunnison County Education Association 3X3Fund 26Gunnison Valley Community Foundation Gunnison Memorial ScholarshipHealth Insurance Committee-

Regular Meeting January 15, 2024 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.

I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Modifications/Approval of Agenda ACTION ITEM V. Action Items VI. Commendations, recognition of visitors, and public comment *Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known at the beginning of the meeting via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

1. Marble Charter School Application for Reauthorization 2. Facilities Improvement Program UpdateArtaic Group VII. Administrative Action Summaries A. Superintendent Summary - Dr. Nichols 1. Successful Students 2. Strong Employees 3. Engaged Community a. Strategic Planning RFP 4. Healthy Finance 5. Functional Facilities VIII. Action Items A. Consent Grouping Note: Items under the consent grouping 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 clarified or even removed from the grouping for separate consideration.

The Superintendent recommends approval of the following: 1. Board of Education Minutes

a. December 11, 2023 Regular meeting

b. January 8, 2024 Special meeting 2. Finance Approve for payment, as presented by the Business Manager, warrants as indicated: a. General Account # 43368-43475

CLUES ACROSS 1. Defensive nuclear weapon 4. Moved back and forth 9. One-time coach of the Cowboys 14. Last letter 15. Cause to become less intense 16. Genus of tree bugs 17. Body art 18. Romance novelist 20. Be filled with love for 22. City 23. Make vivid 24. Horses 28. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano 29. Atomic #18 30. Shortly 31. A type of prejudice 33. Whirls 37. Six

XII. Forthcoming Agendas/Meeting Dates and Times Monday, January 29, 2024 Regular meeting/Amended Budget@5:30pm-GUN Monday, February 12, 2024 Regular meeting@5:30pm-CB Monday, February 26, 2024 Work Session@5:30pm-GUN Monday, March 4, 2024 Regular meeting@5:30pm-CB XIII. Adjournment

The hearing will take approximately 60 minutes.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of January 4, 11, 18, 2024 11754

11901

Estate of TERRENCE MICHAEL FOLEY, Deceased Case Number 2023PR30048 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of GUNNISON County, Colorado on or before May 9, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF A LAND USE CHANGE APPLICATION LUC-22-00013 CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT A LOCATION LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS TOWNSHIP 50 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, SECTION 26 NWSW AND SECTION 27 N1/2SE

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of January 11, 18, 25, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

APPLICANT: The applicant is Jeremy Boone, representing the property owner, Commnet Four Corners LLC.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

PARCEL LOCATION: The property is located on BLM land to the west of the City of Gunnison, legally described as Township 50 North, Range 1 West, Section 26 NWSW and Section 27 N1/2SE.

Case Number 2023PR10

PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to build a new 51’ monopole next to the existing 51’6” wooden utility pole, then demolishing the existing pole. The proposal is classified as an Administrative Review Project.

COMMENT PERIOD: Comments regarding the application will be accepted until January 31, 2024. Submit written comments by email (planning@gunnisoncounty.org) or by letter (to the Community Development, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO 81230).

A copy of the application is available in the Gunnison County Community Development Department, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO; additional information may be obtained by calling the Planning Department (970) 641-0360.

Sean

Pope

Planner

I

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024

District Court, Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 W. Virginia Avenue In the Interest of: Andre Swanson Attorney or Party Without Attorney: Tabitha Rich Joshua Hoppstadter 508 S. 12th St. Ste. A. Gunnison, CO 81230 706-455-4000 tabithat2014@gmail.com

Notice

of

Ordinances

The Town of Pitkin Ordinance 1 Series 2024: An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 2018-8 In Its Entirety.

Adopted and Ordered Published January 8, 2024. Published by Short Title.

Ordinance 2 Series 2024: An Ordinance Approving a Compensation Schedule for the Town Clerk/Treasurer. Published

by Short Title. For complete copy of either Ordinance contact the Town Clerk at: thetownofpitkin@gmail.com or visit https://townofpitkin.colorado.gov Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024

Case Number: 23PR9 To: Cheree Swanson Last Known Address, if any: Unknown

11893

A hearing on guardianship of a minor, guardianship of Andre Swanson, will be held at the following time and location or at a later

courts 70. Soviet Socialist Republic

CLUES DOWN

1. Indigenous people of Mexico 2. Dietary swwupplement 3. Having a particular sheen or luster 4. Views 5. Academic Bill of Rights 6. Automobile 7. When you anticipate arriving 8. Beef or chicken intestine 9. Conspiracy 10. Blood disorder 11. Long-time NBAer Shawn 12. Time zone 13. US, Latin

America, Canada belong to 19. Upton Sinclair novel 21. What a cow does 24. Cavalry-sword 25. Ancient Greek war galley 26. Stars 27. Rebukes 31. Billion year periods 32. Some are in a bottle 34. Tears down 35. Lethal dose 36. Humorists 40. Midwestern US state (abbr.)

41. Frameworks 45. Rocker Billy

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FOR PREVIOUS WEEK

PURSUANT TO THE LIQUOR LAWS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO AND THE CITY OF GUNNISON, COLORADO, Bar 78, Principal: Jermaine Rodney, 728 N Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230, has requested that the licensing officials of the City of Gunnison grant a Tavern Liquor License for dispensing malt, vinous and spirituous liquor by the drink for on-premises consumption in the City of Gunnison.

A Public Hearing on the application will be held in the City Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at which time and place you may give testimony on the application. This public hearing may also be attended remotely by phone or computer by registering at: https:// us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ N2DLRATSSgWGuJmgHvlfuQ

Estate of ZETA IRENE GRAHAM, Deceased

By order of Erica Boucher, City Clerk

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before May 11, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kevin M. 2048 Brook Montrose, CO 81403

Petitions or 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 5:00pm, on January 22, 2024.

Graham Way

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of January 11, 18, 25, 2024 11820

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION FOR TAVERN LIQUOR LICENSE BAR 78 DBA BAR 78 711 RIO GRANDE AVENUE, GUNNISON,

/s/ Erica Boucher, City Clerk, City of Gunnison Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024 11881

PUBLIC NOTICE MEETING NOTICE Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District WATER ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE MEETING Monday, January 22, 2024 7:45 PM The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular semi-annual meeting of the Water Activity Enterprise (WAE) on Monday, January 22, 2024 at approximately 7:45 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave.,

Colorado Statewide Network

NOTICE OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S.

CO 81230

Date of Application: December 8, 2023

11891

11905

NOTICE OF HEARING

38. Old world, new 39. __ Hess, oil company 41. Talk 42. Not off 43. Begets 44. Cars need them 46. Computing architecture (abbr.)

49. Of I 50. Journalist, activist Wells 51. Takes apart 55. Lists 58. Positively charged electrode 59. Hard, colorless compound 60. Inflammation of the peritoneum 64. Trent Reznor’s band 65. Simply dry fruit 66. “Ivanhoe” author 67. Google certification 68. French commune 69. Medieval circuit

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AARON J. HUCKSTEP, ATTY. REG # 39898 ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT PO BOX 2958 CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224

NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS

/s/

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

47. More thin 48. Dog 52. Habitual repetitions 53. State of fuss 54. Uneasy 56. Chemical compounds 57. More cognizant of reality 59. A place to build 60. Exclamation that denotes disgust 61. Supplement with difficulty 62. Very slick 63. Hill or rocky peak

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A17 • LEGALS • Thursday, January 11, 2024 St. B, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing. This meeting will immediately follow the UGRWCD Board Meeting scheduled at 5:30 PM on Monday, January 22, 2024. If you have questions or plan to attend the WAE meeting via Zoom, please call the District at 970-641-6065. A meeting agenda will be posted at the District Office prior to the meeting.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024 11859

PUBLIC NOTICE Upper Gunnison Conservancy District

River

Water

Board of Directors Meeting Monday, January 22, 2024 5:30 PM The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave., St. B, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing.

If you have questions or plan to attend the meeting via Zoom, please contact the District at 970-641-6065.

A meeting agenda will be posted at the District Office prior to the meeting.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 11, 2024 11858

Gunnison Country Times

REQUEST FOR BIDS SEALED

BID

2001

OSH

KOSH

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte is accepting sealed bids for the following vehicle until 3pm, February 5, 2024.

Bidding Item: Vehicle: 2001 Osh Kosh Mileage/Hours: 55,423 miles and 3,946 Hours VIN: 10TBRAF331S070020 Location for Inspection: 911 Gothic Road Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 Vehicle may be viewed and test driven prior to submitting a bid.

MINIMUM SELLING PRICE: $10,000 ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND VEHICLE IS SOLD AS IS. Condition of Bidding: Item Condition: The vehicle advertised by the Town of Mt. Crested Butte (the “Town”) for sale by bid is sold AS-IS. The Town shall strive to make its best effort to assist interested parties in obtaining information about the vehicle for sale; however, the Town makes NO warranty of the condition of the vehicle nor accuracy of the vehicle description. Each bidder shall be responsible for verifying condition and accuracy of the item description prior to submitting a bid.

after bid closing date. Successful bidder shall make full payment with cash or a cashier’s check made payable to the Town, and shall arrange to pick up the vehicle within ten (10) days of the Notice of Award.

Default of Sale: Vehicle not paid for within the timeline provided shall forfeit their claim to the vehicle and shall not be eligible to bid on future items. If item is not picked up with the timeline provided, payment for the vehicle may be retained, in whole or in part, by the Town for damages. If bidder forfeits claim to bid, the Town may, at its discretion, offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder.

To view or test drive the vehicle please contact Bobby Block, Maintenance Supervisor, at bblock@mtcb.colorado. gov or 970-349-6632 ext 114.

To see the full bid and bidding instructions please go to our website at www.mtcb.colorado.gov/ departments-services/maintenance Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of January 4, 11, 18, 2024 11751

The vehicle comes with a Monroe Spreader run by own auxiliary gasoline powered motor and an 11 foot Monroe Plow Blade. The truck is currently exhibiting a loss of power and backfires when or after going downhill.

Terms of Sale: The successful bidder shall be provided a written “Notice of Award” within ten (10) days

Have an idea?

Let us know!

We’re always looking for stories that impact the lives of the Valley’s residents.

Send us your photos or story ideas.

Email editor@gunnisontimes.com 970-641-1414

AL ANWARTESMEDI A

YOUR SOURCE FOR

News, help wanted, feature stories & local happenings.

ALANWARTESMEDIA

IRA, call or visit by April 17.

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Thursday, January 11, 2024 • NEWS • A19

Gunnison Country Times

Lights & Sirens CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

JAN. 2

JAN. 2

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - OFFICER/FIRE/EMS — 221 N. BOULEVARD ST. MENACING: USE OF A WEAPON — W. DENVER AVE. JUVENILE PROBLEM — N. 8TH ST. PROPERTY - FOUND — 100 N. MAIN ST. ACCIDENT — 139 N. MAIN ST WELFARE ASSIST — PAINTBRUSH AVE.

-Possible animal cruelty report - lost or abandoned black lab puppy with an eye infection found at the whitewater park and taken to the Gunnison Animal Welfare League -Deputies and West Elk Search and Rescue responded to a lost hiker with a medical issue in Marble

JAN. 4 INFORMATION — 710 N. MAIN ST. DEATH INVESTIGATION — FLORESTA ST. FRAUD — 711 N. 11TH ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN CRIMINAL TRESPASS: THIRD DEGREE — 900 N. MAIN ST.

JAN. 6 HARASSMENT: MUNICIPAL — 200 E. SPENCER AVE.

JAN. 7

JAN. 4 -Civil assist -Information report - trespass issue -Violation of a protection order -Impersonating a police officer – asking for money for a missed court date - something the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office would never do -Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 149

• Coordination with engineer, architect, owner throughout the project.

• Permitting, scheduling, budgeting, estimating.

• Subcontractors, purchase orders, material take offs.

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JAN. 5 -Reckless driving report - citation issued -Unattended death near Raven Gulch - West Elk SAR responded

JAN. 6 -Crime against at-risk adult x 2

JAN. 7

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER Colorado’s best small community weekly newspaper

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-Possible child abuse report under investigation -Agency assist to the GPD with a possible theft at a retail store -Agency assist to the CSP with a two-vehicle collision on Hwy. 135 -Mental health call -Dog at large call

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JUVENILE PROBLEM — E. TOMICHI AVE. DISORDERLY CONDUCT: UTTERANCE/GESTURE/DISPLAY — 713 W. TOMICHI AVE. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 100 MAINTENANCE DR. HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 500 E. GOTHIC AVE. PROPERTY - FOUND — 138 N. MAIN ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN CIVIL PROBLEM — 601 N. TAYLOR ST.

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — PAINTBRUSH AVE. HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 129 E. TOMICHI AVE. ACCIDENT — N. 8TH ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 300 W. TOMICHI AVE. JUVENILE PROBLEM — E. TOMICHI AVE. WELFARE ASSIST — N. TAYLOR ST.

-Vicious dog warning issued in Somerset -Vicious dog report in Gunnison -Violation of protection order -Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with a fight in progress -Agency assist to the GPD with a disorderly patient

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A20 • NEWS • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Expert Care.

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Care designed for ...

WOMEN

At Gunnison Valley Health we offer services designed to meet the specific health needs of women at every stage of their lives.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC

We offer comprehensive gynecoloigcal care to support the health of women of all ages.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY | FOLLOW UP CARE FOR ABNORMAL PAP TEST RESULTS ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAMS | MENOPAUSE CARE SPECIALTY CLINIC | 970-641-3927 711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

BREAST SCREENINGS We provide a comprehensive set of breast screening services.

3D TOMOSYNTHESIS MAMMOGRAPHY | AUTOMATED WHOLE BREAST ULTRASOUND (ABUS) RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT | 970-641-7253 711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

MOUNTAIN MAMAS CAFE Each group meeting will include: • Breastfeeding support and weight station • Conversations around maternal mental health • Light refreshments

Cada reunión de grupo incluirá: GUNNISON: MONDAYS, 1:30 - 3:30 P.M. • Soporte para la lactancia y SANCTUARY SOMATICS YOGA 513 S MAIN ST estación de pesas (EN ESPANOL) GUNNISON: MIERCOLES, 2 - 4 P.M. • Conversaciones sobre la salud SANCUARY SOMATICS YOGA 513 S MAIN ST mental materna CRESTED BUTTE: FRIDAYS 10 - 12 P.M. • Refrigerios ligeros OH BE JOYFUL 625 MAROON AVE

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COMMUNITY: Treads ‘N’ Threads receives national recognition, B6

POETRY: Forgotten, or brought to mind in the new year? B2

SPORTS: Cowboy basketball falls to Pagosa, B4

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Stories from the roof of the world

Mingma stands on the top of Mount Everest. Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, looms in the background. (Courtesy Mingma Sherpa)

After two mountaineering last summer guide. following his 16th summit of As years passed, mountain decades of Mount Everest. Over the course climbing became a way of life, of his career, he climbed some one that brought both stability climbing the of the planet’s deadliest 8,000- and death to his family. One of peaks, which sit more Mingma’s brothers died while planet’s tallest meter than 26,000 feet above sea level. climbing Annapurna, the 10than experienced guide, he highest mountain in the world. peaks, Mingma As led clients safely to the tops of Two of his other brothers also mountains— including died at the hands of the mounSherpa retires in these the youngest American woman, tains, one guiding and one in Lucy Westlake of Illinois, to the training.

Gunnison summit of Everest. She was just But still, he followed in their Bella Biondini Times Editor

( E d i t o r ’s n ot e : Ts h e r i ng Sherpa acted as a translator during the Times’ interview with Mingma Sherpa, who mostly spoke in his native language, Nepali.)

Over a steaming cup of tea, Mingma Sherpa told stories of his past life, one spent in the shadows cast by the giants of the Himalayas. Frostbite had somehow spared all of his fingers and toes. His eyes remained bright and lively— even after witnessing a great deal of death from the roof of the world.

Mingma, an accomplished mountaineer, recently made Gunnison his new home. After more than two decades, he decided to retire from “big”

18 years old.

Mingma grew up in the small village of Phortse, considered the “backbone of Everest,” in Khumbu, Nepal with his nine siblings. The village, where his family grew potatoes and carrots, sits at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,000 feet above sea level) under the striking pyramid of the mountain, Ama Dablam.

Before he began venturing into the high peaks, as a teenager Mingma went to a monastery to become a Buddhist monk.

But he eventually decided to work as a porter to earn money for his family. A porter is one who carries bags, food and supplies from villages to high-altitude basecamps through steep and rugged terrain — making the trek possible for many foreigners who dream of summits.

On long expeditions, he worked in the kitchen crew for a couple of years before he became a

footsteps. While Westerners will pay thousands of dollars for the chance to climb these high peaks, Mingma said guiding was his only option to make a living.

Due to the prolific dangers, many mountaineers are not willing to guide clients to these summits. Instead, it is mostly Sherpas that undertake this job.

Sherpas are Nepalese peoples known for their colorful culture and incredible endurance at extreme altitudes.

When Mingma first started climbing in 2002, few requirements existed to work in the mountains, and Sherpas were not taught technical climbing skills like how to put on crampons or fix knots, he said.

“You just have to be strong and willing to get up there,” Mingma said.

But two years later, American mountaineer Conrad Anker Mingma B2

The team scales a ladder above camp two on K2.

B2 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Mingma Sherpa (Photo by Bella Biondini)

Mingma from B1 Climbing Center in Mingma’s village, where Sherpas were given these skills, and Mingma found joy in climbing at the beginning of his career. He wanted to set new records and routes up the towering peaks.

Over the course of his career, he climbed Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Manaslu, Ama Dablam and attempted K2, among others. Each expedition brought new summits and close brushes with death.

Mingma frequented the death zone, which refers to the altitude where the oxygen is so limited that the body slowly begins to die and judgment can easily become impaired. Here, the weather is cold and unforgiving.

In 2014, Mingma narrowly escaped with his life when a large avalanche ripped free of the mountain, and claimed the

lives of 16 Sherpas on Everest.

Mingma saw one person, with just his hand sticking out of the snow, barely moving. He ran down the mountain with his friend to dig him out. Mingma was also part of the team that scaled Shishapangma in Tibet to recover the body of one of the most celebrated American mountaineers, Alex Lowe, who had been killed in an avalanche in 1999.

Mingma entered retirement after his 16th summit of Everest, the same number of summits at which his brothers chose to stop climbing. When Mingma decided he wanted to move to the United States in 2023, Tshering Sherpa, the owner of Sherpa Cafe, invited his friend to the Gunnison Valley. Tshering and his family are from the same region in Nepal.

Mingma said he is interested in trekking around the U.S. and becoming certified as an

Mingma sits on the top of Mount Everest with Lucy Westlake, the youngest American woman to climb to the summit.

Mingma says goodbye to his family in the airport in Nepal.

international mountain guide.

His wife and children are still in Nepal, but he hopes to eventually bring his whole family to the states. His two sons are almost old enough to go college.

“I had no other options than to climb mountains for a living,” Mingma said. “I don’t want my children to suffer the same thing.”

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

The poetry of the New Year much like the one to come.

Wendy Videlock Special to the Times

When the holidays come to a close I confess I always breathe a little sigh of relief. I think the poet Carol Ann Duffy might feel the same. She greets the new year this way: I drop the dying year b ehind me like a shawl and let it fall…

Brian Bilston is a little more pragmatic about it: This was the year that was the year I didn’t get that much done – much the same as the year before,

Many people may not know that the traditional New Year’s song, “Auld Lang Syne,” actually came from a poem written in Scots by the beloved poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796) affectionately known to his many fans as Rabbie Burns. Given his enormous legacy, it is understandable why Scotland and the rest of the globe continue to commemorate Robert Burns' birthday each year.

“Auld Lang Syne” literally translates to “Old Long Since” and in English means “Times Gone By.” The opening lines are actually a question, adding a touch of philosophic gravitas to what we think of as a drunken ballade: Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind?

One of my favorite poems for the New Year is by Japanese poet, Kobayashi Issa, (translation, Robert Haas):

From Tennyson we have: New Year's Day— everything is in blossom!

I feel about average.

I’ m a l s o ve r y t a ke n by this little haiku (translation unknown) by Matsuo Basho, who observes: Year after year on the monkey’s face, a monkey’s face.

Buson rings in the New Year this way, (translation unknown):

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Marge Percy urges us toward forgiveness: Forgive the dead year. Forgive yourself. What will be wants to push through your fingers.

The light you seek hides in your belly. The light you crave longs to stream from your eyes. You are the moon that will wax in new goodness From Lucille Clifton we have:

The old calendar fills me with gratitude like a song.

That old sourpuss Philip Larkin rings in the new year this way: … it is better to sleep and leave the bottle opened; Tomorrow in the offices the year on the stamps will be altered…

I am running into a new year it will be hard to let go of what i said to myself about myself when i was sixteen and twenty-six and thirty-six …

Isn’t that the truth! I leave you with my warmest wishes of the New Year, and a difficult-torefuse invitation by Mary Oliver: Mornings at Blackwater

For years, every morning, I drank from Blackwater Pond.

It was flavored with oak leaves and also, no doubt, the feet of ducks.

And always it assuaged me from the dry bowl of the very far past.

What I want to say is that the past is the past, and the present is what your life is, and you are capable of choosing what that will be, darling citizen.

So come to the pond, or the river of your imagination, or the harbor of your longing, and put your lips to the world.

And live your life.

(Wendy Videlock of Palisade is poet laureate of the Western Slope and the author of five books.)

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B3

Gunnison Country Times

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS Gunnison history podcast Join Duane Vandenbusche on Zoom for the History of the Gunnison Country Podcast every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. through Feb. 27. Each session will include 20-25 historic photos. This series is offered for free.

To sign up, visit crestedbuttemuseum.com.

Democracy story circles The Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival invites valley residents to participate in two story circles to discuss how democracy is working in our communities on Jan. 13 from 1-4 p.m. and Jan. 14 from 1:30-4:30 p.m at the Gunnison Library. These facilitated discussions will serve as inspiration for local playwrights. Both events are free and open to those 18 and up. Learn more and register at localtheaterco.org/democracy.

Female athlete summit and training Women of all ages are invited to join pro athletes Angel Colinson, Wendy Fisher and Mary Boddington for a group ski at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, followed by a discussion panel and meet and greet at Elevation Hotel on Jan. 13.

The event will highlight ladies in the winter sports industry and share knowledge, lessons, laughs and experience.

Find more information on this free event at cbmstboosters.org.

Sage-grouse committee meeting The Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee will meet on Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center in Gunnis on. For more infor mation and to access the virtual meeting, v i s i t g u n n i s o n c ou nt y . o rg.

Community Spanish classes Western Colorado University’s Center for Learning and Innovation is offering evening classes for adults who want to improve their Spanish speaking skills starting on Jan. 22 in Gunnison and Jan. 23 in Crested Butte with instructor Karen Immerso. Registration is open now. Call 970.943.2885 or visit western.edu/academics/centerlearning-innovation/ for more information.

Qigong classes Practice Qigong with Heidi Magnus: Mondays — Qigong Basics at Sanctuary Somatics from 9-10 a.m.

Fridays — Qigong Through the Seasons at Sanctuary Somatics from 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10-$15.

Saturdays — Fundamentals of Qigong at Gunnison Arts Center from 9-10 a.m.

Saturdays — Movement Matters, family fun for young kids and their parents at the Gunnison Art Center from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Cost is on a sliding scale.

Ever y third Thursday — Qigong at the Gunnison Library from 6-7 p.m. This class is free for everyone! Call or text Heidi at 970.275.9081 for more information on any of these offerings.

Youth nicotine anonymous Nicotine Anonymous for Young Adults will meet every Wednesday beginning on Jan. 10 from 2-3 p.m. at 601 6th St. in Crested Butte and from 4-5 p.m. at the Fred Field McDonough Room in Gunnison. This is a mutual support group with no religious affiliation. Contact ajohnson@gunnisoncounty.org with questions.

Caregiver support group The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Gunnison Country Library. For more information, contact group facilitator Mary at 970.596.5667 or taktser8@gmail.com.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS Colorado Symphony Eight string players from the Colorado Symphony present an intimate evening of chamber music by a variety of classical and modern composers on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Tickets range from $35-$50 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts. org.

ABBA tribute band In an exhilarating, two-hour recreation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts, MANIA, brings to life the flamboyance of the 70s on Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Tickets range from $39.50-$64.50 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts.org.

Kitchen Dwellers with Armchair Boogie The Kitchen Dwellers twist bluegrass, folk and rock through a kaleidos cope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American West wanderlust and psychedelic hues on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Tickets range from $41-66 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts.org.

GUNNISON VALLEY SENIORS CALENDAR Be a Smile-Maker! Donate to Senior Meals! Donate to help the Gunnison Senior Center’s – Senior Meals program keep the costs of our meals down. Checks payable to: City of Gunnison. Mail to: Gunnison Senior Center, 200 E. Spencer Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230.

Ongoing Senior Services

Delivery AssistanceSENIOR Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, CENTER PROGRAMS pick-up and groceries and4, prescription medications.

• Nordic Skidelivery Lessons – of First Session Jan. 11 &18: Open to never-evers through intermediates, age 55 & up!

FREE Nordic ski lessons taught by Gunnison Nordic Club This includes deliveries from the Food Bank.

instructors. FREE ski equipment rentals from CB Nordic. Costs: Senior Center & Gunnison Nordic Club memberships. Reservations required!

• Second Session Nordic Ski Lessons: 1, 8 & 15.

See above for info.

Senior Meals: (970) 641-8272 for Feb. advance orders OR (970) 641-2107 for • First Snowshoe Hike: Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Locati on – Spring Creek.

Rated Easy. Costs: same-day service. Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, Senior Center membership + $7.00. FREE equipment rental with advanced registration.

Wednesdays, & Fridays. Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time.

Registration required!

• Senior Meals: Senior Meals willUpcoming be closed from Dec. 22 – Jan. 5. We re-open on Mon., Order in advance if possible! menu: Jan. 8th.

• March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 2pm; Wednesdays – • March 30:@Salisbury fruit, dessert Book Club 1 pm on 1ststeak, Weds.mashed of month;potatoes, Thursdays –corn, Bridgerolls, @ 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ 12:30 pm & Mahjong @ 1 pm

• April 1: Stew, carrot/raisin salad, Mandarin oranges, rolls, dessert

All RSVPs and more info on Senior Center programs: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-6418272.

Senior Shopping Hours: FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk!

NO CLASSES on Mon., January 1st.

• City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM)

• Safeway – Wednesdays Tuesdays &inThursdays Mondays & the Gym (7AM – 9AM) • Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM@– 9:30am 7AM) - Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15am • Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM) • Clark’s Market (Crested Butte) – Every day (8AM – 9AM) Tuesdays @ 10AM in the Leisure Pool -Silver Sneakers Splash Class (all levels) Self-reporting SENIOR MEALSForm: www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19.

Mondays, Wednesdays but & Fridays @ 11:30 am.OK, $5.00 per meals.

Advanced orders If you have symptoms are otherwise please fill out the form. appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11 – 11:15 am (advanced orders only).

If you cannot fill out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.

ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272 Senior Meals will be closed from Dec. 22, 2023 – Jan. 5, 2024.

Call Center: (970) 641-7660. you We will re-open on Monday, If Jan. 8th.are having symptoms, cannot fill out the Holidays!!! look forward seeing you incall thethe newCall year!!!! onlineHappy form, or your We symptoms aretoworsening, Center. DO NOT go Walk-in & visitors welcome!

Homebound adults ages 55 & up eligible for delivery. If you need to your doctor’s or the hospital. If it is an emergency, call 911. a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-6418272.

Please practice social isolation.

Remain SERVICES 6 feet or more from others when ONGOING needing to be Food out, Pantry but staying at(1home if Wednesdays at all possible.

Gunnison Country – Mondays – 4 pm), (1 – 7 pm), Thursdays for 60+ (10 am – 2 pm). Contact: 970-641-4156, Located on the SW Corner of Main St. & Ohio Ave. GVH Senior Bus: 7 days a week, 9 am – 4 pm. Call in advance! 970-596-6700.

Gunnison Senior Center & –Community Recreation Center Crested ButtThe e Senior Bus: Monday thru Friday, 9 am 4 pm Services Montrose & Grand Junction for medical appointments. Call at least 1is week in advance, or more.

970-275-4768. closed until April 30th.

Gunnison County HHS Senior Resource Office: Call for appointments. 970-641-3244.

www.gunnisontimes.com

ONLINE ALL THE TIME!

WRESTLING: Cowboys dominate home tournament, B5

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Girls basketball falls to Olathe, Pagosa Springs Hernandez, McDougal fight hard in consecutive losses

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS girls basketball team took on two sets of pirates on Jan. 5 and 6.

First, the girls matched up with the Olathe Pirates away in a neck-and-neck defeat that finished 50-47, before falling to the Pagosa Springs Pirates at home on Saturday, 52-26. The consecutive defeats drop GHS to a 2-4 overall record and 0-2 in the 3A Western Slope League. “ The Olathe game, as a whole, was the most complete game we’ve played this season,” said Head Coach Chad Terry. “It was close the entire game and I was really proud of the girls.

Unfortunately, on Saturday, we didn’t show up to play, and lost to a strong opponent.”

On Friday, the Cowboys returned to the court with a renewed sense of energy. Terry

said the girls transitioned well up the floor, scoring key baskets on the break and dropping back to defend.

Junior Yaslin Hernandez was a force on the defensive side, and notched steals and rebounds to keep the Cowboys close behind their opponents.

The game came down to the wire when Olathe drew a foul in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. The Pirates calmly polished off two free throws to secure a narrow victory, 50-47.

“It was unfortunate that we didn’t come out on top,” Terry said. “We haven’t played in many tight games this season, and made a few errors in the final minutes. Still, it was a lot of fun, we matched up well with Olathe.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Cowboys returned to action against swashbuckling Pagosa Springs, which boasted a solid, 6-3 overall record. Out of the gate, the Cowboys struggled to match the opposition in fluidity, and failed to notch a basket in the first quarter. The baskets began to fall in the second, but GHS went into halftime with a significant deficit, down 22-7.

In the third, the Pirates haunted the Cowboy offense Basketball B5

Kylee McDougal faces off against a Pirate defender. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Pirates defeat Cowboys at home Team still aims for league title Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS boys basketball team was dealt consecutive defeats last weekend, falling away to Olathe 67-64 on Jan. 5, and 71-35 to the Pagosa Springs Pirates at home on Jan. 6. The losses drop the GHS overall record to 1-7, and 1-1 in the 3A Western Slope League.

After the Pagosa Springs game, Head Coach Cristian Aguilar’s message to the team was to play with higher energy across all four quarters.

“It’s incredibly difficult to win when we don’t show up with any energy in certain quarters,” Aguilar said. “We needed to do a better job getting back on defense. Pagosa punished us for not sprinting back.”

HOME SPORTS EVENTS THIS WEEK WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE 970-209-2300 | WWW.BBRE1.COM

Pagosa Springs entered the game with an impressive 8-1 overall record. The team handed double-digit losses to both Salida and Buena Vista last month, and seemed like a fearsome opponent.

In the first quarter, the Pirates jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, immediately piling on the defensive pressure. Point guard Noah Pederson showed poise on offense. He called a play and fed Wolfgang Anderson for a delicate finger roll. The Cowboys fought back into the game. Hunter Vincent secured a defensive rebound and galloped across the court, finding Evan Gallowich for the bucket to reduce the Pirates’ lead to 6.

Late in the first, Anderson made a floater to take the game to 15-6. Adrian Hernandez and Burk O’Rourke added to the Cowboy attack with layups, while Evan Gallowich made a crucial shot to bring GHS back, 18-12.

In the second, the GHS comeback began to slip. The Pirates returned to the court with a firing energy, and quickly extended their advantage.

The Pirates were relentless in the second half, and jumped ahead to an impressive lead.

The game ended 71-35.

“At this stage in the season, we have competed against some of the top teams in Colorado, and we know the work it’s going to take to reach that level,” Aguilar said. “We want to start clicking in all categories, and gel as a team. The belief of competing for a league title has never left.”

The Cowboys return to action away against North Fork on Friday, Jan. 12. The boys will take on Gunnison Valley rivals, Crested Butte, away on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.

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

1/12: HOCKEY @ JORGENSEN, 4:30PM 1/13: GIRLS BBALL @ GHS, 3PM

Hunter Vincent fights to win possession. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

MINDY COSTANZO

Powered By Quality Service

(970) 209-2300

1/17: CB HOCKEY @ JORGENSEN, 6:30PM FYI: BOTH HOCKEY GAMES ARE CRESTED BUTTE TITANS

cmindy@gmail.com www.Mindy-Land.com

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B5

Gunnison Country Times

Basketball from B4 In the third, the Pirates haunted the Cowboy offense with a full court press. Slowly, GHS grew into the game.

Junior guard Kylee McDougal guided the Cowboys down the floor, creating plays and putting more points on the board.

Sophomore Kaylee Vincent made critical shots from beyond the arc to keep GHS alive.

Despite trailing by nearly 20 points, the Cowboys fought hard until the end, drawing fouls and putting more plays together. The game ended in a 52-26 defeat.

Next on the schedule, GHS will play two important league games. The girls will take on North Fork on Jan. 12 first before returning home on Jan. 13 to face Aspen at 3 p.m.

AFTER R C OON N

JANUARY:

crystal 5 PM AT THE GUNNISON LIBRARY suncatchers 1.18.2024

PLEASE RSVP!

Ellen@GunnisonCountyLibraries.org Crafternoons are monthly maker-oriented sessions intended for adults & teens. ~ FREE ~ & all materials provided

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

Sienna Gomez transitions back to defense.

GHS grapplers excel at home tournament Clicking with your dowwg The GHS boys wrestling team defended its home mat at the Gunnison Cowboy Invitational at Western Colorado University on Jan. 6. All six GHS varsity wrestlers finished on the podium, with Miles Harris and Royce Uhrig taking first in the 144- and 150-pound brackets. Brock Fry took home a second-place finish in the 126-pound division, while Cody Casebolt, Zach Benson and Preston Gomez all finished third in their divisions.

PEOPLE TRAINING FOR DOGS Puppy classes!

10-16 weeks old, 10 a.m.

16-24 weeks old, 11:30 a.m.

•Held at Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic•

Starts January 21st and Runs for 6 weeks: 1 hour per week Class size limited.

Call, text, email or message me on Facebook for more information! mooregooddogs21@gmail.com

970.275.0454 GUNNISON CO

Zach Benson attempts to pin his opponent. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

B6 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Good shoes ‘n’ great service

Treads ‘N’ Threads in 4-way tie for top footwear retailer nationwide Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

Three years ago, a secret shopper walked into Treads ‘N’ Threads on North Main Street.

Unbeknownst to staff, the shopper was on a mission to find more than just well-fitted shoes.

They had been sent by trade magazine, Footwear Insight, to judge the store’s customer service against shoe stores nationwide. A year later, owners Kelly and Chris Osness got the call that their store had placed in the top 100. After a second visit from an incognito customer representing the magazine, Treads ‘N’ Threads would be tied for first place with three other footwear retailers.

In 2021, Kelly saw an article in Footwear Insight urging businesses to apply to a contest judging customer service.

Confident in the principles by which she trained her staff, she entered Treads ‘N’ Threads into the contest. She told her employees that sometime in

the following eight months, an incognito representative from the magazine would walk through the doors ready to assess the staff’s quality of service.

“Good customer service is a high value for us, so that when you come in, you feel like ‘This is my place. This is my family,’” Kelly said. “And it was really good for [the staff ] as well…

They could see that people do care. They are paying attention.”

After receiving a top-100 ranking, Kelly thought that would be the end of things.

She’d received the scorecard used by Footwear Insight during their first evaluation, and worked with her general manager to implement its key values into staff training.

In the meantime, Footwear Insight had decided to secretly whittle down the competition further in search of top tier customer service. Sometime in 2022, a second secret shopper paid a visit to Treads ‘N’ Threads, where staff had continued to offer the same quality service that won them their first ranking.

With the staff unaware that they were being evaluated yet again, their dedication to providing excellent service paid off. Treads ‘N’ Threads tied for first place with three other footwear retailers across the country, placing the store in the top four. When interviewed by the

magazine afterward, Kelly said she spoke about the importance of providing a personalized service that sets you apart from the — mostly online — competition.

“We need every advantage,” Kelly said. “Especially in this day and age, it’s not business as usual. We have to really up our game to compete against the internet. But it’s fun, I like it and it’s working. It feels good when you work really hard and get recognized.”

Her approach to training came from a business education seminar she attended in Las Vegas nearly two decades ago.

Titled “Positively Outrageous Service,” the talk focused on setting specific standards of service employees can strive for.

The goal, for Kelly, is for Treads ‘N’ Threads customers to walk out the doors feeling like they were treated with kindness while being fitted for shoes.

“That’s one thing I teach: It doesn’t matter what somebody looks or sounds like, don’t make a presupposition about whether somebody is going to buy or not. That doesn’t matter,” she said. “Everybody should be treated with the same level of respect and courtesy.”

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Chris and Kelly Osness stand in the entryway to Treads ‘N’ Threads.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Shoes on display at Treads ‘N’ Threads.

A staff member discusses product options with a shopper.

Customers and staff chat inside the store.

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B7

Gunnison Country Times

PET ADOPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADOPTING THESE PETS VISIT THE FOLLOWING QR CODE

THOR

HALO

Thor is a handsome German Shepherd and Malinois

Halo loved everyone when she was adopted from

mix who is about 1 1/2 years old. We are helping Thor

GVAWL as a puppy. She was returned at 10 months

gain weight because he came to us at only 55 pounds.

old and has unfortunately become fearful of strangers.

He will need to continue being fed plenty of quali-

She is a sweet, loving girl once she accepts you, which

ty food on a regular basis. He loves people, especially

doesn’t take long! Halo is a gentle laid back girl who

small ones and loves to give hugs. Thor is an energetic

will overcome her wariness with a patient, kind new

boy who would thrive with an active family. He is dog

family. We don’t know what her breeds are but she

aggressive, and we don’t think he likes cats either so he

weighs 45 lbs and is a striking grey color. This people

will need to be the only pet in the home. We are very

pleasing girl really deserves a second chance to be in a

confident that with some consistent training Thor will

loving home!

make a wonderful, devoted companion.

PROVIDED BY THE GUNNISON VALLEY WELFARE LEAGUE

Thank you to our sponsors!

B8 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

A paper menagerie Members of Gunnison Valley Mentors gathered at the Gunnison County Public Library on Jan. 3 to fold origami animals. The “Paper Zoo!” event was the first 2024 installment of the library’s After School Adventure program, which provides fun-filled activities for students every Wednesday afternoon. As the children created cranes using ornate paper, mentor Melissa Tada told the group about the origin of a Hawaiian and Japanese tradition in which a bride folds 1,000 origami cranes before her wedding day for good luck.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Announces 2024 Grant Funding Opportunities!

GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FEB 15 AT 5 P.M., 2024!

All individuals and groups applying are encouraged to contact the District at 970-641-6065 or at: beverly@ugrwcd.org PRIOR to application submission! $300,000 Available!

Projects must have a 50 percent match.

Projects must be ready for implementation in 2024.

Projects must meet the District's mission and purpose.

For application packet, please visit www.ugrwcd.org/grant-funding Examples of projects: new water supplies; irrigation improvements/ infrastructure; restoration or habitat improvements; water conservation projects; education and more!

(See guidelines in packet.)